Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 12: The Golden Snitch

I flicked my wand as I tried the newly-learned non-verbal incantation of a simple illuminating spell that I learned years ago and made my way outside the castle, occasionally greeting several professors that were passing along the hallway.

I stepped outside and was on my way towards Hogsmeade when I stopped and looked at the sky. The moon was shining brightly on this fine August evening; the cold wind brushed my face as I put my coat closer to my body. I proceeded forward, occasionally turning somewhere to find my destination. Finally, I spotted the building where the Three Broomsticks was. As I entered, the same old Madame Rosmerta greeted me with her kind, enthusiastic smile.

I returned the favor and scanned around the area for the person I was looking for. When I finally spotted a tuft of ginger hair, I smiled and made my way towards the redhead's location. The look on his face was priceless when he saw me and we exchanged a manly hug. As we sat down, we began to catch up with each other's lives. He talked about George's plans for the new items that he wanted to invent for the shop, how both Luna and Angelina had been there, helping them, and I told him about the progress I was making on my Auror Training and how difficult it was for me to cast all spells non-verbally or brew a potion without looking at the recipe.

Then, we talked about his plans to catch up and begin his own training and laughed as we went back to our usual habits of teasing and talking about anything. Our little chat proceeded and we finally discussed the trials that had kept the former Order busy for months and how it took up almost all of the officials' time. Ron threw me a serious face as he told me how they denied their relation to Voldemort and how a certain family evaded capture.

"Did you know? Malfoy will be going back to Hogwarts to finish the seventh year! Dad says that after Narcissa Malfoy's lie to protect you while the Dark Lord told everyone that you're dead, the whole family got off! They will be watched by the Ministry of course but I swear mate, they shouldn't have done that," Ron blurted, aghast.

I looked at him and thought about what he said. The last time I head, the Malfoys have pressed that issue after the war when the Minister's officials threatened to sentence them to a life-long stay in Azkaban. I never really had news afterwards, except that they got off.

"I never thought he will have the courage to come back to school. If that is what he wanted, maybe it's finally time for people in school to see if he really deserves their pardon."

Ron looked at me like I have grown antlers in my head. His eyes bulged out of his sockets and he even stopped munching on his food. "Who are you and what did you do to Harry Potter?" I shook my head and smiled as he laughed.

The night was young and both of us pondered upon the issues that the Ministry now faced. Tension grew and we finally found that it was uncomfortable to talk about it. When I finally had enough, I brought up the real reason why I wanted to meet him.

"Ron, do you think we can do a sort of surprise for Hermione's birthday? I mean, it's not like we get to celebrate her birthday every day." Ron took a sip on his butter beer, as he pondered on what I just told him.

"I don't know about it Harry. How are we gonna do it?" Ron looked at me as if I knew the answer. I frowned, I never thought about the details yet.

"We have to do something Ron, at least make her feel special. I owe her that much."

He nodded at my words and plopped back into his seat. We both became silent for a while as we drank our butter beers, too lost in our own thoughts to speak. In less than a week, the school would finally start its new term. We only have a few more weeks after to plan for the party.

I thought of what kind of celebration Hermione would like. Would she want to have only her close friends? Could I invite her family? How about the Weasleys and the Order? Would she even want a party? There's just too much that I had to consider. I scanned the bar as I thought of what we could do. There were only a few customers left besides us, most of which were trying to drink their way through the night. Ron looked at me and followed my gaze.

With a sigh, he spoke, "I just can't figure out how we'll be able to do it, mate. Hermione isa very clever witch, she will find out about it eventually. I mean, how many times have we done this kind of thing for her? Not to mention that I really don't know how I'll be able to sneak inside Hogwarts without getting caught."

He does have a point. We never did this kind of thing for Hermione before so this was a first for us. Also, ever since McGonagall became the Headmistress, security and protection in the castle had been doubled for the benefits of the students. But McGonagall was a bit close to us, not to mention that. . .

"Maybe McGonagall can help us out? I mean we can tell her our plan and see how she'll react to it. I think she will be delighted, after all, Hermione is her favorite student."

My eyes met his and we both produced silly smiles on our faces. "It's brilliant mate! Now we just have to figure out what to do."

I paused and thought for a second. "Maybe we can do a small celebration, a few close friends and maybe her family. We can do it inside the common room or beside the lake, whichever will be suitable for the small gathering. We can to surprise her and take her off guard while she is walking back to the common room. We can also try to disillusion the place. The elves can provide us with food and we can get her a cake. We will just have to make McGonagall agree."

Ron sent me a huge grin after I finished my plan. He gave me a tap on the shoulder and said, "Wicked. Now, our only problem is how we will commence it and maybe. . .find her a gift."

He looked at me, uncertain and embarrassed. His mouth gaped like a fish as he opened and closed it a few times. "Harry, I've been thinking about this for a while."

"Go on, then. Don't be shy."

Ron gulped and looked at me seriously. "Do you think she'll like it if I buy her a necklace?"

I blinked a few times, staring at his eyes. I didn't know whether I should laugh or not. A chuckle escaped from my lips when I realized that he was indeed, serious. "Of course Ron, she'll love it. Just make it personal. I'll try to find her a gift too, one of these days. Maybe I can help –"

"No thanks, I want to do it myself. Hermione will be disappointed if she knew that I asked you for help again." I smiled, this was my best mate and I would be willing to give all the help I could give.

I didn't think this would come from the man who spent almost all of his school life asking for help. When I looked at outside, I noticed that only a few people remained and realized that it was getting late.

I finished my butter beer and looked at my watch as I stood up. "Well, I have to go now mate, otherwise McGonagall will throw bludgers at me because I arrived late. I'll just use Prongs to send letters so that we can tell them what we'll do. "

Ron stood up and brushed his robes. "See you mate. I hope everything will go well with your training."

I nodded at him and gave him another manly hug. "Take care and say hello to everyone for me."

"Sure will." And with that, we went to our own separate ways.

For the next few weeks, apart from studying spells that the professors gave me and having some advanced reading, I spent most of my time going to Diagon Alley to look for a gift.

But even with all the shops and knickknacks present here, I still couldn't find a gift that I would satisfy what I wanted. I looked at various shops, stopping when I saw a trinket or a book that I thought would make her happy.

After days of searching, I finally gave up and went to Gringotts to exchange some Galleons for muggle currency and look on some muggle shops instead.

I spent another couple of days walking aimlessly, looking for a gift that would suite my taste. There were loads of items that Hermione would want to have, not to mention books. But why would I give her something that was obvious? I already had a plan formed in my head, all I needed was a gift. I passed another set of shops, stopping by their windows to take a look at their items.

Just when I was about to give up, I stumbled upon a jewelry store and a bracelet caught my attention. It was very simple; it had loads of trinkets dangling around it, made up of white gold. When I went inside and asked, the shopkeeper told me that he could change some items and personalize them.

He showed me a box full of trinkets and I picked up the most appropriate items out of the box but kept the original one, hoping that somehow, hidden within those objects, my feelings would reach her. Satisfied, I exited the shop after paying and silently thought about what I planned to do. When I returned to Hogwarts, I shut myself in the room and tried to commence my plans.

Ron and I started our operation and informed our friends, days after our little chat. McGonagall agreed to our little celebration and even told us that she would find a way to let everyone close to Hermione enter Hogwarts at her most special day, including her parents. So I went to their home after Hermione started the term and asked if they would want to join us in celebrating their daughter's birthday. At first, they seem hesitant and suspicious as I told them about it.

I silently thought that maybe, this was the effect of the war. Guiltily, I told them that Hermione did what she could to keep them safe and said sorry. I was the one that caused it and even if they didn't know the whole story, they at least deserve some truth. I told them it was because of the war and I was one of the reasons why she did it. I didn't specify it any further, thinking that if I did, then, they would never let their daughter near me again.

Mrs. Granger seemed to understand my sentiments. Eventually, she smiled and welcomed my plan, dragging her husband along with it. I didn't stay long after I told them I would pick them up on her birthday. Partly because I felt ashamed and . . .I could still feel the guilt at the pit of my stomach.

At the day of her birthday, I made all the final preparations and cooperated with Luna, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley to make the cake. While she was still in class, oblivious to what we were doing, the boys prepared the tables and chairs we would use while the girls helped in decorating the place. George readied the fireworks and Luna, the music. We chose the area near the lake, which was the most suitable place for the crowd, especially because we had some muggle guests. Finally, when everyone was ready, I went inside the castle to look for her and bring her there.

I started looking for her near the common room. At first, I asked around, hoping that someone knew where she was. But my efforts were fruitless when I realized that she was not there.

I quickly went outside the common room and into the hallway, hoping that my feet would lead me to her. I walked tirelessly, looking at various classrooms for any sign that she was there. Then, I found myself inside the library. I hoped and prayed with all my heart that I would finally find her here and made my way through various bookshelves. In the end, I didn't find her there.

Then, I realized, I had to think of a plan. What if I searched the Hospital Wing? Well, I really think she didn't have any reason to go there today, especially when I was the reason she spent some time there.

Maybe the dungeons? Professor Slughorn did say that there would be no potions class today. Not to mention that he too, was waiting with the others.

Where was she? I was getting frustrated as I walked aimlessly around the castle. I didn't find here on the upper floors so I took the ladder and went down on the second floor. I asked people, opened some rooms and looked around for any sign that she was there. Just when I was about to run outside to ask for help, I finally found her walking out of the Arithmancy classroom.

"Hermione?" I called out as I walked towards her. I was getting nervous that my heart started thumping loudly in my chest when she turned around.

She approached me with a smile in her face. "Harry, when have you returned?"

I ignored her question and gave her a hug instead as I whispered, "Happy Birthday."

I broke the hug and looked at her, she smiled at my ministrations that I took her hand. I ran, leading her to the location of the lake. The area was disillusioned, and it would only reveal itself when we finally reach it.

Surprised at my sudden actions, Hermione yelled at me. "Where are you taking me? Honestly Harry this is not funny, I still have something to do."

I laughed as I looked at her. Even if it was her birthday, she still thought about homework. But even then, I was grateful that even when she didn't even understand what I was doing, she still followed me out here. "That can wait. I just wanted us to walk around the lake, I haven't seen you in a while, and it will not hurt to have a little fun, especially on your birthday."

When I noticed that we were getting near, I slowed my pace and we started walking. Her gaze was on my face as a small smile crept on her lips. "Maybe you're right. I have been pushing myself to my limits these days."

I chuckled at her words. "You will not be Hermione if you are not taking your subjects by heart. But I think, this day, you deserve a break."

I finally faced her as I stepped at the disillusioned place. As I led her inside, I couldn't help but grin at her bewildered expression.

The place was colorful. Bright orbs floated freely around the area and some of the trees had different decorations. Everyone was wearing a hat of some sort and all of the carried a smile on their faces. There was a long table under the huge tree. It contained loads of different food and on the middle was a large cake with nineteen different candles. Everyone shouted 'Happy Birthday' when we arrived.

Her eyes stared in disbelief and her mouth gaped like a gold fish. I could see how the muscles of her jaws worked to form some words. She kept glancing at me, especially because she knew I was the reason behind this.

We started singing Happy Birthday as I lead her to the part of the table where the cake was. After she blew the lights off the candles, everyone went and greeted her one by one. While everyone was having fun, Hermione turned to me, her face was glowing and her smile was warm as she looked at me with shining eyes. "You prepared this, didn't you?"

I smiled at her and at her glowing brown orbs. It was pretty obvious. "I had help."

I grinned at her and winked as I turned to Ron's direction. She followed my gaze and cupped her face when she saw Ron walking towards her.

He hugged her and whispered something that earned a delightful squeal from Hermione. He tried to show her the otter necklace he bought for her and put it in her neck. I knew she loved it, judging from the way her face beamed when she saw Ron remove the gift from the box.

I went away talked to Fleur, not having it my heart to see more of the scene before me. I joined in as everyone celebrated, and most of us tried to catch up with Hermione's life. After all, it was her day. We all had fun talking and eating, George and Ron even danced in the transfigured dance floor. Because of this, I was given the chance to talk to the Weasleys and hold my Godson, whom I didn't see for a long time. And while everyone was busy, Luna announced that each of the boys will take turns in dancing with Hermione.

People cheered and beamed at her when Luna finished. She was unwillingly sent into the center as her dad approached her with a smile on his face. It was a rather emotional scene because Hermione started crying. There were times that her father would tell her some words that would make her laugh or sob, but I knew she was happy.

They danced for a while before Ron took his turn. One by one, people danced with her. And while she was dancing, I couldn't help but watch her face radiate with happiness. This was enough to warm my heart and I already forgot what it felt after having those sleepy and restless nights. She caught me looking at her while she was dancing with Neville and flashed a huge grin at me as her brown eyes twinkled in delight.

I lifted a hand and smiled but my thoughts were interrupted when Andromeda took Teddy from my other hand and whispered, "It is time for you to dance with her."

She gave me a wink and nudged me forward, surprising everyone at my sudden action. The music began and a seemingly familiar tune played. I approached her and her current dance partner, George, and asked her for a dance.

Pass me that lovely little gun

My dear, my darling one

The cleaners are coming, one by one

You don't even want to let them start

They are knocking now upon your door

They measure the room, they know the score

They're mopping up the butcher's floor

Of your broken little heart

I lead her back to the center and took her waist. That there was a certain smile that never left our faces as we glided through the dance floor and I knew that both of us were happy. We danced, even when my steps were uncertain and clumsy.

I was ready for this, because Luna already told me about it weeks before her birthday that I even asked Professor McGonagall to teach me how to dance. A moment like this happened only once and even if I really didn't know how to dance that well, I would make this an exception.

We laughed and danced to the tuned of the music, barely noticing that there were others watching us. When we were finally back in the middle, she leaned her head towards me and kissed my cheeks as she whispered, "Thank you."

I chuckled as I held her closer but kept a façade as I asked, "For what?"

She smiled at me and rested her head on my chest. "For making this birthday perfect."

I stayed silent and looked at her form as we started dancing again. Even with all my inept moves, I stared at the woman who always managed to stay by my side, even when everything was wrong. I remembered many things as I closed my eyes and leaned my head on her shoulder. From the day I met her to the moments we spent with Teddy, she has always been a part of everything.

"Everyone helped." I whispered, not caring about the world, lost in the music that was only played for the both of us.

O children

Forgive us now for what we've done

It started out as a bit of fun

Here, take these before we run away

The keys to the gulag

"But it was you who planned this. "You were supposed to be training! Not doing this!"

I laughed. Somehow, it was only Hermione who noticed such things. While I made the greatest excuses I could make, even to the point that I dragged the professors in my plans, she always saw through it. "Still, I'm glad you liked it."

O children

Lift up your voice, lift up your voice

Children

Rejoice, rejoice

I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer. In this moment, I forgot that I was only her best friend. It was just her and me after all, no one else. It was a silent wish that no one knew, I knew it was selfish of me to even think about it, but none the less, I did.

Carefully, I rested my head on her shoulder, inhaling her scent as I closed my eyes. How was it that you could be this close to a person, yet couldn't even tell her how you felt?

O children

We have the answer to all your fears

It's short, it's simple, it's crystal clear

It's round about, it's somewhere here

Lost amongst our winnings

O children

Lift up your voice, lift up your voice

Children

Rejoice, rejoice

Finally, as the song went on, I felt that it was time to give her my gift. I stopped moving and Hermione looked at me in confusion, afraid that I finally wanted to sit down. I grinned at her; while I carefully brought my gift out of the rectangular box I kept in my pocket and showed her the bracelet. She looked at it, surprised, and covered her mouth with her hand as I held her gift in front of her in my hands.

I searched for the first item in the bracelet and then I lifted it for her to see the otter hugging a sapphire orb. I fiddled with it as I cleared my throat, find words to tell her how I felt. The music continued on and I gave her a crooked smile as I stared at her.

"This reminded me of you, because you're as lovely and as strong as that color. Thank you for always being there for me, even when everything is going wrong." I moved my hands and didn't look at her as I shifted the bracelet to looked for the next one.

As I moved to the next item, I allowed flashed of memories flood my mind, for I knew that my resolve would break if I didn't. I remembered the bushy-haired girl that was looking for a toad and thought of this one. It was a symbol of magic, the main reason I met her. I knew that even if I grew up without the knowledge of magic, I would meet her eventually, but there would be no troll. . .and things wouldn't be the same.

"I met you in this world, which is so different from the place that I was from. You were the first person to truly acknowledge me for who I really am and not as Harry Potter, the boy who lived. And for that, I will forever be grateful to magic." I stopped when I realized that she was already crying. I took her hand, squeezed it and smiled while my other hand wiped away her tears. It was just the both of us, in a world that I created. . .because even if it was only for a few minutes, I knew it existed.

Then I showed her the third, which was an important part of me, the miniature version of the trio. "We were always together and our friendship has always been the right thing I held on to, when everything around me was falling apart. Thank you for being my rock, for guiding me back to where I belong when I lose sight of who I was."

O children

Lift up your voice, lift up your voice

Children

Rejoice, rejoice

Hey little train! We're all jumping on

The train that goes to the Kingdom

We're happy, Ma, we're having fun

And the train ain't even left the station

She hugged me tightly, her body shaking from the weight of her sobs. I hesitated, but gave her a kiss on the forehead. There was a warm, tingling sensation where I touched her skin. I carefully lifted her chin as I held the bracelet in front of her, the item shined in the light, casting a beautiful gleam. It was her favorite thing, her favorite hobby. Sometimes I wondered how her fondness for it came to be, but I never really asked. "That brilliant brain of yours had saved us loads of times. Without you, I would never have made it 'till the end. Ron was right, I would've been lost if you weren't in my life so even if you couldn't read it, I hope you'll appreciate this book."

I shifted my hands again to look for the next one and I smiled when I considered it. I remembered it clearly, as if it was just yesterday. I smirked as she stared at the item in wonder, her hands tracing on the frame of the little stag. "Remember the patronus that I thought was my father's when we tried to save Sirius? I want you to think of this stag as something who would watch over you when I am not with you. And when you're feeling alone, think of me, because I'll always be here for you. I know I don't usually say these stuff but er – well –"

I nervously let out a chuckle. I really couldn't finish the last sentence. People started noticing that we weren't dancing anymore and I casted a glance at Andromeda. She was looking at me with Teddy in her arms, and gestured for me to continue.

The song was about to end when I found the sixth. I was brought back in the scene that helped me pick one, a moment in my life that was important in every sense. . .the time in Godric's Hollow when we saw the graves of my parents. "You were the very first one to ever meet my parents, the only person who has been with me when I first saw their graves. Thank you for those roses you have conjured, but most of all, thank you for the unconditional love you always gave, for bearing with my temper, for not judging me and for always standing beside me."

Hey, little train! Wait for me!

I once was blind but now I see

Have you left a seat for me?

Is that such a stretch of the imagination?

Hey little train! Wait for me!

I was held in chains but now I'm free

I'm hanging in there, don't you see

In this process of elimination

As the song reached its end, I wore the bracelet in her left hand before showing her the last one, which is different from all the rest in every sense. An upward quirk appeared at the corner of my lips as I wiped the tears from her eyes.

And for once in my life, I was glad that I made her cry.

The gleam and happiness present in her eyes were enough to satisfy those sleepless nights that I had to endure. Her smile was enough proof that by doing this, I made her happy and made her realize that she was. . .important.

She examined the item carefully, taking note of each line and intricate detail that was molded into the metal. She let out a curious glance when she realized that I never really explained what the last one meant but I only shrugged so she let it go and went back to marvel at the gift I gave her. Her eyes twinkled in merriment as the bracelet dangled from her hand. Then, she whispered, "You never were good at showing others what you feel. You made me very happy because of what you said."

With a grin, I held out my hand and engulfed her in a hug. "I'm glad you feel that way."

I carefully leaned my face close to her ear, so that I could whisper the meaning of the last item. It was a special one and I spent countless evenings trying to transfigure it so that it could look like the real one. Unlike the others, this one was special, because it was the one who caught my eye.

It stood out from all of the rest because for one, it had a different color and for another, I charmed it. It glistened in the light and fluttered its wings as Hermione touched it that I couldn't help but be proud of my handy work.

And silently, I poured my feelings to the words I wanted to say the most. "Like a snitch, you are hard to find and even harder to lose. Happy Birthday Hermione! "

She gave out a teary smile and her voice hitched at my last words. We danced for a while, gliding through a world that was entirely our own, like a dream. And when the song has reached its climax, she murmured, "I thought this would only be an ordinary day. But here I am, surrounded by the people I love, and I have you to blame for this!"

I laughed at her reaction as I watched how the bracelet dangled beautifully in her hand. Sometimes, the items would catch the light and twinkled, like their owner's eyes. As the song ended and Ron made his way towards us, I reluctantly let her go and took my wand. I conjured a single, white rose and gave it to her as I and whispered, "You made me very happy during my birthday, I hope I made you in yours."

When Ron finally reached us to claim her again for another dance, I gave her a warm smile and went towards the place where Andromeda was sitting. Then, as I looked at her, I suddenly remembered the truth I kept in that bracelet.

When I remembered how intricately I made some wand movements to produce them, I remembered every detail I had to memorize, days of frustration because I couldn't get it right, days when all that urged me to continue was her smile. I spend countless sleepless nights working on a table in my room, guided by a book that I borrowed from Headmistress McGonagall.

Then, I remembered. . .

It was never an otter, I carefully carved it so that the transfigured letters, H and J were well-hidden inside it.

A word, past, was the symbol of magic before, then I transfigured it into a wand.

It was never the trio, rather, it was the word present before I replaced it.

The book that I transfigured never existed, but another word, future, was there before vanished under my spells.

Then again, it was never the stag that dangled gracefully in that bracelet, but the word always.

From all the intricate detail of the rose, forever was there before I transformed it with a flick of my wand.

As I remembered the days I spent trying to perfectly transfigure every word and letter, I remembered the gold, heart-shaped object dangling from the white chain when I first saw it, a heart that contained three words and eight elegant letters, I love you, before the snitch came to life.

It has been the golden snitch that hid the true feelings, like when the true snitch I now own hid the stone. Those feeling that were meant to be kept, feelings that were forbidden to say to the person who was supposed to be your best friend.

Remembering the first time I entered the jewelry store and searched for the appropriate items to transfigure, my plan was simple, I wanted to show her without telling her the feelings I had.

Hermione Jean, past, present, future, always and forever, I love you.

A/N: Did you enjoy the update? Do me a favor and tell me what you think. Hope you liked it. :)