A/N: Thank you for reading and the reviews!

I'm not into swearing Hermione, but I think in this case it is necessary…

Chapter 15: Halloween

October 29th 1977 (Saturday)

The Halloween Ball was to be held on Saturday, a couple of days before actual Halloween. As Head Girl, Lily had been organising the ball, along with the Head Boy and the Prefects. They all had presumed that had the ball been held on a weekday, there would have been more students skiving off classes the next day. The ball was meant to be a bit more elegant and formal than their normal Halloween party, and although the decorations and food were matching the holiday, the dress code for the evening was black tie instead of costumes. The participating students were also encouraged to wear masks.

Even though the Head Boy and Girl were expected to go to the ball together, Lily had told the girls that there was nothing going on between her and James. Apparently, lately James had been a bit distant but still polite towards her. It was obvious that they fancied one another, but it seemed that neither of them had the courage to take the first step – in fear of being turned down.

The seventh year Gryffindor girls were getting ready for the ball in their dormitory. There were clothes, makeup and hair products scattered around the dorm, and Hermione rolled her eyes at the mess that had formed during her long shower. She sat on her bed, wearing a t-shirt and yoga pants, pulled her hair into a bun and started to apply makeup.

Twenty minutes later she was grumbling under her breath as she tried to figure out how to do her hair so that it wasn't a tangled heap.

"I think you should leave your hair open, since you have an open back in the dress. Just charm it maybe…" Alice said, her mouth quirking up a bit as she came to see what was the problem.

"Well that's the plan but unfortunately, I'm quite terrible with beauty charms. Hence the birds nest." Hermione chuckled and pointed her hair which was even more unruly than usual.

"I can do it. It'll take just a couple of minutes." Alice said with a shrug and swished her wand in simple patterns over Hermione's head. A moment later her hair cascaded down her back in soft and sleek curls. Hermione glanced at the mirror in awe. She had put on a light makeup, since her dress itself was so bright and full of colour. The curls framed her face perfectly, and Hermione couldn't help but grin at her reflection.

"Thanks, Allie." She smiled.

"No problem." Alice beamed back. She was already done with her preparations and wearing her off-white, nude embellished chiffon gown. The beaded bodice was sheer and long sleeved in nude colour with a discreet V-neck, while the off-white coloured skirt flowed to the floor. She wore light makeup and cherry coloured lip gloss that gave her lips a pinkish tint, making her appearance look delicate and elegant. Hermione reckoned she looked quite beautiful, with her petite figure and her black pixie haircut.

"How's Frank doing in the DMLE?" Hermione asked while she charmed her beaded bag to match her dress – not that they needed any bags in the ball, but Hermione just couldn't part with hers.

Hermione had learned that Frank Longbottom and Alice had started dating a couple of years back when he too had been in Hogwarts, and as Frank was a year older than most of them, he had graduated before Alice's seventh year and was now training to be an Auror.

Alice's smile faltered a bit and she looked down. "He's fine. I think. I just…haven't had the chance to talk with him properly for a while. The last time I saw him was September first. He's been working every time we've had a Hogsmeade weekend and while we've been owling each other, there are just some things you cannot write in a letter…" She said gloomily.

Hermione smiled sympathetically and squeezed Alice's hand. "I'm sure you'll have a chance to meet soon. I can't even imagine how hard a long-distance relationship must be… But you shouldn't wallow in that today! You should have fun, right?" Hermione tried to cheer her up. Alice gave her a smile and a hesitant nod.

"Merlin's saggy pants! The day has come when Hermione Dumbledore urges someone to have fun!" Mary called with a teasing voice from her own bed.

Marlene, Mary and Alice laughed. Hermione rolled her eyes at her friends. "I'm not that disciplined."

Mary snorted. "Er…Yes you are. And so is Lils. You two are our little adorable rule-abiding bookworms." She said with a wink and slipped into her dress.

Mary wore a multi-coloured chiffon dress with a bright print pattern. Her dress was long and flowy, with a thin embellished belt and a sleeveless pleated bodice. The dress had a slightly plunging neckline, that continued on the other side with a low V-back. Mary looked absolutely gorgeous in it. Hermione briefly wondered, whether Remus would fall tail over teakettle when he'd see his date. She smiled at the pun she had just inwardly and accidentally made before she returned her focus to the conversation.

"Hey!" Lily started as she emerged from the bathroom, but eventually shrugged. "Yeah, Mary's probably right. We are a bit…methodical, I suppose." Mary and Marlene both snorted before Lily continued, "Although, you might even be a bit worse, Mione, since you tend to willingly go to the library every Sunday before sunrise." Lily said and smirked at Hermione. The girls laughed.

"Oh, sod off, the lot of you," Hermione said, biting away a grin as she threw a pillow at Lily. "For the record, I do not go there before sunrise." She grumbled and took her dress from the top of her trunk, where it was neatly folded. After putting her dress and heels on, she went to look at the whole ensemble in a mirror on the wall next to their bathroom. The girls had enlarged a simple full-length mirror to reach from floor to ceiling, filling the whole wall lengthwise as well. Now all of them could use it at the same time.

Hermione took in her appearance, and almost didn't recognise the girl looking back from the mirror wearing the fuchsia and silver gown. The back of the dress was open, and her sleek curls cascaded on her bare back. The rich satin A-line skirt reached to the floor, hiding her silver heels. One of the reasons she had bought the gown, was that the skirt had pockets. Ever the reasonable one? She thought as she put her beaded bag in one pocket, and her wand to the other before she snuck a glance at the others.

Marlene was standing next to her and finishing her hairdo, looking like a model in her floor length, well-fitting black velvet gown. The dress had a sleeveless bodice, a plunging neckline which, Hermione admitted with a hint of bitterness, was filled very becomingly. The sides and the back of her dress were open too. All in all, it was a very revealing dress, but she carried it off easily. Her golden locks were pulled in a simple up-do and she wore otherwise a light makeup, but her lips were painted in vibrant red.

"Wow… You look amazing, Marley." Hermione said admiringly to her, looking at her in the mirror.

She flashed a bright smile and eyed her. "You too, Dumbledore." She said with a wink.

"Ladies, shall we?" Marlene called and turned to the others behind her.

Lily was putting her golden earrings on, ready in her simple emerald, high neckline chiffon gown. Her dress was floor-length as well, and sleeveless, with spaghetti straps on the otherwise open back. She looked absolutely stunning. Her long auburn curls were pinned up, with some loose strands falling to frame her face. She had chosen a slightly heavier eye makeup than the rest of the girls, but it brought out her eyes nicely.

"Remember to take your masks," Lily reminded them as they started to move towards the door. The Gryffindors had decided to wear golden masks, Slytherins silver, Hufflepuffs black and Ravenclaws bronze.

As they descended the stairs and reached the common room, Hermione saw a group of handsome wizards clad in tasteful black dress robes and golden masks standing near the fire, chatting and laughing with each other. Like summoned, they all turned their heads to the girls.

Hermione saw James take a sharp breath as his eyes landed on his date. Even though James had been taking his distance from her lately, and Lily assuring there was nothing between them, they both still looked very pleased to be going with each other.

"Lily," James whispered as he approached the girls, his eyes locked into hers in a mix of awe and determination while the others eyed the scene in front of them expectantly.

Lily took a couple hesitant steps towards him. Both of them took their masks off. She swallowed nervously, her eyes sweeping up and down on James's body, her gaze finally landing on his hazel eyes. She let out a small puff of breath. "James," she said quietly.

James took her hand and tugged her closer, his eyes boring into hers with a smouldering look. He looked like he was about to say something, but instead he closed the distance between their lips slowly, giving her time to back off if she so wished. She didn't. He kissed her hesitantly at first, just a brush of his lips against hers, and only deepened the kiss when Lily brought her arms around his neck, tangling them in his messy black hair, and pulling him closer to her. James let out a soft groan and pulled her firmly against him, his hands drifting lower on her back.

The others all watched the scene in a small shock, until Sirius cleared his throat loudly.

"As much as some of us would love to watch you continue that, I think we all have a ball to get to, eh?" He said while smirking slyly at his mate. The others laughed quietly while James and Lily were both flushed red.

"Er…Yeah. The ball." James stammered awkwardly, ruffling his hair. He obviously hadn't thought to make that kind of a scene in front of everyone.

His cheeks glowing, he offered his arm to Lily, who took it graciously, even though still looking embarrassed. They started to head towards the portrait hole. Marlene and Alice sniggered as they followed the Head Boy and Girl, with Peter on their toe, leaving behind Remus, Sirius, Hermione and Mary. Hermione came to stand next to Sirius, who grabbed her from her hips, yanked her against him and proceeded to kiss her heatedly. At first, she squeaked and tried to push him away, but soon she melted into his touch, her fingers curling around his neck. He lifted her off her feet and then spun around, their lips still locked.

They parted and Sirius winked at Remus before he said teasingly, "Try to one-up on that, mate."

Hermione sighed exasperatedly, grabbed Sirius's arm and dragged him away from the common room, before he could sabotage the fragile confidence of his werewolf friend.

The Great Hall was transformed into an eerie but elegant place, with heavy black velvet curtains draping around the large windows, and all the existing furnishings covered with black tulle and red embellishments. The candles that flowed over the Great Hall were charmed black, bringing a dimmer light than the usual white ones. The house tables had been turned into several small round tables, which were scattered around the hall. Each round table was decorated with a pumpkin votive, while the long buffet table, which was situated where the Professors usually sat, was decorated with ornamental masquerade masks between the pots, drinks and servings. Behind the buffet table, Hermione could see an extension to the Great Hall; a vast dance floor with small alcoves on every wall that were hidden by similar heavy black curtains that framed the windows in the Hall.

Hermione grinned at Lily, who was standing with James near the doors that lead to the Hall. She smiled back at Hermione as she welcomed the students to the ball. Sirius winked at his best friend who smirked in return, before he led Hermione to one of the tables, where Alice and Peter were already seated. Marlene had chosen another table, where her date, a Hufflepuff boy, and his friends were situated. The Great Hall began to fill quickly.

"Can I get you anything, kitten? Something to drink, perhaps?" Sirius murmured to her ear as he helped her to her chair.

"Oh…sure. Thanks," She said and gave him a quick smile before he dashed off to the drinks table.

Alice smiled at her knowingly.

"What?" Hermione asked, slightly baffled.

"Oh, nothing. Just watching the it-couple of Hogwarts." She said with a fond smile.

Hermione turned to look at Lily and James who were still standing at the doors. "Yeah, well. It was a long time coming." She said with a chuckle, turning back to her friend.

"No, I meant you and Sirius, you daft." She said with a grin.

"Oh," Hermione muttered awkwardly, blushing slightly. Sirius appeared on her side a moment after with a couple of Butterbeers, just in time to see Remus and Mary approaching them.

"Well, well, well, look at that. The lone wolf finally has company," Sirius drawled with a teasing smirk, eyeing the pair appreciatively. Remus lifted an unamused brow at his pun, while Peter sniggered and Hermione coughed loudly as her drink went down the wrong pipe. Sirius glanced at Hermione with a frown before turning back to his friend.

"What took you so long, mate?" He asked with a knowing smile.

"Sod off, Pads." Remus muttered, while his cheeks turned red.

Mary however, was not at all embarrassed, as she stated, "Stayed for a snog, of course." She gave Sirius a wink and sat down.

Sirius barked a laugh and patted Remus on the back as he sat down next to him.

People started to make their way towards the buffet, and the seventh year Gryffindors followed suit after Lily and James had joined them. The food table was filled with all kinds of treats; pumpkin pasties, cauldron cakes, treacle tart, witch finger cookies with berry jam, as well as spooky scull shaped pot pies, stuffed peppers with carvings, pumpkin chowder, curried pumpkin and peas, with pumpkin bread and roasted chicken. Hermione almost heard her stomach rumbling when she took it all in. They filled their plates and moved on to the drinks table.

"I wouldn't touch that if I were you," Sirius muttered next to her, as Hermione was about fill her goblet with punch from a large cauldron on the table.

Hermione frowned but then she understood, and turned to him with her eyes narrowed. "Sirius! Tell me you didn't spike the punch," She hissed to him.

"Don't know what you're talking about, love." He said with an innocent face as he reached towards another large cauldron that was filled with ice and bottles of Butterbeer and Pumpkin juice, snatching a bottle of Butterbeer and giving it to her. He took the goblet she had discarded on the table for himself and filled it with punch. Hermione sighed and retreated to their table, while Sirius huffed a laugh behind her.

Apparently, his little stunt went unnoticed, since all the teachers were enjoying their meals and chatting with each other at their tables. She did notice though, that Lily too was drinking Butterbeer, while the boys all had goblets of punch in front of them.

The music was playing on the background while they ate, but as the first students started to drift towards the dance floor, it grew louder. Eventually Hermione and her friends moved to the dance floor, where Remus danced with Mary, James with Lily, Hermione with Sirius and Peter with Alice. They danced to several songs, switching partners every now and then. Hermione couldn't recall the last time she'd had so much fun as she was now having, dancing around with her friends. She vaguely remembered the Yule Ball in her fourth year, but even then, the fun had been short-lived.

Some time later, after visiting the ladies' room, which was also decorated accordingly by several spooky black spectral mirrors that were charmed with a silver hue, Hermione went to retrieve a Butterbeer from the drinks table. She snorted as she saw James and Sirius fooling around at the dance floor and took a sip of her drink.

"You look beautiful, Hermione."

She was startled by Regulus's voice as she hadn't noticed him standing next to her.

"Oh…Hi. Thanks." She said, a bit awkwardly. "You don't look so bad yourself." She said with a small smile as she eyed him. Regulus looked very handsome in his black dress robes and his silver mask. His mouth curved up a bit.

"Will you honour me with your hand for a dance?" He asked politely, ever the courteous pureblood.

Hermione lifted her brows slightly but nodded to him and put her drink on the table. He offered her his arm and when she took it, he led them towards the dance floor. She hoped that Sirius wouldn't mind her dancing with his brother, mainly because the music switched into a slow song the moment they walked onto the dance floor. It was a bit odd to go dancing with Regulus, even though they had been getting to know each other for the past month, as they always studied together on Saturdays or Sundays.

They usually talked about their school subjects, but sometimes Hermione would include him in on some bits of the Order business, at least the things she was allowed to tell him. Hermione reckoned it was a bit frustrating, to keep in mind who knew what of her affairs. Her thoughts were drawn back to the ball as she felt Regulus place his hand at her waist, and the other one taking her hand. He watched her with an unreadable expression as he led her on the dance floor. She had to give it to him – he was an amazing dance partner.

"What are you thinking?" She asked after a while, eager to break the tension she was feeling. She was slowly growing a bit uncomfortable under his intense stare.

He blinked a couple of times before he answered. "I was thinking of what else you are possibly keeping from everyone, besides the obvious Order business."

Hermione's brows shot up. "Oh. And what do you reckon?" She asked with a hint of challenge in her voice.

"That you are easier to read than you think." He said quietly, his eyes searching hers.

Hermione swallowed deeply and averted her eyes. What the hell was that supposed to mean?

"I've made you uncomfortable." He said, still watching her expression. Hermione's eyes flickered back to his as he spoke. It was confusing to talk to him sometimes, since he usually had the indifferent mask in place, rarely letting it falter.

She huffed. "Yes, you have. You know I –" She didn't have a chance to finish her sentence before Sirius appeared behind his brother and placed his hand on Regulus's shoulder.

"Thanks, Reggie, for keeping my witch entertained." He said, smirking at his little brother and moving to stand between them. "May I cut in?"

"By all means, brother." Regulus said, eyeing Sirius with an equal smirk on his face. He glanced at Hermione, nodded to her and left without another word.

"Miss me?" Sirius asked with a wink, before he swept her away in a glorious waltz, making others look at their direction.

"Sirius you are attracting attention. Everyone is staring," She whispered sharply.

Sirius merely laughed. "Let them!" He said and twirled her on the dance floor, bumping to others. Hermione tried to scowl at him but she eventually caught his good mood.

After their dance, he took her hand and tugged her towards the back wall. They slipped inside an alcove and Hermione was suddenly a bit taken aback from what she saw – there were large windows in the alcove, and the view was beautiful.

"Wow, look at that." The sky was clear, she could see the stars and the moon, which was waning Gibbous.

"Yeah." Sirius said quietly, came to stand behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "It's almost full moon."

Hermione snorted. "Don't be a prat. You know the full moon was a couple of days ago. I know about Remus." She said quietly.

Sirius tensed behind her. "You know?" He said reservedly, his grip on her tightening a bit. Hermione tilted her head to look him in the eye, with a sincere smile.

"I know. And I don't care about it. He's my friend." She whispered seriously.

Sirius lifted his brows in surprise, and watched her thoughtfully.

"Where did you come from, kitten?" He murmured with an awed voice while closing the distance between them, brushing her lips with his. She turned to face him, stroking his cheek with her fingers, following the angle of his jaw. His gaze flickered across her face, taking all the details in, before he kissed her again, his lips parting against hers. He licked the seam of her lips, and as Hermione opened her mouth, he slid his tongue deep into her mouth, tasting her hungrily. Sirius gave a muffled moan as she stroked her tongue against his, tasting him back.

His hands roamed all over her back and ribcage, his thumbs grazing her breasts through the fabric, making her let out a strangled sigh. Hermione thought she was going to burn inside out from his touch. She buried her hands in his hair, pulling him down, closer to her. A shudder racked through him; as if he simply relished in the need she felt for him, the way she threaded her hands through his locks and tried in vain to pull him closer to her.

Sirius nibbled at her bottom lip, and then licked her lips with small licks, finally sucking the swollen flesh into his mouth. She wanted to crawl into his drugging warmth, to let him continue cherishing her lips but the reality settled down – they were in a ball, in the middle of several people, after all. He seemed to remember it too, as he broke their kiss and rested his forehead against hers, calming his breath.

"Wanna take off?" He breathed, watching her under heavy lids.

She glanced at the party through the small crack between the curtains. It was apparently getting late, since there weren't that many people anymore.

"Yes." She smiled. "Let's find the others first, okay?"

"Yeah," He smiled and they went to search their friends.

They finally found James and Lily, in a heated rendezvous behind the curtains of another alcove. Sirius sniggered as he managed to interrupt them, muttering something about a "tit for tat."

James on the other hand wasn't that delighted of his friend's glee, and hexed Sirius's hair into dreadlocks. Hermione and Lily both burst in laughter, shutting up only when they saw Sirius's expression as he touched his head. He was horrified.

He quickly conjured a hand mirror and screamed.

"Not the hair! I can't even – You made it look like a dog's breakfast, mate!" Sirius moaned in panic, trying in vain to smooth his locks in place. James snorted, while Hermione and Lily tried to supress their grins.

"Charm it back." Sirius demanded with a hint of worry on his serious face.

James smirked. "Nope. Maybe you'll learn something." He chuckled and added. "Gotta keep the dog on his leash."

Sirius growled.

"You're one to talk, arsehole, since you can't apparently keep your own dog in a leash," Sirius said with a pointed look at the bulging in James's slacks, smirking when James averted his eyes and shifted embarrassedly, while Lily blushed furiously.

"Wanker," James muttered to his friend, who smirked back at him triumphantly.

Hermione tried not to snigger at their banter and instead looked at Lily, who was smoothing her gown and eyeing the party, with her cheeks flaming and a slight worry in her eyes, probably fearing that someone had seen her acting like that in public. Hermione smiled at her and nodded her head towards the party.

"We were thinking about leaving. Do you want to stay or come with us?" She asked, while James and Sirius were glaring at each other next to them.

Lily glanced at James, who said to her, "I'm good to go. You?"

"Sure, let's leave. I'll just go and inform McGonagall that we are going." Lily said, glad to escape the embarrassing incident.

James smiled fondly as his date headed towards their Head of House, and after a moment she came back. "We are good to go." She informed and they left the Great Hall, and started to ascend the stairs towards the Gryffindor Tower.

"Did you guys see Pete? Or Remus?" James asked, looking over his shoulder mainly at Hermione, since Sirius was still looking at his mate grumpily for not charming his hair back to normal.

"Oh…Actually no, we didn't. I didn't see any of our dorm mates there either. Perhaps they are all sleeping already? Or maybe they are outside?" Hermione said thoughtfully.

"Yeah…" James muttered and they stayed silent for the rest of their walk.

Hermione couldn't help but grin every time she glanced at Sirius and his hair. Truthfully, he could totally pull off the dreadlocks. It seemed that any hairstyle would suit him. Maybe his face was just that perfect, Hermione thought, engrossed in his looks.

As they entered the empty common room, Hermione and Lily went to check their dorm for their roommates. Only Alice was there, sleeping soundly in her bed. Both girls changed quickly into a more comfortable attire, Hermione into her yoga pants and a camisole and Lily into her nightgown and her dressing gown. They tiptoed back to the common room, where James and Sirius were lounging by the fire, smirking at each other.

"Well, Mary and Marley are missing. What about Remus and Pete?" Lily asked, as she perched herself on the arm of the couch on which James was stretched out. Hermione came to stand next to Sirius, who was sprawled in an armchair. He snatched her hand and pulled her to sit on his lap.

Sirius barked a laugh. "Well, the guys are in our dorm. Marley is probably with her current heartthrob and Mary is with hers."

Hermione and Lily gave each other confused looks, while James and Sirius eyed them with wide grins. Then it dawned on them, and both girls gaped at Sirius in shock.

"Mary is in Remus's bed?!" Lily shrieked in horror.

Sirius snorted. "So what? Hermione sleeps in my bed every now and then," He said nonchalantly.

Lily turned her shocked gaze to her friend, gaping at her. "Hermione?!" Lily squeaked with a high-pitched voice.

Hermione shrugged uncomfortably, while Sirius and James clearly enjoyed watching the scene in front of them. "I, uh…yeah. Sometimes. I thought you knew though…" She muttered awkwardly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.

Lily huffed and moved to sit in an empty armchair, folding her hands and staring ahead with an annoyed look.

"Lily…Come off it. It's not like Hermione is there every night." James said carefully to her. "Besides, can't we just celebrate a little that Moony has finally a bird in his bed, eh?"

Lily glanced at James, her features softening. She was happy for Remus and Mary, of course, since they were both was her dear friends.

"I guess so…" Lily said with a small smile to the others.

Sirius grabbed a Firewhiskey bottle from the floor. "That's sorted then!"

Hermione arched a brow at the bottle. Sirius scoffed. "The least Moony can do after kicking us out for the night, is serving us drinks," He said with a mischievous grin, and then leaned towards the table, holding Hermione by her waist with his other hand and poured the liquid into four glasses with the other.

"Hang on…You said that Peter is in there too?" Hermione asked with a frown.

"Yeah, he apparently passed out after too much punch, so they didn't move him away…"

"And you are banned for the night? Why?" Lily asked incredulously.

James looked a bit uncomfortable, while Sirius's mouth kept quirking up.

"They, uh…you know…He's getting his end way…" James muttered to Lily.

Hermione was a bit surprised at the news, as she had thought Mary had gone there merely to sleep, but they were actually hitting the sack. Apparently, Lily still hadn't grasped the idea, since she was looking at James with confusion written all over her face.

Sirius sighed exasperatedly. "You know, Lily, for someone so bright, you are not that fast. They are getting stuffed. You know, bonking. Having a bit of 'How's ya' father'. Getting a leg over. Rogering. Shagging." He said, smirking at the redhead's shocked expression. Lily's eyes were widened comically and she glanced towards the boys' dormitory, and then back at them. Her face became red with embarrassment and she looked like she was going to say something but refrained.

Instead, Lily took a glass of Firewhiskey from the round table and downed it in a single gulp. The others chuckled and followed suit, toasting for Remus after Sirius refilled Lily's glass.

After another shot, Lily watched Hermione and Sirius with her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "So, are you two having sex?"

Sirius spluttered to his glass as he was about to take a sip of his drink, while Hermione and James snorted.

"No, we're not." Hermione mumbled defiantly.

Sirius coughed with a silent 'yet'. James laughed and Hermione slapped Sirius on the arm, scowling at him.

"And you are a virgin?" Lily asked from her friend bluntly, ignoring the uncomfortable look Hermione was giving her, and the clearing of a throat that came from James's direction. Sirius watched the girls with an intrigued expression.

Hermione's face burned as she gave Lily an incredulous look. "Yes! And can we not openly discuss my non-existent sex life in front of them?!" She snapped and glanced at the boys.

Sirius bit back a grin behind her, sipping his drink while Lily merely shrugged, muttering "Just checking."

They changed the topic and talked about the ball Lily and James had organised, and soon everyone was yawning, as it was already way past midnight. James went to check their dorm, finding the new couple fast asleep. He soon came down the stairs to inform the others.

"We're good to go, mate." He said to Sirius, who stretched, Hermione still sitting on his lap. He stood up, taking her with him and pulling her into a slow kiss. Hermione lifted her brows as she saw Lily and James already heading towards the boys' dormitory, together.

"Well, at least she's not wasting any time, eh?" Sirius whispered to her teasingly.

Hermione scowled at him. "Git."

"Come with me?" He asked, eyeing her unsurely, taking a couple of steps towards his dorm.

Hermione chewed the corner of her mouth before she spoke. "Okay. But just for sleeping. I'm very tired. Just so you know." She said before following him to his dorm.

He turned to look at her and waggled his brows. "Promises, promises," He muttered, a wide grin on his lips.

October 30th 1977 (Sunday)

The next morning, Hermione was leaving the boys' dormitory while the others were still asleep, after saying her good mornings to Sirius with a kiss to his cheek and him mumbling something incoherent back to her.

She glanced back before she opened the door to the staircase, chuckling silently at the scene. Remus and Mary were wrapped around each other in his bed, and Lily was sleeping in James's bed under the covers, while James was stretched next to her on top of the covers, both fully clothed. Sirius on the other hand was sprawled on his bed half naked, the comforter kicked out from the bed, him taking every inch available now that she had left, while Peter was snoring behind his closed curtains.

Hermione made her way to the girls' dormitory to have a quick shower and a change of clothes. She then headed to the Great Hall to have some breakfast. As Hermione reached the Great Hall, she realised the time – the breakfast was almost over. How in the name of Merlin had she managed to sleep that late? It was nearly nine, and the small scattering of students who had managed to get up for breakfast after the ball last night was drifting out from the Great Hall.

Regulus was amongst them and when he saw her, he came towards her with a small smirk playing on his lips.

"You've managed to surprise me at last, Dumbledore. I think I've never seen you coming this late to breakfast."

Hermione huffed. "Well, there was a party last night, after all." She muttered, trying in vain to ignore the grumbling her stomach was giving her.

"Let's go then," He said, jerking his head towards the hall – the opposite direction where the library was.

"Where?" Hermione asked in bewilderment.

"You don't honestly expect me to study next to you when your stomach is making the most vulgar sounds?" He grinned and started walking down the corridor.

"Prat." She muttered under her breath, but decided to follow him down the staircase.

"A prat who is getting you some breakfast," He said lightly as they turned to the corridor, approaching the painting of a bowl of fruit.

"You been here before?" He asked while tickling the pear in the painting and opening the door-knob that appeared.

"Er…yeah." She said absently, stepping in and watching the army of house-elves in work, cleaning up the remainings of the breakfast. She smiled as she passed the four long wooden tables that stood there. At the moment they were almost empty, as the House-elves were levitating the plates, cutlers and cups to the side tables for cleaning. Most of the elves were working, but some stood around the kitchen, beaming, bowing and curtsying as Hermione and Regulus walked past them.

"Regulus, sir!" Few elves squeaked, beaming at him. He nodded to them and sat down by the fire, in an armchair. Hermione joined him and instantly, four house-elves came up behind them, carrying a large tray with a teapot and two cups and a plate of biscuits.

"Totty, Miss Dumbledore here missed her breakfast, unfortunately. Could it be possible for you to whip up something for her?" He kindly asked from one of the elves.

The elf looked happy and bowed to them. "Of course, sir. Miss," the elf replied and then the elves swiftly went on their way.

Hermione was a bit amazed by his warm behaviour with the elves - he was a Black after all, and she knew what his family thought of magical creatures. But then she remembered Kreacher and what Regulus had done with the Horcrux, how he himself had drunk the poison so that his house-elf would be safe. She studied him with a small smile.

Regulus averted his eyes and cleared his throat. "What?" He asked as he glanced at her again, and saw her still smiling at him, with a smile that Hermione reckoned, made him a bit uncomfortable.

"Oh, nothing. Just remembered something." She said and her gaze turned to another tray the house-elves were placing on the table. They bowed again and Hermione and Regulus both thanked them before the elves retreated.

She stared at the tray in awe; it was filled with food – fried eggs, smoked bacon, thick sausages, grilled tomatoes, fried mushroom, toast and baked beans. There was also a small pot of porridge and a cup full of fresh berries, and finally, a plateful of scones with clotted cream, Chelsea buns and an assortment of confectionery.

"Wow…" Hermione said with her eyes widened in surprise. "I can't eat all that." She whispered anxiously to Regulus who smiled at her.

"Just eat, Hermione." He said and poured tea in their cups before he snatched a scone from the tray.

Hermione ate in silence, and contemplated what he had said to her the previous night. She was still a bit perplexed by his words and wanted to know exactly what he had meant.

"What was that yesterday?" She asked after finishing her breakfast, which was not even near half of the food that was brought to her. She glanced at him, while she took a sip from her teacup.

He watched her for a moment, before he spoke. "Nothing."

She gave him a quizzical brow and a small smile tugged his lips.

"I merely stated the fact that you are very easy to read. I know you have secrets."

Hermione frowned at him as she took a biscuit from the tray. "What do mean read? Are you a Legilimens?" She said lightly. When he didn't say anything, her frown deepened. "Regulus?" She said carefully.

He locked his eyes with hers, and suddenly she felt the familiar, albeit uncomfortable sensation of someone probing her mind. She gasped loudly and tore her gaze away. Her teacup shattered on the floor as she jumped up from her chair and took a couple of steps away from him while breathing heavily. He followed quickly, after mending the teacup.

"Hermione," He said, coming closer and watching her with regret. "I apologise. I shouldn't have done that." He said sincerely. When she didn't reply or even look at him, but merely kept her eyes fixed on the floor, he took her hand gently between his.

"Please."

Hermione blinked a couple of times, gathering her thoughts that were all over the place. So…Regulus was a Legilimens? What the hell? How? And most importantly, what the hell had he just seen?

She turned to him, and anger started to place the shock and confusion. She snatched her hand away and glared him with malice.

"Don't fucking ever do that to me again!" She hissed at him angrily, fear surging inside her.

She wanted to ask what he had seen but she didn't want to talk about it there, in the open. He'd been inside her head for mere seconds, but there was still the possibility that he had seen something dangerous. She eyed him suspiciously as he gave her a deeply apologetic look.

"Of course not. I'm so sorry, Hermione." He said quietly.

She huffed and sat down, and Regulus followed her example. A couple of house-elves appeared to clean the table and asked if they wanted something else.

"We're good, thanks Mipky. The breakfast was delicious," Regulus said, smiling to the elf. Hermione blinked at him in awe, forgetting already her anger towards him. He knew the elves by their names?!

As they left the kitchen, she couldn't help but ask about his relationship with the elves.

"You seem oddly familiar with the house-elves…why is that?" She asked as they walked up the stairs.

Regulus glanced at her, shrugged and said, "I just think they are undervalued…"

As they reached the Entrance Hall, he took a glance outside from the windows and his expression brightened.

"Come on," He said, tugging her by her hand.

"What are you doing?"

"You'll see," He said with a small smile.

Hermione was again surprised by his mood swings – if you could call it that. He was all the sudden a young, playful boy, his eyes shining with glee. Just a handful of minutes ago, his emotions were closed behind the walls he kept around his mind. Either way, out of curiosity she followed him outside through the front doors.

Hermione shivered as the cold wind hit her – she was wearing her light robes after all. But what she saw there stopped her. It was snowing.

Regulus turned to watch her as a bright smile lifted her mouth, lighting her whole face. His own smile faltered slightly as his eyes roamed over her face. Then he blinked in confusion and looked at snowy grounds.

"Oh Godric, it's snowing!" She bounced happily.

Regulus smiled at her and asked, "Well? Shall we?" as he eyed her with a challenge in his eyes.

Hermione watched him incredulously. "Have you gone completely off your trolley? I don't have my cloak on, and neither do you!"

He lifted his brows pointedly before flicking his wand. Her robes transfigured into a beautiful winter cloak with a warm hood, completed with matching mittens and a scarf. He charmed his own attire as well.

"Coming?" He smirked and stepped outside. Hermione shook her head, feeling a mix of confusion and awe.

There were several inches of snow, and it was all untouched, since most of the students hadn't even risen up from their beds. Hermione followed Regulus further to the paved grounds, scooping a bit of snow and throwing it at his back. It was just too good to resist.

Regulus stopped as the snow hit him, he turned slowly and watched her defiantly. He quickly scooped up snow and hurled it at her direction. Squeaking, she dodged his throw and burst in laughter.

"You have to be better than that, Black!" She shouted tauntingly, throwing another snowball at his direction. They continued their one-on-one snowball fight until Hermione saw several others joining the outside air and their snowball fight. Soon they had formed opposite teams with Hermione, James, Remus and Mary in one, and Regulus, Sirius, Peter and Alice in the other. James, Sirius and Regulus, all playing Quidditch, and being athletes, were of course excellent in a snowball fight. Although Hermione came a good second with her quick reflexes learnt during the war.

When the lunchtime was in hand, the group decided to end their match before they missed it altogether. They retreated back to the castle, laughing merrily with their faces red and their cloaks filled with wet blotches of snow. It was a good day.