Hey Guys. I'm so very sorry that it has taken so long. I have been grieving the loss of my grandfather and dealing with that during the holidays is not an easy task. I hope that you all enjoy this chapter. I appreciate you sticking by me as I deal with this, and I hope that you continue to do so.
September 19, 1998
When Tuesday finally arrived, Hermione woke to the sound of pecking on her window. She sat up, looked over, and smiled, seeing Athena at the window with a single orange rose in her beak. She got out of bed and let the bird in the room.
"Thank you, Athena." She said, taking the flower, while scratching the owl on the head.
Hermione smiled and smelled the rose, thinking of Draco.
As she walked over to her trunk to get dressed for the day, she thought over what would happen later that evening. She decided to come back to her room to freshen up before meeting with Draco in the common room after classes ended.
She turned to leave and caught site of the picture on her bedside table. She had hoped that the magical and lucky Golden Birthday she was in store for would help her find an answer as to the location of the Celestial Wand. Inhaling deeply, she pushed past the heavy feeling weighing on her heart and left the room with a forced smile but a true eagerness to see her boyfriend and friends.
When she arrived in the Common Room, Harry grinned, "Happy Birthday, Hermione." He said, walking over and giving her a strong, brotherly hug.
"Thank you, Harry!" She smiled as they parted.
"Yea, Happy Birthday, Mione! We're having our group thing for your birthday on Saturday, yea?" Ron asked as he walked over, adjusting his school tie.
"Hell yea we are." Blaise grinned as he entered the Common Room from the boys' staircase. "We're going to Hogsmeade that morning and the rest is a surprise." His eyes met Hermione's and he beamed, bowing elegantly towards her as he said, "Happy Birthday, Granger!"
Hermione laughed and hugged him, "Thank you, Blaise. Where's Draco?"
"He shall meet us in the Great Hall." Blaise grinned, holding out his elbow, "Let's go, Birthday Girl."
Hermione laughed, and nodded, weaving her arm through Blaise's before the group made their way to the Great Hall.
She was surprised when she walked in and saw that their usual section of Gryffindor table had balloons hovering around it as well as several owls with wrapped packages waiting for her.
She smiled when she saw Draco sitting at the table, holding another orange rose. She walked over to him; her arm still linked through Blaise's.
"Happy Birthday, Love." He smiled, reaching out to take her hand. "Your mother sent some Cinnamon Chip Scones and Molly charmed them, so they're still warm."
Hermione smiled, "Really?"
He grinned and nodded, looking at her with adoring eyes.
She smiled back and looked down at the table where a white box of Cinnamon Chip Scones, her favorite birthday food, was open beside the rest of the usual Hogwarts breakfast food.
Draco leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek, "I was going to wait until this evening to give you my gifts, but I can go get them from the dorm…"
Shaking her head, Hermione cut in, "No. Tonight is fine. Who are these all from?" she asked, nodding to the owls.
Draco smiled, "I believe that one is from my mother." He said, nodding to the package that Dara, Narcissa's large, dark owl had dangling from her beak.
"And that'll be from Mum and Dad." Ginny remarked, pointing at the large box that Bert, the Weasley's family owl had set on the table in front of him.
Hermione and Draco sat down as the rest of their friends joined them.
Hermione grabbed a scone and took a bite, smiling happily, before grabbing the first package.
"Maybe I ought to open these later." She said, feeling embarrassed for having breakfast be centered around her.
"Not a chance, Mione." Ginny said, "It's your bloody birthday! Open your gifts!"
With a sigh, the brunette took a small package from a beautiful, Tawny owl.
She opened the package and saw they it was from her parents.
"Mum and Dad must have borrowed an owl." She said, seeing the note and small box. She opened the envelope and pulled out the card, reading her mother's scrawl.
Happy Birthday, Minnie!
We wanted to send your gift via owl, so we asked Narcissa for a bit of assistance. She was wonderful help and purchased this owl for us to keep. We've named her Cassia.
We miss you dearly and hope that you have a marvelous birthday. We know that there is a lot of challenges that you're facing currently but try to forget it all today. Enjoy your birthday.
We want to help in any way we can. Please let us know if you need anything at all. We love you so very much, Minnie.
Happy Birthday.
Love,
Mum and Dad
Hermione smiled, and reached for the small package, opening it. Her eyes widened in shock. Inside the black box was a blue Star Sapphire Necklace. Sapphire was her birth stone, and the beauty of the gem took her breath away.
"That's lovely." Draco remarked, seeing the stone.
She knew of his keen eye for jewelry and gems, so hearing this from him shocked her even more. She swallowed and nodded, "It is." She said, "Would you help me?" She asked, motioning for him to assist her in putting it on.
He nodded and fastened the necklace around her neck. She smiled and looked at the next box. It was large and was set in front of Bert, the Weasley family owl. She opened the package and found a beautifully handmade purple patchwork quilt with a note resting on top. She smiled and read the note, written in Molly's handwriting.
Hermione,
We hope that you have a lovely birthday.
I've made this quilt with bits of fabric your mother gave me. I hope you that you like it.
Take care, dear girl. We'll see you soon.
Love,
Molly and Arthur
Hermione smiled. From what she could see, part of the quilt had bits of her baby clothes pieced together. She was eager to look at the quilt but not in the middle of the Great Hall. She set the box aside and grabbed the next package that Draco had suggested to be from his mother.
The brunette opened the package and saw a small blue box and a card inside.
The card read:
Hermione,
I've coordinated my gift with your parent's gift. I hope it is to your liking.
I do hope that you have a brilliant birthday and get everything you wish for.
Love,
Narcissa
She furrowed her brows and grabbed the small blue box, opening it to find, a matching set of blue Star Sapphire earrings.
"Oh whoa." She breathed. "Draco, your mother did not have to spend so much on me."
He shrugged, "Love, just accept it. She clearly got it to be compatible with your parent's gift."
With a nod, Hermione let out a breath and pulled the next package over.
By the time breakfast was over, she had also received a box of goods from the twins' Joke Shop, a wooden hairbrush with a mother of pearl inlay in the shape of a rose from Fleur and Bill and a book from Charlie and Adrian. The book was titled Caring for All-kind and written be Genevieve Whitlock.
After breakfast the lot of them headed off to their first classes of the day. For Hermione, that was Ancient Runes with the Deputy Headmaster.
After that class ended, she went to Defense Against the Dark Arts where Draco was standing by their shared table.
She walked over and smiled at him, "Hey you." She whispered.
He grinned, "Hi love." he said before leaning in and pressing a kiss to her cheek.
"All right class, take your seats." Professor Davies announced.
Draco and Hermione both sat down, along with everyone else in the room.
The morning went by rather quickly.
At lunch Hermione leaned over to Draco and whispered, "I don't really feel the Golden Birthday sensation that I was expecting."
He nodded and thought for a moment before asking, "What time of day were you born?"
She furrowed her brow, "A little after two in the afternoon."
He nodded once more, looking at his wristwatch, "Give it a little longer. Some witches' and wizards' internal clocks are rather specific."
"Are you saying that you think I'm picky?" She smirked
He chuckled, "I would never choose to be so daft."
She laughed and kissed his cheek making him grin.
"Also," Draco added, "the effects of the golden birthday are a bit peculiar." He said. "Sometimes they only last for a few hours."
She nodded and asked him what the plans were for that evening
He smirked at her and shrugged, "You'll see." He replied.
She smiled, shaking her head, "You, Mr. Malfoy, are up to something."
He laughed and squeezed her hand, "Some things will never change, my love."
She smiled and nodded, "Good."
After lunch, Hermione went to History of Magic and sat down next to Pansy as Professor Hubert began to write on the blackboard.
Drusen Brothers
Secret Clues
Muggle Techniques Only
"All right class." Professor Hubert said, "Today we will be discussing Aurelius and Osiris Drusen. They were brothers in the seventeenth century, and both were extraordinarily skilled wizards but one of them was born with powers that many envied."
Hermione took notes in her usual journal for History of Magic. She was suddenly feeling an odd, slightly 'at ease' sensation. She felt comfortable, and capable, and something inside told her that the story the Professor was telling was important.
"Because Aurelius Drusen had powers that many in the wizarding world envied, he was in great peril at the age of seventeen. He had officially finished his training and the very day he was set to graduate from Hogwarts, he was kidnapped." Professor Hubert said, catching the attention of the class, but specifically Hermione.
"During his kidnapping however, Aurelius did something that many would never think of, he left behind a clue for the people searching for him to find. He hoped this would help them locate him. The clue was the pin he had ripped off his kidnapper's robes and dropped on the ground before they Apparated away with him." She paused giving them time to write down the information.
"However, that wasn't the only clue that Aurelius used to steer his rescuers to his location. His kidnapper was rather smart and moved him from place to place. Aurelius always left something behind. At one point, the clue Aurelius left was a note, explaining exactly who the kidnapper was and where he'd most likely be taking him next."
"Osiris Drusen, Aurelius' older brother, was the head of the search party and always located the clues his brother left behind. When Osiris found the note, it was hidden in the frame of a picture." Professor Hubert explained, "The note, we now know, said very few words, but those words saved Aurelius' life." She said, pointing her wand at the blackboard as the words appeared in white chalk.
Ivo Cabot
Cabot Manor Cellar
Hurry!
"Ivo Cabot was arrested and sentenced to life in prison while Aurelius went home to his family, powers intact." Professor Hubert looked around the classroom as she said, "The reason I find this story so important, is that none of the clues that Aurelius left behind were left by using any sort of magic. He was enormously skilled with magic and yet he used muggle techniques to help his brother find him." She looked at the time and nodded, "Your assignment that is due at our next class is to write half a foot of parchment about the use of muggle techniques in the magical world and their benefits as well as their disadvantages. You are all dismissed."
Hermione furrowed her brow, her mind going over the story as she remained seated.
Pansy looked over and frowned, "Are you all right?" She asked
Hermione swallowed, "Yes." She said, "Erm…I won't be in Herbology." She said as she gathered her things.
Pansy nodded, "Okay. Are you sure that you are all right?"
Hermione swallowed, "I've just thought of something important is all. Thank you, Pansy. I'll see you later." She said before swiftly leaving the classroom.
She didn't run but she walked at a fast pace back to the Eighth Year Dormitories and up to her dorm room.
Hermione set her bag on her bed and grabbed the picture from her bedside table. She looked at the photograph for a moment as she sat on the edge of her bed. She missed her grandfather dearly. Seeing him within the wooden frame in her hands made her remember all the fun times they had together. She hoped that the golden birthday luck was truly working and that the feeling she had was meaningful. She turned it over and undid the back of the frame before opening it.
Her heart nearly stopped when she saw inside the frame, just behind the picture was a small, folded piece of paper. It wasn't like the parchment she used at school. It was a piece of ruled paper used in the muggle schools.
Swallowing, she picked it out of the frame and unfolded it.
Having not seen her grandad's handwriting in years didn't keep her from immediately recognizing the small yet neat scrawl.
Minnie,
I hope this finds you well. Think back to when you were little and the places we went. Do you recall the bridge where we hunted for monsters? To defeat the real monsters, you'll need to go back there.
I need you to look for your reflection in the brook as you sit on our boulder. Truly look for what you seek, and you will find so much more. It's such a divine place, full of beauty, wisdom, and treasures worth more than diamonds.
The key to it all is contained within your heart.
Trust yourself. You have the heart of a fierce lion; a heart made of gold.
Leo
She inhaled deeply and read it through time after time before finally setting it down. She was trying to piece it together. Everything written in the note seemed to have multiple meanings, but she couldn't be sure. She stood up and paced the floor, thinking over it all before catching sight of the clock on her bedside table. She needed to freshen up for her evening with Draco.
Sighing to herself, Hermione hid the note back in the frame and pulled her hair up before going into her attached loo and taking a quick shower.
When she finished, she pulled on a pair of jeans, a lilac tee, and a light cream jumper. She grabbed the note from the frame and slipped it into her pocket before rushing down to the Common Room where she found Draco and Blaise chatting.
Draco had already changed into jeans, and a hooded navy jumper.
"I'll see you tomorrow, mate." Blaise said, nodding to Draco before turning to Hermione, "Night Granger." He smirked in a knowing tone before walking off.
She nodded to him before looking at Draco, who appeared concerned. "What's the matter, Hermione?" he asked, reaching out to pull her closer.
She inhaled and pulled him toward the right staircase that led to his dorm room, but Draco stopped her, "We erm…we can't go up there just yet."
She licked her lips and tugged his arm towards the left stairs and his eyes widened. Blokes never went up to the girl's dormitories, but he could easily see that she needed to speak privately.
When they got to her dorm, Hermione raised her wand and placed a few charms and wards on the room for a moment.
She turned to Draco and inhaled deeply before explaining.
"In History of Magic today, Professor Hubert told us about these two brothers. One was kidnapped and left clues behind for his brother to find him. Eventually he did find him, and the last clue had been a note in the frame of a picture. I had this…this feeling that the story was important and relevant to me. So, I came back to my dormitory and looked in the frame of the picture of me and my grandfather. I found this note." She said, pulling the folded note from her pocket and holding up it out. She handed it over to Draco, who unfolded it before reading it.
He read through it twice before meeting her eyes "What bridge is he referring to?" He asked.
Hermione inhaled deeply, "Berry Brook Bridge in Richmond, near where my parents live." She said, "Do you think he's saying…" she paused, unsure about saying it out loud.
Draco tilted his head and nodded, "He does use the word divine." He looked thoughtful before asking, "So, you need to go to the bridge, sit on the rock you two used to sit on, look into the water?"
She nodded, "I suppose so."
"Did you two ever go fishing there?" He asked.
She shook her head, "No. We only ever played games and we would sit on a particular boulder and listen to the stream."
He nodded, "We could go to this bridge when we go to Charlie and Adrian's wedding. I know that's in about two months but…"
She nodded, "It is a while away, but we may need that time to figure out the rest of this note."
Draco looked thoughtful for a moment before clearing his throat, "I don't want to push past this." He said, motioning to the note, "But…" he sighed, "are you still wanting to celebrate your birthday tonight?"
She smiled and nodded, "Yes. I just wanted to show you what I had found as soon as I could."
He stepped closer to her, "What can I do to help you with this tonight?"
She shook her head and cupped his jaw, pulling him down into a deep, longing kiss. As they separated, she quietly said, "I am extremely eager about tonight. We can set this aside for the time being and look into it more tomorrow."
He nodded, looking at his wristwatch. With a small grin, he met her eyes, "Are you ready then?"
She smiled and nodded. Hermione gathered the note and her overnight bag, putting them in her beaded bag before she smiled, letting him lead her down the stairs and over to the boys' dormitories.
When they arrived at the door, he turned to look at her, "Are you ready?" He asked.
She smiled wider and nodded.
He opened the door and Hermione's eyes bulged in surprise. Blaise's side of the room had been transformed into a small living space. There was a large, comfortable-looking sofa and a coffee table with a platter of steaming nachos. In front of the table was a muggle television and what appeared to be a stack of films to pick from.
She turned and looked at the nervous blonde wizard.
"Do you like it?" He asked, glancing at her shocked smile.
She leaned up on her toes, crashing their lips together.
He smiled into the kiss and pulled back, "I'll take that as a yes." He chuckled.
She smiled, "It's perfect. And those nachos smell fantastic." She said, pointing towards the food.
"Well, let's eat then." He grinned.
The couple stepped inside and placed some wards on the room before slipping off their jumpers and shoes. They both walked over and sat on the sofa before grabbing a crisp from the platter of nachos.
"What film would you like to watch?" Draco asked.
Hermione smiled, "What have you got?"
He grinned and hovered the films over to himself, "Dirty Dancing, Grease, Pretty Woman, The Breakfast Club, Forrest Gump, The Princess Bride, Titanic and something called Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." He said, his voice held an amused tone.
With a small laugh, Hermione said, "That is quite a blended assortment of movies. Let's see…" She said, "Have you got any idea what any of these are about?"
The blonde wizard shook his head, "Not a clue but they were some of the most popular muggle movies I could find. Have you seen all of them?"
"I have but I would love to watch them with you. We ought to watch The Princess Bride." She said, pulling out her wand before hovering the disk into the player.
Something caught her eyes as she was about to press play. Across the room, next to a vase full of orange roses, was a cake platter with what appeared to be her mother's Victoria Sandwich Cake, resting inside it.
"Is that…"
He followed her line of sight to the small, eating table and chuckled, nodding, "Almost. Your mother didn't make it…I did. I may have borrowed your family's recipe book from your bag. I hope that doesn't upset you."
She shook her head, smiling at him, "I think it was extraordinarily sweet of you, love."
He smiled, "I hope it tastes good. I didn't use any magic since the only way I've helped you make it before was the muggle way."
"How in the name of Merlin did you find everything you'd need?" She asked, shocked.
He chuckled, grinning, "Well, the castle's kitchens are remarkably well stocked and Professor Lehrer, the Muggle Studies Professor, has got some sway with the house elves. He was able to help me conjure up a complete muggle kitchen down there. I spoke with him yesterday, after my Muggle Studies class and he was eager to help me out."
Hermione smiled, "You really did so much for me tonight."
Draco looked into her honey-brown eyes as he replied, "Of course. I'd do anything to make sure you know how special you are."
She leaned in and kissed his lips softly before pulling back and saying, "You do, Draco. You always make me feel special."
Hermione curled further into him and pressed play.
As they watched the movie, Draco traced the tips of his fingers along her arm, causing goosebumps to appear on her skin.
About halfway through the movie, after they had finished their nachos, she paused the movie and got up to use the attached loo.
While she used the loo, Draco served up a couple pieces of the cake he had made. He suddenly felt the nervousness that he hadn't expected as he heard the door open.
Hermione walked over and leaned against him, "That looks wonderful, love."
He grinned, "I hope it tastes all right. I've never made anything the muggle way on my own."
She smiled and grabbed a fork from the table. After taking a bite she beamed, nodding, "Draco, that's incredible!" She said as she got another forkful and lifted it to his mouth.
He grinned and ate it nodding, "Bloody hell, that's not half bad."
She laughed, "Draco, it's amazing. I'm so proud of you!"
He smiled, glancing at her lips before cupping her jaw as he leaned down, softly kissing her lips. He could taste the sweet raspberry jam from the Victoria sandwich cake on her lips.
She leaned up on her toes, searching for more contact.
He stepped slightly closer to her as his left hand came to rest on her right hip while his right remained under her jaw.
Hermione placed her hands on Draco's waist, pulling him even closer.
Soon they were both lost in the kiss and when Draco lifted her onto the table, neither paid much mind to anything else. Hermione simply spread her jean clad thighs, pulling him closer as they continued to snog. After a while he stepped forward slightly, accidentally knocking the table, which caused the vase of roses to fall and shatter, water spilling everywhere.
The couple broke apart at the sound, both breathing heavily.
Draco swallowing, licking his lips and pulled out his wand. After repairing the vase and replacing the flowers as it refilled with water, he looked back at his girlfriend and sighed, "Sorry love."
She smiled and shook her head, cupping his jaw, "It's fine."
He turned his head, kissing the palm of her hand before inhaling deeply and saying, "I've got a few gifts for you. Would you care to open them?" He grinned.
She nodded, "I'd love to."
Hermione slid off the table and went to sit on the sofa, while eating the piece cake. Draco grabbed three wrapped packages off his bed as well as a card and walked over to the sofa to join her.
He handed a small one to Hermione as he sat next to her.
She set the plate down and smiled, unwrapping the paper before opening the box. Inside, she found a white gold necklace with the Draco Constellation charm hanging on it.
"Draco, it's beautiful." She smiled.
He grinned, "To be honest, this gift wasn't one that I had planned to give you, but I saw it and thought you might like it."
"I do! Thank you, love."
He nodded, pleased, and handed her a larger package.
She opened it to find a copy of the muggle book 'The Alchemist'.
"I haven't read it." Draco said. "But I hear that it is a rather good read and thought you might like it."
Hermione smiled, "I have read it, but my copy is at my parent's house so thank you. It is a wonderful book and you, of course, are welcome to borrow it."
He licked his lips and glanced at the last package. It was a small, long, thin box and he handed it to her, feeling slightly anxious.
She smiled and leaned over, kissing his lips softly when she noticed his nervousness.
She opened the box, her eyes widening in surprise. Inside was a bracelet. It was rose gold with Sapphires and Moonstones in it. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and she knew that Moonstone was one of his birthstone options while Sapphires was her own.
She looked over at him, "Draco, this is stunning."
He smiled, "It's the Moonstones from the rattle my mother and father gave me when I was born. I wanted you to have something that has always been a part of me."
Hermione was stunned by his words and leaned over, kissing his lips softly once more. He kissed her back, cupping her jaw.
As the kiss deepened, Draco pulled back and smiled slightly, "Hold that thought, love." He said before adding, "I've written you a card. I know that muggles purchase birthday cards and write in them, so I thought I ought to do that." He said, handing her a purple envelope.
She smiled at the tinge that appeared on his cheeks at his words and opened the envelope before pulling out a card with an image of a woman reading while she pets her grey cat. Hermione opened the card and smiled, seeing Draco's handwriting underneath the generic printed wording of 'Happy Birthday'.
Love,
You have the purest heart I have ever had the privilege to witness. I feel beyond honored to have you in my life. You have become the most important person in my world, and I hope that you receive everything you wish for and more on your birthday.
Don't ever forget that I love you dearly and I plan to continue to show you just how much every day.
Happy Birthday, my love!
Yours,
Draco
She smiled and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, "Draco, that is very sweet of you."
He smiled, "I love you, Hermione. I hope that your birthday has been wonderful. You mean so much to me. I'm not sure how to truly express it but I love you and I hope that you know that."
She set the card on the table and looked at her blonde boyfriend.
His grey eyes were looking straight into her honey brown ones, and she could see that he meant every word.
She swallowed and smiled, "I do know that. I love you too, Draco." She said as she cupped his jaw, before leaning into kiss him deeply.
Draco leaned into the kiss, cupping her jaw
The snog was passionate but also slow and sensual.
Hermione's fingers, which were threaded through Draco's hair, tightened their grip, and pulled him closer.
The wizard leaned back, inhaling deeply and met her darkened eyes.
She smiled as he sweetly combed some hair off her face with his fingers. They both knew what they wanted to do and smiled at each other.
Draco stood up before helping the brunette up. They walked over to the bed, slowly kissing along the way.
Hermione reached for his tee and tugged at it. Draco instantly took the hint and lifted the fabric over his head and off his body.
The brunette witch inhaled deeply, looking at her boyfriend's solid torso. She had seen him without a shirt a number of times but in that moment, he appeared so much more attractive.
His muscles were flexed and although his scars were stark against his pale flesh, she knew she had never seen someone so fit.
Draco leaned in and kissed her lips, pulling her thoughts from the track they were currently on and back to the moment at hand.
She pressed her hands to his warm chest and moaned into his mouth, feeling his rapid heartbeat thudding against her palms.
Hermione pulled back and met his storm grey eyes and swallowed before reaching down to pull her own tee over her head.
Draco felt as if he might pass out when the lilac material of her tee lifted over her head, revealing a cream cotton bra with lace edging.
As she tossed her tee on the bed, she turned back to him and smiled, seeing his eyes examining her entire torso.
Slowly reaching out, Draco gently placed his hand on her side and pulled her closer, into a deep, sensual kiss. His mind was jumping from one thought to another, each thought however was completely concentrated on Hermione.
He focused on the softness of her lips and how she seemed to be an even better kisser every time they snogged before the velvety smoothness of her skin took control of his mind.
The sounds of her soft hums and broken moans were irresistibly enticing and when her hands moved up his bare back and through his hair, Draco let out a soft groan.
The anticipation he felt for what was to come, was nearly overwhelming and just as Draco moved to unhook the back of her bra, there was banging on the dormitory door.
They broke apart. Hermione covered herself up while Draco steeled himself, preparing to curse the daylights out of whoever was ruining their evening.
As Draco pulled his tee back on, Hermione did the same, noting to herself that the 'at ease' sensation she had felt earlier in the day was gone. Evidently Draco was correct about the Golden Birthday luck sometimes only lasting a few hours.
Draco looked over his shoulder to make sure she was redressed before opening his dormitory door.
Blaise was standing there with an apologetic expression but evident importance in his eyes, "I'm sorry, mate, but Wolfe's lackey, that Calum Fiennes is starting some shite with Weasley and Potter in the Common Room."
"Bloody Hell." Draco muttered and turned to Hermione as he grabbed his wand. "It might be best for you to stay up here since it involves Wolfe."
She shook her head and grabbed her own wand before the three of them quickly headed down to the Common Room, Draco and Hermione both despising Wolfe so much more for ruining their night.
To be continued…
A/N - I'm sorry it's been so long. I am doing better now so I am already working on the next chapter. Thanks for bearing with me as I grieve. You all are wonderful and so supportive.