And now back to our regularly scheduled programming. Happy Hanukkah.

As the winter holiday drew closer, Hermione and Harry were facing much of the same problem. Mistletoe. What a horrible, awful plant. Yes, it might have helped her get Viktor and Esperanza together, but she only put them under it because she knew they liked each other. This was madness.

Between classes, she went to the lavatory and found ten girls chatting amongst themselves.

"Well, clearly he's just shy after his first relationship was a bust," said Romilda Vane. "He just needs a little nudge."

"I sure hope you aren't talking about love potions," said Hermione, pushing them aside so she could wash her hands. "I thought I made it quite clear in my self-defense lectures that assault is not okay."

"You just don't get it because you're Muggle-born," said Penny Anderson. "We're not using amortentia or anything! It's just to… make us a little more appealing."

"Oh, you'd need way more than amortentia to achieve that," said Hermione cattily, turning on her heel and leaving. She found Harry a few moments later. "Mate, you need to find a date for Slughorn's Christmas party. Or better yet, a fake girlfriend."

"Why?"

"Because as long as you're single, you're going to have girls plotting to drug you."

He made a face. "Well… what if we go together? You know, as friends."

"Yeah, we could do that, but I'm already planning on asking someone," she said.

"Blaise?"

"Nah, they're thinking of taking someone from the squad so we can all hang out together."

"Oh… well, what if I ask Luna? She's cool."

"Yeah, and xe's also dating Ginny."

"I thought Ginny was going with Dean."

"Where've you been?" she scoffed.

"Trying to ignore Ron doing his best impression of a venomous tentacula," he muttered. "I swear, Lavender thinks that any moment spent not snogging him is a moment wasted and he agrees."

"Hey, Granger," said Theodore Elliot from Ravenclaw. "I accidentally grabbed an extra cauldron cake and I don't want it to get smashed in my bag. Would you like it?"

Hermione took the potioned cauldron cake and flung it out the window without a break in her stride.

"Seems you have your own fair share," said Harry, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, but I'd never consider any of them."

"Why not? You're probably the most popular girl in school now. You have your pick of the lot."

"Yeah and half those boys want the connections I come with while the other half don't actually like how powerful and independent I am. They just want to be the first to break me."

"I don't understand."

"It's hard to explain," she said. "I just know that they don't actually want me as I am. They just think I have the looks and hope they can bully me to get the personality to match. Just like how all these girls want to date you thanks to your Chosen One status."

"Well, how do you know it's that?"

Hermione raised an eyebrow at him and he groaned, "Okay, fine, point taken. So, who do you think I should ask?"

"Well, if you really want to stir things up, you can invite Ron," she said. "He is your best friend and you don't even want to be there anyway. Maybe that bug up his butt about the Slug Club will go away once he realizes it's totally understimulating."

"I could," he said. "But I think Lavender might scratch my eyes out if I even suggested going somewhere she couldn't follow that wasn't our dorm or the loo."

"They'll calm down soon, I'm sure."

"Well, who are you going to ask to the party?"

"Erm… I'd rather not say just yet," she said. "Enough about my love life. Why don't you ask Padma or Daphne? I'm sure either of them would like to go and would understand keeping things strictly platonic."

Harry looked pensive. "Yeah, I guess I can do that."

"In fact, I think I just might bring them regardless."

"Would Slughorn allow that?"

"Viktor and Esperanza are coming as a favor to me," she said. "I think he'd let me turn it into a school event if I presented it right."

"So why don't you?"

"Too much effort, we're already planning a spring dance. Besides, I'm working on bringing up S.A.M.B. to all the important people there. Pamphlets and things."

"Hang on," said Harry, circling back around to their prior topic. "How are they getting love potions inside the school? Fred and George aren't selling them are they?"

"No. They've been selling kissing concoctions and the like, but a basic infatuation potion isn't really hard to make and the ingredients can be found in our potion kits and in the greenhouses. Though, if someone was buying them and sneaking them in, they'd hardly be detected by Secrecy Sensors. Unfortunately, their signature is in the 500 nanometer range, closer to true neutral whereas secrecy sensors pick things up in the 400 and below nanometer range."

"Oh… yeah, I think I remember us learning that in Arithmancy," he said, rubbing his scar thoughtfully. "So… that cursed book?"

"Would have only made it past if Char had confunded Filch. She probably could have been ordered to. I don't know and we'll never find out. Honestly, Harry, I don't think most poisons would be detected by the Secrecy Sensors because too many aren't inherently magical. You've got arsenic, cyanide, bufotoxin, tetanus toxin A, muscarine, tetrodotoxin—"

"Okay, I get it. There's a lot of flaws in the security system," he said. "But what if—"

"Harry, it's gonna be okay," she said. "We can just expect something to happen in January in line with my bad luck month, okay?"

"Okay, but I'll hold you to that."

"First things first," she clicked her tongue and said in a silly voice, "who you gonna ask?"

"Daphne."

"Hm?" Daphne had been sitting down next to Hermione and froze halfway to her seat.

"Do you want to go to Slughorn's Christmas Party with me?" Harry asked. He caught himself. "I mean… non-denominational gift-giving holiday party with me? It's not going to mess up Hanukkah is it?"

"Mate, Hanukkah is over," said Daphne.

"Er… is that a no?"

"Oh, uh, no. I mean, yes, I'll go to the party with you."

"Okay. Cool."

After third period when Harry and Ron had gone on to Defense class, Hermione sought out Char knowing that she had a free period this hour, too. Maybe she should conjure a bouquet of flowers or something. Or play it cool. Or ask in a roundabout way. She supposed she should at least find out if Char liked girls. She found her on the way to the library.

"Oh, hey, Nia," she said, offering a smile.

"Hey, Char. Busy?"

"I mean, we're always busy sixth and seventh years, but I can make some time for you. Actually, I wanted to talk to you."

"Oh, okay. Er, here or…"

"Why don't we go to the training room?" she suggested.

"That's fine by me."

Hermione stimmed as they walked in silence. The castle really was nicely decorated this time of year. Someone had taken the time to wrap garland around the bannisters and conjure twinkle lights around the portraits. As she suspected there were Nightmare Before Christmas references including a black and orange python lurking around the trees in the Great Hall and skeletons in Sandy Claws suits at attention next to the suits of armor.

The training room had not adjusted accordingly, looking the same as it always did. Hermione sat down on the bench next to the wall and Char sat next to her.

"I need to admit something," said Char.

"Okay."

"Back when I dated Ce… well… you know…"

"You can say his name."

"Alright. When I was dating Cedric, I told him that I was breaking up with him for not making enough time for me," she said. "Well, that was partially true, but the real reason is that… well, there's always been this little joke that started when I was dating him and kept going even after we broke up."

"And what joke was that?"

"The girls always said, 'Whoever was dating Cedric Diggory was dating Hermione Granger, too.'"

"Funny. I never heard that one. I take it that bothered you?"

"Yes, but not for the reason you might think," she said. "See, they kept teasing me about it and I realized I didn't hate the idea. Of dating you, too. That scared me and so… so I said those things to Cedric hoping he'd assure me that it should be him and me and that backfired. And then, I thought I liked Harry and I think I did. I enjoyed his company but… you and Cedric got together and I was… jealous. I think… part of me wanted what you two had but mostly I just wanted you."

"Me?"

"Yes. And look, I know you're trying to get Cedric back, but is it okay if I just… like you?"

Hermione laughed. Why did she always laugh? Char flushed bright red and Hermione grabbed onto her hand before she could decide to leave.

"I was looking for you because I was going to ask you to Slughorn's Christmas Party!" she said.

"You were?"

"Yes! Urgh! I've been so confused about this whole thing."

"Me too!"

"Well, this is good," said Hermione, linking their fingers. "We can be confused together, then. I mean… I'm still going to try to strong arm the Ministry into pardoning him so he can at least get his life started at Kilokilo, but… is it wrong to like both of you at the same time?"

"I liked the two of you at the same time," said Char. "Why are you crying?"

Hermione swiped her cheek. "Too many feelings at once. I'm sorry, I'm just… I'm a mess."

"I understand." Char tucked her hair back. "I… I don't expect you to just forget about him, but I am happy that my feelings aren't entirely unrequited."

"As long as you know what you're getting with me," said Hermione. "Teen lawyer, rebel vigilante, doesn't know when to quit?"

"I like you as you are," said Char. "It's good you are the way you are, or I'd still be stuck in that book. I know who you are, Nia, and I know you're dealing with a lot. If I'm unable to help, I can at least support you."

Hermione leaned against her, pressing her face into her shoulder.

"How about this," said Char. "We go to the party as dates, but why don't we wait until after the holiday before we go… official?"

"I think I can live with that," said Hermione. "Any big plans?"

"Well, we don't really celebrate Christmas," she said. "But we usually have a little Lunar New Year celebration since I can't come home from school to celebrate."

"I'm planning on making bao with the elves that day."

"I've had bao but I've never made it."

"Well, you're welcome to join us," said Hermione. "I'm roping all my friends into it. Papí always said that nothing brings people together like a good meal or tears it apart faster than cooking together."

Char giggled. "I think I will, if Marietta can come too."

"Of course. She's your best friend, of course she's invited."

"We lost a lot of our friends after she told on the D.A.," said Char. "She and I had a huge row over it, too, but she is sorry."

"I know she is. I don't blame her and neither did Cedric," said Hermione. "I blame the system and the domino effect that led to the D.A. even being necessary in the first place, but blame doesn't really matter now does it? It's done. It happened. All we can do now is… pick up the pieces. I don't know why they're making all this fuss anyway. It's not like she turned in a mysterious Firebolt to McGonagall."

The corner of Char's mouth twitched.

"Do you feel okay going to dinner?"

Hermione scrubbed her face on her sleeve and nodded. "Yes. I'm alright. I imagine Cormac is waiting to ask me to the party. Again."

"You know," said Char with a small grin, "if he does ask you, you can just yell across the hall and ask me and I'll say yes."

"Yeah? Not afraid of what others might think?"

"Not anymore."

Hermione smiled, her heart pounding madly. "Well… I'm planning on wearing a suit to the party."

"What color?"

"The base color is yellow and then it's got all these blue, green, pink, and gold flowers embroidered on it. It's choice. I think if you pick any of those colors it should be fine."

"Good to know. Shall we go to dinner?"

"Yes. I'm very hungry all of a sudden."

Hermione and Char left the training room and walked down to dinner.

"Oh, are you taking movie requests yet?" asked Char.

"I think so. Any requests?"

"Well, I'd like to watch that Kiki movie. I only saw the last half."

"You got it. It'll be the first one I play when we get back from holiday."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

They parted ways in the Great Hall and Hermione sat with her friends while Char sat with Marietta.

"Hey," said Harry. "Where've you been?"

"Around. What's up?"

"Been dodging love potions," he said. "Why don't Fred and George sell actual love potions? I would think this'd be right up their alley."

"Mm, well, remember Valentine's Day our fourth year?" When he nodded, she continued. "According to Viktor, they read some of the fan mail he received with those potioned candies. Disturbing things he'd been receiving since he was fifteen. They realized a lot more harm than good can come from love potions and decided to stick with kissing concoctions and perfume that smells like amortentia."

"Ah. And that one potion that was supposed to just tell you how attracted somebody was to you was faulty."

"Right. I imagine there will be an uptick around the actual holiday so… it might be best to only eat or drink things that you watched get prepared or prepared yourself. Or you can get yourself a girlfriend."

"Oi, Granger."

Hermione groaned as Cormac leaned over her.

"Rule Three?" she asked.

Blaise shook their head. "Use your words. They hurt more."

"You are a hard girl to track, you know that?" said Cormac.

"There's a reason for that."

He really was trying a public asking out now.

"So, old Sluggy's party is coming up soon and neither of us have dates, so how 'bout we go together?"

"CHAR!" Hermione bellowed and her crush poked her head up above the crowd. "You wanna go to Slughorn's Christmas party with me?"

"Yes!"

The Hall went silent. Hermione grinned at Cormac, who looked completely flummoxed. "Got a date. Now stop asking."

"You and Diggory make so much more sense now," said Theo.

Cormac spluttered. "But—but—I… er… you!" he pointed to Padma. "Go with me, yeah?"

"She can't," said Blaise. "She's my date. We can't break up the squad."

"Exactly," said Padma.

"What about you?" said Cormac. "Dabney."

Harry snapped out of staring at Hermione. "Oi! Daphne is my date!"

"I don't think he's been rejected before," said Daphne as Cormac turned purple. "I think you broke something."

"This has got to be a joke," he said. "I mean, you're just a little bi-curious, right Granger?"

"You heard wrong," said Hermione. "I'm a little bi-furious. Keep pushing me and you'll see the fury."

He balled his fists and stomped off. Hermione snorted and spooned food onto her plate.

"Are you really going with Char?" asked Harry.

"Yes. Why?"

"Well, it's just… it's weird! She's my ex-girlfriend! And your boyfriend's ex-girlfriend!"

"Ex-boyfriend," said Hermione stiffly. "He broke up with me, remember? Look, if you still have feelings for her—"

"I don't."

"—that's just too bad." She huffed. "Look, I don't want to fight about this. Can't you just… I don't know… think about what might make me happy for once? Besides, Char and I aren't going steady or anything." Yet, she added silently. "But I like her and I want to go on a date with her."

"Okay. Fine. Do whatever you want."

"I already do."

"Good."

"Good!" Hermione turned her attention to her plate and started separating the vegetables out.

"Well, it could be worse," said Daphne. "She could have asked Draco to dye his hair black."

Harry choked on his chicken and Hermione laughed.

By the last class before the party, Harry had gotten used to the idea of Hermione and Char together. Or at least, he accepted that they would be attending the Christmas Party. Ron seemed a little miffed that he didn't receive a plus-something invitation until Hermione suggested that everyone else just have their own party in the Great Hall during the last prefect meeting. It took off and there would be a little celebration with enchanted instruments and a buffet of junk food. Nothing fancy, but the Great Hall was already decorated for the occasion, so it just made sense.

During Transfiguration, they were working on human transfiguration and had to practice charming their eyebrows a different color. Hermione was comfortable with color charms and was playing with charming her locs different colors by running her hands over them. Parvati and Lavender were calling out requests like she was a metamorphmagus. Ron had managed to give himself a particularly awful handlebar mustache, which Hermione snapped a picture of immediately.

"Well, I'd like to see you do better," he said, then cringed, realizing she had done better and his words made no sense.

"Alright, I will." Hermione rubbed her hands against her cheeks and dragged them down, giving herself a bluegrass beard.

Harry wheezed, falling out of his chair and Ron snorted, burying his face into the desk.

"Dumbledore wishes he had a beard like mine," she said, stroking it.

"Miss Granger, you're meant to be charming your eyebrows," said Professor McGonagall.

Hermione grinned and vanished the beard, also removing Ron's mustache.

"I think I've got human transfiguration down, Professor," she said, running her locs through her hands to charm them turquoise. She changed her brown eye to blue, but wasn't able to charm the other one. The color leeched out of the hair that was white too. Not much to be done about that. She reached over and swiped her fingers through Harry's fringe, turning it red. "If I do something really extraordinary, could I get house points for it?"

"Depends on what it is."

Hermione shrank down into her otter form and climbed onto her desk.

"What do you think?" she asked and posed. "My seam straight?"

"Since when are you an animagus?" Ron gasped.

"Cute, right?" Hermione smushed her little face. "I can make anyone bow to my will in this form."

"You're so adorable!" Lavender gushed.

"When did you achieve this?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"A year ago."

"Well, it is quite impressive to achieve this at such a young age. Go on and take fifteen points. You've proven yourself more than competent at self-transfiguration."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Have you registered with the Ministry?"

"The Ministry of the United Communities of the Caribbean? Yeah."

"Not the Ministry here?" Ron asked.

"I thought we've been over this. I'm not technically a citizen of this country. Hermione Granger had documents made, Herminia Sanchez is still a legal citizen of Hawaii and the Dominican Republic."

"I thought animagi couldn't talk in animal form," said Blaise.

"Most can actually, it's just seen as unnerving. I'm already unnerving, so I have no qualms."

"That's for sure," Draco scoffed.

"Quiet, you." Hermione turned back to her human form and swung her legs. She was feeling antsy. Maybe it was the party tonight.

A pair of hands covered her eyes and she tipped her head.

"Guess who?" said a voice.

"Someone who's looking for a 10% discount at the nail salon?" she asked and the hands quickly moved. She turned around to find a boy with brown skin and curly brown hair. "Um…?"

"Oh, right!" He dug his fingers around the edge of his face and lifted it away. With a flash, Alejandro was standing there in all his troll glory. "Surprise!"

He had dressed up in fine robes and had several crystals sitting on his chest.

Hermione screamed, jumped to her feet, and hugged him, pressing a swift kiss to his cheek. "I didn't think you were coming!"

"Mamá gave me permission," he said. "The mask is so I can go around without alarming people. I sort of forget I have it on."

"I'm really glad you're here!"

"And where's my hug?" Bernice asked.

Hermione screamed again at a higher volume and lifted her off her feet before kissing her cheek.

"Anyone else from our crew coming?"

"Nah," said Alejandro. "Cássia and Quripuma wanted to, but they're talking about a summer trip and Márcia wanted to stay home."

"I understand. I'm so excited to see you. You'll have to meet my friends."

"Oh, Miss I'm-super-unpopular has friends now?" Bernice teased.

"It seems I turned it all around," said Hermione. "Er… we are disrupting class. Sorry, Professor."

"It is important to entertain guests," said Professor McGonagall. "As it is the holiday, we will call class dismissed. If you need help reverting anything, please see me."

"You know, I quite like the red in my fringe," said Harry, studying himself in the mirror.

"So, Bernice, since you're here, I take it to mean my parents and sister are with my parents and brother?"

"That's right," she said. "Your parents are really cool, Nia. This apprenticeship is hard work, but I really feel like I'm learning a lot. Hana is arranging for me to have medical training so I can get on the track to being a Potions Master."

"That's wonderful. What are we doing with the living situation?" Hermione asked, tallying up the number of visitors. "I don't think my parents' house can fit all of us."

"Eh, the floor is fine," said Bernice. "I'm getting spoiled with indoor water sources though."

"If you need rooms, my place has plenty," said Harry. "Don't worry about it, Nia, Sirius and I will put them up."

"Well, that's settled then," said Hermione. "Thanks, Harry!"

She hooked her arms with Alejandro and Bernice. "Let me give you a quick tour of the castle before I have to get ready for the party. Any sign of Viktor and Esperanza?"

"Mm, not that I know of," said Bernice.

"Well, they are pretty busy, but they'll show up eventually."

"TROLL IN THE CASTLE!" a girl screamed.

"A troll?" Alejandro gasped. "Where?"

Hermione snorted. "Give 'em a minute. Once they see you're with me they'll chill out."

"Or they'll be too terrified of your wrath to make a fuss," said Daphne.

"Nah, we just got to tell them all he's a prince," said Bernice.

"Prince?" said Blaise.

"The monarchy ended centuries before I was born," Alejandro reminded her and she shushed him.

Hermione wasn't able to find anyone else before she had to get ready for the party, so she just had Bernice and Alejandro wait in the Slytherin Common Room while she and Daphne went to their dorm. Hermione showered that morning, so she sat down at her desk to do her makeup.

"Is this alright, do you think?" Daphne asked, twirling around in her black cocktail dress. It was elegant with long sleeves, a high-collar, and a tulle skirt.

"Well, it is a party, not a funeral."

"It's still early."

Hermione chuckled. "What if we try…" She flicked her fingers and gold sparkles settled on the skirt.

Daphne smiled. "Perfect."

When they were ready, they hooked arms and went back to the Common Room to collect Alejandro and Bernice who were talking with Shaylyn, Gracie, and Blaise.

"I really like what you did with your hair, Nia," said Bernice. "Dreadlocks suit you."

"Thanks," she said. "They require a lot of care—well not a lot, just different than I'm used to—but I've really grown to like them."

Their group left the Slytherin Common Room and went up to collect Char and Padma from Ravenclaw Tower. Hermione told Alejandro and Bernice all about the history and the old sections and what had been added later. She didn't get a chance to demonstrate how the eagle knocker worked when Padma, Char, and Luna exited, ready for the party.

"Char, Luna, these are my friends: Alejandro and Bernice."

"Hi," said Alejandro. "He/him."

"Luna Lovegood. Xe/xem," said Luna, shaking his hand.

"She/her," said Bernice.

"I hope you don't mind that I invited Neville too," said Padma. "Since all of us are going to Slughorn's party and Susan and Hannah are still gone and he doesn't get on much with anyone at the party in the Great Hall."

"I don't mind," said Hermione. "Let's go get the others."

She offered her arm to Char and she took it.

"You look really pretty by the way," she said.

Char smiled. She had gone with pretty turquoise robes and wore her hair up with a silk flower. Hermione thought they matched up pretty well. While they went to Gryffindor, they were hailed down by Cecilia and Tonks.

"Wotcher!" said Tonks. "We heard there was a party and—whoa! Look at you!"

"I know, I look good, right?" said Hermione.

"I think she means me," said Alejandro. "I stand out."

"Well, your necklace is pretty big," said Bernice.

"I take it you two want to tag along with us?" said Hermione.

"Zaza is going to be here," said Cecilia. "And it would be weird to crash the kid's party."

"Hello!"

Harry, Ginny, and Neville, all in dress robes, hurried over to greet them.

"Epa, everyone is here," said Hermione. "Okay, I'm going to get all of us into the party, but we're not just there to have fun. There's going to be some very important people at that party, and if we play our cards right, I can finally get S.A.M.B. to take off in this area. At the very least they'll be talking about it. Viktor and Esperanza know what's up and agreed to get Slughorn on board. I just need all of you to bring it up within earshot of everyone else. I've got pamphlets that will explain what S.A.M.B. is." She passed them out so everyone had about five. "Everyone clear?"

"Crystal," said Luna.

"Bueno." Hermione took a deep breath and hooked her arm with Char's. "Game on."

"Game on," echoed Daphne.

Their party of thirteen went to the hall Slughorn was hosting his Christmas Party in. He was at the door greeting guests as they arrived and blinked in surprise at Hermione.

"Miss Sanchez y Granger!" he said. "I said you could bring a plus one!"

"They don't come separately, sir!" said Hermione.

"Aye, we're pack animals, Professor," said Neville.

"Oh… oh, very well," he said. "Enjoy the party, all of you."

"Thank you, sir!" said Hermione. "These are my friends from Castelobruxo. Bernice is my mom's apprentice, and Alejandro is from the Hearthstone in Venezuela. His family is in charge of crystal production."

Professor Slughorn warmed up instantly towards them, shaking their hands while the others quickly filed in. The room had been decorated to look more like a large tent with festive hangings of red, green, and gold. The great lantern hanging from the center of the ceiling cast a warm glow while people from all walks of fame milled around chatting to one another while house-elves in little white suits carried around trays of hors d'oeuvres. From the corner came the music of a band, but they couldn't be seen in the sea of people.

"Harry m'boy, I'd like for you to meet a dear friend of mine," said Professor Slughorn, pulling him and, by extent, Daphne over to a short, owlish wizard standing next to a tall, pale man.

"A vampire!" Luna whispered. "Oh, but it isn't Rufus Scrimgeour."

"Of course not," said Hermione. "The Ministry works very hard to keep Magical Beings out of their ranks. I seriously doubt they would allow one to become the Minister." She stooped down so she could look under a tray at an elf. "Is he paying you extra for this?"

"Yes, Miss!" Bobble squeaked.

"Great." She straightened up, grabbed drinks for herself and Char, and looked around the room. Where were Esperanza and Viktor? Eh, Esperanza was probably just on island time. Or they were being held up by fans. "Come on, Char, let's go see if the vampire over there is interested in S.A.M.B."

"Remember, Nia," said Blaise. "Grace, charm, poise." They went over to Alejandro. "So, tell me more about crystal production."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. Huh! She walked with Char over to Sanguini the Vampire. Harry was looking like he'd rather be anywhere else while Mr. Worple spoke to him.

"If you were prepared to grant me a few interviews, say in four or five-hour sessions, why, we could have the book finished within months. And all with very little effort on your part, I assure you—ask Sanguini here if it isn't quite—"

"Sanguini!" said Harry. "Have you met Nia?"

"I have not," he said.

"Hi," said Hermione, offering her hand. "Nia Sanchez, Founder of the Society for the Advancement of Magical Beings."

"I've never heard of such a thing!" said Mr. Worple, looking peeved his attempt to schmooze Harry had been overturned.

"Oh, they're quite famous in Brazil and Bulgaria," said Char.

"Yes, we strive for the anti-discrimination and equity in society for all magical beings," said Hermione, bringing out a pamphlet and offering it to Sanguini.

He accepted it and skimmed through it. "What is your plan for Vampires?"

"Anti-discriminatory laws for employment, flexible hours to coincide with nighttime for those vampires who are particularly sensitive to sunlight, and for the ones who have allergies to I-can't-believe-it's-not-blood, an access to a blood bank where they are given rejected blood as their heightened immune system kills the things that shouldn't be there. Trust me, Señor Sanguini, I went over all this with my teacher Dr. Nakamura, who is a vampire herself. Of course, I would be happy to take up correspondence to hear any other grievances you might have."

"Ah, yes," said Professor Slughorn. "You have mentioned S.A.M.B. once or twice."

"Extraordinary," said Mr. Worple, taking the pamphlet from Sanguini to look at. He gasped. "Oh! You were in the papers. You're Hermione Granger, aren't you? Yes, your life is as interesting as Mr. Potter's here, if not more so! Proved the innocence of Sirius Black, caught Peter Pettigrew, and you're the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin."

"And she's up for another one plus a few more awards for saving me and nine others from a cursed book," said Char.

"Well, I imagine a biography of your life would be quite the read!" he said. "What do you say? I would be more than happy to take care of the tiny details."

Sanguini shook his head very slightly and his eyes read, "run!" Before Hermione could weasel a way out of that one, the door burst open.

"I hope you weren't too bored without me!"

Esperanza and Viktor entered the room looking quite fashionable in matching ensembles of black and gold. Viktor's hair was styled and his beard was sculpted while Esperanza's turquoise hair had been straightened and hung down her back.

"Ei! Over here!" said Hermione, raising her hand.

They glided over, the party guests fluttering around to talk about them and their fabulous attire.

"Hi, Esperanza! Viktor! ¿Qué lo que?" said Hermione, kissing them both on the cheeks. "I'm so glad you could make it. I know things are busy."

"Not too busy," said Viktor, hugging her. "Hello, again, Miss Cho-Chang."

"You remember my name?" Char whispered.

"And you must be Professor Slughorn," said Esperanza, shaking the man's hand heartily. "Nia told us all about you."

Professor Slughorn preened.

"Well, everyone knows all about you and young Mr. Zdravkov, my dear," he said. "Yes, sir, Viktor, I'm well aware of who your family is. The Zdravkovs were titans in the entertainment industry for centuries! One also hears of the ancient blood that runs through your mother's side, too. And Miss Sanchez, once a prima donna and now a rising star in modern music. Oh, I wish I could have taught the two of you."

"INCOMING!" Cecilia body slammed into Esperanza. "Glad you could join the party."

"Well, there is a lot to celebrate," said Viktor, beaming.

Esperanza giggled and hugged his arm. "Do you want to tell them or should I?"

"Together?" he suggested.

They nodded and announced. "We're getting married!"

Hermione screamed and jumped up and down, flinging her drink into the hat of some ancient wizard.

"Well, that is cause for celebration!" said Professor Slughorn. "My deepest congratulations to the two of you!"

"Do you two know of this Sammy business?" asked Mr. Worple, still perusing the pamphlet.

"Of course," said Viktor. "I am on board of Bulgarian division. President is my veela friend, Bily Borisova."

He flashed a wink at Hermione.

"Come on," she whispered to Char. "Viktor's got it covered."

"You have a set of lungs, Nia," said Alejandro. "What's going on?"

"Esperanza and Viktor are engaged," she said. "It was only a matter of time, really. They're mad about each other."

"Well, it looks like someone's under the mistletoe."

Hermione suppressed an eyeroll then got an idea.

"Good catch, McLaggen." She dipped Char and kissed her square on the lips, then brought her back up. "Thanks!"

"Tha—that's not who I meant!"

"Oh, I'm sorry. How rude of me." She kissed Blaise on the cheek, then beckoned Alejandro to stoop down for the same.

"You know, I think we need to try that again," said Char breathlessly.

"Or we could have a go," said Blaise.

"Who? Me, Char, or Alejandro?" Hermione asked.

"Hang on, I'm still thinking," they said.

"I meant you and me, Granger!" said Cormac. "My God, you've made this difficult. I've got twenty galleons riding on whether or not I can plant one on you!"

Ugh… at least Blaise was honest about it. But was it really still going?

"I knew I couldn't have been that popular," Hermione scoffed, narrowing her eyes. "This is all a game then, is it? Get the prude to loosen up?"

"What, you seriously think anyone would want to date you? The Wolf's sloppy seconds?"

Alejandro growled and lifted Cormac up by the back of his robes. The Gryffindor paled and suddenly seemed like a weak little kitten next to her troll friend.

"Only reason I don't challenge you now is to avoid a scene," he said. "But if you don't stop harassing my friend, we will have an issue."

"Yeah!" said Char. "Speak to her again, and I'll hex you!"

"Fine! I'm gone! Put me down!"

Alejandro dropped him and he scurried away. Hermione shook her head.

"I didn't know there was another one," said Blaise. "Or I would've told you."

"I know." Hermione sighed and turned to Char. "Sorry, for kissing you without permission. I didn't know how else to drive home the point that I wasn't interested in him."

"No, it's fine." Char smiled. "You know, I think I saw a plate of samosas go by. Shall we track it down?"

"Yeah."

"Hey, Nia," said Daphne. "Have you seen Harry? He ran off when Padma and I were schmoozing guests for S.A.M.B."

"No, I haven't," said Hermione. "Everything okay?"

"I thought it was," she said. "We seemed to be getting on well, but then Draco crashed the party."

"Draco was here?" said Blaise.

"Yes, that's right."

He furrowed his brow. "You know I hate to take the side of any Gryffindor, but Harry is right. Draco's been acting really suspicious."

"Has Draco said anything to you?" Daphne asked.

"No. He's turned into a real recluse. I think if we weren't roommates I'd hardly see him at all. What about you, Nia?"

"Why would he confide in me about anything?"

"Well, you are approachable," said Alejandro.

"I just meant, you're both prefects, so perhaps you know where he's been lurking."

Hermione pursed her lips and suddenly felt a sense of danger again. She looked up at the ceiling and tipped her head.

"The Room of Things," she said. "There's no time to investigate now, but perhaps we should after the holiday." She snapped her fingers. "Harry's coming back."

"What are we talking about?" Cecilia asked, walking up with Tonks.

"Stuff and things, quick be random, we need a topic change."

"Don't you ever get tired of being random?" Cecilia asked and looked at Tonks who had morphed her face into a duck bill. Cecilia nodded, sporting one of her own. "Yeah, me neither."

Everyone laughed more heartily than they might have as Harry approached.

"Oh, there you are," said Daphne. "Where'd you run off to?"

"Er… the loo. Sorry. Emergency. What are we all laughing about?"

"The comedy duo that is Tonks and Ceci," said Blaise. "You know, you really oughta consider finding a new alternate for Weasley. That McLaggen is most uncouth."

"Oh… yeah." Harry rubbed his temple. "I'm considering kicking him off the team. He seems to think he's co-captain most days. No respect."

"That's for sure," said Hermione. She looked across the way to see some wizard in conversation with Viktor and Esperanza. Their faces were frozen in robotic smiles and Esperanza reached behind her ear to switch off her hearing aid.

She owed them big time.

"Not much longer," said Hermione. "We'll have to have a real party soon."