A massive Thank You to all of my brilliant supporters, with a shout-out to joel miller, sam, Jimmy Adams, Jo Daviz, LegendaryWasabi, Optimum Prime and Jack Schriner. I would really struggle to keep this up without the support you guys give me. due to all the support, I have been getting over on my discord server /RQDCxg6 this week I am posting two updates. Drawing the Lines - ch 6 and my other current fic Harry potter and the stitch in time - ch 7

Chapter 6

Hermione was enjoying her birthday - at least so far; it was only breakfast, after all, but she had a feeling that today was going to be great. She had woken up this morning to find that her bed was surrounded by flowers. Most of them were conjured and would dissolve back into nothing by the end of the day, but there was also a huge vase filled with a rainbow of flowers that smelt divine. She didn't need the card that explained this was something from both Fleur and Harry. Fleur had apparently spent a bit of time recently teaching Harry the spells to conjure all the flowers, and Harry must have had Sassy deliver and arrange the flowers.

Hermione was a little surprised that they had breakfast in the Great Hall with everyone else, but soon learned why when Hedwig came swooping in with a letter for her. Hermione could tell straight away by the pale blue parchment that smelled of her perfume that it was from Fleur, and she wasted no time in ripping open the letter.

My dearest Hermione,

I wish from the bottom of my heart that I could be there with you today. And while it is a comfort to know that our time apart is only temporary. It does little to soothe the longing I have to be with you. To once again feel your lips on mine or the crushing pressure of your hugs. I even miss the cold evenings where we would just snuggle under a blanket by a crackling fire as we would just read. There are two holes in my heart right now and one is shaped so that only your presence can hope to fill it.

It has been trying to be back at Beauxbatons. Many of the girls refuse to see that I am in a committed relationship and have once more started their campaign of locking me out, lest I abscond with one of the boys that they have claimed as their own. Worse still are those that accept my relationship with both Harry and yourself but feel that I am using my power to build myself a harem, and that I might target them for myself using my allure to force them into liking something they don't. I can't even defend myself as to explain that a veela's allure only affects those who are already attracted to women, it would just confirm to them in their own minds that I am targeting them.

I have thrown myself into my studies. I am determined that if I must give up the time I could spend by your side for my schoolwork, then I will get the best possible grades I can, yet I fear that even should I get an Outstanding grade in each subject it won't feel worth the time I have lost with you. In part I wish that I were older, that I could be done with classes and exams so that I may remove the barrier keeping us apart, yet that age would itself be another barrier.

I shall have to wait until Yule before I can release myself of this longing for the embrace of your arms and the kiss of your lips. I have already made my travel plans.

Forever yours,

Love, Fleur

Hermione couldn't wait to write back. One part of Harry moving in with her family was that she missed out on the opportunity of the two of them writing each other love letters over the summer. True, in return she got Harry which was a lot better than a few letters, but she had read so many books with such beautiful love letters in them. The thought of sending and receiving such letters had a real effect on her.

As it was Tuesday, after a delicious breakfast of poached eggs and kippers on toast, they unfortunately had to head to class - well, certain classes. It was a shame that she had to suffer through potions (specifically the professor) on her birthday, but there was nothing she could do about that. Professor McGonagall's changes to the school, however, were felt there as well. She had changed who the Gryffindors shared the class with, and instead of having the class with the Slytherins and having to endure them as well as Professor Snape, they now had the class with the Hufflepuffs. It was a nice change as far as Hermione was concerned. While Professor Snape was his usual self, she and the rest of her house no longer had to deal with poorly disguised ambushes outside the Potions classroom where he was waiting to save the Slytherins from the consequences of their actions and take point from Gryffindors. She also didn't have to worry about Malfoy trying to throw something into her or Harry's cauldron.

After classes were finished, Harry had Hermione change into something nice (as he did the same), then whisked her off to the Room of Requirement, where she saw that either Harry or Fleur had had a brilliant idea. They had each set up a table with their mirror on it, so while they couldn't touch, it was like Fleur was sitting on the other side of the table. They were drinking the same wine and eating the same snacks, and once it was time for dinner they were eating the same meal courtesy of a collaboration between Dobby and Sassy with Tipsy and Swayze. They were even able to play a few games after dinner. Despite the distance, it was a brilliant date.

-ϟϟϟ-

My delicate flower,

I loved reading your letter. It was so beautifully written and I worry that my words will seem flat by comparison. I can only hope that practice will help me get better.

I must confess that your feelings of longing for us to be together are mutual. I feel the echoing around the empty space in my chest where you are supposed to be. I would have thought that because I am lucky to have Harry here with me that it would alleviate some of my longing, yet I feel that Harry's presence (while a blessing) only seems to highlight what is missing. I'm looking forward to seeing you at Christmas. As much as I love our mirror 'conversations', I can't wait to get you in my arms again.

About Christmas…as of a few days ago I am sixteen, and with that a certain barrier to the progression of our relationship dissolves. Do you think that is an aspect of our relationship you feel ready to explore, or would you rather wait? No pressure either way; while I am certainly looking forward to that I am content to wait as long as you need.

I'm sorry to hear about the girls of Beauxbatons acting like complete bitches. Is it truly all of them? Surely a lot of the girls who came to Hogwarts with you know how seriously you take our relationship. Though I suppose most of them have graduated like Alison has?

I can understand throwing yourself into your studies. The professors here are pushing everyone in our year to study like our lives depend on it. I swear that every single one of them thinks that they are the only one reminding us that it's our O.W.L. year. Every lesson without fail. It's like they think we weren't studying before, though considering some of the students they may have a point.

I have enclosed a box of Honeydukes' best chocolate for you. I know how much you grew to like them last year. I look forward to your next letter.

My deepest love,

Hermione

P.s. love you too - Harry

Fleur laughed as she read the postscript. It was just like Harry to add something so blunt to a lovely letter.

She was glad that her idea to write a love letter to Hermione had worked so well. She had also of course considered writing to Harry as well, but knew that with the mirrors Harry wouldn't appreciate it as much as Hermione. Harry needed to stay in contact with her just as much as Hermione did, of course but for him the mirrors fulfilled that function. The three of them had left their mirrors on all night while they just chatted and watched each other sleep twice now, and for Harry writing on top of that would be superfluous. He said everything he wanted to say and he heard every word Fleur had to say. It was Hermione and her love of the written word that brought about an exchange of love letters.

-ϟϟϟ-

Throughout September and October, the harassment of the students with lycanthropy continued, but it was more subdued. According to Hermione, it was pretty similar to the harassment that muggleborn students received…at least those that weren't the best friend of/dating the guy who fought a duel and cut off someone's hand in front of a lot of the school. Apparently a lot of the school's more bigoted students refused to target Hermione less they suddenly find themselves facing a pissed off Harry Potter. Harry hated to admit it, but there was a part of him that was proud of that. He was protecting his family. When he told Hermione about that on one of their date nights, she had said some things about primitive caveman responses, though Harry was convinced that the rather enthusiastic participation from his girlfriend later that night was an indication that Hermione seemed to disapprove because she thought that she should.

Half term came, and with it the first two official Quidditch matches since their third year: Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw vs Slytherin. On the first day of the half term week long break from lessons, Harry and Angelina were approached by the Hufflepuff seeker David Summerby and his captain Tamsin Applebee.

"Hey Potter, Johnson. Any chance we can have a word?" The Hufflepuff captain asked one morning right after breakfast.

"Sure Applebee, what can I do for you?" Angelina asked, no hint of hostility between them. Harry had only met Applebee on the pitch, but he knew she was in the same year as Angelina, so Harry assumed they knew each other well enough.

"Well, I was hoping that we could talk to you two about the upcoming Quidditch match." Applebee answered.

Angelina snorted in derision. "Come off it Tamsin, I have known you for six years now. What is it you want?"

The Hufflepuffs captain let out a sigh of defeat before saying "Fine. We don't want Potter to fly the Firebolt against us later in the week."

Summerby jumped in. "Potter, I only have a Cleansweep Six, so even on your Nimbus you will still have the broom advantage, but at least on the Nimbus it will be a competition rather than a walk over. I am hoping to play professional Quidditch after Hogwarts and the only way I can do that is if I impress the scouts. I don't stand a chance to do that against someone flying a Firebolt. And honestly, if you're looking at a Quidditch career, you should consider shelving that broom for a few years. If you beat me on the Firebolt, all the scouts are going to do is put it down to your broom advantage."

Harry shrugged, he felt for the Hufflepuff seeker but he wasn't interested in playing Quidditch professionally. If he was honest right now, the idea of sitting at home while designing more runic inventions appealed to him the most. He knew Hermione wanted to work at the Ministry and Fleur was hoping to work for Gringotts next year,, and Harry really didn't mind the idea of being the parent at home with the kids. "I'm not looking to play pro. Really, Hogwarts is the only real chance I'll have to fly my Firebolt."

That seemed to surprise the two Hufflepuffs; they didn't seem to have considered the idea that Harry didn't want to play professional Quidditch. Angelina, however, took a different approach. "Okay, what do you offer? Oh don't look at me all surprised, you want me to bench my strongest asset. So what's in it for us?"

"Fair play?" Applebee offered.

"Nope, that's what you get out of it, I'm no Hufflepuff."

"True. You sound more like a Slytherin right now."

"A true Gryffindor never brings a sword to a wizard's duel. A Slytherin would let you think they are bringing a sword and then set up an ambush," Angelina said. "You could owe us one."

"As long as it doesn't involve cheating, sure." The two captains shook on it, leaving Harry feeling a little disappointed.

"Sorry about that Harry, but there is still Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Also I owed Applebee for bailing my ass out of a problem in Potions last year. You're a way better flyer than Summerby, you'll still catch us the snitch and look all the better for it."

"Yeah right, with my luck I'll get accused of insulting Hufflepuff's skills or some such rot," Harry snorted.

The morning of the match arrived, and Harry and Hermione found themselves having breakfast with Ron, for the first time since third year. Despite the fact that Harry hadn't been talking to Ron for over a year now (deserved in Harry's opinion, as Ron had refused to apologise to Hermione after trying to kick her cat), the whole Quidditch team was eating together and Harry couldn't keep it up this morning. "Come on Ron. I get that you're not feeling great from the nerves. I felt the same before my first match. But you need to eat to keep your strength up."

"Don't want to. Not hungry," Ron grumbled as he fiddled with a goblet of pumpkin juice.

The twins were trying to help and lighten the mood, but their proclamations of their brother saying he wasn't hungry was a sign of the end times really didn't help at all. Ginny, who was sitting with the team showing solidarity as a reserve, hit the two of them with stinging hexes and turned to Ron. "Ignore the prats. You're a good keeper, but the match could go on for hours so you should really eat something. How about a bacon egg and cheese sandwich?"

"I still can't believe you agreed not to use your Firebolt Harry," the twins' friend Lee Jordan said from a little further down the table.

"Technically I didn't. You need to address that question to our captain." Harry threw his captain under the bus. He was still a little disappointed that she had agreed to him using his Nimbus. A part of him wanted to send his Nimbus home so that the only broom he had was his Firebolt, but he had plans for his Nimbus this year. Angelina was lucky that Professor McGonagall was no longer the Head of Gryffindor, if she had made a deal like that under the Scotswoman's time as the Head of Gryffindor, he wouldn't have been surprised if she would have given the Quidditch captaincy to one of the other members of the team.

After breakfast they all made their way down to the pitch. Harry turned to say goodbye to Hermione before disappearing into the changing room when she suddenly pushed him against the wall of the stadium and reminded him of their little pre-match good luck ritual by sliding her tongue inside his mouth and massaging his as they kissed. Eventually, Hermione broke off the kiss and as enticingly as she could said, "Good luck," before walking away with a little extra sway in her hips, her tail drawing his eye to her ass even more than usual. Harry had a huge grin on his face, and once Hermione disappeared around a corner he turned to look at the rest of his teammates. Ron was standing there slack jawed at the display, Alicia was smirking, having seen it before, while Fred and George had happy grins on their faces as Katie and Angelina slipped into the Gryffindor girls locker room.

Angelina was still developing her own style as captain, and her pre-game speech was mostly a copy of Wood's. Or maybe it was older than that? Harry had no way to know if Wood had come up with it himself or if he had copied the speech from his previous captain. Soon they were making their way out onto the pitch, Angelina shook hands with Applebee, Hooch blew her whistle, and they were off. Harry started searching for the snitch, all the while listening to Lee Jordan's commentary.

"And this is it folks, the start of another Hogwarts Quidditch season. We have the brave Gryffindors vs the determined Hufflepuffs. Before I begin commentating on the match, I have a note here from the Hufflepuff captain to read out. 'Gryffindor seeker Harry Potter is flying his Nimbus today rather than his Firebolt at the request of the Hufflepuff team, and we thank him for contributing to fair and honest game.' Many in this stadium will remember that Harry Potter flew a Firebolt during the second task of the Triwizard Tournament last year, where he flew against the internationally recognised seeker Victor Krum. I question the tactical choice of not using your strongest weapon, but I'm sure Gryffindor captain Angelina Johnson knows what she is doing.

So Hufflepuff are in possession. Smith passes to Macavoy, who passes to Applebee. She long passes to Smith but it's intercepted by Bell. Gryffindor in possession, Bell passes to Johnson who immediately passes to Spinnet, back to Johnson who avoids a Bludger but she is tackled by Applebee. Hufflepuff in possession. Applebee dodges a tackle by Bell, she dodges a Bludger, and a second one! She is approaching the Gryffindor hoops and it looks like this will be the first test for new Gryffindor keeper Ronald weasley."

Then a song started up. At first Harry thought it was from the Gryffindors, but he soon realised it was coming from the Slytherin students.

Weasley is our King.

Weasley is our King.

Weasley cannot save a thing,

He cannot block a single ring,

That's why Slytherins all sing:

Weasley is our King.

It was obvious that the Slytherins were trying to destroy Ron's confidence as Applebee lined up a shot. But then, something happened that Harry never would have expected from any Quidditch captain. Applebee stopped and called a time out. Madam Hooch was surprised that a captain so close to a shot at goal with an inexperienced keeper would call for a time out but it was her right to call it so she flew up for the time out.

Harry watched as the Hufflepuff captain quickly flew off to talk to her team, then after a quick conference with them she zipped over to Angelina. A few seconds later Angelina signalled the Gryffindor team to fly over. When he got there it was Applebee that spoke to Harry and his team. "Look, you did me a solid when you agreed for Harry to fly his Nimbus, and I'm not OK with Slytherins trying to undermine your player like that. What I propose is we reset every time they start singing the song. Don't call for a time out or anything, we will all just fly back to the middle of the pitch, wait five minutes, and start the play again from the beginning."

Now it was the entire Gryffindor team's turn to look surprised. By resetting the game when the Slytherins started singing to undermine Ron, the Hufflepuffs would be at a major disadvantage as long as Slytherin kept to the pattern of singing whenever a Hufflepuff with the quaffle approached the Gryffindor goal hoops. The 5 minutes break, however, would turn the crowd on the Slytherin chanters, as no one wanted to sit there looking at fifteen people (including Madam Hooch) just hovering over the pitch.

"I can accept most of that, but once the singing stops you should get a free shot at the goal. Like a penalty." Harry was surprised to hear Ron say, and both the twins clapped him on the back. Apparently ever since they had stopped being friends Ron had actually gone and grown up a little. They all agreed to that and the two captains went to tell Madam Hooch what was happening. Judging by the look on her face, the referee didn't like what they were doing, but there was no rule that said the players couldn't just hover there for 5 minutes or that they had to take a shot at the goal if they got the opportunity.

The game restarted, and both teams went back to their starting points. Lee Jordan's commentary echoed the confusion of the crowd. "Well, it looks like something has been decided between the two teams and it looks like they are going for a restart. Or maybe not, they are just hovering there doing nothing. I don't know what's happening folks, but it's certainly unique. I don't think I have ever heard of a Quidditch team just hovering and doing nothing in a game. Yet now we have two." Lee went on to try and entertain the crowd as much as he could by talking about articles he had read recently in Quidditch Weekly, which was somewhat amusing because Lee could only remember half the articles. After five minutes the game started again. "And it looks like the game is back on. Smith catches the quaffle on the off but is immediately tackled by Johnson. Johnson evades a bludger and passes to Bell, who tries to pass to Spinnet but it's intercepted by Macavoy. Bell tackles and takes the quaffle, immediately loses it to Applebee. But the Weasley twins are ready with the Bludgers and she drops the ball, picked up by Spinnet. Smith tackles but is unsuccessful and Spinnet passes to Johnson."

A few minutes later the crowd cleared on Katie as she took a run at the Hufflepuff hoops, but she was denied the points by a particularly good save by the Hufflepuff keeper. Harry continued his search for the snitch, he hoped that he could find the snitch soon, as if he could catch it early enough then all the stuff with the Slytherin singing would be meaningless.

Gryffindor had two more shots at the goal, but only one of them resulted in points before Hufflepuff had another shot at goal as Zacharias Smith managed to break through the Gryffindor defence before flying right at the Gryffindor hoops.

"Weasley is our King.

Weasley is our King.

He always lets the Quaffle in

Weasley is our King."

As soon as the Slytherins started to sing, all the players flew back to the center of the pitch and waited for the reset. The crowd really didn't seem to like that they weren't playing, but calmed down after the five minute wait. The cycle repeated itself three more times, and Gryffindor was up 50 points to zero when Applebee went for what was her third attempt at goal and the Slytherins started to sing.

This time, however, a large portion of the school started shouting at the Slytherin singers. With the crowd turned against the Slytherins, the two teams decided not to wait the full 5 minutes this time. When Macavoy took a shot at Ron next, the few Slytherins who were brave enough to try the chant again were quickly the victims of a few jinxes and minor hexes from their fellow Slytherins. Now, Ron faced his first true test as Gryffindor keeper. Harry held his breath, even forgetting about the snitch as he watched. He knew that if Ron saved this then he would be fine, but if he missed then he would probably fall way too deep into his own head, and at that point they would be better off switching to McLaggen. Harry really didn't want that, McLaggen was more of an annoying prat than Ron ever was.

Macavoy took her shot, Ron dived for it. The ball slipped through his fingers, but it must have just brushed them enough because it was now headed straight for the post. It bounced off the top of the hoop, and just before it could fall into it Ron reacted on instinct, spun his broom around, and batted the ball towards Angelina with the tail of his broom.

The Gryffindor stands went wild at what looked like an amazing save. Unfortunately, as per the agreement, it was now time for the Hufflepuffs to have all the shots at goal that they had given up. Ron didn't manage to save them all, but he saved more than he let through, and now it was fifty twenty to Gryffindor. Now the real game began. The Hufflepuffs seemed to get their second wind now that they could actually score points, and over the next hour the points difference reversed so that it was a hundred point for Hufflepuff to Gryffindor's seventy. But it was still only thirty points, so it would all be decided by the snitch. Compared to the rest of the match, the snitch chase was pretty much a let down, with Harry beating Summerby by almost two broom lengths. However, that was more to do with how much closer Harry was to the snitch when it was spotted.

The party that night in the Gryffindor common room was one of the best yet, which wasn't surprising given that the Weasley twins were the ones who threw the parties, and this year they had both their new products from WWW to show off and they were celebrating their little brother's debut on the team. The common room was filled with cakes, chocolate, and butterbeer, and red and gold sparks that were flying around harmlessly bouncing off everything. They partied until eleven, when Professor Babbling (who was in the common room the whole time) told them it was time to clean up the common room and go to bed.

A/N

OK I may have written out any opportunity to have them in my fic until now, but does anyone doubt that bookworm Hermione would love to send and receive love letters?

Summerby is the only name we have for the Hufflepuff seeker and Summerby was referred to as a he, so I gave him the name David because Dave Summerby sounded like an okay name to me.