Chapter 10

*Thanks to ArystaNyx for editing. And as always I don't own the characters, just using them for my entertainment*

"Boys!"

Harry and Draco came running into the Manor from the back gardens where they had previously been discussing the upcoming school year's plan to thwart off trouble. Harry suddenly hit something hard and fell on top of Draco.

"Ow! What did you stop for?"

Hermione laughed. "Hello, boys. Nice to see you."

Harry smiled as he took Draco's hand up. "Hey, 'Mione!"

"Well, let's get you settled Hermione then we can have lunch. It'll be nice having another lady in the house." Narcissa winked at the young witch as she guided her from the parlor.

The boys trailed along behind, stopping when Narcissa reached the door next to Draco's room. "Here we are. I had the House Elves tidy up for you. I hope you like it. I have you with the boys so you won't be alone." She opened the door to let them in. "You have your own bathroom and a wardrobe to add your belongings to. Dinner isn't a very formal affair, but we do like to look our best. Please, feel free to wear something of your liking in the wardrobe if you want. Now, I'll leave you to it. See you at dinner." Narcissa gracefully walked out the room, pulling the door to on her way.

Hermione done a sweep around the room. She loved it. She put her things away while talking to her friends."What have you both been doing this summer?"

Draco shrugged. "Nothing special. Mother made us do our school assignments early. We've been flying around the grounds and I've been teaching Harry here how to ride horses."

Hermione's eyes widened. "You have horses?" Draco nodded. "You must take me to see them tomorrow! I haven't rode in a long time."

"We'll make a day of it tomorrow. I'll see if Dobby can get us a picnic set up to take with us." Draco replied.

The rest of the afternoon, they just sat and talked. Hermione told them all about her trip to Australia. Draco found she was actually fun to talk to. He found himself hanging on every word she said. He hated how he treated her before, but now that he could start anew, he made sure she knew he really did care for her.

"Excuse me young Masters and Lady, it is dinner times in fifteen minutes." Miffy bowed to them, her ears folding up at her feet.

"Thank you, Miffy. We will be down shortly." Harry said.

"Alright you two, out so I can freshen up and get ready for dinner." Hermione shooed them out the room.

They both chuckled and headed to their rooms. The boys dressed in slacks and a dress shirt again. They were ready in less than five minutes. They stood in the hallway, waiting for Hermione.

"Hey, Potter." Draco whispered. Harry rolled his eyes. "Yeah, Malfoy?"

"I'm actually kind of glad we're able to start over. All those years of being a complete arse to 'Mione kept me from seeing how great she really is."

Harry smirked. "Yeah, she's amazing. She's always got an answer for everything. She's always there when you need her. I never took her for granted. She kept me safe when we were on the run when Ron abandoned us. He never truly appreciated her."

Draco scoffed. "Weasley always took things for granted. Especially you. Always hanging on your shadow."

"I'm beginning to see that now."

They both looked up when they heard Hermione's door open. They both just looked at her. She had on a knee length red dress with black embroidery on the hem and a slight puffy sleeve. She had her hair in soft curls pulled back at the top.

"What?" She asked.

Harry cleared his throat. "Nothing. You look great."

"You, uh, look amazing." Draco stuttered.

Hermione blushed. "Thanks."

Both boys held out their arms for her to take. She weaved her arms through theirs and they lead her down to dinner. Once there, Draco pulled her seat out for her and then say beside her. Harry took the seat next to Narcissa.

"Hermione, dear, you look absolutely beautiful in that dress." Narcissa beamed, quietly noticing her son's look at the girl.

"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy."

"Please, call me Cissy. Now, Lucius won't be joining us tonight. He owled and said he would be out with a client. So, let us four enjoy our evening and just talk." And that they did.

For the next two weeks, Draco showed Hermione the grounds, taking her horseback riding as promised. Narcissa showed her the library and helped her find what she needed to study her lineage. Narcissa let Hermione aquire a few books to take with her, Hermione making the promise to return them when she was done.

"Harry! Come here for a moment!" Hermione yelled from the bottom of the stairs.

Harry walked down the stairs to where Hermione was at. She gave him a smile and led him to the parlor. As soon as he walked in he was met with 'Happy Birthday!'.

"Why did you never tell me we missed your birthday?" Narcissa asked, hugging the boy.

Harry shrugged. "It was never celebrated so I never said anything."

Narcissa scoffed. "Well, from now on, we will celebrate every year. I know it's late now, but we will still enjoy it."

Harry did enjoy the day. Cissy had him a cake made and even got him gifts. A new dress jacket, sweets and a designer sweater. He thanked her for them, telling her he very much appreciated them. After the small party, Hermione bid them goodbye until tomorrow.

"Alright, do you have all your things?" Narcissa asked the boys. They nodded. "Good. Now, you boys behave this year. Write often, both of you. I'll see you at Christmas." She hugged them both before they boarded the train.

They waved goodbye and headed for a compartment. They found one and waited for Hermione. As they were putting their bags in the upper compartment, they heard voices outside. They looked at each other then walked to the door.

"Come in, Granger. Come join me in my compartment."

Hermione tried to push through. "Leave me alone, Ron. I'm trying to get to my friends."

Ron laughed. "Friends? Them? They're not your friends. I can be your friend. Come on."

"Hey! Weasley! Leave her alone!" Draco yelled as he walked towards them.

"Nobody is doing anything to her, Malfoy. We're just talking." Ron said, as he put his arm around Hermione's shoulders.

"Looks to me she doesn't want to talk with you. I suggest you let her go before things have to get ugly." Draco stepped forward again.

Ron took his arm from around her then pushed her. Draco caught her and helped her stand upright.

"You alright?" He asked, hands on her cheeks.

She nodded. "Yes. I'm fine."

"I suggest you leave her and us alone this year."

"Whatever." Ron turned around and walked away with Seamus and Dean.

Harry and Draco lead Hermione to their compartment and sat her down. Draco sat beside her, Hermione wrapping her arm through his.

"Ronald is such a prat!" She said, exasperated.

"I can see that. Don't worry, we'll make sure we steer clear of him this year." Harry told her.

They sat in comfortable silence for the rest of the ride. Hermione reading, Draco staring out the window and Harry reading his parent's journal.

Lily

James told me he was keeping a journal for you, our precious baby, so I decided to write in it as well. Where to begin? Well, I guess I can start with telling you about my growing up. I began to know I was different young. I didn't know what it was until I recieved my letter to Hogwarts. My parents were thrilled. My sister, Petunia, wasn't. Your aunt Petunia was always peculiar. She always walked around with her nose stuck up. I love her dearly, but she doesn't accept me for who I am.

Then one day I met Severus. An odd boy, but he was like me. We would see each other just about every day. We grew a friendship unlike any other. He was my first friend before Hogwarts. He would walk everywhere with me, even though we were in different houses.

As the years went on, I met your father. I liked him. Silly, always in trouble. Severus didn't like him and always tried to talk me out of being James' friend. One day, Severus became angry with me and called me a name no Muggle-Born wants to be called. It hurt, terribly. To think that's how he felt. But later on I forgave him. Even tried to befriend him again.

I never forgot Severus and his kindness to me. I wish things had gone differently between us. I'd love for him to know you.

Harry stopped reading when he hears Hermione get up.

"I'm going to change. You two best change as well."

When she left, Harry closed the curtains to the compartment. They quickly changed and stuffed their belongings back in the bag.

"So, what are we fixing this year?" Draco asked.

"Well, I know that in order to make sure Voledmort can't come back, we've got to destroy his seven Horcruxes. If we can get into the Room of Requirement, we can get Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem. And if I'm right, your father has his journal. We just need to see if he gave it to Ginny this year or not."

"Wait, aren't you a Horcrux?"

Harry nodded. "I am. Or was. Not sure anymore since we traveled back."

"We need to get you looked at soon. To make sure. If you are, I think I know a way we can have it removed." Draco quickly finished his sentence when Hermione walked back in.

"We're here. Let's get us a carriage before they're all taken." The witch said, grabbing her bag and throwing it over her shoulder. The boys followed suit and left the train. The three of them found Neville standing at the loading area.

"Hi Neville!" Hermione said as she hugged him.

"Hey Hermione. Hey guys." Neville replied, hugging Hermione back. The four climbed into the carriage and set off for their new year.

I am now four months pregnant with you, my love. Everyday is something new with you. I have began making your father go out to the Muggle world to fetch me foods. My latest is chocolate ice cream, potato crisps and pickles. What a combination! You're daddy has become more and more mature as you grow. Well, that is until your uncles are around. What a bunch they are.

Just yesterday the four of them decided your room needed redoing. They came out with more paint on the than your walls! I kicked them out and began the redecorating myself. I cannot wait to know what you are. No matter who you will be, I will always love you. Can I tell you a secret? I hope you are a boy. I want to be your first love, your best friend, and someone you can always trust with any secret. If you are a boy, I already know you will be my little Troublemaker because of who your daddy and uncles are. My little baby. You are already so loved.

"What are you reading, Harry?" Hermione asked, sitting on the sofa beside him.

"A journal I found in a trunk my parents left me. My mum and dad both started writing in it from from day they found out my mum was having me."

Hermione smiled. "That so sweet. Getting to know them through their own words. I'm sorry they aren't here with you."

Harry gave her a smile. "It's alright. I wish I could have known them, but I have this now." He held up the journal.

"I'm starving!" Draco groaned, plopping down in the armchair across from the others.

"You're always hungry, Dray." Hermione laughed.

"This time I really am! When is dinner?"

Hermione looked at her watch. "Lucky for you, it's in a few minutes. Come on, let's feed the monster." She pulled him by his arm and out of the chair.

"A woman after my heart! Taking me to eat at her expense!" Draco joked.

Hermione just rolled her eyes and laughed. The three went up to the Great Hall and to their table. They sat down and began to fill their plates once the food appeared. Harry sat where he could watch the Gryffindor table. When he spotted Ginny, he nudged Draco.

"Look. She has it. I need to find a way to get it from her."

Draco squinted his eyes and seen a brown worn leather book in front of Ginny Weasley, the girl writing furiously in it.

"I know of a way. Once you get it, how will you destroy it?"

Harry shrugged. "Dunno yet, but I think i know know way." Draco just nodded.

They finished dinner and left the hall. Before they knew what happened, Ginny rushed out, bumping into them.

"Watch where you're going, Weasley." Draco said, noticing the journal and kicking it towards Harry, without Ginny or Hermione, who was helping the girl collect her things, noticing.

Harry grabbed the book and hid it in his robes. Now all he had to do was find the right time to put his plan into action.

A/N: Hello my lovelies! Sorry it's been a bit since last update. Life. Anyways, here's a new chapter! Hope you enjoy!