Chapter 6

Hermione Apparated back to the front doorstep of her flat. From the lights on inside she assumed Ginny or Harry had to be home. After opening the door, she was surprised to hear the sound of multiple people chatting. The tempting smell of something cooking made her empty stomach clench. She had skipped lunch and hadn't eaten anything today, the coffee she had felt long ago.

"Shhhh! I think she's home!" Came a whispered shout from the kitchen and dining room. From the door, the kitchen was hidden from the person entering, so Hermione had to walk forward to see who was here. To her shock, the room was overflowing with many of her friends.

"Surprise!" Yelled Ginny, holding out a huge cake with sparkling candles. The cake itself was gilded with gold frosting and red rossetts piped on the top. And the sparks from the little fires turned into tiny fireworks of countless colors. Hermione watched as purple, red and green fireworks exploded around Ginny's ginger hair.

The rest of the company also shouted their 'surprises' and Hermione was delighted to see not only Harry, but Ron and Luna as well. George, Neville, Hannah were seated in the living room, whereas Bill and Fleur stood in the hallway with their new baby, Victoire.

"What's all this?" Hermione gasped, delighted. She was handed the cake and quickly blew out the enchanted candles. Once they were extinguished they disappeared and the cake revealed the words written there in glittering icing, 'Congrats on Blowing Up Your Lab!'

Hermione gave a snort of laughter, as Harry came over to give her a hug. "We haven't been able to celebrate your birthday because you've been so busy, so we thought we'd have a party now!" Hermione's birthday was nearly two months previous, but Harry was right, she had been too busy to celebrate. She had meetings scheduled the whole day and then spent the rest of the evening brewing potions.

Hermione's eyes watered, "Wow, thank you everyone. I really appreciate it." She rubbed away the stray tears that had fallen loose. It was times like these that Hermione thought that she had the greatest friends in the whole world. Who would have thought that almost getting bashed to death by an errant troll would lead to so much happiness.

"What took you so long 'Mione? Ginny wouldn't let us start eating without you!" Whined Ron who was already sitting in his designated spot at the kitchen table. Ron was a frequent guest, especially at meal times.

Ginny scoffed at him, "Don't think I didn't see you stealing cookies from the pantry ten minutes ago, Ronald Weasley." Her voice was becoming quite Molly-ish, but Hermione would never point that out unless she wanted to be the recipient of a Bat Bogey Hex.

Ron's ears turned red, "What? You have eyes on the back of your head now?"

"No, I'm just not blind to the crumbs littering your jumper, you idiot." Ginny and Ron often had spats like this, but they were usually forgotten and forgiven after dinner. Ron could get pretty cranky before meal times. Ron quickly rubbed the offending evidence away.

Ron looked at Luna who was sitting beside him and whispered in a defeated voice, "Why didn't you tell me I had crumbs all over my front?"

Luna answered matter-of-factly, "I thought you were making a particularly delicious fashion statement."

Ron gave her a radiant smile, "Aw, that's why I love you, Lunes." And gave her a quick peck on the cheek. Luna gave him a dreamy smile, it was like they were the only people in the room. Luna's happy face reminded Hermione sharply of Draco. If Luna of all people could find someone to accept her eccentricities and general strangeness, then it had to be possible for Draco as well. Hermione believed that once Draco realized that he was also a victim of Lord Voldemort, maybe he could learn to forgive himself.

Hermione set the cake down in the kitchen and quickly sat herself at the table, "Please everyone, you waited so long for me! Let's get to eating all of Ginny's delicious food!" There was a collective cheer of 'hear hear' and 'finally.' Everyone found a seat at the enchanted extended table. Even Victoire had a baby high chair conjured so she could sit with the adults.

Ginny and Harry got to work summoning bowls, spoons, napkins, and a basket of rolls before they brought over the large cauldron of stew. The cauldron was almost as large as the table and could've served an army. The smell coming from it announced that it was some sort of stew.

"Merlin, Gin! How much did you cook?" Neville gasped with wide eyes.

"Hey, once I knew three of my brothers were coming, I knew I'd have to at least triple the recipe." Using a conjured ladle, she gave out equal portions into everyone's bowls. Hermione was served first, of course, and once everyone was served they waited for Ginny to return before everyone tucked in.

Dinner was a triumph in Hermione's opinion, and not just because she was starving. The meat in the stew was lamb and it was delicious. Even the potatoes and carrots were perfectly soft, basically melting on her tongue. The spices provided a richness that could be appreciated by both scent and taste. It was like eating a bowl of Autumn. She didn't care if it was hot, and ended up burning her throat trying to eat it all. Hermione cleared her bowl before anyone else had even finished half. Then grabbed a roll and used the bread to sop up the broth at the bottom.

"I av never seen you eat with zuch passion, 'Ermione." Fleur pronounced passion like pass-syohn. Even after working in Britain for years, she seemed to cling heavily to her native accent. Hermione blushed, thinking she probably looked like a glutton trying to shove everything past the entrance of her lips. Bill was busy spooning some of the broth and softer veggies in Victoire's pink little mouth.

"It's ok. I take it as a compliment." Said Ginny, rubbing Hermione's hand. She gave a smile in appreciation. It was difficult to hear a criticism from Fleur, even after all this time, old insecurities were hard to kill. "You skipped lunch, didn't you? What were you even doing down in Diagon Alley all this time? Did you fall into an enchanted store that wouldn't let you leave until you bought something? I didn't see you come in with any bags." Sometimes Hermione thought that Ginny was wasting her time in Quidditch. She would make an amazing Auror with her astute observations and attention to detail.

Now everyone was finishing up their dinner and were looking at her. Hermione felt uncomfortable all of a sudden. She was now at a crossroads. She could lie to her friends and say she had gotten distracted in a bookstore, or she could tell the truth, but have to reveal she met with Draco Malfoy. She had promised that the reason for their conversation would be kept private. She decided to meet somewhere in the middle.

"Actually, I spent most of the afternoon at the Quiet Quill. It was a nice new bookstore, you were right, Ginny, it was perfect to spend an afternoon in peace." Hermione smiled at Ginny, who still looked sceptical. She always seemed to know when Hermione was holding something back. Another Mollyism.

"Really?" She prompted, still looking intently in Hermione's eyes. Now everyone was giving Hermione and Ginny their rapt attention.

Shit, I'll have to give something up, she thought. "Yes, and you wouldn't believe who was also there." They all waited for what she was going to say, "Draco Malfoy."

Anyone on the outside would think that she had uttered an indecent curse word. Spoons clattered and gasps ripped from all across the table.

"What the bloody hell would he be doing there?" Ron gasped.

George rubbed his damaged ear, "I must've misheard you, Hermione. For a second there I thought you said Draco Malfoy was at a bookstore."

"That's what I said," Hermione answered stiffly. This was not going the way she had hoped.

Ron whipped around to Harry. "Don't you find that suspicious, Harry? I mean first he was at the pub the same night we were, and now Hermione just happens to run into him at a bookstore?"

Harry's bright green eyes met Hermione's who gave a quick shake of her head. She could maybe get Harry on her side with all of this. Ron could get too carried away with himself sometimes. Even quiet Hannah Abbott had her eyes trained on Hermione. It seemed she wanted to say something, but as always, her shyness got the best of her.

Harry quickly averted his gaze, "We ran into Draco twice in a public space in a week. I'd hardly call that suspicious. Besides, were you planning on going to the Quiet Quill this afternoon, Hermione?" He took his glasses off to quickly wipe them on his shirt.

Hermione was quick, "No! I mean Ginny had just mentioned it this morning before I left."

Harry's eyes met his wife's. She responded, "Yes, that's true."

Hermione gave a sigh of relief, that had to be enough to get Ron off of her back.

Ron grumbled, his arms crossed over his broad chest, "Well, I still don't like it. As an Auror, Harry, you should have a team follow him."

"Over what? Drinking at a pub and buying books in a bookstore?" His voice was resigned, he didn't like disagreeing with Ron, but he could get overzealous at times.

The silence was taut with tension. Ginny was quick to nip it in the bud so as to not ruin Hermione's party. "Who wants cake?" Everyone's hands were raised, even Ron's, whose sour expression disappeared at the promise of dessert.

With a flash of Harry and Ginny's wands, the dishes were cleared and stacked in the sink. Then with a soft pop, everyone had a slice of cake in front of them. Even little Victoire had a small piece in front of her. She gave the icing a tentative poke and delicately licked her tiny fingers.

Hermione's of course was the largest, and had another sparkling candle stuck in the top. Now the fireworks were projecting things like cauldrons, cats, and books. All of her favorite things.

"A new product we're working on," George answered when he saw Hermione's questioning look. "Birthday candles that reflect what a person likes. Something a little fun. Not every product of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes has to blow up in a person's face." He gave a charming smile. "But that always gets a laugh."

Hermione giggled and was about to blow out her candle when the sparklers came together to form a large, long fingered hand. Hermione quickly blew before anyone could notice.

"I didn't see what that last one was. It looked strange." Luna said with wide eyes as she watched the smoke trail off towards the ceiling.

"I thought it looked like something with a bunch of legs, like some weird spider." Shuddered Ron, already digging into his piece.

"Yeah, it reminded me of some sort of clinging plant," added Neville.

"It was a cat." Hermione said at once. The long fingered hand was branded in her mind, but it could've been anyone's. There's absolutely nothing that would indicate it was Draco Malfoy's. Besides, he was already on her mind, so whatever magic was in the candles obviously hooked on her thoughts and made the image of the hand. Like George said, they were new. Probably still working out all the kinks. That was the story that Hermione used to convince herself.

"Hmm, I guess." Was all Luna said before taking her first bite of cake. Hermione quickly picked up her fork and began to eat. But she barely tasted a morsel. Hannah kept giving her strange glances out of the corner of her eyes.

Once everyone had finished their cake and the dishes were washing themselves in the sink, they all fell into conversations with each other. George said he had to leave to help close up the shop and swooped in to give both Hermione and Ginny kisses on their cheeks. He thanked Ginny for the wonderful dinner and wished Hermione a very merry unbirthday with a very Mad-Hatter-esque smile. Hermione giggled into her palm as he left the flat.

Neville also seemed to be gathering his and Hannah's things. They weren't the type of people to linger long at parties. Hermione seemed to be the only one who shared their sentiments. Ginny, Harry and Ron could go all night with their ragers. Luna often tagged along, but would, as always, drift into her own world.

But before Hannah could put on her coat which Neville was holding out for her, she grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her into the hallway. "Sorry sweetie, I just need to ask Hermione something really quick. Just girl talk." She opened the door into the small bathroom off to the side of the living room. With both of them in there, Hermione's back pressed against the cold porcelain of the sink, and the back of Hannah's knees were only an inch from the toilet rim.

"You said you saw Draco today?" She asked without preamble. They were so close that Hermione could see the few freckles dotting Hannah's nose.

Hermione sputtered, "Yes, he was just in the bookstore browsing." Cold sweat began to form on the back of her neck. What could Hannah possibly know?

"I've been trying to get Draco alone to interview him about his father's death, but it seems all of the Malfoy's have suddenly gone underground and refuse to talk to reporters. They said that they were only going to have a small funeral for the family and nothing open to the public. So, when you saw him today, what kind of books was he looking at? I heard from the grapevine that there has been trouble with the inheritance. Was he looking at magical law books, perhaps?" Hermione was shocked. She had never heard Hannah say so many words at once, but then again, as a reporter for The Daily Prophet, she was sure that the reporter who got to cover the Malfoy family would be promoted and probably be given celebrity status. She had to admire Hannah's spirit for a good story. But she was going to keep her promise, even if it meant having to sabotage her friend's career.

If The Daily Prophet got wind that Lucius Malfoy had returned as a ghost and was enjoying his lavish afterlife in the comforts of his old mansion, there would be riots in the streets. People would line up just to get a look at him. It would be pandemonium. Even though Hermione had always respected Hannah and her work, this was a secret that was not hers to share.

"No, really. Nothing like that. From what I saw he was just reading a new book on Nordic Rune Translations. Hermione had pulled a book that she had been eyeing for the last few weeks to make the lie seem believable.

But Hannah was undeterred. "Do you think the Nordic Runes could have something to do with the Inheritance Laws? Maybe a lost family treasure?"

Hermione tried to keep her voice even, "No, I highly doubt it. The Malfoys originated in France, didn't they? So, they would most likely be using Gaelic runes if anything." Hermione gave herself a silent pat on the back for coming up with that one so quickly.

Hannah's poor face fell, and it all but broke Hermione's heart to see her friend so defeated. "Oh, I see." They stood in silence for a moment, and Hannah gave a cheery smile. "Well, there can't always be gossip to spread to the masses. Neville will probably discover some rare new Herbology specimen and have me write an article on that." Her nose scrunched a bit. Neville was really the only one who got excited over Herbology articles. She wouldn't get many readers interested in a story like that. But nothing could really top the scandal of the Malfoys. Now that would have the readers buzzing.

But Hermione held firm, "I'm sure something will come up. The wizarding world always has something new to talk about."

Hannah agreed and they finally exited the confines of the bathroom. Neville was still standing awkwardly with Hannah's coat on his arm.

"Sorry love, just needed a private chat with the not-birthday girl." She pulled on her coat and together her and Neville said their goodbyes and left.

Hermione, now entered the living area where everyone had gotten comfortable. Bill, Fleur and the baby were all on the floor watching her every move. Ginny and Harry also stood off to the side, watching and smiling. Ron and Luna were still sitting at the dinner table chatting quietly with each other. Having a new baby in the family really brought joy to everyone. Every burp or giggle seemed to be magic in all of its own.

"Did you see that Fleur? I think she's doing something." It certainly looked as though something was happening. Victoire's pudgy face was screwed up in concentration.

Ginny was excitedly bouncing her leg, "Oh! Do you think she's going to do her first magic?" Victoire was at the age when magic could be known to first present, but she was still not even a year old.

Everyone waited with baited breath until Victoire let out a powerful fart. Everyone, except Fleur, who looked mortified, were attacked with a case of the giggles. Even Victoire joined in and clapped her hands.

"That's my precious girl!" Bill said, scooping her up as she began to tug at his earring.

"We zhouldn't encourage zuch things, William." Fleur said hotly. Her beautiful face flushed with shame and embarrassment.

"Oh, but it's just so cute when she does it!" Giggled Ginny. Hermione wasn't sure who was enjoying Fleur's humiliation more, her or Ginny.

Fleur summoned her baby bag with a swish. "Really, William, I think it would be best if we left now." From her tone, Bill knew better than to argue with his wife.

"Of course, dear." He answered, still holding Victoire in his arms. He gave the baby a little toss in the air, much to her amusement.

"Aw don't leave now, you didn't even give Hermione her present yet." Called Ron from the kitchen.

"Blimey! I nearly forgot," Bill said while handing Victoire off to Fleur. He started searching the pockets of his robes for something. "Here it is!" Bill handed over a small slip of paper.

"What's this?" Asked Hermione.

"I got a ticket from a raffle at work for a nice trip to the Amalfi Coast. Fleur and I were thinking of going, but her parents are coming for a visit next month and the timing just wasn't right. So, we thought we could give it to our favorite workaholic." His smile lit up his scarred face, and Hermione could almost remember him before the werewolf attack.

"Thank you! I really appreciate it! But I couldn't possibly accept this!" Hermione tried to brush away the gift, but Bill kept insisting.

"Why not?" Ron asked from his place at the table. "Kingsley said you didn't have to come back to the Ministry until your lab was fixed up, so that'll be plenty of time to go off on a holiday."

"Yes, and in last month's Quibbler, my dad wrote a lovely article about the Mermish Prime Minister's palace in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Perhaps you could take a tour?" Luna offered.

Hermione tried to hide her grimace. "I just couldn't accept something so extravagant."

"Don't be ridiculous." Bill said, before pulling her hands out and putting the ticket in them. His fingers closed her hands around it. "If anyone deserves a holiday, it's you. Please take it." His blue eyes bore into her own and she found herself agreeing without a second thought. Gosh, I'm such a people pleaser, Hermione thought.

So with the gift given, and the food gone. Everyone kind of went off to do their own thing. Bill, Fleur, and Victoire took the Floo back to their maison. And Luna and Ron Apparated to their home from the front stair.

Hermione drifted off to the window and was really looking at nothing, but her mind was whirling.

"So, what are you thinking?" Asked Ginny. She had snuck up on Hermione and it startled her back to reality.

"Nothing!" Hermione gasped, trying to calm her heart. She was actually thinking a great deal. A plan was forming in her mind that was completely convoluted and ridiculous, but then again, when weren't her ideas completely mad? Well if anyone could figure out a solution, it would definitely be the Brightest Witch of her Age. "I was just compiling a list in my head of what outfits to bring to Italy."