Chapter 16

The morning of departure back to Hogwarts, the trio sat in the café near Kings Cross, sipping tea before Hermione had to board. They sat near the back as to avoid rubbernecking passers whom may have recognized the famous Harry Potter.

"So, tell me again, what happened to Malfoy when you two took that Polyjuice potion?" Ron asked, smiling. The two had smoothed things over during their short vacation. Ron had promised to send Hermione more letters, even if it meant losing precious sleep, and Hermione promised not to hold it against him if he couldn't.

"I told you, first our eyes changed, then by morning our hair color had changed as well." Hermione explained. "I cannot imagine Malfoy with brown hair." Harry chuckled. "And I couldn't imagine you blond, Hermione. Both of you must have gotten some major attention." Ron commented.

"Oh, yes. I was pretty popular for a moment. Not going to lie, it was nice, sort of for that moment. But then he…Well, he looked a bit silly, honestly."Hermione stifled a giggle as she finished her tea. They laughed all the way to platform 9 ¾ just before passengers were allowed to board. They were still early for the train, but Harry and Ron needed to get back to their training soon. The boys each hugged their school-bound friend, but Ron stayed as Harry went to leave. "Um, Hermione…I didn't get it wrapped, and things were a bit shaky to give it to you on Christmas, but now…Well…here." He pulled out a small, long black box from inside his coat and handed it to her.

Confused but grateful, Hermione took the box and opened it, "Oh Ron, you didn't have to…wow!" Inside was a silver necklace with a brilliant pink sapphire set in the center. "Ron, it's beautiful!" She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him. When she finally released him he spoke, "You know, in case you had any doubts about how I felt for you."

"Ronald Weasley, you should know I don't. But now you know for sure." She smiled and kissed him one last time before Harry called for his partner. "Sorry, Hermione, I got to get back to the torture."

"Be sure to write this time, please? And put some effort into it!" She sounded more like a demand than a request. She slipped the box into her beaded bag and started stepping backwards towards the train; she knew if she didn't, she'd probably not want to let him go again.

"Sure thing." Ron said waving as he joined Harry. Ron put his hand on his friends shoulder and the two apparated out of sight with a audible pop. The train whistle blew, signaling passengers to board now. Hermione waded through the sea of students to the last train car, where she found an empty compartment to sit in. Setting her things down, she took out the necklace. It looked expensive, and the stone sparkled brightly in the winter sunlight. She was mesmerized by it, until she finally decided to put it on. It fit perfectly.

The train ride back was relatively boring. Draco had to listen to the prattle of who did what or went where and what they got. He wasn't as enthusiastic about it as others. If anything the best gift he got this year was being able to perform a corporeal patronus. Later that night the Great Hall was filled with chatter. Students eagerly sharing stories of the holidays when Headmistress McGonagall stood up and brought the hall to a silence.

"Welcome back, everyone. We hope you all had a splendid holiday. I have a few start of term announcements. First, a reminder that the year is halfway gone. For 7th and 8th years your time at Hogwarts is fast approaching to an end. Exams will arrive quickly. Study well. Second, in light of student unity we are going to have a Spring Gala in one month. No dates required. This is an opportunity to get to know your fellow classmates from other houses. Formal dress will be enforced. Trips to Hogsmeade for all ages have been coordinated by the Heads of House professors and student prefects. I hope everyone takes this opportunity to make new friends and enjoy the festivities of spring. It brings us a rebirth with new beginning and hope." She announced then took her seat in the center of the staff table.

The hall burst with loud chatter at the announcement. Surely all the girls instantly reeling about what to wear- Pansy Parkinson included. "Are you going to go Malfoy? We could go…together?" She said with hesitation.

"I don't know if I will go…No dates." He answered, his face appearing disinterested. He was not keen on the idea of going, but for sure wasn't going to go with her. Pansy crossed her arms and pouted. She was really hoping to get closer to Draco this year. Since the previous two years he was there, he'd distanced himself from everyone.

Hermione on the other hand was not so excited for the gala. 'I don't have anything to wear. A trip to Hogsmeade will be necessary.' She thought to herself. If anything else, she could simply transfigure something that looked nice. She was no seamstress, but magic could hopefully fill in the gaps where her skill lacked.

Classes started back up the next day, students and staff both refreshed and eager. When it came to Defense Against the Dark Arts, professor McGonagall was very pleased with the students progress on their patronus charms. "Wonderful, Mr. Malfoy! Must have been a good Christmas for you after all."

Hermione had tried her patronus. It had gone back to her original otter. This time it didn't dissipate. Both she and Draco received top marks for their efforts. After class Hermione caught up with Draco. "Congratulations on your patronus. I'm glad you were able to make it corporeal."

Draco gave a smile affirmation nod when the professor congratulated him on the patronus and a good Christmas. He watched as other students performed their charms. Some non-corporeal, others taking shape of animals. He noticed that his was the only one that was not a 'real' animal. At least he had never seen a serpent Asian dragon in person. Maybe they did exist? He tucked this away for later searching on if he had the desire to quench his curiosity.

Granger approached him after class on his way toward the Great Hall for lunch, congratulating him on his patronus. "Thanks...I think." He replied with a bit of hesitation in his voice. He had never thought about her being genuinely glad for his success. In his mind she had been his competition and always ahead of him for so long, it was new territory for him to think of her as more of a …comrade.

"You had complete confident with yours this time, as I expected you would upon your return from holiday." He subtly complimented. After all these years, he had come to expect her to be the best at everything.

Hermione smiled and unconsciously put her hand on her uniform where her necklace sat. She didn't want to show it off, but did want to wear it as often as possible, so she kept it on hidden under her clothing. "I guess I had a pretty good Christmas as well. See you later." She waved goodbye to Draco as she headed to the Great Hall for a quick bit of lunch before stopping in the library.