A/n: This was initially part of the last chapter but I decided to split it up into two parts since it deserved its stand alone chapter. Hope you're all enjoying the holiday season!
December 11, 1998
"I do like it but green is just not my colour," Elena protested.
"Don't be silly, of course it is!" Ginny exclaimed enthusiastically. "It's practically made for you—"
Being the only girl out of a family of eight, Ginny wouldn't consider herself the most feminine of them all. Though every now and then, she couldn't help but enjoy spending time talking about nonsense like clothes shopping and the dreaded topic.
Boys.
"What do you think, Hermione?" Elena asked, holding the dress in question up for her viewing.
"I think it looks lovely," she answered half-heartedly, offering up a weak, brief smile before continuing to scribble in her journal.
Pleased with her response, Elena beamed and resumed conversing with Luna about options for footwear.
Ginny, on the other hand, shot a worried glance at the distracted brunette, contemplating on whether a confrontation would be beneficial, despite the likelihood of obtaining a decent response was practically nonexistent.
She knew it would take time to adjust without Harry and Ron. Just prior to arriving at the station, they agreed to keep it a peaceful year without any conflict. Without the pair of boys constantly dragging her into the ground their poor decisions. It was an ideal opportunity to finish out their time at Hogwarts properly.
Then Ginny saw Draco Malfoy board the train.
To ensure Hermione didn't catch sight of him, Ginny directed them to a different section of the train with hopes they'd run into anyone from a differing house who would be willing to let them sit with them. Much to their collected surprise when they found that each carriage held a mix of students — blurs of red, yellow and blue scattered about with the occasional dots of green. Thankfully, none of the dots they saw were him.
Her hesitation towards those who wore green settled when Blaise began to make more of an effort to get on their good side, along with Theo. It was clear the pair of them wanted more out of the academic year than mere redemption and a proper education; they sought companionship and it was certainly a welcome change in dynamic. Especially with her adjusting to Harry's absence, along with all of her brothers.
When she eventually asked about their third companion, they mentioned he had his priorities set elsewhere for the time being and was otherwise preoccupied. They also assured her his views had changed early in the point during which the Dark Lord sought refuge in his home. But Ginny knew it was only a matter of time before Hermione came to be aware of his return and wanted to give them time. Except there was also only so much avoidance one could manage when you had all your classes together. When she witnessed the tail-end of their first encounter, she didn't have the slightest regret in delaying it.
As part of the integration and unity between houses, they were instructed to pair off with a student from a different house for regular Quidditch practice. When it came down to taking her pick, Ginny didn't hesitate to pick Malfoy. Partially because it gave her the ability to 'accidently' smack his pointy face and get away with it. It also gave her the opportunity to keep a close watch on him for any suspicious activity.
Admittedly, there wasn't much to be cautious of. Aside from a few off-handed remarks and sneers, he proved to have well-rounded knowledge and a genuine passion for the sport. She noticed he wasn't much of a risk taker as Harry was. But when it came to agility and eversion, the ferret definitely had the advantage.
As the weeks passed, their practices eventually became an exchange of information and tactics. A mutual respect between two seekers who have developed their own tips and tricks that they picked up from their own games and years of experience. To say they were friends was still a bit of a stretch from the truth, though they tolerated each other regardless. She even more so when Hermione's mood improved overall after she and Malfoy finally sorted out their differences following his accident.
For the time being, all seemed well. Then came the news of their potion reaching completion and Hermione seemed determined, now more than ever, to focus strictly on classes and studying. The time she would spend with Malfoy working on their potion was now spent in the library. There she would remain long after everyone else had gone. Sometimes seeping into the early hours of dawn. Harry told her not to dwell too much on it, as it wasn't far from the normal. Though Ginny couldn't help but feel differently.
But for now, they had other matters to tend to.
At the current moment, the redhead watched with bated breath as one of the boys she tried getting Hermione to go to Slughorn's party with, approached the unsuspecting witch. It turned out while he was an exceptional Quidditch player, he was a complete prat when it came to women. As he proved time and time again within the past week.
"The answer is still 'no', Clegg," Hermione said outright without sparing a glance in his direction.
"You didn't even give me a chance," Parker Clegg sneered at her sharp tone once he got near enough.
Then, she turned her head when he took a seat despite her hostility.
"I gave you plenty. Three, in fact, if you include your little stunt in study hall last night."
He scoffed mockingly, "you can't be serious—"
"Cracking a cruel joke about my upbringing isn't what I would call getting on my good side."
"You said you wanted to be honest—"
"And you said you would keep an open mind."
"But for someone with magical abilities to leave the Wizarding World behind? It's unheard of. More than that, it's mental—"
Ginny's eyes widened. As the words sank in, she found it more and more difficult to disagree with him.
"Enough," Hermione growled. "You're hardly in the position to make that sort of decision for me after a few study sessions together."
"Come on, Granger. It was just a joke."
"Sod off, will you?" she cut in, unwilling to allow this exchange to continue any further. "She said no."
"What the hell, Weasley?" he hissed, an expression depicting betrayal shadowing his rage, "you were the one who suggested I ask—"
In an instant, Ginny stood up from her seat and met him with a glare, only rivaling the glower Hermione was giving her right now.
"That was before I realized how much of a prat you were going to be about it," she replied definitively, curing her hands into fists.
"Insult me all you want. You still need a date, don't you?" he sneered distastefully. The way Hermione flinched only concreted the truth to his words and fueled his confidence. "Look at that. Golden Girl Granger can't get a date to a school sponsored event without her mindless little minions at her beck and call."
"Oi," Ginny blurted, pointing at him. "Those mindless minions you're referring to happen to be my boyfriend and brother, you arse," she concluded before sitting back down.
Then, Hermione clenched her jaw. Determination set in her fiery gaze.
"I may be in need of a date," she hissed, staring at him coldly. "But I'd rather go alone than show up with someone the likes of you."
His vacant green eyes turned vicious. His expression contorting into something ugly.
"You'll regret this you little Mu—" he cut off when he felt the tip of something blunt press into his leg beneath the table.
"Finish that sentence and I'll reduce the lower half of your body to ashes." Ginny warned quietly, her voice lowering.
"You wouldn't," he said. Though the slight tremor in his voice showed through. "You need me."
"Everyone's replaceable, Clegg. Including you," she shrugged. "If I hear you mutter a single word about Hermione or word gets out about this conversation, you're off the team. And don't bother telling McGonagall. We'll happily let her know exactly how this conversation played out and we'll see what happens to your quidditch career afterwards. Do we understand each other?"
With a final huff, the wizard stood and walked off.
Ginny waited for him to exit the hall before pocketing her wand and speaking up.
"Hermione, I'm so sorry—"
"I thought he was genuinely interested," the brunette cut off, her tone dreadfully even, cross nonetheless. "I told you I didn't want any assistance finding a date."
"I know, I know. I just wanted to help," she admitted, her defensiveness gradually subsiding.
Hermione exhaled slowly as she tried to maintain her composure, "I appreciate your efforts, Ginny but we have exams coming up and I don't have time to waste on something so trivial."
Ginny scoffed, "It's not trivial to spend time with your friends, is it?"
"It is when it's a distraction," she shot back.
"Is that why you don't want to stay then?" Ginny prompted sternly, catching her off guard. "Because we'd only be a distraction," she added.
Hermione pursed her lip and looked away, finding particular interest in the bewitched ceiling above.
"When were you going to tell us?" Ginny continued in a softer tone, as if she knew the wrong step could make Hermione flee at any moment.
"There's nothing to tell," she eventually said, forcing her attention back to her journal.
Ginny's mouth fell closed, her eyes grew dim.
"You may have improved, Hermione. But you're still a crummy liar," she spat flatly.
Then there was a tap on her shoulder. She turned and was face to face with a fifth year Gryffindor.
"What is it, Liam?" Ginny inquired, mentally fatigued.
"I think your boyfriend's trying to get a hold of you," he answered, eyes darting between her and Hermione, uneasy.
The redhead merely rolled her eyes. "Did my ruddy owl mistake you for me again?" She asked. Not like this would be the first time it happened. Or the second.
He shook his head. "Actually, he's actively asking for you. As we speak."
Her eyes flashed and immediately, she stood up. Almost grateful for the opportunity to step away.
"Where?" She demanded.
"The common room, in the fireplace."
"You couldn't have sent an owl first?" Ginny exclaimed when she settled in front of the fireplace, casting a quick silencing charm to the room.
"Sorry Ginny. You know my schedule's so unpredictable nowadays," Harry explained, his familiar features embedded within the burning wood and ashes.
"Then why did you bother calling?" She crossed her arms, her mood having followed her.
Even in the embers of the fire, she could see his shoulders deflate.
"I wanted to talk to my girlfriend," he attempted.
"Well I'm here," she shot smartly.
"Have I done something wrong?" He inquired calmly, perfectly aware of her sour mood.
Ginny closed her eyes, inwardly cursing her behavior. "No, you haven't."
"Bad day?" He asked calmly. A subtle gesture for her to dispel what was bothering her.
"I'm fine," she said flatly.
"Ginny," he pressed, eyeing her skeptically.
"How is work going?" She blurted, desperate to take her mind away from the thought of Hermione possibly leaving them once the school year ends.
He sighed heavily, going along for the time being, "Busy. We've been performing searches most days. Thankfully, there's only a few more victims we still need to identify but there's one in particular that I—" he trailed off. "I wish I could tell you more, Gin, but I can't," he muttered with moderate difficulty.
Ginny's heart sank.
On several occasions, he's demonstrated his desire to tell her about their progression as young aspiring aurors. But as the Ministry reminded him and Ron on a daily basis, they were not to disclose any details regarding their current case, so as to prevent word getting out to any of the dark wizards they were in search of. But it didn't mean it made her any less aware of how much the pressures from the daunting tasks regularly got to him.
Instead, he simply shook his head defiantly, refusing to speak anymore about it. "Enough about that. How are classes going?" He diverted swiftly. And like the other times when talking about work needed to be avoided, she allowed it.
"Oh well, you know," she shrugged indifferently. "The usual."
"And how is everyone else? Luna? Your new Slytherin friends?"
"Good. They're all doing well. Ready to be finished with classes," she ended up responding. The answer was simple but his inquiry made her dwell on all that had transpired and had yet to tell him; the depth of the friendship she now held with Theo and Blaise, the latter in particular; the amount of tolerance she developed for Malfoy; the inexplicable connection actively developing between him and Hermione...
In the end, she decided to keep the information to herself, deeming it not to be her news to tell. She had lost track of her thoughts and she didn't realize she'd been sitting in silence. While he waited. For something.
"Aren't you going to say something?"
He shook his head.
"Do you need to get going?"
Again, he shook. She scrunched her brow.
"Then…what are you doing?"
"Waiting," he answered simply.
"Waiting for what?"
"For you to tell me what's bothering you. And I know you're not stressing over exams so don't bother trying with that."
Ginny sighed, weighing her options if she were to do as he wished versus keeping quiet. It technically wasn't her issue to address and she didn't want to raise alarm on a topic she and Hermione hadn't even formally discussed yet.
Still, she couldn't help but feel like she should make him aware. Or at least figure out if he knew more details than she did. In the end, Harry was always the person Hermione was closest to.
"I'm not that academically gifted," she remarked, huffing an uncertain laugh.
Doubt banged around within her chest. No, she shouldn't say anything; she should wait for Hermione to bring it up herself.
"Even so, you do share classes with the same person who helped me get through all of mine," even through the flames, she could make out the faintest hint of a smug grin.
But what if she chose to never tell anyone and decided to up and leave one day? Or they end up doing nothing to change her mind and it becomes too late?
She should.
"Have you talked to her recently?" She suddenly implored, catching him off guard.
She shouldn't.
"I just got a letter from her yesterday. Nothing about it seemed out of the ordinary. Why?"
Maybe she shouldn't. Maybe this wasn't her news to bring up. But this didn't just involve her. This involved her friends as well. Her friends who she knew would be devastated if they were never made aware.
She should.
"I think she's considering going back to the muggle world after Hogwarts," Ginny supplied, waiting with bated breath as Harry processed her words.
"Come again?"
"She let it slip earlier. Apparently, she was hesitant to fully integrate into the Wizarding World."
"That's impossible," Harry muttered in disbelief. "She wouldn't."
"I didn't believe it either until she said it."
Harry furrowed his brow. He, on the other hand, didn't seem to be too caught off guard by the news. Unless...?
"Did...did you know about this?"
"No, but I have a feeling I know why it's happened," he said grimly as conflict within him surfaced. "Ginny, listen to me. Do whatever you have to but I need you to keep Malfoy away from her."
Ginny paused, gaping at him.
That was the last thing she expected to come out of his mouth.
"I'm not following?" She replied, tilting her head at him.
"She told me they've been spending time together for a class," he clarified with a hint of urgency.
"And you think he's the reason why she's considering leaving?" She asked incredulously.
"I'm almost certain of it. Think about it, without Ron or I there to defend her, he's probably using every second he can to make her doubt her abilities as a witch. Especially if he managed to gain her trust this year."
"I don't believe this," she huffed a harsh laugh, refusing to believe Malfoy would do something like that after the behavior she'd seen from him so far this year. "Are you suggesting I'm not looking out for her?"
"No! Not at all," he added hurriedly.
"You think she'd let him have that sort of influence on her?"
Harry remained silent.
"Harry?" She questioned, watching him with a careful eye.
"It's just...you don't know what he was like, Ginny. Not just to muggleborns, but to her ," he paused, stumbling over his words in his attempt to convey just how much of his cruelty Hermione endured. "You don't understand—"
"I do understand," she assured him. And maybe if Malfoy acted as he did two years ago, his concerns would be valid. But as the wizard made evident by his behavior and actions so far this year...
She needed to stand up for him.
"Malfoy isn't the problem, Harry. Even if you were right about him, he's not a concern," she stated firmly.
"Gin, we can't take any chances—" Harry tried to argue but Ginny quickly interrupted him before he could continue any further.
"Harry, listen to me. I get why you're concerned but they've finished with their potion. They aren't...seeing each other anymore."
"Oh," he expressed in surprise, "well that's a relief." Truthfully, Ginny wanted to speak up and tell him more. Beyond that, she wanted to tell him everything. But this time, this was something she knew Hermione hadn't figured out on her own yet.
"I mean it, Harry. He's changed. We've been training together for quidditch for months now and he's actually quite skilled."
"I thought you were dating me, here," he teased lightly with a twitch of his lips.
She let out a light laugh, "don't worry. I much prefer the shorter, dark haired ones."
"I'm not that short," he mumbled, pouting in the fire.
"Just a bit," Ginny let a giggle erupt from her throat, "it's alright," she leaned in closer, "you make up for it in other ways," she said in a subtle, lower tone.
Harry snickered, "is that so?"
"Mhmm. Though I might have forgotten the specifics. It has been a while," she hinted suggestively, letting it linger in the thickening air between them.
"Guess I'll have to remind you the next time I see you, won't I?" He implored, tone riddled with soft affection.
"I'd like that," she smiled fondly at him.
"I miss you," Harry had said, without a trace of hesitation.
"Eleven more days," she breathed.
"And your parents are fine with me staying with you?"
"Do you really need to ask?" she offered a wry smile before glancing up at the clock. "I should get going," she heaved a regretful sigh. "Everyone's going to start to return from dinner soon."
Harry hummed in agreement, "I should get to preparing dinner as well."
"I should get going," Ginny heaved a regretful sigh. "Everyone's going to start to return from dinner soon."
Harry hummed in agreement, "I should get to preparing dinner as well."
"Ron managed to wait this long to eat?"
"Actually, he went out," Harry corrected, lips pursed together as Ginny pieced it together.
"You still don't know who this mystery person is, do you?"
He shook his head. "No, I haven't a clue."
Then, Ginny heard footsteps just outside the door.
"I need to go," she said, alerted. "Look out for my owl?"
Harry nodded firmly.
"Always. I love you."
Ginny beamed at him as she prepared to remove the charms.
"Love you, too."
It wasn't long after Ginny left when Hermione decided to take her leave. Not that she was hungry to begin with. As she gathered her belongings, she only hoped she didn't run into Clegg again on her way to study hall.
Hermione also hoped she could have the chance to properly explain to Ginny the conversation that transpired the night before. It wasn't particularly serious when he asked her what she planned on doing after the year was over, thus leading to the topic of possibly returning to the muggle world. Now that she had more time with her friends and was able to better focus on her studies, she could consider all of her options beyond Hogwarts.
Still, she felt like she was...lacking something.
She'd always known she wanted to do good for the world and so far, the majority of her experience in the magical world revolved around darkness and a corrupt ministry. For years, she fought against a deranged, dark wizard who started this war long before she'd been born; a war to ensure the world would be rid of people like her. Because of them, she now had a permanent scar on her arm she had to glamour every single day. Her parents remained on the other side of the globe with no memory of her.
She'd planned to go and try to return their memories during the summer with Ron but with trials and his distancing, it complicated things.
To have a year at school without conflicts to concern herself with, without having to look after Harry and Ron constantly, she finally had a chance to think clearly and weigh all of her options. She had the chance to think of the possibilities for the future ahead of her.
Including what her life would be like if she lived amongst those without magical abilities; to live like a muggle.
"Granger."
Hermione paused, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath to calm herself. She'd made it just past the doorway when a harsh voice froze her thoughts. Then her eyes opened, determination flashed as they caught sight of the person she managed to go a full week in avoiding.
"Greengrass."
Astoria stood firmly in front of her, a hardened, unfriendly expression etching her features.
"Do you have a minute? I wanted to speak with you."
"If you must," Hermione responded begrudgingly, remaining cautious in keeping her distance.
"There's no need for the attitude, Granger," she sneered, crossing her arms across her chest. "I only wanted to see how you were coping?"
Hermione's eyes narrowed into slits.
"Coping with what?" She dared to ask. Astoria seemed pleased when she did.
"I can only imagine how hard it's been for you without your boyfriends here—" Boyfriends? Hermione thought, inwardly rolling her eyes, "even more so now that your secret nightly meetings with Draco have come to an end," she concluded in a falsely sweet tone.
Hermione's eye twitched, "They were never 'secret.' You knew about them—"
"And you don't have to pretend to worry about his injuries now that I'm looking after him. He's fully healed now," Astoria continued to speak, ignoring her.
"I'm perfectly aware, thanks," Hermione snarled. She'd known that bit of information when she asked him herself a week ago. It took a bit of self restraint to refrain from extracting her wand and cursing her into oblivion. Even if she ended up pursuing a career in the muggle world, hexing a student where anyone could see would surely follow along in her record.
How unfortunate.
"Madam Pomphrey did such a marvelous job, don't you think?" She taunted, outwardly satisfied when Hermione's jaw clenched. "Now I only have to keep him from returning to practice until at least springtime."
She blinked.
He hasn't been going to practice?
"Spring? But he's fully healed," Hermione echoed in disbelief.
"Surely you don't think he should be putting himself at risk so soon after everything that happened," she gasped, hand on her chest like she'd been offended. "It's like you want him to get hurt again—"
"You— " Hermione sputtered, furious. "He can't not practice for three more months," she said. "The season will be near its end. They're more likely to find another person to replace him by then—"
"Then they can find another looker," she waved a hand dismissively.
"Seeker—" Hermione attempted, but it was clear Astoria had no interest in continuing on with this topic.
"Either way, I wanted to take a quick moment to thank you," Astoria interrupted quickly, "our meetings have progressed so fluidly since you stopped being an interference."
"I don't recall asking if I cared," Hermione retorted sharply.
Feigning innocence, she countered, "thought the two of you were on good terms now? You mean you don't care to know how your friends are doing?" she emphasized with a harsh edge.
"It's a bit difficult to maintain a friendship when his betrothed makes it a point to keep his friends away."
"He's welcome to be friends with whomever he wishes," she sniffed stiffly.
So long as they aren't the opposite sex or look at him for longer than 5 seconds at a time.
Suddenly, something sparked within her that hadn't been ignited before. Given her track record, she would typically take the high road and simply walk away. But with the changes she endured this year and already being on edge having to deal with Clegg earlier, she'd had enough.
Donning a concerned frown, Hermione feigned a sincere tone, "You know something, Astoria? I feel terribly sorry for you."
"Why's that?" She seemed taken aback.
"As you've probably gathered already, Malfoy has changed drastically in the last year. By the time you were involved, you've probably been dealt the tolerable, perhaps even kind and endearing, side to him. Is that correct?" she trailed off, and Astoria, thoroughly bemused, waited.
She nodded, uncertain and bemused, "what sort of a question is that?"
Then, Hermione's features morphed into a sly smirk.
"Unlike you, I've seen what that man is capable of," she tread slowly. "Growing up, I'd always known him to be sadistic and merciless. I've seen him bully first years when he was a prefect. I watched him try to curse my best friend when his back was turned. I was the one he made constant death threats at when we were only twelve," she hissed dangerously low. "He's different now," she added with a slightly softer tone, "but that nasty side of him, albeit less corrupt, lingers deep inside him somewhere. And when the day comes when he's fed up with putting up with you for pushing his friends away? For keeping him from participating in a sport he's loved since before he could walk?"
With every word, she could see Astoria's hard exterior slowly faltering. She could see the puzzle pieces struggling to fit in her head, wondering how she came to know such details about him.
"You keep up with this miserable act of yours and that day will come sooner than you think," she concluded obstinately.
For a while, they glared at one another, unwilling to break away until Astoria huffed.
"Is that a threat, Granger?" She quipped unnecessarily.
"You're only a threat to yourself," Hermione supplied firmly.
"We would have been fine if you didn't get involved," Astoria cut in sharply, fiery eyes beginning to waiver, "I know you had something to do with that stunt at the Pitch. You and his friends are plotting against me."
This time she couldn't help her eyes rolling to the back of her head.
"Think what you will of me. But not once have I ever had the intention of taking him from you."
"I find that hard to believe," she accused.
"Frankly, I don't care if you believe it or not. We've been through too much for me to let someone waltz in and stomp on everything we've overcome together."
"That's a pretty way to admit your losses."
"I haven't lost a damn thing, Greengrass. I'm here for my education like I told you earlier this year. I've gained his respect and that's more than I could have asked for. Now if you don't mind, I'd very much like to return to my dormitory and you're in my way."
Without another word, Hermione walked around her briskly, brushing her aside and continued onward. For a brief moment, she had to bite back a laugh when she eyed her sheepish expression with what she recognized as the very welcome warmth of victory.
December 15, 1998
"I've done it!"
Hermione's eyes gradually lifted from her half-eaten plate to meet Elena's excitable gaze above her.
"Done what?" She asked patiently as Elena took a seat in front of her.
"I've decided on wearing the green dress for the party," she confirmed with confidence.
The brunette arched a brow at her, "I thought you weren't sure about wearing it."
"At first, I wasn't but Blaise was able to change my mind," she grinned bashfully as she filled her plate with an assortment of pastries and spreads, "I tried it on for him. He said he had never seen a more stunning vision. Not the dress, but me," she emphasized. "I'd never felt more beautiful," she admitted honestly.
Hermione gaped at her in wonder, her eyes instinctively trailing over to the Slytherin table where Blaise currently sat. But he wasn't alone and it wasn't long for her eyes to drift over to the person sitting to the right of him.
It wasn't like she hadn't seen him since the night they finished brewing their potion. They still had every class together and she continued sitting next to him for one of them. Every now and then, she'd see him passing in the corridors between classes or on the way to study hall. Despite the fact that they hadn't spoken since that night, she felt like he was everywhere all at once. Like a shadow lingering in the halls; always there but not always seen.
She noticed he was finally present during meal times. No longer with a scowl on his face, nor a conniving smirk. Instead, he was grinning widely while conversing with Blaise and Theo like they hadn't a care for anything else in the world. For the first time in years, he looked to be at peace with himself.
Something she longed to find for herself.
Elena tilted her head at her. "Hermione?"
Her eyes drifted back to the girl in front of her. "Sorry, got a bit sidetracked," she admitted, heat rushing to her cheeks, "I never knew they were capable of being so…" she trailed off.
"Kind? Loving? Caring?" Elena offered a few examples. "Neither could I until now. For so long, I believed Slytherin boys to be cold-hearted and cruel to anyone who wasn't a part of their circle. Even then, he's been such a gentleman so far," she affirmed while casting him a gracious smile.
Hermione observed her while she watched him from a distance. It was no wonder why Blaise fell for her so quickly once she opened up. She held a natural beauty and vibrancy to her when she let her true colours shine through.
"So, are you official now?" She implored curiously. "You and Blaise?"
"Sort of," she responded with uncertainty, her eyes darting back to Hermione. "He doesn't want to label it as anything since he's worried his mum will ride his arse about drafting a contract. I guess we are in a sense but we aren't telling our parents until I've finished school."
Hermione nodded, looking away and suddenly feeling too vulnerable.
"How are you doing, Hermione?" Elena prompted, eyeing her with a glint of curiosity.
"I'm fine," she said. "Why do you ask?"
"Well," Elena began cautiously, "there's an event coming up and last I heard, you hadn't found a date yet."
"Not you, too," Hermione groaned in despair.
"I'm simply curious! Surely there's someone you want to go with?" Elena trailed off, eyes flickering to the table across from them briefly, hopeful she will offer some sort of hint.
Instead, Hermione said nothing, focusing on the cold eggs on her plate.
"You could always take a friend?"
"No one I've reached out to is available," she shrugged indifferently, "I don't have many options to work with."
Elena hummed in contemplation.
"What about Theo?"
Hermione jerked her head up. "Who?"
"Theo? Theo Nott?" She echoed, "Blaise told me he wasn't going because his boyfriend couldn't come."
Boyfriend?
"I…didn't even know he was in a relationship," Hermione admitted honestly. In an instant, she was brought back to when Malfoy disclosed the event that transpired between Theo and Blaise their fifth year. Apparently, it was a moment neither of them liked to look back on. Hermione smiled to herself, unable to remember the last time laughed so hard. Or felt so carefree.
"It's not something he flaunts around. I only know because I saw a picture sticking out of his pillow when I went to see Blaise," she explained in between bites of pastries. "I'm sure if you asked him to go as friends, he'd say yes. You should probably do it now, though," she nodded to him as a gesture.
Hermione looked up just in time to see Theo getting up from the table and preparing to leave.
Perfect timing.
"Wish me luck!" She said hurriedly, snatching her bag from the table and running after the wizard.
"Nott!" She hollered after him. In an instant, he turned, donning a handsome smile once he recognized her.
"Morning, Granger. How are you?" He greeted, cheerfully.
"I'm well. Though I feel like I should be asking you. You lot looked like you were having a grand time."
"Slughorn just handed me my final grade and commended me on my work, despite the outcome. Blaise's response was to hit up strip clubs during the holiday and we ended up chatting about the best pubs in the area," he rambled before shaking his head. "Apologies. I'm a bit wired this morning. Can't you tell?" He blurted in a flurry of nerves. "I realized I never properly thanked you for helping me," he added tamely. "While neither of us intended it to be utilized as a weapon, Slughorn said he was thoroughly impressed."
"I'm happy to help. Nice to see at least one of you is trying to keep your grades up," she grinned wryly.
He chuckled lightly, "I also wanted to tell you, if there's anything you need, I'm here for you."
Very perfect timing.
"Actually, now that you mentioned it—" Hermione began, and he suddenly seemed very eager to please.
"Yes? What do you need? How can I help?"
"Well as it stands, I'm being pressured to go to Slughorn's Christmas party and I still don't have a date."
Then, he paled.
"Oh. I see."
"And I was hoping that if you didn't have any previous engagements, that we could attend together?"
"Oh, I'm—erm—I'm flattered, but—" he stammered.
"What is it?" Hermione blanched, suddenly panicked. "Do you not want to go with me?"
"No, it's not that at all," Theo blurted nervously.
"Are you already going with someone else, then?"
"Well no, but," he grimaced.
Hermione furrowed her brow, "Have I said something wrong?"
"No, not at all! The thing is, Granger—Hermione," he corrected. "I'm truly flattered you feel this way but I—"
Hermione's breath lodged in her throat, her brain halting at his words.
Feel what way?
"Wait, wait. You don't think I—" Hermione trailed off, realizing she never fully disclosed the platonic part of the ordeal, "oh my goodness, I'm such an idiot," she laughed, "Theo, I'm asking you to go with me as friends."
He looked as though he were about to pass out.
"You mean, y-you're not—"
"Confessing my feelings for you?" She laughed. "No, I'm not."
"Oh thank Salazar," he exhaled. Then he started laughing hysterically. Between breaths, he managed to say, "I was just worried I was going to have to start drafting my will."
Hermione frowned. Did he really think she was going to react that horribly?
"Sorry, sorry. I'm good," he wiped his eyes and his breathing returned to normal. "Back to the matter at hand, I'd be honored to be your date."
Hermione exhaled in relief.
"You're a lifesaver. Truly."
He grinned happily at her, holding his arm out for her to take. Which she did.
"Now do tell," he implored while they walked down the hall together, "what colour will we be wearing? Will there be flowers involved? And finally, will I be wearing a hat?"
She cast him an amused glance, "a hat? It's just a party, Theo."
Feigning a deadpan tone, he responded, "I was raised in a Pureblood household, Hermione. We take this shit very seriously."
They stared at one another before bursting out in fits of laughter.
December 22, 1998
Whenever exams were just around the corner, Hermione always felt she was in her element, preparing herself for them and helping others succeed in their own exams. Unfortunately, now that the last round of exams before the holidays were behind her, she felt the adrenaline and thrill from test taking and receiving high marks gradually dissipate.
Due to the encroaching holidays, her mind was now free to dwell on whatever it pleased. Before, those thoughts typically revolved around her parents and what they'd planned for Christmas that year. Since they wouldn't be an option this year, she was forced to consider spending the holidays at Hogwarts alone. Recently, Ginny had been insisting she come to the Burrow although Hermione was hesitant due to the presence of one Ronald Weasley being there. In spite of her hesitance, Ginny assured her their parents wanted to see her, regardless of what transpired between her and their son. Regardless, a good part of her dreaded what had yet to come so didn't want to dwell on the matter too much.
As he was in full preparation mode for his grand event tonight, Professor Slughorn decided the lecture today would be a leisure one; a repeat lesson of describing changes in amortentia scents and what they translated to. She'd remembered the content of this lecture to the point where she could recite the lesson in her sleep so there was no point in paying attention.
Instead, she decided to place her focus elsewhere.
Hermione glanced downwards to where a pale hand lay between them on their shared desk. Gradually, her eyes trailed along the sleeve of clean, black robes until they met the white of a pressed collar, kept in place by a perfectly knotted, silver and green tie. Keeping in mind to not let her eyes wander too high. Otherwise, she'd risk the chance of him catching her in the act.
There it was again.
A glimmer of adrenaline. The rush she'd experience from applying herself to maintain her spot at the top of the class by besting others. And she just felt it...while staring at Draco Malfoy.
Her eyes jerked wide open.
No.
Absolutely not.
Hermione shrunk into herself, keeping her thoughts peculiarly quiet for the rest of the lecture.
"Were my eyes playing tricks on me or were you actually staring at Draco Malfoy during class?" Ginny asked as soon as they were far enough away for anyone to overhear.
Pretending to have not heard her, Hermione feigned innocence.
"Hmm? What was that?"
"You were staring. I saw you," she grinned, positively wicked.
"He's always in the way," she retaliated, rolling her eyes as they wandered down the corridor, further and further away from Greeves' class; their last class for the day before the party tonight. "I have to look over his abnormally large head to even see Professor Greeves," she countered halfheartedly.
For the most part, that was all true.
The seating arrangement in Defense Against the Dark Arts wasn't as ideal as potions. In potions, she was placed at the front of the room. In Greeves' class, she was placed to the right of the center and two rows back from the front. Another disadvantage with the placement of what — namely, who — was in her line of sight.
"And the reason why weren't you taking notes when Greeves went over counter spells for enchantments?"
"I took notes before lecture. I usually do better watching the demonstrations," also not far from the truth. Then Ginny stopped them where they stood.
"Right," Ginny drawled teasingly, "I didn't realize you could see the demonstrations so well through Malfoy's forearms?" she prompted, holding back a smirk.
She felt her cheeks heat.
While Greeves was going on a spiel about how to cast effective jinxes silently, Hermione's attention kept bouncing back and forth between the lesson and Malfoy's forearms. Earlier, he'd divested himself of his robes when they'd split off into pairs to practice repelling hexes. Instead of putting his robe back on, he kept it on the back of his chair. Then he decided to roll up his sleeves.
Cocky git.
It wasn't even that warm in here.
Unable to look anywhere other than his flawless, alabaster skin, she couldn't help but wonder if the remains of his mark were still visible. Or whether he had to place a glamour charm on it daily like she did.
"I find that his wand flourishing is an ideal example to follow," Hermione answered simply. She only hoped Ginny didn't continue to press. Because to say this was the first time she did this would be a total lie.
Ginny didn't need to know how naturally his fingers wrapped around his expensive quills when he made long, elegant strokes over old parchment. She certainly didn't need to know that he gnawed at the inside of his cheek when he was in deep concentration. Or that he would run a hand through his hair whenever he was stuck on a complicated problem.
Things she only came to know from the excessive proximity placed upon her by her cursed professors. Things that included, but weren't limited to; his presence, his smile, his laugh...
The only thing she blamed herself for was his touch.
The first time they'd touched wasn't even this year, or the last. It was the year she decided she'd heard enough insults in his derisive voice and punched him. While he was to blame for being an utter prat, she was the one who initiated the contact; the first of her kind to break through that barrier.
The next time would be when he saved her from getting trampled by students. Followed by their duel when she confronted him and he ended up pinning her against the wall. Then the night he took her home from Hogsmeade. Then the entire ordeal with his accident.
Then there were the near-touches.
The lavatory during their sixth year.
The nights they spent sitting next to each other, sharing stories and comfortable silences.
But the one that haunted her the most was their last encounter in the astronomy tower.
At the time, she was trying to find any sort of means to distract him so he wouldn't have to hurt himself. Now looking back, she feared as though she would have done something immensely foolish...like let their lips touch. Except Hermione wasn't here to compete for anyone's affections. Nor was she here to play games. She was just here to study, as all students do in school. As young students also do, they do many stupid things, and Hermione Granger was not a stupid girl.
But she could, at times, be foolish.
Ginny simply eyed her, unimpressed.
"Why are you so set on this?" She quickly countered, clutching tightly to her books. "We got along and we managed to be civil with one another, I thought that was all you expected."
"Well—" Ginny began. That was all valid, at one point, "yes."
"Then can't we move on?" Hermione asked, exasperated with her persistence, "there's nothing more to discuss," in an attempt to put an end to the conversation, she walked on.
Until Ginny spoke up behind her.
"When have you ever let a boy talk to you the way he does?"
Hermione stopped dead in her tracks.
"When was the last time someone affected you the way he has?"
She remained silent as Ginny steadily approached her from behind.
"You see him differently now, don't you?" Ginny implored, standing directly behind her now. "Take away the prejudice and rotten behavior — most of it, anyway — and you're left with this brilliant, gorgeous specimen of a wizard who he treats you like an equal. But more than that, he challenges you. Wasn't that the entire reason you and Ron didn't work out?"
A decent portion of it, she thought to herself.
"But there's no point in dwelling because in a few months, he'll be set to marry that wench and live out his posh lifestyle with his perfect, pureblooded wife while you continue to pursue your own dreams, free from any connections; how am I doing so far?" Ginny recited, offering a weak, sad smile. "Believe me Hermione, I get it. But he's already gotten into your skin, and not because he forced his way there," she paused, "you let him in."
Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat, the truth of her words conveying what she desperately wished to ignore.
"I'll leave it be. Though I think you should do yourself a favor and come to terms with it if you have any intentions of moving forward. Just speaking from experience," Hermione's brow furrowed with thought while Ginny glanced down at her time piece, cursing at the time. "Blast! I need to go and get ready. Harry will be here in a few hours. I'll see you back in the common room."
Darting into a speedy walk, Ginny went on while Hermione stayed in place, the undesired thoughts her words placed spiraling around in uncomfortable, constant motions.
"Hermione!"
Jolting in surprise, she looked around to find Theo running towards her.
"Theo—"
"Do you have a minute?" He asked, reaching out to lay a gentle, yet firm, hand on her arm. "I," he began, struggling to catch his breath, "I wanted to ask you something."
She stared at his trembling hands, "Yes?"
"Well, the lads and I were thinking about going to Hogsmeade after Slughorn's Party and would like for you to come. If you were interested, that is," he added quickly.
The lads? Plural?
Her insides stubbornly fluttered at the prospect of getting to spend more time with him, except she couldn't allow for these pleasantries. Especially when the last thing she needed was another altercation or distraction.
"I appreciate the offer Theo, but I don't think it's a good idea," she answered sadly, "I don't want to have another run in with Astoria."
He tilted his head at her, "I don't think I mentioned her at all."
"But she—is Malfoy not coming?"
He nodded, "yes, he'll be there."
Without forethought, her heart skipped a beat. Get a hold of yourself, Hermione.
"Then why wouldn't she be coming along? Won't she be worried about a witch whisking him away from her?" She taunted.
"Pubs aren't really her scene," he shrugged, lips quirking in response.
She bit her lip, hesitating.
"Come on, Granger. Live a little," he goaded mildly.
"You're certain she won't be there?"
"I can guarantee it," he answered with confidence. "If it helps, I know Draco would love it if you came along."
She peered up at him. "Really?"
At that, he smiled at her. One out of candor and kindness. And...something else. "No one drives that man mental quite like you can," he acknowledged.
She had no response to that.
"Plus, there's only so much literature Blaise and I can talk to him about before we either lose interest or are too intoxicated to continue casual conversation," he shrugged matter-of-factly.
She smiled up at him, grateful for what he was offering. She also had to admit, she missed spending time with them. All of them.
"Yes," she agreed faintly. "Yes, that's — I'd love to."
"Excellent," he said brightly. "We can discuss details when I pick you up tonight. How does seven work for you?"
Tonight.
At Slughorn's Party.
Where she would be interacting with Malfoy for the first time in weeks.
While wearing formal attire.
She suddenly felt faint.
"Hermione?"
"Erm, yes. That sounds — seven sounds great."
He smirked at the blush appearing on her face. "See you tonight," with a courteous nod, he sauntered off towards the Slytherin common room. All while Hermione's wary gaze remained focused on where he previously stood.
She was a foolish girl, indeed.