Brave New World

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Chapter Thirteen



All day Harry felt the wind.



It danced against his skin. It gave a playful ruffle through his hair.



Whispered to him.



At first he thought someone had charmed a breeze to follow him but then he remembered his morning run and how he had been the only person out on the grounds so early. So unless someone lay in wait to cast the spell, this anomaly was natural.



Septima suggested he try to discern the answers himself when he had asked if she had any idea what was happening to him. Thankfully, she agreed to tell him the next afternoon before his session with Leo if he hadn’t uncovered the truth by then.



If he wanted to have some information to give her tomorrow, he would have to grab something from the kitchens at lunch so he could spend that hour in the library. He had classes all morning and no free periods, so that would be his only opportunity to investigate. For tonight was his best friend’s Coming of Age celebration. He couldn’t believe how excited he was and the party was for Hermione.



Leo had come through with the Wizarding wireless for the party after the ceremony as well as a way for him to get Hermione’s present. With the catalogue from Ockham’s Treasures & Crafts, a store in Hogsmeade next to Dervish and Banges, Harry was able to owl order Hermione’s birthday gift and her offering he would bestow to her during the ritual. Leo was also nice enough to purchase the outfit he wore and even accepted when Harry promised to pay him back.



Harry skipped dinner to dress, as he found most of the invited guests had, because of the meal the house elves were planning to serve. This meant he was forced to endure a mild inquisition with Ron when he questioned where the new clothes had come from. He really didn’t understand Ron’s problem. As his best friend, shouldn’t Ron appreciate the fact that he wasn’t forced to wear Dudley’s oversized castoffs? Shouldn’t he want Harry to look nice for his girlfriend’s party?



Instead Ron had looked upon the tailored black trousers with disdain. The deep burgundy tunic he wore as an accompaniment was simple, structured almost like a jacket with its mandarin style collar resting just at the top of his thighs and split on the sides to prevent restriction of movement. The loose sleeves fell nicely over his hands concealing his wand holster and the silken material was embellished with gold trim, accentuating the way the material flowed across his slim body. It earned him a comment containing words like pretty boy and Malfoy.



Rather than remark on the almost spiteful glances Ron was sending in his direction, Harry left to check on the Room of Requirement. He need not have bothered.



It was perfect.



At first he thought to design a room with all of the usual birthday decorations he could remember seeing in the stores while shopping with Aunt Petunia for Dudley’s parties. Then he remembered the room could give him whatever he wanted. It was a bastion of magic at his fingertips.



An outdoor gathering without the threat of weather or pests would be nice, he finally decided. A late summer evening just after twilight, when the stars sparkled bright in the deep indigo sky.



A park. No, a grove, he smiled as it formed around him. A small fairy grove and he was given deep fragrant green grass enclosed with trees in a horseshoe. Seven trees. Willow for love. Oak for strength. Hawthorn for peace. Ivy for healing. Reed for protection. Rowan for empowerment. And Holly. All reaching majestically toward the evening sky each would act as guardians for the Ceremony that would soon take place. The area in front of them was the perfect dimensions for the circle with room for the other guests to gather around and witness.



To complete the picturesque setting, the room provided several tables covered with crimson table cloths with sturdy golden plates and flatware with unadorned goblets for use during the meal. The tables and chairs were also arranged in a half circle with a head table for Hermione and Ron to sit.



Flowers bloomed everywhere in vases and containers of all shapes and sizes. Each was filled with blooms of red, white and gold, roses, carnations, calla lilies and tulips. All of Hermione’s favorites. White candles intertwined with woodland styled arrangements as festive centerpieces on each table.



“It’s beautiful Harry.” Luna smiled as she slipped on the pale gold robe the room provided for the Ceremony. Afterwards, they would remove them for the party. She was the last guest to arrive as the others had taken their places near the salt circle that was surrounded by crimson candles.



Each guest had nearly the same compliment as they arrived and saw the setting he had arranged. Dean and Seamus ragged on him good but it was all good natured joking around.



“You shouldn’t worry about the wrack spurt infestation later on. Hermione will still enjoy the evening.”



There was no doubt in Harry’s mind that Luna just knew things. It was up to the listener to interpret the true meaning of her sometimes nonsensical sounding words. If you were fortunate, sometime you did.



He closed the door, walking across the glade to the assembled students after Luna floated away. It had been easy to comprise the guest list; he simply invited the members of the DA who remained at Hogwarts. He had to call for attention a few times before they all settled down to listen. “First of all, I want to thank everyone for coming tonight.” This brought on words of gratitude and delight before they quieted down again.



“The first part of our celebration will be a small ceremony. If Ginny, Neville, Luna and Susan could step forward. As ‘Mione’s friends, I would live to invite you to join the circle.” Neville and Luna quickly moved forward, Susan was more hesitant but after a grin she stepped up. Ginny simply refused.



“What’s wrong, Ginny?”



“What is all of this Harry? This doesn’t feel right.”



He expected a reaction but this definitely wasn’t the one. Maybe a few questions of where he found the ceremony but not this outright distrust. “It’s just a small ceremony. We’ll all say some things we like about Hermione and then I’ll give her a traditional coming of age gift and then I say a blessing and we’ll share our magic and that’s it.”



“That doesn’t sound simple. In fact, it sounds like something a dark wizard would do. Sharing magic.” She frowned, “I’ve never heard of this ceremony. Mum and Dad didn’t have a ceremony for Bill or Charlie or Percy when they turned seventeen. Not with the twins either.”



“It’s a blessing, Ginny,” his original smile fading away to be replaced with annoyance. “It isn’t dark and sharing magic won’t hurt anyone.”



“I’m not doing it,” she folded her arms across her chest, obstinacy written all over her face. She had never looked more like her mother than in that moment when Molly Weasley was determined to force her way upon her children. “And you can be sure Ron won’t participate either. What has happened to you Harry?”



It was with a heavy heart as he watched all of his plans begin to crumble. He tried to hide his hurt but Ginny’s words had sliced open a painful wound. “I don’t know what you mean.”



“First you’re pushing your friends away.”



“Me?” No one could miss the incredulity in his voice. “I haven’t pushed anyone away at all.”



“You barely spend any time in the common room.”



“I have detention for the month!”



“You don’t walk down to breakfast with us any more,” she went on as if he hadn’t spoken.



“That’s because I wake up at six!” He pointed out with heavy sarcasm.



“And that’s another thing, you spend all of your time studying or doing those muggle exercises.”



“Because it’s important! I think you of all people should understand why it’s important that I learn and prepare as much as I can.”



Her implacable expression was unnerving. Eyes flat and unresponsive, mouth spread into a thin lipped twist. Everything about Ginny spoke of a bristling anger. Why on earth was she so upset with him? “That doesn’t mean you ignore your friends.”



“Ignore you? Ron and Hermione have been in their own little world from the beginning of the year. If anyone should be angry for feeling left out and ignored it should be me!”



“I’m not talking about them,” she spat in a shrill tone.



“Then who are you talking about?”



Her face flushed almost as red as her hair then, she bit her lip giving no response. The silence almost choking. Harry glanced around at the faces of the others seeing mixtures of amusement, anger and outright pity.



Who did they pity? Him? Ginny? And what on earth would they feel sorry for them about? Then he had a memory of Blaise’s words that night in the Astronomy tower. How some people expected him and Ginny to get together? No that couldn’t be what Ginny was talking about. It was just like Hermione had told him, Ginny was supposed to be over that crush, not standing there acting as if he had spurned her affections out of spite. He certainly wasn’t attracted to her that way!



He looked at her closed expression and it sent his own temper soaring. He was furious, quite frankly, seething that she would chose now in front of all of these people to have this confrontation. Not only was it inappropriate, but this was Hermione’s birthday. This wasn’t the proper venue for her to vent her emotions. And what did she think would happen by putting him on the spot? That he would give in to the pressure of his peers being present, fall in line and meekly ask to date her?



“Look Ginny,” his tone still managed to be relatively civil despite of his anger, “If you don’t want to participate, that’s fine. I’m not going to force you. I thought as Hermione’s friend you would see how wonderful this could be but,” he broke off, nearly impotent in his rage. He needed seven people for the ceremony and without Ginny it wouldn’t work.



“I’ll help you Harry.”



The soft but firm voice startled him from his inner thoughts. Harry looked up into the warm mocha gaze of Padma Patil and couldn’t help the grin that curved eagerly across his face.



“Really?”



“I’m not really one of Hermione’s closest friends but I think we get along well. We sit together in Ancient Runes and usually work together on assigned projects together.”



“You don’t mind?”



“Not at all. You’ll find if you gaze closely enough, not everyone has a problem with the old ways.”



Harry glanced around to see Pavarti, Terry Boot, Ernie MacMillan and Hannah Abbot all nod in agreement.



“No one believes in that pureblood rubbish anymore,” Ginny countered with a heavy dose of censure in her tone.



“The old ways have nothing to do with the pureblood rhetoric those racist bastards promote.” Terry Boot insisted as he stepped forward in protest. “As a half-blood and follower, I’m offended that you would suggest I believe in the same hatred they advocate. I’m even more offended on Harry’s behalf that you would think he would do something so cruel to not only a muggle-born but to one of his closest friends!”



That only riled Ginny even more.



“Look this isn’t why we’re here tonight.” He tried placating, before things went from bad to ridiculous. “It’s Hermione’s birthday and we’ve come together to celebrate the occasion. If you don’t want to participate, you don’t have to Ginny.”



“Well I don’t and I know Ron won’t. Hopefully we can convince Hermione not to have anything to do with this either.”



“Why are you trying to ruin Harry’s plans?” Padma demanded, hands fisted at her hips in indignation on his behalf.



“Probably because he hasn’t looked twice at her,” Susan mutter and thankfully only he was close enough to hear. Ginny must have heard as well however, because she flushed a deep shed of red and bristled like a wet cat ready to strike out.



Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on the point of view, Ron and Hermione chose that moment to arrive.



“Look who I have,” Ron announced guiding Hermione forward with a hand to her lower back. He was dressed in dark blue trousers and a shirt and vest in a lighter blue, matching Hermione’s rich royal blue dress in color. She had straightened her wiry curls, so that the mink bronze hair could be pulled into a complicated chignon.



It seemed the couple had engaged in some pre-party snogging because Ron was yet again wearing a smug grin of enjoyment and Hermione blushed prettily.



“What’s going on?” Hermione crossed the glade, immediately picking up on the tense atmosphere.



“Nothing.”



Ginny was having none of his dissembling as she quickly explained what the argument was about. Ron proved her correct, instantly taking her side and shouting about pureblood beliefs and Harry changing. Everything was quickly spiraling out of control as others in the group either grew restless or offended and joined in the escalating argument.



“Fine!” Harry finally shouted, raising his hands into the air. “Fine! Shut up now, we get it Ron!” He drew in a deep breath trying to quiet a disintegrating calm as his naturally vicious temper strained for control.



“Look ‘Mione, you know I love you right?”



“Of course Harry, I love you too,” she placed a hand on his arm which he covered with one of his own. Ron took offense to the contact, wrapping an arm around Hermione’s waist as if marking territory.



“If you don’t want to perform the ceremony, we don’t have to. I would never suggest doing anything offensive or hurtful to you Hermione, you have to know that.”



She nodded and smiled though he could see the frown creasing her brow as Ron tugged her closer against him.



“So if you would feel more comfortable simply having dinner and moving on to the rest of the party, we can do that.”



Her hesitancy said more than any words ever could. He didn’t know if she believed the nonsense Ron and Ginny were screaming but he could see she was going to take her boyfriends side regardless.



“I guess that’s settled then,” he forced a smile, ending the conversation so he wouldn’t’ have to hear her take their side. That would have hurt more than Ron and Ginny’s distrust ever could. The Room instantly followed his thoughts, removing the salt circle, candles, the small table in the center and the golden robes, leaving only the grassy glade and trees.



“Hogwarts House elves agreed to provide us with a great French dinner,” he gave Hermione a small smile. “’Mione’s favorite.” Music poured into the room, a soft delightful sound at odds with the small pangs of hurt squeezing in his chest. “So I’d like you all to join me in wishing my best friend Hermione Jean Granger a Happy Birthday.”





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He was not avoiding the castle.



At least that’s what Blaise told himself. It was Thursday, Granger’s Coming of Age ceremony would take place and he at least was honest enough to admit that avoiding contact with Harry’s magic was the wisest choice for the time being.



Something had happened yesterday, something powerful enough to shake the castle down to its foundation. Malfoy was eager to crow about the Dark Lord having something to do with it but even he couldn’t hide how the different threads of magic affected him. The poncy git had rushed off, probably to owl home everything that had happened.



Harry was involved somehow. The touch of the Gryffindor’s magic was familiar now, thick pulsating energy filled with power and a purity that was almost humbling. And it made him want. He knew desire. He had experienced lust. Being around Harry made those emotions shallow and superficial in the face of the feelings aroused in him.



After the magic swept through the castle, he had spent the evening hard and longing, with no way to spend the aching need, for no substitute or his hand would ever satisfy.



Why was he drawn so to Harry? What was it about the little slip of Gryffindor that buried beneath a calm exterior and pushed him to take. To claim. He had only the barest memory of the feel of Harry’s skin. Just a small caress against his face. The touch of Harry’s hand, strong and capable beneath his. So why was he so focused on the man.



They had been alone together a total of three times and the brief minutes on the train to school really couldn’t count for it was the first time they had ever spoken with each other. Yet in those instances, they had shared things with each other. There was honesty and dare he say trust. Both were the foundations of building not only a solid friendship but the basis of a relationship.



Is that what he wanted? A relationship with Harry Potter? It would endanger everything his family had built. The Zabini’s could not claim neutrality while the heir loved Harry Potter, the Dark Lord’s bitter enemy.



Love?



Where the hell had that come from?



He ran a hand down the front of his face, ignoring the growing chill in the air as he made his way back inside the castle. He didn’t even know if Harry was attracted to men, or even him for that matter. For all Blaise knew, Harry could be planning to marry some Gryffindor girl after the war and settle down to have three children while running his newly discovered Potter estate. It was certainly what his own family expected of him.



“It doesn’t help to be so involved in your thoughts that you forget your surroundings Lord Zabini.”



Daphne and Tracey always seemed to find him when he needed them most. Each just as beautiful as usual, Daphne in a dark green jersey knit dress and Tracey in black trousers and strangely enough a pink turtleneck sweater. Their arms were looped together, as they often were if walking alone before releasing each other to come and linking with him on either side.



“I’m always aware of my surroundings,” he told Daphne before pressing a kiss to her forehead.



“Oh, me, next,” Tracey chuckled showing a much softer side than normally exposed in public, so he gave her one as well.



“So what are you two doing out here, it’s getting late. You both know you should never walk through the halls alone.” He trusted they were capable of taking care of themselves but then Slytherins were always easy targets for the other houses regardless of their political leanings.



“Avoiding the latest Malfoy confrontation,” Tracey sighed heavily. “I don’t know why they even bother. Malfoy’s an arse, but he is quite capable of backing up those stupid threats of his.”



“Malfoy senior would have ensured that,” Daphne murmured. “It’s the fact that quiet, unobtrusive Blaise Zabini managed to make him look like a fool they can’t accept. So they believe that if Blaise can take down Malfoy, they should certainly be able to.”



“Who’s in the infirmary now?” He asked, wishing he never had allowed Malfoy to drag him into that confrontation in the first place.



“A seventh year. I forget his name, not all that important anyway. One minute he was bragging about defeating Malfoy so the Dark Lord would know how useless the family was and the next he was laying on the floor screaming in agony.”



“What curse did the ponce use this time.” The day before it had been bone breaking curses to the kneecaps and hands of some poor fifth year who had delusions of grandeur.



“The one he tried on you actually. Tossed the poor idiot across the room and into a wall. Professor Snape was furious this time, the boy had to be levitated to the infirmary. Probably broke his back.” Tracey explained, without much sympathy. Then she had very little sympathy for those who were eager to join the Dark Lord especially when she hadn’t heard from her father yet who had been sent out on one of the wizard’s errands.



“So why are you out here alone,” Daphne asked, raising those curious blue eyes to his.



“Who says I’m not avoiding Malfoy?” He didn’t even bother to hide a grin at their burst of laughter. “I just needed to think, that’s all.”



“Think about Harry?” Tracey asked, going straight to the point. “Granger’s coming of age ceremony is tonight. I wonder if she will be able to truly appreciate sharing magic with Harry.” She closed her eyes and sighed in disappointment. For someone who could feel magic as clearly as Tracey, he could understand her dismay. Her reaction to the surge through the castle had to have been almost as potent as the one he experienced.



“Of course she won’t,” Daphne told her. “She has no idea the honor he’s granting her. I’m sure Susan and the others will tell us about the Ceremony when we meet again.” Her jaw clenched, tight and grim at her next words. “That isn’t what concerns me tonight. It’s all of these challenges against Malfoy.” It was probably the reason she had brought up the subject in the first place. “He’s been very arrogant this year, even more so than before. I would think with the disgrace of his father in Azkaban he would have changed but that isn’t so.”



“He’s very quiet when he’s not within the Slytherin dorms,” Tracey pointed out. “I haven’t even noticed him bothering Harry as much either.”



“You’re right,” Blaise’s brow creased with worry. He should have noticed this before but his preoccupation with Harry had prevented it. “A quiet Malfoy is never a good sign. We should probably keep an eye on him.”



“A first year?” Tracey asked.



“With all the upper years challenging him it might be the only way to get information that he won’t take offense to if they’re discovered.”



“With Malfoy’s arrogance, he’ll probably assume they want to be like him before he tries to kill them,” Daphne snorted with amused contempt.



“I’ll think on it for the time being. When I make a decision I’ll let you know.” He turned them in the direction of the dungeons but the girls halted, releasing their grip on his arms. “What’s wrong?”



“I just happen to know that Granger’s party is on the seventh floor,” Daphne hummed, giving the pretense of innocence. “Pavarti and Lavender aren’t very discrete when they’re squealing about something. Especially a party thrown by Harry Potter.” She finished in a high pitched imitation of Padma’s twin sister.



Tracey grabbed Daphne’s arm and began walking away. “You know where his little group used to meet last year? In the Come and Go room?” she smirked over her shoulder. “Don’t worry, dear, we’ll cover for you if you miss curfew.”



“Tell Harry we said hello.” Daphne chuckled and waved her fingers in farewell.





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FSFSFS





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It was a while before the celebratory atmosphere returned but after a delicious gourmet meal and continuous music the guests couldn’t help but get into the spirit of the evening. The house elves had outdone themselves. The first course provided was a selection of appetizers, salmon tartar with feta cheese and mango, duck fois gras and a beet and apple salad with smoked duck. Next was a choice between a mixed salad with walnuts and a light vinaigrette or a delicious smoky butternut squash soup that Harry had definitely enjoyed.



The traditional Hogwarts fare was good, especially after several months of eating cold tinned soup or day old bread and water. But this was near ambrosia; no wonder Hermione loved French food so much.



The entrees selection included, cider roasted chicken breast with julienned carrot and zucchini sauté which he chose. A melt in the mouth sea bass fillet roasted with salmon butter with fennel was selected by Luna. Neville decided on the braised bison ribs with celeriac puree with goat cheese, while Hermione enjoyed a delicate shrimp and scallop risotto. Ron picked the grilled veal chops with gnocchi and ricotta, though Harry had seen him eating a little of everything.



The meal was followed the choice of a raw milk cheese plate as well as a burned custard glazed with orange and a chocolate mousse cake but was quickly outshined by the birthday cake. A four layer masterpiece each decorated to resemble one of Hermione’s favorite books. The icing was light, the angel food cake center was moist and the berry filling naturally sweet.



Hermione’s next words, “I knew I would never get you to read Hogwarts, A History, Ronald but I never thought you would eat it,” brought peals of laughter from all of the guests.



For himself, the high of the evening had fallen, as he remembered the nasty words Ron and Ginny had yelled at him. Especially Ron’s as he was supposed to be his best friend. Were they right? Had he changed so much? He wasn’t trying to act like Malfoy like Ron claimed that much was certain. He didn’t find a damned thing complimentary about that ferret-faced, foul mouthed bastard. But Harry had to admit, he had been distant from his friends lately. Not just because Ron and Hermione were so focused on each other.



Maybe he still blamed them for leaving him alone this summer to grieve, though he knew it wasn’t their fault. They were following Dumbledore’s orders. With Mrs. Weasley standing guard over Ron and Hermione’s near devout respect for authority there was no way they could contact him.



‘Well,’ he thought as he sipped from his goblet of sparkling cider, ‘The most important thing about tonight was Hermione enjoyed herself.’



He turned his gaze to others, as she danced with Ron. Such a pretty smile and soft giggles, he mused, pleased with her happiness. It was rare to see such a soft side to Hermione, as she always seemed so determined to be studious and valued for her intelligence and not her appearance. So his hurt feelings could stand to the side for the night.



“Sorry about the ceremony Harry.” Susan had joined his and Neville and Luna’s table, bringing a chair so she could sit. Joining her was Terry, Padma and Ernie who also wore conciliatory smiles.



“I didn’t mean to aggravate Ginny,” Terry shrugged in apology. “I just find that kind of small mindedness as bad as the purebloods that degrade muggle-borns.”



“Ginny had worked up all of that anger long before tonight and the ceremony I wanted perform was merely a catalyst. She chose tonight where she knew she would achieve maximum effect.”



“You have to know she did that because she likes you,” Susan asked, her feelings about the matter, or her anger, was apparent.



“Rather awful way of demonstrating it, I would think,” Neville replied placing a supportive hand on his shoulder.



“I’ve never given Ginny any inclination that I felt more for her than friendship.”



“You didn’t’ have to,” Padma told him. “Maybe she decided this would be the moment she would convince you to see her as more than a friend. More than your best friend’s little sister.”



“Some best friend,” Ernie sneered. It was probably the first time Harry had seen such a harsh expression on the Hufflepuffs face. “I have had fights with Slytherins whose words weren’t as cruel.”



“That’s just Ron’s temper,” harry felt obligated to defend.



“If you say so,” Ernie relented, but not very convincing.



After a few moments of silence, Harry remembered to say, “Thanks for agreeing to take Ginny’s place in the Ceremony, Padma. I know sharing magic is, well very intimate, so just, thank you.”



“You’re welcome,” the Ravenclaw glanced at Susan who gave an almost imperceptible nod. “I have to admit, I did have ulterior motives.”



He stared as complete surprise blanked his features. “Really? Why?”



“You see, I was hoping to convince you to join our study group on Wednesdays in the library.”



“Study group?” Then he recalled the penned note in the front of the book Tracey gave him. He glanced first at Padma, then moved along each of them in query. “You all go?”



“Yes. Tracey told us she invited you to join us,” Susan explained. “I know it isn’t the same as studying with your friends but perhaps if you find yourself alone on Wednesdays you might consider joining us.”



“What about my friends?”



“We would have to speak to the others first,” Terry answered this time. “But I’m sure Neville and Luna would be welcome.”



The words were said in such a way, he couldn’t miss their meaning. Not Ron and Hermione or Ginny. Given everything that occurred tonight, it was understandable. Their study group on Wednesday undoubtedly used that time to focus on their Hogwarts assignments. What he also understood was that each of them was confirmed followers of the old ways and they were inviting him into their group.



Even Neville had confirmed his family observed the old traditions and he had seen Luna performing the morning blessing, so unless he was mistaken she did as well.



“I need to think about it for a while longer.” It was a big decision and would definitely cause troubles between him and his friends.



He was still learning about the old ways. As a novice, there was much to gain knowledge of before he was comfortable seeking out peers. The book was a good resource and now that he knew Septima followed the old ways, he could see her as a mentor guiding him as he learned more.



“Well, you’re always welcome.” Susan smiled with understanding. “And if you like, Neville, Luna, we can speak with the others. Its always nicer to be amongst friends.”



“Thank you,” agreed, though he knew they would follow his lead when deciding whether or not to go.



FSFSFS



After the cake was served and more dancing Hermione opened her presents receiving mostly books as everyone knew how much she enjoyed learning. Ron’s present was a new copy of Hogwarts, A History and a pair of small jeweled earrings. There were lots whistles and teasing as Hermione threw herself in his arms kissing him passionately. Ginny departed from the pattern as well gifting Hermione with a set of perfumed lotions in attractive glass bottles in a homemade basket.



“Mum helped me make them this summer,” Ginny answered when Hermione asked where they were from.



Hermione opened a pale purple bottle, sniffing its contents and a smile of pleasure touched her lips. “Lavender, right? And I think I smell almond.”



“That’s probably from the oil base.”



“I love it Ginny, thank you.” The two hugged tightly, each content in the shared moment of happiness.



“So what did you get her Harry?” Neville asked bringing everyone’s attention to him.



“Uh, well,” he had already decided to give her the gift he had for the Ceremony but now that it was time, he was hesitant to cause another disruption to the party. So he decided to start with the birthday gift first. It was harmless and Ron and Ginny couldn’t take offense.



“I have two gifts, really.” He warned in advance, “The first, I got the idea from Professor Vector,” he used the proper title because he was surrounded by so many of their classmates. Luna handed him a large square shaped box from the gift table. It was covered with dark blue wrapping paper and bows.



“What is it?” Hermione carefully pulled the package apart, exposing the black case that could only contain jewelry. Several feminine whispers of delight filled the air as she slowly opened the box. “Harry!” she gasped, a hand moving first to her lips then down to the contents.



“Well, Professor Vector always has on this necklace.” He began explaining.



“I know the one you’re talking about,” Pavarti spoke up brightly, “The chain necklace with the beautiful teardrop shaped moonstone.”



Hermione removed the necklace to reveal a thin chain that shimmered pale under the moonlight. He would never say it was made of mythril, as the metal was one of the most expensive and precious the goblins used when crafting jewelry. The catalogue from Ockham’s had only listed the item, not even daring to mention how many galleons it would cost. Probably deciding if the customer needed to ask, then it was probably too expensive. The charm also of mythril and no larger than a infant’s fist was shaped into a figure eight laying on it’s side. The symbol for infinity.



“It’s sturdier than it looks, so if you wanted to wear it you don’t have to worry about it breaking. It comes with the usual charms and protections. It means, well, I just though-”



“Friends forever Harry,” Hermione whispered through a blur of tears, reaching across the others to grasp his hand tightly.



“Yeah.”



“Let me help you put it on,” Lavender suggested, since Ginny who was sitting right next to Hermione hadn’t offered.



“So what’s this second gift, mate, ‘cause that one was pretty spectacular.”



“Ah, well, I was going to give this to you during,” he stopped lifting his shoulder in defeat, as he knew she would know what he was talking about. He handed her a metal case, long and slender. It squeaked when she opened it to reveal a crystal wand. “You use this type of wand mostly with rituals or charms. There is a book in the case that explains it better, you just have to tap your other wand against it twice to enlarge it.”



“It’s lovely, Harry.” When he grasped both her hands, she looked up at him in surprise, silencing the furious conversations going on around them.



“This is for your Coming of Age.” Even if he didn’t have the ceremony, he would share this last part of the rite with her. Share his magic with her. “I wish you the blessings of the Divine, Hermione Jean Granger. May you find peace, love and joy throughout your journey in life. Beloved friend. As I will it, so mote it be.”



He hadn’t expected the sudden surge of wind to stir around him. It circled the two of them like a zephyr, and then he could feel the warmth of his magic pulsating, flowing away from him and over to her. When she felt it her eyes widened in disbelief.



“So mote it be.” Was chorused by those who followed the old ways.