That afternoon, Anne had assumed the Gryffindor trio would talk to her about Dumbledore. But they didn't. Right after the tryouts, Harry dove into organizing practice for the new Quidditch team, and Hermione, carrying the same shoulder bag as Anne, headed to the library with her.
Anne found it a bit puzzling, but once she opened her textbook in the library, any curiosity was quickly pushed aside. Sixth-year homework was clearly on a whole other level from fifth-year work.
"Good thing I didn't take Transfiguration..." Anne mumbled as she plopped a stack of thick reference books onto the table, books Hermione had requested.
Hermione followed behind and set down her own armful of books before sitting beside Anne.
Anne flipped through one of the hefty tomes on the table, already feeling her head ache, and shoved the stack over to Hermione. Instead, she opened a book on Arithmancy and Divination.
The first week of the new term flew by, and as the second week began, Anne found herself sinking into a fresh wave of anxiety, Hermione's birthday was coming up.
Last year, Anne had barely pulled something decent together by sheer luck. This year, she wanted to do things properly. She already had a rough idea, but decided to run it by Fanny first. After all, Fanny had way more experience in this kind of thing.
"Wow, that's so sweet," Fanny said, her eyes lighting up after hearing Anne's plan. "I'm suddenly jealous of Hermione."
Anne blushed a little. "But do you think I should add something more?"
"I think it's great already! Food, music, gifts! Hey, why not throw a party?" Fanny perked up instantly. "With how tense things have been lately, a party would be the perfect way to lighten things up! And that way Hermione could hear dozens of people wish her happy birthday in person!"
Anne looked thoughtful.
Seeing her hesitation, Fanny pressed on. "You don't have to invite everyone. Just a small group, Harry, Ron, Luna, Ginny, Neville. You know, people who'd keep it quiet."
Anne looked up and smirked. "Why do I feel like you're the one who really wants a party?"
"Hey! I'm being totally serious here. Besides, what girl wouldn't want a birthday party with music, food, and friends handing her gifts and well wishes?"
Anne was quiet for a moment, then clapped her hands. "You've got a point. Alright, let's do it."
Fanny squealed. "Yay! Oh, and just so we're clear, I want those grass cakes, those finger biscuits, tangyuan, spring rolls, and... oh! That thing you called... Cantonese... dim sum?"
"You're clearly only in this for the food..."
"I am not! And anyway, Hermione loves your cooking too." Fanny nudged Anne playfully. "I haven't even mentioned how you're totally favoring your girlfriend. Putting all this thought into her birthday…"
Anne turned her head slightly, embarrassed. "I put a lot of thought into your birthday gifts too, you know…"
Fanny gave Anne a look full of hidden meaning but quickly shifted topics. "But Anne, what if it's at night? The whole castle's on lockdown after ten."
"Yeah, I've thought about that. I'm hoping Harry might know a workaround. We'll find a way to avoid Filch. I'll talk to Harry and Ron about it tomorrow."
"Great! Let's start planning the decorations. What about the location?"
"There's a perfect spot on the eighth floor," Anne said with a smile. "And it's huge."
Time passed quickly. By mid-September, life at Hogwarts settled into its usual rhythm. Anne and Hermione spent their library time happily diving into Arithmancy or magical history. Occasionally, when Fanny, Anne, Luna, and Neville bumped into each other in the halls, they'd share a subtle smile.
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Friday, September 19th.
During breakfast at the Slytherin table, Anne snuck a glance toward the Gryffindor side. Hermione was chatting away with Harry and Ron, seemingly unaware of the date.
Fanny, mirroring Anne's glance, leaned in and whispered, "Wow, Anne, impressive! Hermione really doesn't realize it's her birthday…"
"Well, it's easy to lose track of dates at school when you're only thinking in terms of weekdays. Plus, I intercepted her owl mail, so she hasn't gotten the gift or card from her parents yet. And Harry and Ron played along, didn't give her anything this morning…" Anne grinned. "Lately, I've also been bombarding her with all sorts of obscure magical questions, so all she can think about is meeting me after class today to talk more."
Fanny nodded, then asked, "What about my food list?"
"Relax. I've got the whole afternoon free, I'll be in the kitchens cooking nonstop. There'll be more than enough."
After classes, Anne said goodbye to the house-elves, promising to see them tonight, and headed to the library. She arranged her books and parchment just so, and Fanny reminded her to wipe flour off her neck.
Not long after, Hermione arrived, slinging her bag over her shoulder. As usual, Anne used her wand to move the chair beside her, and Hermione slid in.
"Ugh, we have so much homework," Hermione groaned. "A fifteen-inch essay, two translations, and hundreds of pages to read by Monday!"
Anne gently patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Hermione. You'll get it done."
"I hope so…" Hermione muttered, pulling books from her bag. Before diving into work, she brought up a topic they hadn't finished discussing.
"In 1692, what exactly did the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy say about cauldron use in Wales and Northern Ireland? I've looked through several books, but none mention anything specific…"
"Oh, those wouldn't. The official books skip that clause, it was only in effect for a few months. I found it in a wizard's journal. The interesting part is…"
They stayed in the library until 9:30 p.m., when Hermione finally finished all her homework. At 9, Fanny had made her exit, pretending to go to bed early, but she had actually gone to the Room of Requirement to prep.
While the decorations had already been set up days ago, the food still needed arranging, and Fanny was adamant that food presentation mattered just as much as taste.
Besides, this wasn't just a gathering for a few friends. Anne had also invited a number of house-elves.
After Hermione checked her work one last time and sighed in relief, Anne closed her book and smiled.
"All done? Ready to head back?"
"Yeah…" Hermione smiled back.
As they walked toward the library entrance, Anne suddenly stopped, as if remembering something important.
Squeezing Hermione's hand, she said, "Hermione, I just remembered something really important. Could you come with me to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor?"
"Now?" Hermione asked, puzzled. "Is it urgent?"
Anne nodded seriously. "Very."
"All right, let's go."
Before they moved, Anne leaned over and kissed Hermione on the cheek. Then, in a teasing tone: "You're too trusting, you know. What if I were someone using Polyjuice or the Imperius Curse?"
Hermione leaned in, examining Anne's face up close. "I'd never mistake you for someone else..."
That made Anne's heart warm.
The eighth floor hallway was dim and quiet, with candles spaced far apart. Most portraits had been removed, and two nearby classrooms were boarded up with heavy wooden planks.
The tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy attempting to teach trolls ballet was still there. Across from it, Anne paced back and forth three times, and a smooth door appeared in the wall.
Taking Hermione's hand, Anne opened the door.
Inside, it was pitch black.
Just as Hermione was about to ask what was going on, Anne leaned in and whispered cheerfully, "Hermione, this is the twenty-seventh time I've told you, I like you. Happy Birthday."
At her words, the Room of Requirement lit up.
Dozens of candles floated from the ceiling, entwined with green ivy, and a sparkling magical chandelier hung in the center. Several long tables surrounded a circular table in the middle, piled with food. At the heart of the round table was a miniature butterbeer fountain.
A dance floor had been cleared in front of it, and nearby stood a piano and a variety of instruments.
Fanny, Ginny, Luna, Ron, Harry, and Neville stood smiling in the center of the dance floor.
"Surprise! Happy birthday, Hermione!"
Around thirty house-elves stood beside the long tables, clapping excitedly. They were dressed in more than just tea towels, some wore scarves or hats.
Hermione stared, stunned into silence.
So Anne pulled her into a hug, and kissed her.
"Woooah!" came the cheers from the dance floor. The house-elves clapped even louder.
Anne kissed her with confidence, gently deepening it until Hermione's senses returned. Blushing, she responded, and their kiss grew deeper still, until they finally pulled apart for breath.
Anne held Hermione's hand tightly, while the others clapped and laughed.
Hermione's cheeks were glowing, her eyes watery with emotion.
"I… thank you. All of you…"
Neville waved a hand. "No, thank you! If it weren't your birthday, I'd never get to eat this much amazing food…"
His eyes hungrily scanned the tables.
Everyone laughed, including Fanny, who had strictly forbidden any early snacking.
Anne tilted her head and chuckled. "Neville's got a point. I spent all afternoon on this. Eat up, and yes, you're allowed to take leftovers."
"All right, dig in! I'm sure plenty of you skipped dinner."
Everyone scattered quickly, diving for plates.
"Come on, let's go change," Anne said, leading Hermione to a curtained-off corner.
Inside was no ordinary room. One wall was divided into compartments where several dresses floated in midair. Beneath them, rows of high heels lined a shelf, and a small vanity, cluttered with wrapped gifts, stood in the corner.
Anne pointed to the floating gowns. "These are in your size. Pick whichever you like." She flashed a grin. "I'll take the matching one."
"Oh, and these gifts? They're from everyone. I intercepted your owl post so you wouldn't get your parents' card too early. Sorry, I just wanted it to be a surprise…"
Before she could finish, Hermione kissed her, this time, Hermione took the lead.
With their foreheads resting together, Hermione whispered, "Anne, I like you. I, "
"Shh, no need for mushy words," Anne winked. "Pick a dress before those starving partygoers eat everything."
As Hermione sat at the vanity, Anne stood behind her, fingers deftly moving through Hermione's hair, twisting it into a graceful updo.
"I thought you had short hair experience only," Hermione teased.
"I am your girlfriend. And after years of watching Fanny fuss over her hair, I learned a thing or two."
"Oh, one more thing."
Anne rummaged through her bag and pulled out a small box. Inside lay a silver necklace with a translucent oval pendant. Within the pendant was a rare violet-colored violet flower.
She fastened it around Hermione's neck. "Your birthday gift. Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful."
"I charmed it. Say the number seventeen in French, and it'll change a little. But not now, wait till you're back in your dorm."
Hermione nodded.
When she stood and faced Anne, even knowing white suited her, Anne was still stunned.
A flowing white gown, elegant neckline, and that distinctive air of Hermione's intellect and grace, Anne couldn't look away.
Blushing, Hermione asked, "Shall we go?"
Anne nodded and walked forward. Hermione slipped her arm through Anne's.
Right before stepping through the curtain, Anne muttered, "They're so lucky..."
Hermione laughed.
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