Work Text:
September 1996
Hermione aggressively flipped through another potions book in search of the answer to how Harry bested her brew of Draught of Living Death. With a frustrated growl she slammed shut the last of the potions texts before sending them back to the shelves with a flick of her wand.
"Oi Granger!!!" A voice exclaimed, causing Hermione to whip around to find Adrian Pucey dive to the floor to dodge the barrage of books flying in his direction. "What did those books do to you? "
"I apologize, I didn't realize that there was anyone else in this section of the library," she stuttered out in embarrassment before fleeing from the handsome wizard.
October 1996
She thought once Harry's new potions textbook came in he'd have to return the Half-Blood Prince's book. They didn't even know who this person was and if the notations were even viable potions, nevermind the unknown spells.
"You're just jealous because Harry's making higher marks than you," Ron declared when Hermione brought up the dangers of trying altered instructions.
"Yea Hermione you don't need top marks in every class." Harry followed up as he shoved the book into his bag and out of her reach. "I'm learning more now than I ever did with Snape. Besides, I need to pass Potions if I want to be an Auror."
Hermione knew she had lost this argument and rolled her eyes violently. When one of these potion alterations blew his cauldron up she'd be the first to point it out.
The conversation soon turned to Harry's other favorite topic, "I'm telling you Malfoy took the Mark." Harry demanded, "I saw how he acted when Madam Malkins tried to touch his left arm. Hey, where are you going Hermione?"
"To the library where I'll be able to get more work done than listening to this again. Malfoy may be a slimy ferret but I highly doubt he's a Death Eater." She answered shortly as she finished gathering up her belongings.
"But I need help with the Potions' essay. It's due tomorrow!" Ron exclaimed as he rushed to pull out his parchment and quill.
"Well Harry has the highest marks in Potions, why don't you ask him for help?" Hermione scoffed as she exited the common room.
Hermione had no intention of visiting the library. She had finished all her work days ago and had yet to find any answers regarding the annotated potions text.
As she waited for the staircases to align Hermione glanced outside to find that sunlight was still filtering through the windows before deciding that a walk around the lake might be just what she needed to clear her head.
Crisp fall air filled her lungs as she stepped outside and took note that very few students had ventured outside the castle. Hermione strolled to the shoreline and paused to gaze out across the water. A rock skipping across the water caught her attention. She watched as the lake claimed the stone before turning to continue her walk.
Hermione found herself brought out of her thoughts as a chilly breeze rushed over her. A shiver forced its way out of her as she took note of the sun's lowered position. She gripped her wand but before the warming charm incantation could pass her lips a warm weight pressed onto her shoulders.
A rich masculine cologne filled her nose as she turned to find Adrian Pucey tucking his scarf tighter around his neck. "It's a bit nippy to be out without a jacket, Granger." He drawled as he strided past her, up the path toward the castle.
Once the Slytherin left her sight Hermione tugged the jacket closer around her. She pressed her nose against the collar to breathe in the intoxicating scent covering it before trudging back to the castle.
November 1996
He had the nerve to use an unknown spell in public, in a crowded pub. Hermione narrowed her eyes at her friends before following after Ginny. The redheaded witch was probably more furious at Harry and Ron's lackadaisical approach to the Half-Blood Prince's inventions than Hermione herself.
"After everything that happened to me in my first year," Ginny fumed as Hermione reached her. "You'd think after nearly being killed every year they'd be far more careful."
Hermione nodded in agreement as the two witches entered Honeydukes. Ginny snatched up a bar of dark chocolate while Hermione carefully selected a few sugar quills before heading to the counter.
"I see you're dressed appropriately for the weather today," Adrian snarked lightly as he brushed against her, lightly tugging on the jacket she had yet to return before reaching up to tuck a loose curl behind her ear. Hermione felt her breath catch in her chest at their close proximity. "The sugar quills as well." He told the cashier as he handed over a few sickles and knuts. A shy smile crossed his lips, then as quick as he appeared he was gone.
Hermione watched as he exited the shop before turning to find Ginny giving her a sly look. "So does the mysterious jacket belong to Pucey?" She teased as a pink flush coated Hermione's cheeks.
December 1996
It was days before Christmas break and Hermione sought refuge in a desolate corner of the library. Between the Half-Blood Prince's book, Harry's belief that Malfoy was a Death Eater, and Ron's disgusting displays with Lavender she needed to get away.
She planned to return home for the holidays as opposed to joining the others at the Burrow, which would hopefully cool the tensions between her and the youngest Weasley brother.
Ron had accused her of being jealous in front of the entire Great Hall and she had unfortunately risen to his baiting. But there was only so much affection between the pair she could stomach at meal times.
"Oi Granger." Adrian's voice sounded as he entered her nook, "I just got your message." Hermione glanced up from her book and a slight blush covered her cheeks as she took in the handsome wizard.
"Your jacket," Hermione voiced quietly as she stood to return it to him. A spark jolted her when their hands touched.
Hermione found herself looking up at Adrian when she realized her feet were stuck to the floor. A quick peek upwards revealed the charmed mistletoe above them.
Hermione shyly met Adrian's gaze before he leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers.
Hermione felt him pull back slowly and found she didn't want the kiss to end just yet. She lifted herself onto her tiptoes to follow Adrian's lips.
The tentative beginning to their kiss was forgotten as the jacket Adrian was holding fell to the floor so he could wrap an arm around her to tug her closer. His other hand took up residence against Hermione's cheek as he snogged her hotly.
It felt like every encounter they'd had since September led up to this moment.
"Happy Christmas Hermione," Adrian whispered as they broke apart to catch their breath.
"Happy Christmas," She replied breathlessly before allowing her focus to drift from his darkened hazel eyes to his lips. Adrian returned his lips to Hermione's without any of the previous hesitation.
January 1997
Hermione felt as if an icy pit filled her stomach when she received word that Ron had been poisoned. Even though things between the two of them weren't resolved, he was still one of her best friends.
Harry and her sat by Ron's hospital bed as Madam Pomfrey bustled around the Hospital Wing. Harry glanced around the room before turning to Hermione, "I know how it must feel to see him with Lavender." Harry whispered as he gave Hermione's hand a light squeeze. "I imagine it feels how I do when I see Ginny with Dean."
Hermione furrowed her brows in confusion before it struck her, Harry thought she liked Ron in a more than friendly manner. "Oh Harry," she started as he admitted to the way it hurt to see that he missed his chance with Ginny. "Ron is my friend, and only my friend. I have no desire to be more than that with him."
Harry paled slightly as he thought about her response. "I um you've just been upset with him lately and I guess I um assumed it," Harry stuttered awkwardly. "But I can see how the near constant snogging could be a little stomach turning, especially at meals."
They both turned as the door to the Hospital Wing swung open. "Won Won!" Lavender cried as she rushed it before halting at the sight of Hermione. "What are you doing here?" She questioned with narrowed eyes.
"Visiting my friend you bint," Hermione snapped at the blonde witch. "Harry, I'll see you later and be sure to leave Ron's chocolate unopened." Hermione departed the room, vaguely hearing Lavender muttering under her breath.
The castle, though incredibly spacious, was feeling as if it was closing in on her. Her friend, one of her best friends, had accidentally been given poisoned wine by a professor. She paused at the castle's doors and debated traveling to her dormitory for her jacket and gloves.
"It is borderline freezing out there." Hermione turned to find Adrian striding toward her with his heavy jumper on and a jacket tucked under his arm. "I heard about Weasley and I figured you would want to clear your head."
Hermione allowed Adrian to tuck her into his jacket and cast a warming charm over the two of them before venturing out into the frigid air. Hermione felt him press his lips against her hair as he threaded his fingers through her own.
Hermione felt warm in a way that she had only felt during their occasional snogs. In that moment she was so incredibly thankful for the Slytherin wizard.
February 1997
Hermione stared at her reflection as she applied a tiny bit of makeup and willed her hair into temporary submission.
She checked the time and found she was running behind to meet Adrian in the Entrance Hall. She quickly gathered her jacket and scarf before heading into the Common Room.
Harry and Ron were sitting in the arm chairs closest to the door and stood when she came into view. "About time, what took you so long?" Ron complained, "we were going to head out without you if you had taken any longer."
"I didn't realize you were waiting for me, I have a date." Hermione nervously told them. She had been putting off telling them about Adrian due to the boys' dislike of Slytherins.
Ron turned slightly red and before he could open his mouth and unintentionally insult Hermione, Harry elbowed him. "Ah you didn't tell us. Who's the lucky bloke?"
Hermione bit her lip as she realized if she didn't tell them now there was a good chance they'd see her and Adrian together at some point. "I've been seeing Adrian Pucey."
Ron's face moved from red to a more purplish color she didn't want to define and Harry turned a bit green. Thankfully Ginny hadn't left yet and could see Hermione needed a swift rescue.
"I'll walk with you Hermione. I'm meeting Luna now anyways." Ginny stated as she gripped Hermione's arm and proceeded to nearly drag her from the Gryffindor common room.
Ginny eagerly questioned Hermione about the handsome wizard she was meeting with, taking pride in drawing a bright blush to the older girl's cheeks. Thankfully the staircases complied with their trek to the ground floor and Hermione was only a few minutes late meeting Adrian.
Hermione immediately spotted Adrian pacing slowly and blushed as a bright smile appeared on his face. Ginny bid her goodbye with a quick wink and a slight nudge in Adrian's direction.
"You look wonderful." Adrian mentioned as he guided them to the carriages. The pair attracted obvious stares from their classmates as they passed due to the rarity of friendly interactions between their houses.
"Thank you, you look quite handsome as always," Hermione replied teasingly as she accepted Adrian's help entering an empty carriage. They were soon joined by a few fourth year Hufflepuffs.
"Where would you like to go first?" Adrian asked as he intertwined their fingers. "I do need some new quills so I was hoping to stop in Scrivenshaft's."
"Let's start there then, I can always use more ink." Hermione answered. "Then we could head to Honeydukes."
"Already out of sugar quills witch?" Adrian joked, causing Hermione to laugh and nod. "I'd be worried about how many you eat if they weren't so enticing watching you nibble on them." He whispered into her ear before gently kissing her cheek. Hermione felt her cheeks warm as she leaned into Adrian.
Once in Hogsmeade, they quickly located and paid for their needed school supplies, before heading in the direction of Honeydukes huddled closely together.
"So it is true, you're slumming it with mudbloods now Pucey." A voice sneered at the couple. "I didn't know I was rooming with a blood traitor." Hermione felt Adrian tense as he turned toward his roommate.
"I don't see how who I date is any of your business." Adrian replied coldly, "Not all of us are interested in marrying our cousins." The other Slytherin drew his wand angrily only for Professor Snape to appear.
Hermione noticed a surprised expression flash across Snape's face at her and Adrian's proximity before turning to the other wizard. "Mr. Vaisey, unless you'd like to spend the evening scrubbing cauldrons, put your wand away."
Vaisey glared angrily at Adrian before violently pocketing his wand and storming off.
"Mr. Pucey, I hope you are aware that some of those in Slytherin will see this as you drawing your line in the sand. I will keep myself apprised of the situation." Adrian nodded and Snape looked over the unlikely couple once more before taking his leave.
"Dating me is making you enemies in your own dorm?," Hermione inquired as Adrian squeezed her hand.
"It will be okay Hermione. There's always going to be people who criticize our decision to see each other. But you are what matters to me." Adrian explained softly to Hermione. "Now come on before Honeydukes sells all the sugar quills."
Hermione felt her heart swell and tugged Adrian to meet her for a short kiss. "And let's not forget stopping at the Three Broomsticks, I could definitely use a Butterbeer."
March 1997
Harry's suspicion of Malfoy was becoming borderline obsessive. Ever since he found that Malfoy was spending copious amounts of time in the Room of Requirement Harry was glued to the Marauder's Map.
"Malfoy isn't even seventeen yet, Voldemort marking him while he's still in school with Dumbledore is a little hard to believe." Hermione calmly stated as her and Ron listened to Harry's accusations.
He then turned his scepticism toward Adrian. "You spend all your time with your new Slytherin boyfriend. Maybe he's trying to keep you preoccupied." Harry argued angrily. "Besides he's of age have you checked his arm."
Hermione stared at Harry in disbelief and turned to Ron who just shrugged. "He is a Slytherin Mione. They are known for being slimy and sneaky." Hermione felt tears swell in her eyes as she looked between her best friends.
Some of the other Gryffindors were distinctly unimpressed with her dating a seventh year Slytherin but Harry and Ron, while uneasy, supported her. Or at least she thought they did. She guessed that when she wasn't present they had plenty to say about Adrian.
"Well it's nice to know that you trust my judgement." Hermione expressed thickly as she packed her bag with a silent flick of her wand.
"We do trust you, just not Pucey." Ron added as he rolled his eyes at Harry scanning the map once again.
Hermione fled the common room for the silence of the rockier parts of the Black Lake's shoreline. Once she found a secluded boulder tucked away from sight of the main portion of the grounds she let her tears fall.
She didn't know how long she sat crying over the hurt of Harry and Ron's doubt, when a warm mug of chocolate appeared in front of her. Looking up she found Adrian watching her with eyes full of worry.
"Ginny found me and explained to me what happened." Adrian mentioned as he sat beside her. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Hermione shook her head as she accepted the mug of hot chocolate and the embrace he offered.
Having Adrian there to hold and comfort her didn't rid her of her hurt but she felt it lessen. It was wonderful to know that he was always in her corner, even when they had their own disagreements.
April 1997
Hermione refrained from scolding Harry for still using the Half-Blood Prince's book as she knew he was horrified at what occurred between him and Malfoy.
Harry had very nearly killed Draco Malfoy in a duel. If Professor Snape hadn't been nearby, Hermione didn't even want to think about it.
She could hear Ron complaining about Harry having detention for the rest of the year and had to force herself to keep silent. She knew Dumbledore gave Harry a lot of leeway, which was the only reason Harry wasn't being expelled.
Hermione wordlessly left the common room to find Adrian, only to cross paths with Professor Snape, who cryptically advised her to await her boyfriend in the library.
"Gods Hermione," Adrian whispered as he wrapped her up in his arms. "Please tell me when I'm not here next year you'll stay safe. This is madness, students cursed, poisoned, nearly killed."
"Things are getting worse. I feel like I'm possibly responsible for this. If only I had taken the book or reported it; I was too afraid of Harry and Ron shutting me out again." Hermione revealed as she snuggled tighter into Adrian's embrace.
"You are not to blame for Potter's actions. He's not a first year anymore, this is on him." He murmured into her ear.
The pair clung to each other as the war that seemed so far from Hogwarts door steps was slowly becoming more apparent in their lives.
May 1997
Adrian and Hermione once again found themselves walking along the lake's shoreline taking a break from studying.
The weather was warm and sunny, a wonderful preview of the summer to come. Though it also reminded the pair of their impending exams and Adrian's graduation.
"I'm going to miss spending time with you when you come back for your seventh year." Adrian admitted as he conjured a blanket for the two of them to sit on. "I'll have to visit on Hogsmeade weekends."
Hermione's heart swelled at his admission and reminded him that she'd miss him as well. They talked about Adrian's upcoming apprenticeship with a well known Arithmancer and about Hermione's desire to help represent those without rights, even though she hadn't decided where the best position to do so would be.
Soon after their conversation lulled and Hermione noticed Adrian seemed anxious. She studied him for a moment but before she could ask him about it he turned to her with a quiet determination in his eyes.
"I know I'm graduating and that next year we'll be apart for the majority of it." Adrian began as he took Hermione's hands in his. "I debated waiting until you graduate but with the war looming closer than ever I can't."
Hermione looked on curiously as Adrian turned and reached into his robe pocket. Her breath caught when the small box came into view.
"We have our entire lives ahead of us, Hermione and I love you." He declared as he opened the box revealing a ring with a small purple stone. "I want to give you this promise ring to show that even though I won't be here with you I'm committed to you."
Hermione felt emotion overwhelm her as she looked from the ring to the hopeful eyes of her boyfriend. Hermione didn't allow herself to over think her feelings. "I love you too." She exclaimed and launched herself in Adrian's arms.
When they broke apart from their kiss Adrian slid the promise ring onto the ring finger of Hermione's right hand.
The ring fit her finger perfectly and Hermione couldn't stop herself from pulling Adrian in for a lengthy snog.
June 1997
Hermione buried her face in Adrian's chest as Albus Dumbledore was laid to rest.
Her face felt swollen and her eyes raw from crying. The war had truly made its way to Hogwarts, Death Eaters invaded the castle.
"I don't think I'll be returning next year," Hermione gasped out quietly as Adrian rubbed her back soothingly. "And my parents, Adrian, can't protect themselves."
"I'll get your parents out of England, Hermione." Adrian informed Hermione as he leaned over to look her in the eye. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect them and you."
Hermione breathed out deeply and allowed Adrian to envelop her back into his embrace.
Adrian escorted Hermione to her home, despite the protests of Harry and Ron. Once he had been properly introduced to Hermione's parents, he enlightened them to the current climate of the Wizarding World.
Despite Hermione's parents' many objections Hermione, with much help from Adrian, was able to convince the pair to flee the country.
Adrian was also reluctant to leave Hermione but had promised her he'd safely transport her parents to an unplottable location.
The pair shared a chaste kiss and brief declarations of love before Adrian vanished with her parents.
May 1998
Hermione was exhausted, the past year pushed her to her limit. She still hasn't fully recovered from her torture but had trudged on to end Voldemort's rein of terror.
She tugged at her promise ring as if touching it would summon Adrian to her. Hermione had left on the horcrux hunt before Adrian returned from hiding her parents away. She missed him dreadfully over the past year and prayed he was safe.
Hermione found Harry sitting off to the side of the Weasleys, who were mourning the loss of Fred. She hugged Mrs. Weasley tightly as the older woman sobbed before moving to sit by Harry.
Harry threw an arm around Hermione and the two leaned against each other, their eyes sliding shut as the adrenaline from the battle wore off. She felt as if she had just nodded off when she was being shaken awake.
Hermione jolted and reached for her wand before she realized Harry was the one waking her.
"Hermione, wake up." Harry urgently insisted. Hermione looked to Harry who pointed out toward the center of the hall.
Standing a mere ten meters in front of her was Adrian, looking as war torn and filthy as her. "Adrian..," Hermione whispered. "Adrian!"
She could see his head whip around to face her and Hermione ran to him. Adrian met her halfway and before she could say a word crushed his lips to hers.
Tears dripped down her face as she clutched Adrian to her. "I love you so much." Hermione whispered.
"And I love you. I was so scared. I heard from Bill you'd been tortured and thought I lost you." Adrian muttered into her hair.
"I missed you so much. I thought about you every day, hoping you were safe." She told Adrian as she pulled him down for another kiss.
"I'm here now, Hermione, and I'm not going anywhere." Adrian declared his voice full of emotion.
Hermione smiled up at her Slytherin wizard lovingly before being tugged back into his arms for a tight embrace.
Things weren't perfect, far from it, but with Adrian by her side she could definitely face the world.