[fourteen]

Hermione wasn't sure whether to mention to Draco that it was actually her birthday today. Did it matter? That she was spending her birthday lunch with him and not her best friends?

She wondered whether Harry or Ron even remembered. Perhaps this was the reason why Ron decided to talk to her last night. With a shake of her head, ridding her of her thoughts, she rummaged through her small closet for an outfit.

She wanted to look good, no scratch that, great today. Settling for a light washed denim skirt, she threw on a white tee and tucked it in. It was September, the weather was getting colder by the day, making way for the cold autumn breeze. Not wanting to spend the whole day shivering, Hermione grabbed a beige coat from the rack and slipped on a pair of matching kitten heels before rushing out the door. Heels; she barely wore heels, but today was her special day.

She almost forgot about the exchange students arriving today "Malfoy, we can't have lunch. We have to stick with the exchange students throughout the trip, remember?" she said as she hurriedly tied her hair into a messy knot.

Not hearing any response from Draco, she looked up to find him staring at her wide-eyed "Draco?" she called

Draco Malfoy cleared his throat and met Hermione's eyes "You look great, Granger."

Hermione blushed, but rolled her eyes "Did you hear what I said?"

"Yes I did. I completely forgot about that." Draco sighed before grabbing his wand from the coffee table; It seemed to be the only thing he was bringing to the trip. "Maybe we can have lunch with all of them, then. The reservation would be a waste."

"You had a reservation made?" Hermione asked "When did you even send the notice?"

"This morning." Draco shrugged and walked ahead

"Professor McGonagall is waiting for you both in the Great Hall." Dumbledore said as the pair went through the portrait hole

"Of course, thank you, professor." Hermione smiled before tugging at Draco's sleeve - they better hurry, otherwise the headmistress will have their heads. Despite the rush, and forgetting about the exchange students' arrival, Hermione was in quite the good mood. Her high spirits left her unaware of her oozing confidence.

Without another thought, she took Draco's hand in hers and rushed down the stairs. "Granger, slow the bloody hell down!" Draco exclaimed as he tried his best to not stumble over his own foot

"Why the hell does this school not have elevators?" Hermione hissed, but a small smile creeped on her face as they zoomed down the stairs

"Elev-what?" Draco hissed "Granger, you're not the only one looking quite gorgeous this morning. I'd like to keep my looks fresh, so can you please slow down?"

"Gorgeous, huh?" Hermione smirked as a blush spread along her cheeks, silently grateful for the fact that she was rushing ahead of Draco.

"I've said it. Not saying it again."

"Whatever you say, Malfoy." Hermione sang gleefully

Draco Malfoy wasn't always one to give compliments. She'll take what she can get.

When they finally reached the large doors leading to the Great Hall, Hermione brushed the non-existent dust off her coat "How do I look? Do I look like I just ran seven flights of stairs?" she asked Draco

"Ha-ha stop fishing for compliments, Granger. That's the last one you're getting." Draco rolled his eyes before pushing through the doors only to find their whole class, along with the professors, already in their places.

"Nice of you to join us today." McGonagall said pointedly

"Sorry, professor." Hermione smiled sheepishly

"I'll let you go just this once because it's your birthday, Hermione." McGonagall smiled and patted Hermione on the shoulder "Happy birthday."

"It's your birthday?" Draco asked, surprised

"Thank you, professor." Hermione grinned, ignoring Draco's surprise

"We'll wait a few more minutes for the rest of the students to arrive, then we'll begin with the announcements." McGonagall said, before stepping away to prepare the Sorting Hat.

The Great Hall was buzzing with the students' curiosity. Not all of them knew about the exchange program that McGonagall had set up for the year, so many of them were surprised to see the Sorting Hat on the stool once again.

"Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday?" Draco frowned

"It's just a birthday. I have one every year." Hermione shrugged, before smiling at a Ravenclaw who had just greeted her

Draco and Hermione were standing at the far left of the high table, watching as the rest of the students gathered to sit on their respective house tables. From the Gryffindor table, Harry was giving Hermione a brilliant smile - he hadn't forgotten afterall.

"Well, I suppose it's a good thing I had reservations made today." Draco shrugged "We could at least celebrate."

"Malfoy, I'm not sure how we're supposed to celebrate with people we barely know." Hermione laughed "It's alright. I can just make a wish and blow a candle when we get back." she shrugged

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but you should bring Potter." Draco said, almost cringing

Hermione laughed even louder "Are you serious?"

"What can I say? I'm a great friend." Draco shrugged smugly

Hermione laughed and squeezed his hand "You really are, Malfoy." she said, smiling slightly

'I was bluffing' Draco thought, but whatever. If it makes her happy, "I am?" he smirked

"Don't let it get to your head." Hermione rolled her eyes laughed "I've said it. Not saying it again." she echoed his words earlier, making him laugh

"Everybody, please settle down!" McGonagall said loudly "We're about to begin this morning's program."

"What's happening?" McGonagall's statement only brewed more curiosity and anxiousness. They had just come from a war, at this point, her announcement can mean anything.

"Before I let some of you leave for the Hogsmeade trip, there are a few guests  we must welcome this morning." the headmistress gestured to the main doors of the Great Hall with open arms as it opened to reveal their guests "Hogwarts as arranged an exchange program with Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. Please welcome your new schoolmates with a round of applause."

"It's Viktor Krum!"

"I still don't get why he's here when the World Quidditch cup is right around the corner" Draco frowned

Hermione merely grunted in response, her eyes on Viktor, who was heading straight for her "Hermione." he greeted with a ridiculously thick accent

"Have you been practicing how to say my name right?" Hermione laughed and opened her arms for a hug "It's great to see you again, Viktor."