[eighteen]

"The professors are trying their best to get rid of all the grim, aren't they?" Draco mumbled as he put a coat on. Hermione was on his bed, carefully braiding her hair into a knot "Well, I'm not complaining. We deserve this break." Hermione shrugged 

Three weeks have passed since the meteor shower, and it was the best three weeks of Draco's life. "I'm not complaining either, because it's more time spent with you" Draco grinned and pressed a kiss on Hermione's lips

"I feel like I'm spoiling you too much." Hermione grinned and pulled him close for another one "Sitting next to each other in class, eating together, cuddling at night? You've gotten too much of me, Draco Malfoy." 

"Not enough." Draco grinned and helped her up "Come on, Head Girl, we have a Hogsmeade trip to patrol." 

When they reached the Great Hall, McGonagall got to them before they could reach the group of students going for the visit "Miss Granger, mister Malfoy," she greeted "I trust you'll be performing  your duties well on this trip." she eyed their tightly knitted hands

"Of course, professor." Hermione cleared her throat 

"I'll take your word for it." the headmistress nodded "After the trip, however, I will need  you both to pay me a visit in my office. There is something we urgently need to discuss for tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Is there something we're missing, professor?" Draco asked 

"Not now, mister Malfoy. , in my office." McGonagall said, glancing at their group of friends who seemed to be awkwardly waiting for the pair

"Alright, then. See you later, professor McGonagall." Hermione smiled politely before tugging at Draco

"We are going to Hogsmeade as a group. I refuse to be labelled as a cliq--" Goyle began 

"Oh hush, Goyle." Hermione  rolled her eyes "Draco and I have to patrol. We can't come with any of you either way." 

"What about last time, then?" Celine asked 

"We were tasked to be your guide then. Not anymore." Draco smirked at Theo "You seem to be in good hands now, anyway." 

Theo shot him a glare 

"You're absolutely sure you aren't just using this as an excuse to go on a date?" Harry narrowed his eyes "Haven't you two gotten enough of each other? I mean, who knows what's going on in that common room of yours!" 

"Have you and Ginny?" Hermione retorted 

"Touché" Harry muttered

"Great, we'll see you lot for supper, then." Draco smirked at took Hermione's hand 

"We'll see you " Ginny corrected

But Draco wasted no time finding a tree to hind behind, snaking his hands around Hermione's waist in an instant "" she hissed, but giggled nonetheless "We have a job to do!"

"That doesn't mean we can't have while doing it." Draco grinned and pressed his lips against hers 

Hermione pulled away and laughed, the sound ringing delightfully in Draco's ears "We have to patrol the trip, Malfoy. McGonagall will know if we don't."

"Oh fine, fine." Draco rolled his eyes playfully and took her hand, warming it in the pocket of his coat as they walked "Come on."

The holidays were nearing. Halloween was going to be in the next weekend and after that they only had the end of term exams left before the holidays. 

The cold autumn wind brushing against their cheeks made them walk closer together, earning a few more looks from the students around the neighborhood "I hate the way they look at us. I feel like an odd spectacle." Hermione muttered 

"Well, we are an odd spectacle, Granger." Draco chuckled "This is like the most mind-boggling plot twist of their lives." 

"I think the plot twist was the war, Malfoy." Hermione said after giving a few misbehaving third-years the stink eye

"No, Granger, that was the climax." Draco corrected

"Are we talking literature now?" Hermione looked up at him with a small smile 

"I love your smile." Draco said quietly, and tenderly pressed a kiss on her forehead 

"Well, you're the reason I wear it." Hermione smiled wider 

"Then, Granger, consider me honored." he smirked and pulled her closer, if that were even possible 

The neighborhood trip was quiet and uneventful enough that the pair only had to take a few points from certain houses, namely Slytherin and Ravenclaw. Whilst Draco and Hermione argued about how Gryffindor wasn't misbehaving during that trip, they found themselves in front of George's jokeshop "Zonko's will be out of business soon enough." Draco observed as several students came in and out of the renowned establishment 

"George should consider a partnership. It should be beneficial for both sides." 

Draco shook his head as he eyed the large building, which seemed to stand out very well amongst the humble houses around it "Weasley won't benefit much, trust me. He's better off continuing on the path he's on right now. It seems to be a bright one." 

"Would you like to come in?" Hermione asked, seeing the familiar red hair of the owner through its large windows 

Draco looked at her "You don't think he'll throw me out after last time?" 

Hermione shook his head and smiled warmly at Draco, warm enough to make him forget about to freezing wind currently brushing against their faces "George appreciates what you did. He knew it couldn't have been easy for you to do that."

"You're sure?" 

"Would I lie to you?" Hermione cocked a brow "It's not my fault you didn't bother looking back to see his reaction." 

"Fine." Draco huffed and walked ahead "I'm not sure what we'll talk about in there, but sure."

Hermione grinned and pushed the door open for them 

"I was wondering when you'd come visit me again, Hermione Granger." George smirked from the staircase, casually leaning over its railings

"I wasn't sure you'd still be around. Are you sure Diagon Alley's managing fine without you?" Hermione smiled 

"Angelina's managing that for me. It's best to keep an eye on the new things first, to see how they work out." George said, but he shot a look at Draco as he said it 

"Seems to be doing quite well, though." Hermione winked at him 

"So, you two, huh?" George smirked "Does your boyfriend talk, or has he gone mute since your last visit?" 

Draco scoffed "You wish, Weasley." 

"There he is!" George clapped patronizingly "Come to say another apology, Malfoy?" 

Hermione glared at George 

Draco rolled his eyes, but smirked "No. You should've recorded it, because you won't be hearing one again."