Dauntless & Astute

The Party

London, England

"I swear Harry, you're doing this on purpose." Hermione joked, smacking her boyfriend on the shoulder playfully.

They were sat in Harry's flat studying on the floor in the living room. Harry had returned back to his uni with help from Hermione. She had been helping him study for months now, twice a week.

"I'm not doing it on purpose." He replied back, ducking from her assault. "I was wrong, sue me."

After their date back in the park, they had been going on steadily for over a year now. This was both of their longest relationships, and they were heavily infatuated with one another.

Even Daphne's teasing of them being 'Soulmates' didn't irritate them anymore, only making them smile brightly when brought up.

"We've done enough reading Mione, I don't want to spend all our time together focused on me. I want to help you, with all of your stuff." Harry said, shutting the math book he was holding.

"But the finals are coming fast! You only have a few short months to get good marks!" Hermione stressed to him, having said this before to him.

Harry stood from the floor and offered her his hand.

"Come on, let me make you a cup of tea. I want to be with you. I promise I'll try hard, but I need a break." Harry said.

Hermione sighed, then moved her textbook off her lap and took the offered hand. Harry, who helped her up, pulled too hard and she shot into his chest. Letting out a gasp as she hit him, she heard him laugh as he wrapped his arms around her.

Nestling into his chest, they stood for a moment, slightly swaying to the music Hermione had put on.

Breaking apart, they moved into the kitchen where Harry put a kettle onto the stove. Hermione moved to the kitchen counter and hopped on and sat on the ledge.

"So, make any plans for your birthday?" Harry asked, looking back at her.

"Well since you're working, and Daphne is going to be busy all day, probably not. I might just stay home and read all day. Supposed to be a stormy day anyway." Hermione replied, shrugging her shoulders.

She had been slightly disappointed when she found out both her best friend and boyfriend were gonna be busy on her birthday, but she wasn't gonna take it and sink, instead she wanted to make it peaceful and relaxing. She had bought a new book series she was yearning for so she would indulge on it for the few days around her day.

"Again I'm really sorry Hermione. Dad needs me badly for the next few days, and Ron is off." Harry said apologetically.

"I understand, I don't want you to think I'm upset. Because I'm not! I love you and I know you want to be there, and that is enough." Hermione said honestly, giving Harry a smile.

"I hope so, I'll make it up to you though."

The kettle ringing stopped their conversation, as Harry turned off the heat and grabbed the kettle to pour into their cups.

Pouring the correct amount in on top of the tea bags, Harry added a dash of milk into his. Hermione preferred her's plain.

They conversed a bit as they drank their drinks, enjoying one another's company. Once empty, they cleaned up and moved to sit onto the couch in the lounge. Cuddled up with each other, they closed their eyes and fell asleep.

Harry's Flat

Daphne was stressed.

Harry was EXTREMELY stressed.