Song Of The Guardians

Not-So-Secret Admirer

Hermione and Caroline walked through the gates of Hogwarts toward Hogsmead behind a flood of students eager to enjoy some time outside of the castle. A blanket of snow covered the small village. "It's beautiful," Caroline said happily. "I didn't see snow much back home." She looped her arm through Hermione's arm and tugged her closer. The women walked down the lane, huddled together in an attempt to stay warm.

"How are things going with Draco?" Hermione asked, watching her breath puff out in little while clouds.

"He's really great," Caroline replied with shy smile. "It's wonderful to look into his eyes and see how much he cares about me. And he treats me like royalty," she added with a grin. She glanced at Hermione in time to catch what seemed to be a wistful sigh. "What about you?"

Hermione chuckled. "What about me?" she asked.

"You're not seeing anybody?" Caroline pressed. "Any prospects?"

Hermione sighed. "I don't really get out much," she admitted. "I do a lot of reading and research. I grade papers and prepare lesson plans."

"As your co-worker I can understand that," Caroline said. "But I don't understand the apparent lack of a personal life. You're young, beautiful and incredibly intelligent. How do you not have men falling at your feet?"

Hermione looked down at her snow covered boots, unsure of how to respond. Caroline eyed her thoughtfully. "Someone has really hurt you," she said quietly, giving Hermione's arm a comforting squeeze. "You don't have to tell me about it. We can talk when you're ready. But I want you to consider opening yourself to the possibilities. You have a great capacity for love. And I know you have at least one admirer," she added with a smirk.

"Andy doesn't count," Hermione said with an amused snort.

"Agreed," Caroline said with a smile. "But I wasn't talking about Andy." She refused to meet Hermione's curious gaze, leaving her friend to wonder who her supposed admirer was.

Hermione frowned in thought. She couldn't imagine who Caroline might be talking about. To be fair, she did have admirers. She was considered a war hero, and with that came many admirers. However, they were the sort of admirers that came right at you with their "admiration". They were wizards that sought fame or thought that being a war hero some attractive in some way. While this was flattering, Hermione had no interest in those that would pursue her for her contributions to the war or her standing in society. She felt certain that Caroline understood this about her. So who was this admirer that Caroline was aware of but was reluctant to reveal?

Neville was completely taken with Jenna. Draco and Harry were in happy relationships. Severus seemed perpetually irritated with her lately. The rest of the order she had very little contact with, so she wasn't sure how Caroline had come to such a conclusion. Unless of course, someone had spoken to Caroline and expressed their affection for her.

Hermione sighed in frustration. "You're thinking a little too hard," Caroline said, laughing. "Just try not to close yourself off." She gave Hermione a playful poke in the ribs, earning a squeal from Hermione.

In Hogsmead, they met up with Andy and did some Christmas shopping. Andy's enthusiasm was nearly tangible as he led the girls from store to store. When he spotted the bright displays for Weasley Wizarding Wheezes, he was thrilled. "What's this?" he asked with a delighted smile.

"One of Ron's brothers owns this shop," Hermione said a bit sadly. "George hasn't been the same since he lost his twin Fred in the war. He keeps the shop up and he's done so well for himself, but he seems hollow." She stared at the store front for a moment longer and then said "I really should pop in to say hello."