Darkness Falls

Twenty Three

1993 Third Year

It had been 6 weeks since Hermione's birthday and the incident of the near kiss had happened.

Hermione had convinced herself that it was a mistake, a moment of confusion after a day of sweet gestures from Draco, the wonderful gift, a romantic setting and their proximity, she figured all of that combined had led her to believe she wanted to kiss him.

Since her birthday she had acted as though the incident hadn't happened, she had promised herself that she wouldn't let it affect their friendship and had continued to see Draco just as frequently, but she never mentioned it again, and neither did he.

He had made a promise of his own, which was to show her that he hadn't meant to reject her that night on the lake, but when he saw her the following night, he sensed that maybe she had regretted it after all, and so he continued as she did, as though nothing had happened.

On the morning of Halloween, there was a hum of glee spread across the castle as that particular festive season was a favourite amongst witches, wizards and even muggles. This day was also special for the third year students, as this meant their first trip to Hogsmeade.

Hermione stood in front of the mirror in her dorm, glancing over her casual attire once more, debating on whether or not to wear a thicker coat, before she grabbed her bag and left her room, heading downstairs to meet her friends in the common room.

"Maybe you could get McGonagall to sign it? Surely she would understand the situation you're in?" Hermione heard Ron say as she entered the common room.

"I don't know mate, it says parent or guardian." Harry responded. Hermione moved closer to her friends and watched as Harry folded up the unsigned Hogsmeade permission slip he held in his hand before shoving it into the back pocket of his jeans, finally placing both hands in his front pockets.

"I agree with Ron, there is no harm in asking her." Hermione added, he turned to his friend and gave her a lopsided smile before leading the way out of the common room.

"Aren't you guys coming?" Ron paused to ask his brothers, Fred and George.

"Later, we'll meet you there." George answered.

"Got some errands to run first." Fred wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at his younger brother before turning back to George who was eyeing a large piece of parchment in his hands.

Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way towards the courtyard where the rest of the third year students gathered and waited for Professor McGonagall to join them outside.

"It's not as warm as I'd expected it to be." Hermione commented as she pulled her thick cardigan tighter around her. Harry looked towards Ron who was wearing a large coat on top of his jumper, bouncing his eyes between the coat and Hermione. Ron scowled and looked down at his coat before he averted his eyes and shrugged nonchalantly. Harry rolled his eyes and looked back to Hermione who was smirking to herself, at least he'd tried.

"Students, gather round." McGonagall's voice called out.

"Before you leave for your trip to Hogsmeade, I would like to remind everybody that this is a privilege that can just as easily be taken away from you if there are any rule breaking, that goes for both during and outside of lessons. Now, you were all given a permission slip to be signed by a parent or guardian before the summer holidays and I expect to see those slips before you leave, those without will not be going. Those of you who will be going to Hogsmeade today, I hope you enjoy yourself."

One by one the students lined up to handover their permissions slips before they wandered off in groups to Hogsmead. Hermione lingered behind with her Harry and Ron, her excitement beginning to bubble to the surface.