Ethereal

Harry was panting by the time he reached Hermione's apartment block's lobby. 

11:38, well at least he wasn't too late. 

In the past hour, Harry had managed to apparate to the ministry, give his report and then leave running for Hermione's house. Though he is sure that Ginny and Ron would have dragged the brunette somewhere, he was hoping to find her home. 

Harry's mission altogether hadn't taken long. The scrolls were with their rightful owners, and the journey proved to have almost no hindrances. What did take time was finding Hermione a birthday present. 

Incidentally, the town Harry had to travel to was famous for one of the rarest magical objects: magical crystals. 

There were some crystals capable of imprinting magic. Mostly they were used as means for security. If someone wanted to get creative with it, people would use these crystals so that any invaders, if intending to steal or attack, would be alerted by the magical imprint and believe the objects to already be guarded. The more powerful the magic, the stronger aura the crystal gave off. 

However, most would just use it for decorative purposes. 

The one crystal Harry was looking for was one of the rarest, basking in its own exclusivity. 

He was looking for the crystal that broke into two when two people channel their magic at the same time. It doesn't just capture the magic but the two who have different sides of the rocks can feel each other.

Harry wondered throughout his trip if the reason behind his constant arguments and misunderstandings with Hermione was because of the distance between them. Maybe their geographic restraints were starting to appear in the emotional bond they share with each other. The crystal should help, Harry thinks.

However, there is another lingering thought of Hermione rejecting the gift. Maybe she doesn't want that kind of vulnerability. Maybe her boyfriend... Alex would not be comfortable with her being connected to Harry this way.

With that slight weight on his heart, Harry knocked on the door. 

Hermione answered, and couldn't help but let the surprise show on her face. 

"Nice of you to show up," Hermione says bitterly. Maybe the cocktails had heightened her rage, but Hermione feels like he deserves it right now. 

She went inside after opening the door wide and heard Harry's footsteps close behind. Harry places his gift on the dining room table, which is already piled high with gifts Harry believes Hermione received from their friends. 

"Your birthday isn't finished yet, Mione," Harry observes, sensing his friend's annoyance. 

"Wow!" Hermione exclaimed exaggeratedly, she's forgiven though, she's drunk. "I'm shocked you know what day it is."

Harry rests casually against a wall. "How many times have you stated that you dislike celebrating your birthday?"

"Well I'm sure you had a great time. Gin told me they planned a surprise party. You must have had fun with your friends and your boyfriend." 

Unintentionally, the last bit came out a little bitter. 

"Is that the reason you didn't go? Because Alex was present?"

Harry curses again. When did he start being so obvious? That wasn't the main reason for his absence but Ginny putting his name in that invitation letter didn't help the matter. 

"No!" Harry lied, "what makes you think I care about him enough to plan my schedule around him?"

"Perhaps, because you don't like him," Hermione says as she paces around her dining room. 

That is a significant understatement. 

"And what gives you that impression?" Harry strives hard to regain his composure. 

"Hmm, let's see," Hermione says, scratching her chin in feigned concentration. "Perhaps, because you've avoided all opportunities to spend time with him."

"Why would I want to spent time with him? He's not my boyfriend, he's yours," Harry says, crossing his arms. 

Hermione corrected him, "we're seeing each other."

Harry swiftly rises from his selected place on the floor, puzzled as to why such a clarification was required. 

"Okay, nevermind that. I uhm got you a gift."

Hermione suddenly looked up, she tried keeping the annoyance present on her face but the slight glint of curiosity in her eyes betrayed her. 

"Don't think this makes up for it." She warned, and Harry ducked his head with a smile. 

"Wouldn't dare Mione."

She carefully pulled apart the lousy wrapping, and grinned at Harry's immature attempt to wrap the complicated shape. 

"You could have put it in a box."

"I could have put it in a box," Harry said, as if the thought didn't occur to him before, and knowing him it probably hadn't. 

She unwrapped it, and spun it in her fingers. 

"Harry, it's beautiful. Merlin, forget what I said. This definitely makes up for everything."

Harry walked up from behind her, completely covering her back with his body. He put one hand on her arm, and the other snaked around her to touch the crystal. 

Harry's aura engulfed Hermione. In that moment, as soon as his shoulders covered her's, there really was nothing else that mattered. Harry smelled a little of sweat, but his scent was always overpowered with a woodsy, clovey smell. 

"Chanel your magic," he huskily whispered, and his lips brushed with the shell of her ear. 

Hermione watched red light flow into the crystal from where Harry was touching it, she tried focusing her magic to the tips of her fingers and saw yellow warmth flow in. 

The crystal broke into two, Hermione watched with wonder as one piece landed in Harry's palm and the other fell into her hand. 

"This way, we stay with each other. We can feel each other. No matter how far away I go, I can be right with you. Happy birthday Mione."

The softness in his voice made Hermione feel like a wall had fallen around them. As if Harry was speaking lowly to make sure nobody else can listen, so that nobody else is a part of this moment, their moment. 

His breath was falling on the nape of her neck, and her Hermione was struggling to not lean back. 

"Thank you. For this and for being here."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world."

It started getting really hard to pull away, but Harry took a step back first. He made his way to the couch and picked up the remote while slowly patting the place right next to him. 

Just like old times. Just like before their last fight. 

Hermione smiled and shook her head, this was the best gift she could have gotten. 

She placed both the crystals on the granite slab and slowly made her way over. Harry disrespectfully put his feet on the coffee table and Hermione yelled at him just the way she always did. 

They spent the night of her birthday watching movies and falling asleep tangled in each other.