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AN – February 16, 1999 to February 4, 2000 was the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit. Specifically, it was the Earth Rabbit which means it held the theme of coming together and balance, as well as patience and hard work. I have really been drawn to the idea of doing a year of drabbles continuing my story The Witch and The Rabbit and when I uncovered this interesting tidbit about 1999 I decided to jump on it. I will be starting a month a head, in January 1999, and posting a short one-shot each month for fun over this next year as a sort of writing exercise. It will take place the year spanning between the original story up to, through, and after the proposal. Enjoy!

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January : Snow

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"The snow is simply magical!" Hermione practically cooed, snuggling her hands into her jacket's pocket and pressing her face into the nippy air. Jack Frost had surly outdone himself this winter; never had she seen a more beautiful picture as the snow which dusted the farmstead.

Beltzer swung his leg lazily out his truck's door, smirking, "And that is coming from an actual witch."

"What would be more magical is if Rabbit and her actually got engaged." Haynes poked, handing off the readings to Beltzer. Hermione wrinkled her nose as she looked at the pair before playfully sticking her tongue out.

"What, already regretting your choice? I must admit, there are much better candidates on the team." Cockily, Beltzer popped his jacket's collar. Haynes rolled her eyes.

"Sorry, I only go for cartographers." Hermione smirked back, her head held proud, as she turned back to watch the gentle snow blanket the field, "And, please, don't say anything to him about all…all of that. We are just enjoying the now, I don't want him to feel pressured."

Haynes eyed her; silently wondering if her friend, and now roommate, didn't want him to feel pressured or if she simply wasn't ready herself. Sometimes she would come across Hermione snuggled in the nook of their house, just watching thoughtfully out the window. She couldn't help but question if her friend was truly happy here or not.

Beltzer hoped out of the truck, a joke at the ready, "Well, don't wait too long, Rabbit isn't getting any younger." Gently, he whacked Hermione's head with the papers and created a second snowfall to sprinkle past her face. She scrunched her nose but did nothing for revenge as he continued on his merry way.

Her eyes swept out over the small group as they finished their routine check of the equipment. It was January and their season wouldn't start for another five months or so but with the constant advance of technology and the continued generosity of grants, they had to spend a lot of their off-season training and testing their new gadgets.

Hermione watched as they each completed their assigned task diligently, wishing she had more of a role to play. Though she would never say anything aloud, she sometimes felt unnecessary. She was the map guy's girlfriend with no real skills to add to the group. She had spent the last year helping rebuild the wizarding world and accompanying Rabbit and the team on their own adventures. She hadn't really had time to decide what to do with her own life. Did she want to remain in the muggle world or return to a job in the wizarding?

And, what would that mean for her and Rabbit?

Options were endless and part of her was fearful that if she put down roots too soon, all her options would be taken from her. She was only 19 after all; no one expected a teenager to have her entire life planned out. Besides, she liked how things were, why push for things to change when they had just begun to settle down?

But things already had changed, and the uproar had yet to die down. She doubted it ever would.

She had grown up in a time of war, she had lost so many friend and grew up before she was ready. The task she had spent her entire life working towards, defeating Voldemort, was complete. How did one just go on after a childhood like hers? Normal was unattainable; the was an option that had been stolen from her the second McGonagall had knocked on their door.

She could only remain in limbo so long though. For someone like her, with her lists and plans, this uncharted territory was terrifying and scary, but also exciting and thrilling. There were so many opportunities still at her door and she wasn't quiet ready to start sorting them. She just wanted to enjoy the snow.

Hermione buried her neck into her scarf and looked to where Rabbit stood, pouring over his maps as he tapped on his small GPS. A smile tugged at her lips. Life would go on whether she was ready to or not and there was one opportunity she refused to let pass her by.

This year would be different; it was a new year, a new start. She would figure out her own path in time and, no matter what it was, she was confident that her and Rabbit would make it work.

A childlike playfulness tugged at her and her gloved hand gently traced the hood of the car, gathering a hand full of the fresh snow. She brought her other hand up to finish shape. Her pink tongue gently peaked out between her cool lips as her eyes flitted to her unsuspecting target.

She took her chance and hurled the ball towards Rabbit; it met the back of his head and exploded in a puff of fluff. Her hands instantly flew to her mouth, trying desperately to suppress her giggle. Stunned, Rabbit slowly turned to her, his eyes wide and his expression cast in disbelief. His thoughts were clearly written across his face; Did you really just do that? His eyes were bright as he started to laugh.

Hermione saw his feet turn as he hopped up from his seat. From the corner of her eye she saw him begin to scoop up his own handful of snow before she took off running, her boots crunching against the frozen ground. She threw her hand up to shield herself from the ball she heard whistling towards her. The snow cascaded around her as she continued blazing her trail, gathering a handful here and there to return fire when she could.

Of course, Rabbit's legs were much longer than hers and eventually he caught up to her, throwing his arm around her waist to catch her and pull her back to him. She shrieked as her laughter over took her; playfully she tried to struggle free. The cold air had burned the last bit of her breath away and she finally gave up the game, relaxing into his arms and snuggling into his familiar hold.

"What are you, twelve?" His voice tickled her neck and she couldn't help but smile in response.

She chuckled, "Close." Hermione leaned her head back, looking up to him through her lashes, "But what is your excuse? You are 40 and, if you remember correctly, you didn't hesitate to retaliate!"

"Eh, eh, I'm not 40 yet!" The cheer on his face and in his voice could have fooled anyone, but not her.

Hermione brought her hand up and gently caressed his face with the back of her fingers, "40 or 20, it doesn't matter to me. There is no one I would rather have a snowball fight with."

His smile grew and hers followed suit. Fondly, he bumped his nose against her forehead before kissing it.

"I love you." He whispered, pulling her closer. She snuggled into his arms in response.

There was always tomorrow to figure out what to do with the rest of her life. For today, she was happy just to live in the moment and the magic of the snow.

Now was the most perfect place to be.

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