Augustus returned late in the afternoon in high spirits. For the first time since she showed up on his doorstep, he crossed over the invisible line to press his lips against hers. The kiss lasted only about a second and had hardly any heat at all behind it, but it was a noticeable change in their interactions. Hermione hated how her cheeks flushed at what had once been second nature. She used to take his kisses for granted, begrudgingly accepting them even when she was annoyed.