Disclaimer: I donot own Harry Potter and the magical universe. JKR owns it all.
Hermione hesitantly stepped onto Diagon alley. The once-familiar place was busier than she remembered. Favourite hang-outs of erstwhile days were still doing strong business by the looks of it. The scars of the War seemed a thing of the past. There were no boarded windows and pamplets from the ministry stuck on lampposts and walls.
She slowly made her way down the lane, savouring the feel of the place, her apprehensions over the purpose of the visit forgotten for the moment. A poster in brilliant yellow and deep purple, interspersed with violent orange caught her eye. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she recognized the logo of Weasley Wizard Wheezes. She should probably take up an internship here for her project on "Marketing strategies in times good and bad" she thought as memories of the WWW posters from the days of the War came back.
She glanced at her watch. It was a good thing she had started a bit early. There was still time until she was due for her appointment at Pear's Coffee Bar. She walked up the steps of the shop and pushed open the door. A cheerful chime announced her arrival somewhere in the back of the shop. Just as she wondering at the seemingly innocent welcoming chime, she jumped as something landed on her shoulder. She turned her head to her left to see a small monkey sitting on her shoulder grinning from ear to ear. "Welcome damsel. The sorcerers will be with you in a second", announced the monkey.
"If it isn't the lovely Hermione", said a voice. She saw Fred, or was it George?, striding up to her with a wide smile. "An honour madame", said Fred as he bowed deeply and lifted her hand to his lips.
"Lovely to see you Fred", she said smiling.
"Ah! I have died and gone to Heaven", exclaimed George as he came in and twirled her around. "I see you have met Stancey", he said pointing to the monkey perched on her shoulder.
"Oh yes!" she said as she turned her head to let George kiss her cheek. "Great to see you too George".
She was grinning happily. It was lovely to see the twins again. No awkwardness over the long absence, no questions, just a lovely and warm welcome.
" No customers in yet guys?", she queried as she looked around at the shop.
"We open at eleven. They should be here any moment now", said Fred.
The door opened just then and a slim girl with dark hair and sparkling black eyes walked in laden with paper bags. Stancey left his perch on Hermione's shoulder and jumped on the newcomer.
"Hey guys, customers in already?" said the girl as she dropped the bags on the counter and scratched the monkey's head fondly.
She turned smiling towards Hermione as Fred walked over and hugged her.
Fred brought her over to Hermione "Hermione, meet Lissy our store manager. Hermione, smartest witch to attend Hogwarts in a century. Though how she managed to pick our brainless kid brother Ron and irresponsible Harry as friends I do not understand", said Fred in the way of an introduction.
Lissy held out her hand with a smile as Hermione laughed and took it. "Nice meeting you Lissy. Don't mind these guys, their tongues tend to run away with them".
" I should know", laughed Lissy " I have been managing these two more than the store for a year now. I wouldn't take these guys' word for granted. But then I have heard a lot about you from far more reliable resources. Lovely to finally meet you".
"You must be a patient person if you have put up with these two for a year. I always wondered how these guys managed not to scare away their staff with all their antics. Though I must observe you seem to have them toeing the line here", she said with a knowing glance at Fred.
"Finally someone to keep my errant brother in line", said George with a wink.
Fred laughed, " We have been going out for ten months now. I have civilized from Neanderthal to CroMagnon in the meantime claims Ginny."
"That is high praise indeed", said Hermione, "Speaking of Ginny, how is she? And everyone at home? Mrs. Weasley? Mr. Weasley? Bill and Fleur? Charlie?" she asked in top speed without missing a breath.
"Whoa Hermione! Breathe", said Fred "Everyone is fine. Why don't you come in to the office at the back? We can swap news and have a good long chat."
"I'd love to Fred, but I have to meet someone at Pear's in a few minutes. I just popped in to say hi. I will be in London for a while. Will see you guys around. I will come for a leisurely visit soon", said Hermione.
"Don't tell me you are ditching me for that brainless younger brother of mine", said George with a mock-hurt expression.
"No, George", laughed Hermione "I asm not meeting Ron. Or Harry. Atleast not now. We have plans for a get-together tonight. Mornings are purely for business."
"Ok deal. Don't forget the promise of a visit", said Fred.
"Sure. I imagine we will run into each other often Lissy. Nice meeting you. See you", she said looking at Lissy.
"Bye Hermione. See you around", said Lissy with a pleasant smile.
"Bye guys. Behave yourselves", she said turning to Fred ad George "Bye Stancey", she said smiling at the cute monkey now perched on George's back and holding onto his neck.
"See you lovely lady", said the twins in unison.
" I have missed that", said Hermione with a smile. "Bye"
She stepped out of the store. It was good to be back she thought. A good thing she met the twins first she thought, it eased her apprehensions over being back a great deal
