It was May 2nd, 2001. It had been 3 years since the Battle of Hogwarts and Hermione Granger had struggled which of course, was understandable, given the fact that at such a young age she had had to say goodbye to several people who had made her who she was; Lupin, Tonks, Dumbledore…..Fred.
Fred's death had been the hardest for her to comprehend. She was so used to being constantly at edge at the Burrow due to Fred and George's trials for their wizarding joke shop. Unfortunately, given the fact she never reacted well, she was targeted most often, the twins finding it hilarious when she started yelling profanities at all hours, definitely enjoying seeing the prudish Gryffindor princess getting so riled up.
Chuckling to herself, Hermione remembered the one time, the whole Weasley family (and Harry and herself) had gotten their revenge on the twins for the first time.
"Guys are you ready?" Ginny whispered, not wanting the twins to overhear their plans. Molly nodded, handing Hermione the lozenge. All they had to do now was wait for the twins to come down with their new invention, it was something the twins had tested on everyone but Hermione so far which is why they all knew this would work. "Mum, I hope you realise, I will have to swear to make this realistic, right?" Ron muttered. Arthur was about to reply when Fred and George bounded down the stairs smirking. "Hey, Hermione, try this. We decided that we would make you something to say thank you for not getting with our gormless brother here" Fred handed her a small chocolate, watching for her reaction as she put the small sweet in her mouth. "Mmmmm, it's delicious! What is-?" Hermione's eyes widened as her face reddened and she fell to the floor choking as her face began to swell. Molly rushed over after hearing the noise, "What have you done?!" She yelled at the boys. Timidly, the twins told her they had only given her a mint chocolate. They had no idea what had made Hermione react in such a way, yes, it was more than a mint chocolate, but all that was supposed to happen was Hermione would start doing the Irish gig for 10 minutes. "MINT?! SHE'S FUCKING ALLERGIC YOU FUCKING CRETINS. HOW COULD BE SO FUCKING STUPID?!" Ron screamed, his face bright red in the face. Running over to Hermione, he attempted to calm her down so they could give her a glass of water and a healing spell which would only work properly if she were still. "Oh my god. I'm so sorry. Fuck." George stuttered. Had they killed Meanwhile, Fred had crept to the corner of the room, a look of horror spread across his face. George stared at his brother, it had been his idea. It was his fault! "Ginny dear, get me my wand and bring me a glass of water for Hermione." Molly told Ginny who immediately rushed out of the room, a terrified look on her face.
In less than a minute, Ginny was back, pressing Hermione down so Molly could perform the spell which would return Hermione to her normal health. At this point, Fred was sobbing and George looked just as troubled, who both sighed with relief when Hermione sat up, unable to stop laughing. Ginny had joined in as well as Molly and Ron. Seeing their confused faces, Hermione explained she wasn't actually allergic to mint, her convulsions had only been due to a lozenge Molly had given her. It was then explained that the whole family had been in on it and were sick of the twins constantly testing their products on them.
Hermione struggled to contain her laughter as she walked along the muggle street. That was just before everything had happened. That was before everyone she loved had been affected by it. The war was something everyone appeared to be getting over. Everyone except her. Even George had begun to laugh and joke again. Granted it had been three years since the Battle of Hogwarts, it still hurt her.
Sighing, she pushed open the door and walked over to the bar. Still, tonight, she would drink. She would drink until she couldn't even remember her own name. This had been her plan for the past two years. It was her tradition to drink on the anniversary of her friends' deaths. Harry had wanted to come with her each year, but he had understood that she would rather be alone on this night when she sent him to the wrong bar last year. That didn't make it easier for him to accept the fact that his best friend was hurting so much. Ron had also offered to accompany her but she knew that Ron would tell her to slow down on her drinks, meaning she would not get drunk. So she purposefully had not responded to his owls regarding the matter.
"The usual please, Bryan." Hermione said as she took off her coat, hanging it on her arm. "Is my usual table free?"
The bartender poured her usual drink, a Tia Maria and coke before sadly shaking his head. "I tried 'Mione. But when I told him it was reserved, he sat down anyway. I'm sure if you go explain to him, he'll move. I mean, I would kick him out, but.. the bar's lost a lot of customers recently, and, well.. he tips well…" He looked a bit sheepish when he handed over the drink.
Hermione sighed. Grabbing her drink, she decided she would introduce herself to this man. Perhaps he would be interesting to talk to. After all, it had been a while since she spoke to a muggle other than her parents.
She turned the corner, wondering if the occupant of her usual booth would be attractive or not when she stopped and almost dropped her drink.
"What in God's name are you doing here?!" She hissed, creeping forwards with a frown. "You do realise this is a muggle bar?!"