A Hunt
Happy birthday to 123Quarters! Hope you like this.
A/N: This will be an interactive fic. At the end of each chapter, there will be a choice. Select one and go to the corresponding chapter.
Chapter 1
Hermione sat on the low garden wall, her feet dangling a foot over the grass. She really didn't feel like going on a scavenger hunt, but she hated to disappoint the Weasley's.
Luna skipped by, humming to herself and twirling a lock of hair. Hermione smiled at the way Ron and Percy both watched the girl.
"Any idea how I rated an invitation?" Cedric asked, dropping down beside her.
"Nope," Hermione answered with a grin. "Just lucky, I guess."
"Do you know if this is going to be a partnered event?"
"I'm not sure. Everyone's pairing up, just in case."
"Do you think- Would you be my partner?" Cedric asked quickly.
Hermione groaned, "I wish. But, I've already promised Percy. Sorry."
"Oh, that's alright," he assured her.
They sat quietly for a while, swinging their legs back and forth.
"So, how's Healer training going?" Cedric asked.
"Slowly; we move at the pace of the slowest in the program. I'm applying for individual training. And you? How's the Ministry treating you?"
"Oh, not too bad. I enjoy the work. Cho's a bit of a pain though." He scratched the back of his head.
"Cho? I thought she worked in the Research of Magical Maladies Department."
"She does! And yet, she spends a lot of time on my floor."
"You know, Harry had a similar problem."
"Really? How'd he work it out?"
"Ginny had a little…chat with Cho."
Cedric chuckled, "But I don't have a territorial fiancé."
"Just find a pretend one for a little while," Hermione suggested with a shrug.
"Oh sure, no problem. Women everywhere are falling over themselves to play house with me."
Hermione laughed. "They probably are; you just don't know it."
"You think so?" He watched her out of the corner of his eye.
Hermione's face heated up a bit and she opened her mouth to retort. But, Mr. Weasley chose that moment to call everyone together.
"Alright children, gather round," Arthur called. "It's time to get started."
Molly handed out individual scraps of parchment.
"Now all of the items are Muggle-made and must be found in Ottery St. Catchpole, just over there. There are no teams. And you cannot directly curse or charm the Muggles," Arthur finished.
"Why Muggle items?" Ron asked, frowning at his list. "And how am I supposed to know what a fingernail clipper is?"
"Oh, look Ron," Luna said, leaning against him to see his list. She tapped the words and said, "picto," and a small sketch appeared beside each word.
"Thanks Luna," Ron mumbled, ears red.
"Father, I really haven't the time for this frivolity," Percy announced.
"Is there a time limit?" George asked.
"What's the prize?" Fred wanted to know.
"Muggle items because your father wants to play with them when you're through. Percy, I love you, but don't be such a grouch," Mrs. Weasley said. "No time limit, except to be back before night fall. And-"
"Well that's a time limit then, isn't it?" George challenged.
Molly raised an eyebrow at him and stared him down.
"Well it is," George defended, less confidently.
"Watch your tone," she warned. "As I was saying…the prize is a surprise."
"But, it's well worth it," Arthur assured them all. "Well? What are you waiting for? Get moving!"
The List
Fingernail clippers
Mouse trap
Can opener
Pink glasses
Rubber duck
Light bulb
Stamps
Where do you want to search first?
a) Muggle market, chapter 2
b) Post office, chapter 7
c) Muggle house, chapter 13