Just a small note, there are aspects of this story which are slightly AU this applies obviously in the main focus of the story and also the fact that Fred Weasley will remain alive…Thank you.
Hermione Granger was a working witch. Her two male companions figured that was the reason for her smug, accomplished grin. Harry and Ron were both dragging their feet in finding work after a year of trying to recuperate. Not that anyone blamed them. Saving the world had been a daunting task, and even the simplest of jobs seemed to be likely to drag down on their vitality.
The lioness herself was up early, a full three hours before she was expected to be at work. She was already showered, and garbed in practical clothing: dark blue jeans, a white tank top with a long sleeved green V-neck sweater layered over it, and white trainers. She grabbed her jacket as well in case it would be chilly. Her mass of curls was as untamable as always. Hermione bustled about the flat's kitchen mulling over what she should prepare for breakfast, before deciding on cup of tea with eggs and bacon.
Her exuberance at such an early hour was due to the fact that she, Hermione Granger, was jittery. Not out of nervousness, but because of the fact that she was genuinely excited to be working. The job was that important to her.
Finding that there was not much left for her to do, Hermione busied herself with cleaning the flat using muggle techniques. Despite the fact that a simple spell could contribute to the upkeep of her home, she could not help but feel that muggle ways made things cleaner. Hermione wanted to hold on to her muggle roots as long as possible. As far as she was concerned, the first ten years of her life, she was a muggle.
Hermione scribbled a quick note to the boys, letting them know of her departure. Deciding that Apparition was her best form of transportation, the young witch apparated out of her home; and, despite the cliché, into her future.
~WishWishWishWish~
Hermione walked into the entrance gate of the Wood residence. Well, she did not know that yet. She took in the sight of her surroundings with a gleeful expression in her eye. It was secluded, serene, and breathtaking. She felt oddly at home, as she walked across the curved entryway to the manor-like home. Hermione was stopped however, by the sudden movement of the fountain. The great stone lion looked at her evenly, not showing whether it meant to harm or greet her.
It decided on the latter.
"Welcome to the residence, Miss Granger. I am Mathias, the guard of this home. My master informed me of your arrival," Mathias said in his ever gravelly voice. Hermione was startled for a minute before she let out a warm smile. "Thank you very much Mathias, you are a masterpiece." She said meaning every word. The stone lion represented magic at its best. "I wish you luck with the Mistress Mackenzie," He said before resuming his former position.
Hermione walked up to the front door, and pulled the heavy knocker. She let it fall against the door, with a resounding bang that could surely be heard throughout the house. Her excitement was bubbling as she had thought of many different activities to run by her young ward, as well as shrunken novels that were protruding through her pocket.
" 'Kenzie girl don' block tha' door I know you're excited ta' see yer nanny," A heavy Scottish brogue could be heard through the door, as well as a muffled noise. "Don' ya start to winge on me. Yar not a wee babe any longer." At that Hermione quirked a brow in amusement as the door swung open.
"Aye, Hermione Granger, 'aven't really seen ya since ya saved my quiditch match durin' seventh year," said the man grinning widely down at the young witch. A witch who was staring aghast at her employer.
"Oliver Wood!" She said voice shrill. His smile widened enough to split his head in half. "Aye in the flesh."
~WishWishWishWish~
After her embarrassing lack of professionalism by the door, Hermione took it upon herself to examine the changes in the former house quiditch star. He was taller now, around 6'2. His hair was around two inches long, not completely curled all around, but wavy in some places. His eyes were a hazel color, and his full-lipped grin was wide and easy.
He was completely and utterly gorgeous, and this made Hermione nervous.
She was not the only one sizing people up however, oh no not at all. Oliver was getting an eyeful as well. The lioness was rather pretty, seeing as how she had grown out of her awkward stage and had an added grace. It also helped that she had filled out a little in some places.
Mackenzie slowly made her way over to Hermione and a small grin crept onto her face. It was practically identical to her uncle's. Must run in the family Hermione thought.
"Well Granger, 'Kenzie girl 'ere is ma niece. I'm 'er guardian, but I 'ave quiditch with Puddlemere still. As much s'I wan' ta care for 'er myself…well, I'm cap'n tis year and thas ma passion y'know. I thin' ya understand th' need for discretion," Oliver said accent heavy as ever. Hermione nodded soaking in all he had to say. She couldn't help but wonder about Mackenzie's parents, but the sadness in his eyes kept her questions at bay. "When we 'ave 'ome games, I wan' little kenzie 'ere to go see them. Lass loves quiditch almos' as much as me. I 'ave reserved seats for the both o' ya when that happens, an' I'll give ya a game schedule when tha' happens. When I 'ave away games, she needs ta be watched until I get back. So 'ere's a spare room for ya. Well, 'ere's plenty of spare rooms," At this Oliver paused and chuckled.
Hermione nodded, as she had expected as much. "I 'ave an 'ouse elf, named Delilah. She's just 'ere to 'elp clean and sometimes 'elp with Kenzie, but she comes an' goes as she pleases. Anyway, yer job is t' take care of MacKenzie. Keep 'er occupied, educate 'er, and naturally feed 'er. If she's sick, contact me even 'f I'm away. 'f ye tell anyone who yer workin' fer, kiss yer job g'bye. Am I clear ta ya lass?" Oliver finished and Hermione nodded fervently. "Do I need your permission to take her anywhere outside of the house, like to a park or the muggle theater?" Hermione asked, and Oliver shook his head. "But know yer accountable for anything tha' c'n 'appen to 'er," He responded with a serious expression.
Mackenzie looked back and forth between the adults, listening to Oliver talk and watching Hermione's reaction. She found herself frowning when Hermione frowned and mimicking some of Oliver's hand movements absentmindedly. The poor girl was trying to push her way into a conversation that she felt so harshly removed from.
"I have to say Oliver, I'm actually quite happy you're my employer and not some complete and utter stranger. It makes this job a bit easier," Hermione said offering him a sweet smile. Oliver suddenly found himself attracted more so to the girl-next-door types rather than the model-type women he normally felt inclined to. He offered her another grin. "Well, I'm glad it's ya an' not some overzealous fan," He said rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. He looked at the time and bit back a small curse. "I'm gonna be late fer practice 'f I don' hurry. See you later t'is evenin'. Ah bugger! Tonigh's a 'ome game. Y'know where tha' stadium's at?" He asked running a hand through his hair out of frustration. Hermione nodded with a smile, with mentally rejoicing in the fact that she did not have any plans for the night. With a nod, he grabbed his broom, a duffle bag, and flooed away.
Hermione looked at Mackenzie, who returned her gaze with an even stare. "Did you eat breakfast already?" Hermione asked and Mackenzie nodded. There was an awkward silence as they both looked around the exquisitely furnished house. Oliver is a talented decorator, she thought wishing Harry and Ron had the same ability.
The house seemingly lost its warmth for a second, and Hermione was at loss for only a moment. She smiled at Mackenzie, and took her hand. "Tell me dear, have you ever gone to the park before?" Mackenzie frown in confusion and shook her head. "What about the library?" Well, the young girl recalled her parents having one in their house, but there was a library outside too?
"The libary is in tha p-park?" Mackenzie asked her voice small and stumbling. Hermione resisted the urge to coo over the young girl and shook her head. "No sweetie, they're in different places, but we can visit both if you like?" Hermione suggested getting her out of the house. The place did not seem prepared for the amusement of a young girl.
Mackenzie nodded nonstop and Hermione let out a small chuckle. She used a quick Accio to get paper and a pen, and then wrote a quick note to Oliver informing him of their little trip, and wrote down the address of her flat, the park, and the library just in case he needed her immediately. Mackenzie was dressed in a brown corduroy jumper, with a long sleeved white floral designed-shirt, white leggings, and black shoes. Hermione noted that her hair was once again in lopsided pigtails and made a note to do the child's hair sometime.
Grabbing the little one's hand, and stepping into the fire place. Hermione then flooed herself and the little one to the GRANGER/POTTER/WEASLEY flat.
~WishWishWishWish~
Hermione and Mackenzie strolled through the gates that led into the muggle park. Other children were out and about, but Mackenzie only seemed interested in the witch that was leading her into the unknown territory. Hermione first took Mackenzie to the swings. She figured the child would enjoy the exhilaration that came with swinging. After settling her into the swing for smaller children, Hermione started to gently push the child, until she was going higher and higher. Soon, the Scottish lass was squealing with delight. "It's jus' like Uncle Ollie's b'oom," She yelled and Hermione laughed.
"Well, fancy that: Hermione Granger and a child that looks just like her!" A familiar voice said behind them and Hermione gasped turning around quickly.
~WishWishWishWish~
I wonder who it is. I have to admit this chapter is partial filler, which I feel bad about. I've gone through a lot lately and I had to put my stories on the back burner for a bit. Please forgive me and review? D: