Chapter 3: Letters and Understanding
Letters and Understanding
"Hermione."
Hermione ran and hugged him with such force she almost knocked him backwards. He let out a low chuckle and held her embrace.
"Ron, what are you doing here?" She questioned finally letting him go, happy to be reunited with both of her best friends after seven long months. He looked over at the bandages on her hands briefly giving her a small smile, clearly unsure of what to say.
"Auror training, and Ginny's Quidditch, we agreed to go and watch her matches months ago Hermione! Come on Hermes, don't tell me you forgot." He grinned at her.
"Of course not. Honestly Ronald, Harry's been here a fortnight already reminding me every single day." She moved to turn away from him, then a mischievous grin slowly grew on her face, she whacked him hard on his arm.
"Hey!" He yelled in protest. "What was that for?" He whined as he rubbed his arm.
She gave him a small smirk. "After eight years, you could at least use my name." He scowled back his hand still clutching his arm.
"And he's going to be an Auror, yet one little punch causes that face." The red head girl muttered as she entered through the doorway. She walked past her brother and rolled her eyes, then embraced Hermione in a tight hug.
"How are you? I can't believe what happened with your flat it's awful. I'm so glad you're okay" The girl continued to rant about the month as her gripped finally loosened on looked over to Ron pleadingly to save her from his sister. He raised his eyebrows and gave her a 'that's what you get for whacking me' look. She glared her best daggers that she could summon whilst he stood there with an almost sly smile; he then turned his back and walked over to Harry starting an animated conversation about the upcoming Quidditch matches. Hermione's focus homed back in on Ginny just in time to catch the next sentence that flew from her mouth.
"So what do you say then?" A massive grin was plastered over her face, as Hermione smiled weakly back. She was unsure how to respond to the question, and before she knew it Ginny had burst out laughing.
"Sorry, I couldn't resist. You got so distracted with my brother over there you completely missed the whole conversation."
Hermione sheepishly smiled back at her. "I wasn't distracted by your brother, just presence of everyone being together." She breathed, hoping that Ginny wouldn't think that she loved Ron.
"It's okay Mia. I get it." She turned and looked at Ginny.
"Mia?" She questioned.
"Oh, sorry. I must have picked it up from Fred and George." She responded quickly trying to cover up her mistake. Hermione was slightly taken aback "They…talk about me?"
"Well, they were just concerned, you know. With you, the brightest witch of our age doing something so clumsy with your magic, that actually put you into an almost coma. I think they visited you at one point to take over from Harry awhile to make him get some sleep, while they were on some business over here." Ginny grabbed her cloak, and encouraged Hermione to do the same.
"Come on, you just had your apartment burnt down, which means that you're going to need a brand new some new robes, books and a broom." Hermionegroaned, and looked over to Harry and Ron. "Gee thanks Ginny, how nice of you to offer your free time to take me shopping somewhere I've never been before. You're such a good friend." Ginny mocked battering her eyelids at Hermione.
"Sorry, Ginny. You knowhow much I hate flying,." She replied with a guilt ridden look on her face.
"There's a fine line between love and hate Mia." Hermione looked at her friend as though she was in deep thought.
"That's funny. I don't ever remember declaring my undying love for Malfoy." She said puzzlingly, scratching her head pretending to search for the false memory.
They both burst out laughing and headed to the centre of the large cobbled square. Hermione looked up and her mouth dropped as her eyes gazed upon a waterfall so tall that the top was beyond the clouds in the sky, as it sat just in the middle of the giant square. Hermione was fascinated as she watched the water flow over the beautiful sapphire rock into a large pond , that a number of witches and wizards appeared to have their feet dipped into. Ginny laughed silently at the sight that was worthy of a picture worthy seeing Hermione being absolutely captivated by the large natural feature.
"It's… amazing." Hermione choked. "How did I miss this the other day when Harry bought me back? I've only read about it." They both moved towards the pond sitting on edge of the carved rock surrounding the cool blue pond.
"You were tired Hermione. You must have fell asleep on the way home, the healers gave you some very drowsy potions. "The soft words that she spoke did nothing to soothe Hermione.
"Ginny, I'm really sorry." Hermione started, she lowered her head feeling the guilt consume her body.
"What are you on about Hermione?" Ginny placed a hand on her back, and rubbed her back in circular motions trying to soothe Hermione.
"You must have missed Harry so much! I didn't mean to make him stay, really! But… he insisted… " She started quickly trying hard not to cry in public over all the stress of the past couple of weeks.
"Woah. Slow down Hermione. It's not like you purposely set your apartment alight." Ginny hugged Hermione tightly hoping it would calm her down before she got hysterical something that Hermione never was, she still couldn't understand why Hermione was so uptight, and hoped it was only temporary.
"But it was so irresponsible of me to be so stupid, over an article of all things." Hermione wanted to admit to Ginny about everything. How she missed everyone from home, Hogwarts, and surprise how quickly Ron moved on. That she's never going to be able to find work without completing her N.E.W.T. S. How she felt guilty for taking Harry from Ginny, that she missed the Weasleys and their weekly lunches and that she's missed every single one. The twins with their constant, often genius pranks. But most of all she just wanted a friend and someone to comfort her whilst her parents were still missing.
"Hermione, everything will work out. Harry would have come here anyway. Everyone was really worried about you! No one wanted you to be alone here searching for your parents, but we had to respect your wishes and give you time. Butnow you have help, from all of us. It will be better for your health, and you'll actually have someone here to keep an eye on you."
"But..."
"No buts. Harry wanted to do his Auror training out of Britain away from the spotlight of the war. Have you not noticed the difference here?"
"I've barely noticed anything since I've been here, I didn't come here as a tourist, my only goal has been to find my parents it's never crossed my mind. To be honest I didn't stay long in Britain after the war to notice the changed attitude towards me but it has been in the papers enough .I've only been stopped once by a stranger. It must make it easier for Harry not having the constant daily interruptions during his training here. I mean no one is really aware of the final events of the war, it's been sugar coated. It's just small stories and speculation." She said as it finally dawned on her the changes that have occurred for Harry, Ron and Ginny since the war. "Thanks Gin."
"No problem." Ginny replied with a genuine smile."ARGGHHH! Get it off! GET IT OFF!" Ginny Squirmed suddenly, as a frog leapt from the pond onto her shoulder.
"If you kiss it might turn into a prince." Hermione laughed as the frog stuck out its tongue to eat Ginny's earrings. It swallowed it, and then burped in satisfaction. It left behind a magenta coloured cloud that had the distinct smell of roses as it sat on her shoulders.
"I'M NOT TOUCHING IT! HERMIONE, GET. IT. OFF. "Ginny waited patiently, standing as still as she could bear with her deep shaking breathing causing her to move unnecessarily. Hermione held out her hands at first before remembering they still weren't fully recovered, so held her arm up to the frog which happily obliged, as it jumped onto her arm. She petted the frog's head gently with the back of hand which wasn't as badly burnt as her palms before it and sprang onto a remarkably large lily pad.
"Frogs, I swear I should be used to it by now, anything but were my favourite." Ginny moaned. "How did it get my earring back off ?"
"At least you have a good excuse to buy a new pair of earrings." Hermione remarked.
"But Harry bought me those, for our six month anniversary." She sighed in defeat.
"Since when did Harry have a good taste in jewellery?" Hermione questioned, raising her eyebrow in suspicion.
"Since I went into the shop and had a word with the keeper on how to advise Harry." Ginny laughed.
"You didn't?" Hermione grinned as they both set off to explore the new shops that surrounded the square.
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Hermione was sitting alone in the flat that she now shared with Harry,,Ron and Ginny. She switched on the laptop pleased that it worked without too many charms placed on it. She once again began the search for her parents glad that her roommates had finally allowed her to startafter much persuasion She couldn't help but laugh a little about the debate she had with them, they hadn't taken as much persuading as Hermione thought, but then again she did generally come at tops when it came down to debates, knowing exactly what string to pull on Harry and Ron. A tap on the window distracted her from her work. She looked up to see to a magnificent phoenix, its feathers shone like ambers in the sunlight. He lowered his head in an almost bow which also directed her to the letter attached to its leg.
"Hello there." She cooed at it, wondering why on earth a phoenix would be delivering letters. Hermione gently untied the letter as she casually stroked the bird's enormous golden wings carefully with the back of her hand as it perched gracefully on the window sill.
"Do you know if I need to reply?" The phoenix gently nipped her fingers I'll take that as a 'Yes' then she thought, noticing that there was a green seal.
To Miss. H. Granger,
It has come to our attention that you are currently residing in Bellgurrier Gaiden. After hearing of your remarkable reputation we would like to offer you an apprenticeship under one the top Healers in the world. The session would be held at St. Elena, for four days a week. Sadly we cannot give the weekend off as this is generally our busiest time frame.
This course is rarely offered but Healer Guiscard would be delighted if you accepted this offer to train as his apprentice as he thinks you would excel in the healing practise.
We are aware of your current circumstances and understand if you decide to decline this offer. However Healer Guiscard is completely understanding of this and has made you a time limitless offer- your place will be held if you decide to embark on this career until you decide that you are ready to start.
We wish you the best luck, and hope you consider this offer.
Yours sincerely,
Angela Nightingale
Chairman of St. Elenas
"Hey, Hermione!"
Hermione jumped at the greeting, realising she'd been so absorbed in her thought she hadn't noticed some one creeping in.
"How is it you jump the one time that I don't sneak up on you, but when I try and put an effort in, you hardly bat an eyelid?" The voice complained in a fake tone of disappointed. She looked up behind her to see George Weasley looming over her, a humorous grin on his heavily freckled face. His arms wrapped around her and blew a raspberry on her cheek, causing them both to laugh.
"Hey, George. It's great to you see you." What are you doing here?" She asked with caution laced in her voice, as she eyed him walking across the room.
"Wouldn't you like to know? "He drawled, while stroking his invisible beard. In return she rolled her eyes at him as she put her letter on the coffee table, and grabbed her quill. Another owl swept into the room, one that she recognised immediately. The owl belonged to the one and only Viktor Krum who was also helping her with the search.
She scuttled over to the beautiful owl and took the envelope out of the great bird's beak, smiling as it gave her an affectionate nip on the finger over her bandage while glaring at the phoenix. He had already stretched it wings to move on again, not before giving one last glare at the phoenix before flying out the window.
"Well that's unusual." She muttered to herself.
"What's unusual?" George questioned.
"Viktor generally wants a reply." She muttered absently to herself forgetting George's presence. Before she could really read the letter there once again was another tap at the window to see an agle owl, Malfoy's eagle owl. Ignoring George's attempts to speak to her, she began moving toward the window once again. The letters just didn't stop coming today. George quickly whipped out his phone, his fingers flying quickly over the phone keyboard then went off, she huffed. She grabbed it to see she had a message from George:
I would have used an owl like everyone, but that takes too long. You say 'Viktor', As in Viktor Krum?
"George." She whined
He shrugged innocently. "What?"
She pointed at her phone.
"Ohhhhh that." He dragged out. "You weren't answering me when I asked, and I said I didn't have time for an owl. So?" He asked.
"So, what?" She replied with a sharp tone as she put her phone back into her pocket.
"Is it from Krum?"
"No it's from Victor Van Dort." She snapped.
"But isn't he just a fictional film character? Then again we're magic!" He said excitedly.
"Do you know any other Viktors?" She said exasperatedly, her patience was clearly wearing thin.
"Well there is.." Her head snapped quickly in his direction, glaring maliciously at him.
"So it is from Krum." He said in a sing song voice, a smile slowly spread across his face.
"YES! ITS. FROM. KRUM!" She yelled at him poking his chest between each word to add extra emphasis.
"Yeah, I knew it was from Krum really." He said smirking at her then messing up her hair. Hermione was just about to strongly object when they both heard a voice identical to George's.
"What's from Krum?"