Chapter 7
Everyone at Burrow decided to check out diagon alley the following day, Percy informed them how things were pretty much back to normal there and George wanted them to see his shop. His best friend Lee and Angelina Johnson were working with him at the shop.
They left really early to avoid any HARRY POTTER Fans or reporters and they managed to do just that, shops were opening up and not that many people were on the road. Hermione was at the back with Mrs. Weasley and Charlie; she saw a small bookstore at one of the turnings, and excused herself to take a look at the book store and told them she'll find them at George's shop. Mrs. Weasley was a bit hesitant to let her go alone but she told her that she'd be fine. Rest of the gang went ahead straight, Ron who was busy talking to Percy over something, seemed something serious when he spotted Quidditch supply shop, and he turned around immediately to call Harry.
"Hey Harry, over here, lets checkout the brooms…" Ron didn't wait for Harry to reach him and instead left for the shop. Harry and Ginny walked hand in hand, oblivious to people or things around them but smiled at Ron's hyper-ness. They both shared a naughty look and decided to run for it. Once they were there, they immediately got in to checking out broomsticks and latest gadgets to go with them. Harry smiled to himself when he noticed Ginny leaving him alone to checkout one of the magazines, its good to know that we can always share our interest in quidditch…God I really do like this girl…
Right then the shopkeeper realized that it was Harry Potter in his shop, he got all excited and asked to get a picture taken with him, he was all over Harry offering him free stuff, thanking him again and again, Harry looked around for someone to get him out of this, where is Hermione…he didn't realize that Ron and Ginny were there as well and he could ask them for help but he was looking for Hermione. He was looking around when he felt a flash on his face; apparently the shopkeeper took couple of his pictures and then asked Ron and Ginny to be there as well, they stood together for his sake and let him take their picture…
"I've heard all about you Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger…how you helped the Great Mr. Potter…"
Harry interrupted her right then,"Hermione Granger is not here with us at the moment, this is Ginny, Ron's sister…"
"Harry Potter's girlfriend and his best friend's sister." Snapped Ginny – trying to state the obvious, she felt that Harry should've introduced her as his girlfriend instead of Ron's sister.
Harry just blushed and gave her a sheepish smile, shopkeeper then asked Ginny to take his picture with the two war heroes, "too bad the third hero is not here, I can just hope she'll visit as well…"
Ginny took the camera from him and grumpily took their pictures.
"Knowing Hermione, she'll never set foot in this shop Sir, so you may want to check out all the book stores in diagon alley and you may find her…" Ginny told him in fake sweetness.
"Where is she anyway?" Ron asked while the three exited the shop.
"Don't know, she was with mum last I saw her…" replied Ginny and obviously ignoring Harry.
"Trouble in paradise mate??", Ron asked in Harry's ear.
Harry just shrugged, "what about you, shouldn't you be with Hermione right now?"
Ron blushed and mumbled something that Harry didn't quite catch, he was looking at Ginny's retreating back and long hair, she was quite ahead of them and he could tell she was trying to get away from them.
"Wha…what was that Ron? What you just said…" asked Harry now giving his full attention to Ron.
"She and I are taking a break, we decided that night when we got back from her home… well that land now…anyway so she needs time and doesn't want to be in a relationship and I think its kind of fine as we both have not been on same wavelength…"
Harry was still comprehending the news and didn't immediately gave his response,
"I really think its right, she is not really the same person at the moment and I think she needs time to adjust to stuff…anyway the thing is I am fine with it, infact I am kind of relaxed, I was getting, I don't really know how to describe it but it was just down right weird, she is normal and everything and YET she is not, I want to comfort her and I am not sure how to … I know I am not making sense but that's how I've been and right now I want to relax and not be in a complicated situation where I can't understand stuff nor I want to be misunderstood. I value being her friends and that's all I want to be right now…" Ron was looking sheepishly at Harry expecting Harry to be angry with him or something but Harry was just listening with great concentration,
"You are right Ron; I think she still needs time to adjust. She still has not cried over their death, maybe it's not a big deal but you and I both know how emotional and compassionate Hermione is; she is one of the most empathetic person I have ever known…anyway it was Hermione's decision from what I gathered, so she is fine with it AND you obviously are fine with it so its ok then…"
After that they both walked quietly and quite aimlessly.
Meanwhile Hermione spotted this old book store that she had never seen before – it had a book shaped small board that really made it look cute, she entered the narrow street and it was the second shop on right. An old man was attending to it and it seemed that shop was hardly ever visited or cleaned for that matter, she went through the isle of books, it sure was big even if it didn't look it. The man was quite surprised to see her, probably he never expected any customers. He narrowed his eyes behind his glasses and kept following Hermione them. Hermione saw a set of stairs going up, she moved towards them thinking there was another level on top of this…
"There is nothing up there Miss, just an empty room that I use to live in and now I have live else where…" the shopkeeper told Hermione.
"Oh Ok. Umm sorry then…" the shopkeeper just waved his hand carelessly as if not to worry over it, and gave her a smile. She went towards the backside and looked up the shelves, there were some books that she'd never even heard of and wanted to buy them but her pockets were empty. She then noticed a colorful corner as if brand new, she moved towards it and to her surprise she noticed it was a muggle books section, they seemed more organized, the section for fairytails was separate from classics and then there was a poetry books section etc etc. She found it fascinating, she called out…
"Sir how come you have such huge collection of muggle books, and this section looks new?" She turned her neck for an answer and saw the old man walking towards her.
"My late wife was a muggle, we ran this shop but I had to get rid of these book shelves when the dark lord took over, now that the threat is over, I wanted it up in her memory, if it were up to me I would exchange all the books in this store to muggle books but I don't think that many people would come…" he spoke so fondly as if remembering old memories of his wife.
Hermione then got a brilliant idea, "Sir, are you looking for help in this store, I mean if you are looking for a worker? "She raised her eye brow expectantly. The old man took a deep sigh and spoke…
"As a matter of fact I've always had help here with me but I've lost all my workers so yes I am looking for help…But mind you, who ever wants to work here has to stay in this shop, that upstairs room is for my employee…its kind of a caretaker deal! So of…"
"Oh sir I would love to stay there, I mean I really want to work here and I was looking for a place of my own and I think this arrangement suits me as well…" Hermione was really excited after a long time.
"So I was right in assuming you want to work, anyway before you get all excited, come and see the place plus I must warn you young lady that this area is not all that safe so you may want to reconsider taking up this job, anyway follow me so I can show you the place, mind you, I always kept male candidates but since I highly doubt I will get any volunteers after this war, so might as well be you…you know you do look familiar…"
He kept talking and now they were upstairs, Hermione moved in, she saw a some what studio apartment up there, it was a big room or maybe it looked big due to lack of furniture, but clean, there was another door which she opened and saw that it was a clean bathroom which a nice tub and shower; Hermione felt nostalgic as everything about this room reminded her of muggle architecture, there was a small section in one corner next to the windows which she could see stove, sink and on the other end of this section she saw an old washing machine.
"This is perfect Sir…I can't wait to take up this job and this place…" was Hermione's response, "Oh by the way do you want some kind of rent or down payment for this place?"
"Oh no, nothing of the sort, all you have to do is stay here and look after the shop, your pay won't be too much I am afraid, as we don't really get that many sales done but I can't let go of this place, it's the best memory that my wife left me…" was the old shop keeper's reply.
"Its lovely, the room upstairs has muggle touch to it, brings back old memories…" said Hermione.
"Aaah so I gather you are a muggle born? Just great, I love muggles…though I faced too much of a bad time because of this fact…hmm well I guess nothing to worry about now…Hmm young girl??" he said this so affectionately and gave her some forms to fill out. Hermione just smiled and nodded, took the forms and started filling them out; she handed over the form to the owner and shook hands with him. He went through the form "so Ms. Granger …hmm Hermione Granger…Oh dear lord, you are Harry Potter's friend who was on the run with him…heard all about you from Hagrid…oh this is such an honor to have you work for me…I don't know what good have I done that I have an honorable figure like you working for me…this is just delightful … just great" Hermione blushed at all this…"so you are a friend of Hagrid's? I haven't seen him since the war ended, I miss him a lot…" replied Hermione.
"He is an old friend yes! We use to hang out a lot for drinks and then during war the visits were or meetings were next to nothing but it was always pleasure to hear from him, he always spoke of you, the great Harry Potter and the third friend Mr. Weasley. He was really fond of you though young girl, apparently you have a gentle streak that he always admired and was proud to have you as his friend…and now I am the fortunate one to have you here working for me, welcome Ms. Granger, by the way I am John Albert Ford, pleasure to make your acquaintance…" he took out his hand to shake on the deal which Hermione returned gladly. Now she really wanted to meet Hagrid, she decided to join rest of the gang and tell them the good news, she went towards their direction, she quite far ahead when she decided to apparate to her house, not really sure why all of a sudden she thought about going there but acting on her impulse she apparated, to her surprise she saw some people standing there. She moved towards them to see who they were, she didn't recognize anyone but one of the men turned around and saw her and smiled at her.
She didn't return the smile and kept moving towards them, "hi are you from this neighborhood?" The man wearing cargo shorts and a blue shirt called out, his greeting alerted the others and the four figures turned around, there was a lady wearing a blue summer dress, next to her were two boys looked about 16 or 17, and then there was this man who looked familiar in a black suit. They all smiled at her which she has yet not responded to.
"Hi…umm yeah..yes…no well not really…just dropped by…" She was still looking at the suited man who looked familiar to her.
"Drew Hannison, this is my wife Alicia and my two kids … we just bought this land", He noticed that Hermione's expression was that of a rage…"Is something the matter Ms. ?
Hermione tried to compose herself, "No, nothing… its fine…I ... err I mean who sold you the land?"
Oh that would be this gentleman, "Mr. Tennesy…" he pointed at the person standing next to them. Hermione moved forward to shake hands with him, "Hi, I am Hermione, Hermione Granger…" The color from that man's face drained, he immediately excused himself from the family and took Hermione to one side still holding on to her hand…
"Are you trying to tell me Ms. that you are Dr. Granger's relative?" asked the guy named Tennesy.
"I am their daughter…" replied Hermione proudly.
"But how's that possible, there were no remains when it caught fire, there was only ash and nothing else…" at this Hermione's winced a little.
"I am sorry Ms. Granger, but we declared the land state owned, I was there lawyer, now I think I remember you. You were in some boarding school, we gave ads to get in touch with you, actually there practice was named after you but in case you died or something along those lines, they donated the practice to charity and its been more than an year so the practice has been sold off and the proceeds went to the charity…Oh God … I am terrible sorry Ms. Granger and this land is now state owned and has been sold to this family…I am truly sorry, I had no idea you were alive…where have you been, I really tried… "
Hermione gathered all the courage that she could, "Its ok Mr. Tenessy, I don't owe you explanations nor you owe me any. What's done is done!" She didn't meet his eyes and put her hands in her pockets as if conscious of his stare and then pointed to the family with her face, "what kind of people are they…any good?"
The lawyer was still staring at her with pity, "Yes! Well they are also doctors. Mr. Hannison is a neuro surgeon while Mrs. Hannison is a vet. Hmm Ms. Granger if there is anything that I can help you with, your parents and I was good friends but it was unfortunate that never really met formally."
He took out a card from his coat pocket and gave it to Hermione, "please don't hesitate to ask for help or any favor that you may require, I am truly sorry for your loss."
"Thanks! Can you tell me something? "… Hermione took the card and kept turning back to look at the family, at his positive nod, she took a deep breath and asked, "when did this happen? I was just told recently, I am not going to tell you any details but I'd like to know how long ago?"
He was staring at her in complete astonishment, "it happened in summers last year, around mid July…I really am sorry for your loss…"
"I appreciate it thanks. I better go, I think I am spoiling your business here. Bye", she gave a meaningful smile and turned around to leave, she waved to the family without exchanging anymore words and after finding a secluded corner, she apparated.
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When she reached Diagon alley, she started running towards George's shop, she didn't want to cause anybody trouble, it was just now that she realized that she's been away from them for almost an hour and a half. She stopped finally out of breath and started walking towards George, I am so dumb, I could've apparated, I don't mind walking though…
She spotted Harry and Ron engrossed in something small in their hands. She moved towards them and that's when Harry saw her, he let go of that thing and left it in Ron's hand, he started walking fast infact he was halfway between walking and running towards her, Ron spotted Hermione and he too started walking fast.
"Hi…where were you Hermione? we were looking for you" panted Harry.
Hermione consciously put both her hands in her pockets and moved a little on her toes and then heels. "hi…" then she pointed her right hand backwards randomly to tell them where she was…"I was just checking this book store…"
Both Harry and Ron grinned at her reply, as if it was something Hermione did normal after a long time.
"Let's go get some ice cream or drinks…it's been ages since the three of us hung out…" said Ron.
Ron showed Hermione what he was holding, it was a miniature quidditch game something like muggle video games but instead of screen , little players were playing and they came up as high as the player's face, Ron showed her how to use its joy stick kind of slots to move the players around. Hermione truly was fascinated as it was a small video game but without screen or 2D characters, these were like real human players who were playing around. They finally got to the ice cream place and ordered ice cream.
"Didn't you buy any books Hermione…I don't see you holding any or are they in your famous beaded bag?" asked Harry jokingly
Hermione smiled and told him that she didn't really buy anything there. She looked a bit hesitant as she was having an inner battle about whether to tell them about getting a job there or not and the whole new discovery about her parents' practice.
"You spent an extra long time not buying anything then…" Ron commented.
Hermione closed her eyes and then opened them, "Actually the thing is guys… I signed up for job there, I will start working next week…wait let me finish…" she saw Harry about to say something, but she wanted to talk first…"it has a small room upstairs…I mean the shop has one and its really nice, its quite suitable for one person, it has a kitchen, bathroom etc. in one place and its really clean. I really want to do this, infact I've signed up and all. Like I said I will start next week" with that said she gave a nervous smile to both Ron and Harry.
She left out the part about the lawyer and all that. I don't have to involve them in anymore of my troubles…
"Did you even consider discussing it with us before you took up this decision?" asked Harry bitterly.
"Honestly…No!" was Hermione's simple response.
"Why are you telling us now then Hermione? You can't just take up a life altering decisions like this and not tell us…we are your best friends for heavens' sake", was Ron's retort.
"I had nothing else to talk to you guys about that are why I told you. And yeah to tell you why it took me so long. As for other part Ron, I am quite capable of making my own decisions, I am quite independent in case you haven't noticed" She replied very calmly but her statement gave a end of discussion impression.
Harry and Ron were quite angry at her and once again Harry couldn't help but snap again,
"Ok Fine. Ms. Independent does this new independence comes with keeping secrets from your best friends? Or keeping them out of your life altering decisions? What's wrong with you Hermione, why are you trying to be so separated from us all? There was plenty of time to take up a job, why now? Are we bothering you so much that you had to get a separate place for yourself, ohh and to think Ron and I were thinking along the lines of moving in together – just the three of us once we entered professional life…" he was hyperventilating now.
Their order just arrived and they stayed quiet while the waitress left them, "Harry I am sorry if you feel that way but to be honest I don't see how it's a secret when I told you about it. If anything its you two who have kept secrets from me, oh and when were you planning to tell me about this little plan of moving in together, did you consult me over this, did you manage to check how I felt about it? Honestly you guys are such hypocrites. I would go on about you two but I don't feel like arguing. Being my best friends you should be happy for me not complain how you guys were not part of my decisions…you are not MY PARENTS – even they never had much say in my life" she whispered the last part as if truly sorry about something. The mood was all tensed between the three but it was soon eased out due to appearance of Ginny and George. George greeted Hermione and hugged her, "How are you?"
"I am good thanks…what about you? How's work?" asked Hermione
"Not bad, not bad at all, Angelina and Lee have been great. Hey thought over my offer?" replied George.
Hermione smiled and shook her head, "Sorry George, I was seriously considering it but then I found this little book store Book Nook and Hook – I took up a job there and will be staying there as well, there is a really good accommodation above it…"
Ginny immediate got up to congratulate Hermione and hugged her. Hermione was really happy to have someone on her side…"Thanks Ginny, you have no idea how much it means to me…By the way nice necklace"
"Thanks Hermione, Harry bought it for me earlier…" Ginny looked adoringly at her necklace, it was a peace offering from Harry to her after which he bought that quidditch miniature game for Ron.
Hermione felt a bit jealous but ignored the feeling and isntead just smiled at Ginny, "it really suits you; you have the neck to show it off"
" Anywho, don't really know what Hermione your comment meant … I mean the one about my sis's neck...oh you are not a vampire are you?" Hermione gave out a small laughter…
"So Hermione if you are sure that's where you want to work then fine but my doors are always open" said George.
"Thanks George, really appreciate it."
They all had icecream, Hermione's icecream turned to milk and she probably had a spoon or two but didn't each much. Everyone grabbed for their wallets to pay for their icecreams but George stopped everyone and paid. Hermione was glad for that as she felt down right embarrassed from inside as she had no money.
I have to avoid these kinda expenditures for one more week…then all will get back to normal hopefully.
Harry noticed Hermione's icecream cup and decided to talk to her later about it, about the toast she nibbled on and couldn't finish – he kept looking at her and realized she was really skin and bones, due to which her eyes became quite prominent and he could see certain emptiness in her eyes that disturbed him. We will talk about all this Hermione …just you and me. He didn't want to upset her though.
He was already embarrassed about the little exchange of words earlier between them and didn't want to annoy Hermione any more. He decided to get her something for her new place to make up for his accusations.
He felt quite at home at the burrow but everyday looking at Hermione's face around just made him more comfortable and at home. He didn't feel like an only outsider there, even if he didn't hang out much with her, her presence provided him with comfort that nobody else could. He just hated the idea of not having Hermione around or the idea that Hermione can start off her own life without him.
I mean Ron and me…how can she keep us out ….
