Chapter 27 – Diagon Alley
It had been a while since Hermione had properly walked down Diagon Alley. The last time was only a quick visit to Ollivander's to purchase a new wand since hers had been taken off her at Malfoy Manor. Molly didn't want them to overstay their welcome in case there were still some death eaters lurking around.
Fred and Hermione stepped onto the cobbled steps and glanced down at the witches and wizards going about their business. Fred linked arms with Hermione and led the way down the alley to the Apothecary which wasn't at all busy. They entered the oddly smelling shop which caused a bell across the door to jingle. The owner rushed straight over to them, welcoming them to the shop.
"Mr Weasley, it is so good to see you again, and alive." The owner grinned.
"Hello there and it's great to be back in business again and alive of course." Fred replied back.
"Is this the new lady friend?" The man questioned, looking Hermione up and down.
"No. This is a very good friend of mine." Fred replied. "Hermione here has kindly offered to give George and I a hand with the shop before we open."
"Hermione? As in thee Hermione Granger?" The man gasped.
"Yes." Hermione answered.
"My oh my, I have heard wonderful things about you dear and congratulations on helping to defeat you-know-who." The owner grinned, shaking Hermione's hand.
"Thank you." Hermione replied, nervously.
"How can I help you both today?" The owner asked.
"We're just looking to stock up on some ingredients Sir." Hermione replied, handing the man her list.
"Right you are." He replied then dashed off to find the stuff.
"I hope it's not going to be like this all the time." Hermione muttered under her breath but loud enough for Fred to hear her.
"You're kind of famous now Hermione." Fred answered. "One of the famous golden trio or something."
"And our trio has fallen apart, hasn't it?" Hermione shrieked.
"Well lets not go there today love." Fred answered, patting Hermione on the shoulder.
Hermione left Fred and wondered around looking at the various shelves that housed all the potions ingredients. The owner returned with a basket filled with everything that was on Fred's list. Then ushered him over to the till. Hermione followed them over.
"Is this everything for you both?" The man asked.
"Yes this is everything for today." Fred replied, bringing out his money.
As Fred owned a business on Diagon Alley, he got discount on the items. The duo left the shop with their goods and headed towards The Leaky Cauldron to get something for lunch. The little pub was dark and dingy, causing the hairs on the back of Hermione's neck to stand on end for some reason. Tom, the landlord was there cleaning some glasses out of sheer boredom since the pub was empty.
"Hello there Mr Weasley and Miss Granger. How can I help the two of you today?" Tom asked, smiling at the pair.
"We'd like some sandwiches and bottles of butterbeer to go please." Fred replied. "Maybe add in some of that apple crumble while you're at it."
"Busy day?" Tom wondered.
"Sort of. We're just about to start making some new products so we can get the shop open again soon." Fred replied.
"It'll be good to see it open again, Mr Weasley. Many have been asking when it was to open again." Tom answered.
Tom disapeared out the back while Fred and Hermione waited patiently on their food.
"It'll be good to see everything back to normal." Fred spoke.
"Yes. I really did miss visiting the alley with my parents and your family." Hermione admitted.
"Would you consider looking for your parents again?" Fred asked.
"Yes, I will eventually. I don't know how I'm going to go about it." Hermione replied sadly.
"I'm sure you'll think of something and if you need any help, you know where I am." Fred replied with a sincere smile.
"Thank you Fred, that is very kind of you." Hermione replied.
"Well if it was me, I'd suggest getting the aurors involved as they might be able to track your parents down." Fred said. "They might even be able to reverse the memory charm."
"That would be a good idea. I hadn't thought of that actually." Hermione answered.
"And there was me thinking you were the smart one." Fred laughed.
"And didn't I tell you that you were smarter than people give you credit for." Hermione grinned, elbowing Fred in the side.
Fred couldn't help but smile at Hermione's comment. Actually Fred hadn't stopped smiling while he was hanging around Hermione. It also helped that Hermione too seemed somewhat happier.
"Here you are Mr Weasley. Have a great day." Tom spoke, handing Fred the food package.
"Thanks mate and you too." Fred replied then led Hermione out of Leaky Cauldron and back to the shop.
