Lost in Translation
Chapter Eight
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any related characters.
A/N: Hey everyone! I wanted to thank each and everyone of you who have read and reviewed so far. I appreciate you all! If you are enjoying this story so far, please feel free to check out my other multi-chapter story titled "A Kiss in Time" (now complete), as well as my two stand-alone titles, "Noticed" and "October 31st". More coming very soon.
P.S. This chapter makes me smile. Please enjoy!
I've been trying to keep my distance
But in an instant, you break me down
I know better than to want you
But I succumb to you without a doubt
Now the water is rising and I'm too tired to swim
And my lungs just can't take it but I keep breathing you in
So….
Tell me lies, tell me painted truths
Anything at all to keep me close to you
Pull me under, the way you do
Tonight I want to drown in an ocean of you
Drown - Martin Garrix & Clinton Kane
Relaxed
Despite feeling more confident leaving the sparring room yesterday, Hermione couldn't get the Ritter case out of her head.
Upon returning home from Diagon Alley, she spent most of the evening and early morning peering over recent notes and files, searching for anything and everything that could explain why Ritter was in hiding. She knew that information was vitally important to the case and raiding the warehouse without it could potentially be incredibly dangerous for all involved.
Hermione wiped the sleep from her eyes before dabbing on a small amount of foundation in an attempt to hide the bags underneath. Feeling satisfied with her appearance, she flooed directly to the Ministry only to run straight into Ron Weasley upon exiting the floo on the main floor. Hermione shifted her weight so that she had a better grasp on the papers she was holding in her hands.
"Hey...what's going on, are you alright?" Ron expressed with concern. Hermione frowned at Ron's immediate ability to recognize something was off, even with her clear attempts to conceal her exhaustion.
"Yeah, yeah...just a bit tired, is…" Hermione paused to stifle a yawn, "...all."
"Did you get any sleep last night?"
"Not particularly," Hermione laughed nervously. She gestured towards the documents in her hands. "I've been looking over these files again and again, looking for something, anything to indicate what Ritter is planning. I mean...he's using a muggle warehouse...but...why?"
Ron sighed. "Here, let me take the files this weekend." He held out his hands and waited until Hermione reluctantly handed them over. "Maybe a fresh set of eyes will help. Also, you look like you could use a good night's sleep. You're no good to me or anyone else on the team if you are exhausted."
Ron's voice was stern but Hermione could see by the way he was looking at her that he was truly concerned and even possibly...cared?
"Do you ever take the night off? You know, just relax, and not think about work?" Ron asked.
"Er...no, not really. It's what I enjoy doing."
"I don't believe for a second that you actually enjoy working 24/7," Ron scoffed.
"Perhaps, but regardless, I do agree that I need more sleep."
"I'm glad that you've come to that realization."
"Well...thanks" Hermione managed to get out, gesturing towards the files he now carried in his arms, giving him a tight smile.
"Don't mention it," Ron shrugged. "Heading up to Level 2?"
"Uhm...yeah." They started walking slowly next to each other towards the lifts. "So, how was your evening?" Hermione asked to make conversation.
"It was alright," Ron responded nonchalantly, "Ended up out at Diagon Alley running a few errands but...nothing...special." He hid the fact that he had been making several trips there over recent weeks.
"Oh, same! I was also there, perhaps a bit later in the evening though," Hermione stated.
"Huh. Interesting."
They rode the lift together in silence, both unaware that they were thinking of each other.
Billy.
Jeanie.
"Anything new?" Robards inquired immediately once the team reconvened that afternoon to discuss the case.
"I was able to find a copy of the original warehouse of the location in question. I've been studying the blueprints and it seems like there are many access doors, which is a positive. We should be able to maneuver throughout the building rather efficiently," Hermione offered.
"Good. Great," Robards nodded as he jotted down some notes.
"Sir," Hermione started again hesitantly, "I'm a little concerned about moving ahead with this raid too quickly. I just really feel like we need more information on Ritter's plans before we go barging in blind. I know I don't have much experience," She looked pointedly over at Ron who grimaced back, "...with a mission like this, but I just feel like we need to do something to draw Ritter out ahead of time."
Ron opened his mouth to respond, but Robards was faster. "Perhaps you're right, Miss Granger. I also think you were onto something where we feature you to catch Ritter's attention…" He paused to think for a moment.
Ron waited with bated breath for Robards' idea.
"So, let's hold a benefit."
"Sir?" Ron questioned.
"We will host a benefit in honor of all those on the registry, a moment of recognition for the vital role they play in our world."
"They? Excuse me, sir, but I don't think unspecified labels will do any good…"
"Pardon me, Miss Granger. I did not mean any offense. How would you suggest it be worded?" Ron bit his tongue to keep himself from retaliating.
"Perhaps...a benefit in honor of all those who were once restrained but are now free..." Hermione stared off blankly and Ron watched her closely, puzzled by her drifting.
"Lovely, absolutely lovely," Robards nodded his head.
"And our roles in the evening?" Hermione further inquired. She had snapped back to reality quickly.
"Hermione, you will attend the benefit as a guest of honor, of course. We can feature you as an advocate for the community of muggle borns. And Ron you will attend…"
Wait for it.
"...well, I suppose as her date."
"There it is," Ron deadpanned.
"Oh grow up, Ronald," Hermione tutted.
Robards sighed. "I don't suppose it'd be too much for you to both act professionally about this, hm?"
"No, sir."
"Not at all, sir."
"Fine. You're dismissed. We'll flesh out the details in the coming week. Happy New Year!"
Ron and Hermione nodded before exiting the room quickly without another glance at each other.
Harry remained seated in his chair.
"Mr. Potter? Am I crazy, for thinking that this plan may actually work?"
Harry wasn't quite sure how to answer that question. "I'm sure they will try….their best to manage professionally, sir, despite any differences."
Robards clapped him on the back. "I'll trust that you can speak with Weasley, then? Make sure he stays on track?"
"Always, sir." With a sudden idea popping into his head, he raced out the door in hopes of catching up to Hermione. He watched her opening the doors to exit the Auror offices and he quickly called out, "Hermione! Wait up!"
Harry jogged over to stand in front of Hermione's confused face. "Oh Harry, did you need something?"
"Yes, actually, I wanted to invite you out to the Leaky Cauldron tonight. A few friends from school will be meeting us there, Ron and Ginny too. I thought it would be a great time to introduce you to some of the people you heard us talking about at Christmas. If...you didn't already have plans, I know it's New Year's Eve."
"Oh, uhm…New Year's Eve..." Hermione was caught off guard by the question, but as she looked into Harry's hopeful face, she ended up caving. Besides, she admitted to herself bitterly, It's not like you had any other plans. "Yeah, yeah sure, that sounds quite lovely. Thank you, Harry!"
"Brilliant! See you at seven, then," Harry beamed before turning on his heel.
Hermione bit her lip in contemplation. Yeah, brilliant…
Dear Jeanie,
Well, I suppose I may have hyped up this "exception". Let's just say, in a way it was refreshing to be around someone who didn't already know everything about me. Just like how I feel when I write to you. But in other ways it was quite intimidating, because I was admittedly a little afraid to completely open up and be myself around this new friend. I'm glad that your holiday was, despite being unexpected, rather lovely.
I am grinning from ear to ear after reading your letter. Please understand that, although I have thought about you in my mind, and have attempted to create a picture in my head, I've found it next to impossible to do so. Besides, I don't want to, because I know any version of you that I create in my head will pale in comparison to the real you. I don't want you to be afraid to open up to me or to show me who you really are. In fact, I feel that it is I who should worry about revealing myself to you. I haven't always been the most secure with my appearance, but that is an issue I know I need to get over, as I would simply be a hypocrite if I was ignoring my own advice given to you.
Although I am rather eager to meet you in person, I do understand the need to take it slow. I really do enjoy corresponding with you through these letters and I've found it to be the best part of my days. So...here is my extended New Year's Resolution. I hope to not only meet you, but I commit to being all in, in all aspects of my life. It's time for me to step out from behind the shadows and allow myself to be free and truly happy. So, what do you say, Jeanie? Are you ready to step out with me?
Happy New Year! Cheers to what is to come.
Billy
Ron took a deep breath, reviewed his latest letter, and tucked the book underneath his arm as he walked over to Mr. Bennison, who was preparing to lock up the shop for the night. "Thank you for letting me stay while you closed. Had to think about this one a bit, " Ron smiled as he handed the journal over to the shopkeeper.
Mr. Bennison peered over his glasses to look at Ron thoughtfully.
Ron raised his eyebrows. "I'm not crazy, am I? For continuing this secret letter exchange?"
"On the contrary, sir, I was just thinking about how lovely it is that I get to witness this exchange. You both sure leave this shop very happy, indeed. I hope to continue seeing you into the New Year?" Bennison asked.
"Absolutely. Happy New Year!" Ron grinned before turning on his heel out the door.
Ron entered the Leaky Cauldron and was stunned as he immediately spotted Hermione, sitting in the middle of a crowded booth, surrounded by all of his closest friends. All thoughts of Jeanie in his head drifted away suddenly, his pleasant thoughts rapidly switching to annoyance.
Ron walked over slowly and carefully, listening in to the conversation being had. "...yes, well I'm quite thrilled with my current position at the ministry. It's been an interesting experience so far," Hermione was carrying on about her place of work with Neville Longbottom and Hannah Abbott.
"Oi! Weasley's here!" Seamus spotted him and suddenly heads were turning his way. Yet, he kept his eyes solely on Hermione.
"Uh...hey."
"Hi, Ronald," Hermione greeted with a faint smile.
"Want a drink mate?" Harry interrupted, gesturing towards the bar.
"Always," Ron uttered as he followed his best friend. Once they were safely out of earshot, Ron slapped Harry upside the head.
"Ow! What the hell was that for?" Harry shouted in irritation.
"What is Granger doing here?" Ron scowled, watching Harry's guilty face closely, "You invited her!" He snarled in accusation.
"Yes, I invited her," Harry sighed in exasperation. "It would probably be a good idea for you two to squash whatever...differences...you two may have before we get any deeper into this mission."
"Tell that to her," Ron disputed.
"Mate," Harry was growing frustrated, "Look, I'm not saying that you have to agree on everything. Just...chill on the squabbling for a bit, alright? If you give her a chance, you might actually enjoy her company…"
Ron snorted. "Fat chance of that."
Harry gave him a warning look, "...'sides, everyone could use more friends, right?"
Ron took the pint that Harry held out for him and followed him begrudgingly back to the booth, taking a seat next to Seamus.
"Hermione! What a gorgeous scarf! Where did you get it?" Hannah inquired.
Ron gulped as his gaze shifted to the maroon knitted scarf around Hermione's neck.
"Uhm…" Hermione peered timidly over at Ron. "Ron's mum actually made it for me. They were kind enough to allow me to spend Christmas with them."
Seamus leaned over and whispered in Ron's ear, already smelling of whiskey, "That's some girlfriend shite, you know."
"Shut up, Seamus" Ron grumbled back. When his gaze returned to Hermione, he saw that she was watching the exchange with a sullen look on her face.
Did she hear that? Ron's palms started to feel sweaty so he gripped his mug tighter.
This might be a long night….
About an hour later, conversation was dwindling and people started dispersing towards other areas around the pub. Everyone seemed to be enthralled with their new friend, Miss Hermione Granger, and Ron still had yet to say a single word directly towards her.
She had moved on from the table, now consumed in a competitive game of darts with a few of the guys from the ministry, including none other than Cormac McLaggen, a fellow Hogwarts student that Ron couldn't stand the sight of. And McLaggen particularly seemed to be enjoying Hermione's company, as he caught him checking Hermione out more than once. The grip on Ron's pint glass got so tight his knuckles were almost white.
"She's quite the charmer isn't she? Where has the ministry been hiding her?" Seamus shoved Ron on the shoulder with a chuckle.
"She just transferred from Care of Magical Creatures," Ron responded dully, taking a quick swig from his pint, as his eyes watched Hermione throw her head back in laughter from something McLaggen muttered in her ear.
"I don't recognize her from Hogwarts."
"She didn't attend...she studied independently under McGonagall and went to a muggle school."
"Blimey. Well, someone should probably that fella she's taken," Seamus observed, giving Ron a smirk.
"Do you get off on being a prat, mate?"
"What? Am I wrong? Why else would you be so intently watching her when you think no one is noticing?" Seamus raised his eyebrows and Ron knew he had no solid retort to his comment.
Ron stood abruptly, making his way towards the bar. "I need another drink."
He skulked around to find a seat and gestured towards the bartender for another round, deciding to switch from beer to whiskey, in desperate need of something stronger.
Ron took an appreciative sip of his drink and was lost in thought when a heavy pint slammed down on the bar in front of him. He looked over startled to find Hermione staring at him.
"What's got your wand in a knot?"
Ron scoffed. "Where'd you learn that phrase? Magical finishing school?"
"Don't be an ass."
"Watch it."
"Fine. Two shots, please. Strongest liquor you've got." Hermione called out to the bartender and Ron stared at her blankly.
"You've got to be fucking joking," he commented incredulously.
"Do I look like I'm normally one to joke around?" Hermione held his gaze, daring him to provide a rebuttal.
"I can't say I expected this from Hermione Granger." Ron held up his shot glass and looked her directly in the eye.
"Well then, you must not know me very well." Hermione met his gaze just as intensely. They clinked their glasses together before downing their shots in one swift gulp.
Hermione coughed as the alcohol burned down her throat. "Cheers," She murmured weakly. Ron chuckled.
They both let their gazes travel over to their group of friends, chatting away over a game of darts. Ron spotted Cormac again, who happened to be looking straight at the pair with a seductive grin. The sight of him made Ron's blood boil.
"You know, McLaggen's been eyeing you all night," Ron grunted, shifting his head back towards the bar.
"Who?" Hermione asked in confusion. Ron gestured his thumb backwards towards the group and Hermione's eyebrows raised.
"Ohhh that's who that is." Ron felt oddly at ease that she didn't seem to recognize him.
"He's a pompous git, you know. I'd steer clear."
"I'm sure I can say the same thing about you to other women," Hermione retorted without hesitation.
"Har har." She watched as he attempted to hide the grin that was plastered to his face behind his pint glass. Hermione felt thrilled that she could joke around with Ron like this and know that he wouldn't take it to heart.
She decided to impulsively order another round, causing Ron's eyes to widen in astonishment.
"Who are you and what have you done with Hermione Granger?" Ron raised an eyebrow in a gesture that stirred something inside of her. She allowed the thought to cross her mind that he looked rather rugged and handsome in that moment. They both downed their shot glasses.
"You know, I was told by a friend recently that I need to loosen up, have some fun" Hermione referenced their earlier conversation. "So why are you so surprised that I am trying to do just that?"
"Why do you even care what I think anyway?"
"I don't, really," Hermione stated.
"Well, fine."
"Fine."
Hermione drummed her fingers on the counter top for a moment, before asking, "So, another round?"
And that was where they found themselves, an hour later, still seated next to each other at the bar. Sipping away carelessly on their libations.
Hermione let out a hearty laughter. "No way, no way, you're telling me that there is actually a giant chess board hidden within Hogwarts with life size pieces that actually...move?!" She dissolved into a fit of giggles as Ron rolled his eyes at her.
"That was nothing compared to the three-headed dog named Fluffy," Ron offered.
"Fluffy," Hermione roared, burying her face in her hands as her body shook with laughter. She was tearing up from laughing so hard.
"It really shouldn't be this funny, but looking back on it.." Ron chuckled along with her.
"Okay, I've got to hear more about this love potion that caused you to end up actually poisoned?"
Ron groaned. "Romilda Vane...a pity she wasn't actually into me, but rather I ate the tainted chocolates meant for Harry."
Hermione shook her head in disbelief. "And then you ended up poisoned from a celebratory bottle of mead after receiving the antidote for the love potion?"
"Further proof that love isn't all it's cracked up to be," Ron laughed.
"Why am I not surprised that you were almost killed by a girl?" Hermione managed to get out between her snickers.
"Oi!"
They erupted into another bout of laughter.
They were close now, both able to smell the scent of alcohol on the others' breath, their elbows touching on the table, knees bumping together every so often. To anyone else, they likely looked rather caught up in an intimate conversation.
"Ten, nine, eight, seven, six…" Both Ron and Hermione broke out of their trance as people started shouting along to the countdown for the new year.
"Wow, midnight already?" Ron glanced down at the watch on his wrist.
"Five…"
Hermione looked over at Ron, her lips parting.
"Four…"
Ron looked over at Hermione, his gaze attempting to remain steady on her eyes, despite fighting the urge to travel down to her lips.
"Three…"
"Any last thoughts?" Hermione whispered.
"Two…one…"
Ron held his breath as cheers erupted around him, but he didn't dare move away from Hermione.
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
They grinned slowly at each other, their fingers twitching simultaneously as their knuckles brushed together lightly on the table.
"Happy New Year, Ron."
Happy New Year, Hermione."
Another hour later, they were still sitting close, after having shared many stories from their childhood and consuming more and more drinks.
Ron couldn't remember the last time he felt so relaxed during a conversation with another person. And the thought was surprisingly sobering. At that moment, Hermione's body flew sideways, preparing to fall from the bar stool, just before Ron's arms lunged out to catch her.
"Whoa, steady there," He murmured in her ear, grunting from the pressure of lifting her back up. The encounter caused quite a few people around them to stare curiously.
As much as he was enjoying their conversation, he figured she had already had one too many and it probably wouldn't be a smart idea to continue.
Clearing his throat, he stood up quickly. "Come on, you slosh" Ron wrapped an arm around Hermione's waist to keep her from falling.
"I'm taking her home, she's had more than enough," Ron muttered to Harry. As he looked around the room at the familiar faces of those who remained, Ron was hit with the sudden realization that no one had come up to interrupt them while he spent hours talking to Hermione.
"Behave…" Harry warned, to which Ron gave him a gentle shove on his shoulder.
"Relax, Harry, I'm just making sure she gets home safe." Harry seemed content with his answer, so Ron waved over to the rest of his friends before guiding Hermione out the door.
After several minutes of trying to get Hermione to remember her home address, they were finally off and were now standing at her front door, unable to floo directly into her place in their intoxicated state. Ron fumbled with the key Hermione had handed to him to unlock the door. "Buggering fuck...why do muggles always have to overcomplicate every fucking thing?"
"You just said fuck...more than once," Hermione giggled hysterically in his arms.
"Yeah," Ron rolled his eyes, "And you don't say it enough!"
The lock finally clicked and they stumbled through the door, Ron barely able to hold onto Hermione to keep her from falling on the floor.
"Come on," Ron groaned, shifting his weight so that she was leaning tightly against his side. "Let's get ya over to the sofa."
"Oh...laying down...yes, that sounds quite lovely," Hermione sighed out as Ron deposited her gently onto the couch cushions. She wasted no time before pressing her face into one of the pillows and elongated her body sloppily across the length of the furniture.
"Wow, your place is very...clean," Ron observed as he glanced around the room. He noticed many of the walls were still white and rather bare, only a few photographs were displayed of her and her parents.
"Yeah, I assume yours is not." Hermione wrinkled her nose while keeping her eyes closed.
Ron snorted out a laugh. "You assume correctly."
"Mmm..." Hermione muttered and Ron knew she was already falling asleep.
"Hey," He called out while taking a step forward. Hermione's eyes shot open again. "Anything I can get you before I leave? You probably should drink some water."
"No, no, I drank way too much already tonight. No more."
Ron let out an exasperated sigh. "Yeah, you did. Which is why you should drink some water now." He moved his way towards the kitchen and rummaged about the cupboards until he located an empty glass and turned the faucet on to fill it up. When he returned to the sofa, he saw that Hermione had closed her eyes again and was breathing deeply.
He gently nudged her awake again. "Here," He helped wrap her fingers around the full glass, "Drink this. All of it. You'll thank me in the morning."
"No, thanks," Hermione protested, attempting to shove the glass back towards Ron.
"It's not up for negotiation," He responded sternly, pushing the water towards her again. "You don't wanna wake up with a nasty migraine."
"Ugh, fine," Hermione moaned, angling her head upwards slightly so that she could down the glass in her hand. He watched, satisfied, as she finished the contents rather quickly. She plopped her head back down on her pillow immediately.
Ron turned to go, when he felt Hermione's hand wrap around his wrist. "Ron?"
"Hm?" He turned back towards her, still seated on the edge of the sofa next to her.
"Thank you," Hermione whispered, her eyes meeting his as her vision cleared and mind was starting to sober up. "For taking care of me."
"Don't mention it," Ron dismissed as he scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Now, go to sleep."
"Ay ay, sir.." Hermione muttered before closing her eyes once more. Ron waited until he heard soft snores coming from her nose. Smiling to himself, he gently tucked a loose curl behind her ear that had fallen in front of her face.
He decided that he rather liked a relaxed Hermione.