Hermione had decided that Monday she would head to go shopping. She required some new heels for the show next week and even maybe some new knickers for before it. The woman was shuffling her things and resituating her hair when she approached the bookstore.
Maybe just a few new ones? She had gobbled up the last three volumes on mythology she bought two weeks ago. Hermione exhaled as she entered and smirked at the welcoming scent of words on the page. This, out of everything in the world, was her true love.
Hermione wandered and watched the young college prats talking about pretentious topics. That made her smile because she used to be one of them. It was one of those moments in time where she saw the younger version of herself against the bookcase. Curly hair, patched up jumper, and a posture that said she didn't know how to pretend to be okay.
The woman blinked and glanced down the aisle with leisure as she wandered. Life was a different tint of color, and she could see through the dark, but then it was difficult. Everything felt grim and stifling, but freedom was only days away.
"Hello," a small voice announced.
Hermione shook her head to clear the memories. Before her in the philosopher's category was a small boy. He had an unusual expression on his face as he sized the woman up. It was neither warm, nor hardened, but that stoic in-between. He was absorbing her.
"Hello," Hermione responded and glanced at the books. "Aren't these a bit old for you?"
"Would people ask you if you were in the boy's aisle?" He retorted with a tilt to his head.
Hermione's eyebrows rose as she shrugged. "No, I suppose not," she paused and eyed the book in his hand. "Kant? He's an interesting read," she added.
"He's next on my father's list," the boy mused.
Hermione smiled and shifted her purse. "What's your name? Mine's Hermione."
"Edward, but everyone calls me Teddy," he said with a small quirk to his lips.
She reached out her hand, and he shook it. "It's a pleasure," Hermione said.
"You like manga? I do," Teddy said as he wandered off.
Hermione scowled, and the boy glanced back at her. "Are you coming?" He asked.
The boy had quite a demanding personality. It wasn't verbose or rude, but authoritative. She recalled being very much like that as an only child. "Where's your dad?"
"The bathroom," Teddy declared as Hermione fell in step next to him.
"How old are you?" Hermione questioned.
Teddy stopped in front of the manga and pointed at a row of books the same color. "This one's good," he said. "I'm eight."
Hermione pulled the first one out and nodded. "I'll look into it," she voiced.
Teddy grinned and pointed at her. "I like your hair. It's very pretty."
"Oh, thank you," Hermione laughed as she brushed it behind her.
"Come on, you gotta see this," Teddy told her and waved.
Hermione was suddenly following the boy around the store as he explained different topics. It was amusing, and she had to keep reminding herself he was eight. This boy was eight and chattered on about things far above his age. It wasn't until he had a book of dragons out on the table and was educating her that she realized they were being watched.
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see a man hovering by one of the aisles and glancing over. How long had he been following them? She wasn't positive.
"And this right here, this one is the meanest of them all. It can fling fireballs over two football fields!"
Hermione bent down and smirked at Teddy. "Well, good thing they are extinct."
"Hermione, they don't exist. I already checked," Teddy sighed as he pulled out his phone. "See, google even says."
"How often do you go on google and check for answers?" Hermione questioned.
Teddy pocketed his phone and shrugged. "A lot."
"If I had google at your age, I would have too," Hermione smiled.
"Me as well," the man finally made himself known.
Teddy pivoted and waved. "Hey, Dad, look, I was showing Hermione about dragons. She says she loved to read too."
The man she remembered from her rescue had stood in front of them. Hermione couldn't taper the blush that crept over her cheeks. "Hello, Remus."
"Hermione, it's a pleasure to see you again," Remus said with a nod. Remus rubbed the back of his neck and hummed. "We were just shopping while Sirius finishes business in town. This is my son, Edward."
"We have had time to get acquainted," Hermione giggled.
Teddy tugged on his father's sleeve. "Dad, ask her to come with us for lunch," he hissed.
Remus jerked and waved. "Oh, no, Teddy, stop that," Remus huffed.
"Lunch?" Hermione questioned with an arched eyebrow.
"Yeah, we always go to my dad's favorite place. The hot chocolate is best!" Teddy exclaimed.
Remus had become the personification of embarrassment. "No, truly, don't feel obligated."
"I would love to, Teddy," Hermione smiled.
The father blinked and cleared his throat. "Really?"
"I was just coming to shop for a few things, but I wasn't committed," Hermione said with a bob of her head.
"What kinda things? Maybe we can help you after lunch?" Teddy offered as he closed the book on the table.
"For work," Hermione mumbled. "It's not a big deal. I'm actually starving so I could eat."
Remus found his tongue and tapped Teddy's shoulder. "Why don't you go pick out the next book to your series, and I'll meet you at the register," he declared while handing the boy a bill.
"Thanks, dad!" Teddy exclaimed and skipped off.
Hermione beamed and fluttered her finger in the direction he ran. "He's precocious," she teased.
"Yes, he is," Remus murmured. "How are you doing?" he asked.
"Oh, I'm doing well. Thank you for asking. How are you and Sirius? I'm sorry I left so quickly last week," Hermione sighed as she stepped toward him. "I really appreciate all that you both did for me."
Remus tossed his hand and snorted. "It wasn't anything particularly heroic. We like to make sure women are safe."
"Well, I appreciate it," Hermione repeated. "Would you let me buy you lunch?"
His eyebrows contorted as he stared at her. "I don't want to inconvenience you. I know that my son can be a bit bossy."
"Nothing I can't handle," she voiced with a grin. "I would love to buy you both lunch. Anyone interested in ticking philosopher's off their list is someone worth talking to."
Remus chuckled and raced a hand through his hair. "I enjoy reading about people who saw the world in a different light."
Hermione chewed her lower lip. "Me too."
"Do you," he started and swallowed. "Do you read much outside of your school books?"
"I'm more of a literature and mythology snob, but yes," Hermione answered.
Remus gestured to the manga in her hand. "And soon to be Japanese graphic novel fan?"
"Yes, maybe," Hermione giggled.
"Dad! Let's go!" Teddy called from the front of the store.
"We better hop to it," Hermione said.
Remus gestured for her to walk first and smiled. "After you, Hermione."
Sirius was checking his watch as he walked down the street. He was late, but for a good reason. The negotiations lasted a bit, but they settled on the price Sirius was hoping for. It left plenty of room to add things they might want.
He reached the small cafe and slipped inside while jiggling his briefcase. It was a great day and even better in a moment when he would tell Remus. Sirius glanced around before scowling.
Then there was a familiar laugh. "No, of course not! I would never eat a pill bug," the woman declared.
Sirius glanced over to see Hermione sitting in the sunlight peeking through the window. She seemed ethereal as she laughed and smiled with sincerity. Across from her, he could see his friend's familiar hair.
"Well, I'll be damned," Sirius murmured to himself as he walked up.
Without saying a word, he sat down next to Hermione and startled her. "Oh, Sirius, hello," she sputtered.
"Interesting in the population of Britain that these two would find you," Sirius mused and leaned to her. "Hello, love," he said and kissed her cheek.
Hermione was blooming with color and stared at him wide-eyed. Whatever sex she oozed while on stage, she definitely didn't radiate unmasked. Sirius swiftly grew fond of that. It only took an instant.
"I was just talking to the Lupins about my days at summer camp," Hermione declared.
"We had just finished our discussion on Plato," Remus chuckled.
Sirius smirked and picked off Hermione's half-eaten croissant. "Sounds riveting. You three seemed quite entertained when I walked inside."
Hermione beamed as she nudged the plate toward him. "Oh, yes, we've been having quite the afternoon."
"What were you up to that you tripped on these two?" Sirius asked as he nudged a thumb at the Lupins.
"She was at the bookstore!" Teddy declared.
"That explains it," Sirius chuckled.
Hermione touched Sirius's arm, and her expression grew crinkled with joy. "I'm so glad to see you both. As I told Remus earlier, I'm so appreciative of your rescue. I acted a bit harsh before leaving and would like to make it up to you."
"Well, it wasn't a big deal. We like to help. How's everything with you?" Sirius questioned.
A waitress came by the table and interrupted their conversation. She was bubbly and smiled at Sirius with enjoyment. Sirius gave his order before returning to the woman next to him. The dismissal was apparent, and the waitress disappeared.
"Well, I just received a large bonus at work," Hermione said. "I was going to spend it on more work attire."
Sirius raised a single eyebrow, and his lips twitched. "You don't say? That's fantastic, love. Sounds like you truly enjoy what you do."
Remus was staring at her with a tightened expression. "Do you? You're remarkably intelligent."
"Well, I do," Hermione said and shifted in her seat. "I enjoy the work, and the pay is decent. My job is entertainment, so as you can imagine, it's not about me."
"What job do you have, Hermione?" Teddy asked through a mouthful of muffin.
"Manners," Remus hissed.
Hermione leaned over the table toward the boy and smiled. "I make people happy by doing my job well. That's all," she said.
An interesting way to put it. "Any wild stories about these women and their wine?" Sirius teased.
Hermione relaxed in her seat and tapped her cheek. "Well, it's never dull."
The waitress returned only to set Sirius's order down. She disappeared, and Sirius hummed. "So, what are you up to today, love?"
"After this? Well, I suppose I'll go home, do some yoga and go for a run," Hermione said.
"Yoga?" Remus questioned as his cup jutted.
Hermione beamed at him and exhaled. The man couldn't hide how awkward he was, and she found that charming. It was always exciting when a man didn't play his cool. It was authentic and pure. "Yes, I do find it important to retain a healthy fitness routine."
"We're going to visit a relative for dinner," Sirius said.
"Mhm, grandmother said she'd make my favorite," Teddy added.
"I like to visit my relatives on Friday. We sometimes have dinner or a party," Hermione voiced.
Her story just kept adding up, little by little. Sirius was truly fascinated that this brilliant young woman was the fantasy he had just witnessed the other night.
"Moony is free tomorrow if you want to have dinner," Sirius offered.
Remus stiffened and gasped. "Sirius, stop that."
Hermione's cheeks tinted as she hemmed. "I would love to, but I have work."
"On a Tuesday night? Those old bats must love their wine," Sirius teased.
She combed her fingers through her hair and rocked her head. "It's a themed night."
"Oh? What type of theme?" Sirius pressed.
Hermione was clearly uncomfortable as she attempted to hide her blush. "Well, it's a long story and not a decent one for small ears."
"Well, that's alright, you don't have to indulge me anyway," Remus interjected as he ran his finger on the rim of his cup.
"How about Thursday?" Sirius questioned.
"Oh, Sirius, stop," Remus groaned.
Hermione pivoted and glanced at Sirius. "How about I counter," she said.
"Listening," Sirius murmured.
"How about I come to cook for you on Thursday? I have a work meeting in the afternoon, but I would love to show my gratitude."
Sirius glanced over at Remus, who was pinching the bridge of his nose. "We have the kid, is that alright?"
"More than alright, that's great. I have some nieces and nephews who I wouldn't exclude either," She answered as she gazed and Teddy with a smirk.
Teddy nodded and clapped. "Oh, Hermione, I can't wait to show you all our books. We have so many."
"Why the gratitude, love?" Sirius asked.
Hermione waved her hand and puffed. "That doesn't matter. What does is that we should finish so I can let you go about your business."
Sirius pressed his card to the table and slid it to her. "So you can text me."
"Thank you," Hermione said.
"Now, let's get some grub so we can let you stretch and zen," Sirius snickered as he nudged the woman.
"Oh, Sirius, god love you," Remus sighed.
"We sure do!" Teddy added with a bright smile.
There was an interesting texture to her reasoning behind their dinner. Sirius scratched his chin and thought between bites. While he listened to the woman chat away with his best mate and nephew, he pondered. What other layers did the woman have? Why was she such a fascinating creature? He knew he had little time to figure it out. Two weeks to be precise.