After a long week of teaching, Hermione needed a break. She went down to Hogsmeade, and kept her distance from the students to give them their space, especially those on dates. She didn't want to be one of those professors, who got in the way and embarrass them.

Years ago, she was one of them. She frequented Hogsmeade with her boyfriend. The last thing they wanted to do was run into a professor. It would just ruin the mood and make them uncomfortable.

Hermione looked around as she walked down the path. The weather was getting colder and leaves were starting to change colors. Fall was her favorite time of the year. It wasn't too hot or cold.

She quickened her pace once she reached the village square. Three Broomsticks Inn was her destination to get a couple of drinks, since Hogwarts didn't allow any adults to bring alcohol in the premises. She chose a seat at the end of the bar, where no students were allowed. There was a fresh face behind the bar. She had never seen him before, and she frequented the establishment.

"New around here?" she asked.

"Helping my brother out. His wife just delivered their firstborn."

"Already? Seemed like yesterday when Lavender announced her pregnancy. I'll send them something."

The bartender quirked his brow. "You know them?"

"We were all in the same House. I'm Hermione. Have known them since our First Year. Seamus was hilarious and always telling jokes."

"That's him alright. What can I get for you?"

"Butterbeer with a shot of Firewhisky," Hermione replied.

"Coming right up."

In less than a minute, her drink came and a few students entered. They sat in a separate area for underage teens and were able to get nonalcoholic drinks. She took a sip of her cold brew. The taste was perfect. She took a large gulp and set it down.

The atmosphere changed as more people came. She should have brought a book with her or asked another professor to go with her. At least she had her drink to keep her company.

She looked around. The place hadn't changed much. There were portraits and other miscellaneous items from previous owners. The decor had no rhyme or reason to it. Just random trinkets that gave the place an eccentric feel. It made everyone feel welcome.

Hermione took another sip. There wasn't much to do without a book or anyone to talk to. She should hurry and go back to Hogwarts. She took one final gulp and set her empty glass down. The bartender placed another drink in front of her and took the empty glass.

"I didn't order this."

"The gentleman did," he pointed to a table in the far corner. "Said to come sit with him, if you'd like."

"Thank you," she said, and picked up the glass. She took a sip so that it wouldn't spill as she made her way to the table.

The gentleman smiled when she approached his table. "Didn't think you'd take the offer, but very glad you did."

Now that she was closer and sitting across from him, she got a look at his face. He was handsome, with his dark brown eyes and raven curls. His skin was unblemished and pale. "Hermione."

"Tom," he replied.

"Is this how you pick up witches?"

"As long as my wife doesn't mind."

"Tom," she kicked his shin, but stood up and hugged her husband, who was an Auror at the Ministry. They didn't get to see each other often, now that she was a professor at Hogwarts, and he was constantly working. "I thought you couldn't come."

"You looked completely stressed when I talked to you last night."

"I missed you," she hugged him tighter.

"I missed you, too," he leaned down and kissed her lips. "Love you."

"I love you, too," she smiled against his lips.

end.