The morning's were definitely different than the nights, here. People were happy and laughing as if nothing important happens at night. Hermione walked around the shops, hoping to find something she could use, but this was a muggle village and had nothing for a young witch.
She had been sent a letter from Nikolett, saying that they would meet in the garment shop, since it was a nice public place to meet.
Hermione was dazzled with the fine dresses that were made in the shop. They were all so soft and none looked as though they would be the slightest bit uncomfortable. Of course, that meant that she wouldn't be able to afford anything this shop had to offer. But, to have a bit of fun, she figured it wouldn't hurt to try one on.
She picked out a light blue dress with gold trimming and matching belt. The woman who owned the shop kept saying how beautiful she looked in the dress, but Hermione didn't really think so.
"She's right, you know. You do look very beautiful in that dress." Nikolett said, entering the shop.
"Thank you." Hermione said. "I wish I could afford this. I absolutely love it."
"Then, you shall have it." Nikolett pulled a bag of gold out of her jacket and paid the woman for the dress.
"I'll pay you back, I promise."
"Don't worry about it. I usually buy her dresses in bulk anyway. It's no problem. Come, let's get some breakfast." Hermione nodded as she changed out of the dress and into her regular clothes.
Nikolett took her to the inn where they were serving mountains of food to each customer. They sat down at a table and ordered food. Then, Nikolett began her story.
"All right, I suppose you really want to know why they obeyed me, last night. Am I right?" Hermione nodded. "Okay, they obeyed me, because my father controls them."
"He leads their army or something?"
"No. He—he is their… king."
"King? So, that makes you…"
"A princess of some sorts, yes. So, that means if I give an order they have to obey it."
"What happens if they don't?" Nikolett paused as the waitress set down their orders. When the woman had gone, they continued.
"I don't like to think about it." Hermione nodded. She got the picture as she picked up her fork and began to eat. She finally brought up a knew subject when she felt that it had been too quiet.
"Harry told me you were going to the States. I'd have thought you'd have left by now."
"Well, I planned to, but some things came up."
"What kind of things?"
"Personal things… regarding my father. Things that I can't seem to get out of." She let out a long sigh and she played with her eggs with her fork. "I really wanted to leave, too. I don't belong here."
"Well, why don't you come with me? Harry is moving out of his aunt and uncle's house on Saturday. I'm sure he would appreciate your help."
"Oh, Hermione, I don't know…"
"You won't be gone that long and you could always Apparate back if you need to."
"It's not that… It's Sirius. I really don't think I should go."
"But, you've been around Sirius before. What's the problem?"
"I put a hex on him." Nikolett said softly.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"I told him that he needed to focus more on Harry than on me and I erased his memory of me and I sent him on his way."
"So, what's the problem?"
"Well, the hex goes away when we make eye contact, which means we'd have to finish what we started."
"Well, you should. He doesn't need to focus on Harry anymore, so now would be a good time to focus on you." Nikolett furrowed her brow at Hermione.
"Why do you and Harry and Ron care so much about me and Sirius?"
"Well, Sirius deserves someone like you. We just want him to be happy and he seemed pretty happy when he was a bird and was with you. You should go to him and make up."
"I just wish it were that easy. There are some complications."
"Well, you can push those aside for a week! You're coming with me and I'm not taking 'no' as an answer."
"All right. I hope you know what you're doing."
