Mistakes Happen
Disclaimer: Ron Weasley is not mine. Uh, I mean, everything related to Harry Potter is not mine. Ron just jumps out at me...
~Hermione's Point Of View~
The next Friday I quickly gathered my things from around my desk and headed toward the Apparating Room. It was 5:00, and I was more than ready to end the week. Lately, I had been exhausted from all of the unrewarding work I'd been subjected too, all the harassment I'd been getting from Harry and Ginny about Ron, and...I sighed...all of the lonely nights.
My fast-paced walk slowed to a saunter as I made my way through the hallways lost in thought. Viktor, my supposed boyfriend (ha!), was almost always away on Quidditch games, but...I had to admit it myself sooner or later. When he was home, we just...lived together. We didn't do ANYTHING. We barely even spoke, so I never really knew what he was up to on his tours. However, I had realized by the few times that we had actually had conversations that I wasn't really missing much when we didn't have them. I was amazed at how unintelligent he was!
Suddenly, I was standing on my front porch. I blinked a few times, completely disoriented. I had aimed for the living room! I heard myself make an annoyed grumbling sound while I searched my purse for my keys, and I hurriedly unlocked the door.
As soon as I had stepped inside, I heard the definite, blaring sound of the Muggle television that I had hooked up. It hadn't been difficult, since we WERE living in Muggle London, but it was still very valued by Viktor, seeing as how he had never had one while living in the wizarding world. I had always had a TV, though, and I never watched it when I was alone, unless there was a good movie on.
It was then that I noticed the familiar dark head sitting in front of the screen with his back turned to me. "Viktor?" I asked, bewildered at him being home so unexpectantly.
"Yes?"
I felt my shoulders slump. Shouldn't there be more of a, "Hello, dear! How are you? I've missed you terribly! Let me throw myself at your feet!" kind of thing? But noooooo.
"Someving I could help you wiv, Herm?" he asked, his attention still fixed on the screen in front of him, not bothering to look at me after the couple of months of separation.
I rolled my eyes at the nickname I had become accustomed to since he STILL couldn't pronounce my name correctly. It was one thing if my friends called me that as a pet name, but it was another if it was because someone simply couldn't say my real name. But, instead of voicing this thought, I plastered on a smile and made my way over to him. After all, we HAD been together for three years hadn't we?
"No, nothing at all. I was just surprised to see you after so long!" I sat down beside him and snaked an arm around his neck, running my fingers lightly through his hair.
I sat there. Smiling. Waiting for a reaction.
My face was only a few inches from his, and still, no reaction. I pulled my arm back and sat back with a thump. "Didn't you miss me at ALL?"
Finally his eyes turned to glance at me quickly, then dart back to the screen. "Hmm?"
My jaw dropped in exasperation and my mind started reeling. What the hell was I doing with this man? We obviously didn't do anything for each other...we were barely even friends. I suddenly had the sickening feeling of wanting out. Out of the house. Out of the relationship. Forever.
Luckily, the sharp tap of beak against window could be heard from the screen door, and I hurriedly scrambled to answer it. Sure enough, I saw an immaculate medal adorning the symbol for Ministry of Magic around the neck of a huge, professional looking brown owl complete with a tightly rolled piece of parchment tied on to one of its leg with a bright green ribbon. He stared at me unblinkingly with intimidating yellow eyes, waiting for me to open up for him.
I could feel my heart skip and jump up to my throat, causing a light buzzing noise to produce in my ears. I stood there frozen for a minute until I became overwhelmed with sense of needing to know the outcome of the job application.
I snapped open the door, shakily untied the ribbon, stroked the owl's head, and slowly unrolled the parchment. Dark blue writing immediately began to scrawl itself upon the page.
Dear Ms. Granger,
Firstly, we would like to thank you for your assiduous efforts in your application.
~My heart sank.
We would also like you to know that you have been chosen for the shared position of Representative of the English Ministry of Magic. It would be an honor if you would accept and join us.
~I drew in a sharp breath. I had been selected!
However, a few changes have occurred that you should be aware of. Due to overwhelming labor that needs to be accomplished as soon as possible, the job you had previously applied for has been split in half. You will now be sharing the position with another qualified employee.
~What?
Also, as you know, this job will require you to travel frequently throughout the year. This will begin shortly. In one week, Friday April 3, you and your partner will be obligated to reside near the French Ministry of Magic in order to help them sort out a security problem at their local school, Beautbatons. The assistance from the two of you will be greatly appreciated by the French wizarding world.
~Okay, who IS this partner exactly?
There is no need to respond to this letter. Since the French are extremely traditional, you will simply need to apparate to the London Airport, where you will become acquainted with your partner, and take the flight 604 to Paris. The ticket is enclosed. Thank you for interest and effort.
Sincerely,
Cornelius Fudge
Minister of Magic
At this point, I became aware of the plane ticket that was attached to the back of the letter. I carefully took it off and examined it. Sure enough, the ticket had the flight number, time, date, etc., but there was no return ticket. I turned it over, confused, but nothing was there.
I shrugged. Maybe they simply wanted us to apparate back to London.
"What was that, Herm?"
I turned around and happily skipped toward my room. "Oh, I just got a new job," I said nonchalantly. "And, Viktor? It's HERMIONE."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next Friday afternoon, I excitedly walked through the sliding doors of the London Airport. A cool wind blew in from behind me, and I felt my bushy hair puff about me wildly, but I didn't care. I was completely absorbed with the new opportunity, new adventure.
I quickly checked in, and with my small carry-on over my shoulder, and my large suitcase rolling behind me, I walked along the crowded airport corridor, my eyes searching rapidly for the sign '604'.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could I swear I spotted a bit of a dark blue cloak, but that couldn't be! Any wizard in their right mind would wear Muggle clothing in such a public place. Even I was wearing jeans and a light blue halter with a beige jacket over it. I jerked my head toward the direction I had seen it, but not one was in sight.
A few minutes later, I was getting closer. 596...597...598. There it was again! It was just a quick glimpse directly in front of me and it was gone. My eyes narrowed. What was going on?
My worries were quickly forgotten when I spotted 604 to my left. I smiled and made my way to an empty chair. I still had about 15 minutes to spare, and I began to search for a familiar face. I had no idea who this 'partner' was, but I was hoping I would recognize them. Otherwise, I didn't know how we would meet up. Maybe we were seated next to each other?
I was mindlessly staring at an advertisement on the wall lost in thought, when an arm came literally out of nowhere and seemed to be...scratching a leg, maybe? The arm froze in midair, and disappeared just as quickly as it had come. My jaw dropped.
I casually left my suitcases, and began to walk around the direction of where the arm had been. I looked about innocently, hoping that whoever was there wouldn't notice me coming. When I got close enough, I glanced around quickly to see if anyone was watching. I then sprinted forward, and threw my arms in the direction of where the arm had been.
I felt a smooth, silky material beneath my fingers that was definitely NOT the wall, and I yanked on it with all of my might. As soon as it came off of the wearer, I could tell that it was an invisibility cloak. I stared at it in my hands, then my eyes snapped up to the person who was responsible for it. Whoever it was, they were going to pay! Invisibility cloaks were against the rules, ESPECIALLY in Muggle areas!
It was then that I noticed the timid, embarrassed expression, bright blue eyes, and fiery red hair.
I swallowed heavily.
"Ron?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Oh, man, I even hate myself for putting such a cliffhanger there! I hope you liked it anyways though.
I would like to thank all the reviewers (and there weren't many!!! jeez, guys!!!):
Celeste, Serge99, BBB, and ESPECIALLY Mikel!!! I don't usually do this because I appreciate any and all reviews (even flames, if necessary), but:
Mikel~ when I read your review I was actually blushing! It was so so so sweet, thank you so much! That one review helped inspire me to write this chap.! Thanks so much!
Now, please review! PLEASE!!! I would simply ADORE it, dahling!
Yeah.
Just review.
Disclaimer: Ron Weasley is not mine. Uh, I mean, everything related to Harry Potter is not mine. Ron just jumps out at me...
~Hermione's Point Of View~
The next Friday I quickly gathered my things from around my desk and headed toward the Apparating Room. It was 5:00, and I was more than ready to end the week. Lately, I had been exhausted from all of the unrewarding work I'd been subjected too, all the harassment I'd been getting from Harry and Ginny about Ron, and...I sighed...all of the lonely nights.
My fast-paced walk slowed to a saunter as I made my way through the hallways lost in thought. Viktor, my supposed boyfriend (ha!), was almost always away on Quidditch games, but...I had to admit it myself sooner or later. When he was home, we just...lived together. We didn't do ANYTHING. We barely even spoke, so I never really knew what he was up to on his tours. However, I had realized by the few times that we had actually had conversations that I wasn't really missing much when we didn't have them. I was amazed at how unintelligent he was!
Suddenly, I was standing on my front porch. I blinked a few times, completely disoriented. I had aimed for the living room! I heard myself make an annoyed grumbling sound while I searched my purse for my keys, and I hurriedly unlocked the door.
As soon as I had stepped inside, I heard the definite, blaring sound of the Muggle television that I had hooked up. It hadn't been difficult, since we WERE living in Muggle London, but it was still very valued by Viktor, seeing as how he had never had one while living in the wizarding world. I had always had a TV, though, and I never watched it when I was alone, unless there was a good movie on.
It was then that I noticed the familiar dark head sitting in front of the screen with his back turned to me. "Viktor?" I asked, bewildered at him being home so unexpectantly.
"Yes?"
I felt my shoulders slump. Shouldn't there be more of a, "Hello, dear! How are you? I've missed you terribly! Let me throw myself at your feet!" kind of thing? But noooooo.
"Someving I could help you wiv, Herm?" he asked, his attention still fixed on the screen in front of him, not bothering to look at me after the couple of months of separation.
I rolled my eyes at the nickname I had become accustomed to since he STILL couldn't pronounce my name correctly. It was one thing if my friends called me that as a pet name, but it was another if it was because someone simply couldn't say my real name. But, instead of voicing this thought, I plastered on a smile and made my way over to him. After all, we HAD been together for three years hadn't we?
"No, nothing at all. I was just surprised to see you after so long!" I sat down beside him and snaked an arm around his neck, running my fingers lightly through his hair.
I sat there. Smiling. Waiting for a reaction.
My face was only a few inches from his, and still, no reaction. I pulled my arm back and sat back with a thump. "Didn't you miss me at ALL?"
Finally his eyes turned to glance at me quickly, then dart back to the screen. "Hmm?"
My jaw dropped in exasperation and my mind started reeling. What the hell was I doing with this man? We obviously didn't do anything for each other...we were barely even friends. I suddenly had the sickening feeling of wanting out. Out of the house. Out of the relationship. Forever.
Luckily, the sharp tap of beak against window could be heard from the screen door, and I hurriedly scrambled to answer it. Sure enough, I saw an immaculate medal adorning the symbol for Ministry of Magic around the neck of a huge, professional looking brown owl complete with a tightly rolled piece of parchment tied on to one of its leg with a bright green ribbon. He stared at me unblinkingly with intimidating yellow eyes, waiting for me to open up for him.
I could feel my heart skip and jump up to my throat, causing a light buzzing noise to produce in my ears. I stood there frozen for a minute until I became overwhelmed with sense of needing to know the outcome of the job application.
I snapped open the door, shakily untied the ribbon, stroked the owl's head, and slowly unrolled the parchment. Dark blue writing immediately began to scrawl itself upon the page.
Dear Ms. Granger,
Firstly, we would like to thank you for your assiduous efforts in your application.
~My heart sank.
We would also like you to know that you have been chosen for the shared position of Representative of the English Ministry of Magic. It would be an honor if you would accept and join us.
~I drew in a sharp breath. I had been selected!
However, a few changes have occurred that you should be aware of. Due to overwhelming labor that needs to be accomplished as soon as possible, the job you had previously applied for has been split in half. You will now be sharing the position with another qualified employee.
~What?
Also, as you know, this job will require you to travel frequently throughout the year. This will begin shortly. In one week, Friday April 3, you and your partner will be obligated to reside near the French Ministry of Magic in order to help them sort out a security problem at their local school, Beautbatons. The assistance from the two of you will be greatly appreciated by the French wizarding world.
~Okay, who IS this partner exactly?
There is no need to respond to this letter. Since the French are extremely traditional, you will simply need to apparate to the London Airport, where you will become acquainted with your partner, and take the flight 604 to Paris. The ticket is enclosed. Thank you for interest and effort.
Sincerely,
Cornelius Fudge
Minister of Magic
At this point, I became aware of the plane ticket that was attached to the back of the letter. I carefully took it off and examined it. Sure enough, the ticket had the flight number, time, date, etc., but there was no return ticket. I turned it over, confused, but nothing was there.
I shrugged. Maybe they simply wanted us to apparate back to London.
"What was that, Herm?"
I turned around and happily skipped toward my room. "Oh, I just got a new job," I said nonchalantly. "And, Viktor? It's HERMIONE."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next Friday afternoon, I excitedly walked through the sliding doors of the London Airport. A cool wind blew in from behind me, and I felt my bushy hair puff about me wildly, but I didn't care. I was completely absorbed with the new opportunity, new adventure.
I quickly checked in, and with my small carry-on over my shoulder, and my large suitcase rolling behind me, I walked along the crowded airport corridor, my eyes searching rapidly for the sign '604'.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could I swear I spotted a bit of a dark blue cloak, but that couldn't be! Any wizard in their right mind would wear Muggle clothing in such a public place. Even I was wearing jeans and a light blue halter with a beige jacket over it. I jerked my head toward the direction I had seen it, but not one was in sight.
A few minutes later, I was getting closer. 596...597...598. There it was again! It was just a quick glimpse directly in front of me and it was gone. My eyes narrowed. What was going on?
My worries were quickly forgotten when I spotted 604 to my left. I smiled and made my way to an empty chair. I still had about 15 minutes to spare, and I began to search for a familiar face. I had no idea who this 'partner' was, but I was hoping I would recognize them. Otherwise, I didn't know how we would meet up. Maybe we were seated next to each other?
I was mindlessly staring at an advertisement on the wall lost in thought, when an arm came literally out of nowhere and seemed to be...scratching a leg, maybe? The arm froze in midair, and disappeared just as quickly as it had come. My jaw dropped.
I casually left my suitcases, and began to walk around the direction of where the arm had been. I looked about innocently, hoping that whoever was there wouldn't notice me coming. When I got close enough, I glanced around quickly to see if anyone was watching. I then sprinted forward, and threw my arms in the direction of where the arm had been.
I felt a smooth, silky material beneath my fingers that was definitely NOT the wall, and I yanked on it with all of my might. As soon as it came off of the wearer, I could tell that it was an invisibility cloak. I stared at it in my hands, then my eyes snapped up to the person who was responsible for it. Whoever it was, they were going to pay! Invisibility cloaks were against the rules, ESPECIALLY in Muggle areas!
It was then that I noticed the timid, embarrassed expression, bright blue eyes, and fiery red hair.
I swallowed heavily.
"Ron?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Oh, man, I even hate myself for putting such a cliffhanger there! I hope you liked it anyways though.
I would like to thank all the reviewers (and there weren't many!!! jeez, guys!!!):
Celeste, Serge99, BBB, and ESPECIALLY Mikel!!! I don't usually do this because I appreciate any and all reviews (even flames, if necessary), but:
Mikel~ when I read your review I was actually blushing! It was so so so sweet, thank you so much! That one review helped inspire me to write this chap.! Thanks so much!
Now, please review! PLEASE!!! I would simply ADORE it, dahling!
Yeah.
Just review.
