Submitted for The Houses Competition Forum - Round 7
House: Ravenclaw
Subject: Muggle Studies (Stand-in)
Category: Standard
Theme: Travel
Prompt: 13. (Season) Autumn (Fall)
Word count: 1,502
Warnings: Muggle AU
Travelling Thoughts
Hermione loved how the leaves on the trees were turning brown and yellow. Autumn was her favourite season, especially when her favourite coffee shop started selling all of the fall drinks. Hermione also thought autumn was a time for changes when anything could happen.
During her sabbatical year, she decided to travel a bit and see if she could find some inspiration for what to do with her life in this new chapter. Hermione boarded the train towards Paris, determined that this was the moment she had been waiting for.
"Excuse me, miss, is this seat taken?" Hermione heard a soft voice and turned to see a little girl smiling at her. The girl wore a blue coat over a golden dress, which contrasted with her ginger hair that fell in her eyes. The girl didn't seem to look old enough to be wandering alone, but she didn't seem lost.
"Yes, you can sit there." Hermione watched the girl wave at someone behind her before seating herself in front of her. "Are you travelling alone, sweetie?"
"I am traveling with my daddy," said the girl, smiling at Hermione, and Hermione couldn't help but smile back. "We are going to meet my Auntie Fleur and Uncle Bill in Paris!"
"Oh, that sounds amazing!" Hermione couldn't help but smile when she saw the child's enthusiasm. "It sounds like you're on an adventure!"
"Cassandra Weasley! How many times have I told you not to run in front of me? You know I get worried." A redheaded man stumbled into the cabin, and Hermione could see the similarities between the man and the little girl; they had the same ginger hair and blue eyes, not to mention the same plump lips. "I said that we would sit together, didn't I?"
"You're so slow, Daddy!" Cassandra whined, and Hermione had to stifle a laugh at the indignant expression on her father's face. "And I found a place to sit! See?"
Sighing, the man ran his hand through his hair. He looked at Hermione, and she was astonished at how handsome he was; she discreetly shook her head in order not to look like she was staring. However, she was totally staring. He had lips that seemed so kissable and such kind eyes that she felt she could drown in without realising.
"I'm sorry, miss, I think my daughter has forgotten her education and manners," the man said to Hermione. "Would it be okay for us to share this cabin with you? I hope we aren't imposing."
She smiled at the way he was speaking. Even though he was firm with his daughter, he was also kind. It was a shame that he was probably married and his wife was somewhere on the train, waiting to meet them. "You two are welcome to sit here. I would appreciate your company."
Cassandra giggled and clapped her hands in delight. "See, Daddy? She doesn't mind at all! Thank you, miss!"
"Hermione Granger, but my friends call me Mione," Hermione said, waving at the little girl, who giggled even more.
"I'm Fred Weasley, and this is Cassandra." Fred introduced them as he put their suitcases on the top shelf. "You can call the little monster Cassie."
"I'm not a monster, Daddy! I'm a princess!" Cassie said, lifting her nose, making Hermione stifle another laugh. "Do you know any travel games, Mione?"
"See? Little monster," Fred whispered in a loud voice, making Hermione and Cassie laugh. "Why are you asking Hermione about travel games? Didn't you bring a lot of books with you?"
"You like to read too?" Hermione asked gleefully, and the little girl's face lit up. Do you want to be my reading partner? I brought along some books, too."
"Yes, please! Can I, Daddy?" Cassie pouted. Hermione had a feeling that Fred wouldn't be able to deny Cassie anything.
Laughing, Fred grabbed a book from Cassie's bag and replied, "Yes, you can read with her. Thank you for this, Hermione."
"It's my pleasure, Fred." Hermione smiled and pulled a book from her bag, waiting for Cassie to choose one for her. "It will be nice to read with someone."
Although Hermione was not a maternal person, she felt a sense of care for the young girl in front of her. Cassie was a sweet girl, and Hermione was happy to give her some company.
During the trip, she learned that Cassie was seven years old, an only child whose mother had left her and her dad when she was just a toddler. Hermione couldn't understand why anyone would leave someone so sweet as Cassie or her father.
"Do you have any children, Mione?" Cassie asked, startling Hermione and Fred with her question.
"Cassandra! I've taught you better than to ask people invasive questions!" Fred said, looking sternly at Cassie, who didn't seem bothered by it. Fred turned to Hermione and said sheepishly, "I'm sorry, Hermione, but you don't have to answer."
Hermione chuckled and put a hand on Fred's arm. "Don't worry, Fred. I don't mind answering." She turned to Cassie, who was looking at her expectantly. "No, Cassie. I don't have any children. Not even a husband."
Apparently appeased, the little girl went back to reading her book. Fred and Hermione exchanged a glance, and Hermione blushed when she saw Fred's gaze as if he had been reading her soul.
"Do you want children someday?" Cassie asked some time later, making Hermione look at her in a curious manner. "You'd make a good mum."
"Thank you, Cassie," Hermione replied, touched by the little girl's praise. "I think I would like to be a mother someday."
"Do you want to be my new mum?" Cassie asked in a matter-of-fact tone, which made Hermione look at her with wide eyes. "I think you would make a great mum for me. You're kind and pretty, and you smell like baked cookies, which is always a good thing."
"Cassandra Marie Weasley!" Fred practically yelled, blushing like mad and unsure of what to say. Hermione felt touched by what Cassie said, but she knew that she couldn't let the musings of a child decide what she would do next; no matter how she felt good with what Cassie said. "You can't just ask anyone to be your mum! I thought we talked about this!"
"But I just want you to be happy, Daddy! And I know a new mother would make you happy just like she would make me happy, so Mione seems like the best person." Cassie was getting worked up, and Hermione didn't know what to do with the little girl's revelations. "I don't understand why you're mad, Daddy."
With a small sigh, Fred stared at his daughter as if he did not know what to do. Hermione tried to help however she could.
"Cassie, sweetie, I understand what you're saying. However, I don't think this is how you find a new mother." Hermione spoke softly to make sure Cassie understood. "Besides, I'm someone you met just now. I don't think that's the best idea."
"But you can visit us, and then, you and Daddy will know each other better, and you'll fall in love, and everything would be great!" Cassie replied passionately. "Could you please come to see us, Mione? Pretty please?"
Hermione stared blankly at Fred. Cassie wasn't backing down, and Hermione knew she had to handle this very carefully because she had never seen anyone so passionate about what they wanted.
"It's okay for me to come and visit you, Cassie, but I will do so as a friend," Hermione said, looking at Cassie, who smiled widely. "You're going to Paris, right? Why don't we meet and go for a croissant?"
"Can we, Daddy?" Cassie asked, turning to Fred, who seemed to be looking at them with an indecipherable look on his face. "Please?"
"Sure, Cass, we can meet Mione for croissants," Fred replied, and Hermione smiled at him. "Now, why don't you finish reading and enjoy the rest of the trip?"
Cassie smiled at her father and turned her attention back to the book on her lap. Some time later, the rocking of the train made her fall asleep on Hermione's shoulder. Fred asked if she wanted him to move Cassie, but Hermione said that she didn't mind having Cassie sleeping on her shoulder.
When Hermione looked out the window, she saw the trees slowly changing their leaves and felt a warmth rising in her chest; Hermione had always loved autumn, and now, autumn had brought this little girl into her life, and thus she would cherish this season even more. She had no idea what fate had in store for her, but she was curious to find out.
Hermione looked at Fred, who had a hopeful look on his face. When he saw her looking back, he dropped his eyes, but she could see that he was blushing. The trip wasn't what Hermione had expected, but she was eager to see what would happen in Paris.