Hermione was walking through Diagon Alley and she was looking for Harry and Ron. They were late as usual and Hermione as getting anxious. Out of the corner of her eyes she thought she saw Ron and she sped her pace.
"Oww" she cried when she ran into something. Whatever or whomever she ran into knocked onto her bottom.
"I am so sorry" Percy said when he helped Hermione to her feet.
"That's ok" Hermione replied, blushing slightly. 'I should really watch where I am going."
"No-It was all my fault" Percy said. "I was waiting for Oliver. He is late and I thought I saw him over there but I was wrong"
Hermione giggled, "I was waiting for Harry and Ron-I think I got stood up"
"Was this lunch business or pleasure?" Percy asked.
"Business" Hermione replied. "I am trying to find new ways to promote the store. I wanted their help in brainstorming."
"Well, it looks as if we both were stood up" Percy advised her. "We could have lunch together-maybe I can help you brainstorm"
Hermione blushed again. "Ok-let's go"
Percy led Hermione to the Leaky Cauldron. The two went inside and found empty table-after ordering drinks they started making polite chitchat.
"It was really nice to see you the other day," Percy told her.
"You too" Hermione replied softly. Hermione got the impression Percy wanted to say more but didn't. For a moment they both stared at the one another. Finally Percy broke the silence.
"I had a good idea" Percy said, "You own a Quidditch supply story, yes?" Hermione nodded. "I manage a famous Quidditch player, right?" Hermione nodded still not following him. "Ok. So I do Charity work with St.Mungo's. We could arrange a charity autograph signing with Oliver at your store. Would bring attention to it and bring customers in"
Hermione thought about that for a second and it was a pretty good idea. "Ok, will you let me know when Oliver could do that? I will check with Harry and Ron-see what they think."
"Sounds good" Percy replied.
For the next hour the two friends sat their chatting about work and brainstorming together. Hermione was surprised by how well they worked together.
"Absolutely not" Ron snapped.
"Why not?" Hermione asked.
She was at the store with Harry and Ron. She suggested Percy's idea and Ron became crazed.
"Because-Because-you know why" Ron shouted. "Because Percy betrayed my family. Because Percy is a git and because you shouldn't be in league with the enemy."
"Ron" Harry started gently.
"Ronald-this is business and it would really help us" Hermione scolded him. "Stop being so ignorant and open your eyes. Not everything is about you"
Ron fumed for a minute and stomped out of the room.
"Was that necessary?" Harry asked
"Do not start Potter" Hermione warned. "He is being stupid"
"A little but give him time," Harry suggested." I will go and talk to him." Harry stood up to leave and smiled at Hermione. "The idea really is a good one. Tell Percy and Oliver to go ahead with it. Ron will either deal with it or quit."
Hermione nodded. As mad as she was at Ron she didn't want him to quit-not because of her. She grabbed her purse and went upstairs. She could hear Ron and Harry arguing. She shut her bedroom door and flicked the light on. "Hello Hermione" Seamus greeted her.
"Oh Merlin" Hermione cried glaring at her boyfriend, "Seamus, you scared me"
"Sorry love" Seamus replied standing and giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Rough day?"
"The roughest" Hermione whined as she threw herself on the bed. "I guess you can hear"
"Anyone in twenty miles can hear Ron" Seamus replied. "When will you finally agree to move in with me?"
"Now just isn't the time" Hermione said hoping to avoid an argument with him. Seamus just shrugged.
"That's ok" Seamus said, "Can I stay here tonight?"
Hermione nodded, 'I am going to take a shower."
"Want Company?" Seamus asked.
"No-I will do nothing to draw the attention of Ron and set him off further ok?" Hermione said and Seamus nodded. Hermione grabbed her nightclothes and headed for the shower. In the hall she could still hear Ron and Harry arguing. Hermione slipped into the shower quietly.
She and Seamus had been together for while-almost 2 years. The relationship originally seemed like transition- they started dating only a month after she and Ron broke up. But over time the relationship made sense and felt right. However lately she was growing bored. Seamus wanted to move forward and Hermione wasn't ready for that-not yet.
Then Percy Weasley came back into her life. Hermione couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to kiss Percy. He always seemed focused and committed-would he be like that in every aspect of his life. Hermione chastised herself for those thoughts and tried to drive Percy from her mind. "Let it go Granger" Hermione told herself, "Focus on your currently love life not some schoolgirl crush."