m&mwp.
Cho scoffs, shaking her head as she spots the latest issue of the Daily Prophet outside the stands of Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions. Today's headline readings: HERMIONE GRANGER: GOLDEN GIRL. It makes Cho want to be sick.
"Unbelievable," she mutters. But she can't help herself from picking up a copy and giving the article a half-hearted scan. Then, with a scoff, she throws it back into the pile.
"Not a fan?" Lavender Brown stands in the shop's doorway, her arms crossed and hip cocked.
"Everyone loves Hermione Granger. No one even remembers what she did to Marietta. No one cares that Granger permanently disfigured…" Cho trails off, the malice in her voice disappearing as she meets Lavender's gaze. Lavender, who still has claw marks running down her face and neck. "Oh, Lavender. I didn't mean…"
"It's okay."
"No, it's not," she insists. "Really, I only said it because I know it bothers Marietta. Not because…ugh. I'm making it worse, aren't I?"
But Lavender is smiling at her when she nods. "Yep."
"I'm sorry," Cho says quietly. "Granger just...we never really got along. Seeing everyone sing her praises is a bit difficult."
"She did save the Wizarding World, you know. Brightest Witch of Her Age. You could be a little more grateful."
"Yeah, yeah. I know."
Lavender laughs. "I'm joking, Chang. Relax. I never got on with her either."
And all of a sudden, Cho has nothing to say. But as she looks up at the blonde in front of her, she suddenly feels a little less alone in this post-war world—a little less sidelined.
"Why don't you come in?" Lavender asks, pressing herself against the door and gesturing inside the store. "You dated Harry, right? I dated Ron. Seems like we might have a lot in common."
"Yeah." Cho hurries up the cobbled steps and into the warmth. "I think we might."
