m&mwp.
For the Yearly Events Thread [Character Collection] on the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.
"Percy's working a lot of late nights," said Audrey finally. Her eyes were heavy as she rubbed at them. "I don't know if he likes the work or if he just likes being away from me."
"Aude…"
"Don't." Audrey's hand hit the wooden table sharply. She winced and gave an open-mouthed Hermione an apologetic smile. "Sorry. Just don't. Our marriage is over. It'll be easier when everyone stops pretending it isn't."
"Right. Got it. Sorry."
"You and Ron…"
"It's hard." Hermione stared down at her cup of tea, still steaming hot. "Now that Rose and Hugo are at Hogwarts…well, there's more time for us to bicker."
"Oh."
"We used to argue all the time, you know," said Hermione, a weak smile on her face. "Before you knew us…our rows at school were infamous. I used to call it passion. But now…now it's exhausting."
"Exhausting," Audrey echoed. "I think I know how you feel."
The two sat at Hermione's kitchen table, falling into a comfortable silence. Drawn to each other by a mutual love of books (and, once upon a time, Weasleys), the two had become close companions over the past few years. Lately, though, conversations seemed to have shifted from fantastic fiction to play-by-plays of marital differences.
"Are you worried about what the papers will say if you divorce?"
Hermione shrugged. "I'm more worried about Molly."
Despite herself, Audrey burst into laughter. "You're right. Molly is a much more terrifying prospect. If it weren't for the kids, I think I'd just run away."
"You'd take me with you, right?" Hermione responded. "If it weren't for the kids, of course."
"Of course."
In another life, they'd run away together. In another life, they'd have another shot at happiness. In another life, they might have found it in each other.
