Disclaimer: See Ch. 1
Hermione tossed and turned in a fitful slumber after her sudden awakening. After a few hours, she decided that Mrs. Weasley would be up and about in the kitchen, so she threw on a dressing gown and headed downstairs.
Seeing as how it was still quite early in the morning, Hermione tiptoed down the stairs so she wouldn't wake any of the others. She was startled then, when she heard Mrs. Weasley conversing with a man, because she knew Mr. Weasley was at a week long conference in the United States. Besides, who would call on company at such an early hour?
"I think it's working," said Mrs. Weasley.
"Yes, well, I think that the risk of discovery is too great," replied the man.
Hermione jumped as she recognized the voice as belonging to her angel of music, Erik! She wondered if she could sneak a peek at his face, or stay here and continue to eavesdrop. Coming out of her thoughts, she strained her ears to hear the conversation, for the two in the kitchen had suddenly dropped their voices to whispers. She moved down a step, forgetting that the second one down from the landing always squeaked.
Mentally cursing her forgetfulness, Hermione decided to make her way to the kitchen so as not to raise any suspicions of her eavesdropping. When she entered the room, Mrs. Weasley was quite alone, cooking bacon at the stove while the dishes in the sink washed themselves.
"Good morning, my dear!" said Mrs. Weasley, although with somewhat of a tired edge in her voice. Hermione smelled the scent of fire again; could it be Erik's scent? Or was it just the smell of the bacon burning?