A/N: I hope you all had a wonderful week and weekend (it was way too short T_T). January is passing so quickly I almost can't believe it. It feels like yesterday was the beginning of the year but I hope everything is going well for you all.
Ginny couldn't get out of the Burrow fast enough. No one was awake when she left but no one would think anything of it. She usually found a reason to not be home. It wasn't because she couldn't stand everyone, it was just weird. The twins felt the same way and ended up in their store for the majority of the day. She understood why, it was awkward to be around everyone now that they knew she had worked against them. Sure, they were on the same side now, but there was a hint of betrayal still left in their eyes. Ginny knew that even if she had sided with her family and the Order, the outcome wouldn't have been different. Hermione and Bellatrix were strong enough to win the war on their own, but they had chosen a different route. A better one.
Stepping out of the fireplace, Ginny brushed off the lingering soot. She would hopefully learn to Apparate this year, but until then she had to use the Floo. Hermione still hadn't been to the Burrow and Ginny didn't blame her. Her family wasn't quite over everything. The brunette also needed some time before she went back. Ginny understood and respected it, so whenever they wanted to meet, they usually went to the Leaky Cauldron. When Ginny arrived, Hermione was, of course, already waiting for her at a table in the corner. It had almost become their table.
"Hey, Hermione. How's it going?" Ginny asked, sitting across from Hermione.
"It's alright. How about you? How's everyone?" Hermione sat up straighter, playing with her fingers on the table.
"I'm okay. Everyone's pretty good. It's still kinda weird being home, you know? Fred and George spend a lot of time at their store, most days I go with them. They might be getting their own place soon."
"That's great, I'm really happy for them."
"Alright, spill. What are we doing today?" Ginny asked, leaning forward eagerly.
"We're going shopping. In the Muggle world, unless you'd rather do something else?"
"Are we wedding shopping?"
"Not really. If you want to come when we go dress shopping you're more than welcome to. I'm looking for some things I can't get here for different purposes."
"Sure. I'm ready when you are."
"So, have you seen Tonks yet?" Hermione asked, looking smugly at the redheaded witch.
"How did you- Hermione!" Ginny blushed as several people turned to look their way, ducking her head as Hermione chuckled and continuing at a normal volume, "I thought your timing was too perfect. You were there the whole time, weren't you?"
"I may have caught part of the conversation and didn't want to interrupt," Hermione said, choosing her words carefully.
"You are such a horrible liar." Ginny shook her head, working to hide her thankful smile until the brunette admitted it.
"Fine! Yes, I was there the whole time. I really didn't want to interrupt though. It's so obvious you two like each other."
At Hermione's words, Ginny stopped hiding her smile. "Thank you. The date went great by the way. We have another one in a few weeks."
"I'm glad to hear it, Gin. What do you say we get going? We can walk and talk," Hermione said, standing from the table and striding to the door, Ginny a step behind her.
Both witches blinked as they stepped out into the bright street. Well, brighter than The Leaky Cauldron had been, anyway. Grey clouds blanketed the sky, threatening rain or, at the very least, a dreary day. Hermione sighed, cursing the weather under her breath. Ginny laughed, tugging Hermione's arm to keep her walking. Hermione offered no resistance, allowing Ginny to pull her through the busy streets of Diagon Alley. They wove through groups of people, some getting a head start on school shopping and others just running errands before the weather turned foul.
"Ginny, do you even know where you're going?" Hermione called, still following the redhead's lead.
"That's a good question." Ginny slowed, releasing Hermione's wrist and looking around. "No, no I don't."
"We have to go back to the Leaky Cauldron. The exit is near there." Hermione chuckled, nudging Ginny's shoulder playfully.
"Can't you just Apparate us? It's not like magic doesn't work in the Muggle world," Ginny said.
"I could, but I'm a little worried about what might happen if someone sees, or we Apparate onto someone, or any number of things," Hermione's voice steadily rose and she took a deep breath, "My point is, it's probably better if we don't Apparate."
"Okay, lead the way, then." Ginny followed Hermione through the packed streets, grabbing her shoulder as she nearly ran into someone as they exited a store.
"Sorry," she mumbled, stopping short thanks to Ginny.
"No, it's my fault, I wasn't paying attention. Oh, hey, Hermione, Ginny. I thought it was someone else. I, erm, I heard about your upcoming wedding. Congratulations." Harry stood awkwardly, jostled by the passing shoppers.
"Thanks, Harry. I was going to tell you myself when I got the chance," Hermione mumbled. Ginny just waved, not sure what to say to the wizard.
"I get it, 'Mione. Things haven't exactly been the way they used to be." Harry paused, considering his next words. "Ron and I are happy for you, by the way."
"Don't think you aren't invited, Harry. Bella and I are still discussing it. You guys were my best friends and I regret a lot that happened between us that made everything so...awkward."
"Hey, don't worry about it. We're trying, that's what matters. I have to finish shopping, but just so you know, I regret a lot of it, too." Harry gave them a small smile, leaving the two witches to continue their journey back to the Leaky Cauldron.
They made it without any other distractions, stepping out into Muggle London. Ginny looked around as Hermione pulled them into the crowd. Cars rushed past on the street or crawled by, depending on the driver. Hermione and Ginny were swept up in the crowd of people but Hermione expertly guided them to their destination. Ginny stared in awe at the storefront, different than the ones in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. It was much larger than what she was used to seeing.
"Come on, Gin. If you think that's impressive wait until we're inside," Hermione whispered to the awestruck witch. Ginny shook her head, following Hermione through the glass door, only to be even more awestruck, and slightly confused.
"What are these things?" Ginny whispered, leaning close to Hermione and gesturing to the moving pictures displayed on flat-looking boxes.
"That's a television. It's playing a movie. We aren't here for one of those. We're here for a laptop so I can do some experiments." Hermione said, striding purposefully to the laptop section of the store. Ginny followed behind her at a slower pace, taking her time and absorbing everything.
"So, what exactly are you trying to do?" Ginny asked, waving off a sales clerk.
"I want to see if I can get Muggle technology merged with magic. I mean, let's face it, there haven't been any technological advances in years. I understand we have magic, but that's not all there is. We need to keep up with Muggles in case something happens. We need to be prepared and I think this is the best way to start," Hermione said, browsing the laptops studiously.
"Right," Ginny said hesitantly, watching Hermione. She wasn't surprised with Hermione's forethought. She was curious about what Hermione had planned, too.
The brunette browsed through the laptops pensively, wanting to ensure she chose a suitable one. Ginny waited patiently, waving off sales clerks when they tried to help. She knew Hermione didn't need their help, but more importantly, the young witch probably wouldn't appreciate the disturbance. It wasn't as if they could explain what they were looking for without exposing themselves, anyway. Hermione was in the zone and Ginny knew it was only a matter of time before Hermione made a decision. She couldn't help Hermione choose but she enjoyed watching her work. Hermione was always most like herself when she was this way and Ginny knew everything else had been taxing for her friend.
Ginny was right in thinking Hermione wouldn't take much longer. Not ten minutes later, she had picked out the one she wanted. It was an older model, but Hermione wasn't concerned about that. It was the one she felt would last against her experiments the best. It was on the heavier and larger side, and when she set it on the counter to pay for it, the guy tried to talk her into buying a newer model with better specs. Hermione politely declined while Ginny stifled a smile. She shook her head at the guy when he opened his mouth to try again. He sighed, shrugging his shoulders and proceeded. Ginny blinked in surprise at the price and Hermione nonchalantly handing over the correct amount. That earned them a strange look but Hermione just smiled as he handed her the receipt. They strolled through the glass door, emerging from inside the building to find it drizzling.
"Stupid weather," Hermione muttered, grabbing Ginny's arm and pulling them out of sight before Apparating them to Malfoy Manor.
"Hey, 'Mione, Ginny. What are you up to?" Draco asked.
"We were just doing some shopping. What about you?" Ginny asked. Hermione banished her purchase to her bedroom, turning her attention to the wizard in front of her.
"Not much. I'm kind of bored, actually."
"Is it raining?" Hermione asked.
"No, I don't think so, why?"
"How about a duel? Ginny is pretty good and I can referee since Bella isn't here," Hermione suggested.
"I'm fine with that. Draco?" Ginny asked.
"Sure. It would be nice to practice against someone else," Draco said, leading the two witches to the dueling spot in the garden. The sky threatened to rain but the three continued anyway.
Draco and Ginny drew their wands, bowing to each other before turning and walking in opposite directions. They spun simultaneously, each starting with a basic Expelliarmus. It was a warm-up, Hermione could tell. It had been a while since they both dueled, so they started with simple spells, but they certainly weren't weak if the collision was anything to go by. The two students blocked and dodged each other's spells, evenly matched for the most part. Draco had more practice than Ginny and a great teacher, but Ginny was stubborn and not afraid to get a little dirty. They could both hold their own in a fight, but Hermione could see from the beginning who would win. She wouldn't say anything about it though. Maybe she would be surprised.
Ginny stumbled out of a roll, casting a hasty shield as she climbed to her feet. She had refrained from her signature move so far, hoping she might be able to do without it. She had managed this far, but there was nothing wrong with having a trump card. She'd wait a bit longer. Ginny dropped her shield, sidestepping Draco's spell and sending a flurry of her own at the wizard. He deflected them all, almost getting hit by a few. There was a pause as they both caught their breath and considered their next move. Draco knew he needed to beat Ginny before she decided to cast a Bat-Bogey spell if he wanted to win. He was getting tired but so was Ginny.
They straightened at the same time, a spell on each of their lips but already leaving their wands. Hermione cast a hasty shielding spell around the spells when they collided, keeping the force contained. She grunted with the effort as the energy slammed into her magic. Ginny and Draco stood facing each other, wand arm at their side. They acknowledged the draw before Hermione said anything, but waited for the official call before moving.
"I do believe that would be a draw. Nice job. Both of you," Hermione said, releasing her spell and smiling at her two friends.