Hermione yawned and rubbed her eyes sleepily. She had barely gotten any sleep last night thinking about the Mystery Man. She couldn't help it; he was so utterly absorbing. When she finally did get in a few hours of slumber, they were plagued by dreams of a tall man, all features obscured. She wanted nothing more at that point but to find out whom he was; if only she had the courage to meet him. Of course, she felt that day would never arrive.
Getting up from her bed, she lethargically took a shower and got ready. She was supposed to be meeting up with Ginny, Harry, Ron, and his new girlfriend. Hermione tried to convince them that it was unnecessary to invite her because she would only be a fifth wheel, but they insisted. Ron really wanted her to meet Aurora; he was blissfully unaware of how awkward it could be for an ex-girlfriend and present girlfriend to meet. Despite all of this, Hermione accepted the invite to lunch. She had to enjoy her days off from her job at the bookstore.
After making sure she looked atleast a little presentable, Hermione Apparated into an alleyway amidst the busy streets of London, and headed towards the restaurant they were supposed to be meeting at.
The restaurant was small but extremely pleasant. Since the weather was warm with a gentle breeze, delicate white tables were set up outside. Plants with beautiful flowers were hanging overhead, creating a shaded area. It all smelled so sweet; the mixture of flowers and desserts filled the air.
Hermione smiled at the sight of it but couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as she saw her friends. They were sitting at one of the tables outside, laughing gleefully. She felt ordinary, alone, and even under dressed for their lunch.
Ginny's hair had grown out very much since their years at Hogwarts; it was now waist length and a much darker shade of red. Her eyes were still beautiful as always; blue and piercing. She was wearing a pale yellow summer dress that so beautifully contrasted her hair. Hermione had always been jealous of her beauty; she felt that she could never stun people the way Ginny did.
Harry was holding the red head's hand; they were married. It was a sudden but splendid wedding. His hair was as unkempt as always, short and shaggy. His eyes were still that shade of bright green that seemed to penetrate you. His jaw was covered slightly with facial hair. No longer did he wear glasses and his scar was now only a very pale reminder of his past. He was casually dressed up and he looked very striking next to his wife. They were beautiful together and they radiated true love.
Ron had also grown more handsome. In his earlier years, he had been more cute than anything else but as he matured, his appearance also refined. His hair was still the same shocking red it had always been, only more groomed. His freckles hadn't faded at all and now gave him a charming appearance that set him apart from many. Ron's eyes were magnificent. It was the one thing him and Ginny had in complete common, appearance wise. He, like Harry, was dressed nicely.
Next to Ron, she assumed, was Aurora and Hermione's heart lurched. She was more dazzling than she had expected. Her hair was wavy and fell in tresses down her back, the same length as Ginny's. It was noticeably brown but in it she had random, natural strands of gold. As she laughed and laid her head on Ron's shoulder, her hazel eyes twinkled with mirth. Her lips were full and cheeks pinked. She was simple but gorgeous, wearing a knee-high flowing skirt and a tank top. With a sudden pain in her chest, Hermione realized that Aurora was the more enhanced version of herself. They had most of the same features, only that Aurora's were upgraded and downright breathtaking.
She was tempted to turn and walk away but found herself walking up to them instead. "Hello…"
"Hermione!" greeted Ginny, gleefully. She embraced the brunette and immediately pulled out a chair for her. "Sit, sit!"
"How are you?" Harry asked, with a smile. "You've been busy lately!"
"Yes, you guys must excuse my absence. Work is a bit overwhelming but nonetheless, fantastic."
"I'm really happy that things are turning out well," Ron said. "You deserve nothing less."
"Thank you Ronald…"
"Oh, right! How stupid of me," he chuckled. "Hermione, this is Aurora, my girlfriend. Aurora, this is Hermione, one of my best friends since Hogwarts."
"Nice to meet you," Aurora said, smiling.
"Likewise. What school did you attend for witchcraft?" Hermione asked.
"Well, I lived here in England until I was eleven but my parents strongly believed in the return of You-Know-Who. Therefore, they decided that we should move to the United States. I attended The Salem Witches' Institute."
"How fabulous!" said Hermione. "I've heard only wonders about that school. I remember seeing a group of American witches from there during the Quidditch World Cup, the summer before our fourth year!"
"She graduated top of her class, just like you Hermione!" Ron smiled. He seemed to be pleased that they were getting along so well. If only he knew that this fact only supported Hermione's view that Aurora was the superior version of herself.
"Sorry to interrupt, but me and my baby are hungry!" Ginny said, pouting.
"I was not aware that you were now referring to Harry as your baby, but sure, let's order," Hermione laughed.
"No…not him…"
Ron's eyes widened. "You're joking!"
"Not at all. That's why we planned this outing," Harry muttered, grasping Ginny's hand.
"Congratulations!" Aurora exclaimed. "How far into the pregnancy are you?"
"Just a few weeks," the red head replied, blushing.
"Oh, Ginevra," whispered Hermione, eyes gleaming with tears. She pulled her friend into a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you…"
As hugs and kisses were passed around the table, Hermione took in her surroundings. There was so much love being exchanged and she felt that none of it was for her. Looking down at herself, she sighed. She was wearing jeans and a regular red t-shirt; it wasn't bad at all but she felt inferior next to them. She looked like the odd one out; an outsider looking in. Harry and Ginny were looking at each other longingly, while Ron and Aurora shared a short kiss. Sure, their relationship was fresh, but it was obvious that they cared about each other deeply.
Half of her wished she was still dating Ron but their relationship was rocky from beginning to end. They were constantly plagued by petty fights and even though they were resolved quickly, they ate away at their relationship. Soon, she found out that he had been cheating on her for about a week with a random girl he had met at a pub when he went out drinking with a friend from work. Hermione felt repulsed and broke up with him instantly, not even bothering to talk to him. Ron tried getting her back, fruitlessly. A few months passed and with the help of Harry and Ginny, they were able to build up a friendship again, very much like the one they had before they started dating.
Hermione's mind drifted away with thoughts of her past relationship and she didn't realize the waiter standing next to her, awaiting her order.
"Hermione?" Harry asked. "Heerrmmiionneee, woohoo!"
"Huh? Who died?"
Ron laughed. "The man waiting for your order will if you don't make up your mind."
"Oh, I am so sorry. I'll have a Caesar Salad and lemonade, please."
The man scribbled it down with a nod and walked away.
"Are you alright?" Aurora asked.
"Yes," Hermione smiled. "Thank you." And damn you for turning out to be such a sweetheart. Gah, you're great for Ron.
"Good," she smiled back at her. "Well, excuse me one second; I need to go to the lady's room." With that said, she kissed Ron on the cheek and walked away.
"Do you all like her?" he asked hopefully.
"Best decision you've ever made!" Ginny said. Hermione's face fell. "Oh, I didn't mean it like that. You know what I mean…"
"No, really. It's okay. Don't fret," she assured. "I agree, Ron. You two seem perfect for each other."
"Thanks," Ron grinned. "It means a whole lot coming from you."
"Well, speaking of such things, we heard the radio last night Hermione," Harry smiled.
"That was completely out of context!" laughed Ginny.
"Too late; we're on topic already."
The brunette blushed. "And?"
"And?!" repeated Ginny. "Mystery Man was throwing more hints that usual!"
"I think you should throw caution to the wind," Harry started, "and just meet him already."
"Whoa, hold on just a second. We don't need to see the cover of The Daily Prophet covered in pictures of a raped and butchered Hermione Granger, also known to many as Ava," said Ron.
"Ronald Bilius Weasley!" Ginny said, scandalized.
"He's right, don't you think?" Hermione sighed. "He is wonderful, whoever he is…but he's a voice. Who knows what's behind all of that?"
"You can't hide forever…We all know by the way you talk to him that it is far too late for you to pull your feelings back. You don't want to look back on this and say 'what if?'," Harry told her.
"He could be the one," Ginny said dreamily.
Ron snorted. "I highly doubt that."
"Ron, shut up. You spoil everything!"
"Well excuse me if I'm the only one concerned for her safety!"
"We are too but we are also concerned for her happiness!"
"Wait; you guys don't think I'm happy?" Hermione asked.
"It's not that…," Ginny sighed.
"We just think that you've been feeling lonely lately…," Harry explained tentatively.
"I see…," Hermione said. "I've been fine. I don't feel lonely at all. Au contraire, I love the single life!"
"Hermione, you don't even go out," said Ginny.
"Yeah, look, we can set you up. There's a really nice bloke from work—," Ron started but was cut off by Hermione.
"The same one who was with you when you met that whore from the pub?!" Hermione snarled. "Look, I don't need this shit. I'm happy, okay?! Just because you three are having picture perfect lives with your significant others doesn't mean I can't be happy without one!"
"That is not what we meant to say!" Ginny said. "You know that!"
"I'm leaving." Hermione got up and threw down some money for the food she was not going to get to eat. "Tell your gorgeous girlfriend I said goodbye Ronald, and the next time you date somebody, make sure they aren't just like me, only better!"
Aurora was making her way back to the table and gave Ron a look of confusion as Hermione stormed away, not looking back.
Hermione aimlessly wondered around, letting her feet take her wherever they wanted. She had lost track of how long she had been walking around; it could have been a few minutes or even a few hours. It seemed to have been hours because the sun had even begun to set. She was livid; how could her friends even assume that about her? Then again, it was all true. She felt extremely lonesome, more than she ever had in her entire life. Hermione understood that in order to date and have fun, she needed to go out. Usually she used work as an excuse as to why she didn't enjoy herself more often but even when she was off, she never expanded her horizons beyond her friends. Now she felt childish and guilty about overreacting. She had attacked Ron's relationship and it was wrong of her to do so.
The sun had completely fallen and there were still a few hours until she was due at the radio station. Deciding to do something completely random and unlike her, she walked into a pub. Her nose wrinkled slightly at the strong smell of cigarettes and alcohol but continued to proceed in. She sat down at the bar and nibbled her lip; what was she doing there?
"'Ow may I 'elp you, pretty lady?" the bartender asked while cleaning out a cup with a rag.
"Um, the strongest thing you have, please," Hermione answered.
"Ah, comin' righ' up!"
"Oh, what am I doing?" she muttered to herself.
"Apparently, you're trying to get pissed," a male voice said next to her. It was rough and deep, but pleasant all the same. It was funny how her perception of voices had increased ever since being on the radio.
Hermione turned to look at the source and found that the appearance was just as lovely as the sound. He was fair but not too pale; he still retained some color but it could have just been from the sun and not his original pigmentation. He had full lips, twisted up into a smile and they revealed a set of white, straight teeth. His eyes were large and almond shaped; they started off a soft gold and then turned into a forest green. His hair was tousled, much like Harry's, and was a dark brown. All in all, he was tall, well-dressed, and fit, not muscular; he was beautiful.
"I've never been drunk in my entire life," Hermione said. Wow, if I had known that I would find someone this quickly, I would have gone out much quicker.
"You should try it sometime," he grinned. "I'm Blaise Zabini, by the way."
"From Hogwarts?!" she almost screeched. It had to be too good to be fucking true!
"Yes; did you go there?"
She crossed her arms. "Uh, yeah; it's me, Hermione Granger!"
"No bloody way! You've changed a whole flipping lot."
"And you aren't snarling at me yet. What's wrong?" she asked.
Blaise shrugged. "It's been three years; don't you think we're a little old for that?"
"You're right," she sighed. She then noticed her amber colored drink had been sitting there, waiting for her attention. Picking it up, she drank it in one shot. Her face wrinkled up and she coughed. "Bugger!"
"Don't kill yourself," he chortled.
"I don't know how anyone can drink that rubbish!" she continued to cough. "What are you doing here anyway? This is a," she dropped her voice, "muggle bar."
"Me and my friend fancied going somewhere to meet people we didn't know but I found you instead."
"And I suppose you were hoping I was a muggle you could bed tonight?"
"Yeah," he grinned, "but what is so bad about a witch in my bed?"
Hermione laughed. "Nothing; just be aware it won't be me."
"I'm fine with that…for now anyway," Blaise smirked.
"Right. Where's your friend?" she asked, trying to change the conversation.
"Off talking to a pretty little ginger," he replied, sipping his beer. "Ah, she's slapped him; here he comes."
"Oh fuck," Hermione muttered. Walking towards Blaise was Draco Malfoy, a red hand print on his pale cheek.
"What did you say this time?" Blaise inquired.
"I asked her if she wanted to see my wand. Apparently, she had no desire to see my tricks," Draco answered. "And who is this saucy minx?"
"Hermione."
Draco's eyes widened. "What kind of surgery did you perform on yourself Granger?"
"I should go," she said, rolling her eyes. She fished through her hand bag for money but Blaise grabbed her wrist.
"I've got it," he said.
"No, don't worry about it. I have money."
"I insist," he pressed. "And while we're at it, why don't you give me some way to contact you?"
Hermione blushed and stared at him in awe; was Blaise Zabini offering to pay for her drink and also asking her for her number?
"Blaise, what in fuck's sake are you thinking?" Draco asked, disgusted. "You aren't actually interested in this sorry excuse for a person, are you?"
"Why yes Draco, I am. If this is a sorry excuse for a person then why the hell have I been looking for someone perfect?"
"Oh, look at you, being all sweet and shit."
"Look Blaise," Hermione sighed. "Forget it. It was nice seeing you."
She put some money on the counter and walked out.
"I've got a cell phone, believe it or not!" Blaise called out after her. He yelled out his number and Hermione kept walking, a grin on her face. He couldn't see she had pulled out her cell phone and was punching in the number of his.
"Well, Blaise. That was brilliant," Draco said sarcastically. "You're attracted to that wench and on top of that, the whole bar has your number. I hope a gay man calls you and sexually harasses you with traumatizing words."
"Thanks. I've never met someone who wished such good upon me. That's why we're best friends."
"Really??? And to think…I thought it was because of my dashing good looks."
"Welcome my fellow listeners to Midnight Magic with your host, Ava! Tonight I have a good topic at hand: can you charm and woo, or are you shit in the dating world? Personally, I'm rubbish but perhaps those of you with the natural talent can help me. I'll be waiting to answer your phone calls after this song. 'Young Folks' by Peter Bjorn & John. Enjoy!"
If I told you things I did before
Told you how I used to be
Would you go along with someone like me?
If you knew my story word for word
Had all of my history
Would you go along with someone like me?
Hermione danced from side to side as she listened to the song, whistling along. As she let the song engulf her, she thought of Blaise and was hit with a pang of guilt. She was attracted to him and was even slightly crushing on him but she almost felt like she was betraying the Mystery Man. She wanted to meet him badly but as each day passed, it looked like a worse and worse idea. Hermione felt as if she should be realistic with herself; she was lonely and Blaise was materialized right in from of her. He was most certainly not just a voice, but a body as well. Mystery Man could be a cruel joke for all she knew. Even as she thought all of this, she couldn't help but yearn to meet him. She was tempted to look up his number but once again didn't.
"Alright, I'm back and ready for whatever you have to say. Okay, hello…Fred and George?"
Why do you sound so surprised, Ava?
Can't be that you know me and my brother?
She couldn't even tell the difference between them after all these years but their voices were unmistakable, even on the air.
"Of course not; what's up then? Are you two charmers or can you not even bag the easiest of ladies?"
Well see the case is—
We're both a bit too charming—
And it gets us into a load of trouble.
"Being too charming is never troublesome; have you lost your minds?"
Oh, yes it can be because we fight over the same girls.
Mostly because they can't choose between us!
"What are you, twins or something?"
Ah, clever of you to figure it out!
I'm the cuter one of the two; they should pick me!
Shutup Fred!
You're jealous because the ladies love my bum!
We're twins, you imbecile!
"Alright then, I think it's time we end this wonderful phone call. Any advice for your dear friend Ava?"
If you have a nice rack—
Or an amazing ass—
Make sure to show it off!
Hermione laughed. "Thank you boys. Well, that was a most interesting call. Next we have Gabriella. How may I be of assistance?"
Hello Ava. I think anyone can woo anybody if they set their mind to it. I can charm just about any person right off of the street, man or woman.
"It's a natural talent then?"
Most definitely but like I said, anyone can do it.
"Who's harder to charm? Men or women?"
Women, definitely. They see you coming and they know what you want. Men, on the other hand, are fairly simple. All they need to know is that you like women and they're already yours.
"Well, not all girls dig women. What about then?"
Like the twins said; show off your assets. I'm assuming you're quite the fox, right Ava?
"Are you trying to seduce me into liking women?"
Is it working?
"Oh my, I've got my hands full tonight! A pair of attractive twins and a most seductive woman! Got any advice for me, sweetie?"
Don't be afraid to go after what you want and don't be afraid of showing yourself off. That is, in itself, charming.
"Thank you very much. Now, I'll play 'Secret' by Maroon 5 and continue picking up your calls afterward."
After this song, Hermione was expecting her daily call from the Mystery Man. She stretched and tapped her nails against the table. She always felt extremely impatient before his call. She was pretty sure her listeners were eager to hear from him as well; they had been following this interesting story since the beginning.
Cool these engines
Calm these jets
I ask you how hot can it get
And as you wipe off beads of sweat
Slowly you say, "I'm not there yet!"
"That song never fails to get me in the mood. I swear, the next bloke to bed me MUST play this song. Speaking of blokes and beds, hello there Mystery Man."
Wow, where are the inhibitions tonight?
"Nowhere to be seen. Well, except for a few. What's up?"
I remember saying in my last call that I was quite the player with the ladies but I believe karma has caught up with me. Witches are starting to stay away because they've all heard of my rep, so I've resorted to muggle women. Just today I went to a bar. Honestly, all I wanted was to bed a pretty lady.
"M-Muggle bar? Today???"
Well, yeah. Something wrong?
"No! Nothing at all! Just…continue."
O-kay. Well, yes. I believe my charm is diminishing. What do you think?
"Um, that it is, um, still in tact. Okay, I'll talk to you tomorrow!"
Bye?
Hermione disconnected him quickly and her heart was racing. Could it be? Everything fit together perfectly: the muggle bar, the reputation, the sweet demeanor, his attraction to Hermione…
The Mystery Man could be no other than Blaise Zabini!
Author's Note: Sorry for the long ass wait! I had no internet for ages and this second chapter was a little difficult to write. I'll try and have the next chapter for 'Peeping Slytherins' in a few days. Just bare with me please. Anyway, I am quite aware that the Deathly Hallows are out and I am EXTREMELY aware about what happened in it. Despite all of this, I am going to keep writing as if it never happened. Usually, I write as if a lot of things in many of the books didn't happen. I just take the story and manipulate it as I wish; that is the essence of fan fiction. Now that we no longer have any books to look forward to, I think digging into fan fiction will only be more entertaining and fulfilling as ever. Let's stay strong and write/read until we collapse.
Now I want to answer a few questions that have been asked:
Keepsake16: Draco doesn't know Hermione is Ava and vice versa even though they know each other. People usually don't sound the same over the phone or radio; many times their voices are slightly manipulated. Sometimes even my best friends don't recognize me. Nobody outside of Ron, Ginny, and Harry know she is Ava for that reason.
Misshoneywell: Yes, it is a post-war story. Usually any story that I set up outside of Hogwarts is post-war, with the defeat of Voldemort of course, unless stated otherwise.
Thank you for reading and hopefully reviewing, but most of all, enjoying!