Hermione had bought the flat, Ginny found out when her brown-haired friend arrived on the doorstep of the Leaky Cauldron, suitcases in hand, on Saturday morning.
"I just can't stay with mum and dad anymore," the woman sighed as Ginny showed her in. "Settlement is in two weeks. I'm happy to help out around here, if you want. Otherwise, I'll pay my way," she added, though Ginny could sense an unease that she was used to in Hermione's shoulders – the unease that accompanied the inability to pay for things.
"Sure, you can help out here Hermione. How much did that flat cost you, anyway?" she asked casually as she picked up her friend's second suitcase and began walking her upstairs.
"Everything I had!" Hermione exclaimed, shaking her head. "But it's completely owned, debt free. It's worth it, I just need to find a few more Galleons to start up the business."
Ginny nodded, opening one of the second floor bedrooms for Hermione. "I'm next door, now."
"You moved down from that dingy third floor room?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, as soon as I could. Second floor rooms have ensuites," she explained.
Hermione sat on the double bed, dropped the suitcase next on the floor. "Thankyou, Ginny. I hope I'm not too much trouble."
Ginny met her friend's eye. "You're not too much trouble, Hermione. I'll put you to work soon enough," she added slyly, with a smile.
"Oh, I'll bet you will," Hermione replied with a half-hearted smile.
"I'll leave you to get settled in. I'm in room three if you need me." Ginny smiled at her friend, who nodded. "Dinner's on the house," she added, and tried not to notice the relief that the brunette exuded. Closing the door behind herself, Ginny wondered how Hermione was going to earn those dollars to get herself set up. One of the waitresses was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs to tell her that the barman hadn't shown up today, and Ginny's thoughts were pushed to the backburner as she dealt with the day-to-day running of her pub.
When they evening arrived – and the barman for the evening shift – Ginny had a chance to sit down and think over her other problem: Malfoy's discovery that someone had trespassed on his property. With the House dinner in front of her – Lamb chops, mashed potato and new season beans with gravy – she went over the books to see who had been staying in the Leaky Cauldron on the night she had stolen the Paradise Pearls.
Three people, she discovered to her dismay. Herself, Tom and his wife. She could hardly let either of them take the punishment for her actions. With the book open in front of her, the piece of paper detailing the findings of the sorcery that had been applied, and a whole lot of disquiet, Ginny tried to figure out what to do.
A noise from the doorway behind her made Ginny jump.
"Relax, it's just me," Hermione said as she came and sat with her friend. "What are you looking at?"
Ginny rubbed her face wearily and explained. Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, before she turned her gaze on the book.
"Well, those rooms aren't the only ones you rent out, are they?" the brunette asked. "You rent out the meeting rooms as well. What's on that page."
Ginny turned over to that section of the book. The schedule was clear also. Hermione grinned in triumph.
"What are you grinning at?" Ginny grumped.
"Anyone can get into those rooms, can't they? Just say that someone snuck in to cover their tracks."
Ginny mulled the idea over. "That might work. Until I let that guy in here, and he doesn't find any magical residue in any of the rooms."
Hermione pursed her lips. "I think I can manufacture that. Maybe." They sat in silence for a few minutes.
"Are you going to tell Snape?" the brunette finally asked.
Ginny groaned. She hadn't even thought of it. But now that Hermione had brought it up, she knew she would have to. "I suppose I'd better."
Pulling a sheet of parchment out, Ginny scrawled a short note about wanting to have morning tea tomorrow, addressed it and sent it off with a waiting owl. Hermione just watched this process.
"Are you going to write to that guy today as well?" Hermione asked. Ginny shook her head.
"I'll wait to see what Snape's got to say first. Are you going to do those charms in the meeting room?"
Hermione considered. "I think I'll wait to see what Snape says as well. He might know some better spells to use."
Ginny shrugged. "If you think he'll tell you." The redhead stood. "I need to sleep. This is all too much excitement for me. See you in the morning," she said as she hugged her friend. Hermione just nodded.