Chapter 2 – A Second Night to Remember
Hermione woke up abruptly, breathing in deeply. Looking around everything seemed normal, at least inside her own apartment. Standing up she felt yet again the familiar back pain that resulted from the damn couch. Glancing outside her window, she witnessed the same scenery, snow painted the streets of Muggle London while the sun shinned brightly.
To make sure that this actually worked I should see Ginny…
Entering her bathroom, she took the healing potion, just as she had done before, and got ready. This time she opted to skip breakfast and took that time to have a quick visit to the Potters. Apparating towards the familiar neighbourhood she walked briskly the three steps and knocked on their front door.
"Hermione, what are you…" – a sleepy Ginny started but was stopped when the brunette hugged her – "What happened?"
"How are you feeling, Ginny? – Hermione asked.
"Just fine, the baby is still kicking like crazy, but that's normal…"
"I'm so glad to see you, Ginny" – Hermione said with a smile, hugging her once more.
At least it had worked. Now I need to figure out what is going to happen tonight...
"Have you thought about what I said yesterday Mione?"
"Yes Ginny. I know you are right, but let me just take it one step at a time"
"I will, but remember I'm here with you, always" – Ginny said smiling – "I bet 100 galleons you left for work without having breakfast…"
"Actually…"
"Did I just win 100 galleons?" – Ginny said smirking. Together they walked inside towards the kitchen.
"I agreed to nothing, Potter. Where's Harry by the way?"
"Still sleeping, James drained us both…"
Hermione laughed. Ginny in response hit her friend's arm playfully.
"It's definitely not funny. Would you like some pancakes?"
"I would love some"
After a great breakfast, she hurried towards the fireplace in order to floo to St. Mungo's. This day was proving to be much better than before; at least she wasn't in a fool mood.
"Good morning Healer Granger" – yet the same cheerful voice said, bring her once more away from her worries.
"Good morning Ms. Stephen" – Hermione replied with a brief smile.
"I see you are in a great mood, dear"
Of course I am, I managed to save two people…
"Indeed I am. Any patients waiting for me?"
"You are early as usual. Have you eaten dear?" – She asked concerned.
"I have actually" – Hermione laughed.
"Well, then you should join Healer Johnson with the rounds. You also have an appointment at…"
"Nine, yes I remember. Thank you Ms. Stephen, have a good day"
The older lady seemed speechless, but recovered briefly "A good day to you too, dear"
Starting the rounds with Healer Johnson was never a walk in the park, but someone had to do it, although lately it seemed the short stick always fell on her.
"What do you think, Granger?"
"Well Steven shows clear signs of a full recovery…I would say he could finish his recovery at home with his family" – Hermione smiled to the young wizard who smiled back at her.
"Really Mione?" – The boy hugged her. His mother seemed equally hopeful.
"I fail to agree with you, Granger. This boy will have to stay for a few more days…his bruise needs medical care…"
"I'm sure we could prescribe a few potions and lotions to help him and he will be ok with his mother. It is not a severe case, Johnson"
"Whatever. This is in your hands" – he said walking out of the room, while Hermione stayed inside the room.
"I apologize for my colleague. Mrs. Swan you can take your son home. He has healed immensely and will continue to do so, just as long as you apply the meds I'll give you"
"Yes healer Granger. I'll do anything to have my little baby home"
"Come with me outside and we'll get him home"
Hours later Hermione was arranging the paperwork before leaving for the day when an annoyed Johnson walked by.
"I see you are in a hurry, Ms. Granger" – he pointed out bitterly.
"In fact I am. Any question as to my whereabouts talk to our superior. If you need me I'll be in contact via pager" – she said smirking.
"Am I supposed to thank you for being available?"
"Actually no, this is my job but once in a while I'm entitled a break, even if it is a small one, Johnson" – she replied, putting away the paper work – "Have a good afternoon"
He glared at her. She could care less about what he thought, she worked her ass off 24/7, it was only fair to have a break, even if that said break would be spent in a ball, her least favourite pastime.
As she got out of her fireplace, she was surprised not to find her best friend glaring at her for being late. Well that could only mean she had made it. Walking towards her bedroom, she found the familiar box by her dresser. Opening it, she found the equally familiar red dress Ginny had chosen for her. Even though she would never admit it aloud, she loved it. From the fabric, with a satin touch, to how it fit her in all the right places…she was once more speechless as she stood facing the mirror already dressed. The nude pumps were divine, even though they crushed her feet, but thank Merlin she was a gifted witch.
"I can't believe my eyes…Hermione Jean Granger left her job early and beat me to it…all be damn" – Ginny said as she entered Hermione's bedroom.
"Don't you trust me?"
"I know you too well, dear" – she said – "And you look amazing, much better than I had imagined…"
"Thank you Gin. I'm sure you'll be breath taking as well"
Wait a second; she cannot go to the ball! If she goes, the same fate is bound to happen…I have to do something…
"I have my dress in my purse; once you're ready I'll get on with myself. For now you are my top priority"
The brown-haired woman smiled warmly.
Think Hermione, think!
"You are breath-taking Mione. The make-up is perfect, barely there but enough to accentuate what you have and your hair…oh my god every male student at the ball will flip…"
"I'm sure they won't" – Hermione answered.
"Now it's my turn" – she replied eagerly.
"How's James?"
"Just wonderful, he is staying with my mum"
"Oh won't you miss him dearly?"
Ginny exhaled "Yes I will…I'm torn between going or not"
"In my professional opinion James' too young to be left alone, he might need a secondary meal or he might miss his mother dearly"
"Oh I know, I feel terrible for even considering going to the ball…he needs me, right? I'm a terrible mother"
"No, you are not a terrible mother, Ginny. I mean your mother is more than capable of taking care of him…"
"I can't do it…I can't go…this is the first time I would be leaving him alone, and he is just too young…"
"You beautiful ladies ready to go? May I come in?" – Harry called out.
Hermione opened the door, assuring him in.
"Why aren't you dressed Gin?"
"I'm not going, I can't leave James alone…I'll miss him"
"Ginny, your mother can take care of him; it's only for a few hours honey"
"Harry, I'm not going and that's final. Take Hermione and enjoy yourselves. Mione tell me all the juicy drama you hear"
"I will Ginny" – Hermione said hugging her friend.
"I love you Ginny. I'll be home early, promise"
"You two have fun"
Even though she had already seen the decorations inside the Great Hall, it did not fail to surprise her once more. It was beautiful, the Christmas tree was flawlessly decorated, everyone was cheerful and the snow kept falling lazily.
Everyone had turned his or her attention towards Harry and herself. Familiar faces popped out from the crowd.
"Hello Neville" – Hermione greeted.
"Mione, Harry. How have you been?"
"Great and you?" – Harry answered.
"Wonderful as well" – Neville said holding Luna closely, with his arm around her waist – "Congratulations on James and with the new unborn"
"Thank you"
"Ginny didn't come?"
"No she was having a hard time leaving James with Molly"
"I can only imagine" – Luna said with a smile, brushing her hand through her hair.
"Is that a wedding ring, Luna?"
"Quite observant Hermione, yes it is. Neville proposed two days ago, he said he couldn't wait any longer" – the blonde witch said with a huge smile.
"Congratulations you two" – Hermione hugged them both, followed closely by Harry.
"Where have you been?" – Harry asked
"Oh we took the time to travel around the world. Now that he is the new herbology teacher he won't be able to do that anymore…" – Luna said.
"You are the new herbology teacher? That's quite impressive"
Hermione took the opportunity to look around the room searching for a possible suspect for what happened and was bound to happen again.
Where in Merlin's name is Malfoy?
"Yes congratulations Neville" – Hermione said.
"Good evening former students. I want to personally welcome you all back home. Do not forget that whenever you need, this is your family. Now that you are all here, do enjoy the party"
"I need to go to the bathroom, excuse me" – Hermione said before departing.
A few minutes later she returned to the Great Hall, making sure to go to the exact same place where she had seen Malfoy 'yesterday'.
Sitting down she started drinking her butterbeer, feeling once again frustrated for not having something more powerful. She saw Ron coming her way, but he seemed to halt a moment before turning around.
What the…
"Why hello Granger. Fancy seeing you here"
"Good evening Malfoy" – she said.
He sat down across from her, looking at her intensely.
"I did not invite you to sit down"
"Is this sit taken? Because to me it seems you are alone"
"Well it might be empty but that does not necessarily means it is free for you to sit"
"You look quite fuckable, Granger"
"And you are still a jerk, has your mother not taught you proper manners?"
"Why are you here all by yourself?"
"It's none of your business, ferret"
"Use your imagination, Granger. That nickname is growing old…"
"And what are you doing here?" – She asked crossing her arms over her chest.
It is unnerving when he keeps staring at my breasts…
"Just thought I needed some fun…for my ex-wife it seems it has worked" – he glanced towards the same blonde witch dancing with the brown haired wizard.
So that's why he was all-jealous…poor Malfoy…
"You are jealous, Malfoy?"
"Jealous of that crazy bint? I'm furious she gets to fuck whomever she wants and still got half of my money. That minx fooled the judge and got half of everything, while I sulk around"
"Really? It seems someone has put you in your place"
"I don't even know why I said so much…" – he said taking his flask out of his robes and having a sip.
"Is that firewhiskey?"
"And what if it is? Whom are you going to tell? McGonagall?"
"Actually I was thinking you could give me a little, I'm just tired of drinking butterbeer…"
"Granger just got her claws out and wants to play rough I see; now you break rules?" – He asked leaning closer and handling his flask.
"I just need alcohol Malfoy"
"Trying to get away from drama I see" – he asked as he pointed out towards Ronald and Lavender who were trying to eat each other's face off. Simply disgusting…
"Maybe…" – she said taking a large sip from his flask. When she cough, afterwards he simply chuckled – "This is some powerful stuff, Malfoy"
"It sure is…Goblin made, one of the perks of being head manager of Gringortts"
"Really? I must say that work suit you like a glove…"
"And what about you, auror?" – He asked drinking once more from his flask.
"No, actually I'm a healer"
"A healer, I should have known"
The moment must be upon us…
And just like that everything went dark and the wall was smashed with a bombarda maximum once more. Dust flew around the room and all she could hear were desperate yells.
"Malfoy what the hell just happened?"
However, there was no response; the man that stood across from her a few seconds ago was gone.
"Good evening. I apologize if I ruined this little party, but I have a small announcement to make…death eaters are rising once again…"
"I'm Harry Potter and I demand you to leave before I call all the aurors in service"
"That will not be necessary, Mr. Potter, this is only beginning" – the man said before he sent a curse towards Harry, who avoided it quite easily. And that the other two death eaters also started tormenting the other former students, as duels were being held.
Once the death eaters were killed more appeared out of thin air. What seemed like a weak attack turned into a battlefield. At the end, there were many losses on both sides, especially on theirs.
Twenty lives were lost in battle. She would not allow that to happen, she had to do something… Holding the time-turner in her hands she took a deep breathe, concentrating hard on the time before the party. More than one life could be spared, in this case 20.
Three turns should do it…
One more chapter finished in record time (I do apologize for any mistakes - I don't know what has gotten into me as I wrote these two chapters today, I guess I was filled with ideas, ehehe).
Once again I want to thank you for the support and for the kind reviews - froggirl101, TheBeggarKing and The Guest :D
Let me know what you think so far.
Kisses ;)
