A/N: The newspaper mentioned in this chapter is fictitious.
Hermione got to work answering Gabrielle's letter promising that she would be at the Graduation and wishing her luck in her new relationship. She then put the letter aside and made a mental note to send it later that day. She sorted through the rest of her mail but found nothing worth noting until she came across a letter written on muggle paper with a familiar seal.
Hermione smiled a little and tore open the letter. She knew already what it was for and didn't have to read further than the first paragraph to know what to do. Getting up, she grabbed her phone of the charger and dialed the number. After listening to the dial tone for several seconds she heard the other line come on.
"London Times," Said a female voice.
"John Stevens please." Hermione requested.
"One moment." The woman said.
Then Hermione heard the familiar 'hold' music and sat back down, waiting for the line to be picked up again.
This would be the fifth time she'd worked for John Stevens. He was the Editor in Chief of the London times. A large, hearty man in his late sixties, he was known for being very likeable and a good boss. However, his eating habits were a bit on the grotesque side and even his own wife had to look away while he happily chewed his food, crumbs falling down onto his lapel. He was a sweet man nonetheless and Hermione enjoyed working for him.
What made it much easier was the fact that his two youngest daughters were both attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry up in Scotland, apparently the first witches in their all-muggle family. His knowledge of the magical world made him less prone to confusion over her methods of getting the news (occasionally legilimency was necessary for extracting information although Hermione hated using it and tried to do so as little as possible).
Usually when John contacted her, he needed an article about a crisis in a foreign country or a new government plan to clean the water or something along those lines. Once he had sent her all the way to New Zealand, so Hermione could only guess what this was going to be.
"John Stevens office." His secretary finally came on.
"Yes this is Hermione Granger," Hermione started, "He sent me a letter and he's probably expecting my call."
"One moment please Ms. Granger." The secretary answered.
Once again Hermione was put on hold but this time it only lasts about a minute before a deep voice came from the other end.
"Hello?"
"Hello Mr. Stevens," Hermione greeted him, "This is Hermione Granger."
"Oh Hermione!" He practically shouted, "I'm so glad you called! How have you been dear?"
"Good, good." Hermione answered, her thoughts momentarily returning to the Potters, "How have you been?"
"Oh I'm great," Mr. Steven's answered happily, "We've all been doing just fine; Maggie had her baby."
"Oh really?" Asked Hermione, smiling.
"Uh huh, just last month. 7 pounds 15 ounces, a little girl." Mr. Stevens gushed.
"Well congratulations Mr. Stevens." Hermione answered sincerely, "Is she your first grandchild?"
"She sure is," Mr. Stevens answered proudly, "I hope it doesn't make me seem old though."
"Not at all sir." Hermione said.
"Thank you dear. Now I assume you're not calling just to make small talk." Mr. Stevens stated.
"Well no," Answered Hermione, "I'm calling because I got your letter and-"
"Oh of course, I almost forgot I sent that." Stevens boomed, "You see Hermione, you're probably the best reporter I've ever worked with, I would employ you full time in a second if you'd let me. But anyway, I was hoping you could help me with something rather big. Something that would require a bit of travel."
"Travel? Where?" Hermione asked now very curious.
"India." Stevens answered simply.
"India?! Whatever for?"
"Well the Prime Minister is going there on Wednesday to meet with the government officials and we need an exclusive on it. I can't think of anyone better suited for the job than you Hermione."
Hermione sat down and thought about it for a minute. She knew he meant her methods of travel and getting the story, which would save him money. She liked to think he thought her a good writer too though. It did sound very interesting, and she had no other commitments other than her dinner with the Potter family tomorrow night; hopefully she could do this afterwards.
"Well I'm busy tomorrow, but after that I'm free." Hermione informed him.
"That's fine, but will you be free for the next week after that?" Stevens asked her.
"It'll take that long?" Hermione asked.
"Well that's how long the Prime Minister will be there and I want updates every day or so." Stevens explained.
Hermione thought for another minute of so and then answered, "Okay then Mr. Stevens, I'll do it."
"Wonderful!" He boomed, "Now let's discuss your pay…"
For the next five minutes they went over her wages and in the end Stevens agreed to pay her basic wages along with covering her Hotel stay. After a few more minutes of small talk they bade each other good day and hung up.
Time seemed to fly by and pretty soon Hermione found herself getting ready to go to the Potter's house for dinner. Harry had sent her another letter with his address in it so she could apparate over. She decided that this wouldn't be a very formal affair but she still wanted to make a good impression, so she put on her nicest pair of dress pants and a white blouse. She grabbed her jacket and put it on, then got her purse and concentrated on the address Harry had sent her.
With a crack she materialized in front of a well lit house in the middle of a quiet suburb. It was not a huge house like you might expect for one as rich and famous as Harry Potter was, but Hermione was only a little surprised. He hadn't really struck her as the fame-loving type. Hermione padded up the walkway to the door and slowly knocked, a twinge of nervousness forming in her stomach.
Several seconds passed and she could hear the sounds of tiny footsteps from inside the house. The door then seemed to open by itself, which greatly confused Hermione until she looked down and saw a house-elf staring up at her. Hermione had had experience with House-elves before since most of her old school friends were from pureblooded families and had them. Hermione never liked the idea of using elves for slavery, although her friend's were very well treated. She knew that some families did not treat them so nicely.
This elf was unlike any she'd ever seen before, mostly because he was wearing real clothes that seemed to have been made just for him. His large eyes stared up at her.
"You must be Ms. Granger," said the elf, "Master Harry Potter told Dobby you would be coming.
The elf moved aside and let Hermione enter.
"Thank you," She smiled at the elf, "It's Dobby, right?"
"Yes Miss, Dobby the House Elf." Dobby answered before bowing to her in a gentlemanly fashion.
Hermione chuckled softly and was about to ask were her hosts were when a familiar little figure came bounding toward her.
"HERMIONE!!" Mina shouted before latching onto the Brunette's waist.
Hermione grinned and patted the small child on the head, "Hello Mina, it's good to see you again."
Hermione was so busy talking to the little girl that she failed to notice Mina's father approaching until he was standing right in front of her. She was mildly surprised to see him when she looked up but hid it.
"Hello Hermione," Harry greeted her cheerfully, "I'm glad you could come."
"Well thank you for inviting me." Hermione answered.
Harry then turned his attention to his daughter, "Okay Mina, go get ready for dinner."
Mina smiled widely at Hermione before running off again.
"Dobby will see if dinner is ready." Dobby said and walked off through a doorway into the kitchen, leaving Harry and Hermione alone together.
"Would you like to sit down?" Harry asked motioning toward a chair to Hermione's right.
She nodded slowly and moved to sit. Harry settled into an armchair and smiled at his guest.
"So how have you been?" He asked trying to make small talk.
"Alright," Hermione answered, "I got hired to write an article for the London Times yesterday."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, they want me to cover the Prime Minister's visit to India tomorrow. I'll be there until next week." she explained.
"In India?" Harry asked wide-eyed, "That sounds like a lot of fun."
"Well it is a work trip." Said Hermione, "Speaking of which, what's it like being an Auror if you don't mind me asking."
"It's fine," Said Harry, "I don't work as much anymore though, not since my wife died."
Hermione nodded sadly, "Yes, I'm really sorry by the way."
Harry waved his hand dismissively, "It's fine, it's been almost five years now and I've accepted it."
Despite this Hermione noted a small amount of sadness behind his words.
"Um, I hope I don't sound to nosy for asking but, how exactly did she die?"
Harry sighed, "She died in childbirth."
Hermione gasped softly, "That's horrible."
"It's okay, I still have Mina." Harry said shrugging.
Right as he said that, the girl in question reentered the room and sat on her Dad's lap. Hermione and Harry immediately began talking about something else. Soon Dobby came back in to announce that dinner was ready and the trio entered the dining room.
Throughout most of the meal they ate in silence, except for Mina who talked on and on about how her day went and her friends on the block and the TV show she watched earlier that day. Harry had told her several times that it wasn't polite to talk so much but it seemed the child didn't like it when things were so quiet, so she kept going anyway. Hermione didn't really mind though, since otherwise the situation would have been a bit awkward because she had no idea what to say.
So far all she really knew about Harry Potter was that he was a widower, he worked as an auror, and he knew Shakespeare. Other than that he was a complete stranger to her.
Around dessert however, something strange happened. Dobby brought out three small bowls of chocolate ice cream and placed one in front of everyone. Mina immediately dug in happily while Harry beckoned Dobby over.
"Can you bring me a plate of French fries?" He asked the elf.
Dobby nodded quickly and ran back into the Kitchen. He returned with a plate of crispy French fries and placed them in front of his master. Hermione looked on confused wondering why he would want fries with his dessert. To her shock and slight disgust he picked up a fry, stuck it in the Ice Cream, pulled it out and ate it.
Hermione forgot all about her own bowl and watched as Harry repeated the process several more times before finally noticing her watching. Harry turned a bit red and pushed the fries away. "Sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to gross you out."
"It's quite alright," Hermione answered, "I've just never seen anyone eat French fries like that."
Harry grinned sheepishly, "I know, I swear it tastes good though. It's something I've been doing since I was a teenager."
Hermione considered that for a minute before decided that it wouldn't hurt, "Can I try it?"
"Really?" Harry asked, surprised.
"Well you did say it's good," She said, holding out her hand for a fry.
Harry handed her a fry while Mina watched silently (A first for that night).
Hermione took the fry and dipped it in her ice cream just as Harry did. Cautiously, Hermione brought the chocolate covered French fry to her lips and hesitated for a moment. She caught Harry watching her to see if she would really eat it and decided she'd better just do it. She opened her mouth and bit off the top half of the fry.
To her immense surprise it tasted rather good; sweet, crunchy, cold and a little salty. She swallowed and nodded her approval to Harry, who grinned.
"Eeeeew." Mina cried.
"She doesn't like them," Harry muttered to his guest, who chuckled softly, "Her mother didn't like them either."
Around 7:30, Mina began to grow sleepy. Harry started to carry her off to her room when she began fussing.
"I wanna bedtime story." She said with her arms crossed.
"Okay then," Harry nodded, "I'll come in and read you a story when Hermione leaves."
"No!" said Mina with attitude, "I wan Hermione to read me a story."
"Mina," Harry said sternly, "Hermione is our guest, we can't ask her to do that."
"But she wans to read me a story," Mina insisted, she looked at Hermione and on a cute face, "Don't you Hermione?"
Hermione smiled and rolled her eyes. She got up and took the child from her father, "It's alright Harry, I don't mind."
Harry nodded and pointed down the hall, "Her room's the third door on the left."
Hermione walked down the hall and opened the appointed door. Mina's walls were colored purple as was her carpet and bedspread. Hermione was surprised to find muggle items such as a TV and a Radio on one side. On her bed was a mountain of stuffed animals. Hermione carefully put the small girl down and helped her remove her shoes. Mina put on her Pajamas by herself and then went to brush her teeth.
When she came back she got into bed and grabbed a rabbit doll from the pile. Hermione sat down in a small chair next to the bed.
"Alright, what story do you want me to tell you?" Hermione asked.
"Cinderella!" Mina cheered happily.
Hermione laughed and began the story once the child calmed down. By the time the prince put the slipper on Cinderella's foot and discovered that she was the maiden he'd fallen in love with, Mina was fast asleep. Hermione got up and tucked the child in. Then she tiptoed out of the room and slowly closed the door.
It was then that she realized that she was in an unfamiliar house and didn't really know her way around.
"Harry?" She called out unsurely.
No one answered her, so she started walking back towards the living room. On her way she spotted an open door and her curiosity got the better of her. She stood in the threshold and looked inside. The room was dimly lit, the walls covered in pictures of Harry, a redheaded boy and a girl with short dark brown hair with her arm around Harry. The walls also housed posters with a group of familiar looking men on them.
There was an old-fashion record player on one side of the wall and next to it was a crate with a sign taped on it reading 'records'. Hermione walked further into the room and approached a chair in the middle. A small table stood next to it, on it was an old book. Hermione slowly picked it up and read the cover.
"Dracula." She said aloud. She was about to put it back down when she heard a voice.
"Hermione?"
She yelped and dropped the book on the floor. Harry walked in and attempted to calm her, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."
"No no," Said Hermione when she regained herself, "I shouldn't have been going through your things like that, it was very rude of me."
She reached down and picked the book back up. She held it out to Harry who took it with a sad look on his face.
"Don't worry about it. I just don't want anything in this room touched that's all." Harry said.
"I'm sorry," Hermione said, "I should be going now anyway."
"Wait!" Harry called before she could move, "It's alright. I suppose I'm just being silly. You see, these are mostly Jenna's old things."
Hermione looked confused, "Jenna?"
"My wife." Harry responded.
Now Hermione felt terrible. She had been messing around with his late wife's belongings. The awkward silence that followed seemed to go on forever until Harry broke it, once again making Hermione jump.
"This was her favorite book you know." He said still staring down at the book.
"It was?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah," Harry looked up, to her surprise he was smiling, "Throughout her lifetime I believe she read this book at least twelve times."
"Twelve Times?" Hermione answered almost laughing, "That's quite a bit."
"I know," Harry said nodding, "Have you ever read it?"
"Once when I was thirteen." Said Hermione, "I had wanted to read it earlier but my parents wouldn't let me, they said it would give me nightmares. That was before I found out I was a witch."
"So then you're muggleborn?" Asked Harry.
"That's right, once I found out I did a lot of research on Vampires so that if the book did give me Nightmares when I read it, I would know what I was dealing with, what about you, have you read it?"
Harry smiled and shook his head, "No, I tried but I just couldn't get into it."
Hermione nodded while Harry put the book down. "You know," he started, "That book is how my daughter got her name."
Hermione's eyes widened, "Really?"
"Yeah," Harry confirmed, "I couldn't believe it when my wife suggested that name, I thought she was kidding. See I wanted to name her Lillian after my mother. But Jenna was a very stubborn woman and she insisted on Wilhelmina. In the end I had to agree."
Hermione laughed, "Well it could have been worse, if Mina had been a boy who knows what she could have picked."
"Why, what kind of male names are in Dracula?" Harry asked curiously.
Hermione thought for a moment back to her reading of the book over a decade ago, luckily she had a very good memory, "Well for example, there's Quincy, Abraham, Vlad and Bela."
Hermione stopped and had to force down a laugh at Harry's expression, "Quincy Potter?" Harry said while cringing "You're right, I got off lucky."
At that, Hermione couldn't resist the urge to laugh anymore and Harry just glared at her. Once she composed herself, her eyes fell on the posters she'd seen earlier and she pointed to the nearest one.
"I see she was a fan of The Stones too huh?"
"Oh," Harry said chuckling, "Yeah they were her favorite group. She used to sing 'Sympathy for the Devil' while making breakfast."
Hermione giggled.
Harry smiled to before shaking his head slightly, "I'm sorry, I'm going on and on about my late wife, I know you don't want to hear about this."
"It's fine Harry," Hermione said before a thought struck her, "You notice how we've been apologizing to each other for different things all night?"
Harry chuckled, "No I hadn't noticed that."
They shared another laugh and when it was over, Hermione noticed that she couldn't stop looking at Harry's eyes, they were such a nice shade of green. For a long time they didn't say anything, but this silence was not awkward like the previous ones had been, this one seemed like…something else.
They heard the sound of a clock chiming which caused them both to jump out of their stupor. Hermione looked at her watch and saw that it was now Eight.
"I'm sorry Harry," she said looking up at his now confused face, "I have to go now. I have to wake up early tomorrow and I've got to pack for my trip."
"Oh okay." Harry said almost sadly.
As she started to walk out she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Uh before you go," Harry said nervously, Hermione noticed that he once again had the Dracula book in his hands, "Would you like to borrow this?"
Hermione stared at the book and then at Harry. He was actually going to lend her his late wife's copy of her favorite book?
"Oh I couldn't-" Hermione started.
"No no really it's okay, I insist. You can read it while you're away if you have free time." Harry said still holding the book out.
Slowly, Hermione took it from him as if she thought that he was joking and would pull it back the moment she reached for it.
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked.
Harry nodded, "I'm sure, I don't think Jenna would have minded. Just be careful with it."
Hermione smiled slightly, "Okay, I'll come return it when I get back."
"Have fun!" Harry called after her as she walked away.
In the living room, Dobby gave Hermione her jacket and purse back and saw her out the door. With one more bow he closed it and Hermione apparated home to prepare for her trip.
A/N: Okay, now you all know the identity of Mina's mother. Several reviewers have asked and they now should know that Ginny is NOT Mina's mother. I have a very specific role for Ginny in this story, and that is non-existant!Ginny. YAY!!
Anyway, for those of you who don't know the story of Dracula, Mina Harker is the main female character of the story and the wife of Jonathan Harker who is kept prisoner in Dracula's castle. If you've read the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, it's the same character. The first two boys names Hermione mentions in this chapter are characters from the book. Vlad is Vlad the Impaler whom many people believe the character of Dracula is based upon, and I shouldn't have to tell you were Bela comes from.
One more note for those who do not enjoy chocolate covered French fries or have never even tried them: You do not know what you're missing.