I bolted upright in bed. I had been unsure of where I was and happy to realize it wasn't a dream. The bed was comfortable and warm, sunrise was streaming through the window and there was a faint smell of sausage. I ran and opened the window and looked out onto a nearly deserted Diagon Alley. Only a few shopkeepers were on the streets getting ready to open for the day. A bubble of happiness swelled inside me, so much so that it almost lifted me off the ground.
I began to create a list in my head of everything I wanted to accomplish today. I definitely needed new clothes and a haircut. Maybe a total beauty treatment of some kind, I certainly deserved a treat. But I needed money. I'd have to get it from my Muggle bank since it was going to take a few days to get my Gringotts account back in order.
I crossed to the dresser and poured the contents of a large envelop onto the counter. Tonks had left it with me last night. It was the items that were on me when I was taken into custody. I was happy to see my Muggle identification and my ATM card were still there along with my watch and a necklace that Ron had given me for Christmas the year before. I picked it up and examined it. It was beautiful and simple, but the anger in me took over and I chucked in the waste bin.
I was thrilled that my pair of jeans was in there. I slipped them on and realized how much weight I had lost. There were quite baggy but were better than the pants issued by the Ministry for me to wear at me hearing. I was still going to have to wear the shirt they gave me but I could deal with that; it was plain, white and long sleeved. I needed a jacket so that would be first on the list of things to buy.
I finished getting ready and went downstairs for some breakfast. When I went into the restaurant, I noticed that Ron was sitting in the back corner. I simply ignored him and sat at the bar. I ordered a stack of pancakes but was only able to stomach a few bites before I was stuffed. "I guess my eyes were bigger than my stomach." I apologized to Tom, the inn keeper, who told me it was no problem.
I felt Ron's eyes on me and I didn't like it. It was getting time for shops to open so I got up and sprinted out the London entrance of the building.
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I had told Tonks that I would be happy to follow Hermione so that she could get some time with her and Remus's new baby girl, Aurelia. She was reluctant but gave in. When I saw Hermione come downstairs, she didn't acknowledge me. I figured I was going to need to get used to it. She ate a few bites of breakfast and ran out the door to the Muggle street.
She went to a large building that I realized was some sort of bank. I stayed outside and waiting. When Hermione came out, I could tell she was disappointed to see I was going to be tailing her instead of Tonks. She shrugged her shoulders and went on with her business. She went to several stores making a great deal of purchases including a new black coat that she came out wearing and I almost missed her.
Hermione spent hours in one place. I looked through the window and saw her sitting and someone was cutting her hair and doing all sorts of things to it. After what seemed like an eternity, she came out looking quite different. Her hair was straight and shorter; it looked to have bits of other colors in it beside her usual brown. She was wearing make-up and what seemed to be a new found confidence.
After getting coffee she doubled back and passed me without so much as a look. It was well after lunch and she headed back to the Leaky Cauldron.
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Ron had followed me everywhere. I bought a great new wardrobe and the store clerks had the best time helping me find everything fashionable. The beauty salon was the most fun of all. I had them use a chemical straightener on my hair; it was supposed to last over three months. I had them cut it to about shoulder length and give me highlights. They were happy to oblige me with a manicure, pedicure and make-over after which I bought a ton of the products. I felt like a new me, like one who had been abroad for over a year, not one that had been in prison.
I went back the Leaky Cauldron for a quick bite with Ron in toe. I hoped that he wasn't trying to be inconspicuous because he was quite obvious and annoying. If this was from Auror training, I'm surprised he wasn't killed on his first week of the job.
Tom was kind and had my packages taken to my room. I didn't really want to venture out into Diagon Alley, but I knew I would need to eventually. In truth, I did plan on returning to the Muggle world and to leave magic behind me. But I also knew that I would never really be able to escape it. There was one thing I had to buy and that was a new wand. When I was convicted, they snapped my wand and I figured that even living as a Muggle, magic would definitely have its uses. I always hated to cook and clean. I smiled to myself thinking of how I would pout when my parents would make me clean my room.
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I continued to watch her as she made her way into Diagon Alley. People stopped and greeted her along her way to Gringotts, but not as much as I thought. It must be the new hairdo. She went to the exchange counter and left as soon as she was done. She went down the street, practically running past my brothers' shop. I looked through the window and realized why when I saw Ginny through the window.
She entered Olivander's and I backed off to give her the privacy she needed. I looked around at everyone having a great time. It was close to Christmas and shoppers were full of cheer buying presents for loved ones. I supposed that Hermione would be spending the holidays alone again this year. I made a pledge to invite her for dinner; I knew she wouldn't accept, but the offer would be there just in case.
I definitely need to talk to Ginny. She stormed out of Fred and George's in a huff. She saw me and made her way down the street.
"I really don't know what has gotten into every one. Apparently, mum is sending that bitch an invitation to spend Christmas with us. If she's there, I won't be."
"Ginny, what is your problem? She has been proven innocent. Why are you the only one in the entire wizarding world that thinks she's still guilty? You were unbelievably hard on her last night and you might just lose Harry with that attitude." She looked at me appalled. "Gin, you are only 20, you're too young to be a bitter old witch."
Just then, Hermione emerged from Olivander's with a small package. Ginny said in a loud voice, "I can't believe he would sell a wand to a convicted felon." Hermione sprinted back to the Leaky Cauldron. Passersby were stunned at my sister's rude remark.
"Gin, you are ridiculous. The only bitch around here is you." I left her standing there with her mouth gaping opened. When I entered the inn, Tom let me know that she had gone back to her room and looked pretty upset.
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It was hard enough dealing with everyone's overly apologetic attitude, by Ginny's pure hatred of me was impossible to bear. I wondered why after everything we went through together, she was still unable to believe my innocence. I went up to my room and examined my new wand. It was warm to the touch and felt like an extension of myself. I looked at the pillow on the bed and decided to try out my skills. Accio, I said and the pillow came to me instantly. I still got it!
There was a tap on the window and two barn owls were outside waiting for entrance. One was obviously a Hogwarts owl and the letter was from Professor McGonagall. The other was from none other than Mrs. Wealsey. I took the letters and ripped open the one from McGonagall. She invited me to spend the Christmas holidays with her at Hogwarts. I could arrive anytime and stay as long as I wanted. I thought and the decision was easy. I would love to be back at the majesty of Hogwarts for Christmas again with my only supporter. I wrote her back that I would be delighted and that I would arrive on Friday, the day before Christmas Eve.
I sent the owl on its way and opened the other letter. Mrs. Weasley wrote sweetly of her guilt and regret and she too asked me to spend share Christmas dinner with the family.
You must know that the feelings of one family member do not reflect the feelings of the rest of us. They are in fact the opposite. I understand if you decline the invitation but it is open just the same.
I really hope that before you leave in a few weeks that you will permit me a visit. I feel I must speak to you face-to-face and make my apologies in person. I know that forgiveness is likely out of the question…
The letter continued and her sorrow brought tears to my eyes. Of everyone, I could understand her position. I started the return letter…
Mrs. Weasley,
I appreciate your invitation but have accepted to spend Christmas at Hogwarts with Professor McGonagall. I would however like to meet with you. Perhaps we could have lunch sometime before the ceremony. Would Thursday next at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade be okay?
You don't need to apologize for certain family members, I'm sure they feel they have reasons to believe that I am not innocent. Soon enough, I'll be gone and it will no longer matter.
Sincerely,
Hermione G.
I sent the owl and there was a knock at my door.
""Mione, it's Ron. Look, mum is going to ask you to spend Christmas with us and I also want to extend the invitation. I would love for you to be there."
I appreciated the sentiment, but how did they expect me to just act like nothing happened. I cracked the door open and saw a sliver of Ron's face.
"I'm spending the holidays somewhere else. I already responded to your mum's letter. I'd also appreciate if you'd let Tonks guard me from now on." I snapped the door to and fell the bed in exhaustion from a long day.