Hermione couldn't remember how she gotten there, but she suddenly found herself standing in the alleyway beside the Hogs Head. The last half an hour had gone past in a blur. She hadn't realised what the burning sensation had been at first, and by the time she had had the presence of mind to pull her necklace into view it had gone cold. After that, she did not remember much. Though, what she did remember she didn't want to.
She made her way into the Hogs Head and seated herself in a cubby as far hidden from the entrance as she could be. It hadn't been long before Aberforth had made his way over. "Doesn't do business any favours to have students in uniform parading around the premises", he looked pointedly at her. She lifted her head to make eye contact, and she could sense his realisation. Of course, he didn't know what had happened but she knew he understood. After all, what is it they say? Bartenders are just underpaid psychologists. "A firewhiskey please". He soon returned with one "and keep them coming" she managed to add.
Somewhere she registered his sigh as he pushed himself along the bench opposite her. "Take it they don't know your here," he grunted with a nod in the general direction of Hogwarts. Hermione chanced a glance up "Unless they've placed a tracker on me I doubt it". She took a deep breath and continued "I can't face anyone yet. I know I will have to, but just not yet". She searched his eyes for understanding, and she found it in the depths of them. "You can stay here til were closing or until you're ready". He made to walk away, but caught himself and turned around. "You know, Miss Granger, that's not the answer to your problems". She smiled a sad smile before replying in an almost whisper "No. But maybe it'll help me forget the question".