Chapter Three – Running Into an Old Enemy

Hermione was being helped out of the hospital bed by Harry and Ginny. You would normally think that they would be quite delicate with her, but they were too busy arguing on how to help Hermione that Hermione just got up herself. It was four days after she had woken up and she was thankful she was finally getting out of the hospital. If only Harry and Ginny would stop arguing, they'd be out of here by now and she could return home. Hermione's body still ached, but she was relieved to be sleeping in her own bed and eat good food.

"Harry, why would you bring this shirt for Hermione? It doesn't match the pants you brought at all. Like she would want to be seen out in this seriously Harry," Ginny told him frustrated.

"Relax Ginny; I'm a man for goodness sakes not a woman. I have no idea what goes with what and she's just leaving the hospital it's not like she's going to a fashion show!" Harry exclaimed.

"You never know who we'll run into though; you should have left it up to me. You have no fashion sense whatsoever," she stated.

"Hey guys knock it off. It's a little ridiculous that you guys are fighting over what I'm wearing, this is fine. Harry's right I'm only going home and I could care less about running into anyone we know at the moment. I'm just excited to leave finally, let's hurry before Johnson changes his mind!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Sorry 'Mione," Harry said as they took her stuff and left for the fire place.

After flooing, they arrived at Hermione's apartment. Hermione looked around relieved that everything was still in its spot. Hermione said a quick good bye to the fighting couple assuring her that she would be alright and all she needed was a bit of rest. She was glad to have the solitude at last. Hermione went to her room and changed into her favourite pajamas craving some comfort. Her gaze fell on the view outside and she couldn't help but think about what had happened. There are some moments where she couldn't believe it and then the moments she realized it she was filled with anger and fear. Why had they picked her? The Aurors said they were on it, but what kind of evidence could be pulled by a place that was torched? It was moments like this she craved comfort from someone. Hermione envied Harry and Ginny's relationship even though they had dumb fights here and there. It was always healthy to fight with someone. She was about to start a fire in her fireplace, but stopped when she had a flashback of a few nights ago.

"Great, now I can't even read in front of my fireplace," Hermione muttered angrily, "I refuse to let this affect me."

Feeling the need to read a book to escape her worries for a little while, Hermione decided to go to a café down the street that she frequented often. It was a cozy little café with couches everywhere and reminded her of her bookstore a little. Feeling a pang of sadness, she decided to sit by a window. Leaving her stuff there, she got up to order a drink. As she walked towards the till, Hermione ran straight into someone.

"I'm so sorry," Hermione started to say as she looked up.

Piercing grey eyes looked at her and replied indifferently, "Oh, it's just you."

Hermione was about to retort when he stood in front of her in line, but decided it was no use. It was Draco Malfoy, spoiled rich boy from her days at Hogwarts. He had conveniently stayed neutral during the war despite everyone knowing which side he supported. Hermione couldn't remember ever seeing him around in their 7th Year and that was probably the reason she didn't hate him anymore. Oh she thought he was the most annoying self centered person on the planet, but Malfoy hadn't done anything to her lately to cause her to hate him. After noticing that he sat near her much to her annoyance, she ordered her chai latte. Grabbing the warm beverage gratefully, she returned to her spot.

Hermione had been reading for about half an hour when she noticed something in the corner of her eye. Glancing at the window, she saw a fire. Fear filled her eyes when she realized that the café owner had just lit the fireplace. Tears filled her eyes and she couldn't stop the silent trail of tears. Hermione was grateful that it was only her and Malfoy in the store, but she tried to stop before Malfoy saw her weakness. Looking in her bag for a handkerchief or a tissue, she noticed one that was being handed to her by a long elegant hand. Hermione looked up startled.

"Just take it Granger," Malfoy insisted indifferently.

"Why?" she asked puzzled looking at his hand.

He huffed, "Take it, no one deserves to cry even if it's about something little like over a boy."

Hermione grabbed the handkerchief reluctantly, "Thanks and no it's not about a boy for your information Malfoy. I'm not as shallow as that. I was robbed and my store burnt down. For a second I thought you were a decent person. Thanks a lot."

Hermione got up to leave angry that he had tricked her as he always seemed to when a hand grabbed her arm.

"Look, I'm sorry Granger. I had no idea that had happened. Are there any leads and is insurance covering it?" Malfoy asked her apologetically.

"There are no leads as far as I know of and it's not going to be covered. I have to go home, thanks for lending me your handkerchief," Hermione said as she tried to give it back to him.

"Keep it and I really am sorry for what happened to you," he replied.

"I don't need your pity," she said as she left home.

The whole walk home was one of the worst experiences she had ever felt. Hermione felt there was danger lurking in every shadow ready to get her. Who knew if those men were going to come after her again? The alleys seemed to echo with every step everyone took and she couldn't help but jump. Hatred filled her being at being this weak and fragile. Hermione had gone through a war for goodness sakes. As soon as Hermione got home, she crawled into bed and fell asleep with a certain handkerchief in her hand giving her a little comfort.