Chapter 5
Take Your Prince
July 16th
As Hermione sat with her parents at a small table in the corner of the Italian diner, Piccolo Diavolo, she looked about the room and felt the sentimental flow of memories which were triggered by the room's familiarity.
Hermione suddenly realized that she had not been to the restaurant since she first got her acceptance letter to Hogwarts, which instilled a slight feeling of guilt. How had she let the Wizarding World take so much precedence over the world she had grown up in?
She recalled that she would always order the Spaghetti Carbonara (a delightful concoction of pan fried bacon, eggs, parmesan, and cream) and so, when the waiter arrived, she promptly gave him her order.
"How have you been doing, pumpkin?" her father asked after their server walked away, "you've been really quiet all evening."
Hermione looked up at him, and then tried to act nonchalant. "Oh I'm fine. Just tired is all."
Nathaniel raised a brow at his daughter, "I know something is bothering you."
Hermione let her eyes fall to her hands, which were tightly folded in front of her.
Jean eyed her daughter with worry, and gently placed a hand atop hers.
"You know you can talk to us about anything, right?"
Hermione swallowed and avoided her mother's eyes, 'except for the fact that I may never see you again after the summer's over.' She thought bitterly.
What if the death eater's came after her parents for information? What could she do? She would be in an entirely different world, miles away from them.
What if they were in danger of being killed?
Hermione's mind raced as she speculated the various scenarios. She needed a plan, a plan to get them far way until after the Voldemort dilemma.
"Pumpkin?" her father asked, watching her face change from sadness to horror.
Hermione met the eyes of her parents and forced a smile onto her face, "I was just thinking about how much I am going to miss you guys. I hate being away from you."
They both smiled, "We are going to miss you too. Every time you leave it feels as if a part of us has left with you."
Hermione bit her lip and nodded, "I know. I feel the exact same way."
Silence followed and several minutes passed in which they all just sat and gazed about the restaurant.
"Is that all that's bothering you?" Nathanial pressed.
Hermione wished he wouldn't pressure her for an answer, though she understood that he was merely concerned for her well-being. Why shouldn't he be?
"Well," she began with a sigh, "this year is going to be difficult. I am going to have to decide what to do with my future and all that."
They both listened intently as she continued.
"Also," she sighed, "I feel as if I've been overlooking how important my home is to me, the place I grew up in, the world I was born into."
There, that had been at the forefront of her mind all evening.
Her father put an arm around her shoulders and kissed her forehead. "You shouldn't let that bother you, Mione."
Jean nodded, "It isn't a crime to love both places, dear."
Hermione sighed and shook her head, "I feel like I'm betraying my identity, you guys, my memories, everything."
"You're not," her father declared firmly. "You will always carry your past in your heart, as well as your identity. However, you cannot look back, you must move forward and develop new connections."
Hermione eyed him sadly. She needed to protect both he and her mother, at all costs. She didn't know what she would do if they were ever harmed or endangered. It would be all her fault if anything ever did happen to them, her responsibility.
"More than anything, I just really want to enjoy this evening with you guys." Hermione stated with a smile.
They returned her smile warmly and nodded, "yes, so would we."
The waiter walked up with their food just then and, as he set Hermione's plate in front of her, he caught her eye and smirked softly.
Hermione blinked as he straightened and walked away, looking back at her twice as he did so.
Her mouth parted and, looking to her dad she saw that he had not missed the exchange.
"Why little, Mione, that young man was completely taken with you."
Hermione blushed furiously and pretended not to have noticed, "oh yeah? That's strange."
As she dug her fork into her pasta she shook the image of the waiter from her mind and instead focused on the savory entrée she was about to enjoy. As it greeted her mouth she closed her eyes and felt the reminiscence of simpler times accompany the delectable taste.
"How is it?" Jean asked, always curious when it came to cuisine.
Hermione grinned, "amazing, exactly the way I remember it."
Her father cleared his throat and then recalled the exchange from a moment ago, "so, while on the subject of men, how is it going with that Ron fellow? Have you written him since our last conversation?"
"Oh yes," Jean interjected, "your father told me there was boy you were interested in."
Hermione sighed, "no, I have not written him yet. It's difficult for me to figure out what to say to him."
Her parents smiled knowingly and she saw her father squeeze Jean's hand.
"We remember those days all too well," Nathaniel laughed.
Hermione swallowed and took another bite of pasta.
"So are you going to tell him how you feel?" her mother pressed.
Hermione shook her head, "When the time is right."
Nathaniel eyed her intently, "don't spend too much time waiting dear, or he might slip away."
Hermione couldn't suppress the sadness that engulfed her heart at that prospect. She nodded in response to his warning and smiled sadly before sighing and setting her fork down on her plate.
As her parents averted their gaze to one another, Hermione looked up and saw that their server was talking to one of the other waiter's across the room. She saw him glance briefly in her direction before continuing his conversation.
Hermione smiled to herself, it was a rare thing when a man was actually, unabashedly attracted to her.
Deciding to push all of her worries into the shadows for the time being, she willed every bit of happiness into her mind and decided to just release her apprehension for the play they were about to watch. She loved her parents and wanted to create a wonderful memory for them.
Perhaps there weren't going to be many more like it.
So, without further ado, she smiled and focused on nothing but the night at hand.
As they walked through the busy streets of London towards the theatre, Hermione reveled in the company of her family, as well as the city night life.
She was excited about seeing the production of Beauty and the Beast; it had always been one of her favorite stories as well as her favorite Disney movie.
A grin was plastered on her face as they made their way through the crowds of people.
The flashing lights of the theatre crossed her eyes like a carnival, and Hermione eagerly gripped her father's arm. It had been a long time since she'd felt so excited about anything.
They waited in the line, tickets in hand, and moved forward at a tip-toe pace, though Hermione didn't care. Nothing could put a dent in the night she was determined to make perfect.
The usher at the ticket stand was young and as he saw her a silly grin crossed his face, reminding her briefly of Ron. He was nothing compared to the dashing waiter from the restaurant, but Hermione couldn't help but feel flattered all the same.
Two guys taking an interest in her within a matter of hours was a bit overwhelming, to say the least. It far deviated from the treatment she was used to, where the entirety of the male population ceaselessly overlooked her.
They passed him and walked into the theatre where the temperature was several degrees colder. Hermione shivered and put on her sweater, before placing her hand within her father's. He smiled and squeezed her hand gently.
It was rather dark, with only a few lamps placed along the walls for light, but Hermione could still make out the intricate decorations throughout the hallway. The place was beautiful, almost like a palace, and she was enjoying every moment of the experience.
They were escorted to their seats, and Hermione let out a lengthy exhale as she gazed down the rows and rows of seating to the stage below. They had gotten a section near the top and so their view was entirely clear and unobstructed.
Hermione felt a sensational plummeting feeling as she realized how high they actually were from the ground floor, and also from the effect of the staircase-like design of the seating.
She had visited many theatres with her parents in the past, but none were so grand as this, nor so breathtaking.
Leaning her head against her dad's shoulder, Hermione closed her eyes and smiled. Was there any feeling in the world comparable to the one she was presently enjoying? She couldn't imagine there was. She felt utterly safe, loved, and cherished, in a way that nothing and no one could destroy.
Several, countless minutes passed in which her anticipation steadily grew. When the music started to play, her heart began to race in its excitement.
All lights faded completely, and Hermione grinned as the first performer walked out onto the stage and bellowed the opening line.
The play was magnificent, possibly one of the most beautiful portrayals Hermione had ever seen. Throughout its entirety, she felt overwhelmed by all the surging emotions being fed off by the actors' energy.
The Disney version of Beauty and the Beast was never going to be the same for her.
The silhouettes of the performers amidst the lighting, and the enchanting orchestra and mesmerizing dances, were racing before Hermione's eyes and enticing her mind.
During one of the acts, which was by far her favorite, Hermione watched as Beauty walked over to the diary sitting upon a desk, and read aloud the poem that had mysteriously appeared there, her voice ringing angelically throughout the theatre.
"Gentle Beauty, put aside your fear.
You are chosen to be princess here.
Let your wishes with your will unite,
Take your Prince from darkness into light..."
The poem wound its way into Hermione's heart, embedding itself there and touching her in a strange way. She couldn't quite discern why it had affected her so deeply, though she was far from dismissing it.
Hermione found that she loved plays, perhaps as much as even novels. It was the physical portrayal of a story she had always loved, and seeing what her own imagination had conjured was a rare and wonderful thing. No form of magic could duplicate such an art.
Plays were movies without the Hollywood exaggeration, and Hermione reveled in it.
She felt her eyes actually watering during one of the final scenes, where beauty finds the beast dying amidst his beloved rose bushes.
"No, dear Beast, (said Beauty) you must not die; live to be my husband; from this moment I give you my hand, and swear to be none but yours. Alas! I thought I had only a friendship for you, but, the grief I now feel convinces me, that I cannot live without you."
Hermione watched as the Beast suddenly ascended and transformed into a beautiful Prince, leaving Beauty in awe and amazement.
The two shared a magical kiss, during which Hermione felt a twinge of a foreign fantasy. She wanted a kiss that was as magical, and enchanting as the ones depicted in all the greatest fairytales. However, her sensibilities resurfaced and diminished such a bygone dream.
A few moments later, after the grand finale, the actors all joined hands and took their bows, during which Hermione applauded most heartily.
She cheered and grinned as they all gradually departed, exiting stage left.
The lights came on, and people began rising from their seats, but Hermione and her parents sat for several moments longer.
"Did you enjoy it?" Nathaniel asked.
Hermione nodded with a smile, "oh yes, it was wonderful."
He grinned before wrapping an arm around her shoulders and planting a tender kiss on forehead.
"I love you, pumpkin."
She closed her eyes, "I love you too, dad."
The trio sat for a few moments longer before rising and walking out into the atrium, where there were throngs of people lining up for autographs.
Hermione had never understood the insane frenzy that overcame individuals when it came to autographs. What was so special about a signature?
She shook her head as she watched the people in line, before looking up at her parents and chuckling. They snickered too before making their way through the throes of people.
As Hermione followed them out into the night, she spotted something within her peripheral and, turning her head she furrowed her brows as she saw no one significant within the crowd.
'Strange,' she thought, 'could've sworn I saw something familiar.'
Shrugging it away she dug her hands into her pockets and watched as her father intertwined his hand with her mom's.
Her mind flashed to Ron and, for a brief instant she imagined he and her walking as her parents did, hand-in-hand, with not a care in the world; Comfortable, leisurely, content. Was that not enough to fulfill a relationship?
Perhaps she should give him a chance.
Hermione looked across the street and saw another couple walking together. They were young, glamorous, and obviously spellbound by one another.
The girl was practically glowing from his mere proximity, as she grinned and laughed and blushed. He was entranced by her, staring deeply into her eyes and holding her as close as he possibly could.
They looked as if they could fly, their spirits soaring through the air in a breathless and graceful array of emotions.
Hermione swallowed but couldn't help but stare as they walked past, their eyes focused on nothing but each other.
The wind played at her hair as she watched them, the cold bite of the night caressing her face and arms.
Their relationship appeared passionate, delicate, and blissfully ignorant.
Was that how a relationship was supposed to be?
Averting her gaze back to her parents who were conversing over what they should make for dinner the following night, Hermione smiled.
She and Ron knew absolutely everything there was to know about one another and in that there was security. She knew that she could wholly trust him and never need to fear a change of heart.
She was so lost in thought that she nearly bumped into someone and, looking up she muttered a quick apology before taking a quick inhale of breath.
Looking down at her was the waiter from the restaurant. He recognized her instantly and smiled.
"Pardon me; I wasn't watching where I was going."
Hermione's mouth fell open and she looked behind him to see that her parents had both stopped and turned around.
"Are you alright?" he pressed.
Hermione nodded before finally gathering her senses, "yes, I'm fine. Thank you."
He smirked, "wonderful. I'm Darius Allegretti, by the way."
Hermione managed a small smile as she shook hands with him uncomfortably. "Hermione Granger."
"A pleasure to meet you, Hermione," He replied bowing his head slightly.
Hermione hesitated a moment before slowly walking past him, eager to remove herself from the awkwardness of the situation. "Well, I'd better get going."
He seemed disappointed by her statement before mustering a grin, "Indeed. I hope to see you around."
Hermione only nodded before joining her parents and desperately battling the flush that had crept over her visage.
"He really seems to fancy you, pumpkin." Her father proclaimed with a grin.
"Yes, and he's very fine looking as well," her mother added.
Hermione shook her head, "I already told both of you about Ron, I don't know why you're trying to pair me with some waiter."
Her father laughed, "We're just messing around with you, sweetheart. No need to get all flustered."
Hermione sighed and then turned and snuck a look at the boy who was already disappearing into the crowd. She was certain she would never run into him again.
It was funny the way life worked. It was comprised primarily of choices. Moment to moment; thought by thought. A potential relationship had just been shoved into her face and she had made a choice to shove it right back.
There were several outcomes within the future, webs of possibilities, left to the hands of mortals to weave and create a path for themselves, while also affecting the paths of those connected to them.
Time was certainly a fragile concept. Perhaps the most intricate and delicate factor of life. No one could really control it, despite the use of time turners and the like. There were just too many moving pieces to possibly govern every outcome.
Hermione's eyes drifted to the sky, as was habit. She bit her lip as she found herself observing the beauty the great expanse exhibited.
The sounds of the night were drifting towards her from all directions, and the headlights and traffic lights were flashing before her eyes with great intensity.
Hermione had recognized long ago that she tended to think far too much, often looking deeper than was necessary. However, she could not summon the will to just allow her mind to remain blank.
It exhausted her indescribably and she wondered if it there were possibly other people like her in the world; People who understood her thought process and who could empathize with her frustration.
She sincerely doubted it.
After maneuvering the sidewalks of downtown London, Hermione and her parents finally reached their home and stepped inside.
Hermione realized that all the excitement of the day had left her feeling utterly exhausted and so, after telling her parents that she head immensely enjoyed the evening and wished them both goodnight, she walked into her room and felt the weariness of the day growing in intensity.
However, though her body was tired, her mind was active and awake and so she knew sleep was out of the question for the next couple of hours.
She flicked on her lamp and watched as the room was instantly illuminated by the golden glow. She loved the way lamplight made a room look. She just loved the feeling of warmth and intimacy it somehow inflicted.
Biting her lip she looked over at her stack of books and saw Desiree lying in wait for her indulgence. Though she ached to return to the world of the French heroine, Hermione knew that something more important needed to be done and so, without another thought, she sat at her desk, picked up her quill and began to scribble on the parchment.
Dear Ronald,
She stopped and racked her brain for inspiration on how to begin. After a few moments she decided to just try and let her thoughts pour out uninhibited.
I have had the most interesting week imaginable. You will not believe all that has happened! First off, I ran into Draco Malfoy of all people. It was so strange. He explained to me that the dark lord had banished he and his family to the Muggle world as punishment for displeasing him. I think he's telling the truth but, I cannot be too sure. This was Friday evening. It's actually somewhat hysterical to imagine him in this situation. I figured you and Harry would be able to appreciate this fact.
Saturday night I went out with a girl from work and a few of her friends. We went to some nightclub downtown and it was surprisingly amazing. However, ran into Draco again, he was there with his father for some business meeting of some sort. He looked so lost! It was quite odd to see him so uncomfortable. Refreshing though, I have to say. Later that night, I ran into him a third time on my way home. He walked with me and seemed…content somehow. It was a very peculiar experience.
Enough about him though. I just got back from an evening out with my parents. We went to a restaurant which I have not dined at since my childhood. The memories were indescribable. Afterward, we went to the production of Beauty and the Beast, and it was quite possibly the most beautiful display I've ever experienced. It was truly touching; something that affected every emotion in my being.
She bit her lip and flexed her hand as she thought over whether or not to divulge into her thoughts concerning her recent sentimentality towards the Muggle world.
I miss you and Harry so terribly and I can't tell you how dearly I long to laugh with you and enjoy your company. You two mean more to me than anything. I love you both with all my heart.
Your caring and beloved friend,
Hermione
Sighing, she sat back in her chair and shook her head. It was so difficult for her to open up to Ron anymore. It was so strange. She had always been able to talk to him about anything, but her recent, romantic feelings had brought along complications that were extremely frustrating.
Rolling her eyes she eyed the letter a final time, looking over it for any errors. Satisfied, she wrapped it within an envelope and set it aside.
After resting her hands a bit she took out another piece of parchment and, grasping her quill once more, began to write a similar letter to Harry.
However, within his she included how desperately she was going to miss her home, her parents, Crookshanks, and the life she had grown up within. She explained how much it had been bothering her the past few weeks and how concerned she was for her parents' safety in the upcoming war. Everyone she knew was at risk, and the dark lord's reach was unfathomable. Everyone was a liability and she described how deeply it had been torturing her not to be able to explain anything at all to them.
She finished with a promise that she would go to the burrow and celebrate his 17th birthday with him.
Hermione smiled and felt the tears brimming within her eyes as her memories with her two beloved friends inflicted her mind. They were every bit as dear to her as the recollections of her youth and, this realization dawned a new strength and resolve within her spirit.
She loved both worlds equally, both lives.
She needed to defend them both, no matter the cost. They were her homelands, her heritage, her identity.
And no one was going to take them away from her.
Sealing Harry's letter alongside Ron's she gazed down at them and smiled. She loved them so much. More than they would ever know.
Rising and stretching her arms over head she walked over to her window and looked up at the sky.
She saw a red, blinking light and shook her head. Draco had thought it was magic, showing through from the other world. He obviously missed his home. There was no other explanation for the level of excitement he had exhibited upon spotting it.
She found that for the very first time she could empathize with him on something. They both felt a sense of loss and abandon. Nothing was ever going to be the same, for anyone.
As she once again spotted the great dragon in the sky she thought over the line from Beauty and the Beast:
"Gentle Beauty, put aside your fear.
You are chosen to be princess here.
Let your wishes with your will unite,
Take your Prince from darkness into light..."
"Take my prince," she whispered thoughtfully. "Who is my prince?"