Edited 10/2/2023 Minor Grammar/Spelling

2/6 for today!

Thursday, August 27, 1998

Thursday's breakfast was much the same as the day before. The tension was palpable at the table. Theo had his hand on Hermione's knee, and she could feel both Draco and Theo pushing comforting energy into her.

Finally, when they had all finished eating, the Grangers stood. They offered stuff goodbyes and Han, their house elf, grasped their hands and brought them to Headquarters.

"Gods that was awkward," Ginny groaned. "I see what you mean, Mi."

Hermione let out an uncomfortable giggle and then turned to Ginny. "I need to get my mind off of this. Are you ready for school? We should go to Diagon today to get the last of your supplies."

"I do need to get a few more things," Ginny said with a small smile.

"Will you be coming with us, Tesoro?" Hermione asked Theo.

He grinned at her, "Do you want me to come with you?"

"I don't," Ginny said, sticking out her tongue. "I'd like a girls day with my sister, so we can prepare for another painful Malfoy-Granger-Nott Family Dinner."

"Noted, but please take Lulu and Kevin along to keep watch. We're still in a war and I'm still worried about you all."

"Okay, worrywart," Ginny teased and then pulled Hermione up so they could get ready for their day in Diagon.

The girls arrived in Diagon Alley arm in arm. Lulu and Kevin invisibly walking behind them. They first made their way to Flourish and Blotts, because Ginny had to pick up her books. Hermione got caught in the "New and Noteworthy" section, pursuing their new acquisitions.

"Myuh," Ginny whined, "we're undercover, we need to move onto our next task. Come on!" Hermione begrudgingly left the books behind, making a note to send in an Owl Order for the ones she wanted.

The next stop was the Magical Menagerie. Ginny was finalising Io's packing and wanted to make sure she had everything she needed for her cat. Hermione found a few new toys for the other three as well as some new treats she wanted to try. They spent a while looking at the different animals, paying special attention to the Owls. Hermione noticed a small bond forming between Ginny and a Red Owl. She smirked to herself, knowing that Ginny would be receiving an extra special, belated birthday gift.

The next stop was Quality Quidditch Supplies, by far Hermione's least favourite shop on the Alley. "In Castelobruxo," she said to Ginny conversationally as they entered, "Futbol is a much more popular sport."

"Really?" Ginny asked. "I'd love to see a proper match with those enchanted balls."

"I'd say it's much more exciting and much less dangerous than Qudditch," Hermione said, wrinkling her nose.

Ginny rolled her eyes goodnaturedly, and greeted the shopkeeper warmly. The shopkeeper ushered her into a side room to show off his latest broom. Hermione knew that she'd lost Ginny for a while and wandered around the store, she found a João Coelho jersey, Castelobruxo's most famous Quidditch related graduate, and added it to her cart along with some broom wax that Theo had requested.

When she'd looked around as much as she could bear, she sat on a bench leaned against the wall, closing her eyes for a few moments. Scorpius was extremely active today, he wouldn't stop kicking and rolling around. Hermione rubbed her sides and groaned tiredly.

She must have drifted off, because the next thing she knew, Ginny was shaking her awake gently. "Morning, sleepyhead," she chuckled. "I added your jersey and broom wax to my purchase, it's all coming from the same vault anyway. Are you ready for lunch?"

"I'm starved," Hermione groaned as Ginny helped her stand. The two of them (plus their invisible companions) made their way to an elegant café on Horizont Alley.

"What are you going to get?" Asked Ginny after they'd perused the menu for a few minutes.

"The burger sounds divine," Hermione said practically drooling on the paper menu.

Ginny chuckled, "Red meat or cheese? What are we craving this week?"

"The pickles!" Hermione said, exasperated.

When they'd placed their orders Hermione began questioning Ginny about her love life.

"Well," Ginny said, sheepishly, "I'm going into this year a free woman. I talked to Pansy, I don't want to be focused on a relationship. I'm Quidditch Captain and I think I have a real shot at going professional."

"That makes sense," Hermione said, "especially after your last relationship, it sounds like it's time to focus on you."

Ginny giggled, "Plus there are rumours about visiting students from other European schools this year, so I wouldn't want to limit myself," she added with a wink.

Hermione chuckled. After a few minutes of comfortable silence, she looked up at her dearest friend, "I'm going to miss you," she said quietly, "promise you'll write?"

"Of course!" Ginny said, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "I'll send letters along as soon as I have news or drama!"

The rest of the meal sped by and before Hermione knew it they were making their way to Madam Malkins.

When they entered and Ginny stood on the platform, the older woman tutted. "These don't look like the robes I've always worn," Ginny said, rubbing the fabric between her fingers.

"Of course not!" Madam Malkin scoffed, "You're the Heir to two noble houses, there will be absolutely no hand-me-downs or low quality fabric. Your brother sent along his specifications."

Hermione's saw tears pricking the corners of Ginny's eyes. While the Grangers had always gone for the mid-range uniforms, the Weasleys had only had the ability to purchase the cast offs and returned items from other patrons. Theo and Draco on the other hand had always had uniforms of the highest quality that were fitted specifically to their bodies.

The woman pretended not to see Ginny's emotional response and continued the final fitting of the uniform. "Your brother also commissioned new uniforms for the Gryffindor team," the woman said, smiling wolfishly. "Once your team is chosen I'll send my apprentice down to get measurements. In the meantime, let's fit you for the newest version of the uniform."

"H-He what?" Ginny asked, jaw dropping.

"Happy belated birthday," Hermione said with a grin. "I know your Ball wasn't exactly what you wanted so we wanted to make it up to you."

Ginny launched herself at Hermione, who squealed when she was poked by the pins holding Ginny's jumper in place. "Thank you so much!" she grinned and spun facing the seamstress. "Let's see this new kit."

Ginny disappeared behind the curtain and came back wearing a very tasteful version of the robes. The red was slightly less brassy than the original and the gold was much more metallic. The fit was much closer to spandex than anything else Hermione had seen in the Wizarding world and it really hugged Ginny's curves well.

"This is amazing," Ginny said, awestruck at the creation. She ran her hands up her sides and grinned at herself. "This is going to go so well with my new broom!"

"And of course new practice uniforms as well," the woman said after pinning a few seams. "Come along, off your pop, two for each player."

Ginny squealed and ran to the changing room to try on the new practice uniforms. She came out in a fully spandex looking dark red, almost black uniform. It had zip off sleeves and pant legs, although the zippers were better concealed than the Muggle equivalent. Overtop was a loose vest-like robe that featured her last name, Prewett-Nott, and number.

Hermione let out another chuckle when Ginny spun around like she was in dress robes. "So you like them?" she asked.

"Like them?" Ginny shrieked, "I love them!"

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think or if you have any thoughts about what might happen next!