Chapter 11

Hermione was sitting in a comfortable chair in a Muggle coffee shop near Hyde Park the Saturday morning following the trial and consequent exoneration of Sirius Black.

She was sipping a caramel macchiato, while waiting for Percy Weasley to arrive. Taking advantage of the anonymity of the Muggle world, she had taken off her glamour-tied necklace and dressed comfortably in black leggings, dark brown suede ankle boots and an oversized royal blue jumper, hoping it would bring out her eyes.

She was unsure why she made that decision, she barely knew Percy, although she always felt a kindred spirit there and a reassuring presence during loud Weasley events.

"Good morning Hermione, thank you for agreeing to meet me." Percy said, announcing his presence.

He had ordered a small flat white and sat down in front of her.

"Hello Percy, it's nice to see you and thank you for wanting to meet. Especially here, it's much easier to blend in." Hermione replied with a smile. Percy smiled back and Hermione thought his smile made his dark blue eyes sparkle.

"I've always kept myself informed of the happenings in the Muggle world, it felt important, ignoring the rest of the world never made sense to me."

Conversation flowed easily between them from there out, mostly about the Muggle world and its recent events in Britain and abroad. Hermione was delighted to be able to talk with someone about Muggle politics, culture and life in general, she had found the Muggle knowledge in the wizarding world lacking to an extreme. She understood most of them would likely never venture there themselves but she still felt it was good to know what was happening next door, and ignorance never leads to anything positive or productive.

She was surprised by Percy's insights and observations, but also by his ease in a world without magic.

"My father had always talked about muggles like they were barely intelligent and it didn't make sense to me, so I read about it as much as I could while at Hogwarts and picked up books in Diagon Alley when I could. Everything I read pretty much contradicted everything he was saying, which made me start questioning basically everything.

I never felt comfortable around Professor Dumbledore, always felt there was something dark lurking behind his eyes and persona, so I started researching him, and the war and Voldemort. Most of the accounts were either vague or contradictory, by the end of Hogwarts I was very confused and felt quite alone...

Thankfully, when I started at the Ministry I had access to the archives, so I continued my research and it left me feeling angry mostly and quite resigned. I still wasn't sure what to make of what happened during the war, but I could make guesses so I also started reading Muggle books on strategy and war, such as The Art of War and it helped a bit.

Meeting Amos Diggory though was the turning point, I went on to meet other allies from there and kept myself informed on your father eventual return, we met quickly once he was back and now I can't wait to get started on much needed reforms. The ministry is quite corrupt and Professor Dumbledore must be stopped but it won't simply stop once he's been dealt with, long-term changes are needed. I'm very happy to be working on those."

Hermione jumped at this and they talked at length about the reforms and plans her father had started.

"You know, I'm quite happy your father happens to be Tom. I always thought you were brilliant, extremely smart but also creative." Percy said with a smile.

"Thank you, I've always wanted to get to know you more and was distressed the few days I spent at the Burrow earlier this summer... It was chaotic, and quite sad at the same time." Hermione replied while watching Percy, his smile was truly captivating her. He kept his hair quite short, especially on the sides, so his eyes really stood out. Hermione also noticed how manly he looked now, he was about 15 years old when she met him the first time but now at 19 years old his jaw was chiseled, he had broad shoulders and today wearing straight jeans and a desk grey jumper, Hermione could see the muscles underneath.

Percy was very pleased to see Hermione checking him out, he wasn't in a hurry to make it into something more but he was reassured the attraction was mutual. He thought she had been growing into a beautiful young woman but the subtle changes of the glamour made her quite striking.

They continued talking for a while, enjoying a light brunch at the same time. However, eventually they had to go.

"Can I owl you during the year? I'm not sure I'll see you before September and then probably not before Christmas. I'd like to continue our conversations." Percy asked quite bluntly.

"I'd love that, yes." Hermione replied with a smile.