Chapter 9
Taking a Page
"I'm not trying to be rude Hermione but Why?" George asked in a depleted voice looking at her with sorrow. "Why? Why What George?" Hermione was confused more because she never thought one of the twins would look at her with the pitying look she at seen all too often as of late. "Why are you giving us notes from a year ago? Property portfolio's when you haven't really spoken to any of us in six months. I'm not ungrateful, I am just confused." As he finished his sentiment Fred wacked him round the back of the head despite being intrigued why Hermione had finally reached out.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to overstep and I just wanted to help. In all honesty I thought about mailing you these things but I am trying to get things right and at the moment that means putting myself back out there. I thought the best place to start would be somewhere that joy and laughter is the surrounding focus." George began to feel even worse than before although he knew Hermione was struggling he did not quiet realise the depth to her segregation from society. "uh hmm, boys I believe that our notes are rather in-depth and may take you some time to go through, Ms Granger has had somewhat of a trying day and I believe she has an appointment to meet. Maybe it would be best for us to depart." Severus stated giving both twins a questioning look.
"Severus is right, I have an appointment to meet. I will be seeing you." Hermione was deflated and was glad that the professor was giving her a quick exit. She grabbed her satchel and gently placed the portraits into the bag before swinging it over her shoulder and hiding herself under her cloak. Just as she reach the door she felt the tell-tale signs of Fred behind her, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and whispered in her ear "It was really lovely to see you 'mione, you are always welcome. George is just surprised is all." He gave her shoulder one more Gentle squeeze and she disappeared through the crowds.
Once at the Apparition point she realised she had been holding her breath and she was very close to passing out from lack of air. She calmed herself and realised she probably wouldn't get home safely right not in her current state. She was spent the meeting with mystery Black, then the time spent with the Goblins had really done a number on her. She was beginning to feel trapped without the strength to apparate and having no one with her. She didn't want to go back to the twins as she far outstayed her welcome in her eyes. The world was turning black and everything was caving in, the words stuck in her throat.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
She could smell peppermint and lemon, She felt so warm and safe. The voices sounded calm but it was hard to tell who's voices they were. "She is okay mum, you need to calm down." One of the voices spoke gently "You can't help her unless you calm down." She was beginning to realise it was the twins or at least it was one of them. "I didn't realise it had got this bad. She looks so tiny mum, I didn't realise because she is always wearing baggy clothes." She saw Molly pat his shoulder. "I shouldn't have left her alone, I knew something like this would happen sooner or later." She began to busy herself around the kitchen.
"Missy Muddyborn awake?" A gentle question called to Hermione as she realised Kreacher was sat next to her on the floor. Hermione began to sputter whilst trying to clear her throat before talking. "Slowly, MudMuggle miss." Kreacher gentle held some tea to her lips. "I'm okay Kreacher." Hermione finally got her words out and the other people in the room began to take notice. "Hermione?" It was the gentle voice of Molly. Surprising she wasn't rushed into a bone crushing hug but Molly gently guided some hairs out of her face. "You're lucky that the professors realised something was wrong and managed to get Kreacher to you. Now lets get something proper in you and we will figure out what to do next." Hermione wasn't given a chance to talk but at this point she hadn't much to say at all. "Hey love." It was Fred. Hermione could only just lift her gaze to meet his half-heartedly. "Hey."
"You have one defensive little elf there." Hermione slightly smiled but her weariness was clear. "How did we get here?" Fred whispered as he plopped himself on the armchair facing the sofa she was laying on. "I wish things could be different." Hermione hummed as tears streamed down her face. "That's the problem love, we can't change the past only move forward. Hold onto what we are so lucky to still have and trust we can make a better go of it this time." His voice sounded pained and Hermione looked at him truly looked at him, he wasn't the Fred he used to be but he still had the light that mesmerised her even if it seemed it was dimmed down it was still there. "You know we all need you right?" It sounded like a secret but Hermione realised he was asking her if she understood. "You, not your brain, your magic just you. Your brain is amazing and your magic is awe inspiring but they don't make you." He smiled gently before getting up and checking on Molly in the kitchen.
"Fire haired demon makes Missy food." Kreacher hummed at Hermione nodding towards the kitchen. Hermione smiled at the house elf and patted his head. "I think its time to take a page out of everyone else's book a figure out what I am doing with myself." Hermione spoke allowed to no one in particular. "But first you need to eat." Molly waved her hand towards the table were a small bowl and fresh bread roll sat. Hermione eased herself up and towards the table, it was only now that she realised her satchel was not around her and she began to panic searching around the room for just a spec of it. "Ms Granger we are quiet alright." Albus called from his small portrait on the kitchen table. She breathed a sigh on relief before realising someone had to go through her bag to take out the portraits. "Kreacher." Severus sneered as he could see her mind ticking away. You keyed him to every ward you have it seems.
Hermione gently rested herself on the chair and stared at the broth in front of her not sure if she was truly up to stomaching it. Her whole body felt in pain still. "Molly, I'm not sure I could manage this." She whispered out scared she would offend the portly woman. "Just give it a try love. I won't be upset if you can't manage it." Hermione slowly lifted a small spoon to her mouth and it smelt divine, she began inhaling each spoonful and almost finished the bowl before she realise. "You should slow down, you don't want to over do it and make yourself sick 'mione." Fred chimed in with a smile as he watched her eat with Molly at his side. "I didn't realise I was this hungry." Hermione mummering between spoonful. "Well it's not a surprise given that all you had for lunch was tea and biscuits with the Goblins." Molly commented.
Once Hermione finished the bowl and attempted a bite of the roll she began to ready herself to leave. "I'm sorry. Sorry for earlier and for this." It was clear she wasn't sure how to explain herself but Fred realised she was talking to him. "There is no apologises need, I quiet fancy myself a knight in shining armour you know. Next time I could always transfigure Kreacher into a noble stead." He chuckled but it didn't seem to help Hermione's self-wallowing and deprecation. "Professor do you think the department of mystery would have an issue with me popping over now?" Hermione spoke to the portraits "I feel that a new wand has gone past the point of a good idea and is a need now." Severus disappeared for a short period and reappeared quickly, "whenever you are ready they will be expecting you."