Prodigal Witch

Potters!

Hermione blew into Spinner's End like a whirlwind. She didn't see Severus, so assumed he was still out researching. She shucked off her skirt and shirt then washed up. A cleansing charm would have been faster, but Hermione didn't trust her magic for even small, simple spells. It was times like this that Hermione was glad she'd cut her hair very short. She ran her fingers through it and went to pick out an outfit. She chose a lightweight pink tunic with a silvery beaded collar that extended onto the shoulders of the shirt. Hermione got it in Turkey. She pulled on grey Capri pants and beaded ballet flats.

Checking the clock above the mantle, Hermione noted she was fifteen minutes late. As she threw the Floo powder in and called out her destination, Hermione decided it was worth being late in order to kiss Adrian.

Hermione stumbled out into the Grimmauld Place kitchen, drawing the attention of the two residents. Harry was standing over an open oven, mitts covering his hands, and Pansy was leaning against the counter top. They all stared at each other for a moment. Hermione noted differences in both Grimmauld Place and in Pansy. Oddly, they were the same differences. Both seemed softer, homier, and less bleak. The house accomplished this with a good cleaning, new paint, and redecoration. Pansy's hair was longer and the cut was less severe than when they were in school. Her expression was not sour and she'd gained some weight, so she no longer looked painfully thin.

"Sorry I'm late," Hermione finally said, breaking the silence.

"Wow, you really do look different," Pansy observed. "When Harry told me about seeing you last night, I called him an utter arse for failing to recognize the best friend he's ever had. I guess I'll have to apologize for that comment at some point now. If I didn't know who you were, it would've taken me ages to place you."

"I'll say...thanks, I guess," Hermione replied. "You seem to have changed too."

"Of course," Pansy laughed. "How sad would it be if we were exactly the same as we were back in school?"

Hermione laughed along with her and Harry seemed to take that as a sign to resume whatever he had been doing with the oven. Something smelled good.

They all sat down and focused on dinner. Harry had cooked a chicken pie, which he served with fresh bread and a green salad. Pansy reported that Harry deserved all the credit, that she was pants at cooking. She had grown up with House-elves that did all the work, while Harry grew up being treated much like a House-elf. He was trying to teach his new wife a few simple recipes. So far, all she'd mastered was tea, scrambled eggs, and toast. Hermione felt that was a very good start. At least Pansy would be able to have breakfast.

Harry opened a bottle of wine and poured them all a healthy amount.

"I'd like to propose a toast," Harry smiled. "To long lost friends – may they not be lost long. I am glad you are back, 'Mione."

Hermione smiled and agreed.

"So tell us what you have been doing for the past four years," Pansy instructed.

"It's a bit boring to tell the truth."

"Indulge us," Pansy said dryly. Hermione chuckled at the other witch's sarcastic tone. Maybe she would like Pansy just fine.

"Well, as you know, I did well in my final year at Hogwarts." Harry snorted at her understatement, but Hermione went on. "I was offered several apprenticeships in various fields with some prestigious Masters. I thought about accepting one, but Ron had been so difficult about me returning to Hogwarts that I knew he wouldn't react well to me taking several more years to become a Master. Of course, once our relationship was over, I didn't have to consider him and his feelings any longer."