Prodigal Witch

Weasleys! And magical ritual begins!

Hermione closed her eyes and tilted her chin to face the bright midday sunshine. It was shining down warmly in the open space of the Hogsmeade Apparition point.

"Thank you for the escort, Severus," Hermione said, smiling at the dark wizard.

Marcus had laughed when they stood side by side to Apparate to Hogsmeade. Severus was dressed in his usual black robes and frock coat. Hermione, however, was wearing a bright yellow sundress with bamboo heels and a denim jacket. He hadn't blamed Marcus for laughing; she and Severus did look like night and day.

For his part, Severus hadn't batted an eye when Marcus accompanied Hermione downstairs that morning. He simply Accioed a third cup for tea and asked how they'd slept. Hermione had slept long and well. Good sleep was elusive since she'd started feeling off. She felt sleep deprived and tired for a month with a few exceptions, even when she'd had plenty of rest. In the past week, Hermione had slept really well two nights and reasonably well another night. It felt good to start the day well rested, especially considering what was in store for her.

Hermione had a light tea, but saved her appetite for lunch with the Weasleys since it was near that time. Marcus helped her repack her trunk, which didn't take long, and then volunteered to take her things over to Theo's house. He'd promised to get to Hogwarts in plenty of time for the ritual.

Severus took Hermione to Hogsmeade at noon since she still didn't dare Apparate. They walked in companionable silence through the busy streets. People moved out of the way for them and stared. Her statement to the press earlier that week was just the first of many articles about her and about Sorcery in general. Hermione hadn't really been out in public, so she hadn't had to find out how people were going to treat her. She decided to ignore the gawking, while Severus scowled at the general populace.

They parted at Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes, Severus openly sneering at the brightly colored joke shop.

"I'll see you at the ritual site in a few hours," Severus said. Hermione gave him a kiss on the cheek and went into the shop.

Hermione watched the hustle and bustle of the joke shop. Students from Hogsmeade rushed around mischievously, laughing and whispering to each other. She was watching a pair of boys argue about which kind of Whiz-Bangs to buy to celebrate the end of the school year, when she was practically tackled from the side. Hermione shrieked as George Weasley lifted her up and twirled around.

"It's about time, 'Mione!"

"Hello, George," Hermione managed to say. He really was squeezing her tightly. "Can't breathe, George."

"My enthusiasm is your cross to bear, 'Mione," George retorted, though he did loosen his grip slightly. "If you'd come to visit me sooner, I wouldn't be so excited that I try to crush you."

"I've missed you too," Hermione chuckled, looking at the grinning redhead. He looked so much better, happier than when she'd seen him last. "You can put me down anytime now, you know."

"And risk you pulling a runner? I don't think so," George said, laughing. "I'm not letting you go."

George adjusted his grip so he was carrying Hermione bridal style toward the back of the store. Hermione groaned and closed her eyes. The customers were definitely watching George's display. A door in the back opened to a stairwell and George carried her up.

"I keep a small flat above the shop," George explained. "Lee and I go between this one and the one in Diagon Alley. Mum wanted to cook lunch and I thought it'd be more private here. You certainly do know how to attract attention these days."