Time Spent In Eternal Endings

Familiar People and Coffee Shops

Hermione woke early because all she could think of was her date later that day. Her stomach felt like it was tied in a knot so she decided to go and grab some tea from a small shop in town before school.

She always loved walking around the town when she had the time. It was small and crowded at times, but it was comfortable and scenic. The greetings that came from people as she passed by made her day and brought a smile to her face. She walked through the shop door and she expected to hear the ring of a bell as she opened the door, but nothing sounded.

"Mornin' Hermione!" The shop owner greeted her from behind the small black counter.

The smell of honey and lemon wafted through the air. The smell was thick due to the small size of the shop, but it was moderated by the people opening the door and letting fresh air in.

"Morning Randy!" Hermione greeted him enthusiastically.

Randy had been at the shop for as long as she could remember. When she was younger she'd always go to his shop to read when the library would get too crowded. He'd give her free tea even though she insisted he shouldn't every time, but he claimed that "it would be thrown out at the end of the day anyways."

"The usual?"

"And a black coffee as well please."

"You got it." He tapped the counter twice and turned swiftly to the back to prepare her drinks.

She wanted to grab Pansy some coffee since it was Friday and she probably needed it to get through the end of the week. Also, Draco hadn't been at school so he wouldn't be getting Pansy her coffee anytime soon.

"Your usual and a coffee." He joyfully set the cups down on the counter.

She started to pull her money out, but he waved his hands down, signaling her to put it away. "No, no. This is on the house."

"Randy. It can't always be on the house or else there won't be a house and I cannot go without this place." She tilted her head. She couldn't just walk out without paying. Her conscience would be too heavy with every sip she took.

"It's okay to let people do things for you sometimes, Hermione. Really, I insist."

Her lips formed a line, but she turned them into a thankful smile. She was still going to pay. She grabbed her drinks and slipped a galleon in the tip jar. She quickly turned to walk out before Randy fished the money back out.

"Hermione!" He said with a convicting tone as he leaned over the counter.

"It's okay to let people do things for you sometimes, Randy. I insist!" She yelled playfully with her back turned as she walked out. She knew she had one-uped him and he didn't respond when she made her way out of the door and away from the lemon and honey-doused air.

╔══════ ≪❈≫ ══════╗

Hermione apparated back to the school and started making her way towards the Slytherin dorms to find Pansy.

"What's the rush for?" Draco strode to her side and grabbed the coffee from her hands. Their fingers brushed slightly against each other's and her arms formed small bumps. He looked like he'd recovered. His face wasn't pale and his eye bags were a little less apparent. At least she knew he was getting some sleep. Her chest eased at the improved sight of him. She swallowed trying to force the feeling away.

He lifted the lid and peered inside at the contents, then took a sip.

"Hey! That's for Pansy!"