Witch Hunt

11

The brush snagged in Ginny's hair and she winced. "Well, what's he like?" She bit out, trying to ignore the fact that her friend was pulling out all her hair. If it was her form of revenge, she was well entitled to it. Even Ginny knew she had been way out of line reading her correspondence behind her back.

Hermione shrugged, brow furrowed in thought as she tried to phrase the words. "He's... Calmer now. He seems at peace." She said slowly. "Not the snappy, sour man who taught us."

The redheaded witch frowned, confused by the tone Hermione had taken on. It sounded almost...wistful. "Good to know he's mellowed out, at last." She said carefully. "Wonder what sort of things he likes?"

Ginny, ever the nosy and curious witch could not help her questions. If her very best friend was going to marry the dungeon bat, she wanted to know everything.

Was he cruel? Was he bitter? Was he angry? Did he smile? Did he have any hobbies? Did he take interest in anything outside the dark arts and potions?

She was dying to know. The glimpse of who he had once been from Harry's re-telling of the man's memories was all too fascinating when compared with the dour, sullen man they had known as children.

Hermione sighed, recalling the interaction. "He used to like the colour green. Because of Harry's mum. Her eyes. Otherwise, I'm not quite sure what he likes."

She thought back to their afternoon spent discussing. They had mostly talked about academics and potions and herbology. It was safe, common ground they were both well-versed in. Would their conversations always be that way? Safe?

She was not so certain.

Ginny looked up at her, expectantly. Hermione had not realised she had stopped brushing out her hair. "When will you see him again?"

Hermione shook her head, coming around the bed to sit next to the other witch. "I have no idea. I asked, but he didn't give me an answer. Soon, I suppose. We have to marry in the next few days and he said he wanted to know me better."

As if on cue, the large, elegant tawny came soaring through the window, perching itself on the dresser with its leg stretched out. Hermione carefully removed the neatly folded letter, absently reaching out to stroke the bird's head as she read. Hesitant, the owl eyed her suspiciously before leaning towards her touch.

'Little witch,

How easily you have managed to capture my attention. Curiously, I find myself thinking of you often. These past few days, I am finding it difficult to concentrate. My mind continuously wanders to the elegant curve of your neck, the constellation of freckles across the bridge of your nose. I wonder what sort of things you would be keen to learn from me, you appeared to be all too eager when I offered to teach you still. Prepare your things, I shall collect you in one hour's time.

You will come to Hogwarts.

We may resume the conversation where we left it last.

Impatiently yours,

S.'

Hermione blushed, the colour painting her cheeks and running down her throat to her chest. Circe's piglets, he was flirting with her. She thought back to the way he had looked at her in the kitchen of the house in Godric's Hollow, how he had permitted himself to touch her face ever so lightly. As her future husband, she figured he should be allowed to touch her however he pleased, though she had never expected to like it. Some part of her longed for the delicate brush of his fingers along her jaw. She blushed harder, realising her friend was staring at her.

"Well?" Asked Ginny, wickedness gleaming in her eyes. Yes, Hermione had revealed all too much in her reaction.

Sending the bird back out the window, she turned to pull her clothes from the drawers. She opened up her beaded bag, ensuring the extensible charm was still fully functional, and began to fill it with her things. "Apparently, I am leaving in an hour."

Ginny raised a questioning brow. "Where are you going?" She asked, desperately curious as to what he had written to make her friend react the way she had. "Where is he taking you?"

"I'm going home," Hermione replied, a small smile dancing on her lips. "I'm going to Hogwarts."