The Fire Within

CHAPTER TEN

Page count: 5

Hermione had taken Teddy home and left him at the park, explaining that the magical barriers around Andromeda's home wouldn't allow him anywhere near it and she'd only been gone ten minutes when she returned.

They'd headed back towards The Leaky Cauldron and stepped into the floo, he'd been expecting for them to return to her office, so when he stepped out of the fireplace and into her apartment, he'd been a little surprised.

Hermione seeing the expression on his face laughed at him and headed over to the kitchen, scouring the cupboards to see what she could make for dinner.

"It's my job to ensure your health and safety, Deputy," she spoke as he sat on one of the stools at the kitchen island. "And that doesn't just mean your physical health, but your mental health also. I understand how much Prodigium can be damaging to your mind, you've been working exceptionally hard to help me with this case for the last week so it's about time you took a break away from it, hence the reason we've not returned to my office. Tomorrow we'll both have fresh eyes and a clear mind."

She turned around to face him, leaning back against the counter top.

"So, Deputy, we've had several traditional British foods over the last week. So, why don't we have something you'd eat at home?"

He raised an eyebrow but stood from the stool and made his way over to the cupboards, gently guiding Hermione out of the way.

"What are you doing?" She asked him confused.

He shrugged. "You want something I'd eat, I'm going to see what I have to work with and make dinner."

"You cook?" She asked, sounding curious.

"Not really, I can make a few things but I mostly live on take-out or microwave meals," he answered.

Her eyes travelled his face slowly before she nodded and then moved over to the stools, taking a seat and allowing him space. She watched in amusement as he pottered about the kitchen in search for the pots and pans, the cooking utensils and the plates, but he found them after a short while. He'd occasionally ask her questions and she'd answer, but they were mostly silent.

Not long later a plate was placed in front of her and an amused smile pulled at her mouth.

"Macaroni and cheese?" She questioned.

"It's my favourite," he shrugged. "And it's not just macaroni and cheese, it's macaroni and cheese with bacon, one of the best combinations in existence."

She laughed at him but ate her meal, which she did admit to him was really good and he gave her a knowing and proud grin in return. When the dishes had been washed, Hermione sat herself down on the arm chair and Parrish on the couch and they watched each other silently.

"You know, I never did get chance to ask that question," he said

"I suppose you didn't, but before you do, I wish to ask you something first," she responded.

"Alright," he said slowly.

"Can I speak to the hellhound?"

"I'm sorry?" He said in surprise. He'd expected her to ask something that may have been personal or embarrassing, but he'd never expected that to come from her lips.

"Can I speak to the hellhound?" She repeated.

He frowned slightly. "Why?"

"If I'm to help you then I need to have a little chat with him, he'll be able to give me answers to questions I have that you can't."