To a Better End

Chapter 33

September 13th 1976

Hermione chanted professionalism over and over in her mind. She would not scowl at him. She would not have an attitude. And she would absolutely ignore her initial thoughts about him being attractive. She had a job, and he was a customer. He just so happened to be a wizard she imprisoned - or would imprison. Fucking time travel.

She feigned a smile at the wizard and said, "How can I help you today?"

Antonin smiled back at her like they were playing a game. He took a step towards her, and Hermione matched it by taking a step back, keeping a safe distance between them.

He chuckled, almost tauntingly. "Jumpy little thing, aren't you? How about your name?"

"Mina."

"Pretty name. Pretty witch," he cooed. His smile was soft, but it shouldn't have been. He was a dark wizard with dark intentions. Right?

Hermione crossed her arms over her chest, "Is there something I can help you with, or do you just come over to pester the employees?"

"Both. Marlie told me that you were getting a new book on wards today."

Without another word, Hermione looked at the table of new tomes they received and pulled the one on wards. She waved it at him and walked over to the counter. Antonin followed her with a confident swagger that only irritated her more. He walked around like he owned the place.

After he purchased the book, he gave her a smile. "See you tomorrow, kotenok ."

"Tomorrow? How often do you come here?"

"Every day," he said with a wink.

*****

September 17th 1976

Sure enough, Antonin returned every day. He would walk around the shelves and book displays, try and fail at conversations with Hermione, and would share an occasional lunch with Marlowe upstairs in her loft. She wasn't sure why Marlowe was so kind to the wizard. He was irritated and disruptive.

Overall, her first week of work proved to be easy, with the exception of having to read about the multitude of killings in the Daily Prophet. Tom was still at large and building his army of pureblood elitists. She would be lying if she said she wasn't scared. She knew that Tom wouldn't be able to track her with the connection between them severed, but it didn't ease her worries.

Tom was a driven wizard.

"Good morning, Mina!" She was greeted as soon as she stepped through the door. Marlowe was oddly cheerful that morning and seemed to be ready to head out of the door.

"Good morning, Mar." Hermione eyed the set of suitcases near the door. "Going on a trip?"

A serene smile spread across her mouth. "Indeed. With no one else working the shop with me, I haven't been on a trip in years."

Hermione gave her a polite smile, feeling happy she was able to offer some reprieve. "Sounds like you're in need of a vacation."

"Yes. Especially with times being how they are." It was strange. Even with the small acknowledgement of dark times, Marlowe's smile didn't change.

Hermione furrowed her brow, looking at the witch's eyes. "How long do you expect you'll be gone?"

"Oh, a while."

And that's when Hermione saw it. The soft smile. The eyes that looked slightly glossy. The signs of the Imperius Curse. Someone was making her go. Before Hermione had a chance to push further, Marlowe levitated her luggage and walked to the door.