To a Better End

Chapter 36

October 22nd 1976

After agreeing to go on a proper date, Hermione realised that she was oddly excited. This might be the opportunity she needed to get someone inside his circle to turn against him. Anything was possible. What was even more odd was that she was nervous, particularly nervous about what would happen if Malfoy found out.

Their relationship was rocky at best, and the last thing she needed was for Malfoy to find out about another dark wizard showing interest in her. Malfoy has had his fair share of pretty witches looking his way, but he's been nothing but offputting with them as soon as a greeting escapes their mouths.

When she asked about it, he was curt and uncomfortable. "They're not what I'm looking for," was all he would say.

Hermione had seen Antonin in the shop every day that week. He insisted on helping her, even when the tasks were low and there weren't many customers, he still found something to do. His main task was cleaning and packing away his aunt's belongings. All of her trinkets and clothes had been boxed up and relocated. But all the furniture was left behind. Anontin was pushing for Hermione to stay in the loft above the shop, insisting that his wards were going to keep her safe. He wasn't a fan of her apparating away at the end of Hogsmeade.

What Antonin didn't know was that Hermione had even more extensive wards on her cottage, but he couldn't know that. He couldn't know any of the truths about her life and her knowledge. Whatever relationship Mina Black develops isn't real.

In the middle of manually sweeping the floor, Antonin pulled her from her thoughts. He was standing at the front counter, wiping down the surfaces.

"I would like to pick you up for our date tonight."

Hermione stopped sweeping and placed a hand on her hip. "Our date isn't for another hour, Tony."

"Yes," he said, smiling brightly. "But I would still like to knock on a door and pick you up."

Hermione sighed. "I'll go up to the loft, and you can knock on that door."

"Perfect," he said, enthusiastically. "You can go up there now, and I'll close up the shop."

"Now?"

"Yes." He walked over to her and grabbed the broom from her hands. "I have plans, kotenok ."

She supposed she could humour him. She wiped the dust off from her shirt and pants and headed upstairs to the loft. It was much cleaner and less cluttered than the first time she was there. Most of the personality that Marlowe left behind was gone, but her books still remained. Antonin noticed that Hermione made a habit of grabbing a book during her lunch break, and left them here for her leisure. It was the small, thoughtful gestures that told her he wasn't all bad.

Hermione looked at her clothes and decided that she would absolutely change out of her jeans and mock neck tee. She had packed another outfit just in case she wanted the option. After quickly stripping her clothes off, she went through her bag and pulled out a corduroy skirt that landed just above her knees and a brown button-up blouse with bell sleeves. She finished off the look with black tights and brown boots.

A moment in the mirror told her that her hair was in a dire state. After a few hair charms and some pins, Hermione was able to tame her curls and pin back the sides of her hair. With time to spare, she grabbed a book and sat on the couch, waiting for the knock on her door. With each minute that passed by, she tried to ignore the growing butterflies in her stomach.

"It's just a date under a different personality," she whispered to herself. She was nervous. She didn't want to let herself have a good time. She didn't think she was ready for this. Hermione Granger was not ready for dating. But Mina Black... She didn't want to add any suspicion by not going out. This was purely to cover herself.