therapy girl

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When Allie walked into therapy a few days later, she was surprised to see a girl — not Fleur — with Bill.

She sat a few seats over, so as not to intrude, but Bill saw her. "Allie! Come here, I have someone I want you to meet."

Allie stood back up, and sat in her usual seat.

The girl had bushy brown hair and eyes, and had a book in her hand. "Hi, Hermione Granger. You are Allie?"

"Yeah, Allie Holland."

Bill cleared his throat. "I told Hermione about you, and she wanted to meet you. I tried calling you last night to ask, but you didn't answer."

Allie nodded guiltily. "My friend — Kaitlyn — made me leave the house. It's nice to meet you Hermione."

Hermione smiled at her. "What book have you got? I'm reading The Artist's Widow by Shena Mackay."

Allie showed her the cover. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I've read that," she pointed to Hermione's book. "It's absolutely riveting."

Hermione suddenly hugged her, accidentally hitting the bruise on Allie's arm. "Ouch," she yelped.

"Sorry! Harry says I give bear hugs too much."

"Harry? Is he another of Bill's brothers?"

"Kind of." Bill shrugged. "He and Hermione have crawled their way into the Weasley family."

Hermione smiled. "True. My parents are Muggles but—"

"Muggles? What's that?" Allie interrupted.

"You haven't told her?" Hermione asked shrilly.

Bill shook his head. "Er, Allie, there's something I should probably tell you..."

Bill was trying to wait until after she'd met his family so he'd know if he should tell her he was a wizard, but he'd have to tell her now. The receptionist— bless her soul — called Allie's name.

"Allie Holland!"

Once Allie had left, Hermione turned to Bill. "You could have told me she didn't know! When are you telling her?"

"I was planning on it after she'd met the family. You know, so I'd know if it was safe to. If she got scared off I wouldn't have to worry."

Hermione nodded. "Well, good luck with your appointment Bill. Maybe you can convince Harry and Ron to come."

"If you can't nobody can. Do you know how stubborn they are?"

"Of course I do." Hermione said, leaving.