An Outdated Map

Monday

A/N: This is dedicated to @chaosmieu and @axelwolf8109. Together we all agree that we were robbed of this beautiful couple. FREMIONE SHOULD HAVE BEEN CANON!

Playlist: Different Names for the Same Things - Death Cab for Cutie

Disclaimer: JKR owns Harry Potter, I'm just here putting my spin on things

"Alone on a train aimlessly wander
Outdated map crumpled in my pocket
But I didn't care where I was going"
Different Names for the Same Thing – Death Cab for Cutie

She paused at the front door of the shop. Her hand hovered above the handle. The sun was setting behind her, indicating that closing time was near. She peered in through the window, a phantom smile growing on her lips. It was as lively as ever. However, the scene caused her heart to hurt. Reminding her that she'd abandoned everyone; ran away. She was still nervous about coming back. She wasn't sure if they'd be happy about her abrupt reappearance. Not after disappearing for almost a year. No one knew she was back, nor where she went. She cut off contact with everyone. She doubted they'd be happy to see her. She'd deserted everyone in one of the hardest times of their lives. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, trying to quell any negative thoughts. She swallowed and pushed down on the handle, shoving the door open.

Raucous chatter filled her senses and she let out a startled laugh. It was fantastic to see the shop doing so well. She slipped passed the threshold, finding a calm corner to inhabit while taking in the entire scene before her. A genuine grin formed on her mouth as she looked up overhead. There was confetti floating leisurely in the chaos, while a swarm of paper planes flew through the air, dive-bombing those they were intended for. There were dozens of new products lining their shelves but feeling nostalgic she kept her eye on the original inventory. Keeping to the sidelines, she shuffled through the crowd, keeping her head down for fear of being recognized. She found her way over to the first official invention the twins came up with. She reached out and knicked a Skiving Snackbox off the shelf, turning it over to read the contents. She ran her index finger along with the descriptions written out. Fainting fancies had always been her favourite. They always had the perfect dramatic flair when attempting to ditch classes. She was loathed to admit it back then, but they really were clever when it came to magic.

"Ah, I see you've picked up one of our oldest and most popular gags." A familiar voice boomed from over her shoulder, "I hear Nosebleed Nougats are all the rage these days."

She started at the voice, unprepared for the sudden reunion. She froze for a few seconds, unsure of how to approach him but hearing the genuine joy in his voice negated her worries. A quiet chuckle fell out of her, settling into the air between them. She pointed to the fancies and turned around. George's eyes popped open wide as he recognized her.

She gave him a weak smile, her eyes shining with unshed tears, "I've always had a soft spot for these ones if I were, to be honest."

He nodded, "Well you always were one to cause a scene."

His sarcasm was well-received, causing both of them to break into comfortable laughter. Both remembering their antics from our school days, and her vehemence against all of it. Once the shock and laughter wore off, they stood in sombre silence. In a nervous gesture, George tucked his hair behind his only ear before opening his arms to her. She shuffled forward, wrapping her arms around his middle.

"Hermione." He murmured, squeezing her tight into him.

She squeezed back, clutching the snack box tighter in her hands, "George."

They stayed in their embrace for a few long moments until they heard someone calling his name. They broke apart and he ruffled the top of her head in a brotherly gesture. They turned to see Lee Jordan waving him over.