I set my bags down on the table while I wait for my tea. As I sit, I hear a familiar giggle. I recognise Lavender's laugh from all our years in the same dorm. I smile slightly as I hear it. She hasn't laughed much since the battle, none of us have. I turn to see who has finally gotten her to laugh. She has leaned forward and is kissing her companion. When she leans back, I gasp at the shock of red hair on her companion.
“Hermione.” He says surprised.
“You're a right git, Ronald.” I say, grabbing my bags and running out the door.
My vision blurs as I run down the street. I turn down the street to go back to the Leaky Cauldron. As I run, I slam into someone. I fall onto my arse, but I don't bother getting up. Instead, I pull my knees up to my chest. The Death Eaters could come and kill me right now, and I wouldn't even fight back.
“Hush, darling.” I hear a male voice say in a soothing tone. “It will be alright.” The voice sounds familiar but I can't place it. “Care to tell me what's troubling you, beautiful?” I feel his hand on my back in a calming manner.
“Ronald Weasley is a bloody git.” I say. I don't know why I'm telling this to a perfect stranger.
“Yes he is.” I hear a deep laugh. “I hope you see that you're better than he is. You're worthy of better than that weasel.”
“I thought he loved me.” I choke out with a sob. “After everything we've been through.”
“People act differently when they're in a war.” He tells me softly, as if speaking of more than just Ron.
“But to tell someone that you love them when you don't?” I question.
“How is that any different than telling someone you hate them when you don't?” He counters.
“I suppose there isn't much but it still hurts.” I sigh, wiping my eyes.
“It will, but a girl like you; smart, beautiful, and strong; will find someone else, someone better.” He tells me.
“Thank you.” I tell him, pushing my hair out of my face and looking up at him. I gasp as I see the pale, almost white, blond hair and ice blue eyes.
“I wish to apologise for all the pain you suffered while under my roof.” Malfoy Sr. says, glancing at my arm, where my sleeve is covering the word Mudblood carved into my skin.
I nod my head slightly, acknowledging his apology but not quite accepting it.
“I must be getting back.” I tell him, gathering my bags.
“Allow me.” He says, waving his wand. All my bags float up next to me. I take a step and they follow.
Glancing around, I realise I'm no longer in Diagon Alley. Seeing some of the dimly lit stores and strange people walking by, I determine I must have accidentally turned into Knockturn Alley.
“Let me escort you back to the Leaky Cauldron.” He offers, holding his arm out to me. I hesitate. The same man who has on numerous occasions tried to kill me, is offering to lead me to safety. He notices my hesitation. “I mean you no harm, my dear.”
Against my better judgement, I take his arm. True to his word he leads me to the Leaky Cauldron. When we reach the Floo, I let go of his arm. Before I can step in, Malfoy Sr. grabs my hand and places a kiss on it.
“Until we meet again, Miss. Granger.” He says, before turning and disappearing into the crowd. Attempting to figure out what just happened, I grab a handful of Floo powder. I step inside the Floo and throw the Floo Powder down.
“Number 12 Grimmauld Place.” I call out and I'm surrounded by the familiar green flame.
I fall in the parlor at Grimmauld and all my packages fall on top of me. Leaving them where they fall, I stand brushing ashes off of me before making my way to the kitchen.
Harry is sitting at the table with a cup of tea. When he sees me, he grabs another cup and pours me some.
“You've been crying, Mione. What happened?” He asks, concerned.
“Ronald Bilius Weasley is what happened.” I say, taking a sip of tea before telling him about my day. When I finish Harry looks both astonished and confused.
“He did what?” Harry shakes his head as he says this. “I don't understand why he would choose Lavender over you.” He asks, shaking his head again. “And then a Malfoy was nice to you? This just gets more and more confusing.”
“Tell me about it.” I say, pouring myself another cup of tea.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
namithra
Sissorluv3
