A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series or agree with her comments. This story is a product of my pure imagination. I do not profit from this and will not pay for any commissions for art about this story.
I heard them say that dreams should stay in your head.
Well, I feel ashamed of the things that I've said.
Put on these chains and you can live a free life.
Well, I'd rather bleed just to know why I die, yeah yeah.
You can't say I didn't give it,
I won't wait another minute.
We're on our way this time around, yeah, oh yeah.
You can't say I didn't give it,
I won't wait another minute.
We're on our way this time around.
~ This Time Around by Hanson
~*~ 3rd June 2000 ~*~
"Boo! Duckie, Boo!"
Hermione smiled at Rosella's tiny voice echoing through the quiet store as Rosella toddled over the drop cloths covering the floor as she painted primer on the walls of the Muggle side of the store. "Boo!" Rosella said, pressing her tiny finger against the duck on her shirt, and she giggled as it squeaked.
Hermione balanced on the step ladder, glancing over her shoulder at Rosella, making sure that she stayed within the magical barrier that she had set for her. Reaching up, Hermione took the paintbrush and edged the walls where they met.
Rosella's clapping made Hermione glance back to see her daughter with paint-covered fingers and a grin a Marauder would be proud of. On the wall, not yet painted, were tiny handprints and some paint scribbles.
"Rosella Lily Potter!" Hermione gasped, coming down from the step ladder, "That's not finger paint. How did you get that to you?"
Rosella blinked, staring at her, before grinning, "Tree!" she stated, pointing at her artwork.
Hermione shook her head as she knelt beside Rosella and used her wand to clean her hands. "Maybe next time, my sweet flower, you could use paper."
Moving the paint tray out of her reach, Hermione took in the mess. All the shelves had been removed, and the paint stripped from the walls, and the finish removed from the floor. Glancing at the large blueprint she had affixed to the wall, Rosella started babbling to her doll again.
"Bye-bye, kitty!"
Hermione looked around, making sure that Crookshanks hadn't escaped. Rosella was old enough that she now felt comfortable bringing her old friend home, but Crookshanks was used to the wide-open spaces and was becoming stir-crazy. She wouldn't put it past the part-Kneazle to figure a way out.
Looking back at the blueprint, she took in her plan. Here at the Magical Side, the front would have adult fiction and Hogwarts-related texts. The back would feature the children's section, where they were, as well as the enchanted wardrobe door, serving as the passageway between the two stores. They had even mapped out a place for a loo and built crude walls to section it off. The Muggle side would be more open, featuring a café and new releases on the ground floor, with the register and the top floor dedicated to nonfiction and children's books.
Taking a piece of parchment, she started jotting ideas for a name for the store when a knock sounded on the door. Looking at the door, Hermione wiped her primer-covered hands on her overalls, then pulled back the blinds to see who it was.
Parvati stood on the other side of the door. "Hermione, I can see you. I brought you a scone!"
Hermione unlocked the door and let her in. "Ignore the mess. You are awesome," she said, accepting the scone.
"I figured you were here working on things. You're missing tea. We are at the tea shop if you are interested," Parvati told her, looking around.
Hermione looked down at her paint-covered overalls and tank top. "I'm in no shape for tea. But I'll come next month. I promise."
Parvati looked at her. "Actually, promise?"
"I'll even bring Luna and Ginny if they're available," Hermione stated.
"Deal," Parvati grinned as Rosella toddled in, talking about kitties. "She is getting so big."
"Too big," Hermione said as Parvati turned around. "Next month?"
Hermione nodded. "See you next month. I'll pencil it in."
~*~ 15th June 2000 ~*~
Hermione paused for a moment as she stood on the Muggle side of the store and let the fresh air wash over her body, wiping the sweat from her brow. Things on the Magical side were going much faster and smoother than this side. All because she was doing her best to keep from using magic on this side of the building.
Rosella had quickly become bored with it all and had fallen asleep with her bottom in the air on the floor, so Hermione had taken her upstairs to their flat, giving her a moment of peace. Taking out her measuring tape, Hermione started measuring where she might put the checkout counter, when someone knocked on the door and then entered.
"Hello, Hermione."
"Luna!" Hermione smiled, "Come in, I was just measuring some things out from the blueprint I made."
Luna's eyes swept over the place as she stepped closer to Hermione. "I have an idea." From her bag, she pulled a roll of parchment covered in sketches and diagrams. "I know you were planning upstairs as the main part of the shop, but downstairs… I have these ideas."
Hermione leaned in, looking at them. "A lounge?"
"With a door connecting both shops. I am serious about the pet shop. It's not magical creatures, but I want to help all kinds of creatures. We can do pet day and bring magical creatures for adoption to the magical side monthly, too," Luna said, walking over to the wall. "Think about it, customers visit the pet shop and with a little deposit they can rent the animal for an hour. That rental fee goes to the animal's care. They can bring them into the lounge, where they have comfy couches to relax, maybe a drink from the café, and a book to curl up with. The animals get human contact, and it might even bring more people into the store."
Hermione smiled, "I know you mentioned it earlier, but I wasn't sure how serious you were about it. I love the idea."
Luna grinned, "Daddy said that he'd give me the money for it. You already had the café planned. I know you weren't thinking of adding a lounge. We can use part of your space and part of mine to create one."
Hermione smiled, "It would work out wonderfully. I can always put up a sign stating that books must be purchased before entering the lounge." Hermione looked around the space, already trying to visualize how the space would be transformed.
Walking over to the wall where she had her blueprint sketched, a tapping on the window caught her attention. Luna walked over to the door and opened it, letting a brown tawny owl into the building. It landed beside her on a remaining shelf, offering its leg.
"Thank you," Hermione said, taking the letter, and it flew off the way it came. "I need to reopen the owl receiving hatch on the roof."
Hermione looked at the letter. "It's from Harry." She unfolded the parchment.
Hermione,
I'm up in Siberia now. I was studying for a while at Koldovstoretz Wizarding School. You were right back at the World Cup. There are so many schools, and none of them are like Hogwarts. Most of the students at the school were Muggle-borns, or kids of parents who did not want them in the dark arts at Durmstrang. It nearly feels like a Muggle school with Magical practices. Maths and Sciences are part of their curriculum, while using magic as it unfolds around them.
I went up North, where it was so cold that my hair froze, to work with a small group of shamans. They don't use formal spells. It's rituals and rhythm. They use mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, watermelon, garlic, and turnips to create tonics, pastes, and in many other ways. Some of it makes our potions class look like a joke.
The healers taught me new practices of Ayurveda and Unani, blending magical and natural remedies. I've learned about acupuncture and how to identify meridian points on the body. It's delicate work, and at first, my hands seemed much too large and my body too clumsy, but it's oddly calming with the rituals.
The Northern Lights here are amazing. I wish you could experience it, Hermione. They shimmer and dance across the horizon like floating ribbons of enchanted colours, as if something from above is blowing through the cold air.
I cannot wait to see your bookshop when it opens. I can just imagine it, you in the middle of all the chaos, turning an old relic into something beautiful. You are building more than a shop. You are building a new starting point for yourself and Rosella.
Talking about your mini-you (I imagine her that way), I hope she is well. I'm sure she is running the Burrow like the tiny Princess she is. I hope Ron is taking care of you. You deserve someone who knows how special you are, how hard you work, and how much you love with all your heart.
Take care of yourself. I mean it. Please don't overdo it. And give Rose a hug for me.
Harry.
Hermione stared at the parchment as Luna read it over her shoulder.
"He is healing as much as he is healing others, but it's obvious that he misses you," Luna stated.
Hermione folded the letter and slipped it into her pocket to reply later. Clearing her throat, she looked at Luna. "Well, should we go talk to the pet shop so that we can see if this dream can become a reality?"
Luna grinned, "Let's!"
~*~ 1st July 2000 ~*~
Flipping the sign over from open to closed, Hermione looked at the store. For the first day of Rosella's Books, it had been a great day in her opinion. Walking over to the counter, she opened up her inventory list to see what the biggest sellers had been when she heard footsteps come through the portal between the two stores.
"I'm sorry, but we are closed," Hermione said when a familiar voice made her heart race.
"Hermione?"
Her head snapped up, and there he was. Harry. Standing before her in torn jeans and a white undershirt, looking as if he had stepped out of a magazine. His dark hair was messy as if he had flown on his broomstick to get to her. She stared at him, afraid that if she opened her mouth, he would disappear. "Harry?" she whispered.
Without a word, he crossed the space between them in three long strides and swept her off her feet. She gasped as his lips met hers. It had been over two years since she had the familiar taste of him against her lips, and her body instantly reacted.
"I missed you. I couldn't stay away any longer," he whispered against her lips, as her back was suddenly against one of the shelves.
Hermione moaned as his hands were suddenly everywhere, as if he were trying to remember her body. She gasped as he cupped her breast, gently pinching her nipple through the fabric of her shirt.
"These aren't exclusive to Rose anymore," He growled as he went to pull her shirt over her head.
"No, anyone could see from the window," Hermione gasped.
Harry grinned as his eyes met hers, "That doesn't turn you on? The possibility of being seen, of being caught?"
Hermione moaned, "Upstairs. Upstairs now. My office."
Harry lifted her legs up around his waist, rushing to the stairs. His long legs took them two at a time as he pushed the door open, slamming it back against the wall. Crossing to her desk, Harry swept everything, all her papers and her books, to the floor, making her gasp as he placed her against it.
Harry's eyes darkened as he pulled her shirt over her head, tossing it to the side. She whimpered as his mouth latched onto her nipple, his tongue swirling around it as she arched her back, pressing herself closer to him.
"Harry, I'm so glad you're home," she moaned as his fingers slipped underneath her knickers and found her wet. She clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulders as he teased her clit, "Harry, please."
Harry stood up and kissed her again, "Please, what?" he said as he continued the torture between her legs.
"I need you! I need you inside me!" she panted.
Harry unbuttoned his jeans and pushed them down, then ripped her knickers from her body. Reaching between them, she felt him, hot and hard against her as he slowly buried himself within her, making her scream his name as her head fell back hard against her desk. The ache in her chest loosened as he pressed her back into the desk.
Hermione gasped awake, her sheets tangled around her legs, her body drenched in sweat as her pulse throbbed between her legs. Moonlight poured in from the windows as she looked around, her heart thundering in her chest.
Swinging her legs off the bed, the floor seemed colder beneath her feet. Her body seemed so hot. Walking to the bathroom, she splashed cool water on her face, bracing her hands on the sink. Staring at her reflection, her flushed cheeks gave away her eagerness and the wishfulness she felt.
Returning to her room, moonlight spilled from the window over her desk. Harry's letter lay on top, the parchment curled from the repeated readings. Sitting down, her heart still beating faster than normal within her chest, she reached for the fresh parchment.
Dear Harry.
Siberia? That sounds so cold.
Studying at another wizarding school seems like an amazing opportunity for you. I love that you are getting to experience all these different cultures and practices that Hogwarts would never let us learn about. It's ridiculous how behind the British magical world is when it comes to understanding Muggle knowledge, even just with basic mathematics. I plan to put Rosella in Muggle schooling as soon as she turns four. Depending on the store, maybe nursery school, earlier.
I've only seen pictures of the Northern Lights. They look so magical. One day, I hope to get the chance.
As for the bookshop, it's definitely a project. Both the magical and Muggle sides are now fully closed. I've stripped them down to the walls and the floorboards. There is so much I want to do. I want to make something that is truly mine. I want to take my time with it. Thanks to you and the Lestrange money, I can. Rosella comes with me most days, unless Molly or Ron wants to spend time with her. She loves "helping", even if there is paint where I don't want it. I'm doing it all on my own because I want it to be perfect.
As for my little Rose, she is no mini-me. She's definitely a Potter. Maybe more Evans from what I've heard. She has your Mum's hair and her eyes. But sadly, she is the granddaughter of a Marauder through and through. She quickly figured out how to escape from her playpen. If Sirius and your dad could see her, they'd be proud.
Hermione bit her lip.
There is something that I am afraid you might be confused by. Ron and I aren't together and never were for real. We only kept up appearances because of the unkind press. It was easier on me and Rosella. But the public has finally moved on. Ron is seeing a Ravenclaw who was a year or two below Ginny. Not seriously, of course. She has helped him calm down on drinking.
As for me? I'm far too busy.
Hermione hesitated for a second.
Is there a witch who has caught your eye during your travels?
Hermione stared at the question. She wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answer. But possibly, she needed to know.
Signing the letter, she placed it by her window to give it to her owl in the morning when she woke up.
Hermione nervously smoothed down her dress as she looked at the teashop just off Diagon Alley. Lace curtains glowed in the sun, flirting with the vases of flowers underneath. The sign in a pretty script read: The Cozy Kettle. Opening the door, Hermione smiled as a bell tolled, reminding her of Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien.
It had been ages since she had gone out, much less with anyone who wasn't a Weasley. Her stomach was in knots. Socializing was never her thing, other than Harry and Ron, occasionally Luna or Ginny, and she thought she deserved it after weeks of dust, paint, and aching muscles. Looking around once she stepped past the lobby, she spotted the girls in the back. Parvati and Padma, Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott, and Luna all sat with a kettle of tea in front of them, talking.
Parvati looked up, "Hermione! Over here!"
Eyes fell on her as she walked through the small shop and slipped into the empty chair next to Luna, running her hands over her dress again, suddenly self-conscious of all the eyes on her.
"Scone?" Luna asked, holding out a plate of cherry scones.
"Thank you," Hermione said, taking one and placing it on her plate.
"Tea?" Hannah offered, grabbing the steaming kettle. "We have chamomile, hibiscus, and Luna… Luna brought an oolong option."
Parvati leaned over, "Warning, it smells like wet pinecones."
"It's pine and elderflower based," Luna stated.
"I'll take the hibiscus," Hermione stated as Hannah poured water for her.
Everyone started catching up. Susan began discussing her promotion at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, following in her aunt's footsteps. Hannah was working at the Leaky Cauldron, helping Tom clean up the old establishment. Parvati was training to become a Healer at St. Mungo's, and Padma was finishing up at University to become a teacher.
Padma turned toward her, "So, how are you, Hermione?"
Hermione sipped her tea, cradling the cup in her hands. "Busy. Tired. Constantly paint-covered. It's getting there. I'm trying to do it all myself, mostly. Ron's brothers have helped a bit, and Luna and I are working together on an idea."
"I walked by the store while coming here. How is it all going?" Susan asked.
"It's coming together. Still a mess. I'm reading how-to books on carpentry, spells, and painting. The magical side is going faster because of magic. I want it to feel like walking into a storybook, like stepping through the wardrobe to Narnia from magical to Muggle sides," Hermione stated.
Hannah looked at her, confused. "What's Narnia?"
Hermione grinned, "I'll let you borrow the books."
Padma sat back, "The fact that you are doing all this with a toddler is amazing."
Hermione laughed. "Rosella paints the walls more than I do, but yes, it's a lot. She loves it. Misses the attention that was on her before I closed shop."
The girls continued talking, and Hermione's thoughts trailed off. Rolling around her neck, she closed her eyes, and flashes of her dream from the night before flashed in her head.
"Is it normal to have a sex dream?" Hermione's eyes snapped open as she covered her mouth, realizing she had spoken out loud.
Five heads turned in her direction as Hermione blushed. "I mean, obviously it's biologically normal, but…"
"Oh, we are not skipping that," Parvati grinned, "Who was it?"
Padma looked at her, "Ron, of course, right?"
Hermione bit her lip. "No… but we're not together."
Luna's teacup clattered onto her saucer. "You're not? I thought you weren't wearing your ring because of the renovations."
Hermione shook her head. "No, we decided it's better just to be friends and coparent. It's been better, calmer even."
Parvati leaned forward. "So, if it wasn't Ron… is Hermione having her sexual awakening at last?"
"Parvati!" Hermione hissed, but she couldn't help the laugh that bubbled from her lips.
"Well, obviously, she's had sex before. She has a kid," Susan pointed out.
"But still! Dream sex is different, especially when not with your significant other," Parvati stated.
"I don't think I want to reveal anything," Hermione mumbled.
Padma grinned, "I know. Tall. Messy hair, green eyes."
Hermione's face must have given it away as they all laughed, making her groan. "It just happened! He came through the portal between the stores and swept me off my feet… it was ridiculous."
Luna grinned. "So, it was Harry."
Hermione hid her face in her hands. "Swept everything off my office desk. It…. It was intense."
Hannah grinned. "Sounds more like a fantasy to me. Want me to write him?"
Parvati touched her hand. "You've been through so much. You've raised a daughter, you are building a business, and you have handled unimaginable grief. It's your subconscious wanting someone who means the world to you. That's not ridiculous at all."
Luna bit her scone. "Maybe your heart is telling your head something."
"Or her libido is," Parvati grinned.
~*~ 6th July 2000 ~*~
The air was warm, and the day was beautiful as the bus drove Hermione and Rosella down the winding street toward the familiar sign for the Kew Gardens.
It had been years since she last visited. Her parents would bring her here every summer for her mother's birthday to enjoy a garden-side tea. Long before she knew about magic, her first memories of the garden were possibly from when she was Rosella's age, before the war, the memory charm, and her abandonment of her family. Rosella sat in the seat beside Hermione, her little legs swinging as they approached the bus stop. Her heart ached as the bus came to a stop at the bus stop outside the gardens.
Hermione took Rosella's hand, and they disembarked from the bus. "It's just a little walk from here."
Rosella squealed with delight as they approached the entrance. Over the next few hours, they visited the palm house with its tropical gardens and then continued to the water lilies house. Rosella walked most of the trail without being carried as they visited her Mum's favourite, the Princess of Wales garden. Rosella was getting sleepy as they exited the Princess of Wales Conservatory and walked toward the children's garden. Hermione had vivid memories of the sun garden where a beautiful glass sculpture used to be, through which the sun would beat and glow.
Rosella pulled on her hand the closer they got to the water area, and Hermione let go to take it all in as Rosella giggled, chasing after dragonflies. The garden was mostly empty this early in the morning, as more people were starting to flow in, but it was quiet. Hermione froze. Too quiet.
Looking around, she looked for Rosella. "Rosie?" Hermione called, "Rosella Lily!"
Then she spotted her in the middle of a shallow pond, sitting on a flat lily pad-shaped rock. Rosella was crouched down, talking to a large green frog that was miraculously not hopping away.
"Rosella!" Hermione gasped as she rushed to the edge of the pond.
Rosella looked up at her with those beautiful green eyes as she ran a finger across the frog's head. "Mumma! Froggy is sad."
Hermione opened her mouth to tell her not to move, but Rosella stood and spotted another frog. "Look, froggy!" Hermione gasped as Rosella stepped lightly onto a lily pad next to the rock, then hopped to another, guiding the frog to its friend.
It was as if the water wasn't even there. Her curls bounced with each careful step. Both frogs took off together, and Rosella looked at Hermione. "Froggy happy now!"
Rosella stepped lightly back to where Hermione stood, and Hermione caught her. "Rosella Lily Potter, don't ever scare me like that!"
Rosella looked up at her. "Froggy sad."
Hermione sighed, holding her tight. "Your Aunt Luna is rubbing off on you."
A single ribbit made her look back. Without the threat to Rosella's life, Hermione realized how peaceful the pond was. Rosella looked so at peace there.
"The Lily Pad," Hermione whispered.
Rosella looked at her, "Mumma?"
Hermione smiled as she picked her up. "Mumma's store will be called The Lily Pad. Out front, we will put a pond in the courtyard, with water lilies and benches."
Rosella smiled, "Pretty Mumma."
Glancing back at the pond, Hermione smiled and then kissed her cheek. "Let's go get some tea where my Mumma used to take me."
~*~ 30th July 2000 ~*~
The back garden of the Burrow was filled with laughter and tables filled with food. Hermione smiled as she looked around the back garden, a patchwork quilt of picnic blankets and cushions covered the grass. Various Weasley family members, Neville and his Gran, Luna, and even Angelina, who appeared with Fred.
Rosella and Victoire were toddling around the garden together as Rosella held her hand. Ron came over to her blanket and sat down beside her with a plate. "Here, you need to eat more."
"She will be two, Ron," Hermione whispered.
Ron lay back, resting on his arms, "Seems like she was just born. I don't miss those sleepless nights."
Hermione picked at the fruit on her plate and slowly chewed on a piece of watermelon, watching Rosella play. There was an ache in her chest. Birthdays meant more than cake and presents. It meant the passage of time. Another birthday without him and her parents. He would be twenty tomorrow, the day before his daughter's second birthday.
At the center of the table sat a small cake. Chocolate with strawberries pressed into the icing, with two small candles for Rosella. Next to it, a larger one with white icing and sprinkles that Ginny had made for Neville. Her heart panged that there wasn't a third cake beside them.
Bill stood up, "Who wants to play a game of Quidditch?"
Fred, George, Bill, Charlie, Ron, Ginny, Angelina, and Fleur all went past the orchard to play Quidditch. Charlie and Bill were both Seekers, while Ron and Fleur were Keepers. Fred and Ginny were Chasers on Charlie's team, and Angelina and George were on Bill's team. All the while, Hermione sat with Luna and Neville watching, Mrs. Weasley took Victoire inside for a nap, and Mr. Weasley officiated.
Rosella sat down in Hermione's lap, fascinated as she watched them all zoom around above her.
"I think you have a Quidditch fan," Luna stated, smiling.
"I hope not, but knowing my luck, it's in her genes." Hermione sighed.
"Oh, I nearly forgot. I got something for Rosella. I had to special order it," Neville said as he pulled a small glass jar. Opening the lid, Neville waved his wand over it, and a flower grew from within the jar. "This is the real Rosella Lily."
Rosella walked over to him and petted the glass. "Pretty."
Hermione swallowed hard. "Thank you, Neville. I was looking to make a garden in the courtyard of the Lily Pad's Muggle entrance."
Luna looked at her. "The Lily Pad?"
Hermione nodded, "Rosella and I went to the Gardens, and there was this beautiful Lily pad Pond. I think it works beautifully."
"I think that is a perfect name," Neville told her as Rosella curled up in Hermione's lap.
Molly walked out with a tray of cookies, setting them on the table next to the cakes, making Rosella perk up.
"Cookie," Rosella said, standing up.
Hermione blinked. "No, my little flower. No more sweets until your cake."
Rosella pouted and reached out her tiny hand toward the table.
"Rosella, I said no…" Hermione trailed off as a single cookie lifted and slowly drifted through the air toward Rosella's outstretched hand.
Hermione's jaw dropped as it dropped into her tiny palm.
"She has that much control at two?" Neville's Gran asked, surprised.
Rosella happily munched on her cookie as Hermione stared at her in shock. "Rose, I…is this early to manifest her magic?"
Augusta Longbottom smiled. "That only means that she will be truly gifted."
Hermione gently peeled herself out of Rosella's bed and looked down at her daughter. Her cheeks were still flushed from her sugar-filled day and too many horsey rides on Ron's shoulders. Once they had gotten home, she had crashed before Hermione could even bathe her. Inching out of her room, the door softly clicked behind her.
Hermione padded into the bathroom and heated the water. Undressing, she stepped under the water and lost herself in warm steam. After her shower, she stood in front of the mirror, a towel wrapped around her, taking in her reflection. Her hair was now long enough that it curled around her jaw. Reaching up, she twisted a damp strand around her finger. Her skin was still pink from her shower, and as she ran her fingers over her face, she felt that, at not even twenty-one, she already felt ancient.
Letting her hand fall from her face, she turned off the bathroom light and walked barefoot to her dim bedroom. The night breeze kept her room cooler and rustled the stack of parchment on her desk, of this month's budget reports, and next to it, the well-worn folder containing every letter that Harry had sent her.
Hermione sat down, brushing her fingers over the frayed edge of the cover. Opening the folder to the last letter, she pulled out a clean piece of parchment and a pen.
Dear Harry,
I hope wherever you are, that you had a wonderful birthday.
Rosella turns two in two days. I still can't believe it. She's getting too big, too fast. You'd be so proud of her. At the Burrow, we had a picnic for her and Neville. We had two cakes and cookies. She wanted a cookie, and I told her no. Then she summoned it to her. Floated it right off the tray and into her little hand.
It wasn't the only time. Earlier this month, I took her to the gardens that my parents used to take me to. I turned away for a moment, and when I looked back, she had crossed the pond on the lily pads by walking across them as if they were stepping stones to talk to a frog. Just because the frog was sad.
Our daughter is blessed, Harry. There is no doubt about that.
Do you remember your first accidental magic? Did Petunia ever tell you? Mine was when I was around five, and I wanted a book that I couldn't reach.
I can't wait to see where she blossoms.
Love,
Hermione
~*~ 7th August 2000 ~*~
Hermione finally admitted defeat. After spending the last two weeks trying to obtain her official permit in the Muggle world, the permit issuer asked her whether the building was up to code. Upon going to the library, Hermione realized magic couldn't help her here, and she had to hire a contractor. After researching various contractors, she came across a company within her price range and had made an appointment for an interview.
After the Muggle contractor, Charles, had made notes, knocked a hole into her newly painted wall, and had explored nearly every inch of the Muggle side of the store, he had stated that the store was not in code. There was a leak, the joists were warped, the insulation was deteriorated, the ductwork needed to be redone, and a new heating unit had to be installed. He told her that it would take at least three months. No magic could solve this problem without the Ministry stepping in.
Upon that, Hermione had contacted a house elf team recommended by Fred and George to make sure things were done properly. They worked quickly, tearing out boards, reconfiguring the plumbing to work with the Muggle side as well, and even collaborating with a magical contractor specializing in electricity.
The magical contractor, David, found Hermione in her office, located upstairs in her flat, working on her list of suppliers. "Knock, knock."
Hermione looked up, "Hello, David. Do you need me for anything?"
David looked around as he stepped inside. "What are you doing with this flat?"
Hermione looked at him, confused, "I live in it."
"Seriously? This place is a step down for you. If I were you, I would make it into office space and more sales space." David stated, "Make a second floor for the magical side, like you do the Muggle side. You could hold more books. Maybe even a lounge."
Later that evening, Hermione had gone to the Burrow to pick Rosella up and had her arm twisted to stay for dinner by Molly.
As she sat at the kitchen table, once everyone had left, she watched Ron pour himself a cup of pumpkin juice as he looked out the back garden window.
Hermione bit her lip looking around then stared at Ron. "Ron… I want to buy a house. What do you think?"
Ron choked on his drink, it dribbling down his front, as he stared at her. "With me?"
"No," Hermione stated, rolling her eyes. "I have the money. I just… do you think that it's stupid?"
Ron leaned against the counter. "Depends. Are you going for a Magical or a Muggle community?"
"I think I want to stay more Muggle, but not far from a Magical community either. I want to raise Rosella to have a similar childhood that I did, as normal as possible," Hermione told him.
Ron nodded. "Then you should do it. Just make sure you have one thing for sure."
"What is that?" Hermione asked.
Ron grinned. "Make sure it has enough room for all your books."
~*~ 30th August 2000 ~*~
Hermione was once able to follow through on the phrase "quick trip to the shop," but that was before she had a two-year-old. Instead, what should have only been a fifteen-minute grocery run had turned into a full-blown event. One toddler's hissy fit over chocolate compared to white milk, a stand-off of wills over which biscuits to buy, and to top it off, a rescue mission when Rosella had somehow opened the buggy's back and tried to climb out and had gotten stuck trying to reach the cereal. It took ten tense minutes before Hermione and the manager had gotten her out.
By the time Hermione had made it back to the Lily Pad and brought all the bags into the Muggle side, she sent Rose up the new stairs ahead of her to the flat as she balanced her bags on her arms. Below, the unmistakable sound of hammers echoed up the stairs.
Setting the bags down, she put Rosella in her playpen. "Mumma will be right back."
Walking downstairs, she went over to the magical side of the store. The boards that had been stacked were now laid smoothly on the floor. The air smelled like fresh wood. David was on his knees by one of the far walls, drawing runes into the walls, and looked up upon seeing her. "I finally got the electric charms working with the Muggle wiring."
Hermione looked at him, surprised. "You figured it out?"
He grinned. "I told you I could. Today, I'll start putting the lights in after I finish the runes. By the end of the week, everything should begin to take shape."
Hermione looked around, smiling. She could almost imagine all the shelves lining the walls, the tables, and the armchairs. Everything was finally taking shape.
~*~ 10th September 2000 ~*~
Ron smiled as Hermione stepped out of the store, locking it behind her. "How is everything?" he asked, leaning in and kissing her on the cheek.
Hermione blinked, looking at him confused, "What was that?"
He smirked. "Thought I'd try something new. That bad?"
"Don't do it," Hermione stated. "I don't think Julie would like it either."
"Got it," Ron said as they started walking away from the store. "How are the renovations going?"
"The magical side is finished. The floo access point is in, and the wards are up. I can start painting again. The Muggle inspector came today, too. A few adjustments and we'll be good."
Ron nodded as they walked toward the apparition point. "Are you ready?"
"I am," Hermione said, leading him toward the end of the alley.
"Where are we going?" Ron asked.
"I found this little cottage online at the library," Hermione explained. "It's near Cam Peak, in a little village called Stinchcombe. There is a hospital nearby, just five to ten minutes away, and it's an equal distance by car from the Burrow or London. The closest wizarding village is about forty-five minutes away. Close, but not too close."
Ron put his arm around her shoulders. "Seems like you've thought everything out."
"Let's just hope it's as good in person," Hermione said, grabbing his hand as she disapparated.
They landed on a quiet hillside. The air was cool and shifting quickly, with the scent of small white flowers that covered the land. After a ten-minute walk, they arrived at a small, two-story cottage tucked behind a cluster of trees. Their branches stretched out to provide the house with privacy. Behind it, Hermione could see a meadow rolling toward the hills behind it.
The agent was waiting outside the door, ushering someone else out when she saw them. Guiding them through the house, Hermione fell in love with the little house. With its bright sunroom porch with wide windows, Hermione could see herself sitting on and reading. There were three bedrooms, two larger and one smaller, with their unique charm. The kitchen was modest but had a nook attached with windows overlooking the garden. It even had an office.
Hermione's heart raced with each step. The place didn't have potential. It already felt like hers. At the end of the tour, she asked for the listing price, then the agent gave them space.
Hermione turned to Ron. "I want this place."
He gave her an easy smile. "It's your money. It's up to you."
Hermione bit her lip. "I'll give it a few days to think it over. But I love this place."
~*~ 16th September 2000 ~*~
The bass thumped through Hermione's feet, the air was thick with artificial smoke, perfume, and sweat, as Hermione squinted through lasers flashing in time with the music, trying to find the other girls.
"There they are!" Luna said, grabbing her hand and pulling her through the moving bodies toward a set of tables where Parvati, Susan, Hannah, and Ginny sat.
Ginny handed her a glass. "Got you started with a drink, birthday girl." As she plopped a tiara upon her head.
Hermione sniffed it as she sat down. It was something fruity and bubbling. Taking a sip, it wasn't bad, but she could taste the alcohol.
"I'm glad you came!" Susan yelled over the music.
Hermione looked around. "Do you guys do this much?"
"Only on birthdays!" Padma yelled, "So, Hannah's birthday is in November. Make sure you save the date in the middle of the month! So, anything exciting for your birthday?"
"Signing papers for my new house," Hermione grinned.
"You didn't tell us you were looking!" Ginny gasped.
"I'm surprised Ron didn't tell you. He went with me. It's in Stinchcombe. It's a little cottage, near a forest. Plenty of garden space. I'll be moving in within the next two months," Hermione told them.
Susan frowned as she finished her drink. "When did we grow up? Weren't we all just in McGonagall's class being scolded?"
Hermione swallowed down her drink. "I don't know about you, but I was never scolded."
Padma laughed as Ginny left the table, "Because you were her favourite!"
Hermione gasped, "I was not."
"Didn't you get permission from her to have an illegal time turner?" Hannah asked.
Hermione looked at her sharply. "How did you find out about that?"
Padma laughed, "So it was true!"
Hermione blushed. "What was that a rumour?"
"How else were you getting to all your classes at the same time?" Padma asked, "Parvati told me you overslept one morning, but you were in class with me."
Ginny sat down and handed her another drink. "This is for you. The bartender says Happy Birthday."
One drink later, Ginny grinned and grabbed Hermione's arm. "Enough talk. You're dancing. Come on."
Hermione tried to protest, but between the heels on her feet and the alcohol in her veins, Ginny was able to pull her to the dance floor. The rest of their group followed, and soon they were swallowed by the crowd. Hermione struggled to follow the beat, attempting to keep in time with the bodies swaying in rhythm to the music.
When the heat became too much, she yelled to Ginny that she was going to get a drink and headed toward the bar.
Exiting the dance floor, that was when she saw him at the bar.
Tall, lean, dark hair, curly, not messy in a familiar way. The flashing lights caught the angle of his jaw as he laughed with a friend. With the lights, it seemed that his eyes might be green. For one disorienting second, she thought it was Harry.
Her gaze on him lingered as she approached. Then her eyes met his. Blue, not green. But a slow smile curved on his lips as she came to stand next to him.
"Well, hello there, birthday girl," He drawled. A southern American was obvious with that accent. "You were starin'?"
Hermione blushed, "You reminded me of someone."
He took a drink of his beer. "That good or bad?"
Hermione bit her lip. "Still deciding."
He looked at the bartender, then at her, "What is your drink?"
"I was just going to get some water. It was getting too hot," she told him.
The man grinned, "Give her a fuzzy navel."
Hermione took the drink, "Thank you… What is your name?"
"Duane. Pleasure to meet you," he said as he took her hand and kissed it. "Would you like to dance?"
Hermione glanced back toward her friends, realizing she'd lost track of them. "I guess one dance wouldn't hurt."
He led her to the edge of the floor and pulled her close. Drink in hand, sitting on top of his shoulder, they swayed in time with the music. His hand on her hip, his eyes never leaving hers. The air seemed to hum around them. He leaned in closer to her, his breath against her ear, and whispered something she barely heard over the music. "Come with me."
His hand was within hers as he pulled her around the edge of the dance floor, weaving through the crowd, until they were in the dimly lit hallway near the bathroom.
"Be right back. Don't leave," he told her.
Hermione leaned on the wall behind her, as her heart hammered within her chest. The music was muffled here as she finished off her now warm drink. Setting it on a small table near her, she closed her eyes, trying to cool herself down.
Then she felt lips on her own. Gasping, she opened her eyes to see Duane in front of her. For a moment, it wasn't him. It was Harry. Kissing him back, her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt. For a few minutes, there was nothing but his mouth and the feel of his hands on her waist. Gasping as he kissed down her neck, her eyes snapped open at her name.
Opening her eyes, she saw Ginny frowning. "What?"
"It's time to go. Ron had to be back home by midnight, remember?" Ginny asked.
Hermione's mind struggled to catch up, "Fine. It was nice to meet you…"
"Duane," He stated.
"Nice to meet you, Duane," Hermione said as Ginny took her hand and dragged her away.
"What the hell was that?" Ginny asked.
Hermione grinned, "I don't know, but I liked it."
~*~ 16th October 2000 ~*~
The smell of fresh varnish, paint, and new wood filled the air as Hermione stepped into the Muggle side of the store. Sunlight poured into the store's windows, illuminating the newly polished front counter and the glossy floor tiles. Glancing behind her, the café looked like it could be a café rather than a work in progress.
"You've done it," Luna said as she came through the portal between the stores, skipping happily.
Hermione smiled. "Hi, Luna. What's new with you?"
"Daddy helped me," Luna told her happily, "The pet store next door will be mine in December."
"That's wonderful," Hermione said as she hugged her.
Her contractor, Charles, came out of the café's kitchen with a clipboard. "Café is finished, Hermione. I can file the permits for food service and health for you. It saves you a headache with all the paperwork. They'll just come and check out the space, you'll get the final approval when the appliances come in."
"That would be amazing. Just let me know if there is anything that I need to do," Hermione told him.
He had her sign a few forms and then left to file them.
"Can I start experimenting with new menu ideas?" Luna asked, her eyes wide.
Hermione lowered her voice in case any of the crew was still here. "Keep it Muggle-friendly."
Luna grinned, "Of course."
Hermione laughed as she watched Luna skip to the portal.
A few hours later, Hermione was behind the checkout counter, her temporary office, flipping through the supply catalog. Stopping when she saw a section advertising online ordering, she bit her lip. "Hey, Charles?"
His head poked out from behind the new partition wall that separated the latest releases from the checkout area. "Yeah?"
"Is there a way to get internet installed here?" Hermione asked.
Charles walked over to her and pointed at an outlet in the wall with a weird shape, "Already wired for you. Just call the company to get the modem. They might still be available."
Later that evening, after Charles and all his workers had cleared out, Hermione sat at the checkout counter on a stool with her brand-new computer in front of her, staring at the dark screen. George pulled a chair up beside her.
"And you use this without any issues?" She asked skeptically.
George nodded. "Our magic isn't going to mess it up. Honestly, I think most of the fear of it all is that the Purebloods are scared of Muggle things. There have been magical surges before. The worst thing to happen is that it powers down. Now, if you want one on the magical side, we could do that. I'd just have my guy put protection runes on it."
Hermione bit her lip, then pressed the power button. The machine lit up, making a noise. Together, George helped her set up the computer and then assisted her in accessing the internet. Browsing the internet, they searched for and ordered café furniture, couches, and new bookshelves. They were about to explore appliances when George realized the time and had to leave for a date. He was still teasing her as he walked out, for overthinking every purchase.
Once he left, her brain was hurting, so she headed upstairs to the would-be area for the children's section. The walls were bare, and she stood waiting for something to come to her. As she stood, trying to picture what she would put on them, she heard Luna call for her.
"Upstairs!"
"There you are," Luna said as she appeared at the top of the stairs. "Nargles bothering you?"
Hermione turned to her with a smile. "Hey Luna. No, it's… something is missing. I am trying to figure out what to do with this space."
"It needs a mural," Luna said. "I can paint it for you. And I'll talk to Dean, he's doing interactive art now. He can paint a mural on the magical side that kids can interact with."
Hermione looked at her, surprised, "Interactive?"
"He painted one at St. Mungo's of a forest. The animals move around interacting with the kids," Luna told her.
Hermione smiled. "That would be adorable. I was thinking of a garden with a little pond for this side."
Luna nodded. "Easy enough. Just tell me what kind of flowers you want and I'll start sketching."
"Thank you, Luna," Hermione said, looking at the space and trying to imagine the mural. She could picture it. Children sitting on beanbags that looked like lily pads on a blue rug. Smiling, it was all coming together finally.
Preview of Chapter 25- Here Without You
Harry pulled down his knit hat over his head as he walked over the snow-dusted cobblestones of Diagon Alley. After being in the hot, humid heat of India for six months, the cold air seemed to pierce his skin as he pulled his coat closer to him. He had made it through the Leaky Cauldron, avoiding attention. His lack of eyewear and the knit cap pulled over his scar helped conceal his identity. He had also gained more muscle than he once had, and his wellness practices had even made him give a double take in the mirror occasionally.
Seeing the large W3s sign looming in the alley made Harry smile. A newer sign peeked out beneath the arm of one of the twins, The Lily Pad. Grinning, he headed toward it with purpose, deciding to surprise Hermione before heading to Gringotts for Lord Potter business.
Coming to a stop in front of the large display window, which already held books within it, Harry froze. Through the glass, he saw her. He nearly didn't recognize her, as her hair was chopped short. But there she was, in Ron's arms. They were laughing, moving together in some rhythm. Ron's head was resting against hers, both of them smiling.
Harry's chest tightened.
Hermione never replied to his letter, and now, looking at her like this, it was clear. She'd moved on.
Stepping back from the window before they could see him, he turned away into the snowy alley. Without another glance, he pulled his cloak tighter and headed towards Gringotts to see what he needed to handle with the Potter Family Trust.