Chapter 1
Chapter One
It was Monday.
Hermione HATED Mondays.
At least, she thought she remembered hating Mondays. She wasn’t sure anymore. Adjusting to the light coming from the window near her small work desk in her room, Hermione awoke with a pounding in her head.
How much wine did I drink last night? She thought to herself, as she stretched out her legs under her covers.
“Morning Crooks. How does it look?” She said patting her hair down to tame the unruly, frizzy curls atop her head.
Looking unfazed, Crookshanks left the girl’s room. Someone’s in a mood.
Two months had passed since the battle of Hogwarts, and Hermione had been more than happy to find some normalcy after fighting off the nose-less bully whom had haunted her childhood dreams. The lack of adrenaline keeping her awake most nights since then, allowing for careless drinking of cheap wine. Hermione’s cozy apartment had felt like the biggest space in the world when she had first moved in, but she had grown quite fond of it overtime. Though she was still settling in, the unpacking of cardboard boxes kept her from falling apart; giving her something to do.
I really need a shower. I guess I’ll be late to work again. She sighed, slipping into the bathroom with cream colored walls, and flowery pattern.
Hermione had spent the first two days in the apartment painting small roses in the walls of her bathroom. They reminded her of her mother, and how every night she used to apply rose water to her warm toned skin. Branding Hermione’s memory of her forever with the familiar smell.
Hermione missed her parents, but quickly dismissed any thoughts about their absence.
If she couldn’t keep her parents in her life, their memories would have to do. After all, she held the memories for the three of them.
As Hermione dried her pale and sensitive skin with her towel, and picked out her robes to go to work she was already dreading the day ahead of her.
Hermione’s ministry job gave her an opportunity to better the lives of those who suffered from prejudice. Ironically, she was never able to save herself from the same, having grown up enduring comments about her blood and appearance.
At least it’s nice out today. I hope Anna’s is already open, I’m starved. Hermione thought, as she walked to the Ministry.
Anna’s bakery had become Hermione’s refuge every day as she headed to work. Never having learned to cook, most days Take-Out food was the best option.
After Hermione’s second week in the ministry, as the head of the ministry’s Safety and Well-being of Magical Creatures Department, she had stumbled into a small corner shop ten minutes from her flat. The heavenly smell of fresh chocolate chip cookies drew her in immediately. Reminding her of when her father would ask her for help baking the famous family recipe of chocolate chip cookies.
Later on Hermione found that the family recipe had actually come from a Toll House cookbook her father had bought. Turns out Hermione wasn’t the only disaster in the kitchen.
“Hey Anna,” Hermione said walking through the small shop’s door.
”Morning Hermione! Same as usual?”, the small elderly woman asked.
”You know it. Can you also make me that cinnamon coffee again? You were right, I really did like it last time.”
”Of course darling, give me just a minute.”
Hermione loved Anna so much, sometimes she would pretend they were actually related. She was all Hermione had. Well, Anna and Ginny that is.
After her breakup with Ron, Hermione had decided to take a break from Harry as well. Their friendship had taken a toll on her after the war. Things weren’t the same as before, especially since they didn’t need her anymore.
Hermione realized that she had spent her childhood trying to believe her friends truly loved her and wanted her around, but she had come to the conclusion that without the war Harry and Ron didn’t need her anymore. Therefore, they didn’t want her around.
Not that they would ever own up to this, so she decided to do it for them.
Ginny quickly stepped in, proving to have her best interest at heart and always want her around. At first Hermione had been skeptical about trusting Ginny, after all Ron wasn’t exactly thrilled with her decision to break off their relationship, but she did so anyway thanks to her gryffindor heart.
it’s all rubbish. She thought to herself, but it was worth a shot. After all, it’s not like she had anyone else in her life.
“Here you go darling. Say hi to Ginny for me yeah?”
“Sure thing Anna, I’ll see you later.”, Hermione said as she headed to the door.
“Hey Hermione,” said an elderly man as she passed by him on her way to the door.
”Hi Mr.Higgens.”
”Always so formal aren’t you?” the sweet old man laughed heading to his usual seat.
”I’m sorry Mr.Higgen-I mean Reggie.” she offered a smile opening the door.
”Hi darling, here are your gloves. You forgot them last night.” Anna said, holding out Reggie’s gloves.
”I’ll see you both tomorrow.” Hermione waved.
”See you darling.”, said Anna.
I wish someone would forget their gloves in my flat.
Ha…That’ll never happen.