The Cheap Stuff
Hermione was starting her day like any other. She got ready for the day and did some light cleaning before going to the kitchen for her morning cup of coffee. She thought she might write to Ron today. He had been gone for almost seven months now, due to him not only being on the Chudley Cannons but also the English National Quidditch team. Hermione couldn’t have been prouder of her husband. Hermione had even let him convince her to quit her Ministry job to take care of the house, clean & press his Quidditch uniforms, and always be available when he needed her for this demanding career he had chosen.
Hermione thought Ron would stop by for his laundry when it needed to be cleaned, which he did for the first three months. Afterward, she received an owl with his Uniforms in a package and a note explaining how he had too much training to do, or he was too exhausted to come after a long game, and many more excuses. Ron had stopped sending excuse letters after three more months and just the laundry and Hermione was somewhat grateful for it. She had grown tired of having to respond with some version of “Don’t worry about it, can’t wait to see you next week! Love you!” or something along those lines.
It was about a month after Ron stopped writing to Hermione and she was reading The Daily Prophet. Rita Skeeter had written on the front page. In the middle of the page was a picture of Ronald kissing a Broom Bunny. The article was Rita going on about how Ron might finally leave his awful wife, who was never at his games and went on to talk awful things about Hermione. Rita had continued to hold a grudge against Hermione since she shoved her in a jar and exposed her as an Animagus. Hermione wasn’t sure if the article was Rita taking something out of context or if Ron would actually have the gal to cheat on her.
After reading the article, Hermione heard the floo and Ginny and Harry talking in panic. “You’re not even sure if she’s up yet. She might have not even seen it yet,” Ginny said as they walked into the kitchen. Harry saw Hermione first and stopped, “I think she’s seen it, dear,” Harry said in a soft tone. Ginny looked up to see the article in Hermione’s hand and tears in her eyes, Ginny ran up to Hermione and hugged her tight, “It's okay Hermione. Don’t cry. We will kill him for you if it's true”, Ginny said while wiping Hermione’s eyes for her. Harry walked over and hugged her next, “Gin’s right Hermione, we will kill him, and we will help you. You’ve got my recommendation for any job at the Ministry you want,” he said.
Ginny piped up, “That’s right, and mine too. Though I’m sure it won’t be as much as the Head Aurors and the Chosen One's recommendation!” Harry chuckled, and Hermione looked up instantly, “Head Auror? You got the job? Oh Harry, congratulations, you earned it and deserve it. I’m so happy for you. Forget all this Ron stuff. I’m sure it's just Rita being Rita. Let’s celebrate tonight,” Hermione said wiping off the rest of her tears and smiling at Harry. Ginny and Harry looked at her wearily, but Harry smiled, “Yes, of course. Tonight say around seven, let’s go to the pub down the street from the Ministry exit. The one we all used to go to after work on Fridays.” Hermione smiled and eagerly accepted. It would be the first time in a while that she would have gotten out of the apartment.
That night when she was getting ready, Hermione heard the floo again. She went out to see who it was and ran into Ronald. “Ronald, you scared me. What are you doing here? Don’t you have better things to do than to come home to your loving wife,” Hermione spat with venom. Ronald looked genuinely hurt, “Mione, it's not what it looked like! That girl grabbed me and pulled me into it. Honestly Mione, do you really think I would do that to you? You know Rita hates you! She had to be in on it with that girl!”, Ron was rambling at this point, which hurt Hermione more.
Ron always rambled when he got nervous. Especially when it came to Hermione finding out about something. He had broken a vase that Hermione had loved and rambled about how Crookshanks had done it and little did he know that Crookshanks was with Hermione the whole time. Hermione glared at him, “Yes, Rita hates me that much. That she would try to sabotage our marriage after months of you not writing, after months of you sending me your dirty and smelly quidditch uniforms without even a thank you,” Hermione was shouting at this point, and Ron was backing up. He was looking around, and Hermione realized what he was looking for. Hermione pulled her wand out of her back pocket, “Ronald Wesley, is this what you’re looking for,” She was screaming now, “Were you looking to grab my wand before I got too angry, because believe me, Ronald, if I wanted to hex you, I would have done it already!”
Ron gulped and stared down Hermione's wand that was now pointed in his face, “Mione, I swear, I wouldn’t cheat on you. I love you,” Ronald had managed to get out. Hermione was still fuming, “Love me? Then how come I haven’t heard from you in a month? How come I haven’t seen you in four? When I quit my job and started supporting yours, I didn’t realize it would mean losing you! I didn’t realize it would mean losing myself. I didn’t realize it would mean seeing you snog a damn Broom Bunny on the front of the Daily Prophet,” Hermione was screaming again.
Ronald looked hurt again and said, “Maybe if you came to a game or two, you would see me, Mione. Maybe people wouldn’t feel confident enough to grab and snog me, Mione. Maybe if you put effort in to see me, then people wouldn’t feel so confident about it, Mione and it wouldn’t end up on the front page for you to see!” Ron was yelling now, “Speaking of the Dailey Prophet, am I going to be seeing you on the front page snogging some man as revenge? Going out dressed like that?”
Hermione was shocked. He was turning his cheating onto her. How dare he. “Dressed like what Ronald? A muggle?” Hermione reevaluated her outfit, she was wearing jeans and a nice blouse, and while yes it showed her curves, she had worn it around Ronald plenty of times. Hermione continued, “And for your information, I am going out with your sister and Harry. Because Harry got a promotion, and because they wanted to get my mind off of you, so you aren’t invited and if you even think about showing up, then I will hex you,” Hermione screamed as she went to grab her bag. She snagged it off the couch and glared at him, “Don’t bother coming home again Ronald. And if you’re going to cheat, don’t get bloody caught. Harry and Ginny will kill you if they find out, and frankly, I don’t care if they do,” Hermione yelled as she slammed the door behind her.
Hermione apparated as soon as the door was closed so Ronald couldn’t follow her. She had landed about a block from the pub where she was supposed to meet Harry and Ginny. She realized that her hair was still wet, and her makeup was ruined. She hadn’t had the time to finish with Ronald interrupting her. She quickly used a spell to dry her hair and to fix the makeup she had ruined with the tears she had been crying through her and Ronald’s fight. She didn’t regret a second of it. She looked at the time and it was only five-thirty. She still had an hour and a half before she was supposed to meet Harry and Ginny. Hermione went ahead and walked towards the pub. She figured she could have a drink or two to try and calm herself before Harry and Ginny met with her. When Hermione arrived, she went straight for the bar and didn’t bother looking at who she was sitting next to.
The bartender approached her, “Hey Hermione, I haven’t seen you in here in a while!” Hermione smiled at the familiar face. Olivia had been the bartender here since before Hermione and Harry had started at the Ministry. “I’d ask what you want but, based on the news today, may I suggest a Wizards Whiskey Sour instead of your usual,” Olivia offered.
Hermione looked down, it was known to everyone that she and Ron were married. After all, that had made the front pages of the Prophet as well. Hermione looked up, “Sure, Olivia if you suggest it, it can’t be that bad.” The wizard next to her snorted. Olivia glared at the wizard but looked back at Hermione and smiled, “Coming up sweetie! Maybe find a better wizard to sit next to,” Olivia sneered. The wizard next to Hermione snorted again, and this time Hermione looked over and realized who it was.
Draco Malfoy was looking at her when she looked over and saw the stunned look on her face. Malfoy spoke, “So it's true then, Weasel-Bee is cheating on Granger with none other than a Broom Bunny,” he sneered, “Color me surprised. Personally, I didn’t think he would actually have the balls to. Merlin knows I wouldn’t. He would have not only pissed off the famous Harry Potter but Miss. Brightest Witch of her age” Malfoy was going to keep going but realized that Granger hadn’t once interrupted him to correct any of it. She hadn’t even yelled at him to stop or bicker, or hell even punch him as she had in the third year. Malfoy looked at her and saw the tears that welled in her eyes and were now silently streaming down her cheek.
Malfoy was in shock but quickly used his wand to transfigure a plain napkin coaster into a proper handkerchief before handing it to Hermione. “Granger, don’t cry. Shit, I’m sorry, I didn’t expect any of it to be true. I mean everyone knows Rita hates you. I expected you to yell at me or interrupt or something, not cry,” Malfoy said more softly. Hermione finished drying her eyes, “You can’t tell anyone, Malfoy. Nobody knows that it's actually true and they aren’t going to. He is just going to be more discreet. Well, hopefully anyway, I more so yelled at him when I left tonight.” Hermione was now rambling.
Malfoy interrupted her, “You can’t be serious, Granger? A witch like you is going to sit by and just accept it. You can’t let him get away with this. Have some self-respect. For Merlin’s sake Granger you are one of the most respected witches in the country! If Harry and his wife alone found out, they would be enough to kill him. Merlin knows nobody wants to cross them!” Malfoy was livid, and Hermione was… well confused.
Before she could respond, Olivia reappeared, sliding her drink to her. “Let me know if you like it and want another Hermione, and let me know if this wizard keeps bothering you,” she said sweetly to Hermione and turned to Malfoy, “Another one, I suppose then Mr. Malfoy?” She says gesturing to his empty glass.
Malfoy looks at Hermione and then turns to Olivia, “Yes, and put Granger's drinks on my tab tonight, Liv. Anything she wants,” Hermione was about to object, but Malfoy turned to her, “Go ahead and pick out something to eat too Granger. You do not want to drink that on an empty stomach. It is nothing like a butterbeer.”
Olivia laughed “You've got it, Mr. Malfoy,” Olivia turned to Hermione, “Raise his bill through the roof!” she whispered to Hermione. Hermione looked at them both and sighed, “Fine, but I’m going to make you regret this, Malfoy,” she said while smiling. Malfoy hadn’t seen her smile once, not truly smile anyway. “Olivia, I want the Potato Scones with Scrambled Egg and Smoked Salmon,” Hermione had said. Draco looked at her and laughed, “Go ahead and make it two Liv. Keep bringing them until Granger here says to stop because she isn’t scaring me with this ‘Most Expensive item’ she can find on the appetizers bit. Next drink you bring her, make sure it got your finest Fire Whiskey in it!” Malfoy proclaimed.
Malfoy was flaunting. Hermione knew it, but for once in her life, she wasn’t going to care. Usually when a wizard would flaunt their wealth, it repulsed her, but tonight she didn’t care. “Yes, please, Olivia. I don’t believe I have had your finest Fire Whiskey before. Ronald always cheaped out on that stuff,” Hermione exclaimed with a smile.
After a couple of rounds, Hermione was sloshed, and Malfoy seemed like he hadn't even had a drop, though Hermione knew he had. Maybe it was because he drank more frequently than her, Hermione thought. She couldn’t remember the last time she had drank, but she didn’t care. She was having fun, more fun than she had had in ages.
Malfoy wasn’t so bad these days. He was a lot more progressive these days, now that his father was in Azkaban and his mother had divorced him. Malfoy had inherited everything early. Due to his father being forced to give it all to Malfoy. His father wasn’t even allowed to use the Malfoy name anymore. He was just Prisoner #246 since the war. Hermione had learned this between rounds and had also learned that Malfoy was also working in the Ministry but in the Dark Artifacts Recovery department. He had turned over all of the dark relicts from the manor and purged it of all Dark Artifacts, and he even let Madam Pince look through the books at Malfoy Manor and pick any she wanted for the Hogwarts library, which Hermione adored. She had wanted to look at the library since she had heard about it.
Apparently, there were only a few Madam Pince felt comfortable taking. She felt the rest would end up in the restricted section, but Malfoy assured her the offer was always open. Hermione didn’t tell him that she wanted to look at the library yet, after all, this was their first time talking after the war. She would have to mention it another time.
“Another time,” She thought, that meant she thought they would talk again. Hermione wasn’t repulsed by the idea completely. Hermione was sipping on another drink when she noticed the time, seven-fifteen. They were late. Hermione thought maybe that was for the best. After all, she was drunk and talking to Malfoy.
Hermione went back to drinking her drink, while Malfoy was telling her about this Enchanted Music Box they had procured from Nott Manor. Explaining how it worked and such. Hermione was fascinated by it. Apparently, it made anyone who listened to it fall asleep. Hermione was listening to Malfoy when she heard her name, Malfoy had stopped midsentence and turned to look at who called Hermione’s name.
“Hermione? What on earth are you doing?” Ginny had said, running over to her. Ginny glanced at the counter and saw several glasses on the counter next to Hermione. Harry rushed over, “Is she okay, Ginny?” he asked. Hermione giggled, she actually giggled, “I’m fine guys. Draco here has been telling me all about his Ministry job. It is fascinating. Harry, do you think I could work in the Dark Artifact department? It sounds so amazing, and with your recommendations and the work we did with Horcruxes, I think I’d do great!” Hermione said happily.
Harry hadn’t seen her this happy since before Ron had left. Before Harry could respond, Draco spoke up. “You’d be a great asset to the team, Granger; we could use someone like you. It took me months to figure out how that vanishing cabinet worked in the sixth year, I bet with you, we would have had it working in weeks!” Draco laughed, and Hermione joined him. She finished her drink and both Ginny and Harry stared at her in disbelief. “Oh God,” Hermione said, “We are supposed to be celebrating your promotion Harry and, here I am sloshed. I am so sorry,” she said, guilt overtaking her, and she started looking upset again.
Draco noticed, “Nonsense, you just started celebrating early Granger!” Draco looked at Potter and his wife, “Congratulations Potter on your promotion. Drinks and food are on me, so catch up,” Draco said while waving at Olivia. Hermione looked from Draco to Harry. Harry looked from Hermione to Ginny. Ginny mouthed at him, “Just go with it, she seems happy right now”. “Thanks, Malfoy we appreciate it,” Harry said and then turned to Hermione, “And don’t worry about it, Hermione, we are just excited you’re here. And of course, I will recommend you to the Dark Artifact Department, you figured almost everything we knew about the Horcruxes out so, the department will be more than lucky to have you.” Hermione jumped up and wrapped her arms around Harry, “Thank you, Harry! I would appreciate so much!” Harry smiled and Ginny ordered them both a butterbeer.
When Ginny went to hand Harry his butterbeer, Hermione let go. Olivia was slowing down on Hermione’s refills and pushing more food her way. Hermione knew it was for the best, but she was having fun. Draco and Harry talked about their departments, while Ginny and she listened. Ginny eventually asked, “So, Ron owled that he stopped by. Congratulated Harry, even though Harry hadn’t told him yet. And since he’s not here and wasn’t brave enough to see Harry and me in person, I’m assuming that means he did it,” Ginny said softly to Hermione, while the boys were focused on their conversation. Hermione stopped drinking mid-drink and dropped the glass, spilling Fire Whiskey all over herself and the bar.
Draco glanced over and whisked his wand which cleaned up all the whiskey from the table and her. He interrupted whatever Hermione was about to say, “Looks like you’ve finally had too much to drink, haven’t you Granger?” he said while smiling at her. He set his drink down, “Should I walk you back? You’re definitely too drunk to apparate” he claimed. Ginny looked at Harry and, then Harry spoke up, “We can take her back Malfoy. We wouldn’t want to trouble you.” Draco looked back, “Trouble me? It's no trouble at all, besides, you are meant to be celebrating, and it's my fault she got so drunk in the first place. Never should have let her have that much Fire Whiskey straight.” “Straight???” Ginny and Harry both exclaimed. “She hates that stuff. How on earth did you get her to drink it?” Harry asked. Draco looked at Hermione, “Maybe it's just because she has only had the cheaper stuff, she mentioned that Wesel-Bee only bought her the cheapest stuff,” Draco said. Harry and Ginny both looked shocked.
Hermione had not only talked about Ron to Malfoy but had opened up stuff like how he spent his money on her. She didn’t even do that with them. Harry and Ginny shared a look. Something had definitely happened, and Malfoy is who she opened up to about it. Malfoy looked at Potter, “Really Potter, I don’t mind walking her. Please enjoy this night with your wife. Have as many drinks and, as much food as you want. It’s my treat.” Hermione looked at Ginny and said, “Before anyone walks me home, Gin help, please.” Ginny immediately was at her side and knew what to do, “Sorry boys, this one's on me,” She helped Hermione to the bathroom.
While they were in the bathroom, “Potter,” Malfoy said, “If you don’t kill him, I will.” Potter looked over at Malfoy stunned, then said, “So he did do it then, no wonder he owled us instead of just coming out with Hermione then.” Draco nodded, “That bastard doesn’t deserve her, and she has decided to not only forget about it but continue to stay married to him while he cheats on her. She told him to be more private about what he did. I tried to convince her that she was mental for not hexing him herself, but thanks to Liv, she started to loosen up and have fun, which reminds me,” Malfoy said while walking up to the bar, “Hey Liv.” Olivia looked up, “Yes, Mr. Malfoy,” she asked. “Do a 50% tip for yourself tonight and continue to add whatever Potter and his wife want to my tab. Just close it out when they leave,” Malfoy said. Olivia smiled, “You got it, Mr. Malfoy,” Olivia said before returning to take orders.
When Malfoy turned around, he saw Hermione walking out of the bathroom with Ginny, and she looked worse than before, he noticed. Malfoy started walking towards them and so did Potter. Harry spoke up first “Blimey Gin, what happened. She looks worse,” he said. Ginny said, “Too much Fire Whiskey, too fast happened.” Hermione just grunted in response while clutching her stomach. “Well then I better get her home fast before it happens again,” Draco said. Hermione nodded and Harry lightly hugged her,” We will check on you tomorrow, Hermione. Owl us if you need anything before then, okay?” Hermione nodded again and walked to Draco’s side, he put his arm around her and walked her to the door. When they stepped outside, Hermione realized she hadn’t been outside at night lately. It was freezing, she had forgotten her coat, thanks to her argument with Ronald.
Draco had noticed as soon as they stepped out that Hermione's blouse had no sleeves, he took the handkerchief from earlier and transfigured it again, this time into a dark blue cloak, and put it around Hermione. She looked up at him, “Thank you, I left in a bit of a rush earlier and forgot it was cold this time of year at night,” she said while hugging the cloak closer. Draco smiled at her, “I was planning to apparate home tonight,” he said while transfiguring his dress coat into a cloak for himself, “so I forgot one for myself as well, and before you apologize, I could use the walk. Now where do you live?”
Hermione smiled and led the way, while they walked Hermione couldn’t help herself and asked, “Do you actually think I’d be good in the Dark Artifacts Department?” Draco looked over at her, “Of course you would be. You’d be good in any department really, but I know you would because I was always second in our class to you, even in potions which I had the advantage of Snape liking me in.” Hermione laughed and said, “Yes, but that was school, this work we are talking about. Essays and memorization are different from the real deal.” Draco laughed and said, “Well then you should love the reports we have to do on every item we find. In fact, I think this is you volunteering because I absolutely despise them and they are just like the essays we did in school,” he said with a smile.
Hermione was happy that Draco thought she would do well with the department. She was getting a job again, and she wasn’t ever touching Ronald's laundry again. They finally reached Hermione’s apartment, and Draco helped her to her door. She realized she hadn’t brought her keys with her, never even locked the door she had been so mad that she had forgotten. She turned and tried the door, and it was still unlocked.
Draco looked concerned and pulled his wand out. “I forgot to lock it earlier. I’m sure Ronald just left upset too and didn’t bother locking it,” Hermione said. “Better safe than sorry Granger,” Draco responded and slowly opened the door. He saw the lights were all on, but nothing appeared to be broken. Hermione stepped in behind Draco, “Draco, I’m sure it's fine. Really. Plus, I know how to defend myself.” Draco looked at Hermione and sighed, “True, you are the brightest witch of your age after all. Maybe I should hide behind you and let you check for any bad wizards or muggles who would have broken in” he said while smirking.
Hermione laughed harder than he had heard all night before reaching up and hugging him. Draco was shocked. Too shocked for words even. “Thank you, Draco, for tonight and just for everything. Thank you for putting up with Harry too. I know it's hard for you two to get along, but I appreciate it.” Hermione said while hugging him. Draco finally came out of shock and hugged her back, “Hermione, Potter wasn’t so bad tonight…” “I KNEW IT!” Ron bellowed from the living room, standing up from the couch by the fireplace…