Crookshanks' Revenge
“Looking to set up shop here? Afraid we might’ve beat you to it,” the sound of an amused chuckle followed the friendly words as the stranger took in the sight of Hermione, weighed down by her bags.
“No not at all! Actually, now that I think about it, kind of? You see, I’m friendswithGinnywhosefriendswithTonkswho-” as Hermione took in a breath for air, ready to continue her rambling she was cut off.
“Woah there, slow down. Friend of a friend of Dora then, are you?” Confusion at the other woman’s words was apparent on Hermione’s face. “That’s Tonks’ name, Nymphadora. But don’t go calling her that, I only barely get away calling her Dora. I presume you know who I am?”
Understanding dawned on Hermione as she took in the sight of this woman, seeing the similarities between her and Tonks.
“Andromeda? Tonks’ mum?” Whilst she was almost certain it wouldn’t do any harm to be cautious, what if this was one of Tonks’ cousins and she got offended at Hermione’s implications? A short bark of laughter cut through Hermione’s thoughts, bringing her back to the present.
“Call me Andy, I haven’t been called Andromeda in a long time.” A brief flash of something darker crossed Andy’s face, though it quickly vanished, almost as if it had never been there. Almost. Realising that she was yet to introduce herself she stuck out a hand to Andy.
“I’m Hermione. Hermione Granger.” Taking a deep breath, she continued. “As I’m sure you are aware, Tonks is in a band with Ginny Weasley?” Though not intentional she couldn’t help the questioning tone at the end of what was meant to be a statement.
“Yes, I’m familiar. Red head, big family, mainly brothers.”
“Yes well,” Hermione thought to herself, considering her next words carefully. “Something… happened back in Godric's Hollow, where I have been living that made it no longer a viable place for me. Ginny said that there was a small flat above a book shop that was up for rent, and I am guessing it’s this book shop? Well, I was wondering if it was still available.” She was aware at how formal she had sounded and knew that was simply a by product of nerves but still, she hoped Andy wouldn’t interpret it the wrong way.
Something softened in the older woman, realising that Hermione had brought all of her belongings to this unfamiliar town on a mere chance. Something bad must’ve happened back home, and that was a feeling Andromeda could relate to quite well.
“Yes, it’s still available. Would you like me to show you around? No other offers have been made on it so its yours if you want it.” Hermione’s sigh of relief did not go unnoticed by Andy, who took a mental note to find out what had happened to the younger woman.
“That would be amazing Andy, thank you.” When Hermione turned her warm hope filled hazel eyes on Andy, she felt her maternal instincts tugging at her heart. “Uhm… where should I put my stuff?” Another snort escaped Andy before she answered.
“Just pop it behind the counter, Luna can keep an eye on it.” About to ask who Luna was, a more pressing concern was made clear to Hermione as she went to put down Crookshanks carrier.
“Is the flat pet friendly? I have a cat and…” she trailed off, not wanting to think about where she would go if Crookshanks wasn’t welcome here.
Andy walked over to the carrier, crouching down to look Crookshanks in the eyes. Beady yellow eyes glared back at her, protective, almost.
“Well, he seems like he’ll eat me for lunch if I say no, so yes of course, all pets are welcomed with open arms.” Noticing the relief on Hermione’s face she smiled at her warmly, attempting to dispel some of her worries.
Andy then led her through a door behind the counter, gesturing to the set of stairs, indicating that they should head on up.
“So, basically, there are two different flats up here, connected by a communal living/dining room. I’m sure if you wish to you could coordinate set times to be in the communal area, or if you’re comfortable, you could take it as an opportunity to make a new friend.” At that Andy looked apprehensive, as if Hermione might decline upon hearing this. When she did not, Andy hurried on. “Then there are two doors that lead off to your own space. You have your own kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, as does the person in the other room.”
It was at that moment that a woman burst through the door furthest from them, laughing to herself, no cackling. She had wild black unruly curls and a face that looked like she got up to mischief whenever possible and Hermione’s heart faltered. Was this the other person sharing the living space with her? The woman’s gaze now fell to Hermione, a delighted grin spreading on her face. Hermione felt Andy’s hand hold her arm, as if in protection. This did not help Hermione, her worries only seeming more convincing.
“Bella. Play nice.” Said in a warning tone from Andy it seemed to have a less than desirable effect on ‘Bella.’
“When am I ever not nice hmm? Honestly.” The retort fell from the other woman’s lips, then her eyes returned to Hermione. “A pleasure to meet you, pet,” she purred at Hermione, she actually purred at her. She took a deep breath in, steadied herself, then spoke.
“I’m sure the pleasure is all mine.” An even cheekier smile was upon her lips now, if that were even possible. Hermione pressed forward, nevertheless, more talking to Andy now. “Is… Bella the other person who lives above your shop?” She tried her best to keep the nervous tone out of her voice but judging by Bella’s snort she hadn’t done all that well.
The two women exchanged a glance, and it was only then she realised just how similar they looked. The same square jawline, though Andy’s was slightly softer, and where Bella had a black curly mane Andy’s hair was chestnut in colour, with an effort to control her curls evident. This must be one of Tonks’ aunts, one of Andy’s sisters. After a long pause Andy spoke.
“No Hermione, Bellatrix does not live up here. Why she was in that room I am not sure, though I’m sure I will find out soon.” Once Bellatrix had skipped down the steps laughing to herself Andy turned to Hermione, a look of concern in her eyes.
“I hope my dear older sister didn’t scare you off the flat. For what it’s worth I think it would be a good fit for you.”
“Thanks Andy and no, she didn’t scare me off, though I can’t say she made me feel warm and fuzzy either.” Hermione finished with a small laugh, hoping to make it clear that she was not that affected by Bellatrix.
Once the tour had concluded, Andy and Hermione discussed the financial side of things, what the flat would cost. Once they had come to an agreement Andy told her that she would have a contract written up shortly, but Hermione was more than welcome to bring her belongings upstairs and unpack in her new home if she was certain. Taking Andy up on her offer she had begun to unpack in her bedroom, realising the rest could probably wait till morning. After changing into her pyjamas, she sat down on her new bed letting out a breath she hadn’t realised she had been holding.
A small meow interrupted her thinking, and she realised, with a start, that she had left poor Crookshanks in his carrier! Rushing to unclasp the door of the carrier she evidently forgot to shut the door leading out of her bedroom as Crooks jumped at the opportunity to explore, racing away from her. Hermione chased him, trying desperately to get to him before he went somewhere he shouldn’t. All hope of that was lost, however, when she saw an orange tail as Crooks dashed into the other person’s door. She didn’t know who they were, they most definitely were not at the level of friendship where she could just barge in after her cat. Sinking into the couch her head in her hands she tried to come up with a plan to get Crookshanks back but to no avail. Crooks would be safe, at least, in the other persons side of the flat and until then there really wasn’t anything Hermione could do about it. Resigned, she decided to stay here until her cat exited the door he had so rudely snuck into.
But it had been a long day, and the comfort of the couch slowly made her battle with sleep a losing one. Jolting upwards to the sound of footsteps moving away from her and the feeling of fur beneath her finger she opened her eyes to see a blonde woman hurriedly walking back to her quarters. Still groggy with sleep she simply sat there and watched as she left. Once the door closed, she picked up Crookshanks and looked in his yellow eyes.
“You naughty boy, disturbing our new neighbour. Though I don’t suppose you could tell me about her? No? I didn’t think so.” Letting out a long sigh she walked back to her rooms, cuddling up with Crookshanks as sleep came back to her. But not before she a faint image of a blonde woman walking away from her flashed in her mind.