Bejeweled
Hermione-Bejeweled
Baby love, I think I've been a little too kind
Didn't notice you walking all over my peace of mind
In the shoes I gave you as a present
Puttin' someone first only works when you're in their top five
And by the way, I'm going out tonight
Best believe I'm still bejeweled
When I walk in the room
I can still make the whole place shimmer
When she awoke next the train was pulling into the station and the few around her were starting to gather their things to exit. Traveling at night had allowed her a calmer trip not being surrounded by as many travelers, but now she was nervous of how her arrival would be taken.
She didn’t know the apparition points but she knew that Harry’s place wasn’t far from the station. Hermione drank in the cool air as she carried Crookshanks carrier in one hand and her wand in the other. She knew she was dropping in on the man, but an owl wouldn’t have made it on time and Harry didn’t keep a mobile.
And honestly, as her best friend he shouldn’t have given her his address if he didn’t want a surprise visit sometime. She double checked the address was right as she stopped in front of a large townhouse. It was reminiscent of 12 Grimmauld but she could already tell it had a much more homely air to it.
It was already quite late, but it was a Friday and she hoped Harry wasn’t out somewhere. She steeled her Gryffindor courage and brought her knuckles to the door in a quick knock. Her heart pounded at the idea of seeing Harry, it had been almost a year since she’d last seen him. She heard heavy footsteps approach the door and a smile appeared on her face.
“Granger! Welcome to Paris!”
Hermione’s smile dropped and was replaced with a look of confusion. “Do I know you? I do have the correct address, right?” she questioned as she looked at a man who seemed vaguely familiar who had answered the door.
“Theodore, how many times do I have to tell you not to answer the door shirtless?”
Hermione’s ears perked up at the sound of her best friend's voice. Then she processed his words and a blush crossed her cheeks as she realized that the stranger was in fact shirtless. He only looked down at her and winked before opening the door wider, revealing Harry.
Harry stopped his chastisement of Theo in favor of staring blankly at Hermione. The moment went on so long she was starting to feel incredibly unwelcome. She swallowed down the knot in her throat, “I’m sorry, I should’ve owled first” she took a step down from the porch, “I’ll just go-”
“No!” Harry lept through the door, lightly catching her arm. He looked a bit abashed before looking back to Theodore, who nodded. “Why don’t you come inside” he pulled her lightly back towards the door and she easily followed. It seemed they both had some explaining to do.
The warmth of the house greeted her as the door was shut behind her. Theodore and Harry led her straight to a lush sitting room. She took in the house as they walked, it was more decadent than anything she would’ve ever pictured Harry living in. Harry opened his hand in a gesture for Hermione to take a seat as he asked Theodore to set up some tea.
She obliged and sat on a deep blue toned couch and watched as the fire crackled. Crookshanks meowed, begging to be let out of his carrier and that seemed to snap the two out of their nonverbal staring.
Harry cleared his throat, “You can let him out ‘Mione. He’s safe here”
She just nodded and opened the latch, allowing the giant beast free roam. Theodore made his way back in with three steaming mugs. He handed one gently to Hermione. “I was feeling hot coco more. Is that ok?”
She wanted to open her mouth but couldn’t seem to find any words, so she just nodded again and took a sip.
Theodore took a seat next to Harry on the couch across from her. Harry looked from the man back to his friend before sighing. “Hermione, I don't mean to be rude, but what are you doing here?”
Hermione tried not to flinch at the question. She did show up unannounced after all, “I found Ron cheating on me so I left. I was thinking of how much I missed you and I didn’t want him to find me so I-I” she stuttered, trying to get the words out. For the first time in hours she considered if this was a bad idea.
Harry stood and made his way over, plopping onto the couch and pulling her into a brotherly hug. “Hey, it’s ok. You’re welcome here” he affirmed, as if he could’ve read her thoughts.
A tear broke through and she quickly swiped at it, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude”
Harry squeezed her arm consolingly, “Don’t be. I’ve missed you too, ‘Mione. I’m sorry I didn’t check in more”
Theodore had continued to watch the small reunion between friends, “It’s true. He doesn’t shut up about you” the man smiled at her and she tried to picture where she knew him from. He was about average height, a bit taller than Harry, brown curls similar to her own brushed against his forehead, and he had dark green eyes that seemed to catch everything.
Hermione’s brow furrowed, “I’m sorry, do we know each other? You seem so familiar”
The man chuckled and did a small performatory bow, “Theodore Nott, I was a Slytherin in your year but I stuck to myself most of the time”
Her mouth popped open, “Yes I remember”
Harry cleared his throat again, a blush on his cheeks. “Theo is my boyfriend” he fidgeted with his cup of coco nervously.
Hermione’s widened comically large before she gathered her bearings. It was a shock from the heavens, yes, but she was happy for her friend. It was her turn to gather him in a hug, “I’m so happy for you, Harry!” and she meant it. He certainly looked better than he had in London.
They pulled out of the hug and she looked back to Theo. “So when did this happen?”
Harry frowned, “Close to two years ago…”
While she had originally been happy, the news that Harry had kept a two year relationship from her hurt.
“I’m sorry Hermione, I truly am. It was just a struggle to even come to terms with my sexuality myself and I had already run from England. I barely kept contact with anyone and…” Harry looked at Hermione’s sad eyes, “And I was a coward”
Hermione had called Ron that just a mere few hours ago and to her, Harry was anything but a coward. She grabbed his hand and squeezed, “I would’ve liked to know you were seeing someone, but you don’t owe me this. I’m just glad you’re happy” she then turned to Theo, “Thank you for taking care of him when his friends couldn’t”
Theo nodded and playfully pretended to tip a cowboy hat, “Anytime Granger”
“How long are you staying? You’re of course free to stay here as long as you want? Do you want to talk about Ron? What happened?” Now that the tension was gone and the truth was out, Harry seemed to spill over with questions.
Hermione gave a tinkling laugh, “I’m not sure yet. I owled Kingsley for a leave of absence. I can’t see Ron right now”
Harry’s smile slipped again, contorting into a grimace. “What did he do ‘Mione?”
She repeated the tale of that afternoon, though she refused to let a single tear fall. She wouldn’t be crying over that man any longer. Theo had slipped away towards the end so it was just her and Harry now. His hand went to rub his scar and Hermione realized he wasn’t wearing his glasses.
“Finally break your glasses for good?” she teased, wanting to lighten the mood.
Harry’s upper lip twitched into a semblance of a smile, “They make me less recognizable here”
His answer made her heart hurt for a second. She never understood why he ran away. She tried to pry, but he had never offered up a real answer. All she had to assume at the time was his break up with Ginny, which she couldn’t judge him running off because she was now doing the same thing. But from what she heard from both parties in the relationship, it had been a fairly amicable relationship.
That had been years ago and he still hadn’t returned. Hermione’s eyes glanced at the empty spot where Theo had sat quiet for the majority of the conversation. Harry had said they had been together for almost two years. It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to find peace in anonymity that living in Paris gave.
She felt a cut of envy run through her. She wished he would’ve asked her to run off too. She could have built something here in peace, too. Instead she had given everything to Ron Weasley just to have it thrown back in her face. How long had her life been devoid of all color? It was like everything had been sucked right out of her and now she sat in the rich, warm sitting room envious of her best friend.
“Hermione, why don’t I show you to your room?” Theo asked, appearing in the doorway. She shook herself from her mean thoughts and stood and so did Harry.
“I really don’t wish to impose. I can find somewhere else” she said a bit nervously. Money wasn’t an issue for her, so if they wanted privacy she would oblige that, no questions asked.
“Granger, this house has more rooms than I know what to do with. Stay as long as you like. Seriously” Theo’s eyes portrayed such seriousness that she wasn’t sure what to do with it. So she just nodded and followed both men through the house.
They stopped in front of another dark wooden door with runes of protection etched into the door, “This used to be my mother’s room. It’s got extra protection wards, safest room in the house” Theo opened the door to show a room full of different shades of green and blues, softer than all the deep jewel tones the rest of the house was decorated in.
She immediately liked it and while she wanted to question why they had put her here, when she looked at Harry he discreetly shook his head no. Despite her ever growing nosiness and curiosity, her parents had raised her with proper manners and she was the guest so she let it go.
The extra protections wouldn’t hurt if Ron did somehow manage to track her down. Not that he had ever been particularly violent, but she didn’t trust herself to not hurt him if he showed up here. Actually, she didn’t know if she trusted herself to see him, period. He was at the top of her shit list and she wasn’t sure if he would ever be de-crowned.
The large bed next to the window was calling her name and an uncontrollable yawn slipped past her lips. Harry and Theo took that as their sign to leave her be for the night and with promises to talk more tomorrow they let her be for the night.
Once the door was shut, she added her own personal wards, nothing fancy, and padded off towards the in-suite bathroom. Crooks was already balled up onto one of the towels sitting on the counter and looked up at her with critical eyes. She huffed and rubbed his orange mane.
“I’m sorry, bud. I know you don’t like the carrier but we couldn’t stay there anymore” Crooks nudged his head against her hand in a sign of his understanding.
“How do you feel about staying in Paris for a while? You’ll never have to deal with Ron” The bribe wasn’t much, but the cat started purring and she took that as a yes. She quickly stripped down and into a fresh pair of pajamas. She scooped her best companion up and carried him to the bed.
As she crawled into bed, the smell of fresh mint and sandalwood hit her. She hadn’t smelt something that good in years and the tension left her body in an instant. The silk sheets were cool on her body and Crookshanks curled up close to her, still purring. For the first time in a long time, she slept easy.
xXx
The next morning it took Hermione a few seconds to calm down and remember exactly where she was. Harry, Paris, Theodore. The lightness in her chest was weighed down when she remembered what exactly had led her here. Ronald fucking Weasley and his freckley white arse. That was what.
She took a second to let the irritation flicker and then put it out. Today was a new day and she intended to make it count. It was only Saturday and she hoped Theo and Harry didn’t have any plans. She selfishly wanted to spend time with her friend.
She made her way back downstairs and found Theo and Harry were already at the table, an empty seat already set up for her. She slipped into her chair and the two men looked at her, both looking like they were holding back laughs.
“What? Do I have toothpaste on me?” She wiped her mouth and looked down at her shirt. They were both clean.
“Merlin, Granger. Will a couple birds be popping out of that nest of yours any second?” Theo quipped while Harry finally let out a little laugh.
She scowled at the curly haired git. She knew he was being too nice last night, but as she looked at her reflection in one of the spoons on the table she groaned. She looked like her first year self at Hogwarts. “I forgot to do my haircare routine last night” she laid her head on the table in defeat.
“Sure you did. If you need some pointer’s I would be more than happy to help with your bush problem” Theo said while Harry laughed again.
Her head popped back up and she shot Harry a glare, “Harry James Potter, you are not one to talk” Harry did the same spoon method as Hermione, which showed him his own egregious bedhead. There was a beat of silence before all three of them were howling.
After a couple minutes they all three managed to settle down and Hermione asked her questions. “You guys don’t have any plans today that I’m interrupting, right?” she didn’t want to feel nervous, this was Harry afterall, but the years of distance had made her unsure.
“No, we keep a pretty open schedule. We’re all yours today” Harry looked at her with a face she’d never seen before. Like he was finally happy, free to be who he was. Or maybe that was her projecting. Another slice of envy appeared and she pushed it down. She was here now.
She smiled back. It was hard not to be curious at the fact that Theo hadn’t refuted spending the day with her. He did say that Harry had talked about her a lot, but they barely knew each other besides some glances in the library. She also remembered seeing him with D-Malfoy a lot, but she didn’t dare bring him up. If Theo was going to act friendly then so would she. She trusted Harry’s judgment.
Eighth year had given her plenty of time to grow her world views and she knew everything wasn’t black and white, but most of the time different shades of gray. She had been over stupid school rivalries for a long time. In fact Ron not being able to see past certain prejudices like thinking all Slytherins are evil, was a constant argument for them over the years.
“I think I’d like to see the magical district of Paris! Plus I should probably transfer some money” Lieu Mythique De Paris. was one of the biggest wizarding districts in the world and just like Paris itself, it was known for more of the luxurious shops. She had visited Paris before with her parents and loved it, but she’d never seen the district.
“Then we shall escort the lady to Lieu Mythique De Paris!” Theo said, giving another fake bow. She bit back a smile and Harry hit him upside the head.
xXx
The weekend had gone by quickly. Lieu Mythique De Paris had been an absolute nightmare, but not for her. No, it had been a nightmare for Harry. Theodore Nott had a penchant for shopping, like all good Purebloods did, but what Harry hadn’t known was that Hermione too had become a shopping monster.
If one thought about it, they really shouldn’t have been surprised. Despite outward appearances at school, Hermione did enjoy taking care of herself. She had just been too busy running around making sure her, Harry, and Ron weren’t in constant imminent danger to worry about her hair or cute clothes.
Then after the war she had been too depressed to really give much of a shit, but Theodore had dragged the fun side back out of her. It reminded Hermione of her mother. She used to drag Hermione on days long shopping trips where they’d try on anything and everything. Growing up Hermione had loved being dressed up nicely for her parents dinner parties and holiday get-togethers.
So when they had passed a shop with a mannequin wearing gorgeous deep blue robes with gold leaves and flowers embroidered in, and Theo had said how well it would compliment her skin, Hermione couldn’t say no. Which had then set off both of them picking out an entire new wardrobe for the witch. Harry had become the bag-carrier.
It felt nice to indulge herself on nice things again. Hermione was quite well off before any money from war bonuses or her own work in the Ministry. While she had been taught to work hard, her parents had been dentists and built up a decent trust fund for her. Then they had passed and she’d inherited everything.
It was something she had actually kept from Ron. By the time they had gotten together, he’d almost spent all his money. How he blew that many galleons in only two years she wasn’t sure, but he wasn’t financially literate by any means. The fact that she had lied about her own money for years should’ve been a sign that the relationship wasn’t going to work, but Hermione had put blinders on.
By monday Harry had gone back to work. He had joined the aurors in Paris because apparently he couldn’t stop trying to catch baddies even if he wanted to. Theo worked from home for the most part managing the large estate that had been inherited after his father passed. He did dabble in potion making though and let Hermione have a crack at anything she wanted to create.
She herself had decided to take a bit of a break before jumping into any work. Kingsley had owled her back and let her know that her job would wait for her, even if it would be a particularly long sabbatical. Her and Kingsley knew it was more her quitting but neither wanted to make the full commitment, so personal leave it was.
Hermione had also started to think of what she wanted to do as far as housing went. She couldn’t stay here forever, but she didn’t want to fully commit to anything here yet either. Overall she was on the fence about everything. Theo and Harry had been wonderful and she did trust when they said she could stay as long as she liked.
Forever the overthinker, she decided to let her brain just run for a few days. She had been in Paris for roughly a week when the floo went off. It was a bit early for Harry to be home, but she was happy either way. She had noticed that Theo and Harry lived off of take out and frozen meals most of the time.
Hermione herself was no cook, but she had decided that now was the best as any other time and had started the hobby. Tonight was her first attempt at lasagna, which had been fairly easy. Harry had been getting home later than usual according to Theo, so if he was early tonight he’d be able to eat dinner fresh rather than under a stasis charm.
But it wasn’t Harry’s dark mop that stepped through the floo, no, it was waves of perfectly tousled white blonde hair that stood in front of her. She locked eyes with ones that she knew like the back of her hand. It felt like a dream.
A giggle brought her out of her daze and she looked for the source of the noise. Settled on the man's hips were two matching sets of platinum curls. Her mouth went dry and she suddenly felt light headed. Her voice was almost a hoarse whisper when she spoke, “Draco?”