Salvation

Hermione's POV

When I opened my eyes, it was already 2:00 PM, and my job interview was at 5:00 PM, so I still had enough time to mentally prepare myself. Why am I even putting myself through this? Anyway, Hermione, take a deep breath, and it will work out.

Two hours later, and I was even more nervous than before. I needed something for my nerves. In the fridge, I had some wine, and that wine was calling out to me. A glass later, and my nerves were really better. My hands had stopped shaking, and I could think clearly again.

I Apparated to the Ministry, where Amos Diggory was already waiting for me. Harry had insisted that I apply to his department, and now I'm here. Amos was pleased when I entered his office.

"Hermione, come in. Punctual as always. But what can you expect from a war heroine? Sit down, and we can start the interview."

I sat across from him, eagerly waiting for the first interview questions.

"Hermione, I don't even know why you insisted on an interview. With your resume, you could surely get any job you want. But I'm curious, how was it for you, a Muggle-born, to be involved in a war? I mean, you had never heard of the Death Eaters, and then bam, suddenly you're in the middle of it. That must have been tough."

"Amos, I'd rather talk about my life outside of the war."

"Sure, but the war was a big part of your life. You must tell me about being on the run with the boy. You know, Harry."

His eyes sparkled with admiration for my best friend, and Amos began to question me. But it wasn't about me anymore. As always, the conversation turned toward Harry and Ron. How difficult it must have been for them, and how brave Harry was, and blah, blah, blah.

I sat in my chair and longed for a whiskey, chilled with ice cubes in a Muggle bar where I wouldn't be recognized. Amos kept talking non-stop. He didn't realize that this conversation was very one-sided.

"Amos, I'm sorry to interrupt, but do you still plan to interview me? Not about the war, for this job. Hmm? No? Okay, then I'll leave now, and I'll get back to you if I'm interested."

"Hermione, I'm sorry if I upset you."

I waved off his half-hearted apology and headed straight to Muggle London. I sat in a small run-down bar and ordered a whiskey. I was disappointed; once again, society had let me down. Why was everyone only interested in the war? I just want to move on and live my life. I can't do that if everyone keeps talking to me about the war. And these constant questions about Harry and Ron. Damn, ask them yourselves.

I felt the cold liquid flow down my throat. Oh, how I love this feeling when alcohol reaches my bloodstream, my head stops buzzing and thinking. I was disappointed with the quality of the whiskey, and I had to admit that the Hog's Head had the tastiest. After two more glasses of this drink, I decided to treat myself and Apparated to the Hog's Head.

"Aberforth, hey, did you miss me? I have something to confess."

"What?"

"You have the best whiskey in the whole city."

I said laughing. I saw Aberforth return my laughter.

"For this compliment, there's a whiskey on the house."

I graciously accepted the glass.

"Hey, one more question. Can you smoke in here?"

"Hermione, you drink like a barrel, if you start smoking now, like a dragon, you'll soon be as bad as Winky."

He laughed heartily at his own joke. I didn't find it that funny.

"Yes, you can smoke here, but please don't burn down my place."

I took out my cigarettes. When I took the first drag, Molly's disappointed face came to mind when she caught me smoking for the first time. I'm not proud of this habit, but it calms me down; it gives my hands something to do and my mind something to focus on.

Damn, I'm too sober if I'm having these thoughts.

"Aberforth, please, 6 vodka shots. I have a lot to forget."

After those shots, the evening became even funnier.

Narrator's POV

Malfoy Manor

Bellatrix had devised a plan on how to get closer to the girl. She could see in her eyes how lost she was in this world. From Draco, she learned which bar Hermione frequented the most, and now she would pay the Hog's Head a visit.

Her heart was full of pity as she saw Hermione sitting alone at the bar. Why was such a great woman alone? She sat down beside her and ordered water. Hermione flinched at Bellatrix's voice and turned around. The two women locked eyes. They stared at each other in silence. Hermione was the first to find her voice.

"What are you doing here?"

"Can't I go to a bar and sit next to a pretty woman?"

"Sure, where is she then?"

"You are she? You're not as smart as everyone says."

"Hey, I am very smart."

"Hermione, I know how clever you are, and that's why I have a small favor to ask. I heard from Draco that you have a lot of free time right now. I would like to make Black Manor accessible to the public. My plan is to turn this house into a kind of rehabilitation center. The big problem is the defenses. They don't allow half-bloods or Muggle-borns into the house without a direct invitation from a Black. I'm getting to the point. I want to ask if you can help me remove these defenses."

Confusion was evident on Hermione's face. She took out a cigarette and ordered another whiskey.

"Do you want one?"

Bellatrix shook her head. The two women stared at each other.

"Hermione, what do you say? I know this comes out of nowhere, but I really need your help. I'm at my wit's end."

In a gulp, Hermione's whiskey was gone. She took a drag of the cigarette and turned around. She looked Bellatrix in the eyes and said,

"Okay, I'll do it."