Chapter 4
~~ HERMIONE ~~ GRANGER ~~
The winter air bit at Hermione's cheeks, leaving a faint rosy hue against her pale skin, and prompting a shiver to run down her spine. Her breath billowed out in wispy clouds, disappearing into the wintry atmosphere as she stood next to Ginny, looking at the large building in front of them. The building stood, silent and unassuming, its exterior draped in an icy coat shimmering under the pale winter sun.
Frost adorned the edges of the windowsills, delicate ice patterns tracing intricate designs against the glass. Icicles hung precariously from the eaves, catching the weak sunlight, refracting it into a dazzling display. A thin layer of snow blanketed the ground, marred only by their footprints—no one else seemed to be braving the cold, especially not for the silly reason of relocating, unlike themselves.
Hermione had intended to renew her lease after breaking up with Kevin; it would have been simpler. Yet, it had already been sublet to a new couple, and Kevin's continuous and uninvited visits nudged her to leave. Relocating in the middle of winter was hardly her preference. While she didn't despise the snow or the chill, moving in this season was far from ideal. The limited options explained her standing outside this unimpressive building, trying to peer inside.
The building itself seemed weary, as if burdened by the weight of the season. Once proud, its façade now bore the marks of time and neglect. Paint, faded and chipped, revealed the years of exposure to the harsh elements, while the brickwork underneath seemed to huddle together for warmth.
Hermione couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the tired structure, its worn appearance mirroring her own frustration with the fruitless search for a suitable place to call home. With a resigned sigh, she turned to Ginny, their breaths mingling in the frosty air. "Ginny, if this place is another disaster, I might just conjure up a magical tent in the middle of nowhere and call it a day." She had lived in a tent before, with boys, surely she could live in one by herself and with less of a headache.
"I mean, it’s hardly shouting ‘Welcome home,’ is it?" Hermione noted, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Ginny's lips curved into a sympathetic smile. "No, not at all. Let's hope the inside is a tad more inviting than the outer shell suggests." They exchanged a meaningful glance. They had come this far; turning back seemed imprudent.
Unlocking the door and stepping inside, the air was slightly warmer but carried a stale scent that hinted at years of disuse. Hermione and Ginny stepped across the threshold into a narrow hallway, the wooden floorboards creaking beneath their weight. The dim lighting added an eerie quality to the space, casting elongated shadows that danced along the walls.
They were greeted by faded wallpaper adorned with a floral pattern that might have been charming decades ago. Now, however, it seemed tired and peeling, its colors muted by time and neglect. The hallway stretched ahead, lined with doors on either side, each promising a glimpse into what could potentially be Hermione's new abode.
"This," Hermione began, trying to find a diplomatic way to express her distaste, "is not what I was envisioning."
Ginny wrinkled her nose in agreement. "A tad musty, wouldn't you say?"
Surveying the hallway, Hermione sighed. "I suppose we should start with the first door on the left?" She reached for the worn doorknob, bracing herself for what lay beyond.
The door creaked open, revealing a small living area that did little to lift their spirits. Or dispel their initial impression of disappointment. The furniture looked outdated and mismatched, as if collected from various eras and thrift stores. A worn couch sat in the center of the room, its once-plush cushions now deflated and worn. Dust-laden curtains hung limply, barely allowing a trickle of light into the room.
Ginny's raised eyebrows suggested mild amusement as she surveyed the scene. "It's got character—if you're into the whole vintage vibe."
Hermione chuckled softly. "I think I'll pass on a living room that feels like it's been frozen in time, thank you."
"Alright," Ginny began, conjuring a piece of parchment and a quill, "so we're seeking a flat with a library—"
"Or room for one," Hermione interjected.
"Of course, room for a library," Ginny amended with an eye-roll. "A bathtub, and a shower—"
"Preferably a clawed tub, or one with jets," Hermione added, determined. This time Ginny ignored Hermione’s interruptance.
“— Must have a fireplace for floo access,” which was logical, Hermione thought as Ginny continued to list off her requirements. "You want character, but not an overwhelming amount. It must be pet-friendly and have at least two bedrooms." Ginny chuckled. “Hermione love, have you ever considered that maybe you’re just too picky?”
"Picky?" Hermione raised an eyebrow at Ginny's comment. "Ginny, I've survived a war. I've faced Death Eaters, outsmarted dark wizards, and lived in a tent with two boys who barely showered for a year. I think I deserve a flat that doesn't feel like a broom cupboard or give me the creeps."
"Besides," Hermione continued, "it's not as though my requests are unreasonable."
"Oh, not at all. You just demand," Ginny cleared her throat dramatically, "walls that aren't orange."
"I'm sure they were very 'in' at some point in history," Hermione deadpanned. "But I think I'll pass on reliving that era."
"Even though you could easily charm or paint them?" Ginny arched her brow. "Or that one with the leaky ceiling you could have fixed?"
“It had a resident family of mice!"
"At least they were friendly," Ginny quipped, opening the door to reveal a dimly lit and disorganized kitchen. "Now we're adding 'no living rooms that look like time capsules' to your list. Your demands are getting quite extensive.” She remarked as she banished the parchment and quill.
"Is it too much to ask for a place that doesn't have little critters living in it, or feel like it's straight out of a horror story?"
Ginny smirked. "We're just trying to spice up your life with some adventures, Hermione."
"I've had plenty of adventures, thank you." Hermione gestured around the messy kitchen, pointing to a particularly ominous stain. "And I'm not keen on 'mysterious stains' becoming a regular feature in my new home."
"Adds character!" Ginny joked, leading them back towards the flat's entrance and the brisk winter air outside.
"I'd rather not have that kind of character," Hermione replied as they stepped back into the cold.
“You know Harry and I can keep you at Grimmauld for as long as you need, or you can always become a squatter at the Burrow.”
Hermione frowned, glancing skeptically at the building they'd just left. "At least at the Burrow, Mum's cooking would make up for the lack of space," Ginny teased, nudging Hermione with an elbow.
Hermione chuckled. "True, but I'm not sure I'm ready to live with a horde of gnomes in the garden either."
Groaning, Ginny mumbled how no garden gnomes would be added to the ever growing list, before looping her arm through Hermione's’. "Alright, enough of these oddities for now. How about we get ourselves a nice glass of wine and warm up a bit?”
“It’s only half past noon, Gin.”
Shrugging, Ginny countered, “Okay, some whiskey then, and you can tell me all about your never-ending list of preferences of yours.” she wiggled her brows
Shooting her a playful glare, Hermione said “Are you suggesting I’m too particular with my choices?"
Ginny grinned mischievously. "I'm just saying, you've got a list of 'wants' longer than a Niffler's wish-list."
"Hey, quality standards are important," Hermione defended, a smirk dancing on her lips.
Ginny nudged her side. "Sure, sure. But remember, perfection is overrated."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Are we still talking about flats?"
Ginny laughed. "Oh, we can switch to boyfriends if you want, or the lack thereof."
Hermione's cheeks tinged pink. "What? No, that's not—"
"Come on, spill," Ginny teased. "You haven’t said a word about the other week." She nudged Hermione. "How was Dean?"
Hermione hesitated, having never been one to kiss and tell. Or shag and tell… "Fine. Things were fine."
“What a glowing recommendation!” Ginny feigned excitement before laughing. “Details, Hermione. I’m married, pregnant, and must live vicariously through you right now. So spill! No holding out on me or I shan’t speak with you until this baby comes.”
It was an empty threat, Hermione knew it, but she caved all the same. "There's not much to tell, really. It was just a one-time thing." She chuckled. “That may or may not have lasted four nights.” She was thankful for the cold giving her rosy cheeks, as it was impossible to tell she was blushing.
"Details, Hermione, details!" Ginny persisted with a squeal of excitement.
“I-I… I mean, you know, don’t you? You were with him.”
Ginny barked out a hysterical sounding laugh. “Merlin, Hermione! I was with him when I was fifteen! I was practically a baby! I had no idea what I was doing.”
“You knew enough to be caught with him in hidden alcoves and abandoned corridors snogging.”
“Oh fuck yes! Those snogs were amazing! Harry, was horrible, you know, it took me two years to teach him how to give a proper snog. But Dean, Dean was a natural.” She said, almost dreamily before adding “but we never shagged. Tell me, does he fuck like he kisses?”
“Dizzying and sensational?” Hermione said. “Yes, yes he does. He was perfect really, did exactly what I asked when I asked for it.” She thought about it, a smile tugging at her lips “I think he likes being bossed around a bit, might be a fetish of his.”
“Hermione Granger is a dominatrix? Who would have thought? I mean, it’s almost as if you like controlling things.” Ginny wiggled her brows at her.
Hermione chuckled, unlinking their arms as they continued toward the secret entrance to Diagon Alley, preparing to apparate back home. “There is nothing wrong with knowing what you want. You should try it sometime Gin, it’s earth changing.” she quipped.
“And apparently orgasm causing.” Ginny retorted, causing Hermione to groan.
“I’m walking away now.” Hermione declared, trying to stifle her laughter as she disappeared into the Leaky Cauldron, leaving Ginny to waddle after her.