Looking around The lonely People

-In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. - the man in the suit shouted, his face red as he raised the bible above his head. The bustle of the narrow street didn't let up as he progressed with his sermon, some people just ignored him, and lived too busy to care about any other human being.

She had stopped, however, immersed in her own existential questioning, staring blankly at the man with the bible. The "Word" itself wasn't what bothered him, it was actually the worship of words written by man himself thousands of years ago. The man, or men, who had written the bible were just people who might as well just be making up stories, but for some reason the human race had decided that words written millennia ago were worth more than sensible words spoken by sensible people.

Sighing, she continued on her way. The small bookstore was already open, the window displaying the latest releases as well as the most popular books. Iris Books was a family business that had resided on that small street for decades, its facade painted green with climbing plants and blossoming flowers. She opened the door and heard it ring.

-You're late. - the voice echoed between the shelves full of books.

-Sorry, I got distracted in the cafe. -she murmured walking to the counter, pushed the small door and went to the back room where she kept her purse and coat. She put on the apron with her name embroidered across the chest and slipped her cell phone into the front pocket.

-I have to pick up some orders today, so you'll be alone for a few hours, okay? - She left the little room and stopped behind the counter. Dorcas Meadowes stared at him with her light brown eyes, an uncertain expression adorning her face.

-I can do this, Dorcas. - she stated confidently.

-I didn't want to leave you alone, but at least it's Wednesday, the movement is less. - Dorcas muttered to herself, then added aloud. - If I'm not back before noon, you can close the shop and go to lunch.

She nodded silently and watched the woman leave the store. She pulled her hair up and secured it with an elastic band, a few curls came loose, but she deftly tucked them behind her ear before picking up the box of books on the counter and starting arranging them on the shelves. She had been at that job for almost six months and was used to the arrangement of the furniture. She knew that Dorcas had a slight tendency towards perfectionism, so she tried to organize everything as perfectly as possible.

After a few minutes in silence, the doorbell rang warning about a new customer, leaving behind the terror session she observed the tall and elegant man standing in the doorway of the store, he wore a black turtleneck blouse and brown overcoat, her hair was blond, almost white, and her eyes were gray, like a cloudy winter day. She felt her stomach churn with anxiety, something in the back of her mind was prodding, seeking, sniffing. By God, she felt like she knew him.

- Good morning, can I help you with something? - she asked with a cordial tone.

-Clear. I was looking for a book for a… - He cleared his throat before finishing his sentence. - girl.

-A special girl? - she asked. - A girlfriend?

-Oh no, she's 14. An annoying brat, but I have to attend her birthday so I thought I'd buy her a book.

She nodded and led him to the teen romance section.

-We have some books coming out like the new volume of Meg Cabot's saga, The Mediator, and we also have Gossip Girl by Cecily Brooke von Ziegesar. They are super popular, they are the most sought after by teenagers. - she said as she handed the two copies to him, her gray eyes analyzed the covers without much disposition.

-I don't think he's that kind of girl who reads these stories. Last time I saw her, she had a thick copy of History of the...wonderful marine life. - he coughed, getting complicated with her words and then handed the books back to her. - Wouldn't you have something more… intellectual?

She thought for a while and walked over to the window, picked up the book she wanted and walked back to it.

-Animal Farm is a good book. - She held out the book. - One of my favorites.

-Talk about what? - he asked, looking at the cover and back cover.

-It's basically what the name says, the farm animals unite against their owners and start a revolution. It is a criticism of governments and rulers.

-It seems to be quite interesting. Maybe I should read it.

-You will not regret. - she stated. - The book opens the door to many debates. I myself have already started several discussions about this book.

-Then we should discuss this book… over dinner. - he said and her eyes widened in surprise.

-A dinner? - She looked at him in bewilderment. Her stomach fluttered again, but it didn't cause her to feel excited or anxious, it was almost like hesitation. - The two of us at dinner?

-Too fast?

-A little. I just met you.

-Then I think I should introduce myself first before we continue. - He cleared his throat and extended his hand in an elegant gesture. She placed her hand over his, he brought it to his lips and kissed the back before saying. - Nice to meet you, I'm Draco. Draco Malfoy.

She blinked, feeling that slight twinge in her head. So familiar. She licked her lips and then said in a low voice.

- Nice to meet you, Hermione Granger.

~~~

Hermione walked into the bar feeling apprehensive, she tried to ignore the uneasy feeling that washed over her body and smiled when she caught sight of Draco. It was already their third meeting in the last two weeks and as much as she loved his company, their conversations and his presence, Hermione couldn't help but feel certain… hesitation. She hadn't been in a relationship for years, she should be happy that finally someone noticed her, but she couldn't shake that feeling of recognition.

Hermione felt like she knew Draco. But she didn't remember where.

-Hermione, I would like you to meet some of my friends. - Draco said as soon as she approached. Hermione watched the group behind Draco, an assortment of people smiling at her.

-Well, finally we will have the pleasure of meeting Draco's mysterious girlfriend. - a man, tall, black with shaved hair who wore dark and elegant clothes smiled at her as he extended his hand. - Nice to meet you, Blaise Zabini.

-Hermione Granger. She squeezed his hand and smiled.

-Now let me introduce you to the others. -Draco placed his hand on her back and pointed to a woman with olive skin, dark hair and blue eyes, and next to her a man with light brown hair and light eyes. - This is my cousin, Lyra Black, and my friend, Neville Longbottom. - Lyra and Neville waved at her with smiles on their faces, Draco pointed to two other people, an older man with red hair and blue eyes, and a woman with vibrant pink hair. - And this is Charlie Weasley and his girlfriend, who is also my cousin, Tonks.

Hermione felt a slight chill as she came face to face with the woman, something about her expression was familiar, her bright eyes and smile reminded her of someone.

-Nice to meet you. -she stated, although she felt a strange sense of déjà vu.

-Have you ordered anything yet? - Draco asked.

-We've been waiting for you. - Charlie said. - And for my brother of course. But I don't think he will.

-Which one? - Blaise asked, his tone relaxed. - You have five brothers, so you have to be more specific.

-None of them to tell you the truth. Bill is doing extra work, the twins must be preparing their wares and… - Charlie shrugged, the mood became tense in a matter of seconds. - You know he doesn't like a lot of people.

Draco nodded. Hermione felt a certain urgency to know who they were talking about, curiosity churned in her stomach, it was a strange need to know that name, to hear it all at once. She glared at Charlie, hoping he'd say something else that would explain why her brother wasn't there, but Lyra started to argue about work and Draco took her to get their drinks.

-I hope they're not too much for you. - Draco said, his hand gently placed on her waist. Hermione smiled at him and shook her head.

-Everything is fine. I'm used to big crowds. - She shrugged. It was strangely familiar to be surrounded by so many people.

-I thought you preferred to isolate yourself with your books.

-I prefer. But sometimes it's good to socialize. - Hermione ran a hand through her hair and then looked down at the counter. - Lyra, I think, said you work together, but now I see you haven't told me what you work with.

-Well, that's a bit complicated.

Hermione turned to Draco, he looked agitated, his fingers tapping against the wood of the counter in an empty rhythm.

-Why? Don't tell me you're a fugitive from justice.

-No. I'm more like that guy who looks for the outlaws, but doesn't earn for that. - he said with a smile, Hermione laughed even though she felt he was hiding something.

Although she couldn't deny that Draco's friends were fun, Tonks in particular, Hermione still felt like an outsider. Maybe it was because she was new to the group, but for her, something didn't feel right.

She looked around, the bar wasn't full, but there was a growing agitation in the air that had Hermione biting down on the end of her straw, her drink untouched in her hand. Draco was arguing with Lyra and Charlie about something related to his brothers' company, Hermione tried to pay attention, but her instincts made her fix her gaze on the entrance door.

-Oh no, Ginny is going to hate this. - Blaise said and Hermione turned to him. - She wants something simple.

-And what does mom think about it? - Charlie asked.

-She wants something big. A grand wedding.

-Marriage? - Hermione frowned. - Who's getting married?

-Blaise is going to marry Ginny in three weeks. - Draco pointed the beer bottle at his friend. Hermione stared at him in surprise, something inside her screaming that this didn't feel right.

She forced herself to smile and wished Blaise well, then she turned to Draco and discreetly whispered that she had a headache.

-I take you.

-It is not necessary. Stick with your friends. - she kissed his cheek and said goodbye to the small group before leaving.

Hermione sighed, almost relieved, as she left the bar. The cold London wind soothed the anxiety building in her body, she walked calmly thinking about the conversations she had overheard, she was still uneasy about Charlie's brother and her decision not to go to the bar. Hermione asked herself why he hadn't gone, was his family in trouble? Did he not get along with his brothers? Was he okay? Was he hurt? Why didn't he go see her?

Hermione stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and shook her head, feeling silly for thinking that. He had no reason to see her, he didn't even know her. She walked again, but ended up bumping into someone, the force of the impact pushed her backwards, she closed her eyes anticipating the fall, but before she could reach the ground, a hand grabbed her waist and another her neck.

-Shit. - the male voice grumbled, Hermione opened her eyes staring at a deep blue, like the sky during the summer, calm and familiar. - I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I just...

Hermione took a deep breath and watched him mesmerized, red hair, blue eyes, freckles dotting her white skin, a surprised expression on her face. Her heart leapt, the beat becoming steady as he lifted her to her feet and stepped aside to give her room.

-It's okay, it was my fault. - He ran a hand through his hair, his nervousness agitating Hermione.

-It's not my fault. I should have been looking straight ahead, I got distracted… - She tightened her grip on her bag and looked away. So when she looked up at him, it was as if all the air in her lungs had been sucked out as she lost herself in his blue eyes. Shit, what was happening to her?

×

He opened his eyes and felt instantly exhausted. He had slept a considerable number of hours that night, but not enough to rest his body and mind. He stared at the bedroom ceiling, the dark patches of seepage standing out against the white, the fan spinning precariously in a silent threat that one day it would fall. He sighed.

A soft moan had him turning his head, dark hair was tousled against the white fabric, she had her back to him, her curvy body hidden beneath the thick blanket while her face was buried in the pillow. She then stirred, turned onto her back and stretched her arms over her head, he watched her blink her pale eyes and then fix them on him.

-What time is it?

-A little over seven. - He said, the sun and the noise of London traffic invaded the room through the only window in the room.

-Damn, I need to be at the Ministry at 08:00. - She got up and picked up the dress she had thrown on the floor the night before.

-Sometimes I forget that you work. Drinking until three in the morning and waking up at seven does not seem advisable. - He said as he stretched out on the bed to get the lighter and cigarettes that were on the bedside table. He put one in his mouth and lit it.

-Smoking so early is also not advisable. - she retorted before taking the cigarette from his hand and taking a drag. - As well as sleeping only two hours a day or eating industrialized muggle food. Your habits are horrible, Ronald Weasley.

Ron didn't look at Lyra, just drew on his cigarette and exhaled, letting it float in front of him.

-Will you come to the meeting tonight? -Lyra asked while she wore her discarded clothes precariously the night before.

-Why do you ask if you already know the answer? - Ron took the wand from the bedside and with a simple gesture the ashtray flew towards her.

-You need to get more involved in these matters. You cannot stand still without a fight. We're doing this for everybody, not just us.

-I thought going in or not was an option.

Lyra rolled her eyes and pulled on her boots. She left without saying goodbye, but Ron didn't care. Their relationship was complicated, it was just sex without feelings, but when any emotion surfaced, it was Lyra's pent-up rage, she hated it when he didn't do what she wanted. And at that moment her anger was related to the same subject that made half of his family argue with him.

Ron got out of bed and went to the bathroom. His small apartment was nothing more than a room of a few square meters with a bathroom and an electric stove, only Muggles lived in the building, many were students at a nearby University. Small, but it was all he could afford on his salary.

He took a shower before leaving for work, crossed the street to the dark alley and with the cigarette still in his mouth Apparated to Diagon Alley. He avoided Wizard Wheezes, changing lanes, and headed straight for Dongs & Dings, near Knockturn Alley. The shop, as usual, was empty, Kerlon was sitting on one of his old and oh-so-rich, fake dragonhide sofas if you ask him.

-You're late. - Kerlon grunted as he leapt to his feet, less than half a meter tall he looked him up and down, his brown eyes wide in reproach.

-Don't pretend this is news. - Ron muttered as he walked towards the counter. Second-hand jewelry gleamed in the closet, restored chandeliers filled the ceiling, glowing brightly and illuminating the store. Ron came around the counter and waved his wand for his apron that was always kept at the back door. - Calm morning?

-Not as much as I'd like. - Kerlon growled and limped towards the door. - I am going out. Mind the shop, Knockturn Alley's been a bit hectic these last few days.

Ron nodded and watched his boss leave the shop. He didn't relax when the doorbell chimed, Kerlon was right, since he had started working here eleven months ago, Ron had never seen such excitement in the streets leading to Knockturn Alley. It was obvious that the Death Eaters were at work, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was preparing for something and soon chaos would reign.

The Order of the Phoenix was more agitated lately, although he didn't attend meetings, his brothers, especially Bill, and Lyra always made a point of letting him know the news. He didn't want to, but they insisted. It was almost as if she were forcing him into that little suicide club they were a part of. Ron didn't want to join the Order because he didn't want to die.

The doorbell rang, an old witch wearing a gaudy cloak entered, Ron sighed. It will be a long day.

~~~

He didn't go to the meeting. There was no reason to go, but that didn't mean he had to stay out of the conversation. Bill cornered him at the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, offered him a beer and pushed him towards the nearest table. Ron blinked only once as he realized he was engaged in a whispered conversation.

-There are some guys I need you to keep an eye on, as their shop is almost at the front of the alley, it will be easier for you to see.

-I'm not your spy, Bill. Ron grumbled, took another sip of his drink and took a deep breath. - I don't work for the Order.

-I know. But I'm asking you this as a brother. - Bill looked at him, his eyes pleading for help. Was it that bad? Ron had distanced himself from the news of the wizarding world, even though he was surrounded by wizards.

-Okay, I can keep an eye out. But I'm not sure I'll see anything.

Bill smiled in relief and nodded, but then his face turned when he said.

-Mom is worried about you. - Ron tipped the beer in his mouth knowing where this conversation was going. - She hasn't seen you for months, Ron.

-I sent a letter.

-Two months ago! Even the twins are more helpful.

Ron rolled his eyes. He was a bad son, a bad brother and a bad person. He knew it, no one needed to keep reminding him how bad he was. That was one of the reasons he had become estranged from his family, the other reason was obviously his sister.

-Go talk to Mom, Ron. Tomorrow or this weekend, go to the Burrow and say you're fine. She needs this.

-I am going to try. - Ron said, Bill stared at him for a few seconds before shaking his head.

Ron knew that even with his constant denial, Bill wouldn't give up as easily as his brothers, he had this protective instinct over his family, he wanted to keep them together even if it meant monumental awkwardness between them. Ron avoided his brother for that reason.

Bill didn't take any more of his time, but before he left, he let Ron know about the meeting he was having in a nearby Muggle bar.

-The whole group will be there, I think Draco will introduce his new girlfriend. - Bill said before disappearing completely.

Ron didn't feel motivated to go, Draco wasn't one of his favorite people, his brothers might have forgotten, but he remembered perfectly well all the things Malfoy had told him. All acts and speeches were still engraved in his memory.

He ordered another beer as he pondered whether or not he was going to go to the bar. If Draco was introducing his new girlfriend to his group of friends, the one that Ron wasn't a part of, it was obvious he was going to pay for drinks tonight. Malfoy might be a son of a bitch, but at least he'd be fair when it came time to pay. And it was with that thought that Ron headed towards the muggle bar, hands in his pockets and head far away.

The group Bill was referring to was the group Ron avoided most of the time, they'd always been close together since Hogwarts, most of them at least. Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom and Lyra Black had been inseparable since their fourth year at school, two Gryffindors and a Slytherin might be a strange combination, but it worked for them. Ron admitted that he was a little envious of their friendship, the three of them always united in legendary adventures. There was one time they dropped a troll in the second floor bathroom.

But the fact was that Ron never had real friends, only colleagues and acquaintances, but not people he could count on in his worst moments. His stay at Hogwarts had been a lonely one, especially after Ginny.

He sighed and ran a hand over his face, he was so tired that going to the bar didn't seem like a good idea anymore. He lifted his eyes from the floor and looked at the crowd in front of him, his eyes meeting unfamiliar faces until someone caught his attention. Luscious curly hair, dark skin, face scrunched up in confusion, she shook her head and started walking again. Ron stood still. It was as if he had been hit by a petrificus totalus, his body motionless as people walked past him. She still had her head down as she approached him, her lips moving silently, the words she couldn't seem to contain just in her mind.

Ron knew he should have moved away, out of her way, but for some reason he couldn't. As a result, she ended up bumping into him. Ron acted without thinking when he saw her fall backwards, one hand gripping her waist and the other squeezing the back of her neck. She froze under his touch, dark brown eyes dotted with light tones, they were so intense that he found himself immersed in a unique universe.

-Shit! - Ron grumbled as he tried to distance himself from those eyes and her. - I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I just...

He pulled her to her feet, his hands struggling to stay on her body, but he pulled away feeling he would be unable to resist for long.

-It's okay, it was my fault. - she said. Ron ran a hand through her hair nervously.

-It's not my fault. I should have been looking straight ahead, I got distracted… - She tightened her grip on her bag and looked away. When they looked at each other again, Ron found himself plunging deeper into a strangely new universe. She backed away, a few steps back keeping distance between them.

-I need to go. I'm sorry.

Ron barely had time to register the fact that she was there, because as soon as the words were out of his mouth, she disappeared into the crowd. For a second he thought about following her, talking to her, finding out more about her life, but that would be ridiculous and scary.

He sighed and started walking again, passed the bar, but didn't go inside. He was still caught up in the brown eyes and the private universe he had discovered.