Chapter 5
I stood in front of the mirror, outfit number 5 atop my body, turning and looking at myself from all different angles. Why was I struggling so hard to choose what to wear? It wasn’t a date, it wasn’t a fancy lunch, it was like heading out with Harry and Ron to the pub for Godrics sake, yet here I was changing my outfit again not being able to decide what to wear!
My current look was a pair of black high wasted tapered trousers, a navy blue turtle neck cropped jumper and a pair of white trainers. It was nice and simple. But was it too simple? Too casual? Too fancy? Ugh. I hated when I got into these moods. The mood where no matter what I put on, how I do my hair, how I do my makeup, how many times I change my outfit, I come to the same conclusion that I look hideous and never want to go anywhere ever again. Seems dramatic yes, but it is what it is.
I checked my watch, 11:56am. I have exactly 4 minutes until Theo gets here if he is as serious about punctuality as he seemed. I guess this will have to do. I quickly run to my vanity and put on some mascara after curling my lashes, a small bit of concealer to cover my dark circles and a tiny bit of tinted lip balm. Practical, simple, no makeup look. I added a necklace over the top of the jumper and a few rings. My hair was wild and untameable so I kept it in the classic messy bun with some bits down framing my face. I looked in the mirror a final time, grimacing and groaning. Ugh. Whatever, I have no time to change now.
A rapid knock came from the door, I quickly spritz some perfume and cross the room to answer the door to Theo. He’s wearing a Slytherin green jumper and black jeans with some black boots. He’s got a Slytherin scarf around his neck not done up in any way, just hanging there. He looked good.
“12pm on the dot.” I say as I grab my bag and step out closing my door in hopes he wouldn’t see the piles of clothes on the floor. I’d hate for him to know how hard I struggled to find an outfit.
“I’m a man of my word. Shall we?” He said as he gestured for me to walk on in front. I start to walk down the stairs, and wondered where Draco was. Is he coming? Maybe he’s backed out after finding out Theo invited me. Or worse, backed out because I saw him in his towel! My head was non stop with what ifs until I walked through the exit and saw him stood waiting by the portrait. He smiled and nodded at me, before Theo stepped out and the door shut behind him. He was wearing a black turtle neck jumper and black jeans, they looked tailored because they fit him so perfectly. He wore brown boots that were so shiny I could probably have done my makeup in them, and also held a jacket slung over his arm. They really did make an attractive couple.
“So shall we get going then?” I said to fill the silence.
We walked toward the Hogwarts exit without too much conversation. We talked about the weather changing from summer to autumn, it’s coming up to my favourite time of year. I always loved autumn, it will also be my birthday soon but I didn’t mention this. I don’t want a fuss. Since I removed myself from my parents memories I don't think I could celebrate another birthday. It’s kind of like they’ve died. I know they haven’t physically and they’re still alive out there somewhere but I still need to mourn their loss, regardless of whether it’s a physical loss or not. I’ll never see or speak to them again. They don’t even know I exist anymore. I’ll never be able to celebrate a milestone with them. Not a big birthday, not graduation, not an engagement, a wedding, a baby. The people I’d love nothing more than to share these things with and it would be impossible. I couldn't even befriend them. I had no idea where they were. I assumed Australia, but who knows? They could be anywhere in the world by now.
I noticed as we got further into Diagon Alley people seemed to be staring a lot at us. Maybe because I was with them they stared? Or because they knew who we were? Because Draco and Theo were a couple now? I looked to them both to see if they noticed or cared, but they didn't seem to.
"Is it just me or is everyone staring at us?" I stated looking around anxiously. Theo looked back at me and gave a soft apologetic smile.
"They're probably staring. Sorry Hermione, I should have warned you this might happen but I assumed you would have had your fair share of staring over the summer no? We're so used to it now it doesn't phase us anymore." I nodded and smiled back, I hadn’t had my fair share of staring because I hadn’t been outside but I wasn’t about to tell him that. "There are a number of reasons they're staring, but the main one I imagine is probably because you're here with us. A couple of 'death eaters' corrupting the 'Golden Girl'' he said with sarcasm and a hint of disdain. "We'll understand if you want to bail and go back to the castle, honestly we won't mind." Draco nodded toward me to show his agreement with Theos statement but he looked hurt at the words death eater having been spoken. No way was I heading back because a few busy bodies can't seem to mind their own business. I am more than capable of choosing who I go out with thank you very much. I shook my head with a determined look on my features.
"Absolutely not. I am happy to be seen with you in public. Neither of you are a secret and people should just mind their own bloody business." I said the last sentence rather loud in hopes a few people in ear shot would hear me. "Let's get moving shall we? I'm getting cold standing here." I walked past both their shocked yet smug faces and they followed behind me. I heard Theo mutter a comment about proud Gryffindors. He wasn't wrong.
Coming up to The Leaky Cauldron Draco held the door and Theo allowed me to enter first. Another pure blood custom I imagine? Or just being gentlemanly. Who knows.
Draco lead the way toward the back of the pub to a booth, away from prying eyes probably. He slid in one side of a booth and I slide in the other sitting opposite him. Theo takes a seat next to Draco and I peruse the menu. Oh yeah, we came for lunch. I actually have to eat. I think I’ll go for the chicken salad. Easy, not too heavy and it won’t make me feel sleepy after eating it. That feeling comes so easily to me now if I over eat that I try to avoid it where I can. I hate to feel slugglish or even just full for that matter.
A waiter comes to the table and clearly recognises all of us. He looks back and forth between us all a few times, again probably because we are all here together. He eyes Draco and Theo suspiciously before turning to me. I have just about had enough of the funny looks. I felt my anger creep up.
"Excuse me but do you have something you’d like to share? Is there a problem with us being here or would you like us to leave the establishment?” He became flustered shaking his head, he began to talk before I interrupted him.
"In that case then we'll have 3 butterbeers to drink if you please. We will be ready with our food order in a few minutes." I said with a finality. The waiter just nodded and left, probably thought better than to get into an argument with me. Smart lad. I look across to Draco and Theo who are stifling laughs.
"What? I have had enough of people looking at me and you like it’s any of their business how we spend our time! I am perfectly capable of making my own choices and do not want anyones judgmental looks." I say in frustration puffing one of my strands of hair out of my face with my breathe, I'd have had my hands on my hips if I were standing. Theo raised his hands up gesturing me to calm down.
"Of course sweetheart, we're just laughing because of how scared he looked. You can be scary when you're mad! But, also cute as hell." I rolled my eyes and the butterbeers floated to our table and settled in front of us. We all took a sip and looked back at the menu to choose what to eat, though I had already settled on my meal choice.
The waiter came back to take our food order. They both ordered a cheeseburger and he practically ran away after I ordered my salad.
"Listen, I forgot to mention it this morning but we are hanging out here a bit longer after lunch having a couple drinks before going back to the castle, celebrating the start of a new academic year and what not, you in?” Theo was grinning ear to ear. I swear this man had an agenda no one else was aware of. I’m beginning to think the towel incident was on purpose. I had never drank much before, I never really got the chance to. I was almost 19 now and it was so depressing to think I had never had a day or night of drinking. It’s a right of passage when you turn 18 to go and get black out drunk in celebration of coming of age to drink. Not that I want to get get black out drunk but why can’t a girl have a good time? Maybe I’ll just have a couple.
“Don’t feel like you have to Hermione, we did it every year as a tradition and it’s just going to be us two this year but like Theo said, you’re more than welcome to join us.” Draco said this sincerely, which I really appreciated. That meant he was okay with me joining them, which would have been a concern of mine.
I was fiddling with my the sleeves of my jumper while thinking it over. I wanted to admit to them that I hadn’t drank too much before, but was that too embarrassing? Couldn’t be more embarrassing than this morning I figured.
“I’d love to, but I’ve never really drank before. Is that going to be a problem? I don’t want to be an annoying drunk or a lightweight and then be a burden.” I was speaking quietly looking down trying not to meet their eyes out of my embarrassment. I brought my hands up onto the table and Theo stretched his hand out and gently placed it over mine.
“That’s not a problem Hermione. You won’t be annoying, or boring, or anything other than perfect company. Besides, I see this one all the time, I could use another person to talk to. Plus you being a lightweight just makes it all that more amusing for us” Draco nudged him in the ribs at his remark though he was laughing. I laughed with them and the plates began floating toward our table and were set in front of us. I noticed then that me and Theo were still holding hands. I looked to Draco who looked indifferent and pulled my hand back to pick up my fork for something for them to do.
“Hermione your hands are freezing are you cold?” Theo asked concerned. Before I could answer Draco picked up his jacket and handed it over to me. I took it gratefully. I was freezing to be fair. I put it on and it smelled like him. A hint of citrus probably his shampoo, along with what I imagine is very expensive cologne. It smells amazing. He smells amazing. I was comforted by the blanket of his scent that settled around me. We all tucked into our food, I finished the salad bar the pieces of chicken and Theo ordered some more drinks, firewhiskey this round. I took a sip having never had it before, and the guys were in hysterics at my reaction. I brought my hands up covering my face but also found myself laughing. Theo grabbed my wrists and gently pushed them down.
“Don’t ever go hiding that beautiful face of yours, you hear me?” He was such a flirt. My cheeks pinked slightly and I looked down to my drink, braving another sip. Beautiful. Never in my whole life had I been called beautiful by a guy, not even Ron. I just wish I believed it too.