Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Lyra is now one month into the summer. Madam Pomfrey's most recent letter declared that potions were no longer needed. Lyra is instructed to continue to rest if needed but otherwise she is cleared from a medical standpoint. Draco has been visiting 3-4 times a week, as he promised. Hermione decides to write the Weasleys.
Dear Ron,
How has your Summer been so far? Mine has been challenging. I am finally done taking potions from when I was injured last term. What are your plans for the rest of the summer? If you are not too busy, Could you ask if I can visit for the last week of summer before term starts?
This owl will wait for your response. Let me know as soon as possible, as my parents are attempting to finalize their end of summer travel plans.
Sincerely,
Hermione Granger
Lyra does not see that owl until a week later, at breakfast. Once the letter is removed from the owl, he flys away quickly, refusing the offered snack. Opening the letter Lyra frowns.
Hermione,
Mum is unhappy with the events that led us away from school. Padfoot says you are always welcome. Someone will be in Diagon Alley the day you plan to visit. What time are you arriving? Mum says to make sure all shopping for school is completed before you arrive.
Ron
‘Lyra? Is something wrong?’
Without a word Lyra hands the letter to her mother.
‘Who is padfoot? What upset you?’
‘His mum is unhappy with the events? I was actually injured in that event. He didn't even ask if I was ok. I don't even know why I bother. He has never asked about my wellbeing before.’
‘Lyra do you have feelings for this boy?’
‘I don't know, maybe? I'm finding it harder to like him when every interaction is less caring. I have been thinking about something Draco mentioned. I'm starting to wonder if Ron is even my friend or just Harry's.’
‘I’m sorry, is there anything we can do to help?.’ Bella reaches over to cover her daughter’s hand with her own.
‘No i will get through this Summer and reveal you both as my parents. After that, I'm not sure if Ron will be much of a concern. Excuse me.’ Lyra left the table in a hurry, and spent the rest of the day in her room.
The next day Lyra begins the next letter to her friend.
Ron,
I will be in Diagon Alley on the day in question an hour before the shops close. Please advise on a good location to meet, and also who to expect to meet. Tell your mum that I will have all my supplies for the coming school year.
Hermione
Lyra sends the letter then goes to discuss the timeline with her mother.
‘One week before school I will go to Diagon in the morning. After I have done my shopping for the school year I will be seen browsing in Flourish and Blotts and buying various ingredients at the apothecary. Any questions?’
‘I think that covers it. When will we hear from you?’
‘I'm not sure. Until I reveal who you are to me, I cannot be seen sending information to you. But if something comes up I can attempt to send info through Draco. We are both prefects. I'm sure we can find something to argue about.’
‘I hope you will be able to contact us soon after you complete the potion.’
‘Unless someone decides to block my ability to send an owl, nothing can stop me from contacting my parents. But also, I do share many classes with my dear cousin.’
Bella laughs, her mind set at ease knowing that her daughter will find a way to keep in contact one way or another.
A few days later Lyra receives another letter from Ron. A moment later she also receives her owl results. She looks at her scores before the letter from Ron. An excited shriek escapes Lyra as she shows her proud parents that she has O’s across the board. A moment later Lyra remembers the letter from Ron.
Hermione,
Meet the twins at their shop. They will escort you. Mum is concerned about anyone else leaving the house.
Ron
This is perfect. The twins will see me wandering around throughout the day. When I am done I can go into their shop. I wonder what their shop looks like. I bet they decorated it to match their personalities.
Lyra spends as much time with her parents and cousin as she can manage in the days leading up to the end of the summer.
*.*
The day arrives all too quickly for the Lestrange family. Lyra is trying to remember how to act to be ‘Hermione’. It has been a long summer and Lyra is certain that she has changed over the summer. After breakfast Bella pulls her daughter into her arms for a very long hug. Roddy joins the hug and the family stays there for several minutes.
‘I promise to see you both as soon as possible. And I'm hoping I can contact you within the month.’
‘Alright sweetheart. Do you have everything you need? You have the bag of galleons to cover your school supplies?’
‘Yes father. I have everything. I will get what I need. You gave me more than I normally have to spend for supplies and the entire school year. I will be as safe as possible.’
After one last hug, Lyra floos to Diagon Alley to begin her day of shopping.
*.* from this moment Lyra will be referred to as Hermione again, until she publicly accepts her birth name. *.*
Before she can get started, Hermione ducks into the twins' shop. After a brief conversation with George she leaves her trunk and Crookshanks in his care. A moment later she walks back out of their shop to begin her shopping. Throughout the day Hermione takes the time to browse every store. She found several items that she wanted to get in the past but couldn't afford the cost. Today she decides to treat herself. The apothecary and stationary stores are first on her list. After purchasing standard potion ingredients as well as a variety of more rare items, from Slug and Jiggers, Hermione moves on to find new quills and various colors of ink.
Hermione returns to the Leaky Cauldron for a light lunch. From there she stops at a shop to find the proper cauldron and potion supplies for the upcoming term. A trip to Eeylops Owl Emporium secures some treats for any owl that she may interact with. After that she stops into the Magical Menagerie to get snacks and some new toys for Crookshanks. Hermione has been shrinking and pocketing her purchases to make it easier to continue shopping.
Throughout the day Hermione has wandered through almost every shop in Diagon Alley. She has left Flourish and Blotts for last. Upon entering the shop Hermione deeply inhales the wonderful aroma of so many books. She quickly finds the books required for the school year before beginning to browse the rest of the store. Hermione sees several books that interested her in addition to the potion text required to complete her project.
Looking at her watch, Hermione realizes that the shops in Diagon will be closing in an hour. After paying for the books she selected, Hermione begins to head in the direction of the brightest colored shop in the Alley. Walking through the door, Hermione is assaulted by how loud and vibrant everything is. The shop is packed so full she can barely walk. Clearly the twins have a knack for business. Hermione finds herself following the crowd and idly picks up various products for a closer look. When Hermione picks up a daydream charm, she is startled by a voice behind her.
`We were starting to wonder when you would actually come into the store. You have walked by several times today. Did you get all your shopping done?’
‘Fred don’t scare me like that. Yes, I did finish my shopping. Your store is amazing.’
‘Thank you. We love every minute of it. Can I show you around?’
‘You can try. It does seem to be a bit packed in here.’
He looks around seemingly in surprise. ‘Or you can go into the back room until we close then I can show you around?’
‘That sounds like a good plan. Lead the way.’
Hermione spends the rest of the time the shop is open reading through her newly acquired potion book. The potion that she intends to brew is in the middle of the book. Every Time she turns the page, Hermione looks around the room she is in, this is where the twins brew their potions and package their products. She is attempting to resist the urge to organize the entire room.
Suddenly she looks up from her book and notices that everything in the store room seems to have become quiet. Closing her book, Hermione crosses the room to peek through the doorway. George is locking the door, while Fred is restocking the shelves. As she steps into the room both twins turn to look at her, smiles brightening both their faces.
George begins to walk in her direction. ‘Welcome to our shop. Did you have a chance to explore when you arrived?’
‘Not too much. It was packed in here.’
‘We anticipated the shop would be popular but this is a bit overwhelming. Go ahead and take a look around. Let us know if you want anything.’
Hermione looks around the store. The twins take note of everything she shows interest in. They are both disappointed that she doesn't bring anything to them that she wants, but they plan to send her the things she showed interest in.
‘Are you ready to go? I’m sure mum has supper ready by now.’
‘Let me grab my things and we can go.’
Fred activates the floo and a moment later all three arrive at Grimmauld place.
*.*