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Superfluous
Hermione walked from the portkey hub of Paris' version of Diagon Alley. Although she had visited Paris before with her parents, this was her first time within the wizarding community. She had to remind herself not to gawk like a common tourist as she marveled at the shops lining the courtyard she'd emerged in. It came as a great asset that she spoke French like a native, her mother having taken great care in teaching her. As much as she had wanted to comb the alluring shops that lined her path, she made the decision to check into the resort first. Although her portkey lag was minimal, she was both eager and anxious to see everyone.
This, however, did not prevent her from taking a leisurely stroll to her destination. Although she had arrived in Paris at 11:30 that morning, it wasn't until noon that she actually crossed the threshold of La Sérénité Maintenant, and was given the specific charm & password that keyed the multi-room suite she'd be sharing with Ron, Harry, Ginny and, eventually Luna, who was scheduled to arrive the following day. She couldn't help but smile when the desk clerk told her the password chosen to open their suite was "Canary Creams".
She took the lift to the 12th floor and found their suite. An ornate set of carved dark wooden double doors with an enormous pair of gold handles that erred on the side of stylish rather than garish, stood at the entrance of the suite. She withdrew her wand from her smart looking handbag, waved it while saying "Alohamora Canary Creams", and drew in a sharp breath at the room that stood before her.
The large L-shaped living area had a bank of windows that overlooked most of the better known landmarks of Paris. She could only imagine how beautiful it must look at night, with the city lights illuminating the landscape. Dividing the stretch of windows was a large fireplace, surrounded by three setŽes and tables, which, in Hermione's opinion, may be fashionable, but nowhere near as comfortable as the squashy armchairs to which she'd grown accustomed. Past the bend in the larger room were five pairs of french doors on either side, leading to their personal rooms, and while one side contained a fully stocked bar, the other side held an ornate and utterly fascinating mirror that stood next to a bank of sinks and two opulent bathrooms.
"Ron? Is that you?" Ginny emerged from one of the rooms, fastening an earring into the third piercing on her left ear. Hermione couldn't help but grin at the sight of her. She didn't realize how much she'd missed seeing her on an almost daily basis for 6 years. Although they had managed to exchange many letters over the last two months, it still wasn't the same as being able to look and talk and laugh with someone in the flesh.
"HERMIONE!" Ginny had squealed at the sight of her and ran across the room, crushing her into a hug that filled Hermione with genuine happiness. Her trepidation at this entire journey began to fade, as she felt the comforting reassurance of friendship envelope her. For a moment she thought herself daft for ever having doubted her friendship with any of them. But then, seeing Ginny was probably going to be the easiest. There had never been any question where she stood with her.
"Oh look at you! You look fab and... where's your luggage?"
"Oh, it's all in here." Hermione showed her the handbag, then opened it to reveal her tiny transfigured clothes and toiletries.
"Trust you to be clever about everything! C'mon, let me show around. You're going to love this!" She grabbed her hand and dragged her to the oversized mirror by the lavatories. She looked down at Hermione's hand in hers.
"Hey, you've still got your ring on!"
"What," Hermione thought absentmindedly, "oh yeah. Old habit I guess." She gave a limp smile. It had never occurred to her that wearing the ring that they had all shared would be noticed. Until now, she had even forgotten it was on.
"That's funny, you know, Ron still wears his too."
"He does?" She suddenly didn't feel quite so out of place wearing it.
"All the time. Now watch this!" Ginny stood directly in front of the mirror, tapped it with her wand, then did a slow spin in front of it, as if inspecting her outfit. "Encore," she said as she waved her wand again at the mirror. The surface misted over, then slowly Ginny's reflection appeared, although she had stepped aside. The reflection did a slow spin, just as Ginny had a moment ago. "Isn't it brilliant? It shows your reflection from the moment you tap it to the moment you replay it!" Hermione winced slightly. "Okay, maybe not every witch wants to see how big her bum is in a dress robe - but I'd want to know if something made me look terrible from behind!"
She grabbed her hand again and led her to one of the bedrooms. The french doors opened into a soft white, yet stark room. A king size bed with matching soft white linens stood in the middle of the room. Hermione looked at her quizzically.
"Okay, now just stand right here and try to clear your mind of everything."
Hermione looked at her with slight disbelief, but did her best to follow instructions. She let her mind drift as much as possible, which was difficult with all that was weighing on her. When she heard Ginny let out a soft gasp, she opened her eyes.
The room had transfigured to match her mood. Given that her mood was that of forced optimism, the room did it's best to compensate. Large stuffed animals of all manners were littered on the bed, which was now covered in frilly mounds of warm yellow lace linens. The wall treatment was equally unsettling, warm yellow and soft white stripes, with stencils of sunflowers on the lighter portions of the wall. A brief inspection of the bed showed that the sheets were actually black, which matched the carpet and the night stands - no doubt indicative of her underlying mood. To Hermione, it looked as if a bumble bee had exploded.
"Uh, Hermione? Are you feeling alright?"
She smiled at her friend. "I just have a lot on my mind. Do you think I can try again?"
"I think so, just try to think of something relaxing, something comforting, maybe even soothing? That should work itself out, I hope..."
Hermione tried again. She followed Ginny's advice... comforting, relaxing, soothing... what would make me most comfortable? She opened her eyes and couldn't help but laugh. Ginny rolled her eyes at her.
"Hermione! Honestly! We're in Paris, one of the most romantic and exciting cities in the world and this... this is the best you can come up with?! I don't believe you! Honestly!"
"I think it's brilliant!' She taunted Ginny, who also couldn't help but laugh.
"C'mon, let's see if we can't find everyone else. I'm sure they're in the hotel here somewhere."
"Alright then, hang on." Hermione walked to the vanity and did a cursory check of her hair and makeup (or lack thereof). She quickly put on some gloss, brushed and clipped her hair out of her face, and tucked her wand into her sleeve as she dropped her handbag on the night stand. She closed the doors to her room, which bore a striking resemblance to the Gryffindor' girls' dormitories, and joined Ginny in the living room.
On the way downstairs, Ginny filled Hermione in on everyone's activities over the summer. Along with their parents, Ron, Ginny & Harry had toured eastern Europe, which also included stops in Egypt to visit with Bill, Romania to visit with Charlie, and Spain to spend two days with Luna and her father as they searched out yet another mystical and elusive creature.
Ron, apparently, had spent most of their vacation pining for Luna. So, as Ginny indicated, the detour to Spain was simply to shut him up.
Harry, on the other hand, had the most wonderful time on vacation. Since he'd never been anywhere other than Hogwarts and Privet Drive, the extended travel had really been quite a treat. Not to mention that he wasn't having to look over his shoulder the entire time, or worry about any dark lords trying to leglimens him in his sleep. Ginny went on and on about how Harry reminded her of a kid set loose in a sweets shop. He was fairly agog at even the smallest things. This was fairly similar to what Ron had mentioned in his letters - how could anyone possibly be that fascinated by cars that drove on the right and bed & breakfasts?
They headed towards one of the larger lounges when a pair of voices beckoned to them.
"Oy, if it isn't the brilliant, bushy headed one herself!"
"The brilliantly famous bushy headed, Head Girl I do believe!"
Hermione turned and was immediately flanked by the twin Weasleys, who each took turns giving her enormous bear hugs, lifting and spinning her from the ground.
"Stop you two, you're going to make her sick!"
"No, it's more than alright Ginny. How are you? I've missed you both terribly!" A huge smile had formed on Hermione's face. All the trepidation that had been building before she left had nearly completely ebbed away.
"Hear that George? She's missed us terribly! Guess that means we didn't tease you nearly enough in school then?"
"Perhaps a Ton-Tongue toffee in your dessert this evening?"
"Or a Wildfire WhizBang in your bedroom?"
"Thanks you two, but I don't think I could handle any type of whizbangs in my room." She instantly regretted saying it, then turned bright red.
"Ooooh, look who's got a mouth on her!"
"Kiss your mum with that do you?"
"Oh stop having her on you two! She's only been here a few minutes and you've already become insufferable!"
"C'mon then Gin, you know we love Hermione as much as you do. We're just making her feel at home."
"Right, it's not like we'd actually do any of those things to her. Besides, were it not for Hermione we'd have never..."
"...managed to get away with testing the snackboxes on students," Hermione quickly cut off Fred, then shot them both a stark warning glance that Ginny didn't completely catch. But the twins took her meaning plainly, and immediately changed the subject.
"Right... um Gin, what time do you have?"
"It's nearly twenty 'til," she replied, "why?"
"Oh mum's expecting you. She's in a right state about having to meet the Delacours this afternoon."
"She was hoping you'd be able to help her out a bit. You know, in the 'how not to look so terribly uncomfortable' department."
"Oh," Ginny smacked her head, "I forgot! Well then, I'll have to trust you two to help Hermione find everyone else then." The twins each gave her identical smirks, "No, really, help her find Ron & Harry, or else..."
"Or else what," they sang in unison.
"Or else I'll tell mum what you really did at Bill's bachelor party."
Fred turned to George, "she's bluffing!"
George turned to Fred, "she couldn't possibly know!"
"Bet you two wish you'd never invented these little gems then," she held up an Extendable Ear. The twins blanched. "Now play nice you two - it would be good if the entire family were in attendance for Bill's nuptials!" And with a knowing grin, Ginny turned and left.
Hermione let out a genuine laugh she simply couldn't suppress. "C'mon you two, you know she's only teasing," she threw her arms around both their shoulders, "now please, do tell me of the wonderful world of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes!"
They spent a couple of minutes telling her of their latest successes and current complaints. It seems that they had overlooked the amount of responsibilities that would come with running a highly profitable business. As much fun as they had inventing new and fabulous pranks, more and more these days they found themselves bogged down in the day to day requirements - inventory, billing, shipping...
"I can't imagine! Fred & George Weasley, responsible, dare I say, respectable businessmen? Your mum must be so proud!"
"Don't you start in Heady."
"Unless you want us to let slip..."
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry...," she laughed back at them. "I'll be good. I promise."
They continued on to the lounge, where they descended a staircase into the soft and hazy lit interior. And it was there, midstep on the staircase, that Hermione's hopes of any semblance of a welcome reunion were completely dashed.
In the corner of the lounge, looking perfectly happy and content, was Harry Potter. And practically dripping off of his arm...
"Who... who is that?"
"Oh, you've noticed her then."
"She'll be ever so pleased, considering what a shy and demure slip of a girl she is."
But the girl practically clinging to Harry like a second skin was anything but shy and demure. She had perfectly styled auburn hair, pulled back just enough to reveal her bright and dangly earrings and a slender neck. Her eyes were dark blue and sparkled every time she laughed, just a little too loudly, Hermione noted, at almost everything Harry said. It also gave her a chance to flash every brilliantly white tooth in her head. 'Like a shark,' Hermione thought uncomfortably. She had her arm entwined with his and sat as close as possible on the cozy bench behind the corner table. Everything about her demeanor was unmistakable. Her body language practically screamed, 'back off, or else!'
"That, my dear Heady, is Horatia Higgenbothan..."
"No George, it's the Horatia Higgenbothan!" Fred corrected.
"No Fred, it's 'Please call me Ray-shaaa dears,'" George drawled with a lilt.
"Right then, it's Ratia Higgenbothan..."
"Spoiled rotten..."
"Too good for mere mortals..."
"Snotty..."
"Arrogant..."
"Daughter of Horatio Higgenbothan, whose fortune takes up a sizable portion of the vault space in Gringott's."
"Figured he couldn't let one of Gringott's nearest and dearest wizards..."
"Not to mention one named 'Weasley', which is suddenly a rather popular, well known name worldwide..."
"Tie the knot without making an appearance."
"A rather splashy, attention grabbing appearance at that."
"And it seems his daughter's no better."
Hermione took this all in, trying her best to rein in the pieces of her shattered heart and ego. She put on her game face, and faced the twins.
"Ahhh," noted Fred, "we wondered how you'd take this."
"I've no idea what you mean." But the reddening of her face gave her away.
"Of course you don't," George gave her a knowing look.
"Honestly, after everything Harry's been through, he deserves a little...," she swallowed, "recreation."
Fred and George looked at each other, agape. "Hermione, you can't possibly mean...?"
"Not with that dolled up cow!"
"Of course," she reasoned, "I'd have thought he'd have better taste than that! At least someone who looks like they might possibly know the difference between an 'accio' and an 'alohamora' to say the least."
"Ah, now that's the Hermione we've come to know and love."
"So, what are you going to do about it then?"
"I'm going to say 'hello' to my friend. As for you two, you're going to help your mother and Ginny, because if you don't, maybe I'll get her to tell me what you did at Bill's bachelor party, and I'm not so easy to bribe." Fred and George knew her well enough to get her true meaning. Whatever she was going to do, she needed not to have an audience present. Especially one that had enough suspicions about her true feelings.
"We'll just leave you to it then Heady." Fred gave her a hug of encouragement.
"Just try not to leave a mess when you're done with her Heady." George winked, and then also hugged her.
"Would you stop calling me that?" She smiled at them, thankful for their understanding, and watched them walk back up the steps.
But as she slowly finished her descent to the foot of the stairs, she could feel her resolve fading away. Harry did look perfectly content, as far as she could tell. He continued talking, and the girl continued laughing, and as much as she hated to admit it, she was truly upset. Not so much that he was with another girl, that would come later. The offense she took now was that this person, the laughing, smiling, happy person in the corner booth was a complete stranger to her. She never knew this Harry. Her Harry was deep, introspective, almost broody. She could read him at a glance and find exactly what to say to draw him out of his reverie, sometimes eliciting a hard won smile or laugh. This Harry just gave it up willingly. And to that cow no less!
As much as she hated to admit it, she missed the old Harry. Even though he was usually sad and held the weight of the world on his shoulders, at least she knew how to talk to that Harry. She had always been close to, and even loved that Harry.
And now he was gone.
She glanced around briefly, noting that he hadn't seen her yet. Would she be able to make it back up the stairs without being noticed? Maybe the lounge had another exit she could get to unseen? Hmm, no luck there, so she slowly began climbing the stairs backwards, hoping that maybe, if she was actually spotted, she could reverse her direction without being too obvious. At this moment, she'd have given anything for an invisibility cloak.
"HERMIONE!"
'Bollocks!'
Ron had entered from the far side of the lounge, and from the corner of her eye she could see Harry look up at the call of her name.
'So much for that plan!'
She quickly reversed her direction, once again walking down the stairs, as Ron rushed to greet her. He grabbed her, then flung her around, much as the twins had.
"Wow Hermione, it's good to see you again. It seems like ages! When did you get in?"
"Only just an hour ago. I was just getting settled and the twins were showing me around. They thought I might find you down here." She could see him getting up, out of the corner of her eye, 'don't panic, don't panic... it's just Harry. Plain old Harry and... why won't she let him alone!?' Ratia had managed to fasten herself to his side as he crossed the room to join them. 'Okay, it's Harry and the bright and shiny cow! I can handle this.'
"So what did you think of the suite? Isn't it fab? If you can believe it, Fred & George are footing the bill for the lot of us. Say it's their gift for the wedding, making sure all our family and friends have a place to stay. They certainly did a great job at that!"
"That's great - I had no idea. They didn't mention a word of it."
"Well they wouldn't. It's very odd, but these days they've become more, oh what's the word, subdued I guess, when it comes to what they've done. Back in the day they'd have been crowing about it for weeks."
"Well, I guess we've all managed to change a bit over the years." She couldn't help but look at Harry when she said this, as he finally joined them.
"Hi Hermione, it's great to see you again!"
"Hi Harry." He reached out and gave her a tentative one-armed hug, as that flashy cow refused to let go of his other arm.
Hermione looked at him, and in an instant could read his expression. At least she still held that ability. Unfortunately, it didn't look at all good. From what she could read, he looked uncomfortable. Terribly uncomfortable. Whether it was from just seeing her, or being seen flaunting Ratia in her presence, she couldn't tell.
"Oh hello, Hermarinee is it?" Ratia flashed her shark-like grin as she held out a hand towards her.
"Her-my-oh-knee actually!" She shook her hand. Hermione noted how it was one of those lame handshakes, where Ratia barely offered her fingertips and softly pinched instead of gripped her hand. It was almost as if she were too good to actually be bothered to touch Hermione's hand.
"Oh yes, of course. Dear Harry's been telling me so much about you."
"I'm sorry... Hermione, this is Horatia Higgenbothan." Harry introduced.
"Oh please dear, call me Ratia." She mock insisted while placing a hand to her upper chest.
"How nice to meet you Ratia." Hermione offered cooly - apparently Fred and George had been quite accurate in their assessment.
"Hermione, I'm so glad to see you're doing okay. We hated leaving you in St. Mungo's..." Harry began.
"But as you can see now, she's perfectly fine!" Ratia cut off Harry rather abruptly.
"Yes, quite fine thank you," she responded rather tersely.
"Well, I was just about to show Harry around the city. If you'll excuse us." Ratia practically dragged Harry from the lounge. He slowed a bit despite her insistence.
"I'll catch you up tonight in the suite," Harry offered and waved, as Ratia pulled him through the doorway.
"C'mon Hermione, I'll get you a butterbeer and you can tell me all about your muggle summer," Ron smiled at her and led her toward a table.
Hermione gave him a listless smile back as she tried to focus on her other friend, but as they sat and talked, she couldn't help but think of Harry. She had also noticed that he no longer wore his ring, one of three made especially for them.
'He looked so happy,' she thought, and it depressed her. As much as she may have disliked Ratia, at least Harry was out there, enjoying himself and finally getting a chance to live. It was quite plain - he didn't need her anymore. There were no more dark lords to conquer, no classes to study for, no exams to pass. She had fulfilled whatever role he needed, and now he had moved on.
She'd become superfluous.
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A/N: So sorry to end it there chaps, but it's a Monday, and I have work (ah, the dreaded day job!) I hope to have this all done by next weekend, but that could be a pipe dream, depending on what types of crap get dumped on me this week. Never a dull moment here. :^)