Not even Sleekeazy’s Hair Potion could save Hermione’s frizzled locks on a day such as this. Although it didn’t matter to her, the young witch knew she looked like a complete mess after a number of people stopped her in the halls to inquire whether she needed some assistance or if she was feeling ill. With her arms filled with countless files, she moved toward her Ministry office in a flurry.
All of these 14 hour days were beginning to take their toll, however Hermione was never one to turn away work. It was just a little more difficult ever since her time turner had been returned to Professor McGonagall after her third year, subsequently falling useless in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries. It was a shame, really. Hermione could really use the extra hours they offered her.
Leaning into the door, she entered her perfectly organized sanctuary and placed the paperwork onto her polished mahogany desk in a huff. Her eyes scanned the new mess in contemplation. If she was being completely honest, Hermione hadn’t taken a single day off since she began. She hadn’t seen a single one of her friends or family in well over a month, and her spirit was slowly beginning to fade. At times, it felt as if the witch was attempting the impossible with how much responsibility she carried on her shoulders.
Hermione needed a break.
She was 22 years old.
She needed some fun in her life.
A smile turned up the corners of her mouth and Hermione nodded definitively to herself before briskly stepping toward her cloak, scarf, and hat. Slipping it all on, she turned on her heels and grabbed a spare piece of parchment from the left drawer of her desk. Hermione picked up the quill and scribbled across it, trying her best to ignore the wonky way her letters tilted across the page.
“Ginny Weasley, please, quickly” she instructed the owl that was perched so obediently in her window sill. Satisfied, Hermione walked out of her office, turning only to lock the door. Her shift was officially done for the day. This felt giddy and reckless, a notion that seemed foreign. She hadn’t been this excited since her days at Hogwarts. It was silly, or perhaps sad, but the woman couldn’t help herself… where would she go now? Maybe dancing? Maybe Ginny could call Luna… or Neville? Ronald and Harry were surely busy with their own work, but hopefully at least one of her friends would be interested in getting a butterbeer with her.
Entering the Ministry’s Atrium, Hermione promptly exited her workplace before apparating to the Leaky Cauldron’s entrance. Still smiling to herself, she entered the familiar establishment and moved to a private table. She made herself comfortable, removing the red hat that contained her wild locks and slipping her cloak over her shoulders before sitting in the worn booth. Where were all of the cool people spending their time lately? Surely Ginny would know better than she would, but until she managed to get ahold of the fiery redhead, Hermione ordered herself a drink and watched the door carefully.
Hopefully someone of interest would join her.
-Saved for
@Kit Emberton -
