putting the pieces together

by Wanderingfair

Summary:

Hermione Granger is blackout drunk.

Ginny Potter needs to get home to care for her 1-year-old. Luckily, the pub is packed with more revelers than just for the birthday girl, including a healer Ginny has trusted in the past.

She’s fairly certain Hermione won’t remember anyway.

*A Dramione Textfic*

Notes:

• For elcieford.

This is a fun little text fic for the end of summer/ Hermione's birthday. Once again, I had NO business starting this. My hand slipped!!!

For Elcie, who is an incredibly steadfast friend, and loves her some textfics! I hope this lives up to your brilliance!

Chapter 1: No Complaints So Far

{ALT TEXT}

Hermione Granger is blackout drunk. 

Ginny Potter needs to get home to care for her 1-year-old. Luckily, the pub is packed with more revelers than just for the birthday girl, including a healer Ginny has trusted in the past. 

She’s fairly certain Hermione won’t remember anyway.

September 20th 2:33 am 

G: Make sure she drinks the sobering potion

U: I can handle it

G: She’ll say she doesn’t need it

U: Weasley, I can handle it. How is the healer here? 

G: It’s Potter 

U: Besides, I brew my own. It’ll be the best she’s ever had.

G: …

U: I’ve had no complaints from witches 

G: Gods, you’re a prat. I’d forgotten.  

U: A prat you just entrusted your best friend to 

G: I needed to relieve my mum

U: I’m shocked you foisted her on me

G: I seem to remember you offering? Weird. Her room though (shudders).

U: {photo of cleaned up room} 

U: I charmed all 7,845 books into stacks just to get her to the bloody bed 

G: She’s going to be furious when she wakes up 

U: She’s too pissed to do anything. 

G: That sounds vaguely ominous  

U: I’m a gentleman. I haven’t touched her save to tilt her mouth open.. For the potions. Fuck, nothing sounds right. Once I know she’s out of the woods I’ll put everything back where it was. 

U: {Sends photo of Crookshanks}

U: Any advice on handling this fur monstrosity?

G: That harmless cat?

U: Well, I wasn’t talking about Granger 

G: Don’t slip up and tell me your actual opinion of her. Crooks is an old man. Just accio his food, he’ll settle.

U: I looked away for five seconds and now he’s perched on her chest like a fluffy gargoyle 

G: You’ll figure it out 

U: He hissed at me! Twice! 

G:  Gods, don’t cry about it. I forget how sensitive you are to magical beasts. It’s just a kneazle. Explain what you’re doing. In detail. Be sure to sound posh about it. He’ll drop the guard

U: I suppose I can do that

G: Has she woken up at all? 

U: Not exactly 

G: Is she doing that adorable snoring she does?

U: Exactly no one is an adorable snorer

G: Hermione is

U: Is it adorable to have an airway obstructed? 

G: Well, hers is adorable. I’m sure there’s a spell for it anyway.

U: Whatever, Weasley

G: Potter 

U: Old habits.

U: You don’t have to tell her this was me, you know. 

U: I doubt she’ll remember anything from last night 

G: She might 

4 am 

G: Any changes?

U: Why in Merlin’s name are you awake?

G: James was hungry, and my tits are killing me from being away for Hermione’s birthday party earlier. 

U: I really did not need those details

G: Too bad. You’re inner circle since Edinburgh. 

U: I doubt Potter would agree.

U: She’s fine by the way. Vitals are good. Woke her up an hour ago to administer a rehydration potion. 

G: …

U: She barely opened her eyes. She still doesn’t know I’m in her flat. With her books. And her kneazle. What an odd night.

G: Are you planning to stay until she wakes up? 

U: She’ll wake up a little tired but she’ll be fine. I’ll leave another set of potions and she has some paracetamol in her loo. Nothing a good breakfast won’t cure in the morning. 

G: Thank you. You really have cared for two of my favorite people and helped deliver my third. 

U: I do appreciate the tally of how indebted you are to me. 

U: Odd we’d never exchanged mobiles before this. 

G: We usually just found you at Mungo’s, or in Harry’s case…anyway, you’re right. Thanks for helping her tonight. 

U: I just babysat a sleeping mop of curls. No bother.

G: Huh. Okay. I see you’re already minimising it. Now I actually am tempted to tell her. 

U: If it’s all the same, I’d prefer you leave me out of it. 

G: I’m not going to do that. But I’ll keep it a secret. For now. 

U: Why do I feel like I’m about to regret ever stepping foot in that pub tonight. 

G: The only thing I regret is not slipping her Sober Up sooner. Won’t make that mistake again.

 

 

Chapter 2: Someone Carried Me Home?

Summary:

Hermione wakes up the day after her birthday...

Notes:

I absolutely adore the community aspect of posting a textfic, and seeing familiar faces in the comments! Thank you so much for engaging on this silly one! I hope you enjoy the updates.

{ALT TEXT}

September 20 10:23 am

H: Hi

H: I’m alive

H: I found a tiara still attached to my curls

H: Also, I think I kissed someone last night  

G: Good morning, princess. Next time bury the lead a little further down. 

H: Gin…

G: No, I like a treasure hunt 

G: I am actually shocked this is happening before noon

H: Gin!

G: Yes, you drank all of it. And possibly all the vodka too. Definitely the Firewhiskey. I’ll check the sales slip for the rest. 

G: Send me a proof of life 

H: {Photo wrapped in covers}

H: Surviving 

H: Barely

H: My body feels exhausted, but I actually feel much less like rubbish than I thought I would 

G: Well, that’s promising 

H: What time did we get home? I actually can’t remember

G: Two-ish. Two is being generous 

H: Christ

G: You were on a mission, my dear. I applauded you 

H: Gin, I actually can’t remember anything past the sparkler cake 

G: There it is 

H: Was I blackout? How incredibly foolish of me. Oh, I’m actually feeling sick.

H: From embarrassment

H To be clear

H: Oh, gods. 

H: What did I do? Who saw me do it? Had the minister left? 

G: Kings had in fact left. Stop spiraling, you were fine. 

H: Was I?

G: No, but you were highly entertaining 

H: You can’t see me shaking my head, but I am, vigorously. 

G: So, you kissed someone?

H: I have absolutely no idea but I have the oddest feeling I had a top notch snog. Can’t remember with whom. 

G: That’s unfortunate 

H: You’re not going to tell me??

G: NOPE!

H: GINNY!

G: What? Hermione, you need to listen to me for a second. One, I spend 95% of my time with a tiny energy vampire that I would burn the world down for. I needed one night away from him or I was going to rip all of my hair out. Last night gave me enough entertainment to last three months. 

H: Ginny, you’re such a good mum

G: That’s not in dispute. That’s wildly outside the point. Harry has been on this mission for four days and I’m actually quite certain I’m going insane. 

H: So, you were making my birthday about you?

G: Of course I was. I’m sorry Harry missed it, HJ

H: That’s okay. He’s busy. He’s important.

G: No more important than you are!

G: Stop distracting me. Two, we wouldn’t have let anything happen to you. You were a mess, but you were a fun mess! 

H: Gods, that gives me absolutely no comfort at all. 

G: I tried 

H: Did you though? 

G: Be nice to me or I won’t tell you about the indecently attractive wizard who carried you (IN HIS ARMS) through the apparition home

H: SOMEONE CARRIED ME HOME?

G: This is too fun. 

H: I hate you so much right now. 

G: Don’t try to ask anyone else. Everyone was having a good time last night and I made sure you were taken care of. 

H: You actually let someone else take me home?

G: Nothing untoward happened 

H: Says you. Who is this person? 

G: A healer I know. Totally trustworthy. 

H: I was so bad I needed a healer? Oh gods. 

G:  Breathe. Just breathe. Okay? 

H: I can’t believe this is happening

G: {Sends contact info}

H: I’m too embarrassed to use that 

G: Just leaving that there for you. Use it. Don’t use it. Whatever you think is best

H: Don’t Molly me 

G: No, Molly would have less chill than I have in this situation, Hermione Jean. 

G: I need you to appreciate the nuance of what I’m trying to accomplish here

H: I hate you so much right now 

G: Love you too! James is up from his nap.

H: I’m too tired to argue 

G: That’s right. It’s futile. 

Twenty minutes later

H: {Photo of lovely brunch spread} 

H: You didn’t have to do this 

G: How curious. 

G: I absolutely did not do that. 

Notes:

👀 will someone be brave and use that brand new contact?

Chapter 3: Wish I Could Remember It

Summary:

Hermione decides it's finally time to reach out to the healer who helped her

Notes:

You didn't have to wait too long...

 

{ALT TEXT}

Hermione decides it's finally time to reach out to the healer who helped her 

September 20 3:45 PM

U: I’m not quite sure how to begin 

U: I’d like to convey how incredibly embarrassed I feel. I conducted myself appallingly last night. Or so I imagine. There is a reprieve, I suppose, in the fact that I have the ability to thank you without actually having to face you. That’s comforting. 

U: Thank you. Not only for helping me home, but I assume, making sure I wasn’t harmed in the process. 

H: It’s my job

U: Hardly

U: Taking care of inebriated witches at pubs? Doesn’t seem very fun. 

H: I occasionally need to help witches in worse circumstances. It was no trouble.

U: Still, I am beyond grateful. I can’t imagine what I said in that state

H: Not much. Which I found odd. Not at all what I expected.

U: Meaning?

H: Well, I just mean, you being you. I just imagined you would have had more to say.

U: My reputation precedes me then?

H: They do that. Unfortunately.

U: It's honestly a relief to know I didn’t chat your ear off

H: I feel the opposite, but it is not unusual for your level of intoxication, Ms. Granger

U: You may call me Hermione

H: I don’t think I should

U: You know I’m not actually your patient, right? I really must insist you do.

H: Can we meet in the middle? I think I’d prefer Granger.

G: That’s acceptible, although wizards who have carried me usually have the privilege of using my first name

H: I did carry you

G: So I’ve been told

G: Consequently, I usually like to know the first names of the wizards who have carried me.

H: Happen often?

G: Not nearly enough 

G: Wish I could remember it

H: So you don't? Remember anything? 

G: Sadly, I remember very little from last night. 

H: Pity

G: What can I call you? Healer…

H: Just Healer is fine for now

G: Just Healer will have to do. It’s not ideal, but I’ll honour it, begrudgingly. 

G: You did care for me last night. My curls were a mess, but metaphorically not a hair was out of place

G: Crooks was well cared for too. That’s my kneazle. I wasn’t sure you’d met until I noticed he was quite pleased with a can of tuna in his little corner.

H: He didn’t give me much trouble

G: He usually hates wizards. He tolerates my friends, but he doesn’t naturally gravitate toward them

H: He seemed perfectly focused on keeping you safe

H: I made some progress with him

H: Granger, I have to come clean about something…

G: Oh, um, okay

H: I did touch something

G: You did? 

H: Yes, I touched your…books

G: You cretin! I was actually nervous for a moment

G: I should have known when I found Living as a Legilimens and Love & Other Demons in the same section earlier

H: You would have a system in all that chaos

G: Of course I do, Healer

H: Well, that’s very good, Granger. I’m sorry I had to disturb it

G: I have to imagine you were limited in your wand movements, me being in your arms and all 

H: Actually, I did that all wandlessly

G: …Oh

G: Well, that works too. I suppose.

G: You're quite a white knight 

H: I’m no hero. 

G: You save people as your primary occupation. 

H: That's my job. Not my average Saturday night at the pub

H: You have saved people as well. 

G: Not the same thing 

G: So that wasn’t your typical night out, but you made an exception for me? 

H: Ginevra is very persuasive 

G: Right

G: Gin can be

G: That makes perfect sense 

H: Granger, I have a shift in ten minutes 

G: Of course you do. I just wanted to say thank you. Again. 

G: Which I have. Again. 

H: You’re more than welcome 

G: And I suppose I need to thank you for the incredible brunch that appeared in my flat this morning?

H: I wasn’t sure what you would favour 

G: All of it, to be honest

H: Good. That’s good. 

H: You seem like the type to skip breakfast 

G: I don’t. 

H: You don’t? 

G: Well, I wouldn’t have skipped it today 

H: What part did you like the best? 

H: Wait. Let me guess. The pancakes?

G: Guilty! I can never get the right level of fluffiness, no matter how many spells I use. 

H: I have another confession. I didn’t cook it.

H: I asked the elves make it and drop it off for you 

H: FREE elves. I’m sorry if that was another invasion of your privacy

G: I assumed that, actually. I’m strangely okay with it. The homemade butter was most compelling in persuading me. 

H: That’s refreshing

G: What is?

H: Someone assuming I had the best intentions, for once

H: I have to be at my shift

H: Did you see the potions I left?

G: I’m running out of ways to say thank you

H: Just feel better today. That’s thanks enough

G: I’ll try my best, Healer

H: Have a good afternoon, Granger

Chapter 4: Checking On You

Summary:

Hermione spirals to a different friend...

Notes:

I very intentionally used Neville and Ginny in this fic because they are noticeably absent from my other WIP, This Dreadful Need, where Blaise, Dean and Pansy get all the glory. Theo was practically the star of my fic, Virgin Snow. So, it's fun to move in new players and make them all function differently in the plots.

{ALT TEXT}

September 21 12:15 PM

N: Checking on you

H: I’m surviving, Nev

H: {photo of Holly Golightly}

H: Where I wish I was

H: {photo of her office at the ministry}

H: Where I actually am 

N: Figured I’d give you the full day to recover

N: You seemed to be having a drinking competition with yourself this weekend

H: I’m aware

N: It happens

N: Remember Yule last year? I passed out on Hannah’s floor

N: She was very gracious

N: Too good for me

H: Not true, Neville

H: I am only now getting pieces of how messy I was

H: It seems I lost complete control sometime after the cake

N: It was a great do. Everyone said so.

H: Right. I guess that’s confronting.

N: Biggest crowd they’d seen at The Beater’s Bat in ages

N: Sorry I decided to skive off early from the pub

H: Did you?

N: Oh, right, you don’t remember. 

H: Not particularly, Neville. I’m sorry. 

N: It was just the biggest night of my life. It’s fine. 

H: Tell me everything right now.

N: Right now?

H: Yes, I mean, I have a department meeting in 20 minutes, but yes!

N: It happened 

H: It happened?

N: Pansy Parkinson happened! 

H: Neville!!!! Congratulations! I know you’ve been wanting that for a while

H: To think I was going to ask you if we snogged. 

N: You and me?

H: I know.

H: I have no idea what happened for half the night, and I’m attempting to put the pieces together. 

N: We haven't snogged, Mione

H: Okay. Well, okay. I suppose that’s good.

N: Like I said, the pub was packed Saturday night. Could have been anybody.

H: Gee, thanks for that

N: Lots of Hogwarts alumni, Ministry wizards 

H: Next you’ll tell me there was a whole quidditch team there

H: Neville…

H: Oh, gods

N: I’m sure it’s fine, Mione. You’ll figure it out.

H: Who do we know that works at Mungo’s?

N: Usual suspects. Pansy obviously.

H: Obviously. 

N: Padma, Wood, a good number of Slytherins are there actually. 

H: Oh really?

N: I know Flint is in Magical Surgery & Limb Reconstruction

H: Anyone else?

N: I deal mainly with Pansy for potion ingredient restocking

H: Right

N: Sorry, want me to ask her?

H: No, not unless it comes up naturally

H: I suppose it might be someone we don’t even know socially

H: So you didn’t see me leave that night?

N: I did not

N: It would be ungentlemanly of me to elaborate why.

N: Let’s just say I was indisposed.

H: She was shagging your brains out?

N: Mione, I said I wouldn’t say.

H: I snogged a mystery man, and I am on the cusp of freaking out before I have to present this new proposal for budget approval. 

H: Longbottom! Tell me!

N: Not this time, Mione

H: …

H: You’re a good one, Nev

N: You know you can still make me blush.

H: It’s okay to love praise. Merlin knows, I know.

H: Did you happen to take any photos?

N: Obvs I took photos.

H: Can you please send me what you have? Maybe that will help jostle a memory free. 

H: I have to run to this meeting.

H: Send anything you think is relevant!

One hour later

N: {Sends a collection of pub photos}

N: They aren’t much, but I took some

H: Anything helps. Although, I feel blurry all over again just looking at these. It’s possible this is having a paradoxical effect.

H: So many Slytherins. They look so posh. 

N: Yeah, I was over in their section for a tick.

H: Oh, gods. Is it wrong that I am finding all of them unreasonably fit?

N: Why do you think I’ve been chasing Pansy?

N: Bit shocked to see them all there, but they bought some pints and were generally alright.

H: That’s brilliant, I suppose. Good to have unity. We’re old enough.

N: Right. I thought so.

H: Isn’t Nott the Head of Games and Sports now?

N: Dunno. Want me to ask Pans?

H: No, I can do some digging here.

N: Daphne Greengrass is in Magical Law.

H: Huh. I hate that I can’t stop looking. Is that Malfoy with long hair? What are he, Zabini, and Goyle up to these days?

N: Couldn’t say. Don’t see their names much in the Prophet.

H: That seems quite odd, now that we’re speaking on it.

N: I guess.

H: Thanks for checking in on me.

N: You bet, Hermione

Several hours later

N: Pansy took a photo too. 

N: Maybe this’ll help?

N: It’s blurry though

N: {Photo of man and woman close together}

Notes:

How do we think Draco is doing?

Chapter 5: Atonement

Summary:

In which Hermione's healer may regret reaching out...

Notes:

This one is a tad bit longer. It's really none of my business. They just talk at me.

TW: Discussion of past torture; use of the Crutiatus Curse

{ALT TEXT}

September 24th 10:00 am 

H: I will usually check on a patient 72 hours after my initial evaluation. 

G: It’s been over 96 hours. Do I need to report you to your superior? Let them know that you’re not doing a very thorough job? 

H: Well, I wasn't sure if you would be interested in hearing from me again

G: I was embarrassed, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want to hear from you. It’s a good thing I don’t know your actual name. Seems unlikely I’ll get very far storming down to Mungo’s to report an unnamed, unknown Healer. I may be taken directly to the Janus Thickey Ward

G: It’s actually a blessing you didn’t reach out sooner. I’ve been buried under a mountain of paperwork 

G: I had a presentation go down the pan. I am actively fighting with the Minister’s Undersecretary, and my budget was rejected for a fourth time.

H: Isn’t the Undersecretary your ex’s older brother?

G: He might be. 

G: I’m trying not to let it bother me that you know specific details about my personal life.

H: Everyone in the wizarding world knows details about your life.

G: I’m aware

G: Maybe I’ve seen your private life inside the tabloid fodder of the Daily Prophet ? 

H: Not likely. My name was there in another life more times than I care to see again. I make it a priority to avoid headlines. 

G: Lucky you.

H: So, I take it this hasn’t been a great week?

G: Precisely. I’m usually much more focused.

H: Feeling rattled?

G: A bit

G: I’ve been letting a matter outside of work take up space in my brain. It’s not relevant to my project. 

G: Though I doubt you would want to hear about this. 

H: Try me. What are you working on?

G: I suppose you know I was recently promoted to the Head of Magical Transport? My proposal has a few redundancies, to be sure, but I think it will greatly improve the way we travel through the wizarding world on a daily basis. 

H: I’m intrigued. 

G: Think of it like a door-to-door spell. There are instances when we do not have the ability to apparate, but we’d like to be moved to a more specific target than Floo travel can provide. Port keys are far too expensive to be a viable solution. Unlike a Floo utilising a hearth, this spell would take you directly to the door you wished to enter. 

H: What if the recipient is not open to you entering? 

G: It’ll be very much like the Floo being closed. 

G: There is every possibility a door can still be “locked,” but if the recipient has charmed the door to receive the spell, it will open. I reworked the Alohamora . 

H: What are you calling this?

G: Essentially it’s door coupling. Ostia Copulor

H: Granger, this is quite impressive 

G: Thank you. I agree. Some spells have the ability to create small changes that will have a big impact 

H: Tell me more about how you see it being utilised? 

G: Think about it revolutionising a witches or wizards commute! No Floo traffic in highly populated places. No waiting to leave at the end of a long day. You’d simply cast the spell, and walk into your bedroom. Each door would have a magical signature that only allowed one cast at a time. If you don’t have access, or the door is busy, the doorframe would turn red, alerting the caster to try again. 

H: Sounds like a fascinating concept. 

G: I agree. If only I could get some of the stodgy Purebloods on board. I’m getting stonewalled by some of the Old Guard on the Wizengamot. If they even show up to hear my proposals at all. Many wizards do not deem progress in the transportation department to be a priority. 

H: Have you tested the practicality of the spell?

G: A bit. Though any testing is between me and my assigned Unspeakable. Unfortunately I cannot share about beta testing.  

H: How safe is it?

G: Meaning? How crowded will the emergency department at St. Mungo’s be? I’m really not sure why I’m telling you any of this. 

H: Granger, it’s my job to ask, and maybe it’s because you want someone to talk to. 

G: Well, I had a few mishaps in the beginning, but nothing that would make me consider the spell inherently unsafe. 

H: Any residual pain? Headaches? Dizziness? Lethargy? 

G: No, Healer. Are you angling to be considered as a medical consultant? 

H: Hardly. I only step foot into the Ministry when I am required. 

G:  Perspicacious of you. 

G: I’m probably not the best person to beta test. I have an incredibly high tolerance for pain. 

H: Witches certainly appear to have a higher rate of pain perception, but I’m curious what makes you self-identify with that conclusion. 

G: Oh, gods, I feel like you’re going to regret reaching out to me, if you haven’t already 

H: Why don’t you try me? 

G: Are you familiar with the Crutiatus Curse?

H: Regreattably

G: If you don’t mind me prying, was this knowledge acquired from a course of study in the field, or do you have personal experience?

H: Both

G: I’m sorry, you don’t have to tell me anything else 

H: I had an employer who thought it was the best way to acquire loyalty. Unfortunately, at the time, my parents made me feel like I couldn’t challenge that. 

G: How cruel. I hope that person is rotting in Azkaban. 

H: That’s one interpretation. Another may be that I deserved it. 

H: Tell me about your experience. If you’re open to sharing. 

G: I was once made to confess something under the curse. The caster thought they could acquire something from me. At first, I felt the pain everywhere. Every possible cell in my body, but then it was like I willed the pain away. I acted as though the effects of the curse were still reeking havoc, but they weren’t. It was very odd, I know. I’ve tried to explain it so many times. 

G: I’m sure you regret reaching out now

H: Exactly the opposite, in fact.

H: I have a confession to make. I seem to want to be more honest with you despite my better judgement. 

H: I haven’t just experienced the curse, I’ve used it. 

G: Well, so has my best friend  

H: I’m sure his reasons were far more noble 

G: And yours weren’t? 

H: I didn’t think I had a choice at the time. There is no nobility in that cowardice.

G: And now?

H: And now I hope the rest of your week goes well. You shouldn’t give up on your idea. I’m sure if you get some Pureblood families on board it’ll go a long way to convince the hold-outs on the Wizengamot. 

G: Thank you, but you didn’t answer me. What do you think about it now?

H: I think I’m busy doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing. 

G: Which is?

H: Atonement, Granger

Notes:

Ostia Copulor translates in Latin to I am united with the doorways which I kind of LOVE. If you've read Virgin Snow, you know I can't help adding onto canon magic. I find it a really fun exercise. This just happened by chance, but I kind of adored the idea of Hermione constantly trying to improve mundane things for wizards. Even with redundancy, just think of all the Muggle things that are redundant.

They really wouldn't stop talking. How are we feeling? I added a light angst tag because I feel like their backstory got a bit heavier just then, and their history is just starting to reveal itself.

Chapter 6: I Need A Favour

Summary:

In which things escalate...

Notes:

I really hope you’re enjoying it. Thank you so much for your lovely comments and theories!

{ALT TEXT}

September 25th 7:00 AM

G: {Photo of Crooks}

G: He’s demanded tuna every single morning this week. I hope you’re prepared to subsidise this new diet.

H: With pleasure, Granger. He has a taste for the best now, can’t say that I blame him.

G: Similar to your morning habits?

H: Not exactly. 

H: I have a late shift today, so I’m just getting home from an early morning flight.

G: Oh. 

H: Yeah, my routine usually starts with that, or a pick-up game of Quidditch.

G: Hope it was a good one. Good workout, I mean.

H: {Photo of shirtless man at gym}

H: It was. 

G: Right.

H: Right. Have a good day, Granger

Later that evening

H: I’m assuming you’re still at the office, but tell me I’m wrong

G: You’re not wrong, unfortunately.

G: Are you at work?

H: I’m on break 

G: And you’re checking in on me? 

H: Seems that way, doesn’t it?

G: I have this vision in my head of you at St. Mungo’s but I have to confess, it’s primarily based on a Muggle tele doctor from the US.

H: Oh bollocks. That’s disastrous. That’s an impossible standard to live up to. 

G: I like the fantasy 

H: I can see that

G: So, I was actually planning on reaching out to you later tonight. It appears that since lunch I am now in possession of over fifteen memos from the personal secretaries of Pureblood families. They are all inquiring on how they can support my new project. 

H: How fortuitous for you. 

G: You’re the only wizard I mentioned that specific intention to 

H: Serendipity 

G: Nice try, Healer 

G: So you’re a Pureblood?

Ten minutes later

G: You’re not answering me.

H: I’m attempting not to lie if I can help it

G: Just tell me 

H: Yes, I am. 

G: Why these families?

H: They were the easiest to convince. 

G: Will I be hearing from the outstanding families? 

H: Possibly. 

H: I can’t make any promises. 

G: Why are you helping me?

G: Atonement was the word you used, right? Some debt you think you owe to wizarding society? 

H: I’m helping because I enjoy talking to you, and because I believe in your project. 

G: You’re lucky I need this or I’d push harder.

G: I just got a memo. I'm to accompany Percy in a meeting that started five minutes ago.

H: Be late. 

G: I’m already late!

H: Granger, why haven’t you tried harder to figure out who I am? 

G: Blame Percy. 

H: I’m being serious. 

G: Maybe I don’t want to know.

G: Maybe I’m enjoying it this way. 

H: So you don’t mind that I’m anonymous and you’re not?

G: Sometimes. Sometimes I do, but more than that I find it incredibly appealing how easy it is to talk to you.

G: You wouldn’t believe how rare that is for me. 

H: Most of the wizards you date are dimwitted. 

G: You’ve been paying attention. 

G: You don’t seem to be afraid of me. 

H: I’m terrified of you. 

G: Why?

H: Because you’re untouchable. 

G: You’ve touched me.

H: Not that way, Granger.

G: I’m terrified of you too. 

G: I find myself making excuses just to keep talking to you. 

G: I’ve never sacrificed my work for a wizard, but I can’t stop smiling at my phone hoping you’ll text me again. 

G: I’ve looked at that photo twenty bloody times since I arrived here this morning. 

H: I can’t be the reason you slack off at work. I’d never forgive myself. 

H: The Minister for Magic would throw me in Azkaban.

G: I do still have some influence with him. 

H: Gods, go back to your meeting. Give Percy hell.

H: Tell him you can guarantee those remaining families, including the Weasleys. 

H: Some are a bit reclusive, but I think I can get them. 

G: Not entirely true, I spotted Malfoy and Zabini at the pub the other night.

H: You did? 

G: Well, no, not actually. A friend of mine did. 

H: Right. 

Twenty minutes later

G: Speaking of, what were you doing at the pub the other night? 

H: Aren’t you supposed to be in a meeting right now? 

G: He’s droning on. I have time. 

H: I was prematurely celebrating a work accomplishment.

H: A spell of mine is in the final rounds for consideration as standard practise at St Mungos. 

G: How incredible! I’d love to know more. 

H: I can’t share the particulars yet, but it’s significant for me, and for my patients. 

G: That does sound momentous. I would love to know more about what led you there.

H: Granger, your meeting?

G: He’s lecturing tedious iterative talking points from the Floo powder lobby. Nothing you say will be this boring, I promise you. 

H: I would love to credit my education, or my training, but in truth it was heavily inspired by  some instances from my past. I was able to hone the skills I naturally possessed.

G: How lovely for you.

H: Says one of the keenest witches to leave Hogwarts in a decade. 

G: Most people say a century. 

H: Well, you’ve been rather distracted lately. 

H: And most people are sycophantic. 

H: I don’t require favours from you. 

G: I know. 

G: That’s one of the reasons I enjoy our chats. 

G: If anything, I owe you a favour. 

H: I’ll keep that in mind. 

H: Go pay attention to the persnickety Weasley before he burns your door project down.

G: I’d like to see him try after I get all of the Sacred 28 families on board. 

H: I have no doubt you will. 

Three hours later

H: Granger, I need a favour.

G: Yes?

H: I showed you my morning routine, what does your nighttime routine entail? 

G: You mean when I’m not being carried to bed by gallant healers? 

H: Yes, what do you do when no one is looking. 

G: {Sends sexy photo from bed}

H: I won’t be going to sleep anytime soon.

H: Do you need another beta tester for your door project? 

G: Are you volunteering? 

H: Ask me again tomorrow. 

G: Good night, Healer

Chapter 7: You're Both Idiots

Summary:

In which Ginny confronts Draco about his past and much more!

Notes:

Thank you for being patient while I got this update together!

{ALT TEXT}

September 26 7:00 AM 

G: Good morning, Malfoy

M: Morning, Weasley. Listen, I’ve been on an overnight. I’m exhausted. I can barely type. My fingers are knackered from casting. 

M: Everything okay with Potter?

G: Harry is fine. This isn’t about Harry.

M: Okay…

G: This’ll just take a few minutes. 

G: Care to explain this?  

G: {Photo of the close couple}

M: Oh, fuck

M: How did you get that?

G: Oh, fuck is right. 

G: A friend passed it on. Not Hermione, obviously. I have no idea if she’s seen it, but considering she’s not breaking down my Floo, I would assume she has not. 

G: Has she reached out to you? 

M: We’ve been texting, but I didn't tell her anything about the other night.

G: What are you doing, Malfoy? 

M: I have no fucking idea what I’m doing, Weasley. Isn’t that obvious? 

G: It’s been an entire week and you’re still some anonymous healer to her. 

M: THAT’S CLEARLY WHAT SHE WANTS!

G: Is it? 

M: Do you know why she’s responding to the anonymous healer? It’s a novelty. She’s mildly entertained. That's all. It’ll wear off. 

M: She doesn't want to know the real me.

M: If she does know she’s clearly too embarrassed to admit it. 

G: You’re both idiots. 

G: Are you planning to keep this up?

Five minutes later

M: I’m too selfish to stop. 

G: There is very little Hermione doesn’t know, Malfoy. 

M: This photo makes it look like we kissed. 

M: We didn’t kiss, Ginevra

G: I know that, but Hermione has it in her mind that she snogged someone at the party.  

M: This isn’t right. 

G: I’m the one who should be saying that. I didn’t correct her at first because we were having a laugh. Now, I don’t even know what to say. This has gone too far. 

M: You think? You asked me to carry her home not one hour after that photo was taken.

G: Don’t you dare. I was pissed, but I still remember. 

G: YOU WANTED TO!

G: Stop lying to yourself. Gods, Malfoy 

G: I’m sure you think it’s fun for me to watch you pretend you haven’t been pining for her. 

M: Can we go back to acknowledging you owe me, Weasley? 

M: I need someone on my side. 

G: You almost kissed her. 

M: I pulled away. 

M: I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t kiss her like that. 

M: You saw how legless she was. I could have been anybody. 

G: So you’re cross you’re not special? 

M: She doesn’t want Draco Malfoy. She wants some healer you let her build up in her mind! 

G: You are encouraging this just as much. 

G: You sent her breakfast for Merlin’s sake!

G: If she sees this photo she’ll have questions. 

M: I’m aware. 

M: I know what I have to do. 

G: So why haven’t you?

M: You don’t understand. She never would have spoken to me sober, and I never would have approached her, Weasley. 

M: I’m not made for her. The imbalance in our lives is strangling me. I either live with the memories of what happened or the regret of not doing enough. 

G: When is it enough, Draco? 

G: You stay out of the spotlight. You donate nearly all of your Galleons, and somehow more appear. You work tirelessly. 

M: It’ll never be enough.

G: I can’t accept that.

G: You can’t live your life in almosts. Almost enough is nothing, Malfoy. 

G: She’s been so stressed at work. 

M: Tell your prat of a brother it’s his fault.

G: Ron and Hermione are civil enough.

M: Not him. The pedantic one.

G: Oh, I should have known. Well, I’ll take care of Percy, but that still leaves you.

G: What are you so afraid of? 

G: You never let anyone in.

M: My life is easier that way. 

M: And I haven’t lied to her. 

G: You’ve done everything but tell her. 

G: So clever, right? She won’t see it like that. Meanwhile you’re denying yourself happiness. 

G: All those late nights you were looking after Harry, I was watching you.  

G I saw you the day you dissolved the marriage contract with Astoria.

G: You hid it well, but I was an insomniac wife with nothing better to do than worry for her husband, and obsessively scrutinise the people around me.  

G: I wanted anyone but you on Harry’s case, you know. 

G: And you gave up so much for it. 

M: Was I that obvious?

G: You were a professional, but even a lifetime of practised decorum couldn’t hide that amount of sadness behind a person’s eyes. 

M: Astoria said I would always choose my patients over her. That she could never build a life with someone married to their work. 

M: Witches will never want to compete with this, and I won’t give it up.  

G: You should tell Hermione that straight up. You’re not even giving it a chance, and you’re lying to yourself here. 

M: I see the wizards Granger dates. And there have been many.  

M: To be clear, that is not a critique.  

M: I just refuse to be the next wizard who can’t keep up with her. Can’t give her what she needs. 

M: What she deserves. 

G: For someone so concerned with managing everyone else’s pain, you really need to turn that magic inward.

G: You should have seen yourself the other night. You looked happy. I guarantee she responded to that, Malfoy.

M: You don’t know that.

G: If only you had a way to ask her…

G: Text me again when you’re done being an idiot. 

G: You said you’re not lying to her. Fine. I won’t either. If she asks me who the healer is I’m telling her myself.  

Notes:

Quick note about embedded photos, they're not always perfect. For instance, I am aware the man blurry photo many not have long hair like this Draco is described to have. I have to work with what I can get sometimes. I'm sorry if that confused anyone.

Chapter 8: You've Seen The Photo?

Summary:

In which Hermione texts the group chat. We come to find the Gryffindors aren't as brave as they (and we) thought. At least not tonight.

Notes:

welcome back!

{ALT TEXT}

Hermione has been restless all day. It’s only when she receives a third owl from Percy Weasley that she officially experiences a collapse in her restraint. 

September 26th 5:45 PM 

H: I am going to kill your brother. 

G: I thought we established the ground rules for hexing them? Under the shoulders only. Nothing that will disfigure their faces and alert Mum. She has been enough to deal with all on her own lately. 

H: Has she?

G: Yes, she keeps comparing James to the boys. “Oh, Charlie said ‘dada’ far earlier than this,” “George and Fred were pulling up onto the sofa by now,” “Shouldn’t he be able to come to me for more than fifteen minutes? Ronald was never this tiresome.” 

G: Don’t even get me started. 

H: That’s incredibly frustrating. 

G: I have a wickedly short fuse today. It was already gnawed away at this morning. 

H: Well, we can fume together. 

H: I feel like I have been annoyed all bloody day as well.

H: I already went to kickboxing, responded to all of my correspondence, phoned my parents, and cleaned out my entire wardrobe of superfluous summer clothing. 

H: Autumn and winter are charmed and folded, and it is now abundantly clear to me that I have too many jumpers.

G: No such thing.

G: Hermione, you need to do something that actually reinforces relaxation. Can’t you just wait to hex Percy until Monday? 

H: I suppose.  

N: I’m not sure why I’m here. 

G: I’m sure she’ll get to it, Nev

N: Righto 

G: What did Percy do? 

H: Oh, the usual!

H: He kept me in the office late last night, he moved agenda items without telling me. I looked ahead on my calendar and a meeting I had scheduled with Kingsley for Monday has now completely vanished. Not to mention, he has subtly hinted to me that the Weasley family won’t be signing on to support my project.

G: He’s just on a power trip again. 

H: Can’t I go above him? 

N: Can you owl Bill?

H: I think I have to. 

G: He’s in France for Gabrielle’s wedding.

H: Oh bollocks it all.

N: Wish I could help Mione, but I’m taking Pansy out tonight.

H: Is this the first proper date? 

N: Something like that.

H: Wait, you actually can help me, Neville. 

H: Just say yes when I ask you for access to a door in your flat please. 

N: I stopped questioning you a long time ago. 

H: Brilliant

G: I would take you out, but Harry is due home from his mission tonight. 

G: Want to come over and keep me company?

H: No. I’m too distressed for that. I feel like I would just put James in a sour mood. 

N: Maybe it’s time you learn Occlumency? Harry told me it does wonders for him. 

G: Harry’s almost too good at compartmentalization. 

G: It’s not always so easy for everyone else. 

G: Neville, vent to us so we don’t feel so alone.

N: Right, well, I’m a touch nervous for my date tonight. I feel as if she may eat me alive. 

G: You've slayed snakes before. 

H: Exactly. I’m sure you can handle Pansy Parkinson.

H: What flowers are you planning to bring?

N: {Photo of single rose}

H: Oh, gorgeous!

H: Those are so lovely, Neville. 

G: Harry never brings me flowers anymore. 

H: Yes, but, he always keeps you stocked in Jaffa Cakes, and he makes you the perfect G&T.

G: Stop using logic against me.

H: I have no one bringing me anything.

G: Excuse me.

G: That is not entirely true. 

N: What’s this now?

G: Hermione was sent quite the breakfast spread the other morning.

H: Well, that’s a mute point. Thought I’d hear from him today. Haven’t. Haven’t heard a single solitary peep. 

N: I would have thought you could phone a bloke, Mione.

N: Also, who are we talking about?

G: A mystery man Hermione has been texting. 

N: Oh, the one from the photo? 

H: I have absolutely no idea.

H: Wait.

H: Is it? 

H: Ginevra Potter. Is the healer the same person as the one in the photo?

G: What photo?

N: The one I sent to you last night.

G: Merlin.

H: You’ve seen the photo?

G: Bit blurry isn’t it? 

H: You all are conspiring against me, I swear to Circe.

N: Mione, do you know who the wizard in the photo is? 

H: Do you? Is the better question. 

H: Ginny? You’re awfully quiet suddenly. 

H: Actually, it doesn’t matter. He hasn’t texted. He clearly doesn't want to speak to me. 

N: I hate to do this, but I really have to run. 

H: Yes, have a wonderful date, Neville. Ginny, have an absolutely lovely time waiting for Harry to come home. I have to run as well. I have something very important to attend to tonight. 

G: Mione, come on.

G: Hermione! 

Ignored call from Gin

Ignored call from Gin

September 26th 11:45 PM 

G: I’m trynfdg not tobe offendesed you have ted texxded me

G: Butg I thigujft you would

G: You didnkt 

H: Granger, are you pissed?

G: Mmightbe

H: What happened? 

G: DIn;t wantto think

G: Itss;s everuirthning

G: Its; Pershy

G: Percvy

G: Ughhhhh Percy

G: My frienssa 

G: Yoyu 

H: Do you have any Sober Up?

G: Nooooope 

H: How long have you been drinking? 

G: Pheewws a nbit 

H: Okay, love, listen. Where are you?

G: OUyt

H: Are you at your local or the same pub as last week?

G: Yes. Thje pub

H: Sitting at the bar?

G: Yes

H: In about two minutes Simon from behind the bar is going to hand you a sobering potion. It’s my brew. I’m owling it there right now. 

H: Please drink it.

Notes:

This fic will officially have a longer narrative section coming in about two chapters! You were all here first. I'm tickled by that.

Thank you for your amazing comments, theories, and support!

Notes:

A PSA from wanderingfair - I do not recommend or condone getting blackout drunk like Hermione does in this fic. That being said, it's for the plot.

This fic is not beta read. All the mistakes, of which I'm sure there will be many, are my own.

Thank you so much for following along! I will create a posting schedule soon. I am also updating This Dreadful Need and co-hosting the Back to School fest in September. It'll be a little hectic, but it'll be so much fun!