The smell of cinnamon, syrup and bacon reached Hermione's nostrils, waking her up from a deep sleep. She yawned loudly and did her morning stretch before lifting herself off the bed to change out of her pajamas into her regular clothing.
“Happy Birthday 'Mione!” She looked up and saw her red-haired fiancé holding a tray with French toast, bacon and a glass of orange juice. She gave him a warm smile.
“Thank you, Ron. It was awfully sweet of you to make me breakfast. But, um, don't take this the wrong way... Is it safe to eat?”
He responded with a soft chuckle. “Ginny taught me how to cook the toast and bacon so I could make it for you. I knew it was your favorite.” Hermione wrapped her arms around his waist and planted a kiss on his cheek. “That's very sweet, thank you again.”
From the outside looking in, she was the luckiest girl in the world. Being part of the Golden Trio made her a pseudo-celebrity, she had a secure job at the Ministry of Magic that came with decent pay and she was engaged to Ron – all accomplished by the age of 19. Yes, everything seemed perfect to everyone else but her. She was bored. Here she was, now 2o years old, with the world at her fingertips and it seemed as though there were no more surprises left for her. She had chosen her career and her future husband. What else was there?
Hermione ate her breakfast quickly before getting dressed in her light blue jeans, white tank top and light pink jacket. “I think I'm going to go to the book store. I might grab lunch at the café down the street from there. I'll be back this afternoon.” Ron grumbled but she couldn't make out the words. Instead of responding, she gave him another kiss on the cheek and apparated to the book store.
**** I can't believe she left, Ron thought, pacing the bedroom Hermione just apparated from. He had an entire day planned for them and he was pretty upset that she left right after she finished her breakfast. Acknowledging defeat, Ron decided to shower and floo to the Burrow. It was better than sitting in an empty flat, waiting for Hermione to get home. I won't let her ruin dinner.
*
Ron opened the door and walked into the Burrow, made his way to the dining room and took a seat at the table.
“Where's Hermione, dear?” Molly asked, handing him a cup of freshly made tea.
“She decided to go to the book store for the day.” Molly noticed the hurt look on her son's faceand decided to change the subject.
“Are you hungry? I can whip up some eggs for you.” He nodded his head. She knew her son well, and because of this, she knew food always cheered him up. While Ron ate the food his mother cooked for him, he was still lost in thought. He knew that he and Hermione weren't the most exciting couple, but had she really expected him to treat this as just another day? It's her birthday for crying out loud! He finished his plate and set it in the sink. He headed up the stairs into his old bedroom and practically dove into the bed. If he couldn't spend the day with Hermione, he was going to do the next best thing. He let his tired eyes close, and he drifted off into a deep sleep.
****
As Hermione walked into Zita's Books, she was instantly engulfed in the smell of old literature. This was her second home.
“Good morning and happy birthday, Hermione!” She looked at the woman behind the counter and smiled.
“Good morning, Miss Zita, and thank you!” Zita was an elderly woman and she looked every bit her age. Her hair was gray and white and wrinkles littered her face. Hermione started to walk towards the aisles of books when Zita called out to her again.
“Oh, Hermione, I almost forgot...” She handed Hermione a box wrapped in gold paper with a purple ribbon tied into a bow around it.
“Oh, Miss Zita you shouldn't have!” The old woman just smiled.
“Open it!” Hermione did as she was told and opened her gift to find a copy of The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare. Hermione responded by throwing her arms around Zita, almost knocking the poor woman over. She couldn't have asked for a better gift. This was her mother's favorite bit of literature (hence naming her daughter Hermione), and because of this fact, it soon became Hermione's too. And since her parents were still in Australia with altered minds, this gift meant more to her than anyone could possibly know.
After paying for the 6 books she found, Hermione decided to grab lunch at the café she told Ron she would be eating at. She walked into the cool autumn breeze, feeling the cold air on her exposed skin. The busy shoppers littered the streets of London, giving her a nice distraction on her walk. She saw mothers directing their children into shops and couples holding hands, seemingly lost in each other's eyes. She was paying so much attention to everything except where she was going that when she felt a sting in her left shoulder and a force of some sort making her almost fall over, she didn't even notice. Well, until she felt a hot liquid burn her chest.
“Watch where the hell you're going, Granger!” She recognized the cold voice immediately. “Go to hell, Malfoy!” Before he could respond, Hermione walked away from him in the direction of her destination. When she got to the entrance of the café, she cast a stain remover charm and walked inside. She ordered her food, sat down and ate while watching the other customers. She was desperate for any kind of distraction, especially now that Draco Malfoy had ruined her perfect day. Bloody idiot.
A/N: Sorry so short D: Chapters will get long, I promise! Review please! I would love to know how I'm doing! Thanks!
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