In your world

Chapter 66

Hermione couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity as she walked alongside Mira and Umbridge, who seemed to be an odd pair, to say the least. and it left her feeling confused. Her gaze flickered between Mira and Umbridge, Mira looked positively gleeful, clutching her newly purchased goblin skull in her hand, Umbridge, on the other hand, seemed annoyed and even a bit resentful towards Mira. She was in a sour mood, most likely due to the fact that she had just spent a significant amount of money on Mira's purchase. Hermione couldn't help but feel amused at the sight of the usually composed and poised professor looking so out of place.

Hermione couldn't help but wonder what had transpired between the two of them inside the store. Was Mira asking for Umbridge's help in buying the goblin skull? Or was she perhaps trying to persuade her into buying it for her?

Her stream of consciousness was busy analyzing the situation. Why were they even together in the first place? And why at this exact time? Hermione had a million questions running through her mind, especially when  Malfoy just left the store. She couldn't understand why they didn't even bother asking her why she was there. It seemed highly unlikely that these two would have anything in common, let alone be shopping together
Hermione's mind was filled with a thousand questions. Her curiosity got the best of her and she decided to speak up.

"Um, excuse me. May I ask why the two of you were at the store together?" Hermione inquired, trying to sound casual  "And why did you buy that goblin skull, Mira?"

Mira's smile faltered for a moment before she quickly regained her composure. "Oh, I just saw it and couldn't resist. It's quite a unique piece, don't you think?"

Umbridge scoffed at this, clearly not impressed by Mira's frivolous spending. "It's a waste of money if you ask me. And as for why we were in there, I was just accompanying Vain. She wanted to look at the antiques and I happened to be passing by."

Hermione couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to their encounter at the store. She had heard Umbridge and Mira's conversation while she was browsing and it seemed like they knew each other more than just passing acquaintances. But before she could voice her suspicions, Mira spoke up again. "We just decided to do some shopping together," Mira explained her smile back in place.

Umbridge, on the other hand, huffed and rolled her eyes. "It was not my idea. She practically begged me to come with her," she said, her words dripping with annoyance.

Hermione couldn't help but feel sorry for Mira. Umbridge's constant snide remarks and rude attitude towards her were uncalled for. But then again, what could she expect from someone like Umbridge?

Mira, however, seemed unfazed by Umbridge's words. In fact, she even dared to compliment her.

"You know, Professor, I quite like you when you're not acting like a kind and good person," Mira quipped, causing Hermione's jaw to drop in shock.

Umbridge scowled at Mira's words, clearly not pleased with her choice of words. But before she could retort, Mira continued, "Thank you for buying this for me, Professor. It means a lot to me."

Umbridge rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed with Mira's constant gratitude. "It's taken me almost one month's salary," she grumbled.

Hermione's curiosity was piqued. She had always suspected that there was more to Umbridge than met the eye. And Mira's words only confirmed it. But before she could ask Mira about it, Umbridge spoke up.

"And what exactly do you mean by that, Miss Vain? What do you know about the Malfoy family?"

Mira's smile vanished, and her voice took on a serious tone. "I know that you have been sticking your nose into their family matters, despite knowing that you can't help them. Don't make their burden any heavier than it already is."