Unexpectedly

Chapter 7 - Morning Surprise

Thursday, 16th August 2001

The next morning, Hermione woke up alone in her bed, trying to discern whether the events of the previous night were real or merely a dream. As she touched her lips, the reality sank in—she had kissed Draco while inebriated. Remembering her intoxicated state, she sighed, realizing she needed to find Draco and possibly apologize for her actions.

Realizing she was still in yesterday's clothes, Hermione decided to take a bath before attempting to locate Draco. Vague memories flashed in her mind, recalling how she had asked—or more accurately, begged—him to stay in her room. Something about his presence brought her calmness, making everything feel easier.

After getting ready for work, she opened her bedroom door and called out for Draco. A voice from the kitchen informed her that he was not there. Confused, Hermione questioned Blaise, who was cooking breakfast, about Draco's early departure.

"He's not here? But it's only 8 in the morning," she asked.

Blaise replied, "Yes, but he said there's an emergency or something like that, so he left."

Doubt crept into Hermione's thoughts. Was his sudden departure related to her actions the night before?

Interrupting her contemplation, Blaise announced, "By the way, Hermione, I have a surprise for you." Shortly after, a knock echoed through the apartment.

Knock, knock, knock.

"And that, I think, is your surprise knocking on our door. Could you please answer it?" Blaise said with a mischievous grin.

Hermione shot him a look and quipped, "You're weird, and I want bacon and eggs for breakfast."

Approaching the door, she opened it to find a tall brown-haired guy standing outside.

"Good morning, Miss," he greeted.

"Theo!" Hermione exclaimed, rushing into a tight hug. "Why didn't you tell me you were in England?" she scolded with a hint of irritation.

"To make it a surprise, of course," Theo replied with a smile.

"Breakfast's ready!" Blaise's voice echoed from the dining room.

"Come on, let's eat!" Hermione exclaimed, pulling Theo along to the dining room.

Blaise expertly prepared breakfast, serving up bacon and scrambled eggs. Hermione relished the meal, and the presence of Theo made the morning even more enjoyable. Their friendship had deepened during their time working together at the Ministry of Magic. Initially, they were partners in the International Magical Office of Law Division, but a year ago, Theo had been appointed as their representative in Italy. Now, with Theo back in England, Hermione felt a surge of happiness.

As they sat around the table, Hermione couldn't help but ask about the surprise reunion.

"So you two already planned this?" she inquired.

"Theo owled me last night, saying he had big news and wanted to share it in person," Blaise explained.

Turning her attention to Theo, Hermione awaited the revelation.

"I'm moving back to England!" he announced enthusiastically.

"Really?" Hermione asked, delighted. Theo confirmed the news with a nod.

"Thank God you're back!" she exclaimed, genuinely grateful for the unexpected turn of events.

Blaise joined in, tapping Theo's shoulder. "Welcome back, mate! We should celebrate this!"

"Yes, of course, we should!" Hermione agreed.

Theo proposed celebrating that night, but Blaise had prior commitments. "No, please not tonight. I promised Pansy I will meet her parents tonight. How about tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow's fine," Theo consented.

"Yeah, sure," Hermione chimed in. Then, a sudden thought crossed her mind. "But... can I bring someone?"

Theo, in his protective-brotherly manner, teased her about having a boyfriend. Hermione quickly dispelled that notion.

"Who is it, then?" Blaise inquired.

"My sister," Hermione revealed.

"Not Ginny?" Theo questioned.

"No, not Ginny. It's actually my twin sister," Hermione clarified.

Both Theo and Blaise were taken aback, their expressions freezing mid-bite.

"Your what?" they exclaimed simultaneously.

"My sister. Twin sister," Hermione confirmed.

"Wait, so we will also invite Ginny, Harry, and Ron, right?" she suggested.

"Well, yeah, of course... But, Hermione, could you tell us more about your sister first?" Theo cautiously inquired.

"Okay, but you two will hear everything first without interrupting me," Hermione insisted. "It all started with the letter I found..." And with that, she began recounting everything she had discovered.

****

Hermione had already invited Thea to join her and her friends the following evening, and Thea gladly agreed. Hermione believed it was the right time to introduce her long-lost twin sister to some of her closest friends. She had owled Ginny, Harry, and Ron in the morning, informing them about the celebration for Theodore Nott's return to England and subtly slipping in the message that she would be introducing them to her twin sister.

As Hermione was ready to leave her office and head home, the door swung open, revealing a red-haired girl standing before her.

"What do you mean by twin sister, Hermione?" Ginny questioned directly.

"Hello, Ginny," Hermione greeted her. "Don't try to act like nothing's happened. Tell me everything," Ginny demanded.

"Let's talk about it in my apartment, okay? I'll explain everything, I promise," Hermione said, attempting to calm her down. Ginny agreed, and they both disapparated to Hermione's apartment as soon as they left the Ministry of Magic.

"So you mean that we're cousins?" Ginny said with uncertainty.

"In fact, yes, we are," Hermione confirmed. "But I think I will run a DNA test with her to make sure that we're really related by blood."

"Rubbish! I already saw her in a picture; she looks exactly like you, Hermione. I guarantee 100% she's your twin," Ginny insisted. "Oh my God, we have to tell Mum," she added.

"And yes, about that, I will invite Thea to come to the Burrow next Saturday and tell the whole family about it... if that's okay?" Hermione asked for permission to bring Thea to the Burrow.

"Oh, you must bring her and introduce her to the whole family... Mum will be shocked at first, perhaps, but I guess it's good news after all. There will be Prewett blood again," Ginny said with a happy face.

Her words made Hermione ponder what would happen when Molly learned that her brother had a twin daughter. Her old brother's memory was rarely discussed because it was too painful for Molly even to say his name.

"Hermione, everything will be okay," Ginny reassured, wrapping her arms around her.

"I'm afraid telling your mom about it will make her sad, thinking about the past, my biological father, and maybe it will only hurt her more," Hermione said, covering her face with both hands, struggling to hold back tears.

"Mum will be happy to find out the truth about you and Thea; I know it," Ginny insisted.

"Thank you, Ginny," Hermione said, hugging her.

"You're welcome, Hermione. Just don't hide any secrets from me again."

"And yeah, about that... I think there's something I need to tell you."

Ginny released her from the hug and looked her in the eyes. "What happened? Spill it out... or do I have to use legilimency on you?"

"Before I say it, remember that you're the first to know about this; I haven't told anyone..."

"Okay, okay, so what is it?"

"I kissed Draco last night."