Left Behind (A Fred & George fanfic)

17. Losing Grip

Just so you know, I think the song 'Haunted' by Taylor Swift perfectly describes Angelina's emotions. I added that song to this chapter, so if you have the time, listen to it. It's awesome. :)

Hope you'll enjoy this chapter!

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*A few hours earlier*

“I got a letter from Hugo the other day, by the way.” Hermione chatted happily as they walked towards her house. They had just been shopping in the nearby muggle town, they usually got their non-magical supplies there, such as foods and drinks. Apparating wasn't very useful right then, as it was only a fifteen minute walk and the sun was shining bright, leaving the world with a colorful and positive look.

“You did?” Angelina answered. “No problems, I hope?”

“Not at all!” Hermione replied. “But he keeps on talking about a boy named Scorpius Malfoy...”

Angelina raised an eyebrow. “I hope he isn't as nice a lad as his dad?”

“Quite the contrary, if I should believe Hugo.” She shrugged. “I think they're like best friends at Hogwarts right now.”

“You have got to be kidding me!” Angelina exclaimed. “You don't think Malfoy's playing some kind of trick on Hugo, right?”

Hermione shook her head. “No, of course not. That's not something Draco would do, is it? He's always been more of the straight-to-the-point kind of guy. And I bet his son is just like that.”

Angelina was unconvinced.

“And besides,” Hermione added, “It's been ages since I've seen Draco for the last time. We've all grown up, and I think most of Draco's problems were due to his father. He didn't want to be involved in any of...” She hesitated. “Well, anything that happened to him.”

“But he has been a complete jerk for as long as I know him.” Angelina grinned.

“Yeah, that's true.” Hermione laughed. “But people change. I don't know if he changed the right way, but as long as his son's being nice to mine, I'm okay with it.” She shrugged again and walked on, swinging her bag to and fro.

“Well, you must be in a great mood.” Angelina smirked. “You just gave Draco Malfoy a compliment – sort of.”

Hermione looked back at her. “Ah well, you know what they say, right? Time heals all wounds.”

Angelina forced a smile, though she knew better than that. Hermione might be smart and sensible and completely logical in her way of thinking, but Angelina knew that she was wrong on that point. Time doesn't heal wounds. Not all of them.

Hermione opened the blue front door of her home with a 'click' and they stepped inside.

“Would you like some tea?” She asked as she pulled out her coat and walked towards the kitchen.

“I'd love to.” Angelina answered, mimicking her actions. She wasn't feeling as happy and carefree as ten minutes ago. Something was tugging her mind and she knew exactly what it was. It had been bothering her for some time now and it drove her crazy. Hermione's comment had only made matters worse.

Together they sat at the kitchen table, facing each other. Hermione took out her wand and waved it over the two teacups, cooling the liquid down to a drinkable temperature. They both took a sip and then Hermione looked Angelina in the eye, a serious look on her face.