Boys Night, Girls Night

You can't imagine how glad I am that I finally get to post this chapter. The reviews have all been asking the same questions and I couldn't respond without ruining the plot of chapters I've already finished. I thank you all for the reviews, I am flattered and excited that you all seem to like this story. I'm going to try and keep posting throughout the week, so keep alert!

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14.

Hermione was in her bakery. Everything was set with the Charity. All menu’s complete, seating arrangements done, food planned, etc.
So Monday to that very night she took off from work at the ministry. Her new temp, filling in for Julie while away on a family emergency, knew how to contact her for any questions and last minute details. She took the week to focus on a few select tasks. Today was harder to focus, her head aching slightly from her wine overdose and trip into the pensieve the night before... She spent more time revisting that memory than she planned...
Forcing herself to not think about Malfoy and achieve other things, her bakery now had a new special every couple days. Today she decided to perfect her peach pie. No matter what she did to it, it was always too dry or too runny.
She had all her ingredients lined up, her apron on, hair tied back.
If she was honest with herself- she hated peach pie. It was too tart tasting, something Draco had agreed with her on that one time.....

Hermione felt that tremble of hurt course through her veins. She gripped the counter on either side of her, her head bowed, eyes squeezed tight. She had told herself no more thinking about Malfoy. She needed to get a move on with her life. She can't - won't - think of him. She repeated it to herself over and over again, a mantra chanting in her head.

She held the pose for a couple seconds longer, making sure the memories were locked snuggly away.
She was a fool to think she could keep this up, he'd become too much a part of her life.

Shaking her head and taking a deep breath to look at the recipe, she found Ginny standing just inside the door. Lost in her own troubles, she hadn’t heard her come in. And from her face, she had just witnessed her little episode.

"You're a fool." Ginny mumbled, setting her things down.

Well, at least they agreed on something.

"Hello to you too," She said waspishly.

Ginny ignored that. "I'd never met any two people more stubborn in my life."

Hermione ignored that. "What can I help you with?"

Ginny looked like she was going to continue with her rant, and then sighed. "Harry told me some interesting news this morning."

Hermione nodded, knowing what it was already, and knowing Ginny was going to disapprove.

"He told me you sent him an owl earlier yesterday. That you were going apartment shopping this afternoon." Ginny watched her warily.

Hermione nodded again.

"Mione, what in the world are you thinking?! You have someone stalking you’re every move! Do you really think it’s the brightest idea to move out onto your own? By yourself, no one there to help you?” Ginny was practically screeching.

"Ginny,” she cut in, ending her friend’s tirade before she got into her stride. She was like her mother that way. “I have to; it's not just some whim. It hurts too much to see him everyday. To see who he brings with him through that door.” She methodically picked up another peach and took a deep breath. “I thought I could handle it, could push through it. But that apartment use to feel like home and now- now I can’t ignore I dread it.”

Ginny looked like she was ready to interrupt so she surged ahead. “And you said it yourself, I have a stalker. I'm not talking to Malfoy,” it was harder than she thought to say that name out loud, “so do you really think it wise to leave him unprotected like that? I'm doing this for him as well as for myself."

Ginny was running out of attack points, and Hermione’s illogical reasoning was completely useless to rail against. Once resolute on any given matter, she rarely changed her mind.
"Then move in with Harry and me.” Ginny tried although Hermione was already shaking her head. “You shouldn't be alone right now.”

"No- I'm not bringing anymore people into this. I'm moving out as soon as I can manage it. I'll tell Draco once I have a signed lease." Her voice brokered no argument.

Ginny threw her hands up, exasperated.

Hermione ignored that too. "I do need to find a dress for the grand event this Friday."

Ginny's mouthed twitched into what could have been called a smile if allowed to grow up. "Ah, yes, the War Orphans Charity Benefit. How you still don't own a ball gown is beyond me."

Hermione pretended to think about it. "How about I've never had a need for it, and you like dressing me in less clothing?” That got a grin out of Ginny. “I'm going tomorrow to Madame Victori, 10 am appointment." She began peeling peaches.

“That's beside the point. High society and fashion snobs demand ball gowns, and this thing is to be the ‘social highlight of the season.’ Codswallop. They just want to spend more money on a dress they’ll wear once.” she went on, Hermione only paying half attention.

Ginny picked up a knife to help. "I still don't get why you don't use magic here. All of this could be done by now and in the oven baking."

"It's relaxing, and besides, what would my muggle employees think if they walked into a kitchen with peaches peeling themselves?"

They both giggled. They peeled and diced in silence for a few minutes. As much as she loath to bring it up, Ginny knew she had to mention it.

“I heard about the delivery you received.” She said quietly watching her friends face.

She betrayed no emotion, except her hand which trembled a bit. She put down the knife.

Hermione took a moment to control herself.

A skinned rabbit had been delivered to her apartment. There was no reason to inquire; they all knew it was the same person sending the notes. She was grateful it was her who answered the owl. The bleeding cardboard box would have raised some questions from Draco had he received it, feud or not.

“Then you would understand why I need a place of my own. I don’t want Draco to have to go through this as well.” Her voice was firm, composed- daring her to defy her.

Ginny walked around the table and gave her a hug anyway. Time for a certain chat with a certain Slytherin.