How the Mighty have Fallen

Authors Note: No excuse for the late update. Not promising future fast updates. Keep your eyes out for a story poll and future stories. Onwards!

Hogsmead Part 1: weekend after next, afternoon (day before Halloween)

The complete normality of Hogsmead was grating upon Hermione’s last nerve more so even than the civility with which she had to treat Lucius.  And there was no doubt her behavior had to remain exemplary as he had been nothing but a complete gentleman the entire trip. ‘At least he had the sense to avoid the teashop, the bane to any sane couple,’ Hermione mused as she pretended to admire the Halloween themed bar while taking a quick sip of butterbeer.

“Is something the matter Hermione?” Lucius murmured as he clandestinely glanced in the direction Hermione’s narrowed eyes were fixated, though he saw nothing unusual about the bar. 

“Nothing,” Hermione replied as she stood up and smoothed her skirt preparing to leave. 

Lucius quickly settled the tip so as to follow Hermione who had begun to dodge fellow students as well as bar patrons; though her path seemed to make little logical sense as the main entrance seemed as clear as any but with fewer obstacles. Moreover, Lucius couldn’t fathom why she had unsheathed her wand but he did so as well. Unfortunately, although she was now exiting and warding the area next to the bar from prying eyes Lucius thought it highly unlikely that she had wanted to sneak away for a private kiss. She didn’t seem the slightest bit interested in keeping him by her side or in her eye line.

“Hermione, what is going on?” Lucius questioned in a huff, more out of irritation rather than the physical exertion,  as he made quick strides to reach her side.

“Gotcha!” Hermione exclaimed triumphantly as she grabbed the invisibility cloak and revealed the sour and surprised features of James Potter and Sirius Black and the two bottles of butterbeers they had nicked.