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Truthfully, it was a relief to have a familiar face. As anxious as Hermione’s presence made her feel, there was something about her that left her relieved they sent someone around her age instead of throwing someone old enough to be her parent at her.
“Incredibly,” Lavender murmured. She cast a sideways glance at Hermione and kept her distance, feeling wary and relieved at the idea of being able to get out of holding for a little while. “I don’t think my tea leaves could have predicted this.”
Her expression faltered at specified areas being brought up - not that she had anywhere particular that she wanted to go. She was simply growing bored of being cooped up alone in the holding area. Any longer, and she was certain it would have turned into properly begging the next person that went to check on her to let her venture out.
“Is outside part of it?” She arched an eyebrow. “I know I should be grateful they agreed to let me go anywhere at all but I do need to admit it’s particularly stuffy in here.” Lavender didn’t want to seem overwhelming but there were several questions she wanted answers to. She took a deep breath then glanced back at Hermione, taking a few steps toward her before she spoke again. “More importantly, were they able to get ahold of my mother?”
"Yes, it’s almost like seeing one’s future in the muck at the bottom of a cup is entirely unreliable.” The rejoinder slipped from Hermione before she could stop herself, causing the woman to wince slightly at her own words. Lavender had just been through a traumatic experience, and here Hermione was already poking at what had always been a sore topic between the two of them. Casting an apologetic look at Lavender, Hermione hoped she would let it slide so they could continue on in peace.
“There’s a false courtyard,” Hermione informed her with a purse of her lips. “People tend to take their lunches and breaks there, but it’s been cleared for duration. I’m sorry it isn’t above ground, the aurors wouldn’t agree to a detail to accompany us outside of the Ministry. Too many variables they wouldn’t be able to account for.” Gesturing to a door, Hermione began leading Lavender through the previously approved path for their outing.
“They were. She’s agreed to have you stay with her when you’re released. I’m sure that comes as no surprise, but given you will be here longer than the usual week, I’m sure you’d rather know now than later.” She looked over at the young woman then, finding it strange that after all this time she looked much the same. Maybe a little unkempt in comparison to Lavender’s usual preferences, but it was like she’d been kept under a stasis spell rather than having passed away. Hermione wasn’t sure if she would ever get used to the strangeness of it all. “You’ve also been included on the list of the Returned in the Prophet. So your friends will know that you will be coming back too.”









