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Andrea was sitting at her table in her new residence, looking around and happy with how she set it up. Hermione and Luna have been helping her find furniture to fill the place. She flooed Oliver, asking him to come over so she could ask him something. Andy made a pot of tea to serve with some biscuits.
KNOCK KNOCK
“Come in!” Andrea yelled out as she just placed the tea server on the table she found in Inverness. Oliver walked in. “Hey, Ollie!” She smiled at the Quidditch player. “How are you? Are you ready to have a match again soon?”
“Hey, lass, and YES!” Oliver pumped his fist. “Coach has us ready for the next game! So, you should come one game!”
“I will see what Hermione and the others think when we could do that,” Andrea nodded in agreement. “Tea?” Andrea pointed to the teapot.
“Yes, please,” Oliver took a seat and grabbed a cookie or two. “Are these homemade?” Oliver looked at them.
“Yes, I like to bake every so often,” Andrea smiled. “Please have some!”
“Thank you, lass.” Oliver took a bite and proceeded to shove the rest of the cookie into his mouth.
“I take it you like them.” Andrea laughed.
Oliver washed it down with his tea with some sugar and milk. “Oh, sorry,” He wiped his mouth. “They are bloody good. Almost better than Mamo’s.” Oliver looked around. “Don’t tell her.”
Andrea giggled at his reaction and leaned in. “I won’t, but may I ask a question?”
“Sure, Andy,” Oliver smirked at her. “I am assuming there was a reason for your invite?”
“Yes, there is. I wanted to ask if you think there would be an issue for your Mamo if I brought a cat home?” Andrea appeared nervous. “Hermione and I have been going to this bookstore slash cat café in London, and we have become attached to one of their kitties, and I found out the last time we were there that they can be adopted.”
“Cor…I shan’t think so because we had animals in our house.” Oliver rose from his chair. “Let me borrow the Floo to ask her for you.”
“Sure, go ahead.” The young witch waved her hand towards the fireplace. She watched him walk over and grab a small handful of floo powder, throw it in, and stick his head in. She could see his shoulders moving as he talked. About five minutes later, his head came out of the fireplace, and he rejoined her at the table. He took a sip of tea for suspense purposes. “Well?”
“Oh, she said it was fine as long it isn’t more than two cats,” Oliver replied solemnly.
Andrea threw a napkin at him for making her nervous for no reason. “You prat.”
Oliver chuckled at her reaction but threw the napkin back at her. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t resist.”
“Thank you for finding out for me.” Andrea beamed. “I know I could have asked her myself, but I wanted to get to know you because you are friends with Harry and Hermione.”
“Aye, they are, and so is George Weasley.” Oliver sighed. “Have you gotten to meet him?”
“Yes, I was invited to the Weasley dinner one Sunday a couple of weeks ago..”
“OY, talk about meeting the whole family.” Oliver dipped his head. “Was Charlie home?”
“No, it was just the parents, Ginny, Harry, Hermione, George, Angelica, and their kids.” Andrea shook her head.
“No, Ron?” Oliver looked at her strangely.
“No, he got kicked out of the house after he attacked us that day you met me,” Andrea explained.
“I had forgotten that Hermione said Harry had to take him away.” Oliver leaned back in his chair. “Is he getting help?”
“You know, I have no idea, but I will be asking the next time I see my girl or Harry next.” Andrea’s chin hit her chest before looking up. “I know his parents apologized for his behaviour which Hermione waved off.”
“It’s not their fault that he lacked senses,” Oliver grumbled.
Andrea giggled. “Exactly what Hermione said.”
“Smart lass, that one is.” Oliver grinned. “I always felt bad for her the three years I was there.”
“Oh?” Andrea tilted her head. “Why’s that?”
“I don’t know if I should tell ya, lass.” Oliver rubbed the back of his neck.
“Just tell me some things that you observed.” Andrea smiled. “I will not be writing an expose on my girlfriend.”
“Oh, okay.” Oliver dropped his head before looking into her brown eyes. “I know she has a fear of heights which she kindly reminded me of that day we showed you this place.” He waved his hand around. “She does like Quidditch despite what other people might say,” He took a sip of tea. “She just likes to talk about other things besides quidditch, which Ron didn’t understand.” Oliver shook his head. “That boy only cared about Quidditch or chess.’
“Chess?” Andrea looked surprised. “Regular chess or wizarding chess?”
“What’s regular chess?” Oliver looked at her, confused.
“It’s the nonmagical way of playing where we physically move the pieces ourselves, and the pieces don’t break either,” Andrea explained.
“Oh, you know that might be the best way to explain the game,” Oliver pondered for a few minutes before taking another sip of tea. “This is good tea.”
“Thank you, It’s Earl Grey with a dash of matcha,” Andrea smirked. “I felt slightly tired this morning and added a slight kick.”
“Well, it will help me later for my match,” Oliver smiled.
“Who are you playing, and what time?” Andrea perked up with interest.
“The Chuddley Cannons at 6 pm.” Oliver snorted.
“What?”
“Ron has an infatuation with that team. He would wear orange all the time.” Oliver laughed at her expression. “Yes, it clashed terribly.”
“Oh, I know that since he wore a brightly coloured work uniform that day.”
“Oh right, I don’t know what the ministry was thinking for the auror unis.” The Scottish lad muttered.
“I have no idea, but my old boss would have been horrified at them.” Andrea’s head jerked at the thought.
“What did she do?”
“She is an Editor-in-Chief for a fashion magazine,” Andrea answered.
“Blimey, I think the Wizarding World would be grateful that she doesn’t know magic.”
Andrea sniggered as she nodded in agreement. “So true, but it did get me better at dressing.”
“I guess so,” Oliver tried subtly, looking her over. “but you look fine.”
“thank you, Oliver,” her eyes widened when she glanced at the clock. “If I want to get this kitty today, I should go soon.”
They rose from the table finishing their cup of tea. Andrea gave him a hug of gratitude. “Thank you! I am glad that I can get Emily, the kitty. I wonder if I can change her name.”
They walked through the kitchen, put the teapot and cups into the sink, and went out the back door, where they could apparate wherever they were going.
“We shall find out, eh, lass?” Oliver smiled. “Good luck getting her.”
“Thank you, and good luck on your game.” Andrea punched him in the arm, causing Oliver to mutter under his breath. “What was that?”
“What is it with you two punching us, lads?” Oliver snickered at Andrea’s face. “Oh, she didn’t tell you she punched Draco Malfoy in the face her third year?”
“I need to sit her down and get her school years memories.” Andrea shook her head. “Bye, Ollie!” She apparated near the Kensington Park tube station.
“Let’s see if there is Emily is still here.”
Andrea walked out of the alleyway and went towards their favourite bookstore. She peeked into the window and saw they were open and not busy at the counter. “Good!” Andrea opened the door and breathed deeply to smell the coffee and baked goods. “Mmm…it smells delish in here as always.” She walked up to the side counter so she wasn’t blocking the view of the goodies for customers coming in.
“Hey, Andy!” Nigel walked up to her. “How are you?”
“Nigel!” Andrea beamed at him. “I have a big question for you.”
“Blimey, this sounds serious.” Nigel put on his serious face.
“No. Not like that.” Andrea put her face into her hands, which made Nigel chuckle. Then, she lifted her head and squinted her eyes. “Is Emily still here?”
“The cat?” Nigel looked puzzled.
“Yes, the cute tuxedo that has taken a liking to me and Hermione.” Andrea looked hopeful.
“Yes, she is still here in the other room.” Nigel gestured to the door where she and Hermione met the cat.
“Sweet.” Andrea gave him a sunshine smile. “Is she still available to adopt?”
Nigel looked behind him at his manager, “Hey Charlotte, is Emily still available for adoption?”
“Let me check my records, but I believe so,” The older woman that ran the place walked into the little office she used and rifled through her papers on the desk. “Yes, she is still up for anyone to adopt.”
“YES!” Andrea jumped up and down in excitement. “Can I please adopt her today?” Andrea looked at both Nigel and Charlotte with optimism in her eyes.
“I can’t see why not, miss.” Charlotte smiled. “Let me get the paperwork together while you two gather her and the little belongings that she has here.” She returned to the office to get the papers in order and realized she didn’t know the young woman’s name. “Oh! Excuse me, miss?” She turned around to catch them near the lounge door.
“Yes?” Andrea looked at her, worried.
“What’s your name so I can write it on the paper?” Charlotte’s midnight black hair swished around her face as she talked.
“Oh, that would be helpful, wouldn’t it?” Andrea giggled. “It’s Andrea Sachs. S A C H S. I just moved here from the US and need some company, you know?”
“Ah, excellent choice of company.” Charlotte smiled. “Go! I will see you in ten minutes.” She waved the younger woman off through the door before returning to her office.
“Let’s get Emily, Nigel!” Andrea bounced on the balls of her feet.
Nigel shook his head at her excitement. “Let’s find your new baby, Andy!” They heard a persistent meowing by the couch near the loo as they looked around for her. So they wandered over and found Emily tangled in the coffee table. “Oh no, poor Emily.” Nigel bent down to unhook her collar that got caught on one of the spokes on the table. “I hope you don’t have a table like this, Andrea.”
“No, but we do have a similar couch like yours. One of your managers was nice enough to tell Hermione where to look for quality, cheap furniture.”
“That’s bloody brilliant. I am surprised that you didn’t have your girl with you.” Nigel stood up and checked Emily over. “I don’t see any injuries on her, so that is good.”
"I am so glad, Nigel." Andrea carefully picked up Emily from his arms and looked into her eyes. "So, Emily?"
"Mrow?" Emily tilted her head curiously.
"Do you want to come home with me?" Andrea inquired.
"MEOW!"
Nigel and Andrea laughed at the kitty's response. "Don't worry, Em; you will still see Hermione."
"Meow!" The cat happily headbutted and purred against Andrea's hand.
Andrea cradled her closer to her body before they started to walk towards the front of the place. Nigel stopped near the hidden third door to grab a cat bed and two small bowls for Emily. “You will have to pick up food and treats for her. She is a fully grown cat, so no kitten food.”
“Cool, I can’t wait to get this precious one home.” Andrea cuddled her more, causing Emily to purr in her arms. “Did you miss me, my precious?”
Nigel snorted. “Are you a Lord of the Rings fan?”
“You know I enjoyed the books very much. But, of course, the movies are well made, but books are always better than the movies.” Andrea bounced up and down with excitement, which made Emily give out a disgruntled meowl. “Oops. Sorry, Emily.” Andrea tamped down her eagerness as they approached the small counter.
Charlotte serenely smiled at Andrea’s excitement. “It seems Emily is agreeing to the union.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Andrea bobbed her head. “You might want to look into breakaway collars, though.”
“Oh, why’s that?” Charlotte appeared interested in the answer.
“She got tangled on that spiky coffee table near the loo, and we had to unhook her,” Nigel explained as he gave Emily a good scratch on the head. Emily bumped and rubbed his hand. “She’s happy I helped her get loose, and it appeared she was there for a while.”
“Well, that isn’t good.” Charlotte frowned. “We need to check the room more periodically, Nigel. Please tell the others to check in there more often.”
“On it, boss!” Nigel saluted her before he went to look for some others that were working.
Charlotte looked at Andrea’s gleeful face and smiled. “Are we ready to adopt?”
“Yes, please!” Andrea carefully placed Emily on the counter next to the cat bed that Nigel left there.
Charlotte petted Emily while Andrea looked over the paperwork. She liked that Emily was already spayed, chipped, and up to date with her shots. “Perfect! So, I sign this and give you my new cell phone so they can add it to Emily’s chip information?”
“That’s correct.” Charlotte dipped her head. “We will take care of notifying the local vet for you.”
“Okay, thanks.” Andrea smiled at Charlotte before she finished filling out the information and then signed it. She put the pen down and picked up her newly acquired kitty. “Hello, Emily!”
MEOW!
Charlotte snorted before explaining, “She hardly talks, so you must have made an impression on her when you were here.”
“Ah, well, Hermione and I like to think that she got us together,” Andrea beamed at the kitty. “I was hoping to surprise Hermione that I adopted this one because I know Hermione misses the dear cat that she had growing up.”
“Charlotte, I let the ones here know to check into that room more often, and I left a note on the message board for the others as well.” Nigel came back to the counter. “Oh! Are we all set with Emily?” Nigel looked between them.
“Yes, I just have to pay my fee, and we can go home and get her settled in,” Andrea looked delighted at the prospect.
The doorbell tinkled as someone walked into the store. Everyone turned and was surprised to see Hermione standing there.
“Hermione!” “Andrea!” “What are you doing here?” They spoke over each other.
‘Hermione, isn’t it wonderful that Andrea bought Emily to bring home!” Nigel excitedly exclaimed.
“What?” Hermione looked surprised. Then her shoulders slumped. “Blimey, I am too slow.”
“What?” Andrea looked at her girl, confused. “Why slow?”
Hermione shook her head. “I was going to surprise you with Emily later today for a special gift now that we have finally furnished your new place.”
“Well dang, I am so sorry, Hermione.” Andrea walked over to her with Emily in tow. Andrea gives Emily to Hermione after she gives her a soft kiss. “Say hi to Hermione, Emily.”
“MEOW!” Emily greeted her other favourite human.
The four of them started cracking up.
“That’s it, Andrea!” Charlotte piped in. “This one is on us.”
“What?” Andrea looked at her in astonishment. “No! I wanted to…” She groaned at Charlotte’s shaking head before she turned to her girlfriend. “Hi!”
“Hi, my darling,” Hermione smiled at her girlfriend and softly hugged the kitty, making her purr. “She is so lovable.”
Charlotte grunted. “No, ma’am, you two ladies are the only ones to get a response from her.”
“Really?” Andrea looked surprised. “I won’t have guessed that.”
“It’s true, though,” Nigel piped in. “She was always looking for you two after you leave.”
“Awww. That’s so cute.” Andrea scratched Emily’s head. “We should get her more things before we go home.” Andrea walked over to the counter, grabbed the cat bed and dishes, and placed the bowls into her bag before tucking the bed under her arm. “Are we ready?”
“Yes, let’s bring our favourite matchmaking kitty home,” Hermione smiled at Andrea, cradling the tuxedo kitty in her arms. “We will need to stop for food and treats, right?”
“Yes, and some toys and a new breakaway collar too.” Andrea nodded before she opened the door for them. “Thank you, Charlotte and Nigel! Have an awesome day!” Andrea followed Hermione down the small road. “I can’t believe we had the same idea about this.” Andy gently nudges Hermione’s shoulder.
“Merlin, that was bloody strange to walk in to see you holding her,” Hermione smirked. “I am glad that you did get her. As I said earlier, I would get her for your new place.” Hermione stopped to look at Andrea for a moment.
“What?” Andrea gave Hermione a concerned look. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong, Andy.” Hermione sighed. “It just messed up my plan for the day. I didn’t realize you were coming to London.”
“Oh, well, I was going to surprise you with having her at my place unless you want her?” Andrea cupped Hermione’s face.
“No, it would be a housewarming gift from me or at least one of them. “ Hermione giggled. “I guess we will return to my place and use the floo to your place.”
“Isn’t there a wizarding place nearby?” Andrea asked.
“Well, there is. but I have an idea.” Hermione perked up.
“I am all ears.” The younger witch breathed out. “What does my brilliant witch have in mind?”
“Your brilliant witch would love for you to go home without Emily, and I will bring her along some other stuff I had planned.”
“Can I at least buy her cat food and treats on the way home?” Andrea inquired.
“You may do that and set up her cat bed and two food bowls, but I am buying her a new collar with her name tag. Did they say if she was fully vaccinated?” Hermione gazed into her coffee-coloured eyes.
“Yes, she’s all her shots, and I gave them my cell number so the vet can add it to her chip information,” Andrea explained.
“Bloody brilliant.” Hermione squeezed Emily in delight. “Now go away, and don’t worry, I will take good care of our Emily.”
Andrea carefully wraps her arms around Hermione and Emily and tugs them close before she kisses Hermione on the lips. She gives Emily a quick smooch on top of her head. “Alright, Love, I will see you two soon. I will go to my place and walk to the local store for her food.”
“Perfect. I will see you hopefully in a half hour.” Hermione smiled. “Say goodbye, Emily.” Hermione takes her paw to wave.
“MEOW!”
The two witches laugh at Emily. “I will see you soon, my lovebug.” Andrea scratched the cat’s head before apparating home.
“So, Emily, shall we get you hooked up with some new kitty things?” Hermione turned the cat around so she could look into her face.
“MEOW!” Emily replied.
“Alright! Let’s go to the nearest pet store.” Hermione walked out of the side road and decided to check her phone’s GPS for the route to the store and took off towards it. They walked through the park and found the place on the other side. She walked into the pet store, quickly took her sweatshirt off, and placed it on the bottom of the buggy to lay Emily on it. Hermione zipped through the kitty section and realized that they didn’t even discuss kitty litter and tray, so Hermione snapped up a few of the deposable ones and found a pretty purple cloth cat carrier. She looked at the name tags when the lady owner came to help.
“Can I help you?” An older lady with long grey hair up in a bun that reminded her of McGonagall.
“I am trying to find a special name tag for this tuxedo kitty that my girlfriend just got from that new cat café.”
“Oh? Which one? They have beautiful kitties over there.” The lady peeked into the buggy. “Is that Emily?”
“Yes, it is Emily.” Hermione bobbed her head.
“Oh good, I was hoping someone would take her.” The older woman said. “My name is Lara.”
“Mine is Hermione, and I told my girlfriend I would get Emily’s collar and name tag, at least.”
“Oh good, I meant to give them collars from me because I noticed they can’t break free if they get stuck.”
“You should, and I bet they would love it and maybe leave some of your store’s calling cards for some supplies or kitty needs.”
“That sounds like a brilliant idea.” Lara grabbed a piece of scrap paper to jot the ideas down. “I will do that either later today or first thing tomorrow.”
“Jolly good, Lara!” Hermione smirked. “Any hidden name tags for her?” Hermione pointed down to Emily.
“Let me check the back. I had ordered some tags that look like a book that would fit her, but I don’t know if they came in yet.” Lara scuttled to the back stockroom. Hermione glanced at the back wall and saw they get various holiday pictures done here. “We are in luck!” Lara waved a package in her hand.
“Sweet Merlin, that’s bloody brilliant.” Hermione smiled at the tag shaped like a book, and the other side had lines for names and phone numbers. “Perfect. Do you have a piece of paper?” Lara gave Hermione scrap paper and a pen to write. Hermione scribbled on it and gave it back to her.
“Emily Sachs will be her name, and this is Sachs’s number?” Lara read the paper.
“That’s correct. Can we have the red book, please?” Hermione picked up the book name tag to give to Lara for Emily’s tag.
“Certainly, Hermione.” Lara grabbed the tag and the paper, went to the etching machine, and made Emily’s id card. “Does she need to be chipped?”
“No, she’s already chipped. That the cat café is adding the number onto the chip.” Hermione explained.
“Excellent news, Hermione.” Lara flipped off the machine, picked up the tag to read it, and blew on it to cool it off before handing it to the young woman.
“This is bloody awesome!” Hermione’s breath hitched.
“What?” Lara looked at Hermione and saw a look of surprise. “Is something wrong?”
“No, everything is perfect,” Hermione smirked. “I just used a phrase that my girlfriend would say.”
“Ah… I understand completely.” Lara nodded. “I came here many moons ago as a child, and sometimes when I am tired, I will slip back to Canadian speak.”
“I can see that sometimes with Andrea; she’s an American who came here to work. She stumbled into me at the cat café. Emily is the reason we are together.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet.” Lara had a soft smile of delight. “And you are from around here, yes?”
“Yes, I am a Mayfair child.” Hermione smiled. “I love living in London, though.”
“Good, good.” Lara dipped her head. “Shall we check this all out?”
“Yes!” Hermione checked her watch. “Oh shoot, I am running a bit behind.”
Lara walked to the till and grabbed the scanner to ring up the new kitty supplies. “No food or treats for Miss Emily?”
“MEOW!” The kitty responded.
“She knows her name!” Lara looked into the buggy happily.
“Yes, we were the only ones to get her to talk,” Hermione smirked. “I need a black and red breakaway collar there.” Hermione pointed to it behind Lara.
“Oh, jolly good choice.” Lara grabbed the collar, scanned it in before taking it out of the packaging, grabbed the name tag, and attached it using the needle nose pliers to close the gap. Then, she came around the counter to check if the length was right for her neck; she made a slight adjustment to make it bigger and snapped it on.
“Thank you for doing that for us.” Hermione widely smiled. “I can’t remember what tools she had at the bungalow.”
“No problem, my dear.” Lara petted Emily a couple of times. ‘Go enjoy her, and I think she will be happy wherever she is.” Lara widely smiled.
“She will have awesome parents,” Hermione smirked. “I know that Andrea has fallen for her already. Right, Emily?”
“MEOW!”
The ladies laughed as Hermione carefully put Emily into the soft cat carrier and peered into it. “It won’t be long for you, Emily.” Emily hissed at her. “Sorry, but I need you safely bundled for travel.’
“Good luck, my dear,” Lara gave her a business card. “Here is my number if you need anything.”
“Oh! Thank you, Lara!” Hermione slipped the card into the back pocket of her jeans. Then, she carefully picked up the carrier, took the other bag from Lara, and dipped her grateful head before leaving the pet store.
“Let’s go to my place, and we will floo to your Mummy’s so we can get you settled in,” Hermione whispered to Emily as she stepped into an alleyway. She ensured she had a tight grip on the two handles and quickly apparated to the front entryway to Grimmauld Place, which made Emily unhappy with the transport.
“MROWL!”
“I am so sorry, Emily. I know cats don’t like that, but I promise the next way is so much better.”
“Hermione, my friend, are you talking to yourself again?” Ginny walked down the stairs.
“Hey, Gin, do you want to meet Emily?” Hermione lifted the cat carrier as Emily made her presence known.
“MEOW!”
“You got a cat?” Gin started to look excited until Hermione shook her head. “Then whose cat is that?”
“It’s Andrea’s cat.” Hermione huffed. “She beat me to the cat café that we like to go to and adopted her.”
“So where is Andrea, and why do you have the cat?” Gin looked around for the missing witch.
“She popped home and let me borrow Emily to get some things like the carrier and some toys and a new collar and name tag, which is so cute.” Hermione looked overly excited.
“Hermione, what did you get for a tag?” Ginny looked at her warily.
“It’s a book name tag!” Hermione exclaimed happily.
“Of course you did,” Ginny laughed as she shook her head. “But you two did meet at the cat café.”
“Yes, we did, and I convinced Andrea to let me bring her over, which is what I am doing now.” Hermione moved toward the parlour, where Harry’s Floo was located. She grabbed a small handful of its powder, threw it into the fireplace, and yelled, “Wood Bungalow!” Then, she stuck her head in and yelled, “Andy? Are you home?”
Andrea walked out of the kitchen, followed by Oliva Wood, “Hey Hermione, are you coming through with Emily?”
“Yes, Andy, Hello, Olivia!” Hermione responded, “I didn’t realize that you were coming over.” Hermione’s head disappeared for a moment and reappeared full-bodied with a big bag and a disgruntled cat in the cat carrier.
“MEOW!”
“Poor Emily! She doesn’t like the travel bit, doesn’t she?” Andrea carefully put the carrier on the large coffee table and unzipped it. “Come here, my lovebug.” Andrea lifted the tuxedo kitty from the bag and cradled her. “I see your other Mum got you a new collar and, OOO, a book name tag. Acceptable.” Andrea nodded.
“Is this the lovely new kitty, lass?” Olivia asked.
“Oh, yes, Olivia,” Andrea got all excited. “This is Emily, my tuxedo kitty!” Andrea flipped her around so the elderly witch could see her.
“Andrea, I had the lady put your last name on the name tag.” Hermione piped in.
“You did?” Andrea looked surprised and looked for the tag, chuckled again before she flipped it over and read the back. “I love it, Hermione.”
“You are most sincerely welcome, my darling!” Hermione cheshire-grinned at her. “Mrs Wood, does Oliver have a game today?”
Andrea snorted before she started to giggle. “I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to laugh, but I just had the same conversation with Ollie before I went to get this lovely-dovey.” Andrea cuddled Emily into her arms.
“Yes, he does, and it is against the Chudley Cannons,” Olivia answered.
Hermione groaned as she shook her head. “I am betting that Oliver told you my ex-best friend loved that team.” Hermione raised an eyebrow at her girlfriend.
“Yep! And that he clashed terribly with the team colours.” Andrea started to smirk when Hermione covered her face with her hands.
“Weasleys should never wear orange,” Hermione grumbled.
“Is that the family with the bright red hair?” Olivia asked.
“Um, yes,” Hermione looked at her, puzzled.
“Orange clashes horribly with that red carrot top hair, lass.” Olivia turned around to head towards the back door. “I got to go, lassies, so I can watch Ollie beat that team.”
“Give Oliver my best!” Hermione yelled out.
“Will do, lass!” Olivia went out the back door and slammed it, and Emily jumped out of Andrea’s arms and ran down the hall to hide.
“Oh, dear.” Hermione looked at Andrea. “She must not like overly loud noises.”
“Or, she could have been startled, and it surprised her, and she reacted to the said sound.” Andrea pondered whether or not to go after the cat.
“Let her be for now,” Hermione put her hand on Andrea’s arm to prevent her from searching for the cat. “She probably needs some peace after travelling through Apparation and Floo.”
“I thought you couldn’t apparate with animals,” Andrea looked at her in surprise.
“Well, it is not advisable too, but I only did a short jump from the pet shop in Kensington to my place.” Hermione shook her head. “She let her displeasure known, and Gin met Emily through the carrier.”
“Okay, but let’s see what else you spoiled the kitty?” Andrea walked over to the big bag next to the carrier on the coffee table. She pulled out the throw-away cat litter trays and laughed. “I did the same thing at the shoppe with these. I will get her a real box later.”
“Yeah, I wasn’t sure if you would have grabbed it when you grabbed the food.” Hermione shrugged.
“Let’s see what else?” Andrea looked into the bag and saw a big bag of assorted cat toys like mice, balls with bells inside, and a stick with feathers on the end. Andrea shook it briefly. The next thing they knew, Emily came running out. “Oh, Em, would you like to play with these?” She shook it again.
“MEOW!” Emily looked up at her with pleading eyes.
Hermione laughingly said, “I would take that as a yes!” Andrea ripped open the packet and put one jingly ball down with a catnip mouse. Emily looked at the mouse and batted it a couple of times before looking at the ball and batted that one too. Emily jumped back when the ball made a noise; she tentatively whacked at it again before playing with it around the room. The ladies laughed at Emily's antics before returning to the bag.
“Is there anything else for my lovebug?” Andrea jiggled the bag and felt something move. She put her hand in, grabbed something soft, and pulled it out. “aww…a little sweater for her to wear.”
“Yes, I still plan to make her some, but I saw this at the shop and thought it was cute,” Hermione smirked.
Andrea placed the sweater down, wrapped her arms around Hermione, and smiled at her. “Thank you, love.” Andrea kisses her on the lips. Hermione wrapped her arms around Andrea as well. She threads her hands into Andy’s hair, causing the younger one to moan into her mouth.
Hermione pulled away, to Andy’s displeasure which caused the older witch to beam at the reaction. She cupped Andrea’s face to brush her thumb across her cheek. “Relax, my darling, and we will kiss some more soon. I just wanted to tell you something important but am slightly nervous.”
“No need to be nervous with me, my love.” Andrea’s eyes softened as she gazed deeply into Hermione’s mocha-shaded eyes.
“Even if I was to confess my love for you?” Hermione tilted her head.
“Even that, Hermione, because I love you too, but I thought you might think it is too soon for a love confession.”
“Well, normally it would be, but I would be lying if that was the case because I have fallen completely in love with you in the two months we have known each other.” Hermione dropped her head onto Andrea’s shoulder to hide her embarrassed face.
“Hermione, my love, please look at me,” Andrea calmly waited to see Hermione’s beautiful eyes. “I have fallen madly in love with you too.” Andrea swallowed a lump in her throat. “Hannah and Susan noticed I liked you because I called you beautiful the same day of our initial meeting.”
“Really?” Hermione looked shocked. “You called me beautiful.”
“Yep, I hadn’t said your name right off, but when I went to change, Hannah asked for your name. So after I said it, I went straight up and didn’t see her reaction.” Andrea shook her head. “And you know the rest of this story.” Andrea giggled.
“Oh my god, I didn’t realize you were so enamoured with me like I was with you!” Hermione huffed before swooping in for another kiss. They deepened the kiss when Hermione swiped her tongue along Andra’s bottom lip. Andy moaned as the two tongues battled for domination, but Andrea relented and sucked on Hermione’s tongue, causing her to purr. Andrea pulled back to look at her in surprise. “Did you just purr?”
“Oh my god,” Hermione tried to rip herself out of Andrea’s arms, but she wasn’t having that.
“Whatever it is, I won’t judge you, and I would think you would know that by now. I hope.” Andrea ran the back of her fingers along her cheek. “I will love you no matter what this story is about.”
Hermione searched Andrea’s toffee-coloured eyes and saw the compassion and love for her. She dipped her head. “I know I have given you the synopsis of my time at Hogwarts.” Andrea nodded. “I know I haven’t told you everything, but did I tell you I made a Polyjuice potion in my second year.”
Andrea’s eyes grew wide. “I know you are one of the brightest of our age, but I feel that you didn’t just do this on a whim.”
“No, I didn’t.” Hermione shook her head. “We had students turning into stone and couldn’t figure out how, and there were cryptic messages about the Heir of Slytherin.”
“The Heir of Slytherin? But?” Andrea’s face turned to confusion. “But the last known heir was Riddle, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, it was, and how did you know that?” Hermione looked stunned.
“I got to see an updated version of Hogwarts, a History when I was in New York City last time, where our version of Diagon Alley is located.”
“Oh, I will have to get a new version the next time I am in Diagon Alley,” Hermione nodded to herself. “But as I said, I made the potion in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. So then, the three of us got hairs from three Slytherins and used them after our Christmas feast.” Hermione’s head dropped onto Andrea’s shoulder.
“Oh no, something went wrong, didn’t it?” Andrea rubbed her back.
“I did make it correctly.” Hermione shuddered in Andy’s arms.
“I am going to guess that one of those hairs wasn’t human,” Andrea remembered something said while she was at Ilvermony vaguely. “It was cat hair, wasn’t it?”
Hermione’s head popped up, with her eyes wide, “How?”
“I remember my NEWT level Potions class and the professor told us about a younger student, who appeared to make the potion correctly, but when adding the hair, they turned into a furry cat human for a couple of months,” Andrea explained. “Was my love a kitty?”
Hermione groaned. “I wished I didn’t know that, but yes, I was a furry kitty, and Harry and Ron took me to the hospital wing after they got back from sneaking into the Slytherin House.”
“What were they trying to find out?” Andrea inquired.
“Who’s the Slytherin’s heir? But it was useless.” Hermione shook her head. “We finally figured it out by the end of the school year.” Hermione zoned out and then shivered at the memories.
Andrea placed her palm on Hermione’s cheek. “Listen, Love, shall we call for some takeaway, relax by the fireplace, and play with Emily.”
“MEOW!”
“Come here, Emily!” Hermione yelled for her. Emily ran into the room and jumped up onto the couch, purring. “I think she approves of her new place.”
“I think so, too,” Andrea smiled as she pulled out her cell phone. “Thai or something else?”
“Thai sounds perfect. I’ll have Butter chicken with some naan, please,” Hermione smirked at Andy. “I will put on some tea while you order our food.”
“Splendid idea, Hermione,” Andy kissed her on the lips before she went near the fireplace to make the call while Hermione went into the kitchen; Andrea ordered the food and told them the address. “See you in twenty minutes.”
Hermione came out of the kitchen with two plates and utensils for them both and placed them on the kitchenette they found. “Tea should be ready soon.” Hermione moved around the table, setting it up for dinner for two.
Andrea walked over and wrapped her arms around Hermione from behind, and gave her a loving squeeze. She opened her arms a little to allow her to turn around. Andrea cradled her into her body. “I love how you fit into me.” She kissed Hermione on top of her head. “I love you, Hermione Granger, and I am so glad to have met you.”
“I love you too, Andrea Sachs, and I think we need to thank a certain C A T for that,” Hermione moved out of Andy’s arms and went to pick up Emily. “Do you agree that we wouldn’t have gotten together without a certain Emily?”
“Meow!” Emily showed her approval.
Andrea chuckled as she walked over to Hermione and carefully snuggled them into her arms. “Yes, I do believe you are correct.” Andrea kissed the top of Emily’s head. “Thank you, Em, for playing matchmaker for us.”
“MEOW!”
DING DONG
“Oh, our food must be ready.” Andrea moved towards the door as the tea kettle whistled in the kitchen.
“I’ll get that,” Hermione carefully put Emily back onto the coffee table and ran to prepare their teapot.
Andrea opened the door and gave the delivery person the money for the meal plus a tip. “Thank you!” She smiled as she closed the door with her heavy bag. “Can you grab more napkins while in there?”
“Sure, Andy!”
The younger witch hears the cabinet opening and shutting and sees her coming out with a tray with a teapot, sugar, two cups, and some napkins. “Thanks, Love. I have put out all the food and even got this one a special treat.” The young witch jerked her head towards Emily.
“Oh?” Hermione looked up from pouring them some tea.
“Yes, they have special animal treats, and they heard Emily in the background. So they threw in this treat packet for her to try.” Andrea held up a small sachet of treats. “Oh, Emily!”
“MEOW!”
Emily jumped onto the table and moved towards Andrea to nudge her hand. “Would you like some?”
“MEOW!”
“Okay, but you need to sit down over there before I give them to you.” Andrea waved her hand at one of the free sides of the table.
Emily walked over to the free chairs, plopped herself into the chair, and looked at her new Mummy. Hermione started giggling at Emily’s antics. “Hush, Luv, I have seen a cat do this once before.”
Andrea shook out a couple of treats and placed them on the placemat before Emily. Emily sniffed a couple of times before carefully taking a piece. Then, she chewed it and dove back in for the second piece.
“Darling, it looks like our baby loves it.” Hermione smiled at Andrea.
“Yep, I will give her a couple more and then eat myself.” Andrea shook a couple more out and placed them on the mat before giving the kitty a few scrunches on the head. “Good girl, Emily.”
“MEOW!”
Andrea raised her teacup and said, “I call for a toast.” Hermione picked up her cup, raised it, and waited for the toast. “To our kitty and our love!”
“That’s brilliant, my darling!” Hermione beamed at Andrea before looking at Emily, “Don’t you agree, Emily?”
“MEOW!”