Chapter Text
The Six Senses
Chapter 1: Meeting
Life was making one decision after another. And Hermione was tired of it.
She grabbed the leaflet again and stared at it with a frown.
What if she let someone decide for her? Just once?
The Six Senses had been open for a couple of months and was already a success in Diagon Alley. Dozens of young witches and wizards had signed up and were having blind dates, Luna among them, and even The Prophet had published an article about it.
Her blonde friend was the one who had given Hermione the leaflet. Ginny had another and was also considering it, but Hermione still had doubts.
They used a spell for sensory deprivation during the dates, and you were not able to see the person sitting across from you. Or hear them. Smell them. Nothing.
Was it worth the risk? What if, after the seven established dates, Hermione found Cormac Mglaggen smirking at her from the other chair?
Just the thought of it sent an icy chill down her spine. She had been single for almost two years, but being alone was better than accidentally dating someone like her former classmate.
Anyone was better than him. Would the questionnaire be enough to keep him away from her?
Her phone chimed, and Hermione sighed before checking it.
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Hermione drummed her fingers on the sofa, anxiously glancing at the clock every ten seconds.
She had received the questionnaire a few days ago and sent it back three hours later with her replies to the one hundred fifty questions. Another letter with The Six Sense's stamp had arrived that morning, informing her that they had found a first match.
Her chosen partner was highly compatible and would be waiting for her at 7 pm. She needed to wear a cloak that covered her features and enter through the front door at exactly that hour. They would explain how to proceed once she was there.
Another nervous glance at the clock told her it was almost time to go. Hermione grabbed a cloak and apparated to Diagon Alley, walking down the winding street while she ignored the stares.
It had been almost ten years since the war, but people still recognised her.
Hermione paused in front of the dark door of a building situated at the end of the Alley, taking a deep breath before opening it.
A woman was waiting for her inside.
“Hermione Granger, right?”
At her nod, she took Hermione’s cloak and hung it behind the counter.
“Can I have your phone, please?” The woman flicked her wand, pointing it at Hermione once her phone glowed. She was linking it to her brain and wand, as needed for the blind date. She then returned it to Hermione and smiled. “Thank you.”
Hermione gave her a nervous smile.
“You will lose your six senses once you step through this door, but you’ll still be able to see the room and enjoy your food, as you know.” Her smile widened and she opened the door behind her, stepping aside. “Your date is already waiting for you at table twelve.”
Hermione entered the room and gasped. It was not what she had expected.
The establishment was similar to a fancy restaurant. There was a bar at the left, four chandeliers on the ceiling, and dozens of tables spread around the room. Most of them were already occupied with other witches and wizards having their dates, but she could not see any of their faces.
All of them were a blur, and the room was silent except for soft background music.
Hermione searched for her number and approached the table, wringing her hands when she saw a human-shaped blur across from it. She sat down and placed her phone on the surface as instructed. It floated in front of her, ready to be her only communication tool for the night.
She brushed her curls away and tapped the menu with her wand, selecting her meal. Three seconds later, a glass of wine and a plate of spaghetti materialised in front of her.
A first text was already waiting for Hermione when she looked up.
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TRANSCRIPTION
Luna texting Hermione
(Image 1)
Luna: Good morning, Hermione
Hermione: Hi, Luna
Luna: Have you thought about it?
Hermione: Yes. I'm still not sure
Luna: I think meeting someone without their physical appearance playing a part is wonderful. You get to know his heart first
Hermione: That does sound wonderful. But I've never liked blind dates
(Image 2)
Luna: Think of it as an experiment. I'm enjoying mine
Hermione: Still no idea who he is?
Luna: No. But I don't really care. I'll get to see him soon
Hermione: Okay. I hope I don't regret this. But I think I want to try. Just once
(Image 3)
Luna: You're brave, Hermione. Still a Gryffindor at heart
Hermione: I guess so
Luna: Should I sign you up on the waiting list the next time I go?
Hermione: Please
Luna: Consider it done. I'm happy for you 😊 This will be fun!
Hermione: I hope so. I haven't met anyone interesting for a while
(Image 4)
Luna: Maybe you'll meet him there
Hermione: Maybe. How long did you wait until they sent you an owl?
Luna: Just a week. First, they send you a questionnaire. And they write again once they've found a match for you
Hermione: Okay. I'm already nervous
Luna: Don't be. I have a good feeling about this. You'll have a new boyfriend soon
(Image 5)
Hermione: Always so optimistic
Luna: Life is beautiful. Every day is a new chance
Hermione: I know. I'll try to relax
Luna: We can meet after work if you want a distraction
Hermione: Yes, please. Tell Ginny to come, too
Luna: See you later, Hermione. Breathe. It will be okay
(Image 6)
Hermione: Thanks, Luna. You're a great friend
Luna: It's a pleasure. I just want to see you happy
Hermione: 🥺 I already am. Just not lucky with men, but I don't need one to be happy
Luna: I know you don't. But a good one might make you a bit happier
(Image 7)
Hermione: I sincerely doubt it 😂 But I don't lose anything for trying. I can stop whenever I want to, right?
Luna: Yes. If you don't want to continue after the first date, they will assign you a new partner. You will have to wait for a new match, though
Hermione: Sounds fair. Let's do it!
Luna: 🥳
Number 37 and Hermione's texts
(Image 8)
37: Hi
Hermione: Hello. This is weird
37: First time here?
Hermione: Yes. You?
37: This is my third time
Hermione: What happened the other two times?
37: We decided not to continue after the second and third date respectively
Hermione: Can I ask why?
(Image 9)
37: I didn't feel... anything. It's hard to explain. I had no interest. And neither had them
Hermione: Oh
37: I still think you can find someone special doing this. That's why I'm here
Hermione: Good to know. You can help me, then. Is there something I can't ask?
37: It can't be personal. Nothing that could give our identities away. Maybe it would be easier if I start?
(Image 10)
Hermione: Okay
37: Do you like your food?
Hermione: It's really good. And the wine is perfect
37: Indeed. Are you into wine?
Hermione: Well, I'm no expert. But I know what I like. I've always wanted to go to a wine tasting and learn more about it
37: We could do that together one day (If we get to the final date and like each other)
(Image 11)
Hermione: I'd love to (Okay. I'm nervous)
37: No reason to be. It's quite easy. We have one hour to talk today. And they will give us one of our senses back for the next date
Hermione: Which one goes first?
37: Touch. Then magic. I'm afraid I can't tell you about the rest
Hermione: We'll have to find out together
(Image 12)
37: I'd like that. Tell me something about yourself
Hermione: My friends say I'm too smart for my own good
37: An intelligent woman? It must be my lucky day
Hermione: What about you?
37: My friends say I'm too snarky for my own good. Some people can't stand me. Some people hate me
Hermione: So you use sarcasm to keep them away
37: That's a way of saying it. Smart, indeed
(Image 13)
Hermione: I warned you
37: That was a compliment, number 56. No need to warn me. I like it
Hermione: Oh. Okay
37: Are you blushing? I think you are
Hermione: Maybe I am. You'll never know
37: Believe me, I know
Hermione: Cheeky. Tell me another thing
(Image 14)
37: I'm a Quidditch fanatic. Why aren't you replying? You don't like it
Hermione: Well... It's not that I hate it. I just prefer to do other things. Like reading
37: You can read and play Quidditch. They're not opposites
Hermione: Oh no, I've never played. We have to be honest, right?
37: It's the idea, yes
(Image 15)
Hermione: I'm a bit afraid of brooms. I can't trust them. But I do go to Quidditch matches with my friends. Occasionally
37: We'll have to remedy that. Perhaps a good teacher is just what you need to love brooms
Hermione: Many people have tried in the past. Don't waste your time
37: I like challenges, 56. I won't give up easily
Hermione: Don't hold your breath
(Image 16)
37: Never. A good breathing rhythm is the first step to enjoy flying
Hermione: Ha. Good one
37: I can be funny. Sometimes
Hermione: I can, too
37: Anything else you want to know?
Hermione: Everything 😂 Let me think... The colour of your eyes?
37: I can't tell you
(Image 17)
Hermione: Not even that?
37: Not yet. I'm sorry. I wish I could
Hermione: Okay. Let's trust the process
37: Do you like music?
Hermione: I love it. Both muggle and magical
37: I play the piano
Hermione: Really?
(Image 18)
Hermione: I used to play when I was a child. But I've forgotten everything
37: I could reteach you the basics. Vivaldi is my favourite
Hermione: He's my favourite too!
37: Then it's decided. We'll play The Four Seasons together
Hermione: So many plans already
37: Is it too much? I can stop if it is
Hermione: No, no. I like this
(Image 19)
Hermione: It means we have things in common
37: We do. Our time is almost up, and I hadn't even noticed
Hermione: You're right. My dessert was also great
37: The food here is always delicious. So. Are you willing to do this again?
Hermione: Yes, 37. I'd like to meet you again
37: Perfect. A second date it is. I can't wait
(Image 20)
Hermione: See you soon (Not really, but you know what I mean)
37: See you. We'll be able to touch each other next time
Hermione: This is kind of exciting, isn't it? What will we do? Hold hands?
37: If that's comfortable for you, yes. If not, we'll think of another thing
Hermione: Okay. Thank you, 37. This was fun
(Image 21)
37: Have a nice night (You should leave first, 56) And no cheating. If you try to stay around to see me, they'll know. And you'll get banned from here
Hermione: I wasn't thinking about doing that
37: I was. But I won't. I'll be patient and wait
Hermione: 😂😂 Bye, 37. No cheating!
37: Never. Bye, darling