"I really shouldn't have insisted on trying that ridiculously bumpy Knight Bus." Hermione leaned against Jerry on the deserted street, barely steady on her feet. "I should've listened to you! That awful bus nearly shook me to pieces!"
"Hermione, we need to hurry!" Jerry glanced at her tired face, then pulled out his pocket watch. With a helpless look, he crouched slightly. "Come on. I'll carry you."
"Really?" Hermione could hardly believe her ears. Suddenly, her back stopped aching and her legs felt strong again. A delighted glint crossed her eyes. She hadn't expected this! Without hesitation, she climbed onto Jerry's back.
Her cheek rested against the warmth of his neck. Each soft breath brushed his skin like a feather. Heat and a fluttering excitement stirred inside Hermione, as though even the air around them had grown thick. The unfamiliar feeling quietly took root in her heart and wound itself around every sensitive nerve.
Neither spoke as they crossed the overgrown, desolate grass at the center of the small square. The empty street was lined with gloomy houses. Broken windows gleamed coldly beneath the yellow streetlamps, and peeling paint made the buildings look all the more forsaken.
Before long, Jerry carried Hermione to a house that looked just as dilapidated. Faint, muffled music drifted from an upstairs window.
"We're here," Jerry said softly.
Hermione seemed not to hear him. She stayed on his back a moment longer before coming to herself, her eyes briefly clouded with reluctance. "Mm," she murmured, her voice soft and shy. Then she slid down until her feet touched solid ground again.
The cool night breeze brushed their faces, bringing them both back to their senses. Hermione looked around, puzzled.
"Jerry, did we come to the wrong place?" She looked left, where a door bore the