FICLET: "Hermione's Knickers: The Ficlet," PG

[stephanometra]

Her shirt already buttoned and her tie already knotted, Hermione studies her reflection in the mirror, examining the tiny scrap of pale pink satin that almost manages to cover her arse. She lightly touches the fabric, smoothes a hand over the curve of her hip.

"They're lovely, dearie," the mirror says.

"Yes," she replies, "they are." Satisfied, she pulls on her skirt and neatly arranges the pleats.

"But I don't know why you bother. Nobody sees them but me."

Hermione smiles. "Can't a girl just enjoy wearing a nice pair of knickers?"

The mirror makes a disapproving noise that is as close to a snort as an object can possibly get without actually owning a nose. "Those aren't meant to be worn, dearie. They're meant to be taken off."

"Well, I do that, too."

"Not what I meant, and you know it."

"I do, in fact." Hermione slings her schoolbag over her shoulder, checking to make sure her essay is still safely tucked into the front pocket.

"Seems a shame to be wearing such nice pants when you haven't a nice boy to show them to." The mirror pauses. "Or a nice girl, if that's what you're on about."

She pulls a face. "I've already found a nice boy, thanks."

"And what does he think of them?"

"He's yet to see them," she says.

The mirror makes that peculiar pseudo-snort noise again.

"But someday," Hermione continues, starting for the door, "someday, he will."