Damage Control - Chapter One
Strange things are happening
Hermione Granger was not happy. Not happy at all. On the very last day of her 6th year at Hogwarts, she received a somewhat disconcerting letter from her mother, and she was not quite sure what to make of it. "Dear Hermione, I'm really sorry to write this late, but Dad and I have lately been having some issues which, quite frankly, demand to be sorted out if we are to stay together. We are going to Greece, to get away from everything for a while. Therefore, I have arranged for you to spend the first 3 weeks of your summer holiday with your Aunt Amelia, before you join Harry and Ron. Not having had you around for years now, I really feel it is more important to save our marriage, or rather, what's left of it. I do feel very guilty putting this on you, especially at such short notice. But I also know that you're unlikely to return to us, or even our world, so I have made the decision this time to think more of myself rather than of my beloved daughter. I don't want to say anything negative about your Dad, I guess I could use the excuse of "midlife crisis" on his behalf, but if he doesn't change soon, I'm very afraid that our marriage might come to an end. All I can hope for is your understanding, and I know you are very young, but then again you are mature far beyond your years. I know you are not keen on joining Aunt Amelia and her children, but it was the only choice I could come up with. I do know she will look after you and ensure your well being. And if worst comes to worst with Alana, then simply ignore her and enjoy plenty of reading material. I'm enclosing some wizard money for you. It's the least I can do. And I'm very sorry for this whole mess. I didn't choose it for myself, honestly. Know that I love you, always. Mum". A feeling of dread crept upon her and she shuddered at the thought of having to spend three long weeks with her cousin, Alana. Although Alana was only barely a year older than Hermione, the girls had never been particularly friendly with each other. Whilst Hermione had always been a bookworm, Alana was a typical tomboy, much preferring to climb trees or practice her martial art skills with the boys from the neighborhood. She sighed. Well, at least I'll have enough money to buy all the books I want. And Diagon Alley isn't far from where Aunt Amelia lives, either... And maybe Alana has changed, after all, I've not seen her for a few years... Hermione had no idea just how she would be absorbed in books and writings over the next weeks.
Harry, Ron and Hermione boarded the Hogwarts Express together the next morning, with both Ron and Harry in much higher spirits than Hermione. Harry and Ron would go straight to No. 12 Grimmauld Place for the entire Summer holidays. "Don't worry, 'Mione! 3 weeks will fly past in no time and then you'll join us! And we'll owl you daily, right Harry?" Harry nodded fiercely. "Yeah, 'Mione. We'll make sure you won't get bored and if your cousin is horrible, then let us know and we'll tell Fred and George about it. They'll find a way to punish her." Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the thought of owls descending upon Aunt Amelia's home on a daily basis. She snorted at the thought of the look on Aunt Amelia's face.
They arrived at Kings Cross Station far too soon for Hermione. After gathering their luggage and various familiars, the trio made their way out to the main part of the station. Hermione couldn't believe the amount of people there, it had never been that busy before when they arrived. She looked sharply at Harry when she overheard some words uttered by a Muggle. "Must be a witch there, she's wearing one of them cloaks instead of a proper jacket. Blimey, that one must be a wizard..." Harry shrugged his shoulders, must be coincidence, he thought. Ron looked around in confusion when he heard a Muggle woman ask another "Where is that ruddy Platform 9 3/4? It's gotta be around here somewhere". Harry was caught by surprise when a boy, a few years younger than himself, poked him in the chest. "Are you the real Harry Potter?" All Harry could do was nod dumbly. How on earth did this boy who was obviously Muggle know about him? Thankfully, Remus Lupin and Tonks spotted the Trio at that moment and made their way quickly over to them. Remus pulled Harry in a tight hug. "Harry, it's great to see you again!" Harry beamed. At least he still had Remus. The loss of Sirius was still weighing heavily on him, but he was looking forward to spending time with Remus this summer. After more greetings were exchanged between the three students and Remus and Tonks, Remus went to find a taxi for Hermione, then they parted company after promising to keep in touch until Hermione would join them 3 weeks later. The taxi ride didn't take long, as Aunt Amelia lived just behind the British Museum, off Russell Square. She paid the driver with Muggle money, then stepped up through the front garden to the door and rang the bell. She heard hurried foot steps just before the door was opened by Aunt Amelia. "Oh darling, it's wonderful to see you, it's been years. Gosh, how you've grown up! I can't believe how time is flying. Come on in, don't just stand here. How was your journey? Do you still go to that boarding school up north? It's such a shame that Rachel and Daniel are having such problems. I bet they'll miss you, but it's just as well that they're trying to sort out their marriage." Gosh, does the woman breathe? Hermione thought dryly to herself. "Hi, Aunt Amelia, it's nice to see you again. And thank you for letting me stay with you", Hermione replied. "Oh, it's not a problem at all, dear, we love to have you around for a bit. Alana has been looking forward to your visit tremendously, as has Robin." Was Aunt Amelia just trying to make her comfortable, Hermione wondered. The last time she had seen Robin, he was the typical spoiled prat of an upper middle class Muggle family, and they had not at all liked each other. And Alana and herself were just way too different to be more than merely polite with each other. She mentally shrugged and followed Aunt Amelia to the guest room that she would occupy for the next three weeks. "I'll leave you to sort out your luggage and all, and when you're ready, come down to the kitchen. Would you prefer tea or coffee, dear?" "I'd love a coffee, Aunt Amelia, black, no sugar, please", Hermione replied. "Of course, sugar wouldn't do for the daughter of two dentists", Aunt Amelia countered, laughing. Hermione let out a long sigh when her Aunt finally turned to exit her room. This was going to be great! Three weeks of incessant chatter, and Merlin knew how Alana and Robin would turn out. She shuddered at the idea of Alana being as talkative as her mother. All she could do now was hope that Harry and Ron would keep their promise of daily owls.
Hermione was motioned to take a seat at the table as soon as she entered the kitchen. "Alana should be here any minute now, she's been at the dojo training for the championships. I'm so proud of her, she's just got her black belt, two days after she turned 18. And now she's been approved to participate in the National Championship, that's so exciting!" Hermione nodded politely and inwardly rolled her eyes. Her mother tended to speak proudly of her, too, but never in such an inane way. Her thoughts were stopped abruptly when the door opened and a tall girl came almost flying through. "Hi Mum, hi Hermione", she eyed her curiously. Hermione greeted her back with a polite "Hello" and concentrated on her coffee. Alana's next words left her speechless. "So, Hermione, tell me, how are Harry and Ron? And is Professor Snape really such a greasy git?"