Hogsmeade Trip
The morning came sooner than desired. Hermione's eyes suddenly sprang open and she immediately was in panic at being late. The week had caught up with her and she had overslept her alarm. She raced to get ready, barely grabbing a chance to shower and to throw some clothes on. Thankfully Winky was paying attention to her mistress and Hermione was able to eat some toast and a mouthful of tea while she was getting ready before rushing out the door. She raced down the nearly empty corridors, as many students were still sleeping or in their common rooms, and turning the corner near the east door, she found both Luna and Valdore chatting while waiting for her.
"I'm so sorry," she said as she slid to a halt almost crashing into them.
"Well good morning to you too," Valdore joked as he and Luna each grabbed a flailing elbow, helping to steady Hermione.
Hermione straightened up and looked at a smiling Luna and then replied with a tone of embarrassment, "Sorry, good morning. I over slept."
"No worries," Valdore replied with a smile, "We were in no rush."
"Are we ready?" Luna asked and they all nodded and headed out the door.
In the doorway and in the full sun, Hermione smiled slightly and closed her eyes. She stopped at the top of the stairs and sighed as she closed her eyes and felt the warmth of the sun's rays against her face. Both Valdore and Luna had stopped and looked back when she sighed. They saw her standing in the doorway, as if she were absorbing the sun and taking in its energy. They both looked at each other, Valdore giving Luna a quizzical look, and she in turn just gave him a small knowing smile.
After a few long moments, Hermione opened her eyes and saw them at the base of the steps looking up at her, "Sorry," she said quickly, "Just feels good to have the sun on my face."
They didn't comment in the slightest, other than to nod once, continuing down the path to Hogsmeade. The walk was a pleasant one in the early fall air. There was a slight coolness in the air, which was joined by the colors of the leaves on the trees. The foliage was lovely with its rainbow of greens, oranges, reds and yellows. Hermione had forgotten how beautiful the Hogwarts grounds were in the fall. She was enjoying the walk to the town and seeing the colors around her as they chatted about their first week and which students they felt had great potential and which were lacking in enthusiasm.
As they approached and entered the town, Hermione was immediately struck that Hogsmeade itself had not changed much since had been last there. Of course, the last time she had been here she was Head Girl and she had been seeing the last of the students off on the Hogwarts Express with Hagrid just before the last battle with Voldemort. Now, years later, the wizarding village had not changed. Well, with one notable exception. The newest building displayed in its large windows love potions, vomiting candies, and all manner of disappearing aids. The large, red-hair framed faces placed above the doorway were charmed to smile and to welcome people in the store. Hermione smiled to herself at the faces, promising to visit the shop before she left.
Hermione recognized many of her old haunts from when she was younger. Honeydukes, the Three Broomsticks Inn, and The Hog's Head Tavern. Again, each not having changed one bit since her last visit. They stopped at the intersection of two streets, and with a quick goodbye, Valdore waved his hand in farewell with the promise that he'd meet them at The Hog's Head in for a drink and lunch. He then quickly headed towards a cluster of shops.
"Well where would you like to go first?" Hermione asked Luna looking around the town.
"I need to go to Scrivenshaft's for some new quills," Luna replied, "After that I have no plans."
The two women quickly bought Luna her new quills, and soon found themselves window shopping. They conversed easily in each other's company as old friends do, talking about the new robes they saw in Gladrags Wizardwear, and the price of cauldrons at Potage's Cauldron Shop, until Hermione stopped suddenly in front of Tomes and Scrolls. She remembered going into the old bookshop many times when she was a student, always finding interesting books, although she never had the galleons to get many of them. The two women shivered as a cool breeze flowed past them, and with a silent agreement, soon entered the warmth of the store and began to browse.
The little bell on the door announced their entrance and the witch who ran the store looked up at them and greeted them cheerfully and before returning to her work. Luna immediately headed towards the bizarre creature's section, while Hermione just wandered the store aimlessly with no real focus to her browsing. Her footsteps sounded loudly on the old wood flooring as she walked around the shop and she soon found herself standing in front of a bookcase full of wizard spells and incantations. She browsed through the titles, recognizing many of them she had read at Hogwarts, or that were in her library at Grimmauld Place.
She was almost to the bottom of the bookcase when she saw an old purple leathered book stuck between two thick volumes written by Gilderoy Lockhart. She crouched down to examine the binding closer and she saw that there was no writing on it. With her face twisted in confusion, she managed to carefully pull the book out and found that there was no title on the front cover. Based on her examination of the wear, fading, and cracking of the leather binding, she guessed it must have been ancient.
She carefully opened the book and saw that the first page was handwritten, which was exceeding odd and rare to her. She could barely read the first page, but was able to make out the date of 1639. This book was over 350 hundred years old, which was ancient indeed if the date was to be believed. She carefully flipped through the pages and found every page was handwritten. Hermione's face was still in a contortion of confusion. She began to think that it was more of a journal than a book. Curious about the author, she turned back to the beginning and looked for the author's name, but again, she couldn't make out with the faded text who it was.
She was certainly intrigued by this book. The mystery about it turned on the curiosity in Hermione's mind. Full of interest, she looked through book and could not find a price. Walking over to the witch, she inquired as to the price and origin.
The witch looked at the book and examined it carefully, "Oh I have no idea my dear what this is," the witch finally replied and looked up at Hermione, "Are you interested in purchasing this?"
"Yes, I am," Hermione replied, "But I am very curious as to the author."
The witch tried to read the name and shrugged in defeat, "I'm sorry dear, but I don't know who the author is."
Hermione pursed her lips in contemplation for a few moments and then nodded once, "Regardless I'll take it."
The witch seemed happy to oblige, but couldn't find a price on the book either. After several minutes of haggling, Hermione paid five gallons to the witch and waited patiently while the witch wrapped the book in paper. The witch was just finishing up with Hermione when Luna came over to her and placed a couple of books about bowtruckles and fwoopers on the counter.
Luna looked Hermione and the witch quizzically, "Did you find something?"
Hermione nodded and took the wrapped book from the witch, "Thank you," she said to the witch and waited for Luna to purchase her books.
Outside the two women started walking towards The Hog's Head and chatted about their purchases. Luna commented on her books and how she was excited read more about fwoopers and bowtruckles as she hoped to be able to include them into her futures lectures.
Hermione then explained about the book she found, "It's just odd Luna. I didn't see anything to identify it."
The other woman smiled to herself hearing the curiosity from her friend. It was something she had not heard in years, "I'm sure you'll get to the bottom of it," she replied simply, knowing that it would further intrigue Hermione.
They just came up to the corner and Hermione stopped in front of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. She looked at Luna with a smirk, "We have to go in."
With a quick laugh, Luna nodded at the women entered the store. They were immediately hit with the sheer brightness from various colors and din of every sound imaginable as they closed the door. As it was not a school trip weekend, the shop was not as jam packed as it usually would have been. They started walking around, trying to take in what they were seeing. There were items and products that just staggered their minds. Hermione knew that twins had been busy and successful, but not to this degree.
"Well hello gorgeous," came a voice at her left elbow.
"We haven't seen you here before," came another voice at her right elbow.
Hermione quickly looked left and right and laughed out loud before hugging both twins in turn.
"It's so good to see you both," she said happily.
"Likewise," came their reply in unison.
George looked at Luna, "Hello Luna! Good to see you again."
Luna hugged both twins and stepped back, "This place seems even more expanded since I was in last," she said waving at the filled showroom.
Fred looked around and nodded, "Yep, always inventing."
"Can't become stagnant in this line of work," George added.
"I had a run in with one of your products in my classroom this week," Hermione said with a tone of teasing and reproach, "Confiscated the lot from the student's bag before he could set anymore off."
The twins looked visibly pained at this news, "That's cruel that is," George said.
"Indeed, those products deserve to be set free and allowed to bring joy to those around," Fred added.
"Wreak havoc you mean," she said still smiling.
"One person's havoc…," began Fred.
"… is another person's joy," George finished
"I'm sure Hermione will allow the student to have them back at the holiday break?" Luna half asked, half said.
The twins looked at Hermione imploringly. Hermione rolled her eyes and chuckled, "Of course."
"Excellent!" both twins said.
"So what can we show you lovely ladies this morning?" George asked.
"Love potions?" they asked in unison, wiggling their eyebrows.
Hermione and Luna laughed and shook their heads.
"No," said Hermione, "I'm good with all those. Especially as I remember what every single one of them does."
Fred looked at George with an expression of disappointment, "You see George, you have to know your audience. Give them the unexpected."
"Precisely, Fred," George nodded and then looked at Hermione with a mischievous smile, "That's why we have something new that would be perfect for you."
They waved the women to follow and Hermione gave Luna a look of wariness. They followed the twins to a case full of bright colored rocks. George gave Hermione a rueful look as he opened the case and handed her a small pink rock.
She looked at it held out away from her and then looked at George with confusion, "A pink rock?"
Fred and George chuckled, "That my pretty Professor is not just any pink rock," George started.
"It is a magic pink rock," Fred answered, with mirth in his voice.
Hermione gave Luna a sideways look of exasperation before asking, "But what does it do?"
Fred leaned closer and in a mock whispering tone replied, "It's a smoke bomb."
Hermione's face twisted in derision, "A smoke bomb? Really? How… simple."
George acted hurt by Hermione's comment, "You wound me Madam. It's a magical smoke bomb."
Luna took the rock from Hermione's hand, "Like Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder?"
It was Fred's turn to look like he had been wounded by Luna's comment, "Not just like Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder… better!"
George pointed to the little rock, "Unlike Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, this little gem doesn't just create total darkness…"
"In totally cool colors," Fred added.
"It also protects the person who wields it from most common hexes and curses," George continued without a missing a beat, "Just step on it or throw it down and you'll be instantly engulfed in a cloud of protection."
"Or you could just apparate away after you break it," Fred added, then held up a finger, "It only gives you a few moments of protection, but we haven't tried it out with the more serious magical spells yet," and with a wiggle of his eyebrows, he finished, "So user beware."
Luna handed it back, but George held out his hand to stop her, "Keep it," he said, reaching in and handing one to Hermione, "Free of charge!"
Hermione shook her head, "We can't accept these. We're Hogwarts Professors…"
Fred and George held up their hands and stopped her from continuing, "You are more than mere professors! You are the major investor of the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes Incorporated and as such, get samples of all of our products whether requested or given," Fred said solemnly.
Hermione looked between the two of them with incredulity, "I am not an investor…," she began, but was interrupted this time by George.
"Oh my dazzling Professor, you are indeed. You're our original benefactor's heir and executor," he said with equal solemnness to his twin, "And as such, our policy transferred to you."
Hermione's brain took a few moments to put the clues together before breathing, "Harry…," she looked at the smiling twins, "When?"
"After the Tri-Wizard's Tournament," Fred said excitedly, "He gave us his winnings!"
"Couldn't do it without him," said George beaming, "We tried to refuse, but he was quite insistent."
"Practically threatened us to take he did," Fred added and George nodded in agreement.
"Quite the kick start we needed," George finished.
Hermione smiled and looked at the rock in her hand almost lovingly, "Sneaky git," she whispered. She had always wondered how the twins were able to start up their shop and what happened to the winnings Fudge had given Harry. She knew he had been torn-up by how he had won the tournament and he didn't need the money. It was just like Harry to help someone in need even during a very low time in his life.
She closed her hand around the stone and gave each twin a smile and nod, "Thank you."
"We should get going or we'll be late," Luna said to Hermione.
Hermione put the rock in her pocket and after a round of hugs and promises to do lunch, both women left the twins and headed to The Hog's Head. They chatted non-stop about the twins and their concoctions the entire trip and stopped just as they entered the tavern. Hermione shivered the cold away and looked and saw a wave of a hand from one of the side booths. Valdore had gotten there ahead of them and saved a booth.
Hermione walked towards the booth and looked towards the bar and saw a familiar face. Aberforth Dumbledore was serving a butterbeer to a customer as she walked by. He looked up and after a brief look of surprise on his face at seeing her quickly changed his expression to a smile and a nod of greeting.
The two women sat next to each other in the booth and greeted Valdore.
"Sorry we're late," Hermione said.
"No worries," came his casual reply, "I just got here myself a few moments ago. I thought I was going to be late myself."
"We went to visit the Weasley twins," Luna said.
Valdore looked surprised and then almost a little sad at missing out, "I love that shop! If I had known you were going I would have finished my errands sooner," he smiled, "I always loved their pranks at school."
They chatted over lunch about the various pranks the twin pulled during their years at Hogwarts. Many of the stories of the twin's pranks were new for Valdore as he had graduated a couple of years before. Valdore was captivated when Hermione related the swamp/Umbridge incident to him before breaking out in a loud laugh at the swamp and firework finale.
"It really was a good bit of magic," Luna said, echoing Flitwick's comment at that time.
They sat back and let their dishes get cleared by Aberforth, who again smiled and nodded at Hermione. Valdore had observed the look between Hermione and Aberforth and asked if she knew him.
Hermione nodded, "Yes," she replied, "He was a great help to the Order of the Phoenix and to Harry when we went to school."
Valdore sensed that further conversation about Aberforth might be opening old wounds and wisely decided to change the topic. The three professors finished their drinks and had a pleasant time chatting about their visit to Hogsmeade and their future class plans. Hermione found that she was having a good time out with these two… friends, she thought. Luna absolutely, but Valdore? She decided that he could be a friend and began to relax more. All too soon it was time to return to Hogwarts. They paid their bill and left.
However, they didn't get more than few steps out the door when a voice called out from behind them.
"Miss. Granger! Miss. Granger!"
Hermione turned and saw Alberforth approached them quickly, holding her wrapped book in his hand. He smiled slightly as he approached and handed the book to her.
"You forgot this, Miss. Granger," he said.
She smiled at him, "Thank you. I must be losing my memory," she joked and took the book. She looked at the older man and gave him a warm smile, "How are you?'
He shrugged and returned her smile, "Well enough, thanks," he replied quietly with thankfulness at her concern. Then with a quick wave of his hand he said with mirth in his voice, "Now be off with you before you cause me anymore mischief!"
She laughed as she watched him turn and quickly head back into his tavern. As the door closed on him she slowly turned and rejoined her two companions.
v
Several hours later she was in her room pouring a cup of tea in front of the fire. She had wanted to read her new book now that she was back and was anxious to find out more about it. She shifted in the high-backed chair and took a sip of tea before she picked the book up from her lap. She carefully unwrapped the paper from the book and tossed it into the fire. It disappeared in a flash of green light and smoke.
She again carefully examined the cover and as before found no title or markings of any kind. She opened the book up and turned to the second page and began reading. As she finished reading the first couple of lines she began to feel as if some sort of odd sensation came over her. She looked up and around the room and the sensation quickly faded. She was curious to say the least, but when she discovered no cause and the sensation had ceased, she then returned to the book and continued to read.
