"You're getting along well with him," remarked Nadia Cole as they sat together at lunch. The orphanage cafeteria was clean, but the children in it were notably quieter than Hogwarts.
"He reminds me of myself when I was his age," Hermione admitted. "Very curious."
Mrs. Cole was silent for a moment, grey eyes cast low at her plate. Then they flicked back up at Hermione. "You're a witch, aren't you?"
Hermione choked in surprise. "What? What do you mean?"
Mrs. Cole lowered her voice. "I saw the credentials for that school you work for. You can't possibly expect me not to know- I've been working here practically since I was born. Many children come under our roof."
"You know about Tom too, then," said Hermione. This was an interesting development.
"Yes, that much was obvious since his birth. I was there then, and when his mother passed away too, and she was probably one of them- you- judging from her behavior."
"How much can you tell me about him?"
"He's not under my direct supervision, but from what I've observed, he's cautious. He uses his- power- deliberatively, so it's hard to see evidence of it."
Hermione grew concerned. "Does he know you know?"
"I don't think so," said Mrs. Cole. "I've tried to keep my distance from him, actually."
"Why?" Hermione asked, intrigued.
Mrs. Cole thought about it. "You know he's very intelligent," she said. "But it used to be- the caretaker for his group told me- if she asked them a question or something, he would just know the answer. Like he was reading her mind. That stopped a year or so ago, but it's always bothered me, especially since I know about- his type and his mother and all. I just didn't think it would be advisable. None of the other- different children did it."
Hermione was silent. "I suppose that was sensible of you," she finally said.
Mrs. Cole then asked, "But the biggest question is, what's your relation to him? The school only starts enrolling students at age eleven, right? There's never actually been an adoption for them either."
"Would you believe me if I said I was lonely and wanted company?"
The matron snorted. "A young thing like you? Hardly."
"Then," said Hermione, "I can only say that it's because I believe something is special about Tom. I've come a long way to find him."
"He will ask you that question himself," Mrs. Cole warned.
"When the time comes, I will answer him," said Hermione.
Mrs. Cole didn't press it. "Take good care of him," she told her. "Power like that, over others, must be a dangerous tool to be wielded by young children."