Chapter 14 – An Irresistible Invitation

Despite the fact that Hermione had been spending large amounts of her spare time with Tyler as of late, the fact that they were sister and brother had not yet been revealed to him.

For one thing, there were always too many people around. She hadn't even told her own friends the truth about her family; the last thing she wanted to do was let a whole group of random students know who she really was.

But, more importantly, she still didn't know why Tyler's parents –our parents, she had to keep reminding herself – didn't tell him he had an older sister. They must have had a good reason…they obviously knew all about her; they had told Tyler to get to know her, for god's sake. But the fact that they were blood relations had been hidden for some reason that remained stubbornly unknown.

Hermione understood this, but she was still bursting with the urge to tell Tyler the truth. More than anything, she was afraid that she would have an opportunity, and then not have any idea what to do with it.

But, she didn't, for, more often than not, she was helping Tyler with his homework. Despite his heritage, he was struggling to maintain an average performance. With her help, he was gradually improving. He was, by no means, the best in any of his classes, but he was approaching the top 25% of the first-years.

He met her in the common room one evening.

"Hermione? Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Hermione replied. "But, first, how did your test go?"

"Um, okay…the handkerchief still had lace-trimmed wings when I turned it into a butterfly, but I don't think Professor McGonagall minded too much."

"Were you looking for help with that?"

"Sure, if you want to, but that's not what I wanted to ask you."

"Okay—go ahead."

"Would you like to come over to my house for the Thanksgiving holidays?"

Hermione's heart contracted. I'm dreaming. This isn't happening; this isn't happening.

"I mean, since my parents told me all about you, I think they'd be happy to see that we're such good friends. They would probably like to meet you."

And I would like to meet them…my parents…!

"So, do you want to?"

This is too good to be true!

Hermione remembered to inhale before she responded, "Yes. I think it would be great. Are you sure – they won't mind?"

"Oh, no. They love having company."

"Oh – okay, then. The train leaves on Friday, so I guess I'll be coming with you…"

"Cool! It will be fun! My parents will really like you, I know."

Will they? After all the effort they haven't made to make things clear to me? But now…all the answers…just a few days away…

"Hermione, do you mind helping me with that Transfiguration now?"

"Oh! Sure, no problem."

But it took Hermione four attempts to perform the spell, which she had mastered on her first try five years ago.