Published on: 3/15/20
Words: 3,701
Hermione POV
I spent the next two weeks with my family since there wasn't much I could do while at home. I read two of the books that I bought at Diagon Alley and packed the rest. My luggage is already packed since there wasn't much that I would need besides all my book, my robes, a bag of money just in case, my cauldron, and the things for Nova (the phoenix). When I wasn't with my family, I was in the woods at the back of the house practicing my animagus forms. So far, I can only turn into a lion cub. My magic has to grow some more so I could turn into a phoenix. I have also been practicing my wandless magic, my physical body, and doing some small planning so I could think of when would be a good time to kill most of the death eaters.
I have also spent more time with Lily and Severus. I am planning on buying him a gift for Christmas and his birthday while I'm at school. I already have everyone else's presents planned out. Right now, I'm by the pond reading a book while Lily and Severus hang out. I didn't feel like spending time with them today and they were fine with it. Today is August 31 so tomorrow we will be going to the station. Tomorrow is also Wednesday so I don't know if Dumbledore will give us the rest of the week off or not.
As I continued to read, I heard Lily calling me. Only she knew I come here when I want peace and quiet. "Sis, you've got to see what Severus and I found! This is unbelievable," Lily exclaimed entering the clearing and handing me a piece of paper. So much for peaceful silence. "I'm sure it is, sis," I laughed taking it. Once I read it, my smile vanished. It was Dumbledore's letter to Petunia, explaining why she couldn't come to Hogwarts. I remembered Harry telling me the story before. About Lily confronting Petunia on the platform and fueling our sister's jealousy even more. This was not good. Why cannot everything go right just once? "Where did you get this from, Lily?" I asked silently. "Sev and I found it in her room," Lily answered amused, not noticing my disapproving look. "Can you believe she actually wrote a letter to the headmaster?" "Yes, yes I can," I said meeting my sister's eyes. "What I cannot believe is the fact that Severus convinced you to snoop around our sister's room and make fun of the fact that she wants to be like us." "I'm not making fun of her," Lily replied defensively. "And Severus did not convince me of anything. We found it by accident," she added angrily.
"Oh, so you just 'accidentally' went into Petunia's room?" I questioned. "What is your problem?!" Lily exclaimed not bothering to keep her tone down anymore. "We were bored, that's all. Just looking for a way to pass the time." "But this is private, Lily. And you know Petunia will go mental if she sees that the letter is not there anymore, not to mention if you tell her about it," I sighed. I didn't like fighting with Lily. "You should have talked to me before you went in there."
"Oh no, don't you dare get all mummy with me, 'Mione!" Lily shouted angrily. "First of all, I was going to put it back, I just wanted to show the letter to you. And I was never going to confront Tuney, you should know better than that," she almost cried. "You may not want to, but Severus would definitely find it amusing and you seem to like his ideas," I said accusingly. "He is our friend and he would never do anything to hurt us or Petunia." "As if. He would never do anything to hurt us, Lily. Petunia is a safe game," I almost laughed. Was her sister talking about the same guy? "And you know what he thinks about muggles. Personally, I find his ideas rather outdated and quite alarming," I continued with a hint of my know-it-all voice. "I know you remember the branch incident, Lily."
"You sound just like Petunia," Lily basically hissed at me. "It was an accident. She was spying on us. Sev couldn't control it," she tried to explain, but it was obvious that she wasn't sure of herself. "Oh come on, Lils!" I threw my arms in the air. "We both know that's not true. Yes, his magic is powered by emotions rather than being deliberate, but he is smart enough to know how to control it. He told us that, Lily. Don't be so naïve." When did this conversation become all about Severus? "You don't know what you're talking about," Lily shook her head. "You're just jealous," she accused me.
"Jealous?" I took a step back. "What could I possibly be jealous of?" "You're jealous because I'm more friends with Sev and I don't spend enough time with you. That's why you're always hanging out with us. And that's why you accused him of all those things," she said pointing her finger at me. I rolled my eyes. How childish. Then again, they were only eleven years old. Sort of. "Did he tell you that?" I laughed sarcastically. "Are you blind? If being his friend makes you turn into what you are right now, then you can keep your friendship with him. I don't need friends that make me do stuff against my family," I said angrily and handed her back the letter. "You're doing it perfectly fine all by yourself. Maybe you should go and give Tuney some pointers!" Lily shouted, grabbed the letter from my hands and left the clearing.
I sat there shocked. What the hell just happened? My rational side wanted to go to Lily and straighten things up. The whole argument was just so... unnecessary. Well, at least the Severus part of it. The eleven-year-old side of me, however, was pissed off and way too proud to go and apologize. My emotions got so conflicted, my head started spinning. "I'll just deal with it tomorrow," I said aloud and went back inside to go to bed, wand in my hand. Tomorrow was a big day.
~The Next Day~
When I woke up, I noticed Lily's bed already made. She really doesn't want to talk to me. Fine. I thought to myself as I moved from my bed. When I finished, I took a shower. After my shower, I went to my wardrobe. I picked a black dress that had clover patterns on it and a black belt that went with it.
I put on my black flats and then brushed my hair. I brushed part of my hair to the left and the rest down so my curls surrounded my face and I could hide behind them if I wanted.
When I finished getting ready, I grabbed my trunk and Nova and went downstairs. I left both in the living room as I went to the dining table for breakfast. As I sat down on the chair between Tuney and dad while Lily sat in front of me between mom and Tuney. We ignored each other throughout the whole time while Tuney just looked out the window ignoring everyone. Lily talked to mom and dad about everything she wanted to do and learn at Hogwarts. While we were packing the trunk with our things, I went into the forest for the last time before getting into the car. While looking around, I found a black snake wandering around looking for something. "Hello, can I help you with something?" I asked it and it turned to me. "I am looking for you, mistress. Can I also go with you on your journey?" he asked me and I thought about it. "If you can wrap yourself around me to hide and behave at least until we are in a compartment at the train, then you can," I said and he hissed in delight. I stuck out my arm and he climbed. Then he went to my waist and wrapped himself there hiding from sight. As an extra measure, I cast a disillusionment charm on him with my wand and headed back to the car.
On our way to the station, Lily and I continued to ignore each other while Petunia sat in between us. I was re-reading Hogwarts: A History while listening to music on my CD player. Lily has one exactly like it we know which one is ours since we put our names on the back.
When we got to the station, Lily and I got our own carts. I put Nova, my trunk and my guitar case in my cart. As we reach the wall between platforms 9 and 10, mom looked uncertain again. "Girls," mom started. "I know Mrs. McGonagall said that we will be able to enter with you, but well, it's a wall." "Mom," Lily laughed. "Don't worry. All you need to do is hold our hands." It was interesting how Lily was completely calm in this situation. During my first time around, I was absolutely terrified and almost convinced that I would smash into the barrier. "Yes, Carol, don't worry. Everything will be alright," dad tried to put a brave face on, though I could see that he didn't like the idea of walking into a wall at all. "But," mom tried to argue with dad. "Even if we do get in, how will we get back, Gregory? The girls will be on the train. Are we going to ask strangers to hold our hands?"
"Mom, seriously. Were you listening to the Professor at all?" I rolled my eyes playfully. "The barrier is not protected against muggle interference from the inside. You will just walk right out. You know that." "Yes, yes I knew that. Of course," mom took a deep breath. "Okay, let's go then," she added with a determined expression and took my hand, before stepping forwards towards the barrier and closing her eyes.
When mom and I went through, we stepped away to make room for Lily, who crossed shortly after holding hands with dad and a reluctant looking Tuney. Once we were all in, I finally let myself look around. There, in front of me was the Hogwarts express. Exactly the way she remembered it; all shiny red and magnificent. To be honest, the platform was probably the only good memory that the Death Eaters didn't manage to ruin for me. Simply because those crazy bastards didn't find it to be a good enough target for them (which was odd considering how disastrous an attack on this place could possibly be).
It was good to be back here; where it all began. The train looked wonderful. In fact, the whole place looked amazing. Full of wizard families, all ignorant of the fact that their lives were most definitely going to change in a few years, because of a power-crazy bastard. Full of hope, excitement, and happiness. At this point in time, everything was great, easy. "Are you ready, girls?" dad interrupted my thoughts. "Yes, daddy," both Lily and I replied in unison. After which Lily shot me another glare. "Okay, now, we've talked about this," dad continued not noticing the distance between the twins. "Do not forget to write to us at least once a week, that's an order," he laughed. "Study hard, but don't forget to spend time with your friends and always be polite to everyone, especially your teachers. Are we clear?"
"Yes, daddy," we said together again and this time even dad noticed the heated looks, which, however, he chose to ignore for the moment. "Great!" He exclaimed, cutting the tension down a bit. "Now say your goodbyes and go meet your future classmates," he finished giving us a hug. When Lily moved from mom to Petunia, I tensed. I hope she doesn't mention the letter. Oh please Lily, don't mention the letter. I chanted those words like a mantra while hugging mom.
"Alright there, ladies?" dad joked after a long hug with my mom. "Of course, dad," I laughed. "I'll go say bye to Petunia. Love you!" I added before moving towards both of my sisters who seemed to be having a heated discussion. "Apparently wizards poke their noses in everywhere!" Petunia shouted loud enough for me to hear. Shit. Lily mentioned the letter. "Freak!" Tuney added and rushed off in the direction of their parents. Unfortunately for her, I was in the way. "What do you want?" Petunia said angrily. "I wanted to say goodbye," I replied annoyed. "But after what I just heard, I want to tell you that what you just did was horrible and mean. You should be nicer to Lily and go apologize to her," "As if I'm going to listen to you," Petunia said mockingly. "And if she wanted me to be nice, maybe she should keep her nose out of my business."
"Look, Petunia," I sighed. "Yes, Lily shouldn't have read the letter, but-" "You knew about this?!" Petunia shrieked, interrupting me. "You were in on it, weren't you?" she said accusingly. "I can't believe this. That stupid boy and you need to leave me alone. I hate all of you, you freaks!" she shouted loud enough for a few people to turn around. "Listen here, Tuney," I said in a hushed tone, trying to tone down the conversation. "That little act of yours might work on Lily, but it's sure as hell not going to work on me. You need to get over yourself and all the stupid problems you have with us," I added angrily. "You might not have magic in you, but you're smart, pretty, and talented. You excel in a lot of things and you're forgetting about it because you cannot levitate a flower in mid-air. That's stupid." "How dare you-"
"I am not finished," I stopped her with a hand. "I understand that this situation might be difficult for you, but you need to adapt and find other ways to deal with your jealousy issues instead of tormenting your sisters. Otherwise, you will ruin what could be an amazing life and end up being a boring, nosy, and unlikeable housewife with over-spoiled children and a snob husband," Hermione sighed and looked her sister straight into the eyes. "I don't want that kind of life for you, Petunia. I know you're capable of more; much more. You need to let us in, Tuney. We love you and want you to be happy. Remember that," I finished and left without waiting for a response. I wanted to see if Lily was okay.
I looked around the platform and couldn't find her. I sighed and grabbed my trunk, Nova's cage, and my guitar case. I got on the train and found an empty compartment. I placed my trunk at the top and put my guitar on my seat. I placed the cage on the floor and took out food for Nova. I disillusioned the snake around me and placed him on the seat next to my guitar. "So, what is your name? I'm sorry, I forgot to ask," I told the snake. "My name is Mitsuki, mistress," he said and I nodded. "Alright, nice to meet you Mitsuki," I said and looked at both my animals. "Alright, I'm going to find Lily, I'll be back. So no fighting," I said and left the compartment.
I finally found her in a compartment at the end of the train. I looked inside and saw James Potter and Sirius Black on the other side for her. I sighed and went into the compartment, ignoring the other two in there. "Lily, are you alright? I heard what Tuney said," I said while crouching in front of her. She turned her head away from me "I don't want to talk to you," she said and I moved my head so I could look at her face. "Lils, I want to help," I pressured on. She seemed to get angry and she pushed me. "I don't want to talk to you," she yelled as I landed on the ground.
My own anger flared and I get up angrily "Lily Jane Evans, how dare you push me! I'm trying to help you!" I yelled back at her. "Just leave me alone!" she yelled back and I tensed up before yelling at her again. I sighed and gritted my teeth "Fine," I said and walked out. I saw Severus and he must have seen my anger 'cause he stepped aside. I walked past him and went to my compartment. When I got in, I gently placed Mitsuki on the seat in front of me as I sat down and took out my guitar. The only thing that usually calmed me down now were books and playing the guitar. I started playing a song that I had just written.
I, I hope she makes you smile
The way it made me smile
On the other end of a phone
In the middle of a highway driving alone
Oh baby I
I hope you hear a song
That makes you sing along and gets you thinking 'bout her
Then the last several miles turns into a blur, yeah
I hope you both feel the sparks by the end of the drive
I hope you know she's the one by the end of the night
I hope you never ever felt more free
Tell your friends that you're so happy
I hope she comes along and wrecks every one of your plans
I hope you spend your last dime to put a rock on her hand
I hope she's wilder than your wildest dreams
She's everything you're ever gonna need
And then I hope she cheats
Like you did on me
And then I hope she cheats
Like you did on me
Yeah babe, I hope she
Shows up in a 2 AM pic from her friend
Hanging on to a guy, and you just ain't him
I hope you stay up all night all alone waiting by the phone
And then she calls
And baby I
I hope you work it out
Forgive and just about forget
And take her on a first date again
And when you lean in for a kiss
I hope you both feel the sparks by the end of the drive
I hope you know she's the one by the end of the night
I hope you never ever felt more free
Tell your friends that you're so happy
I hope she comes along and wrecks every one of your plans
I hope you spend your last dime to put a rock on her hand
I hope she's wilder than your wildest dreams
She's everything you're ever gonna need
And then I hope she cheats
Like you did on me
And then I hope she cheats
Like you did on me
I hope it goes, comes all the way around
I hope she makes you feel the same way
About her that I feel about you right now
I hope you both feel the sparks by the end of the drive
I hope you know she's the one by the end of the night
I hope you never ever felt more free
Tell your friends that you're so happy
I hope she comes along and wrecks every one of your plans
I hope you spend your last dime to put a rock on her hand
I hope she's wilder than your wildest dreams
She's everything you're ever gonna need
And then I hope she cheats
Like you did on me
And then I hope she cheats
Like you did on me
Like you did on me
After I finished playing, I noticed that I was still angry. I sighed and started thinking of other songs to play. When I finally thought of one, I started playing again.
Hey homecoming queen
Why do you lie
When somebody's mean?
Where do you hide?
Do people assume
You're always alright?
Been so good at smiling
Most of your life
Look damn good in the dress
Zipping up the mess
Dancing with your best foot forward
Does it get hard
To have to play the part?
Nobody's feeling sorry for ya
But what if I told you the world wouldn't end
If you started showing what's under your skin
What if you let 'em all in on the lie?
Even the homecoming queen cries
Hey homecoming queen
How's things at home?
Still walking on eggshells
When that curtain's closed
Did your daddy teach you
How to act tough?
Or more like your momma?
Sweep it under the rug
Look damn good in the dress
Zipping up the mess
Dancing with your best foot forward
Did you want the crown
Or does it weigh you down
Nobody's feeling sorry for ya
What if I told you the world wouldn't end
If you started showing what's under your skin?
What if you let 'em all in on the lie?
Even the homecoming queen cries
Yeah, what if I told you the sky wouldn't fall?
If you lost your composure, said to hell with it all
Not everything pretty sparkles and shines
And even the homecoming queen cries
Oh yeah
Even the homecoming queen cries
Hey homecoming queen
Why do you lie?
When somebody's mean
Where do you hide?
