Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. This story is non profit and for entertainment purposes only.
A meow from the edge of the tree stump was the first to interrupt my book. "Ah. Êtes-vous venu à pratiquer français avec moi?" I asked my furry friend who plopped himself down, attaining half of the stump. He tilted his head at me, blinking slowly before yawning and curling into an orange ball of fluff.
"Didn't think so." I said, smiling as I returned my attention to the French text book. After a straight month of practice, I was fairly cetain I could have a clear conversation with the girls of Beauxbaton.
My excitement grew as I thought of ordering baguettes at a real French bakery or strolling through the Luxembourg garden. The vast openness of the garden in pictures had always astounded me- a grand palace that looks over 23 hectares of tree lined promenades and the 1620s Medici fountain.
Though with this weather, I wonder if it'd be suitable enough to be venturing outside just yet. I looked up toward the sky, wondering if it was as dark and cloudy there as it was presently here... At least it wasn't as if I weren't already used to the lousy weather being in Scotland.
"Oh Crookshanks. This time tomorrow, I'll be a transfer student. I'd never imagined being picked."
I smiled, recalling being chosen by madame Maxime, the headmistress of Beauxbaton. Last Tuesday, a well mannered and fairly clean owl came to the grand hall and presented me with a scroll that was tied perfectly with a blue ribbon. Most of my friends applauded and congratulated me that night, a few others had gossiped about how I would never fit the high standard to be a proper Beauxbaton student. I didn't necessarily mind those students, but Harry still stood up for me when he heard talk.
Although I'd miss my heroic best friend dearly, he had been chosen to transfer to Durmstrang, and Ron's too busy to notice the two of us with Lavender back at his side. A small pang in my chest instantly erupted at the thought of their resurrected relationship.
After the war, I persuaded the boys to help in the infirmary on and off for a month. We took shifts working with madame Pomfrey, and while Harry and I were fighting over who had the next hour off, I was oblivious to how often Ron was actually willing to work.
At the end of that month Lavender was released from the hospital and Ron and I were further apart than ever.
"Mione! What're ya doin out here this early?"
I jumped at the abrupt voice, mentally scolding myself for not being more aware of my surroundings- being near the black lake and all. Though still dangerous, it felt as if a serene peace covered the grounds when the war ended. Like even the creatures of the lake and forest could sense the dark's defeat.
"Hagrid." I smiled in his direction near the trees before getting up from my stump seat.
"I have plans in Hogsmeade early today with Ginny, I wanted to come out here once more before I leave tomorrow morning."
His brows shot up. "Tomorrow huh? Time sure flys don it? You be careful out yonder." He said with an intensity.
I smirked at the large hairy man whom I considered to be a dear friend for years.
"Don't worry about me, if anything, you need to give that advice to yourself once in awhile, by the way what was that creature you were walking with fang yesterday?" I snickered in good manner, teasing him for taking yet another creature under his wing. "It looked rather suspicious."
Hagrid shifted his feet. "Oh tha'd be Archie, he be a Jarvey. Cute as a button but the overgrown ferret sure got a mouth on him. You should hear the stuff that comes out of it." He said, shaking his head.
"Fangs fond o' him fer some reason. Can't see why." Both of his eyebrows fell flat in concentration, looking off into space like he normally did when he was working on a new project, before coming back to earth all at once.
"Anyway, nough bout me. Miss Mione Grangers goin to France!" He crossed over to envelope me in a crushing hug that made an unwelcome yelp come out of me. "You be sure to write now. I don't wanna miss a week without one of them letters." He chuckled warmly. "Oh, and uh... Give yer Headmistress a hello for me too." He grinned sheepishly, a light pink highlighting his face.
"You really ought to see her again Hagrid. Maybe I'll convince her to come visit with me." I said, my mind suddenly wondered off to wether or not that would be a comfortable trip. Being headmistress, I'd wager she could hold an intellectual conversation without being too petty like a lot of women. Of course no one could hold a torch to Dumbledores mind, but another woman with a brain would be delightful.
"Thanks 'Ermione. You be off now, I'm releasing a few uh... Well... I don't know exactly what they are..." He scratched his chin in thought. "Anyway, 'til I know there nature I'd rather no student be near by, even if it is someone as quick thinkin as you." He said, a stern note in his friendly tone.
If it were anyone else I'd say they were mad for doing something so rash without first knowing what they were about to unleash, but Hagrid's way with creatures was certainly unexplainable.
"Alright, I have to be back in a bit anyway." I stood, waiting for Crookshanks to leave the stump.
He looked up in comprehension before crossing over to rub along the side of Hagrids leg, then took off toward the castle. I turned to follow him before looking back once more.
"Don't forget to see me off tomorrow, I'm leaving at noon near the west wing." I said, hoping this wouldn't be the last I saw of Hagrid till Christmas.
"Of course! Wouldn't miss it." He smiled a contagious grin before we both turned away.
The Gryffindor tower was just starting to get lively as I entered the common room. A group of four first years sat in front of the fire eating breakfast, while Neville (still in pajama bottoms which was odd since his top was his uniform shirt) fell back asleep in a large red armchair. Others were merely passing through, likely on there way to the grand hall or an initial class.
I, on the other hand, had today off to prepare for tomorrow's trip and Ginny, of course, took that as an opportunity to get out of two classes and escort me to Hogsmeade. I had protested for her grades, but she waved it off, telling me she had Headmistress McGonagalls permission to leave.
Looking up at the grandfather clock in the corner, it was 5 minutes past the time we agreed on. I searched the room, waiting for her distinctive flash of red hair to appear. I sat in the opposite chair of the lightly snoring Neville, figuring I'd give her extra time. Knowing Ginny, she was most likely stretching her time with last minute beauty products or a change of shoes.
After another 5 minutes went by, I finally crossed the room to the entrance of the girls dormitory. Ginny's door was on the left since she now shared a room with Lavender, after Lavender and Parvati had a quarrel.
Parvati was temporarily bunking with me until they settled down... If they ever would. It's been two weeks and honestly I wished they would just make up already so I could go back to living in peace.
I approached the door, knocking lightly while hoping to God that Lavender wasn't the one to open it.
"Just a minute!" The familiar voice said through the wood.
I let out a breath in relief as Ginny stepped out, right along with a blushing and disheveled Harry beside her. He looked so nervous and guilty that if he had a tail, it would be tucked between his legs. I couldn't help but laugh.
He shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, can't blame me. I'm leaving right after you are... Five months is a long time."
His eyes went down to Ginny, sadness and love filled his expression as he squeezed her hand before letting go, stepping back into the room.
"Sorry for keeping her, I think I'm going to take a nap." He said, scratching his head and yawning before crossing the room, arms stretched like Christ the Redeemer and falling face first back onto her bed.
Ginny closed the door behind her, then met my pace as we exited the hall.
Hogsmeade was quiet this time of year. The chill morning air slowly warmed as the sun poked out from the clouds and shone on the glass store displays.
Looking at the list I brought with me, I set off to find the first item required at Beauxbaton.
"Where am I going to find a "in-vogue" hat here? And our winter coats need to have a silver trim?"
I scowled at the lengthy fashion list, right above the shorter, and extremely blunt book list.
Ginny took it from my hands, widening her eyes at first glance before her expression became thoughtful.
"Gladrags might have these items... Though we might have to transfigure a pair of blue socks to have the white lace trim... Or perhaps transfiguring tinsel into clothing items would be more appropriate." She said with a smirk. "Honestly, how on earth are we going to find chrome infused scarves... and why did they include brooches on here? My great aunt Tessie still wears those."
"She must be all the talk in France if that's the case. Ron once showed me her collection. Your aunt is sweet but how can one woman have that many cats pinned to one sweater?" I asked, recalling the elderly woman, insisting on me keeping one that she thought matched my eyes the best.
Ginny shook her head. "I haven't the foggiest."
After pocketing the list, we stopped in front of Gladrags shop windows, a banner that read "Proud supporter of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry" was above four display shirts all with different house symbols.
Gryffindor red, our proud lion sitting on the front of our crest... Slytherin green... Slimy conniving snake... Hufflepuff Badger... Then I froze, my eyes catching the Ravenclaw blue.
Ginny stopped as well, looking in the direction my eyes were fixed on. She smiled in recognition, before quickly entering the shop.
A half hour of searching went by before finally finding a single blue lace top among the Ravenclaw racks. We made our way to the register where an older witch was reading in a wicker chair.
She smiled warmly as we approached, placing a marker in her book.
"Did you girls find everything you needed today?" She asked.
"Yes! This will work perfectly. Do you know if there's any clothing stores specifically for Ravenclaw?" I asked, hoping for any kind of information.
She handed me my receipt before pondering my question quietly. "Have you tried that new store? What was it called again... Oh I can't remember but it's in the place of the old J. Pippins potions. It's now a boutique store. Can't recall too much Hogwarts merchandise but I do recall some frilly things like this shirt though." She said, gesturing to the shopping bag carrying my new top.
I beamed at the woman, hearing exactly what I needed.
"That sounds perfect! Thank you!" I said, picking up my bag and smiling.
"No problem deary. And thank you for shopping at Gladrags, have a nice day!" The woman smiled before returning to her seat and book.
Ginny was the first to spot the boutique. The store was still the golden yellow that J. Pippins left behind, the windows looked repainted a clean white, and the display now held a set of antique mannequins wearing unique blouses and assortment of pants. Above it was a wood sign reading "Abigail's Buttons and Boas."
"Looks promising." Ginny said, eying the shop.
And boy was it. Within 10 minutes we found half the items on the list, only two items needing to be transfigured. With both our arms full, we made our way to the hat rack in the corner.
"I can't believe hats are part of your code. No offense, but how are you going to tame that mane enough to put one on anyway?"
I sighed, picking up the first blue hat I saw, pushing it onto the top on my head. Turning to the mirror, I looked at the frizz that stuck out underneath the hat like a clown.
"I have no idea." I said, adjusting it accordingly. After a few futile try's to make it fit, I pulled most of my hair into a low pony tail.
"I just hope I don't stretch it out over time." I said, putting another hat onto my head. It was red, but had the same feminine design suited for Beauxbaton. I tapped my wand against it, briefly changing it to blue before deciding two hats should be enough for the first week.
After checking out, we crossed to Tomes and Scrolls, my favorite place in Hogsmeade. The familiar forest green building towered in a corner of the center.
Ginny took one look at my wicked smile and exhaled a heavy sigh. "Oh no Hermione. I'm not spending more than 20 minutes in there. We need to be back before dinner otherwise McGonagall will be furious."
I cocked a smile at her. "Go ahead back, I might want a few reads other than what's on my list. Plus I know Harry probably misses you..." I said with a pointed look.
Harry was leaving after I was but of course Ginny would miss her boyfriend even more. Heck, knowing I'm leaving him myself made my stomach hurt. Of course I'd miss Ginny dearly but she's not my best friend... She's not my brother.
Both of our smiles fell at the thought.
"I suppose... Um. You sure you don't want me to come in? I can at least wait the 20 minutes with you." Ginny said.
I shook my head. "No, you'd get bored. Besides I like the privacy of this place. This would be a good parting from Hogsmeade." I said, smiling up at the building.
She nodded, a hint of relief playing on her face.
"Okay, after you're done come find me in the great hall." She said, hugging me tightly before taking half my bags for me. I started to protest but she shot me a look that couldn't be argued.
I gave her a smile in appreciation. "Alright, see you in a bit." I said walking into the book store.
From behind me I heard a crackle of a snort. "A bit... Yeah right."
One arm was full of heavy books in a large bag and the other carried the pompous hats as I walked back toward the Hogwarts entrance for the last time this semester. Taking in a calming breath, I started memorizing every detail of the intricate iron gates, the stubby grass in the dirt path, and the sway of the trees that surrounded the school.
The cool breeze lifted the curls off my face as Hogwarts got bigger with each step.
Was I really leaving in the morning? I closed my eyes and took it all in before opening the incredibly large door to the entrance hall.
A dark...
Quiet...
Entrance hall...
My pulse quickened and hairs stood on the back of my neck as I set my book bag down. What was going on here?
Before I could reach my wand to cast lumos, the candles lit all at once, revealing a crowd.
"Surprise!"
I flew back, almost casting a jinx until I saw every Gryffindor face that was staring at me with a broad smile, each with a silly party hat on.
"You guys!" I exclaimed, taking in the decor.
A large banner that read "Good luck Hermione" hung above the staircase in lilac and orange. Infact, everything was lilac and orange.
"You remembered my favorite colors!" I said, laughing at Harry who had transfigured his robes into the vibrant orange. Most of the girls took on the lilac.
Standing next to Harry were Fred and George. The talented twins were having fun with both the colors, one had mastered stripes and the other, polkadots.
Harry enveloped me into a hug before scoffing.
"None of these bone heads can even remember what they ate for lunch. I of course remembered after that awful test that Lockhart gave us. What was it that you said again?" He asked with a devious smile.
""Isn't it wonderful Harry! We're meant to be! He likes lilac just as much as I do!"" He said in a higher, mocking pitch. I glared at him, but couldn't help laughing as he tried impersonating what was supposed to be my voice.
"Honestly Harry! If you wanna play that game I've got some juicy stuff up my sleeve as well." I said, waggling my eyebrows.
Fred suddenly stepped toward us, grinning like a Cheshire Cat.
"Juicy you say? Hermione, do tell."
I rolled my eyes but I could never actually be, in any way, annoyed.
"Awe don't give me that! Aren't you going to miss me?" He asked, picking me up into a hug and twirling me once around.
Before I could protest, he set me down and took out his wand, flicking his wrist in a non threatening manner .
"There! Much better!"
People who overheard the commotion looked down at my robes and grinned at my lilac robe.
George then sauntered over, scrutinizing Fred's work.
"No no, you have it all wrong! Where's your creative thought?" His wand flashed toward me as well, and I was enveloped in orange polkadots just as he was.
"There! Now you look just as great as I do." He said, folding his arms and nodding at his work.
"Honestly you two!" I shook my head before grabbing my wand and casting the orange spots to morph down, coloring just the seams and tie.
"Now who's the genius?" I asked, twirling for the three boys.
Rolling there eyes in unison, George came in for a brief hug before running off shouting, "Cake time!"
McGonagall patted me on the shoulder, wishing me congrats, then chased down George, shouting after him with her wand raised in her shaking fist.
Fred laughed and proudly jutted his chest. "So I think we can all agree I'm the more mature and handsome brother now."
"You wish." The chilling voice said from behind me.
My breath held as I turned to see the familiar red hair and freckles. The corner of his mouth turned up into a sheepish grin as his eyes shifted from Fred to meet my gaze.
"I never really congratulated you..." He shoved a hand into his pocket, withdrawing a silver chain hanging from his fingers, the middle holding a red square stone.
"Sorry I didn't wrap it... Uh, It opens by the way... Found the pictures from mom." He said awkwardly, looking down at his shoes as he dangled it into my palm.
After turning it once over, I pinched the clasp carefully, opening the stone to see a wizard picture of us three laughing in his newly rebuilt kitchen. The opposite side was just the two of us, one arm around each other from our first day by the train station, 2nd year.
"Thank you Ron, it's beautiful." I said as I slipped it onto my wrist.
"Yeah... No problem. Anyway, I'm gunna grab some cake then get to my dorm... I guess I'll see you at Christmas?"
I nodded, feeling the awkward tension between us, wondering if maybe we'd have more of a normal conversation by then.
"Yeah, see you." I smiled halfheartedly, watching him briskly walk into the grand hall.
Harry laid a hand on my back when he was gone, sending me a sort of comfort that he's always done through the years.
"Wanna join the festivities?" Fred asked softly, gesturing toward the hall. "I know Ginny's still in there keeping your dinner warm."
I nodded, linking my arm through Harry's before walking into the swarm of students.
Yay! First chapter down!
Thank you all who took the time to read!
I'm a new writer and I would love feedback while I'm continuing my first official fanfic!
Hope to have the next chapter up this weekend.
Cheers! (: