A/N: Hello all! The third chapter is here for you, and I hope you enjoy it :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, WB or any of its characters.
It was only another week later and that I apparated back to London, without my trunk as it was already at the school. I had my robes in my beaded purse, and my wand securely fastened to the holder under my sleeve. Steeling my nerves, my eyes scanned the crowd, not only for Lily but for any sense of danger. People milled about around me, families saying goodbye to their children, luggage, and cages of familiars being loaded into cargo cars further down the way. As my eyes looked around, I noticed familiar faces from pictures and memories, being careful to not stare.
While scanning, I saw a familiar head of red hair, already waving at me. Lily beamed at me, turning her body towards me and gesturing for me to come over.
"Hermione!" She called and I smiled as I made my way over to where she stood by the Platform entrance to King's Cross.
"Hermione, come meet my parents," She took my hand, leading me towards a dark-haired man and a redheaded woman.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Evans," I greeted them, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"This is Hermione, the girl I told you about that had transferred from America," She explained excitedly.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Hermione, as well. I'm so sorry to hear about the reason you transferred," Mrs. Evans apologized.
"Thank you for saying that. I was sad to lose them, but walking through Hogwarts felt like… coming home," I said honestly.
We heard the train whistle its warning, and Lily quickly hugged her parents' goodbye. She tugged me into a car, finding an empty compartment.
"Your parents are very nice," I commented, pulling my bag into my lap as I sat down.
"Thank you," She said, waving goodbye to them as the compartment door opened again.
"Lily! How was your summer?" A girl asked, coming in to hug the redhead.
"It was good," She responded before turning back to introduce me to the newcomer, "Hermione, this is Alice Fawley, one of the girls in our year. She's in our dorm."
"Hello," I smiled to hide my flash of memory upon studying the girl, "Pleased to meet you."
It was like seeing a ghost. Neville's mother was beautiful, and seeing her reminded me of another event I needed to stop; the torture of her and her husband at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange. She would not be admitted to St. Mungo's Janice Thickey Ward if I had any say in it. Seeing her in my Fifth Year memory, white-haired and a vacant look upon her aged face, I would work to replace each memory of my past with those I was making now. I couldn't afford to look haunted each time I spoke to those that had been lost to a war outcome I was trying to change.
"Alice, this is Hermione Ross, Professor McGonagall's great-something niece. She transferred from Ilvermony over the summer," Lily introduced as Alice shook my hand.
"It's wonderful to meet you. Marlene will be so thrilled for a new victim!" She clapped excitedly. I furrowed my brow, "Should I be worried?"
"Oh, Marls just likes giving us makeovers. She's been doing it for our whole time at Hogwarts. She may make a comment about your hair, but don't take it to heart. She's had plenty of things to say about ours over the years," Alice explained.
"Ah. It wouldn't be the first time someone commented on my hair. It was once compared to a wild, snarly bush. Though my curls have tamed some over the years," I teased myself.
"No, Hermione, it looks lovely. Marlene just… well, she's Marlene. Like a hurricane with no way of containing her or censoring her," Lily explained, "Our other dorm mates balance the scales in our direction though, in character. Marlene is holding down the other side all on her own."
"Duly noted," I smirked.
"Why the sudden school change? Your parents move back?" Alice asked and I tensed slightly at the mention of my parents.
They moved in a sense. Godric, I did as well. Just into the past.
"Well, my Mom married a muggle, my Dad, from France and then got a job over in America. A few months ago… I lost them."
"Oh, I am so sorry for prying."
"It's alright. It was… blood purists. They got them while I was still in school. But I finished the term and Aunt Minerva had me escorted back to England. Sorry, you probably don't want to hear the details," I shook my head and gave a forced smile.
"No, that's alright. It helps with the healing process," Alice smiled, "You can let out as much as you'd like."
"Tell me about you. Lily, we briefly spoke but I never got to ask about your life. Do either of you have any siblings? Are you Seventh Year as well, Alice?"
"Only child, and yes, I'm a Seventh Year," Alice answered as she sat down, and Lily gave a sad smile, "I have an older sister."
"Has she graduated?" I asked, knowing the answer anyways. I needed to remember to learn about everyone, so that if I said something I shouldn't know, it wouldn't seem suspicious.
"No, Petunia's a Muggle. I'm Muggleborn."
"Oh, that's lovely! Someone will understand all my little quirks, like using actual pens!" I beamed, "My father was a muggle professor in Boston. He taught French History. Never understood why my mother refused to give up quills."
Just tuck little white lies in where you can, I thought to myself.
"Yes! I have a stash with me for special occasions, like our finals studying. They fascinate the other students," She chuckled, eased by my comment on Muggle things.
"What's up witches?" A new voice announced herself while the door opened again, "We are back for another year of- Oh, hello."
I turned to see a pretty blonde, smiling at me in fascination. Behind her was a dark-skinned beauty, softly tugging her natural hair into place and a brunette with kind blue eyes smiling at me in greeting.
"Marlene!" Lily beamed, jumping up to hug her friends, "Dorcas, Mary, I've missed you."
"How was your summer? And you Alice, did you and Frank finally… seal the deal?" Marlene wiggled her eyebrows as Lily and the brunette hugged tightly.
"Marls," Alice huffed and I gave a small smile as she gave me a pointed look that said, "See what I mean?"
"What? I just want to know if he's got a good wand," She joked again, nudging her friend.
"I'm not going to dignify that with a response. Frank is my boyfriend, he just graduated last year. Oh! Girls, this is Hermione Ross," Alice introduced me, "She a transfer student from Ilvermony and McGonagall's great something niece. She's a Seventh Year too!"
"Oh, how wonderful! And a fresh canvas too! I'm so excited to get to know you, but please, please let me do something wild with your hair. It's my only source of fun at school. Well, besides the parties and the few blokes I can drag into a broom cupboard for a shag," She lamented, making Lily and Alice chuckle.
"Lay off her Marls. I'm Dorcas," The ebony beauty smiled at me, extending her hand. I shook it saying, "Hermione. It's nice to meet you."
"I'm Mary, and welcome to Hogwarts!" The brunette smiled, before hugging me.
"Oh, you're a hugger," I chuckled, hugging her back lightly.
"Yes, she is. Demands a hug a day from everyone," Lily teased.
"So Hermione, what do you say? Can you be my guinea pig? Pleeeeeeaassse?" Marlene begged, giving me what I assumed was her puppy dog eyes.
"I was told you may want to play around with my hair a bit. I don't mind, as long as it's manageable. And the same length and color. I never really had any girlfriends that would do that sort of stuff."
"Wonderful, now, sit down, I've got a few things I want to try on your hair. And surely your Mum must have taught you a bit?" Marlene asked, pulling out her wand and muttering something. I felt my hair move and change in weight a few times, but no one was laughing so I assume it wasn't odd looking.
"Not really. Dad didn't like magic in the house, and at school, I was more focused on my academics than my appearance," I explained, "I rarely wore makeup as it was."
"So, your parents… They moved back to England or did your Mom leave your Dad in America because he didn't like magic? What's the story?" She asked bluntly as she muttered something again towards my head.
"Marlene," Lily warned, flashing her eyes as I looked at my purse in my lap.
"She lost her parents recently, in an attack. That's why she is back in England," Alice spoke softly, and I was reminded of Neville so much it brought tears to my eyes. I blinked them back, not wanting to seem like a crybaby in front of my new dorm mates.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Sometimes I say things without thinking," Marlene winced.
"It's alright. It reminds me of a friend of mine. Kept putting his foot in his mouth," I smiled softly at her.
"That's our Marls. I'm sorry about your parents. What a dreadful thing to happen. I thought the attacks were only localized to the UK," Dorcas frowned.
"No. Hate is a universal language," I shrugged.
"And unfortunately, it's a learned trait," Mary gave a sad smile, though I saw a spot of grief in her eyes. I thought back to what I knew of the girls and remembered Mulciber had attacked her in her fifth year, the junior Death Eater at this point in time.
"Well… we can be your family," Marlene proclaimed, "Shall we girls?"
"I would love to be," Alice piped up, smiling at me.
"So would I. Shall we take a vote?" Lily asked.
"Yes! All in favor of Hermione Ross being inducted as the sixth member of the Rubies, say "Aye"," Marlene spoke in an elegant voice.
"Aye," Alice raised her hand and beamed at me.
"Aye," Lily spoke softly.
"Aye," Dorcas and Mary smiled, raising their hands.
"The 'Aye's' have it," Marlene raised both of her hands as she spoke. I looked at them in question, "Have I been inducted into a secret society or something? Am I going to get hazed?"
"No," Marlene burst out laughing, "We want you to be a Ruby."
"A Ruby?" I asked, not sure what that meant.
"Three years ago, we formed a little club. Just the Gryffindor girls in our year. Much like the boys you met yesterday are the Marauders, we are the Rubies. Red to represent our house color, hard and tough as the stone we emulate. We stick together; we are friends and we are family," Lily explained.
Something Dumbledore's portrait had said to me came to mind: Allies become friends. Friends become family.
I smiled, feeling warm inside as I realized I was being accepted as one of the girls. It had been something that took years for me in my time. Harry and Ron were my only good friends, until Ginny and Luna. Pavarti and Lavender were too gossipy for my ever-studious attitude those first years.
But these girls, I knew who they would become, and it aligned with my beliefs and my own future. So it was a unanimous decision between my head and heart that I would accept to be their friend. If it had only been this easy with Harry and Ron our first train ride. It had been one of my many conversations with Dumbledore during the summer. Should I befriend them, or work from the shadows?
"That… sounds wonderful," I smiled in response, "I accept, enthusiastically!"
"That's smashing!" Marlene exclaimed, "Now, can I try one more thing on your hair?"
Lily and I laughed at Marlene's change of thought as I replied, "Why not?"
An hour later, I excused myself to go to the bathroom, leaving my new friends behind. They were so welcoming and loving, that even though I hadn't known them long, they were friendships that I valued on par with Harry and Ron's. I felt guilty, being happy while the future was still so uncertain, but I knew the boys would want me to be happy.
But as I dressed in my uniform, I kept my robes tucked in my beaded purse. Something that seemed to have changed was how my uniform actually fit after my year on the run. I was thinner, more athletic from running and the training I put myself through this summer. I wanted to be as prepared as possible. The Quidditch pitch was the perfect track for running and training after I convinced Madam Hooch to let me ward and rearrange it. I was putting off learning how to fly better, still hating being off the ground. I highly doubted I would need it, but it was still a good skill to have in battle, I had to reason with myself.
My legs were more toned, and I understood why girls in my time tried to shorten their skirts. They wanted to show off what they had. I was not interested in having the male population of Hogwarts in 1977 ogling me, but Madam Malkin wouldn't let me have baggier clothes.
"You have the figure, my dear, you must flaunt it… appropriately," She told me.
So everything felt form-fitting. But I tugged my sweater down and straightened my tie. Marlene had worked wonders on my hair, giving it back shine that had long faded on our Horcrux hunt, and it now hung in soft waves down my back. I was happy to let her experiment on me because it built trust between us. It was something I would need to gain here; everyone's trust.
I exited the bathroom compartment, humming to myself as another door opened up further down the car. I saw a familiar head of black, messy hair and my heart clenched. But it wasn't Harry.
"Hermione!" James called, and I smiled at him as I walked towards the compartment.
"Hello James, how are you?" I asked politely as he gestured for me to come into their compartment.
"I'm great. We were just discussing our first prank of the year," James answered as I sat down on an open seat on the bench.
Sirius was sitting, in what I suppose was to be called a relaxed and 'cool' pose, smiling at me flirtatiously. Remus and another boy I knew to be Peter Pettigrew sat playing chess, smiling up at me as I entered.
"Hello, Remus. Black," I regarded the illegal animagus.
"Hello Hermione," Remus smiled, looking back to the board.
Sirius sat up straighter, taking my hand like in the bookshop, "You scared me, Hermione. I thought I was never going to see you again, my sweet."
"You really must be dense, Black. I said I was attending Hogwarts and you thought you were never going to see me again?" I deadpanned, slipping my hand out of his.
"Oh Pads, just admit defeat," Remus smiled, before patting Peter's arm, "Peter, this is Hermione Ross. McGonagall's niece. Hermione, this is Peter Pettigrew, the last of our little group."
"Of sorts. It's a distant family connection," I explained, "And I doubt you are the last. I bet you are really the ring leader."
Peter blushed slightly, "No, just the tag along."
"Don't sell yourself short. My Aunt has told me that you keep this lot from causing too much trouble," I smiled.
"That is true. Peter would rather we just hang out in the kitchens," Sirius teased his friend.
"They have house-elves that make all the food for the school, and quite a few of them love to feed us on our late-night excursions," James explained, "Peter loves dessert. Moony here loves anything chocolate."
"Oh, wonderful! I have a few taste testers then. The elves let me use the kitchens late at night too, but I like to bake. Peter, you must help me. I have to perfect a few recipes. Can you give me your opinion on a few desserts?"
"I would love to! What kind of food?" He inquired, as I watched Sirius lean back slightly, monitoring how I was giving Peter my attention.
"Cakes, cookies, puddings, trifles, cheesecakes, anything chocolate. I bake and cook when I'm stressed or… well, I like to bake for my friends," I finished, flushing a little as I realized I couldn't say "or when I'm lonely", without them asking why.
"Wow, that sounds heavenly," James nodded, "Would… we all be invited?"
"Absolutely," I smiled, "Though I think you'll find yourself quite stretched thin with Head Boy duties, so I'll make sure they bring you some."
"Plus Quidditch, mate," Sirius pointed out, making James pout.
"I've already got the Pitch reserved for tryouts. Hopefully there is new blood this year," He muttered turning to me, "Do you play Hermione?"
"Not a chance, though I am not entirely opposed to watching it. My feet stay firmly on the ground," I chuckled.
"So, who were you sitting with when the train started?" Remus asked, moving a knight.
"Lily Evans, Alice Fawley, Marlene McKinnon, Dorcas Meadowes and Mary Macdonald. They asked me to be a Ruby," I smiled, prompting James and Sirius to groan.
"What?" I asked the two other boys.
"James and Sirius are under the impression that you may join our group. A chance to… 'one-up' the girls. Act as a spy for James on Lily."
"Well, that is against the girl code… but I think you and Lily would be perfect together," I smiled encouragingly at James. He beamed, sitting up straighter as he replied, "Really? I just wish she would give me a chance."
"She claims you are a bully and immature."
"Ouch," Peter winced, moving his knight on the board.
"We knew that she thought that," Remus explained, frowning as he studied the board again for his next move.
"They are so pretentious though. "Don't bully Snivelus. Don't prank Slytherin. Don't fly our underwear up the flagpoles," Sirius mocked lightly.
"How on earth do you get into the girls' dormitory?" I asked, knowing that animagus animals must be able to bypass the charmed defenses on the girl's dormitory staircase. I would have to watch out for that and keep my bag with me at all times.
"Ah, that is one of the Mysteries of the Marauders, Darling," Sirius asked, sidling up closer to me.
"Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no lies," James smirked.
"Anyways, James, I think you should lay off the bullying. 4/5 bullied kids end up taking their aggression out on someone else. You are creating a bully by being a bully."
"But he's a little Death Eater wannabe," He sighed dramatically.
"And you think your behavior will change that? Maybe he needs someone to show him the light, so to speak. And if you continue, you may just be pushing him towards the future you've predicted for him."
James was quiet for a moment, sighing, "Ugh, fine. I'll try to be nicer. It's going to taste bitter, like the mandrake le-"
Sirius had leaped over my lap to slap a hand over James's mouth. He looked at me, and smirked, "Oh, sorry dearest. James sometimes says some stupid things."
"Ah, and now I know how you got up into the girls' dormitory," I raised an eyebrow and smiled conspiratorially.
"What are you talking about?" Peter smiled nervously, eyes darting to James and Sirius.
"Ah, you as well. As it turns out," I gave a small smile before opening my mouth wide and looking towards the roof. All four boys leaned forward to spot was I was trying to show them.
"Your… your…" James sputtered, clearly seeing the mandrake leaf on the roof of my mouth.
"Yes. And I'm quite excited to find out what animal I am," I bounced excitedly. Sirius swung an arm around my shoulders and drawled, "Why, any animal would be lovely with you wearing its skin."
"Ugh, that's sickening," I gagged and James burst out laughing, "Charming Pads."
"Pads, Padfoot? Is that some sort of nickname for your animagus?" I asked.
"Eh, yeah. I turn into a dog," Sirius smiled weakly, clearly embarrassed that his pick up line didn't work.
"Are you registering?" James asked, suddenly.
"Uh, can you keep a secret?" I asked with a worried tone, even though I knew they wouldn't tell.
"Of course," Remus nodded, prompting the boys to agree.
"My Aunt doesn't know," I smiled, "I don't want to register quite yet."
"That's bold. She's got spunk," James smirked at the rest of the boys.
"Alright, so Sirius is a dog. James, what is yours?" I asked, seeing Remus tensing up, "Unless of course, it's personal… Forget I said anything."
"No, no. I can tell you mine, but its up to Remus and Peter to give theirs away. It's dangerous to give up your anonymity. I'm a Stag."
"Do you have a nickname too?" I smiled, knowing Peter wasn't going to tell me his as Remus had also gone quiet.
"I'm called Prongs," He smirked.
"I'm a rat. Wormtail," Peter spoke up gently, and I turned to him surprised.
"Did they pick that for you?" I asked him, and he nodded, "Yeah. It just… fits. Because of the tail."
"Honestly, you could have picked a nicer name," I admonished the three others.
Remus shrugged, "He didn't speak up about it."
"What would you have done if he had? You'd probably have doubled down with that name and refused anything he suggested," I frowned, "No matter if his tail is wormlike or something in similar appearance, it just sounds degrading."
James frowned, realizing he might have been a bit of a bully towards his friend, "Is that true Peter? Did you want a different name?"
"It's not so bad," The boy looked to his lap.
"I'm sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable Peter," I spoke gently, "I just know a little something about nicknames and how cruel they can be, even unintentionally."
"I don't think they meant to hurt me," He nodded, his voice small.
"I know. I was called a bushy-haired, insufferable know-it-all by my peers, and one teacher as well. And a Bucktooth know-it-all, and the bookworm of my year. I was made fun of for my thirst for knowledge. One of my good friends was made fun of for his outward appearance as well, and as a result, he suffered from a lack of self-confidence."
"I'm okay," He gave me a small smile.
"We can pick a new name for you, Pete. I guess we didn't really think that through," James commented, rubbing the back of his head.
"No, it's okay. Truly. It's… just nice to know it wasn't intentional," He smiled at the boys.
Sirius was quiet and I turned to him, seeing him watching me with a little green-eyed monster in his eyes, next to the confusion of my protectiveness of a boy I just met. I would have to be careful with how I approached the next subject.
"Remus," I looked to the handsome boy that was my D.A.D.A Professor, in another life, "Or should I call you Moony?"
He looked worried as I started to dig through my bag, knocking a few books around and muttering under my breath, "Bugger, I just sorted those."
"Did I just hear books falling? What do you have in there?" Sirius asked, trying to peek in my bag over my shoulder
"Don't you know it's rude to look through a ladies' handbag without her permission?" I chided him as I found purchase on the vile I had brought along for the day, "A-ha!"
Pulling it out and snapping my purse closed, I passed Remus the vile saying, "It will taste dreadful, but it will help."
He looked at me in confusion, before I smiled softly, "I had a friend- Well, first he was a Professor, then he became a dear friend. He suffered from the same… 'monthly affliction' you do. I know it just passed, and the next isn't until the end of the month, but I thought you should know now."
Remus's eyes went wide, face paling slightly, looking down at the bottle to turn the label towards him.
"Wolfsbane," He whispered locking eyes with James, who leaped up to face me, drawing his wand.
"James Potter, put that thing away. I don't intend to announce it from the Astronomy Tower, nor will I tell anyone who doesn't already know," I rounded on him as well, my own wand slipping from my holder into my waiting palm with lightning speed.
He watched me a moment, both of us staring down the ends of the others wands before his arm relaxed and he asked, "How?"
"Those scars, I recognized them when we met in Flourish and Blotts. I asked Dumbledore and he confirmed it, only after I told him I knew a potion that would help Remus keep his mind during his Wolf Time," I explained.
"How?" Remus asked with wide eyes, "It's impossible."
"No, nothing is impossible. It simply was improbable until you apply a little logic and magic. This is only one of seven you must drink, a week before the Full moon. Missing even one day will render it useless. And do not try to sweeten it. It will also undo all the work I put into making it," I stated primly, continuing, "I will give you your supply each month. I'm already certain you'll hate the taste, as my friend did. But if it means you keep control over your own mind, you'll bear it with a grin."
He was quiet for a moment, digesting everything I just said, before smiling slowly. As he looked up at me he asked, "I can keep my mind?"
"Yes," I confirmed, "Now, I can hold on to it for safekeeping if you'd like. No one but Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey knows about it. The less, the better."
"Doesn't Slughorn ask what you are brewing?" Sirius asked, confused as Remus handed me back the vial.
"I don't brew it in the Potions classroom, and no, I won't tell you where," I answered the next question he was going to ask.
"Anything from the trolley dears?" The Trolley Woman asked as she opened our door, pushing along her cart of goodies.
"Hello," I smiled to her, standing up and pulling a few Galleons out of my purse, "Will this be enough for five of each?"
"Of course dear."
"May I ask your name?" I smiled at her as she gathered my purchases.
"Mathilda," She smiled, as I gave her my coins, "I don't believe I've seen you here before my dear."
"No, I'm new to Hogwarts, a transfer student," I explained, "My name is Hermione."
"Oh, then welcome! You will love your new school I just know it. If these gentlemen give you any trouble Hermione, you just tell me. I'll be up front with the driver," She winked at me, and I laughed.
"I will. Thank you, Mathilda," I nodded to her, taking my food items and giving her a small wave goodbye. She continued on, and I turned back to see the boys still watching me as I closed the door.
"What?"
"I didn't know she had a name," Sirius replied honestly, making James snort.
"Must all the boys in my life have the emotional range of a teaspoon," I sighed, looking heavenward. Remus barked in laughter, with Peter joining in soon after with mirth.
"I'm sorry for worrying you Remus," I smiled, handing him a chocolate frog as I closed the compartment door. He took it, giving me a sad smile as he replied, "People don't take kindly to… my kind."
"What kind is that?" I asked, wanting to coax it out of him.
"Well, you know…" He trailed off.
"Fear of a name, leads to fear of the thing itself. And besides, if anyone understands your fear about your affliction, it would be these three. And I would like to be your friend. There is no fear on my part," I answered, waiting for him to nod.
"I would like that too," He smiled at me, "Thank you. Just knowing… that I can keep my mind when I turn… it feels like liberation."
"I'm glad. Now, which of you lot actually studies?" I teased, lightening the mood. Sirius and James stayed quiet as I handed them a few morsels. Peter raised his head a bit, "I study, but I fall behind a lot. Remus is the one who puts in hours in the Library."
"Well, as the official bookworm of Ilvermony, if you need any help at all Peter, I have been told I am a great tutor," I smiled at him. It wasn't in me to hate the boy, not on principle, because he hadn't done anything yet. He hadn't joined the Death Eaters and Voldemort yet, so he hadn't betrayed James and Lily. He could still be saved.
My whole tactic revolved around showing him how his friends loved him. Step one, getting them to admit that his name of Wormtail was degrading, regardless of if his Animagus was a rat. Now that he knew it wasn't meant to hurt him, he would have more self-confidence.
"That would be great, but I don't want to distract you from your own studies," He gave a shy smile.
"Oh, that's no bother at all. I'm already ahead for the term, and I'd love to help you," I smiled, watching Sirius and James look at me in confusion.
"How?" They asked, and I looked at Remus, seeing him chuckling under his breath as if it was obvious that his friends didn't listen.
"Bookworm, remember? Because I was already at school, I had access to the texts and what the teachers were going to cover this term. I like to be prepared," I admitted.
"Oh," Sirius replied, taking a Pumpkin Pasty from my hands as I offered them.
"So, three, soon to be four, unregistered Animagus and a werewolf. What a strange friendship," I smiled. Sirius looked up at me, a sad smile on his face and nodded, "The strangest. But there is never a dull moment with us, love."
"So, James, what is the latest prank?" I inquired, handing him a sugar quill. I could settle for the licorice wands, as Peter had taken the Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans.
Chewing off an end slowly, I listened to their idea of spiking everyone's punch tomorrow morning to give them pink hair. I threw in a suggestion or two, remembering Fred and George's forever immature ideas. My heart clenched again at the thought of Weasley red hair, huddled around their fallen family in the Great Hall. Ron's eyes looking up at me vacantly made my body grow cold, and I had to shut my eyes as I fought off tears again. While they didn't ask me about it, I knew that the boys noticed my behavior.
"Blimey! Is that the time? We've got to change," Remus shot up, and I smiled, "I'm good. But I should go join the girls, if that's all right. I didn't want to be rude and not come see you lot."
"Of course," James nodded, before smiling at me, "Give Evans my best."
"Just try to remember what I said. In fact, try not to get a rise out of her at all. She'll be wondering why you aren't giving her the usual attention and she'll come to you."
"Ah, that won't work. I told him to keep at his usual stuff. It's the best option for girls like Evans. Wear her down," Sirius smiled dashingly at me. I raised a brow at him and asked, "How often does that work? Little boys pull the braids of the girls they like, but it usually drives the girls away further."
He scoffed, "I don't believe that."
"Really? Has it worked for you?" I inquired. He deflated as he said, "Well, it's still a good tactic."
"And on that note, I leave you. James, take it from an actual girl. When the guy who likes us stops giving us attention, it usually sends us spiraling. Reverse psychology," I winked, before leaving.
"Hermione! We were getting worried. Did those boys try and sway you that they aren't pranksters?" Mary asked as I entered the girls' compartment again. I smiled, "No, they were already planning. They are going to spike the drinks tomorrow morning, so I'll ask Mipsy to make sure to exclude it from ours as well."
The girls looked at me and Lily was the first to question, "Who is Mipsy?"
"One of the house-elves in the kitchen. I got to know the castle very well over the summer. I ate in the kitchens most days, in between exploring," I explained.
"How have I not known about the house-elves this whole time?" Alice asked the group.
"I wasn't aware either," Marlene shrugged, "But that's smashing! You are like our spy within the Marauders."
"I'm not sure I would go as far as spy…. An informant of mischief-makers mayhem? Maybe," I smiled, making the girls laugh.