.

So far... The reborn Hermione befriended Harry, Luna, and the Weasleys while young and, though Voldemort died early, she formed the Cathesis League to fight corruption, elevate justice, and seek cooperation between Muggles and Magicals. Rita Skeeter has been sent to Devil's Deep prison (but was accidentally physically deformed while being trapped.) Luna and Ginny have gone to Beauxbatons. Now read on...

.

Chapter 32

Preparing For Hogwarts


.

Recruiting the Trusted

At Worthing Enterprises's lab research division, Halloween and Christmas passed before the main groundwork was completed. At long last, Hermione could leave the team to continue to develop, test, and complete without her. Several more years would be needed before they'd be able to submit their proposals to the Muggle authorities for approval, and even more years of official field testing before the healing method might be accepted for worldwide use.

It was not necessary for the magical community to wait that long. After the wizarding members of the research team presented St. Mungo's with data and equipment, their healers used magic to confirm the efficiency and reliability of the approach, and within months were applying the treatment in the form of rituals and potions – Mike being one of the first to benefit.

"Congratulations, everyone," Adam heard himself declaring in a kind of imaginary, unannounced final departure which somehow the lab staff would have expected, "Each of you has done wonderfully well, and your understanding is now as much as my own. Go forward together, Muggles and Magicals, for there is always more to learn that will benefit mankind."

But that clumsily-grand speech never actually happened. Instead, the big man slipped away unnoticed through a backdoor as he did on any other workday. Perhaps Obliviation was also used, but if so, it was tenuous, and more of a 'soon-forget-me' enchantment.

Hermione kept herself well away from the publicity, and even Adam Brown's name was lost to history. Worthing was the name added to the illustrious list that included Fleming, Freud, and Florence Nightingale as having made great advances in the promotion of world health. The reborn child would have it no other way. The aggrandisement of any of the names, Worthing, Gair, and Crouch, could do naught but promote her plans, and anyway, her interests lay elsewhere, far from personal prestige.

Yes, now she had more time to focus on other essentials. Hermione was missing the girls, and no matter how much she liked the boys, well, it just wasn't the same. Still perhaps she could begin to repair the damage done to Neville. In her mind's eye, she continued to perceive him as a hardened resistance fighter. There was steel in his veins and somehow she had to resolve his problem with girls so his toughness could express more fully. At least he and Ron had now met and, according to Harry, were getting along well – but Ron was not a girl. Perhaps if she introduced him to Hannah, it might help? They'd been very much in love in his former life; surely she'd evoke a positive reaction in him this time too? Or were they still too young?

Sitting at her desk, Hermione began writing a message to Hannah, then tore it up and threw it away; this needed a more indirect approach. Perhaps Neville would feel more comfortable losing himself in a bigger group of mostly boys? Yes, she'd always planned to expand, to form an outer circle of companions as they had in Dumbledore's Army, and it would be better not to leave it until they had started at Hogwarts.

First, she considered Justin Finch-Fletchley because he was a Muggle-born like herself, but for that very reason she dare not write too early in case he did not yet even know he was magical. But he ought to be informed in order to prepare...

Dear Justin Finch-Fletchley,

A few of us youngsters who are 'specially gifted' like yourself have formed a small, mutual-support group to prepare for secondary school later this year. We exchange ideas and information and practise what we learn from each other. In this way, we hope to get a head start when term begins in the autumn.

If interested, please contact me (see header) for further information and to answer any questions you might have.

Yours sincerely,
Hermione Granger

The Grangers' phone number was added at the top without any label so those who knew what it was might use it. Satisfied that the words were neither too explicit nor too vague for a Muggle-raised child, and that delivery by owl would not be too shocking even if any of them knew nothing of magic yet, she wrote more letters to those she knew had been the most reliable supporters in her previous life – Ernie, Susan, Hannah, and others – then sent them all off with Farrimond before lunch.

.

Black Watch

Several days passed without any reply from the old D.A. members. In a way, Hermione was glad; it probably meant they had discussed it with their parents and were reluctant to rush blindly into an unknown situation. While waiting, she discussed her hit list with Aculus, who, having been deprived of much to do in the last few months, agreed to begin an extensive search. They knew it was a long shot. Yes, he'd found Mike Worthing, but despite the concealment of his home, Mike was a public figure; Aculus now had to locate those who lived on the dark side. Hermione showed him old newspaper photos and discussed their habits and attitudes, but otherwise, there was little to go on. Aculus also accepted being posted near the shop in Knockturn Alley – the address obtained from Alecto Carrow.

Hermione explained, "There are already two of Mike's security men who've been staking out the place for months without result. That's so tedious; I'm sure their attention must be flagging."

"My resolve shall not tire," declared Aculus proudly, as he winged away on his new tasks.

"I know it won't," Hermione murmured as her familiar faded from sight.

.

First Replies

Susan Bones was one of the first to reply to Hermione's invitations. two owls arrived almost together one afternoon, and Mrs Granger let them in the kitchen window.

"Hermione! Owls!"

"I see them!" Hermione squealed down the stairs. "On my way."

Mrs Granger was feeding the birds with a few treats when Hermione bounded into the room.

"Who are they from?"

Her mother gestured to tied scrolls laying on the kitchen table next to a steaming cup of tea. Hermione took a big slurp before eagerly tearing open the first letter and reading it.

"It's from Susan! Her Aunt contacted Minerva to check I was on their list. I bet they had an interesting Floo chat about me!

"And is she...?"

"A few questions, but yes, she's agreed to meet."

The letterbox rattled in the hall and mother and daughter looked at one another. Mrs Granger strode off to see. "I'll get it."

Hermione untied the other scroll. It was from Ernie McMillan who was also interested in possibly joining.

"Typed address..." said Mrs Granger as she came back into the kitchen and handed a smart envelope to Hermione

"Ah, I bet I know who this is from..." said Hermione. With eager fingers she ripped it open and began to read aloud:

"Dear Miss Granger

"While I applaud the initiative to progress your education by forming a support group, I must inform you that my son, Justin, will be attending an exclusive, boys-only school this autumn. I am therefore, somewhat puzzled by the phrasing of your letter, and what connection led you to write to him in particular.

"However, at his insistence, I ask you for further clarification and how you presume to know anything of his talent. In normal circumstances, I would treat your message as unsolicited advertising, however, your expensive and unusual delivery method suggests otherwise and piques my curiosity.

Yours sincerely,
H. Finch-Fletchley CH, Kt., FBA

Hermione was silent for a while.

"What... uumm... does that mean...?" said Mrs Granger, unable to restrain herself any longer.

"Hmm...? Oh, the Finch-Fletchleys are Muggles like you and Dad. They don't know – none of them know yet that Justin's a wizard."

"Be a nice surprise, I shouldn't wonder."

"Well, don't you see? It's all wrong. All the Hogwarts letters only go out in the summer not long before starting. It's ridiculous. Muggle-raised children have only a few weeks to learn anything at all! I remember Minerva brought mine. I had one frantic day buying books and things with her then only five weeks on our own trying to assimilate what it even means to be magical!"

Mrs Granger smiled at her daughter's fiery criticism. "Perhaps one day somebody will change the system..."

Hermione looked up, saw her mother's expression, and her own face softened into a wry grin. "Yes, perhaps they will... starting right now!"

She summoned quill and parchment and wrote a reply including broad hints about any peculiar events that might have happened around Justin at emotional moments, and that she would explain how to control them.

"There! That's bound to strike a chord and arouse their interest."

"What about the Secrecy thing?"

"That only applies to Muggles without any magical family. Parents of magicals like yourself have to be told."

Two days passed before another letter came through the door, handwritten in ballpoint pen, Hermione noticed. She read it quietly to herself at her desk upstairs:

Dear Miss Granger

I apologise for the delay in replying but I needed to give much thought to your offer.

My daughter Hannah was surprised and delighted by your owl, but immensely puzzled by your message. I must explain. My wife is a Muggle and only vaguely aware of my own abilities which have remained largely unused for many years. The Abbotts are a long-standing Pure-blood family and I knew the criticism we would suffer from certain quarters because I married a non-magical. So it was, I decided to delay informing Hannah about magic until she showed signs of it herself. When those indications came, I confess I kept putting off the inevitable – why, I do not know. Perhaps I was afraid or possibly leaving it for Hogwarts to inform her where I'd lost my nerve.

However, your letter has redirected my thinking. The telephone number suggests you might be Muggle-born, or at least, have Muggle sympathies. You could, therefore, be the ideal person to introduce her to magic, especially since you are the same age. If you feel you are able to do so with sufficient care for her feelings, then please arrange a meeting at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,
Sam Abbott

Hermione gazed down at the words laid before her. Mr Abbott was right to be cautious. In her previous life, his wife had been murdered by Death Eaters during Hannah's sixth year at Hogwarts. In time, Hannah would need advising how to set up warning spells at their home and an escape route that did not rely on magic that could be blocked. If only they – and others like the Potters – had prepared a long underground racing broom passage to a place where they could have Disapparated...

.

An Introduction to the Impossible

Nervously, Hermione stood with Harry before the Floo fireplace at twelve Grimmauld Place.

"And you're sure Neville doesn't mind us having the first meeting at his home? And you told him about–?"

Harry rolled his eyes and his head from side to side. "For the tiddly-umptieth time, yes! And the house elf will keep out of sight so it doesn't scare the Muggle-raised who'll be arriving. ... But Neville doesn't know there'll be girls coming though," he added with a smirk.

"But he realises I'll be there?"

"Course he does. But I gave him the impression there'll be lots of us, and he knows you mostly talk to me, so I think your idea of losing himself in a crowd appealed to him."

"A crowd! There'll only be..." she broke off to count in her head. "There'll be eight altogether, but that includes me and the two girls and Neville himself"

"So that's nearly a crowd. I mean, he's not going to count them is he? And before you ask, yes, you can speak to Hannah and Justin separately at the start."

Hermione frowned uncertainly. "And Neville's parents are at work?"

"Yes, and his gran has said we can use the old kitchen in the basement. I've been in and it's big! She'll keep out of the way."

"And she approves of what we're doing?"

"Yes, pre-school studies and support like you told me to say. She's eager for Neville to mix more, and impressed with how much he's advanced already."

"Good. Good. Madam Gawtley is amazing."

"Nan? Are you a bit scatty this morning, Hermione?" grinned Harry. "It's YOU that's made the biggest change in his life."

"Me? All I taught him was a few simple spells and made him a nervous wreck."

"You brought out his magic, Hermione, don't forget that. And gave him a trainer wand to practise with."

"Mmm... yes, we'll all be getting our true wands this summer so then we can really push ahead with first-year spells."

Harry held up the watch on his wrist to remind her of the time.

"Right," said Hermione, "you first."

"Scaredy-cat," said Harry, grabbing a handful of Floo power from the urn at the side of the fireplace.

She watched him vanish in the green flames, took a deep breath, then followed him.

Ron was already present at the Longbottoms, and, with Neville, becoming increasingly anxious until Harry arrived. Hermione nodded with measured but genuine enthusiasm at Neville and thanked him for allowing them to meet at his home. She kept her attitude low-key so as not to appear too bossy, but would he now think she was being stand-offish? Boys! It would take ten lifetimes to get to understand them!

She was still wondering, when Ernie then Susan came through in quick succession. Neville blinked a couple of times as he and Susan recognised each other, apparently they had met briefly at a family gathering once before. The others hadn't even time to introduce themselves before the knocker on the front door sounded rather heavily and Neville cocked his head on one side listening to his gran's voice as she greeted the additional visitors.

"They're in the drawing room through there..." they heard her say far off.

"They're early! Quickly, the rest of you," said Neville, "we're going down to the meeting room while Hermione talks to the next lot." He ushered them out the far door. "I'll explain when we..." His voiced faded from hearing as he departed, leaving Hermione alone.

The near door opened and a blonde girl with pigtails walked timidly in followed by a tall youth. Both were wearing Muggle clothes: Justin in a smart grey suit, Hannah in sweater, skirt, and open coat.

"Ah," said Justin, seeing Hermione and striding forward with his hand outstretched. "Justin Finch-Fletchley, and this is Hannah Abbott. We were the only two passengers to get off at the train station so we walked down together. We're both frightfully curious about what you're planning."

Hannah nodded, happy for Justin to do the talking.

Hermione gulped. The last time she'd seen Hannah's face it had been detached from her body. She stiffened her shoulders and began. "Pleased to meet you both at last. I'm Hermione Granger. Would you both take a seat on the sofa where I can inform you together of something very important."

She sat down before them, thinking back to the few times she'd performed this same function as stand-in deputy headmistress. How would it sound coming from an eleven-year-old child? At least she knew how Muggles think...

"Now you both must have had strange experiences you couldn't explain?"

Justin nodded excitedly. "Yes, I've been thinking a lot about your second letter. It's psi, isn't it? I've got some kind of psychic power? I saw something move once. A tennis ball had been accidentally hit over the neighbour's fence and I'd been told never to climb over but to go round to their front door and ask. Anyway..." He studied Hermione's expression for a few moments, then, satisfied she wasn't looking upon his outpouring as if he were a crazy person, he continued more soberly, "Anyway, the tennis ball came back to me. Mother said someone threw it back, but I knew they couldn't have. And on another occasion, I was climbing and got in a fix. I fell – over twenty feet without a scratch because I floated down. I know I did. Nobody believed I even fell."

Hermione gave a nod but Hannah was looking at Justin rather oddly. She had become rather pale and was wringing her hands in her lap. "Lights," she said finally. "I was scared of the dark so something made... lights." She hung her head.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of, Hannah."

"But you can stop it? You know how to stop these things?"

"Yes. And start and control them, so you only get lights when you want. May I show you?"

Justin leaned forward expectantly and Hannah's mouth fell open. She said, "You can do it too? As you choose?"

Hermione cupped her hands and lifted up a few colours – not too bright as to dazzle. As the spheres of radiance rose into the air, there was silence from both the visitors. Then Hannah began to cry. "It's not just me then? I'm not... weird?"

"No, there are many of us with these abilities. A large community. Obviously we have to keep it secret."

"But how's it done?" said Justin. "You can do that at will? Whenever you like? How often does it happen? Why doesn't everyone know about this?"

Hermione cast up many more lights then summoned a footstool from across the room. As it hovered nearer, Justin got to his feet and began moving his arms above and below the stool, feeling for wires or other support. "I confess I'm... astonished!"

"So, you two want to learn more?"

"Most certainly!" said Justin.

Hannah murmured in what Hermione felt was a positive tone, so she continued, "It's not science but it does have its own rules..." She wondered how best to introduce the word 'magic' so brought out her wand instead.

"Tell me you're joking!" cried Justin.

There was a low table against the sofa on Justin's side. Hermione pointed at it with her wand and conjured a large vase full of red roses. Immediately their nostrils were assailed with the rich fragrance. Conscious they might see flowers as a stage magician's trick, she raised her wand and straightaway a shower of rain fell from the ceiling but became stationary just above their heads.

For a few seconds they both gaped in astonishment then Justin reached upwards to scoop droplets of water on his hand. "That's plain impossible. Simply impossible."

Hannah stood up, feeling the wetness upon her face. Her smile glistened. "It's real water... it's all real..."

"Yes," said Hermione, "and astonishing as it might appear, it's a normal way of life for many of us." She conjured a glass of water and began to casually sip it.

"You can make anything?" said Justin.

"Not food or valuables, but magic can be put to work to earn those things just as science and technology can. It seems there is a natural balance in both wisdoms."

"Show us how we can do this too," he said. "We can, can't we?"

"Yes, that is why you are here. You're a wizard, Justin. And you, Hannah, are a witch, as am I." She ignored their gasps and ploughed on. "Many were born into magical families where enchantments were everyday events during their upbringing. But you and I, Justin, we were born of non-magical folk – what we call 'Muggles'. We Muggle-borns have some catching up to do."

Hannah had sat down again, and was looking slightly puzzled.

"You, Hannah, are born of one magical and one non-magical parent. Can you guess which is which?"

Hannah gasped. "Dad! There was something... the way he talked... and things he did out of sight like mending my bike so fast..." A wistful expression crossed her face. "But why didn't he...?"

"Tell you?" Hermione went on to explain how Muggles were regarded by some wizards, and briefly informed them of the magical community as well as Hogwarts.

"And we can go to this school in September?" said Justin.

"If you so choose. Justin, I know your name is down for Eton, but you have also been down for Hogwarts since you were born – we all have. In July we'll receive a letter of acceptance. Justin, because you and I are known to be Muggle-borns, the letter will be delivered by a member of staff who will explain about magic. Hannah, because your father is magical, it will have been assumed you already know, so the letter will arrive by owl. In my view it's too little and too late, which is one reason I started this group to support you."

"Bravo!" cried Justin. "I agree completely."

"Thank you," Hannah said softly.

Hermione stood up and gestured to the far door. "There are five others waiting for us in the meeting room. I hope we're all going to be firm friends!"

.

The New Army

The only signs that the basement had ever been a kitchen was the long range against the wall, and a few capped-off water pipes that now led nowhere. Two long trestle tables stood in the middle of the room, grey and worn; perhaps they too had been used in preparing food long ago. Seated against the side of the one closest to the great fire blazing in the hearth were the other children. They'd been chatting animatedly until the door opened; now they looked up.

"Hello, everyone," Hermione said briskly as she took the seat at the head of the table and gestured Justin and Hannah to sit alongside. "I'm Hermione Granger, and this is Justin Finch-Fletchley and Hannah Abbott who, I'm sure Harry's told you, are both Muggle-raised. They have only just heard of magic for the first time a few minutes ago, so please give that consideration when we begin discussions."

She stood up to point out the others. "Hannah, Justin, from left to right that's Ernie McMillan, Susan Bones, Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, and Harry Potter who's famous – for being a prat most of the time." Harry grinned amidst the laughter.

Opening up her beaded bag she pulled out some trainer wands. "These are not adult wands – you'll not be getting those until summer – but they'll help you learn the basics. Can you pass those along to Susan and Ernie, please?" The other two she handed to Justin and Hannah. There were a few rattle and taps, fizzes, sparks, as well as excited mutterings before everyone settled down again.

"Those beginner wands are limited for safety but legal for youngsters so you can practise with us and at home. Now, Ron, Neville, and Harry are all extraordinary wizards who will be helping me teach you spells for ordinary every use, as well as prepare you for Hogwarts."

Ron and Neville's eyebrows lifted and they straightened up in their chairs; Harry just grinned and deliberately let his wand slip from his grasp so it rolled off the table onto the floor. "Oops..."

Hermione rolled her eyes as he scrabbled for it as clumsily as possible.

"Now, discretion is important, and sometimes secrecy, so–"

"Secrecy? Why?" said Susan. Justin also was about to raise his hand.

"Tell them, Harry."

"Eh? What...?" Harry had just surfaced and was clambering back onto his chair. "Oh yeah, erm... It's because..."

Hermione rescued him. "The reason is that, believe it or not, there are those that will object and oppose to what we're doing, so by remaining low key, we attract less attention. The magical community are extremely conservative, tradition is revered and progress is often frowned upon. They do not understand to what extent Muggle society – that's non-magical people –" she added to remind Justin and Hannah, "is advancing, some say too quickly, while wizards fall further behind. Currently, the magical world is kept hidden from Muggles, and with good reason: there would be conflict. Similarly, as our group advances in scope, traditionalists might hamper our efforts."

"Does the group have a name?" said Hannah, and Hermione was pleased to see she was taking notes.

"Not yet. I've been trying to invent something suitable but not so far. Any suggestions? ... Ron, didn't you say you'd been thinking about one?"

"Uuh, yeah," said Ron, fingering his collar rather awkwardly. "How about 'Shield' maybe?" He danced a finger through the air to spell out, "Self ... Help ... In ... Extra ... Lessons ... & Defence."

"Defence? Is this to be a military group? A political movement?" frowned Justin.

"Not directly, and no one will ever be told what they must believe in. You are all free to attend, to learn, and to support as much or as little as you wish. Lessons are on offer where you can learn how to defend yourself."

"Against what?" Hannah said nervously.

"Dark magic..." said Susan. "That's it, isn't it?"

A nod from Hermione confirmed Susan's claim, but she regretted Hannah hearing of it so soon, and tried to tone it down. "As in every society, there are a few people who are rude and unpleasant so we block or avoid them. Hogwarts itself has lessons on this but we believe in additional care. You won't be on your own; more will join us and support you."

From her bag she took several Galleons which she handed around and explained how to summon help with a touch of a wand tip, and how meetings would be indicated on the edge. Looking at everyone's faces, the meeting seemed to be going well so far. Even Neville looked more relaxed within the larger group.

An idea occurred to Hermione. "We'll talk more later. Let's have fun and do some wand work now and bring out the magic of those who've not yet practised it." She stood up and with a flick of her wand, pushed the spare trestle table against the wall to leave space in the centre of the room.

"Ron, would you show Ernie how to cast lights, please? Oh, and a mild tickling spell too for our amusement. Relax, everyone, you're all magical and cannot fail to express it."

They all rose and walked around the table together. While Ron began explaining the wand movements to Ernie, Hermione took Justin to Neville. "Will you teach Justin please, Neville?"

To Hermione's surprise, he simply nodded and began talking to Justin. Clearly, Neville wasn't the same nervous boy she'd known in Hogwarts first year in her former life; it was only girls he was somewhat cautious of.

With a gesture at Harry to follow her, she led him aside and whispered, "Keep out of it for now, Harry. I want to try something."

Once Neville was occupied, Hermione asked Hannah to move nearby and observe. "You can try the movements he's showing Justin. When you get a chance, ask Neville if you're doing it right before you cast the spell. No hurry."

She left them to it and went over to Susan and told her the same but with Ron.

"There..." she said, after rejoining Harry. "You and me move in and practise and demonstrate with some tiny lights, soft crackles and fizzes. Keep the room busy so there are no awkward silences around Neville so he doesn't have time to think, and he should be fine. And talk and giggle, Harry, we want a lighthearted atmosphere."

Harry looked doubtful but he did as asked, both glancing around at the others as they did so.

Susan was the first to cast the Lumos spell correctly, and that encouraged the others. Soon all were producing lights, and the excited chatter, squeals, and laughter, indicated tickling spells were also being used.

The rest of the day went well, though Hermione had to smile at herself for hoping the ten-year-old Neville would instantly recognise his eternal soul mate in Hannah. At least he wasn't running away from her, and he seemed uplifted after being of use – as was Ron. The red-haired boy seemed to thrive and, becoming aware that he'd more magical knowledge than the newcomers, ladled it out more than generously to anyone within earshot.

"Yes, well, of course, it takes time to get proficient like us, so don't feel too badly," he'd grandly say, or, "Probably just as well I'm only allowed a trainer wand or you'd be dazzled."

When it was time to depart, Hermione provided some goblin money for Justin and Hannah, then showed them how to summon the Knight Bus. The first meeting had gone very well. More recruits were expected soon, more meetings, and the summer promised the interest of Hogwarts letters and shopping in Diagon Alley.

Hermione nodded in satisfaction that night. Preparations for Hogwarts were going well, a new kind of justice was being established, and the promise of political cleansing was brighter than ever in the history of magic, and perhaps the world. The first part of her new life was complete. But as she dozed there, awaiting sleep's full release, it seemed the weight of centuries descended upon her. Would she be up to the new challenges that lay ahead? A lone step in the wrong direction might divert the world into its awful destruction – she'd already witnessed the reality of it. What choices would she have to make? And what of Harry? What of the one person she cared for more than all? Would her protection be enough? Only time would tell.

.

End of Book 0

.

.

Afterwords...

Within the shadow of an old shop doorway, a cowled figure took shelter from the torrential London rain. Occasionally the man appeared to brace himself to dash to the rusted bus shelter further along the road, but each time he stopped himself, patted his soaked robes as if to doubt he was suitably dressed for the sprint, then squeezed himself as far back into the niche as was possible. The lights of vehicles swishing by never quite captured the features concealed beneath the angled hood before blackness covered him once more.

What kept him there for over an hour in such miserable conditions? For if ever a man was of two minds whether to stay or leave, it was Rodney Dunn. Certain he was of his location, for he had tailed a witch here months before. Less sure was he of the powerful inclination to leave that nagged his thoughts constantly.

"Coming out or going in, dearie?" chirped the shorter woman of two who had stopped before him.

"Waiting for someone," answered Dunn, with the faintest trace of hope in his tone.

"Might as well wait inside then, don't you think?"

The newcomers pushed by him through the door and he quickly took hold of the sleeve of one as if to steady himself. He let himself be drawn into warmth, smoky gloom, and beery odours: it was a pub. This was more a private eye's kind of territory; he headed straight for the barman.

"What'll it be?"

"Uuh..." Dunn's eyes fell on a bottle label. "Whiskey."

While Tom, the barman, poured, Dunn said, "Seen anything of Rita Skeeter recently?"

Tom frowned. "Out of town, I think. You'd best ask at the Prophet offices."

"Right... uumm...?"

"Diagon Alley, of course! Where you from?"

Dunn knew better than to ask where Diagon Alley was in case it was common knowledge among wizards. He took a long slug of his drink to give him a few seconds to think. The smoke from his nostrils made Dunn's eyes water, and his voice used only tiny gasps from his lungs. "Yes, but which end? I don't..." He swallowed fire for a few moments before continuing. "...get into town much these days."

"Gladys'll be walking that way in a few minutes. Hey, Glad!"

An old woman nursing a glass of port looked across.

"Would you point this gentlemen towards the Prophet Building when you leave?"

Her wrinkled face frowned as she sized up Dunn, then she quickly finished her drink and slid the empty glass forward on her table.

Dunn turned back to Tom. "Give her another."

Tom nodded, sloshed more wine into a fresh glass and took it over. He whispered something to the old lady and she laughed hoarsely with a loud belch somewhere in the middle.

Gladys took her time supping, still evaluating the stranger at the bar. When she finally rose unsteadily to her feet, Dunn paid up in Muggle money and Tom accepted it without comment; he was used to folk coming in off the Charing Cross Road.

The glass of port bought him little more than entry into Diagon Alley, and a gesture in the right direction, but it was enough. The newspaper offices were smaller than expected. Dunn had no trouble speaking to a sub-editor: Madam Strike.

"Rita? She's away on a special assignment." The woman frowned to herself and her voice lowered. "Been gone quite some time actually..."

"Where?"

Strike gave a dry laugh. "Who knows? Said it was something really big."

"Can you get a message to her? It's urgent."

With a shake of her head, the woman said, "Not possible. She works alone and–"

Dunn had had enough. He was still cold and wet and becoming hungrier by the minute. "Oh for heaven's sake! Listen, when you do see her, tell her I want proof or no deal! I want the same evidence I gave her before: hair! And you can tell her this as well, if I don't hear from her soon then all bets are off! I don't want to ever see her again, understand? Tell her Rodney Dunn said so!"

.

Far, far away, a grotesque creature stirred restlessly in the gloom. Primeval instinct drew it to the darkest corner of its stony den, and there it paused. After a few moments the beast moved on, cackling softly to itself. Behind it, illuminated by the remotest glimmer of illumination, a tiny egg glistened wetly.

.

To be continued...

.

—oOo—

.


Author's Notes

Just a reminder that this fic will continue into Book 1 within a week or three. That is, Book 1 won't be a separate fic but will add onto this one starting at Chapter 33, and, as with the original books, it will begin in the summer holidays then proceed to Hogwarts year 1. Meanwhile, I've published another short, 3-chapter fic to bridge the short gap. It's a fun, Harry/Hermione fic called Harry Potter and the Game of his Life!

Thanks to everyone for comments and reviews. These are most welcome and very encouraging. Let me know of any weaknesses or faults – I'm always trying to improve my writing so feedback is really useful. :)

– Hippothestrowl

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