Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling created all characters except Lilah and Damin. This story is based upon the Harry Potter series. No money is being made from this story, and no infringement is intended. This story was intended for fanfiction.net only.
Author's note: I have a basic plot outline for the last chapter of this, but very little time to write it. I've hit a wall for part of the story, and I want it to be just as engrossing as the others in this series. So please be patient!
THERE'S JUST SOMETHING ABOUT HERMIONE
Part 5
Hermione, are you certain this is the street they have in the directions? Mrs. Granger asked. Could I have a look--
Yes, Mum, it's the right street, Hermione replied. It was late afternoon, and they had just gotten off the Underground and come up into a bustling commercial section of London. It should be down a few blocks, the directions say so right here. Hermione pointed to the second paragraph on the parchment.
said Mr. Granger, that's funny. I've been down that street many a time, and I've never seen a Leaky Cauldron. But your directions say it's right between the Bookery and Spin It Again Records. Odd.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Granger were now standing on either side of Hermione, trying to make sense of the directions. Lilah Johnson walked up behind Hermione and peered over her shoulder.
They had come up on the right street. Why don't we walk down there and see? Lilah suggested. It wouldn't hurt to see.
That sounds like a good idea, said Mrs. Granger, glancing at her husband.
He shrugged. I don't even recall there even being a space for rent between the Bookery and Spin It Again. We can try it anyway.
The four of them picked up their bags and followed the route given by the directions. They passed by cinemas and hamburger shops and a few music stores. Finally, they arrived on the avenue where the Leaky Cauldron was located.
This way, Hermione said, leading them down to the middle of the street.
said her mother wearily, here's the Bookery, and there's Spin It Again Records. There is no Leaky Cauldron.
As much as Lilah wanted there to be a Leaky Cauldron, she had to admit there was no such place. Could it all have been a joke? An elaborate prank? Still, she had irrefutable proof that there was something different about Hermione. Lilah patted her purse. Inside were photographs of Hermione bouncing after she had fallen off a swing.
It couldn't be a hoax. Lilah looked from the bookstore to the music store again. There was no Leaky Cauldron. The place did not exist.
Don't you see it? Hermione asked. Right here. She pointed to a blurry spot Lilah hadn't noticed between the buildings.
Mr. and Mrs. Granger and Lilah squinted at it. Hermione opened the door, and they walked into a grubby little pub.
Half a dozen oddly dressed men and women were in the place. A few patrons looked up to see who they were. When patrons didn't recognize the Grangers and Lilah, they turned back to their drinks.
The bald bartender hustled over to them. How do you do? First time to Diagon Alley, eh?
managed Mr. Granger.
Well, I'm Tom. The bartender offered Mr. Granger a hand and gestured to Hermione. Your daughter down for Hogwarts?
She is, Mr. Granger replied.
Hermione Granger, Hermione said and also shook hands with Tom.
I know you'll have a good year...I remember my years there...always something to do, there was. Tom shook his head and noted their bags. Looking for a place to stay the night? I could put you up here cheaper than any Muggle motel.
Hermione looked eagerly to her mother. That would be fine, Mrs. Granger said. Two rooms, please.
Let me take your bags, then, Tom enthused. You can pay when you get back. Don't reckon you have any wizard currency on you, anyhow.
said Mr. Granger blankly.
Like I said, not a problem. I suppose you'll want to be going. I'll get you a guide. Damin!
A young man about Lilah's age appeared. Did you call, Granddad?
Yes, these are Grangers--they're Muggles--come to buy their daughter Hermione her supplies for Hogwarts. Would you show them around the Alley?
No problem, no problem at all, said Damin, flashing a grin at Lilah. Right this way, please. He guided them over to a brick wall and tapped a stick three times on a certain brick.
The brick wavered, and a tiny black hole appeared in the middle of it. The hole twisted and expanded until an archway appeared, opening the way onto a cobbled street.
Mrs. Granger blinked. And you thought that root canal on the Dursley boy was impossible! she whispered to her husband.
Lilah was enchanted. Diagon Alley was filled with shops of every sort...
I'd recommend we go to Gringotts first, so you can exchange your currency, Damin said to Mr. Granger, who nodded.
It's right up the way, Damin added. A few points of interest, if I might. He began to narrate: To your left, Kedora's Cauldron Shop. To your right, Old Hag's Beauty Shop and Abbott Apothecary. On this corner, we have the famous Eeylops Owl Emporium, offering all varieties of owls. Next is Korteny & Klinkling's Confectionary, followed by Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
He went on for a few minutes more before announcing, And here we are at Gringotts Bank! Run entirely by goblins, this is the most secure financial establishment in the world.
Lilah took in the great white building while they climbed the steps. A pair of dark-skinned creatures she took to be goblins took them through the silver doors and into an immense marble room.
Here to change currency, Damin informed the goblin.
The goblin said, But of course! He led them to a counter on the far-left side of the room, where a large sign announced the current exchange rates.
A female teller greeted them. Mr. Granger pulled out several hundred pound notes, for which the teller gave him a heavy, jangling bag of gold and silver coins. Lilah also exchanged a twenty-pound note.
Thank you much! the teller told them.
The pair of goblins led them out, and Damin started talking again. Place is big, isn't it? You didn't see all of it, though! They've got miles underground...vaults and such. He held out his hands for emphasis and accidentally smacked Hermione.
Sorry, Miss Granger, Damin apologized. Would you mind letting me have a peek at your supply list?
Hermione withdrew the Hogwarts envelope from her purse and handed Damin the list.
Damin read it and began to comment aloud. Uniform--that's a given--Madame Malkin's has good ones...you can get your books at Flourish and Blotts; wands--only one place for that, Ollivanders...that's a fact! They have no competitors, they've been around since 382 B.C. Cauldron, pewter...Kedora's, for sure. Glass or crystal phials, telescope, brass scales--all those can be found at Minkes Accessorizers. Are you interested in a pet?
Why don't you stick to the basics, dear? Mrs. Granger said.
I'll pass, Hermione told Damin.
All right. One more thing...they don't mention this, but it's handy to have the basic ingredients for potions. Sometimes the school's are a little on the old side and don't work as well. Damin checked his watch, which resembled a sundial. Five o'clock. Most places close at six, so you won't get all your shopping done today. I suggest we go to the Apothecary, Kedora's, and Minkes today.
Damin took them back down the street, where they first visited the Apothecary. Mr. and Mrs. Granger went up to the front with him to purchase the potion ingredients while Hermione and Lilah explored the shop.
This place really has a scent about it, Lilah said, wrinkling her nose.
Hermione agreed. Still, isn't it unique? Look at this--dragonfly wings. She pointed to a glass display case in which several hundred wings were arranged by size. Ten Knuts a wing.
Lilah glanced anxiously at the ceiling. My word, Hermione, they have fangs in here.
Hadn't noticed that, Hermione said, shifting her gaze upward, where groups of jagged teeth hung.
Mrs. Granger questioned. Ready to go?
They made their way to Kedora's without an overabundance of dialogue on Damin's part.
Did you know the Mr. Abbott, from the Apothecary, has a daughter who's going to Hogwarts this fall? Mrs. Granger asked Hermione.
No, what's her name?
Hannah. It might be nice for you to say hello to her. Mr. Abbott says she worried about making friends.
Were you talking about the Abbotts? Damin inquired. They're relatives of mine. First cousins, seven times removed. I'm also related to Kedora, of the cauldron shop. She's my mother's sister's youngest daughter.
Your cousin? Lilah asked dryly.
Damin replied. More interesting said that way, isn't it?
Grateful their arrival at Kedora's spared her from responding, Lilah held the door open for everyone.
said Damin, after thanking her, I wish you had let me be the one to do that. We wizards practice chivalry, too.
Hang chivalry, Lilah muttered. Damin looked offended.
Fortunately, Hermione was able to find the right cauldron quickly, and soon they were heading for Minkes Accessorizers.
Ten to six, Damin read from his watch. We'll get in under the wire. He helped Hermione select a good telescope, locate the phials--I recommend crystal myself, they're easier to clean--and find a set brass scales.
At one minute to six, they left Minkes, bags in hand.
I enjoyed being with you folks today, Damin said as he walked them back to the Leaky Cauldron.
We were glad to have be our guide, rejoined Mrs. Granger, handing him a Galleon.
But I couldn't accept this! This is a paid position. The Ministry hired me specifically for Muggle-Magical Relations in Diagon Alley!
Consider it a tip, Mrs. Granger said, laughing. I'm sure there will be others who need your help tomorrow. We'll be able to find everything just fine.
Damin looked pleased and disappointed. There is always someone who needs my help. I'll get you a map, we have plenty back at the Leaky Cauldron.
Soon they were back at the Leaky Cauldron. Damin gave Mrs. Granger the map, and bid them goodnight.
Say, Miss Granger, he said to Lilah, would you care to sample a little Muggle cuisine? There's a great place--
It's Miss Johnson, Lilah interrupted. I'm a close friend of the Grangers.
Beg my pardon. Would you be interested?
He'll talk my ear off, thought Lilah, but why not? I'd like that.
Damin's eyes widened. You would?
Lilah nodded, turning to the Grangers. I'll be back later.
Have fun, dear, Mrs. Granger said. Hermione didn't say anything; she looked as if she might start giggling at any second. Lilah gave her a look.
I suppose the fact that this is a Muggle place doesn't impress you, Damin said over dinner.
Lilah took a bite of pasta. I think they have good food. What do you mean by Muggle, though? I've been hearing that all day.
It's our term for non-magical people. It's not meant to offend.
It didn't.
They sat there in silence for a few minutes. You're quiet this evening, Lilah said at length.
Damin looked down. It's a bad habit of mine. I do a lot of tours, and all the talking wears off on me.
I'm sorry I was rude to you at Kedora's.
Oh, that chivalry thing. I don't know where I can up with that. Hogwarts took out Etiquette Studies when my Granddad graduated.
Lilah took a drink of her seltzer. What's it like to be a wizard?
It's different than your life--no offence.
None taken.
Magic is such a part of my life. I mean, I don't think I would want to live without it. I wouldn't miss the power that comes with it as much as its presence. It's hard to describe.
I wish I could feel like that, Lilah murmured.
Everyone has their own path in life, Damin said, whether they have magic or not.
You believe that?
Don't you?
Sometimes, I wonder...
Maybe life isn't the greatest for you at this point, Damin guessed. It'll get better. If there's anything I can do to help...
Lilah reached for his hand. You already have.
G'night, Lilah, Damin said by the door of the Granger's room. See you tomorrow?
Hermione probably wants me to go shopping with her, Lilah said, but I might have some time in the afternoon.
Damin said. He gave Lilah a kiss on the cheek and left.
Numbly, she rapped on the door of room eleven.
Hermione opened the door. Lilah, did you have fun with that chatterbox?
Ah...yes...I did have...fun.
You like him?
Lilah sat down on the soft bed and smiled. What do you think, Hermione?
When he's not giving tours, Damin's much different, Lilah said the next morning as she and Hermione were getting ready. He doesn't talk constantly.
Whatever makes you happy, Hermione said, brushing her hair. She grabbed the bottom of an especially tangled clump and brushed it hard.
Use a little magic on it, the mirror advised.
Lilah stopped tying her shoe. It talks?
The mirror clucked. What do you expect from an enchanted mirror?
You're great, Lilah said.
The mirror gave a content sigh. At least someone appreciates me. Oh! Looks like you got the tangle out.
I did, Hermione said, reaching for her shoes. I'm ready.
After a hearty breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron, the Grangers and Lilah ventured out into Diagon Alley again. They found Madam Malkin's without difficulty, and Hermione was fitted for a hat and cloak and robes and gloves.
Robe for you, too, Miss? Madam Malkin asked Lilah after Hermione's fitting was done.
Er, no thanks--
Madam Malkin was displeased. Are you sure, dear? A shipment of black Asian silk came in yesterday, and it would look marvellous on you.
Our treat, said Mr. Granger. You'd like a souvenir, wouldn't you?
Madam Malkin was puzzled by that, but happily fitted Lilah with a robe of Asian silk. She sniffed. You look beautiful. Would you like to wear it out?
I can pretend I'm a witch today.
Mr. Granger paid for the robes, and they left Madam's place.
Hermione studied the map. Ollivanders is not very far away.
Mrs. Granger wanted to take a look at the map, but thought better of it. Lead the way, Hermione.
Ollivanders proved to be a narrow, dusty little shop. The proprietor hurried over to them the moment they walked in.
he said softly. And who are we?
Hermione introduced herself, her parents, and Lilah.
I'm Mr. Ollivanders. He peered at Lilah. I don't remember you. You must have bought your wand elsewhere. Did you graduate from Beauxbatons, by any chance?
No, I--
Ah, makes no difference. Miss Granger, you're the one being outfitted? Yes? Come over here. He pointed to a spot near the back wall, against which leaned thousands of thin boxes.
Mr. Ollivanders pulled a tape measure from his pocket. Wand arm?
Out of habit, Hermione thrust her writing hand forward. The tape measure began to measure Hermione by itself with Mr. Ollivanders looking on. He nodded at the measurements, then whisked the tape measure away.
He gave them a spiel about the quality and ingredients of his wands and informed them that, for best results, a witch should use her own wand.
Try this one, Mr. Ollivanders said, opening a box. Ebony and unicorn hair. Eight and a half inches, springy. Give it a wave.
Hermione took the wand and waved it. Mr. Ollivanders grabbed it out of her hands and replaced it with a different one.
Teak and dragon heartstring. Seven inches, good for transfiguration.
When it failed to produce the desired results, Mr. Ollivanders handed Hermione another wand. Elm with phoenix feather. Nine and a quarter inches. Bendy.
Mr. Ollivanders took that wand away, too, and tapped his cheek thoughtfully with his index finger. I don't think we're getting enough power here. Aha! He summoned a fourth box from the top of the stack down and presented Hermione with the wand.
Nine inches, supple, plenty of power. Ailanthus wood with dragon heartstring.
Hermione waved the wand. Suddenly, brilliant blue sparks shot from its tip, bathing the room in a blue glow.
That's it! Mr. Ollivanders cried. Tree of heaven wood. You have great potential, Miss Granger! Excellent, excellent. He took the wand from Hermione and wrapped it in dark paper. Seven Galleons, please.
Coming out of Ollivanders, Lilah was depressed. Sure, I can pretend to be a witch, but when it comes down to it, I'm not. I'm an unemployed Muggle who likes a wizard.
Only Flourish and Blotts left to visit, Hermione announced. It's over three blocks.
By the time they reached Flourish and Blotts, Lilah was miserable. I'm going to get a drink, she said, pointing at the tap café across the street.
The Grangers nodded, and Hermione led them into the bookstore. Lilah watched them go. Why wasn't I born with magic?
Dejectedly, she entered the café and sat down a stool near a slimy looking man. Lilah considered moving but decided to stay where she was.
What would you like? asked a pretty witch with a silver hat.
Any drink.
Do you feel all right? the witch asked.
How about a hot chocolate?
The witch disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a mug of hot chocolate. Lilah drank it quickly, and was surprised to find she felt much better.
Chocolate does wonders, doesn't it? asked the slimy man near Lilah.
She turned and smiled at him. It does.
The man eyed her. Is it just me, or are you Celestina Warbeck's sister?
Never mind. You're visiting here, aren't you?
Not anymore, said Lilah, getting up.
Wait! Can I buy you another hot chocolate?
No, thanks, I--
Really, we seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot. Allow me to introduce myself. The man stood up and offered his hand. I'm Argus Filch, caretaker of Hogwarts School.
Lilah shook his hand. Disgusting! His hand's damp and cold. Lilah Johnson.
Look, don't feel bad that you don't know any magic. He leaned closer to her. I'm not much of a wizard myself.
Lilah nodded painfully.
said Argus, drawing the word out, now that we're acquainted, how about that second hot chocolate?
I'll pass. Lilah laid a few Sickles by her place, turned her back on Argus, and strode out of the tap café, ignoring the warlocks cackling in the corner.
Another one out, eh, Filch? hooted one.
Still upset, Lilah stomped into Flourish and Blotts.
There you are! A stack of books came toward Lilah.
A familiar face peeked out from behind the stack.
My textbooks. And some light reading.
Lilah gaped at her.
I've got to know more about the wizarding world, Hermione said, taking the books up to the cashier.
Mr. and Mrs. Granger were there, marvelling at a newspaper. The pictures in it move! Mr. Granger told Lilah.
Lilah picked up a copy. The Daily Prophet. Fifteen sickles, I can afford it. After the Grangers paid for Hermione's books, Lilah purchased the paper.
They had lunch back at the Leaky Cauldron. Mr. and Mrs. Granger had grown fond of their you name it, we make it menu. As they were finishing desert, Damin stopped by their table.
I'm sorry, Lilah, but something's come up this afternoon. Er--I do know how to write a Muggle letter. Could I have your address?
Lilah scrawled her address on a napkin, and, after promising to write, Damin excused himself.
Later, when Mr. Granger went to pay the bill, Tom informed him the tab had been picked up by Damin.
He's such nice young man, Mrs. Granger said to Lilah, who blushed.
The trip back home proved uneventful. Hermione became immersed in a large tome entitled Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century, occasionally reading aloud points of interest.
Listen to this, everyone. The Dark Lord He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was defeated by Mr. Harry Potter in the early ninteen eighties. Mr. Potter, who was an infant at the time, has no idea how it happened. Currently, Mr. Potter lives with a Muggle family. He is slated to attend Hogwarts this coming year.' Then it goes on for a whole chapter about this Harry Potter! And to think I'll be at Hogwarts with him!
That is something, remarked Mrs. Granger.
Baby wizards and Dark Lords! And Hermione gets to be a part of that world. Sadly, Lilah turned back to the Daily Prophet. After finishing the news and sports sections, she thumbed through the classifieds.
WANTED, read one, MUGGLE-MAGICAL RELATIONS AMBASSADOR. Travel to foreign countries and meet with world leaders! Promote harmony between all peoples. No experience necessary, we train you! Send owl to Rubert Tuffle, Ministry of Magic, Department of Muggle Relations.
No experience necessary. Is it possible, Lilah wondered, for a Muggle to apply?
If you enjoyed this story, you might like my fantasy Final Year on Fairisle. Maryn, a young woman of noble birth, must learn how to use her magical talents to save her world. Check it out if you have time, and, as always, any reviews for this are appreciated!