A car horn sounded outside. Hermione took one last look around her room, before gathering Crookshanks up in her arms, and leaving the room.
She smiled gratefully at her father, who was loading her suitcases into the back of the taxi. She knelt down, trying to persuade Crookshanks to get into his cat basket.
"C'mon Crooksie" she wheedled "it's only until we get onto the train. Her only response from him was a hiss, and a scratched arm. She cursed under her breath, and decided on a different approach.
"You are going into this basket whether you like it or not, you little shit!", she shouted, ignoring the shocked look her mother gave her. She pushed him into the basket, ignoring his flailing claws and slammed the lid shut, sighing with relief. "Why can't you make like easier, and do what you're told Crookshanks."
Turning to her parents, she hugged them both. "I'll miss you both" she said, squeezing her father tightly. She picked up the cat basket, and climbed into the taxi. She wound down the window, and leaned out to kiss her parents one last time.
"Don't forget to owl us as soon as you get there, no alcohol, and change your underwear every day..."
"Yes mother" Hermione cut off her mother, mid-lecture "I know all of this, I'll owl you after the feast, I don't drink anything stronger than butterbeer, being nearly 16, I need not be reminded about my underwear, and I know that if I blow my professors up to make sure that all evidence points to someone else, preferably Draco Malfoy."
At this, her parents burst out laughing.
"You've forgotten the most important" said her father, his eyes twinkling, "have fun" he winked at her and ruffled her hair.
Hermione waved as the taxi started, and drove off. Turning, she waved from the back window until her parents were out of sight, then settled back in her seat.
Pulling a thick parchment envelope from her pocket, she opened it, and started to read through her letters. First, there was the standard Hogwarts letter.
Dear Miss Granger,
Please note that the new school year will begin on Tuesday, 3rd September. The Hogwarts Express will depart from Kings Cross Station, Platform 9 3/4 at 11.00am.
A list of books for the next year is enclosed.
Yours sincerely
Professor M. McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
She the letter to one side, after reading through the list, and mentally checking off each book in turn. She then took a larger letter from the envelope.
Dear Miss Granger,
Congratulations on your appointment as head prefect of Gryffindor. I'm sure that you will continue to bring credit to your title, house and Hogwarts itself.
Hermione smiled proudly, fingering the badge pinned to her jacket, and continued reading
As the new head prefect of Gryffindor, we have a special task for you. As announced at the end of last year, Hogwarts has accepted exchange students from America. A prefect has been assigned to each one. You have been assigned to take care of Catalina Williams, who has been placed in Gryffindor.
She has been asked to meet you on Platform 9 ¾, at 10.30, so could you please make sure to arrive a little earlier than usual.
Once again, congratulations on your new position.
Professor A. Dumbledore.
Hermione folded up the letters carefully, and put them back in the envelope. She sat back, thinking about the new students, and wondering what Catalina was like.