Kellen went back to his room and settled down in his bed. He spent so much time with Hermione in the common room that he didn't even introduce himself to his roommates. The only one still awake was a blonde firstie who had a camera prominently displayed on the stand next to his bed.
"Hi, you must be Kellen. I'm Colin Creevey. I've never met an Ilvermorny student before. What as it like? What kind of food do they serve there? Do they train both witches and wizards?"
Colin must have rattled off twenty questions in rapid succession, before he noticed poor Kellen's head swirling in utter confusion.
"Hi, Colin. Uhh, I've had a rather eventful night. Could you save your questions for tomorrow please? I need to get some rest, I have to meet with the headmaster in the morning."
Colin's face lit up. "You'll have to tell me how that goes. I've never been in his office, I bet it has all sorts of nifty gadgets. Maybe exotic pets!" He again went on and on with nary a moment to catch his breath.
"Good night, Colin. I promise we'll catch up tomorrow sometime," Kellen droned. Colin still seemed to be yammering a mile a minute even after Kellen settled in for the night.
The next morning, Kellen woke up bright and early. He rummaged through his bags to find his Hogwarts uniform... trousers, check. Belt, check. White button shirt, check. Red and gold necktie... check. Sweater vest, check. Penny loafers... check. And school robes... double check.
After cleaning up and getting dressed, he stood in the mirror to comb his hair. Part it down the side today? Comb it to the front? Or maybe the "messy" look? He really wanted to impress Hermione badly. He combed his hair straight forward, and then added a glob of hair gel. He then brought his hair upward, creating a stiff, spiky look. Mike Score from A Flock of Seagulls would have been proud - after all, he was a former stylist before he started his music career.
He straightened his tie, put on his robes, and headed to the great hall to meet with Hermione for breakfast. He was strutting with a confidence he didn't even know he had this morning, he was practically smitten with her.
He found her at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. Next to her was a gangly ginger and a smaller boy with black hair and a strange zeta-shaped scar on his forehead. These must be Ron and Harry, he thought.
He first approached Hermione and was about to kiss her on the forehead, but to his surprise, she shook her head "no". Confused and slightly hurt, he took his seat quietly across from them.
Hermione then leaned over and whispered in his ear.
"Not now, Kellen. They rather frown on PDA's here. I know I gave you a couple of smooches here last night but generally speaking, the great hall isn't a particularly private place for snogging."
She then sat back in her spot, but smiled at Kellen. "I'm glad to finally see you in Gryffindor red and gold, by the way."
Kellen gave her the old "aw shucks" routine.
Hermione looked at Kellen, and then to the boys on her left and right.
"Kellen Grimseth, this is Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Kellen is from Minnesota, and studied at Ilvermorny last year. He transferred to Hogwarts as our curriculum can cater to wizards with special needs."
"Hi, Kellen. As Hermione said, I'm Harry. Welcome to Hogwarts. I'm glad you got sorted into Gryffindor. I heard you almost got sorted into Ravenclaw," said Harry.
Kellen shrugged. "I'm glad I'm in Gryffindor, too. I mean, I guess it doesn't matter where I got sorted, but from what I've been told, some of the Slytherins do seem to be a bit unsavory." Harry, Ron, and Hermione all nodded in agreement. "Anyway, I hope you two are feeling better, I heard you guys were upchucking something awful yesterday."
"It's a long story, but let's just say that Ron here tried to teach a certain Slytherin a lesson, but a damaged wand caused his plan to backfire. It caught both of us unawares, I'm afraid. We spit up like fifty slugs... it wasn't pleasant." Kellen winced.
Ron thrust out his hand. "Hi, Kellen," he said boisterously. "Hermione told me about you. She says that you might be even smarter than she is, and that is saying something because she is super smart."
"Hello, Ron," said Kellen as he shook Ron's hand. "That's very nice of her to say, but I don't think that I am smarter than her. She's... brilliant," he said, trying to characterize his new English friend as concisely as possible. Ron mouthed "good job" to Kellen, obviously approving of the way he compared himself to Hermione.
"Oh, so modest," Hermione said with a giggle.
"You're blessed with more than just book smarts, Hermione. You're a better musician than I am. You sang Au Clair De La Lune - in French, I might add - to me last night in the Gryffindor common room, and it was some of the most beautiful singing I've ever heard. I'm not exaggerating - it's operatic quality."
"You never told me that you could sing," Ron said with mild shock. "I've known you just about fourteen months and you never once sang in front of Harry or myself."
Hermione shrugged. "You never bothered to ask. And you should have heard Kellen serenade me last night. He sang Brown Eyed Girl to me while playing his old six string guitar. Believe me... he's very, very good."
Ron's jaw dropped. His eyes alternated between Kellen and Hermione but he couldn't get any words out of his mouth, even though it was obvious he was processing something.
"He's got a funny accent," Ron finally said. "Don't tell me you find that... attractive, Hermione."
Hermione giggled. "His accent is different, but it is kind of cute."
"Oh, Merlin," Ron said with a massive eye roll.
"He also asked me to accompany him today to meet with the Headmaster. We're going after breakfast, and then he gets a personal tour of the castle," Hermione replied with a grin.
At that moment, Seamus and Dean stopped by where Kellen sat.
"Hey mate, sorry about night." Dean stuck out his hand. "I'm Dean Thomas, by the way."
"Apology accepted, Dean. I'm Kellen Grimseth." Kellen took Dean's hand and shook it heartily.
Then Seamus stuck out his hand. "Seamus Finnegan," he said with a sincere smile. Kellen gratefully shook Seamus' hand as well.
"So you're Norwegian-American, huh? Most Nordic wizards go to Durmstrang," Seamus added.
"I'm half Norwegian, actually, and I've heard of that school. Based on what I've heard, I don't think I'd like it there too much. I think I'd appreciate the structure, but I hear they can be pretty harsh on the students. My old headmaster at Ilvermorny said that Hogwarts was the best school for me as they had the right mix of discipline and compassion. I know I can frustrate people with my mannerisms at times, but on the other side of the coin, I also get frustrated because people lose patience with me because they have difficulty understanding me. Most of them have little or no frame of reference."
Seamus nodded. "Again, we're sorry about last night. We were wrong to make fun of you like that. Besides, it's about bloody time we had someone else in Gryffindor capable of knocking ol' Granger down a peg or two every now and then."
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"I hear that lutefisk is pretty popular for those of Scandinavian descent. Have you ever tried it?" Dean asked.
"Yes... unfortunately. It's terrible," Kellen laughed.
Dean's curiosity was piqued. "Is it true that they use lye to prepare the fish?"
"Yes. In fact, 'lutefisk' literally translates to, 'lye fish'," Kellen answered.
Seamus chuckled. "Merlin's beard, Grimseth, you're even nerdier than Granger!" He winked at Kellen to let him know he meant it in good fun.
Kellen grinned while raising an eyebrow. "You ain't seen nothin'. You should see my book collection sometime. I've got science fiction volumes that makes Hermione blush."
Seamus laughed. "I wish I could find a scale to weigh your two brains. I'm curious to find out which one's bigger."
Kellen shrugged. "It's probably hers."
Seamus, still laughing, shook his head. "I wouldn't be too sure about that, mate. Unless you're being modest, which is the one subject Granger's awful at."
Hermione gave him an even more dramatic eye roll this time.
Ron bit into one of his sausage links. "So Kellen, do they have the same courses at Ilvermorny? Or is it a different curriculum altogether?", he asked, between bites.
"For the most part it's the same. Based on what they told me back at Ilvermorny, the core classes are supposed to be identical, but I want to say that there might be some minor variations in some of the electives. Probably due to the cultural differences," Kellen replied.
Ron nodded, still munching away at his breakfast. "That makes sense," added Harry.
Hermione smiled. "I hope you enjoy your classes here. Professors Flitwick and Sprout are great, you should have no problem in either of their classes. They teach Charms and Herbology respecively.. Professor McGonagall is tough to impress, but she's also very fair. She's the resident Transfigurations expert. But I think she already likes you, so unless you do something to piss her off, you'll be just fine there."
Kellen nodded. "And are there any teachers to stay away from?"
"Snape," said Ron, Harry, and Hermione simultaneously.
"Let me guess... potions?" Kellen asked.
The four students all laughed.
Kellen continued. "Our potions teacher was named Madam Lewandowski. She was a mean old witch that hated everyone, and I mean everyone. I got a demerit from her for sneezing once. I'm guessing this Snape guy isn't any better."
"Let's just say that you have a target on your back for being a Gryffindor. He's biased in favor of Slytherins and against Gryffindors," Harry explained.
"Well, at least it's not anything I'm not used to," Kellen replied.
In the corner of his eye, Kellen saw a figure draped in green standing by the doorway. He instantly knew that this was Professor McGonagall, and it was time to wrap things up.
"I see Professor McGonagall waiting for us over there, Hermione," Kellen said. "We'd better get going. I'll see the rest of you later."
Ron had a puzzled look on his face. "Wait, you got out of class today Hermione? How did that happen?"
Hermione giggled. "Kellen invited me. Professor Dumbledore sent him a note last night that allowed him to choose a friend to accompany him today. He gets a special tour of Hogwarts today."
"Lucky," Harry said under his breath.
"If you and Ron just ignored Malfoy yesterday, perhaps one of you would be his guest instead." She grinned slyly and then stuck her tongue out at her two best friends, as she got up and left the table. Kellen immediately followed suit.
"You look really handsome in your Hogwarts robes," Hermione whispered to Kellen. Kellen smiled at her.
"I don't really care for them personally. They're much itchier than my old Ilvermorny uniform. But you, ahh, you... look beautiful no matter what you wear," Kellen replied softly. Hermione blushed.
As the pair approached the exit, Professor McGonagall greeted the pair. "Good morning Mister Grimseth. Ahh, very good. I see you've chosen Miss Granger as your companion today. You have made a very wise choice as far as friends go, young man." She smiled at her students. "If you'll both come with me, we'll meet with Professor Dumbledore in his office right away. He's expecting the both of you."
The two of them made their way to the second floor, and then to the Gargoyle Corridor. At the end was a particularly large statue of an ugly winged creature, even more hideous than the gargoyles that lined the long passageway.
Professor McGonagall spoke the password to enter the headmaster's office.
"Sherbet lemon."
The large gargoyle statue shifted, revealing a spiral staircase that went upwards.
"The headmaster is waiting. Please do not tarry," Professor McGonagall advised.
Kellen and Hermione made their way up the stairs and knocked the large wooden door that must have been Professor Dumbledore's office.
"Enter," a gentle voice called out.
Kellen held the door open for Hermione and he followed her in to the office.
"Hello, Mister Grimseth. I see you've chosen Miss Granger to accompany you today."
Kellen was completely zoned out, he was blown away by the volumes upon volumes of arcane tomes, the mystical artifacts, and unique artwork in the headmaster's office. He had never seen anything quite like it at Ilvermorny.
"Mister Grimseth?"
"Kellen!" Hermione gently nudged her friend.
"Huh? Oh, uh, I'm sorry, sir. I just never saw anything like this before... your office is marvelous, it's a lot for me to take in. I'm sorry for losing my focus."
The aged professor merely smiled at Kellen.
"I wanted to thank you for coming to meet me this morning. And I also thank you for wearing the appropriate Hogwarts attire today. I know it's an adjustment, but it'll be second-nature in time. I'm glad to see that you got off on the right foot and made at least one friend so far. And you're hard-pressed to find a better friend than Miss Granger." Hermione smiled at Kellen.
Hermione chimed in. "And you're hard-pressed to find a better friend than Kellen. I can relate to him because he is exceptionally intelligent, and he can push me to be better, and I can do the same for him. That much is clear to me. He could have easily been a Ravenclaw, but I'm glad he's a Gryffindor."
Professor Dumbledore smiled at Hermione. "My thoughts exactly, Miss Granger. The staff at his old school said as much, that he was the brightest student they've had in a generation. Not at all unlike yourself." Hermione's cheeks turned rosy pink.
The senior wizard then adopted a somewhat more serious expression. "However, his social deficits made him an easy target for teasing, and even left some of the faculty at Ilvermorny at wit's end as to how to properly accommodate his needs. Their headmaster suggested a transfer to a new school as he believed that Mister Grimseth has the potential to become a phenomenal wizard, but the environment there was not conducive for him to receive the education that he deserves. I have spoken on your behalf with all of our staff to exercise as much patience and understanding as possible. We have successfully educated a few witches and wizards with special needs in the past, but never a non-British pupil. We do have certain cultural differences that you may not be used to. I know one day is hardly enough to adjust to your new environment, but after your guided tour, I would like for you to find a quiet place with Miss Granger so she can explain the cultural subtleties and answer any questions you might have about Hogwarts, or British culture in general. I'm sure she would be most delighted to help you there."
Professor Dumbledore smiled. "What do you like to do in your free time, Mister Grimseth?"
Kellen smiled. "I like to read. I'm a nerd so I actually enjoy reading school textbooks, but assuming you're talking about for pleasure..."
The headmaster smiled and nodded.
"I've read hundreds of fantasy and science fiction novels. I've read all of Isaac Asimov's works at least ten times through. He's my favorite author."
Professor Dumbledore stroked his beard. "Isaac Asimov," he murmured. "Yes, he has a rather devoted following in the Muggle world. I remember reading Foundation over thirty years ago," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "It is a rather fascinating work for something meant to be outside of the wizarding world. You might take particular pleasure in our Muggle Studies courses when the time comes, because his works are rather prominently featured."
Kellen's face lit up like a hundred watt bulb.
"Are there any other activities that you enjoy, my lad?" the professor asked.
"Well, I dabble in music, but it's not really my forte. No pun intended," Kellen answered with a chortle.
Hermione gave him a look, her jaw dropping. "Kellen," she chided.
"What?" he responded, feigning ignorance.
"You're a brilliant musician, and you know it." she said with a knee bent, and an arm on her hip.
Professor Dumbledore smiled at the children. "So you have witnessed his musical talents, Miss Granger?"
Hermione nodded. "He played Brown Eyed Girl for me on his guitar last night in the common room. It's a Muggle song from 20 years ago, one very familiar to me as my father sang it to me when I was younger. Kellen's rendition was absolutely wonderful."
Dumbledore smiled at Hermione. "I seem to remember that song... Jim, no... Van Morrison. I remember there being some controversy regarding that song in the Muggle world, if memory serves."
Kellen pointed at Hermione. "This lovely lady here has a million dollar voice. I heard her sing Au Clair De La Lune last night, and it was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. And I don't speak a lick of French."
Hermione giggled. "You silly Americans and your dollars. It was enough of an adjustment from going from pounds to galleons. I'm not even sure if Gringotts can convert dollars directly into galleons."
Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Miss Granger, you've piqued my interest. Would you humour me and sing Au Clair De La Lune please?"
Hermione shrugged. She closed her eyes, and the French lyrics flowed, in her crystal-clear soprano voice.
Kellen cocked his head slightly. "Professor Dumbledore... are you... crying?
The professor chuckled. "Merlin, no, my boy. Just a speck of dust in my face is all." He then turned to Hermione. "Miss Granger, your friend's praise is well-warranted. You have an exceptionally beautiful voice, child."
Hermione beamed at the professor. "Thank you, sir."
Dumbledore gestured to Kellen. "Now it's your turn, my boy. I'm most anxious to hear you sing, since Miss Granger thinks very highly of your musical talents."
"Very well," Kellen said. "I'm guessing that you'd prefer something other than popular music Professor, so how about a traditional Norwegian lullaby that my grandmother used to sing to me?
Hermione's eye lit up, and Professor Dumbledore's ears perked a bit. "That would be brilliant, Kellen!" Hermione exclaimed.
Without skipping a beat, Kellen sang a soft, slow melody in a rich tenor. Neither Hermione nor the Professor had any idea what Kellen was singing, but they were clearly captivated by the enchanting song.
The look on Hermione's face indicated that her breath was taken away. "Oh Kellen, that was absolutely wonderful! I don't think I've ever heard anyone speak, much less sing Norwegian. Are you fluent?"
Kellen shook his head 'no'. "I'm afraid not, Hermione. I know just a little bit from what my grandmother taught me when I was little. She was the daughter of Norwegian immigrants when they came over to the States in the 1920s and while she grew up speaking both English and Norwegian, she didn't speak it much as an adult. To my knowledge, she didn't really share much of her heritage with my father or his siblings, but she made sure that I was aware of my Norse heritage. She always told me, 'Kellen, don't forget that you have the blood of a Viking in you. Embrace your Norse heritage."
Hermione smiled radiantly at her American friend. "She sounds like a special lady."
Kellen returned the smile. "She is. Bestemor is Norwegian for grandmother, so formally she's Bestemor Pernille, but I usually just call her my 'bestie'".
Hermione chuckled. "That's cute."
Kellen shrugged. "I guess. Anyhoo, I adore her. When she found out that I was going to Ilvermorny, she said that that the ancient Sami blood finally shone through. She swears up and down that that some of our ancestors were Sami shamans. I don't know if I believe her, but it could explain my magical gifts. Maybe there really is wizarding blood in my family, it's just very diluted."
Hermione giggled.
Dumbledore gave Hermione a bit of a bemused look. "Heh. What's so funny, Miss Granger?"
With one hand covering the silly grin on her face, she needed a second to regain her composure. "Nothing, sir. It's just that I think Kellen's accent is really cute. I can't help but laugh a bit because it sounds very unusual, even for an American accent. To his credit, Kellen's been such a good sport whenever I bring up his rather unorthodox speech patterns."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "You must be referring to the North Central American dialect. It's not as well-known internationally as say, Southern American English, or one of the more nasal Northeastern dialects, but it is very distinct in its own right. It's heavily influenced by German and Scandinavian immigrants."
Kellen's eyes widened. "So you've done some traveling, or at least some research I take it, Professor?"
Dumbledore gave Kellen a knowing smile. "That would be an accurate assessment, my boy. I'm older than I look; I've done my share of traveling and researching in my day. Oh, and how did you like the feast last night?"
Kellen smiled. "It was terrific, Professor. Better than anything Ilvermorny had to offer. It's a good school, but if I had to pick, I'd take Bestemor Pernille's cooking every day and twice on Sundays over the stuff they serve at my old school."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes, I've heard that Ilvermorny isn't exactly renowned for their food. And I'm glad you found the food at the banquet hall satisfying last night. Tell me, my boy, are you homesick? I know you just arrived yesterday and that this is all so new and different."
Kellen gave Dumbledore a blank look, and then spaced out. He then looked down on the floor. He was trying to process his thoughts, but remained unable to express his feelings of homesickness.
Hermione, with a rather concerned expression on her face, asked Dumbledore, "Is he alright, Professor? I know he copes with difficult and uncomfortable situations quite differently than most other people, but I haven't seen him just space out like that, for this long."
Dumbledore smiled at Hermione. "He'll be fine, Miss Granger. Just give him a moment."
Kellen then faced the professor. "I'm sorry sir. I wasn't really sure how to answer that. I mean, I am a bit homesick, yes, but I wasn't sure if you wanted me to elaborate. I guess I got stuck trying to think of a way to answer your question more precisely."
The professor chuckled. "You're fine, Mister Grimseth. I know you were trying to process your thoughts to give me a detailed answer, but a simple 'yes' or 'no' would have sufficed. Now, my boy, could you wait outside the door for just a couple of minutes please? I have a few questions that I'd like to ask Miss Granger in private. Is that okay?"
Kellen nodded. He left the room and shut the door behind him quietly.
The professor's face and tone went from cordial to showing a hint of concern. "Miss Granger. Thank you for staying. Where I'm going with this, some of the questions I will ask may get slightly uncomfortable as they pertain to Kellen. If you don't want to continue with this conversation, I will respect that, but I really do recommend that you stay and hear me out as you will gain a new understanding and hopefully, respect as well, for Kellen when we're finished. Most of this won't apply in the short-term, but the probability these scenarios playing out as I will describe, or at least similar to them, is not insignificant. I'm just trying to prepare you, is all."
Hermione nodded.
Dumbledore again curved his lips into a slight smile. "Miss Granger, first and foremost I do need you to be there for Kellen. You are his rock, his 'happy place', if you will. I encourage you to do everything you can to be a friend and confidant as long as he's enrolled here at Hogwarts. But what are your thoughts about your friendship with him? You've known him for less than a full twenty four hours, but it's as if you've known him for years. Do you get that feeling?"
"That's exactly it, Professor. We only met yesterday at his sorting ceremony, but after a bit of an awkward start, it didn't take long for us to find common ground. I care for him very much, much like another Harry or Ron. But there's things about Kellen that I can personally identify with much more than I can say about Harry or Ron."
"How so, my child? asked Dumbledore.
"If you remember last year, I got off to a slow start with my fellow students. I was the 'teacher's pet' or the 'smart girl' and I think a lot of people took it the wrong way, including Harry and Ron. It was bad enough that I had second thoughts about coming here, but last Halloween when the mountain troll was loosed in the dungeons, something finally clicked between myself and those two lovable dolts Harry and Ron. Instead of merely feeling needed, I actually felt wanted. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world. I've come to understand that no spell or potion is as powerful as the magic that can be found in friendship, bravery, or love."
Dumbledore smiled. "Yes, that is the most potent magic of all. It was the love of Harry's parents that protected him against The Dark One, after all."
Hermione nodded. "That makes perfect sense. But as far as Kellen and myself go, I see some of me in him. He's ridiculously smart - and as much as it pains me to say, Professor, but I truly think he's even smarter than I am. And it might not be that close. But he's so sweet, he'd never admit that." She smile warmly at Dumbledore.
"I am very grateful for both my intelligence, and the fact that my other faculties are intact. In retrospect I know that I could have cut back on being the 'know it all' or the 'bossy girl', but poor Kellen can't help some of what he does. My heart truly breaks for him because he is so bloody brilliant. He truly deserves to have every friend in the world - Muggle, wizarding, or otherwise. I feel truly blessed to not only know him, but to have him as a friend."
"And does he have any other friends yet?" Dumbledore asked, matter-of-factly.
Hermione nodded. "I'd like to think so. He talked to Neville some, and I do think they have some common ground as they're both shy and awkward. I can see them becoming very close friends in time. He just met Harry and Ron just a little bit ago, and from what I can tell, I think they seem to like each other just fine. Again, it may take some time to develop actual friendship. He did get off to a rocky start with Dean and Seamus, as they teased him last night at the table some, but they came by this morning to apologize. I don't know if Kellen will actually be friends with them, but I'm confident they'll at least get along."
"And what about your friendship with Kellen?" asked the professor. He knew the answer, but he wanted to ask questions to help Hermione find some insight for herself. "The two of you seem to have gotten close very quickly. Why do you think that is?"
Hermione paused to think for a moment. "At the banquet table last night, I was the first one who asked him the basic ice-breaking questions - you know, simple ones like where he's originally from, what his parents do, what he does for fun. He didn't have much to say at first, just a couple of words at a time. The more I gently prodded him, the more he opened up to me. And I'm so glad that he did because he is an amazing boy once you start getting to know him."
Dumbledore nodded gently. "Indeed. And another thing, it's not uncommon for boys with Asperger's to feel attach more easily to girls than to boys because girls are naturally a bit more empathetic and understanding than boys. Boys are more prone to mock or alienate what they don't understand - it's neither right or wrong, it's just a natural coping mechanism. Girls are somewhat more likely to sit and listen and try to gain understanding, and that's exactly what you did, Hermione. There is nothing 'unnatural' with how close the two of you have become, it's just the way he's wired, and the way you're wired." Hermione nodded silently.
The professor continued. "Now Hermione, don't be shocked if he ends up being a little... possessive at some point down the road. It may not happen for a year or two, or it may not happen at all, but while most girls aren't bothered by the fact that they may have a male friend with Asperger's, few of them have much - if any - interest in dating a man with Kellen's disorder. Hypothetically speaking, let's say that he wants to take you to the Yule Ball in two years. He may, he may not. But for sake of argument, he is interested. But you would rather take another gentleman to the Yule Ball because you have a physical and emotional attachment that you just don't have for Kellen. It's not his fault, and it's not your fault - again, it's just nature rearing its ugly head. Are you following me so far, Hermione?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes, sir."
Dumbledore continued. "So if he fancies you, but sees you with another gentleman, it's going to break his heart. He may see you as 'his girl' but you might not reciprocate his feelings. It's going to devastate him seeing you on the dance floor in that fancy little chiffon number and tiara dancing with Prince Charming, and he's in his fancy robes just sitting on the sideline watching you have a good time while he wonders where things went wrong. You know that he did nothing wrong, but he may not have the capacity to grasp that concept. There are different severities of Asperger's, and while he doesn't have a severe case, it's not exactly mild either. You know he's going to be a bit 'off', and even if you do choose to pursue a romantic relationship with him, it's a matter of when, and not if, he does something that utterly embarrasses you."
He looked Hermione in the eyes. "Do you feel anything for him now? I need you to be honest with me."
Hermione started to tear up. "Yes, Professor, I do. I... kissed him last night."
"A little peck on the forehead kiss, or a full-on snog?"
A tear rolled down Hermione's cheek. "We snogged, sir." She paused for a moment, let her head fall down in shame. Another teardrop fell. "Twice, actually."
Dumbledore gently placed his hand on Hermione's shoulder. He smiled at her, and explained to her in a gentle, understanding tone. "Kellen is a terrific young man, Hermione. He will always treat you like a princess. He would rather die than to see any harm come to you. Even if you choose someone else, he will always feel that way about you. And I guarantee he's just bucking for a chance to show you how much he cares for you. I hope you know that."
Sniffling, Hermione looked up. "I know, Professor. It is a lot to take in. But Merlin help me, I like the boy. A lot. Does this make me think twice about the possibility of me being 'his girl'? Yes. Does it rule out a relationship? Not in a million years. I'm just thirteen years old, Professor. I know I act much older than that much of the time, but my impulses and hormones very much belong to a thirteen year old girl."
Dumbledore produced a handkerchief from his robe and wiped the tears from Hermione's face.
"Thank you, Professor," she said. "Question. Does he have a history of therapy before he started at Ilvermorny? I don't know if a medical history was provided to Hogwarts, but I know that there are therapists available to special-needs students in the Muggle world. Surely there's something that can be done for him here to improve his coping skills and he can express himself better."
"At Ilvermorny? No. Unfortunately, they are a more spartan institution than Hogwarts, so many of the things that British witches and wizards take for granted, simply are not available to students in the Americas. However, here at Hogwarts it is possible, but it may take some time to set up. As luck would have it, I was looking into starting the process myself in the days leading up to his arrival. I have not gone through any of his Muggle-based medical records personally, but if I cannot find anything in there I will have to contact Ilvermorny to see if perhaps he participated in therapy sessions outside of the academic setting whilst enrolled. That failing, I will have to reach his family directly. I want all of my students to succeed here at Hogwarts, and Kellen is no exception."
Hermione looked at Dumbledore pleadingly. "I hope it works out, Professor. And is there anything else you need from me in the meantime?"
Dumbledore smiled. "No, my child. Just keep being yourself. I will arrange for Hagrid to initiate the castle tour momentarily. In the meantime, please grab Kellen and wait with me until the tour guide arrives."
