Chapter 7

"First years! First years follow the prefects!"

Hermione looked around, confused. Did that include her? Did she need to follow the first-years, or stick with Fred and George?

"Don't worry, little lady," Fred leaned his arm on her shoulder.

"We'll take care of you."

"Really?" Hermione gave them a shy smile. "You'll show me the common room?"

Fred thumped his chest. "Of course!"

George frowned. "But we can't show you the girls' dorms."

"It's for the girls, after all-"

"It's charmed to not let us up."

"But we do know the girls you're rooming with."

"We should call them then, huh?" George chuckled. His call echoed through his cupped hands down the Gryffindor table. "Angel-iiiin-aaaa!"

Fred joined the call, this time for a different witch. "Ellie!"

Two girls down the table turned and glared at the twins. For a moment Hermione was sure they wouldn't come, but after they had said some words to the girls beside them they came and stood with crossed arms in front of the twins.

"What do you want?" the brunette – Hermione would come to know her as Angelina – growled at them. "And no, we're not trying any special 'lotions' you've made up."

George led the hands up in surrender by a moment, but Fred was that half-second behind. "Nothing like that, ladies."

"You see, our friend here-"

"Hermione Granger's the name-"

"Is new to third-year-"

"And needs a couple of lovely girls to-"

"Get her situated, see?"

They did simultaneous jazz hands in her direction, horrifyingly making her the focus of the two beautiful older girls. Angelina looked like all the girls who played football at her school – pretty, shiny straight hair, and fit. And her blonde friend was pretty too, with a set of dimples making her face all the cuter. Hermione nearly moved the whole frizzy head of hair she had in front of her face before she caught herself.

"Oh, your friend?" The blonde looked skeptical. She leaned over and met Hermione face to face, earning a sceptical look from the youngest third-year. "Don't be nervous. I don't know what the twins told you, but ignore all of it. They're jokesters, you know – don't take them seriously."

"Hey!"

"I resent that!"

Angelina shushed them and ducked down as well to shake Hermione's hand. "Don't listen to them. They're just silly."

Hermione felt her heart stab and pulled her hand away from the older girl, who seemed confused by her anger. "Don't say that."

Both girls froze. "What do you mean?"

"You're insulting them," her chin went up in the air. "They're not bad, they're nice. And they're helping me."

Angelina looked over to the twins with wide eyes, taking in their own shocked expression. "I-I didn't think of it like that. They just … tend to play pranks of people, that's all."

"But you told me not to listen to them," Hermione argued with vehemence. "My da-" She stopped herself. She probably shouldn't be quoting her parents at her age. "It's how bullies act, putting people down to make themselves seem better."

"Hey, hey, calm down," George came beside her and rapped her skull. "That's a little harsh. Angelina was just joking, eh?"

"We know she meant no harm by it, little spitfire," Fred wrapped an arm around her. "It's how friends joke about each other, you know."

Hermione flushed and tears came to her eyes. Everyone watched in horror as her eyes started to sparkle. "I-I'm sorry. That was wrong of me."

"You must have had friends before now," Angelina asked. When Hermione only shrugged, the girls locked eyes with each other and promptly pushed the twins away from her and wrapped her up between then. "Well, you have a bunch of Gryffindors here for you now. I'm Angelina Johnson, and this is Elowen Towneley. Just call her El or Ellie. Come on, let's show you the common room and introduce you to your other roommates."

Fred and George jumped up to join them, but the girls waggled their fingers at them. "Nuh-uh, Hermione's ours now. Tanny'll want a go at her tonight."

Fred and George groaned dramatically, falling into each other. "Alas, there's nothing we can do!

"We must leave you to the she-demons."

"Even we cannot surmount the might of the terrifying-"

"If not brilliant-"

"Tanwen Pyrites."

"Have mercy!"

The girls corralled her away from the twins while giggling at their little antics. Angelina winked at her incredulous expression. "They're just such … boys. Don't worry, Tanny is great. You'll come to need her like we all do."

"What does she do?" Hermione said worriedly. "I mean, what will she do to me?"

El giggled. "You seem so worried! Don't worry, she's nice. Just … if you don't hate people touching your hair, I'd let her do whatever she wants. She's kind of obsessed with that."

The girls engaged her in a very one-sided conversation, basically asking and answering their own questions about her and themselves. Hermione didn't mind though, because she was busy staring at everything around her. Suits of armor from a medieval time, portraits with witches and wizards waving hello ... the castle itself swirling magically round the students as they moved.

It was strange, feeling the magic and feeling so in awe while people were speaking around her. It was like she needed to be reverent in the face of it. Like the magic itself was somehow a spiritual experience. She'd never thought of it that way beyond it potentially being a gift from God, but the feeling coming from the castle was … awe-inspiring.

"Hello," Hermione whispered to the corridor, to the castle itself. Magic rushed and surged to meet her steps and her face beamed as she felt the castle's hello in return. "Did you feel that?"

The girls on either side of her blinked owlishly at her. Hermione took their hands and dragged them to the corridor wall and placed their hands on the stones. The castle's magic lifted to touch hers through the girls' hands. "Do you feel that? That castle is saying hello!"

Angelina and El gaped at their hands on the wall. "That's the castle?"

She nodded vigorously, her hair bushing up even more. "Say hello back!"

Both girls exchanged a look, but it was Angelina who spoke first. "Umm, hello Hogwarts. Good to be back."

The castle sent a small pulse and Angelina jumped. El did the same then, and similarly received the shocking. The students around them started to gather as well and place their hands on the walls, each greeting the castle or thanking it, even saying they were glad to be back. Soon the corridor was flooded with magic, ghosts, and all the Gryffindor students who had been heading up after the first-years. The chatter that had bothered Hermione at first had stopped for the most part in favour of an awed reverence at the feeling of magic the castle was giving them.

"This is amazing," El whispered at her. "You could feel this?"

Hermione shook her head. "It wasn't so strong before. The castle must like the students talking to it."

"It does, Miss Granger." The peace was broken when some of the girls shrieked at the sudden appearance of the Headmaster. The magic in the castle receded slightly and the reverence was lost at the appearance of the twinkling in Albus Dumbledore's face. "I see you've all been getting reacquainted with the castle after the long summer. It does appreciate it when the students acknowledge her, but you're causing quite the maelstrom of magic here. Perhaps you can get acquainted with Hogwarts individually?"

"Sorry Headmaster," the group around Hermione chorused disjointedly. Slowly, the group separated and moved towards the Gryffindor dorms. The magic they'd all felt gather around them had dissipated, but the feelings it had evoked remained. They all agreed it was a magical start of term.

Professor McGonagall had greeted them all in the common room and given them their introductions. The prefects for the top three upper years were introduced, and the girl named Hannah who was Head Girl. Hermione was sat with Angelina and El, with a few others around that she hadn't gotten to meet yet, but she didn't talk. She stayed quiet and paid attention to all the rules Professor McGonagall told them about curfews, passwords, and structure.

Finally, almost at the end, McGonagall unthinkably drew attention to her. "Now, you all heard Miss Granger's sorting, and the Headmaster's words?"

Heads bobbed.

"Then I trust you will be kind to our newest third-year," Professor McGonagall said. "Miss Granger, we will speak after. Now, there are a few things we need to discuss before it's time for bed. First, Welcome to Gryffindor House our new first years and Miss Granger. I told you in the Entrance Hall that your house is like your family, and it is the truth; I am the Head of the Family, and there are six prefects who are essentially the eldest children who are there to help you with anything you need. The Head Girl and Boy are here as well, and they are in charge of the prefects themselves. This year's Head Boy is a Gryffindor, Mr. Kenneth Limette. Mr. Limette, wave."

A kind-looking blonde boy stood and waved to the common room, and Hermione waved back despite the stares from the first-years. He didn't seem bothered and smiled at her, to which Hermione beamed.

McGonagall let the boy sit back down before continuing. "As Gryffindors, I expect a high standard of behaviour from you all. You are here to study and become decent wizards and witches and not hooligans. Yes, I see you three." The Weasley twins and Lee high-fived. "Friday at curfew there is a house meeting and it is mandatory for everyone not in the infirmary."

The students nodded under her stern gaze, making her nod in approval.

"Good. Now, we have a couple of familiars this year that have been approved, and I know I don't need to remind you but these animals are to be treated as family as well. If you see a rat, it is the Weasley family rat Scabbers and you should not try to stomp on it," a few kids laughed, "and do not panic if you see a jarvey, first years – that belongs to Mr. Lee. There is also a kitsune joining Gryffindor this year."

"A demon?!" One of the kids shrieked. "The fox with nine-tails!?"

"Yes, that," McGonagall had her lips pursed, which Hermione found reassuring. She really didn't want anything to happen to Daedalus. "Kitsune do not represent ill-omens and are not demons of any sort. They are simply magical creatures like your other pets except they can shape-shift. Unlike muggle lore, they do not turn into people nor do harm people. They are like any other pet here. This particular kitsune belongs to our young Miss Granger if you ever need return him to his witch."

McGonagall looked over to the grandfather clock between the staircases and nodded to herself. "That was all that we needed to discuss this evening, so I'll leave you to get reacquainted. First through third years, though, it is now time for your beds. Everyone else may remain in the Common Room yet another hour if you must, but breakfast tomorrow morning is mandatory as that is when you'll receive your new schedules. Off you go now."

Angelina and El lingered back by the stairs for her both giving her soft smiles as Hermione bounced up to her new Head of House with a happy smile for their talk. "Hello, ma'am. It's good to see you again."

The tartan-clad witch nodded primly. "You as well, Miss Granger. I'm sure you want to know my news?"

Hermione nodded eagerly.

"Professor Snape told me to pass along this," the Deputy Headmistress passed her a simple bracelet with one grey stone. "As he will be personally getting you up to date in your potions studies, he does not want you to wait in the hallways of the dungeons for him and says you may use this to enter the classroom when he is not there, ONLY if you have a previous meeting arranged or if it is an emergency and ONLY if you are responsible enough to only brew when he is present. Is that understood?"

She agreed quickly and had the older witch fasten the bracelet around her wrist. It wasn't girly by any means, but it was leathery and rustic-looking. Hermione felt elated just to have it.

"Another few things, Miss Granger;" McGonagall continued, "your tutoring session are to be every Tuesday and Thursday evenings immediately following dinner. I'm not aware of who it will be, but you are expected to be in the library at those time no matter what. Professor Snape will be there the first time to introduce you to your tutor."

When she nodded, the Professor continued. "Your kitsune will be treated like every other pet and the house-elves feed them all. But if your kitsune needs time outside the castle that is your responsibility. It's house-broken?"

Hermione nodded again. "I brought his litter box."

"Good," McGonagall nodded primly. "The house-elves will keep it clean for you as well. And our professor for Care of Magical Creatures, Professor Grubbly-Plank, would like to meet your familiar soon to check it over. Standard for any magical creature on the grounds. You'll find him on the ground floor, Room 1-12, outside of class hours."

Hermione just nodded.

Her the professor hesitated. "One final thing, Miss Granger; your religious services on Sunday? If you wish to go, it will be of your own volition. None of the staff will pressure you because of your parents."

"Pressure?" Hermione frowned at the Professor. "You mean, if I want to disobey my parents and not go...?"

"No one would force you," McGonagall told her mildly.

Hermione folded her arms. "I have to go. It would be wrong not to."

McGonagall simply nodded. "I expected so, but I had to ask. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Miss Granger. My door is open if you have any difficulties."

Hermione skipped back to her new roommates and apologized for delaying them. They dismissed her apology and brought her up the stairs with them, showing them the divisions of the dorms and which held who. Third years were the farthest door on the right, with a little 'III' over the doorway.

Angelina walked in with her and greeted the girls there with an, "Eh, come meet our little genius!"

The other two girls were sat facing each other on adjacent beds and turned to look at them. Where El and Angelina were more normal-looking, these two girls were, er, more. One you could tell was trying really hard with a payoff for the effort – huge and high sleek red pony-tail, lip gloss, the whole shebang – but the other was just really, really pretty. The stereotypical blonde hair, blue eyed, heart-shaped girl.

She was expecting cold rejection – as much as she'd been fine at her old school, she also only had a group because she was allowed to show up and eat with them during breaks, she really could only expect the same from these girls – but was surprised when the blonde jumped up from the bed and crossed the distance between them in two jumping strides to immediately begin touching her hair.

"I'm Tanwen, or Tanny," the blonde introduced herself with her hands buried in her curls. "Oh, look at you! I was hoping you'd come to Gryffindor, we don't have anyone with really curly hair here. I love it!"

"Thanks?" Hermione felt awkward, a bit like a monkey being groomed.

The red-head popped over and hugged her. "I'm Alicia Spinnet."

Another girl appeared from a door on the side – bathroom probably – and joined the commotion. She was introduced as Katie. "Well, look at you! You're kind of cute, little girl. Look at those eyes! I'm jealous."

"Her eyes?" Angelina looked over her with El now, then seemed to realize what Anise meant. "Ooh, they're almost yellow! I didn't even notice!"

"It's called amber," Katie interjected.

"Her hair is the highlight," Tanny said from behind her. "And look at her skin too! Do you have some foreign blood in you? It looks a bit more than a tan."

Hermione nodded. "I-I'm mixed. My grandma was Spanish-Moroccan."

"Really? So exotic!" Tanny messed with her hair a little. "Have you ever had a perm?"

Hermione bit her lip. "It looked like an afro, and the other kids said I was trying to be black. Apparently I looked pathetic."

Angelina, the darkest girl, gave a derisive snort. "Don't worry about 'em. Anytime I did anything when I was little people thought I did it just to be a 'normal black person', whatever that means."

"But you really shouldn't have a perm that tight," Tanny diverted the attention quickly. "It should be looser, more like your normal hair. Just to tame it. Oh, I'm going to have to order a potion to do this."

"There are potions for hair?" Hermione said with wide eyes. "Really?"

A couple of the girls looked sceptical. "You didn't know that? But you were raised a witch, right?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, I'm the first witch-"

"How are you in third-year, then?" Alicia demanded, arms crossed. "They said you had experience."

Hermione pulled away from the group then, done with the poking and prodding once one of the girls turned hostile. She wanted to withdraw, or argue. She did both. "The Professors thought I'd do better here. And I have been studying magic."

Tanwen blocked Alicia from Hermione's view and put her hand on her comfortably. "Hey, no offense meant. Alicia just had an older brother than wanted to skip before, but was never approved. We're just surprised it was possible."

Hermione anger left her. "I'm sorry. I just get so -"

"No worries," Tanny smiled. "We're older, so we should behave better. But that also means we take care of you, okay?"

"Okaaay," she said, confused.

Tanny grinned wider. "Including your hair! Tomorrow morning we'll get your hair all fixed up for your first day of school and no, I won't take no for an answer. I can't even imagine what this hair is like after a night's sleep."

Hermione blushed, but Tanny quickly reassured her. "Oh, don't worry. This is what roommates are for."

A couple of yips barked from the carrier by Hermione's bed, making the girls suddenly jump.

"Oh, Daedalus!"

Hermione hurried over to the carrier and let out the little nine-tail fox. HE jumped from the enclosure and up into her arms, licking her face all over and earning giggles from the little girl.

"You missed me, huh?" Hermione giggled and pet the fox. "I'm sorry, I had to get sorted. Don't worry, you'll be let out next time I'm gone."

Daedalus finished marking her all over with his tongue, he jumped from her arms and moved over to the girls in the room. Katie shrieked a little when her got close, making the fox realize something was wrong. He promptly shifted into his cat form and the girls gasped.

"He's …." Hermione cringed. "Adorable!"

The girls turned from gushing over her to gushing over her familiar, much to her relief. Tanny went and grabbed her cat from her carrier and introduced the two of them. Daedalus was incredulous of the little black cat at first – although the cat seemed indifferent – and the pair circled each other sniffing and pawing at the other. Finally, Daedalus returned to his foxy form and the cat was filled with glee as the kitsune let her chase his many tails.

"Does he have a basket?" Tanny asked kindly.

"He just sleeps with me," Hermione said hesitantly. "Is that okay?"

Angelina was back at her bed and grabbing clothes. "Why wouldn't it be? Tanny sleeps with her kitten."

The level of acceptance in the room warmed Hermione's heart. Maybe, once they got to know her, they wouldn't hate her.

Hermione was incorporated into their night routine. The girls who showered at night went to the showers, while her and Alicia went to the sinks and did their nightly face washes and teeth brushings. Alicia, despite being the one who was most visibly annoyed with her, was still kind. She didn't ignore the girl's panic at forgetting her tooth floss and taught her a simple spell to make her feel better, and she also helped her figure out how to use the oil lamp by her bedside so she could read when the elves extinguished the chandelier light. Hermione was especially grateful that she didn't comment when she pulled out her little red pencil crayon, 365 day reading schedule, and her scriptures to do her nightly scripture study before bed.

She checked her schedule twice and pulled her book open to the bookmarked page. Her parents had helped her make the schedule. They knew she couldn't just read a few verses a night, at least most days, and she would need to read more than that. Hermione was now in the final bits of the New Testament, a week away from the Book of Mormon.

She really enjoyed the Epistles of John. They were a comfort to her, and a sweet feeling always seemed to fill her whenever he wrote as if he were Heavenly Father, calling them 'little children'. She wished she could speak to Heavenly Father like she would talk to Dad. Dad always let her come into the study where they had their shelves of books and just talk to him. Counsel with him. It was like being in a place especially for being a small child.

Prayer, she knew, did something similar, but it just seemed so much harder.

She wouldn't think about that now.

For now, she was in 1 John 4. It was a beautiful piece about love, and how she was to love those around her. IT was a more spiritual version of her mother's admonishment that she should reach out to the kids around her. She marked verse 18 through 20 with her red pencil in as perfect lines as she could, vowing to – at least for tomorrow – greet every person she met with a smile. Her primary teacher often told her a smile was the way to make someone feel loved, and mom and dad certainly agreed.

She continued on a few more chapters before she realized the other girls were already tucked up in bed and asleep. With gentle hands, she bookmarked her place, put it on her bedside table, and knelt by her bed.

Ouch, she thought. The stone floor was a little uncomfortable. Next time she'd grab a pillow or something.

Hermione couldn't pray silently. Well, she physically could, but she never felt the same when she did. It was like part of her needed to speak to feel heard, and she'd long ago learned that it made her feel better to speak her prayers aloud. Still, she whispered as low as she could to not disturb her roommates.

"Dear Heavenly Father,

"Thank you for today. I loved it: I loved that the twins helped me on the train, I like that my roommates seem nice, and I thank you for helping me be brave as people stared today. I don't want to be a freak like in primary school, so please help me to with that. I'll try harder to be quiet in classes, and I promise to be patient with people around me.

"Please bless mum and dad. Help them not to worry about me, I'm alright. And you will help me.

"Tomorrow is a big day, Heavenly Father, so I'm a little nervous. Help me, please, to make a good first impression. To be kind and helpful. Help me to know where I can help, too, so I can show people your light."

Hermione breathed deeply, wanting to preserve the warmth and calm in her heart for tomorrow but knowing it would be hard to remember it.

"I'm going to bed now, but please let your Spirit be with me tomorrow. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

With the comfort of her reading and prayer in her heart Hermione crawled under her sheets, let Daedalus curl up next to her, and went to sleep not knowing that Tanwen as awake still. The girl hadn't been able to sleep yet – she always had a hard time on the first night – and heard the quiet whispers of the new student in their dorms and had heard her every word. They were touching, like hearing a child trying to brave a thunderstorm but still going to their parents, insisting 'I'm fine … but … can I stay with you?'. Endearing and earnest.

Tanwen rolled over and smiled to herself. Yep, Hermione Granger was a special kid.