Reinette Lupin: Book Two
Chapter Two
Gotta Get Back to Hogwarts
The end of Reinette's summer was spent reading through Lockhart's books. She started with Magical Me, as she promised Hermione, then moved on to skim through his other works. Magical Me was exactly what she figured it would be: a glorified autobiography. Lockhart wrote in vividly extravagant details about his achievements and seemingly random facts about his preferences. It was certainly an interesting read, though Reinette didn't think it was very beneficial to her studies.
Moving on to his other works, Reinette found them astounding. Gadding with Ghouls was such a riveting tale that Reinette hardly put it down, it then prompted a very interesting conversation with her grandfather about Chameleon Ghouls over dinner. Reinette skimmed through each one with respect for the foppish Gilderoy Lockhart after that. Voyages with Vampires was almost better than Gadding with Ghouls. Her opinion of Lockhart plummeted however when she read from Wanderings with Werewolves.
Reinette couldn't understand the Wizarding World's fixation on werewolves. The stigma surrounding them was enough to make her head spin. Discrimination towards werewolves was strong in the wizarding community.
"Do you see this?" Reinette demanded, slamming down her open book on the kitchen table. Remus looked up at her, unaffected by her outburst, and put his steaming teacup down on his saucer. She continued, "Lockhart says, 'My idea birthday gift would be harmony between all magic and non-magic people…'"
"And you're upset because…" Remus prompted finally after Reinette stared at him furiously for a minute.
"He says this in the middle of a book filled to the brim with prejudice about werewolves!" She burst. "All magic people? All?"
Remus smiled wanly, "Reinette, not everyone grew up with a werewolf in their house."
"He goes on then to say he used the Homorphus Charm and he cured the Wagga Wagga Werewolf, saving the village from monthly attacks!" Reinette ranted on, "As if that charm could cure- we both know that bloody charm is temporary and complex. Grandpa Lyall can't even perform it, I doubt that stupidly handsome fame-seeking fool can. He's a fraud!"
"You liked the one about ghouls."
"This is different! You're not a ghoul!"
"No," Remus drank his tea. "But you know how much more dangerous werewolves are."
They have had this discussion before, it was old and tiring but still popped up now and again. Reinette felt very passionate about her adoptive father's affliction.
"You compulsively eat chocolate and exclusively wear sweaters," Reinette deadpanned. "So you have a bad night once a month, the rest of the time you're my dad…"
"The wizarding world will most likely be oppressive in regards to werewolves for a very long time," Remus told her gently. "There have been changes... and new developments are present now that aid lycanthropy. It's a step."
Reinette didn't read any more Lockhart books for the remainder of the summer.
-:-
This year's goodbye at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters was much quicker as Reinette spotted Hermione on the other side of the barrier. They seemed to only talk for a few moments before the warning of the train whistle made them realize it was time to board. Reinette gave Remus a huge hug and rushed to get on the train. "Bye!" She hurtled herself into Hermione's compartment, calling out to him, "Love you!"
Hermione grinned, sitting opposite of her. "I'm so excited!"
"Me too!"
As the train neared take off, Neville slipped in their compartment.
"Neville!" Reinette thumped him on the back. "Do you have Trevor?"
"Yep!" Neville held up the struggling toad, "Gran would never let me forget him." He sat down beside Reinette and set Trevor in his lap. He asked, "Ready for another year at Hogwarts?"
"Yeah," Reinette said.
Hermione didn't answer, she stared out the window with a perturbed look on her face. "It's almost time to leave but I haven't seen Ron or Harry."
Reinette turned to look out the window for any signs of the boys… It was quite close to 11:00… Hermione was right. Where were they?
The Hogwarts Express' final whistles sounded, announcing their departure. Hermione, Reinette, and Neville waved to their family members and sat back down once they disappeared. They sat in silence for a moment, waiting for Ron and Harry to come into the compartment. It was nearly ten minutes before Hermione asked, "Do you think we should go find them?"
"They've got to be in another compartment," Reinette said.
"They're probably with the twins."
"I'll go check," Reinette decided as she stood up. "Do you two want to come with me?"
Hermione got up as well, "Of course."
Both of the girls looked over to Neville. He sat still in his seat, clutching Trevor tight.
"I'm going to stay here and keep an eye on him," Neville said. "I don't want a repeat of last year."
They left the compartment, glancing through the glass doors as they roamed down the corridor. Some students were talking in the cramped spaces, catching up with their friends and scarfing down snacks. They peeked in a few compartment windows trying to catch sight of the boys.
At one point, they found Fred and George Weasley. The twins were sitting with their usual group: Lee Jordan and Angelina Johnson. Reinette knocked lightly before they slipped in.
"Hermione and Reinette," Fred greeted.
"What's up?" said George.
"Have either of you seen Ron or Harry?" Reinette asked.
They both furrowed their brows and looked at each other questioningly before saying, "Nope."
"Not since the barrier," George explained.
Hermione grew worried, "We haven't seen them, do you think they are with Percy?"
The twins snorted, "With Percy?"
"I don't think anyone can stand a whole train ride with Percy," Fred said.
Lee added, "Percy would be up in the Prefects compartments, anyways."
"What about Ginny?" Hermione thought out loud.
"Only one left," Reinette agreed.
Hermione laughed, "The hunt continues."
"Come, Watson! The game is afoot." Reinette quoted as she turned on her heel and left the compartment.
Hermione quickly waved goodbye to the twins' and quickly followed her friend out of the compartment. They found Ginny sitting alone in a compartment writing in her journal. When they asked about Ron and Harry (face redding at the mention of the Boy who Lived) she had no answers for them.
"I haven't seen them since we boarded, I think." Ginny shrugged. "I don't remember…"
"Oh, okay." Hermione glanced around the empty compartment. "Do you want to come sit with us?"
Ginny shook her head, "I'm not alone. My friend, Luna, should be coming back soon."
"Why'd she leave?" Reinette asked.
"She said something about a Wrackspurt being about and left for a while. She always comes back though."
"Wrack-a-what, now?" Reinette scrunched her face up and looked all around the room.
"Luna is a little… different." Ginny shrugged, closing her book and putting it away. "She is a nice girl though."
And on that awkward note, the girls left Ginny alone. They went back to their compartment, giving up their long search. Neville was still there with Trevor and he had bought both the girls some pumpkin juice when the Trolly Witch stopped by. Reinette passed out some banana nut muffins that she had baked at home and the trio ate them with their juice. They spent the rest of the train ride talking all about their summers.
At last, the light of day had faded and was replaced by the darkness of light. And so, the train came to a halt. Second-year students were instructed to follow the older students, as they were not going across the lake like the First Years. They came upon horseless carriages that were black and had headlamps attached. Hermione, Reinette, and Neville all shared one and travelled down a mud track, from Hogsmeade Station to Hogwarts. Reinette smiled as they pulled into the welcoming glow of the castle. Even though Reinette was not sharing this with the boys, she couldn't help relishing these moments and basking in the Hogwarts experience.
Prefects directed the students through the huge iron gate and the doors of Hogwarts, everyone splitting up into groups to reach the Great Hall. Just like the previous year, the Hall was lit up by thousands of candles floating in the air and the four long tables were lined with golden plates and goblets. Neville, Reinette, and Hermione sat down at Gryffindor's table together.
"I don't see them," Hermione said.
Reinette scanned the table, craning her neck to the point it hurt as she tried to find her friends. She counted out each Weasley and each messy head, but couldn't spot either of them. "Nor do I…"
Hermione frowned, "They must've missed the train."
"Mr and Mrs Weasley will help them," Reinette said unconfidently, chewing her thumbnail. "They'll be here by morning."
They didn't have a longer chance to dwell on Ron and Harry though because a moment later the First Years were led into the hall by the ever so stern Professor McGonagall. All of the new students peered about the Hall as they stood in their lines, their faces displayed a wide array of emotions. Some were fidgeting, looking awful nervous. Some of them beamed the brightest smiles, a joy of wonder and amazement in their eyes that only a child could completely possess. The Hall sat in silence as Professor McGonagall brought out the Sorting Hat, placing it onto the stool. Everyone stared at the hat and waited for this year's song.
The brim opened up and began to sing:
Welcome to the grand Hogwarts,
Be you small or tall.
I am the Sorting Hat,
Greeting you to this Great Hall.
I have been here since the beginning,
I have sung many a song.
I look deep into your mind,
To help find where you belong.
May it be Ravenclaw,
If you are especially wise.
Or Maybe it is Slytherin,
Where the sly at heart rise.
Gryffindor could be for you,
If it is courage you possess.
Or if a combination of all,
It is Hufflepuff for the rest.
So please sit me on your head,
I promise we'll have a good chat.
Let this sorting begin!
That is all from this old hat!
The Sorting Hat finished his song to a round of grand applause and Professor McGonagall began to call the first year's names. Hermione and Reinette didn't pay much attention as they whispered back and forth to one another.
"I wonder if they're alright."
"Should we tell a teacher," Hermione asked.
"I dunno.." Reinette's eyes scanned the high table, falling first on their glorious Headmaster. Dumbledore watching the sorting with a delighted smile and a signature twinkle in his eye. A few seats ahead of him was Lockheart, wearing a set of garishly aquamarine robes, clapping exuberantly at every new student's sorting. Reinette rolled her eyes. Pompous git. And then a few more seats over was an empty seat.
"Snape isn't here," she remarked in wonder.
Hermione looked over to the seat, "Oh, he was just moments ago… He must have left."
"Oh," Reinette huffed dejectedly. She had hoped for just a moment, that maybe Severus Snape was sacked. Or maybe horribly injured and unable to ever teach again, but she wasn't going to get into all that at the moment. "We'll tell someone after the feast."
McGonagall suddenly called out, "Weasley, Ginny!"
Ginny was one of the very last students left in the line, looking a bit nervous she marched up to the hat and was determined to be sorted. What exactly she could have been nervous about vanished from her eyes immediately when the hat roared, "GRYFFINDOR!" Beaming at the applause she hurried off to the table and sat by Percy.
The girls paid attention to the remaining students at this point and listened intently to Dumbledore's welcoming speech. Their headmaster was as charming as ever, ending his short monologue with a few of his favourite odd words per usual (bibble, scrumptious, xertz!) and the tables filled with a bounty of delicious foods. As the girls ate, excited murmurs spread through the hall. Soon, every table was abuzz with the news...
"Hermione! Reinette!" Fred and George called down the table.
"What!" Reinette called back.
"Found 'em!" Fred shouted, waving around a newspaper. "Look!"
George grabbed the paper from his brother and passed it down, "Give this to Reinette Lupin and Hermione Granger." Student to student passed it down until it finally found Hermione.
"Those idiots!" Hermione screeched.
Reinette snatched the paper, "Wait, what?"
FLYING FORD ANGLIA MYSTIFIES MUGGLES
Flying car? Flying car! Mr Weasley's flying car that the twins used to bust out Harry!
"Are they daft?" Hermione wondered aloud.
"This is so unfair!" Reinette scoffed. "They could have at least let us come along!"
Hermione snatched the paperback, red in the face, "Reinette! This isn't funny! They could be in big trouble!"
Reinette shovelled more mashed potato in her mouth to keep quiet. "It's so cool, though," she thought to herself.
The feast came to a close and soon the students went up to their dorms. Hermione and Reinette stood behind waiting for a chance to talk to Professor McGonagall about Rona nd
Harry. As she began to exit they caught up to her.
"Professor McGonagall!" Hermione called, "Professor!"
Minerva McGonagall was looking quite grim this evening, her bun tighter than ever and her lips were a thin line. "Yes Miss Granger, Miss Lupin?"
Hermione shifted uncomfortably, "We were wondering if you knew that Ron and Harry were missing?"
"Missing?" McGonagall scoffed. "Hardly. They are both at Hogwarts."
"They're here?" Reinette exclaimed. "But what about the car?"
If it was any more possible, her lips grew even thinner. "You two should head up to your dorms. Goodnight, girls." Professor McGonagall continued on her way.
Reinette stared after her. "Well, what does that even mean?"
Hermione grabbed Reinette and pulled her over by the stairs, "We're just going to have to wait for them."
The whole time they made their way up to the dormitories they could hear students talking and spreading gossip about Ron and Harry. They told the Pink Lady, the portrait that guarded the entrance of Gryffindor Tower, the password and revealed the common room. Reinette and Hermione entered the portrait hole to find it was completely packed. Not only was their year smushed into the armchairs and couches, but a ton of older students were there too. Fred, George, Lee Jordan, the Quidditch team and a highly upset Percy were there too. And they were all waiting for the boys. An impromptu party. The girls pushed themselves into a cramped corner.
"Are they serious right now?" Hermione sniffed.
"Well," Reinette snorted, "it does seem a little overdramatic."
Hermione was pushed back into a bookshelf and a book fell into her arms. "Ugh, let's get out of here!"
"What," Reinette laughed and put the book back. "Don't like The Decline of Pegan Magic?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "It's just annoying how those boys fail to use general common sense."
They pushed their way back out of the portrait hole.
"At least it's quiet out here," Reinette remarked.
The castle grew quiet after the lavish feast, as all the staff and students left to their rooms for a good night's sleep. The soft murmurs of the portraits and light clinking of the suits of armour were the only sounds they could hear. Even the loud chattering of the party was concealed by Pink Lady, who it seemed was gossiping with her painted friend named Violet.
Ron and Harry had finally made it up the narrow stone stairs to find the girls there waiting for them.
"Ron! Harry!" Reinette bombarded them with big hugs, almost pushing the boys back down the stairs. "Nice to give us an invite on your wild ride? Or even a heads up at least."
Hermione pulled the other girl off of them, "Where have you two been? People keep saying you've crashed that flying car!"
"Yeah!" Reinette burst, "Are the rumours true? You're not expelled are you?"
Harry shook his head, "We haven't been expelled."
"But are the rumours true?"
"Yes," Ron said impatiently. "We couldn't get through the barrier, we were late. Now can we please just-"
"So you did fly here!" Hermione ground out. She almost looked as angry as Professor McGonagall.
"Skip the lecture," Ron said. "Reinette, what's the password?"
"It's 'wattlebird,'" Reinette told him. "But I would wait to go in-"
The boys didn't have a chance to listen as they climbed through the portrait hole and the common room erupted in thunderous applause. The girls scrambled in after them.
"Brilliant!" Lee Jordan yelled. "Inspired! What an entrance! Flying a car right into the Whomping Willow, people will be talking about that one for years-"
A few older students congratulated them and patted them on the back. Fred and George pushed their way over to them and spoke as one, "Why couldn't we've come in the car, eh?"
Ron's face was as red as his hair and both boys were ginning a little embarrassed. Ron would have replied but Harry nudged him in the ribs and nodded over at Percy, who was trying to push his way through the crowd. Ron understood at once.
"Got to get upstairs- a bit tired," Ron said. The two boys made their way over to the spiral staircase that led to the dormitories.
"Night," Harry called over to Reinette and Harry.
Hermione looked as mad at Percy. Reinette was just annoyed. She wanted to see her friends. Usually, they had the whole train ride to catch up and now there was more to talk about than just the summer holiday.
"At least they're alive," Hermione said.
"For now," Reinette snorted.