Diagon Alley and the Demented Train Ride

Mr. and Mrs. Granger dropped them off at the Leaky Cauldron the next day, because Harry had written saying he was staying there until the start of term. After getting a room and discovering that Harry was out, Gohan sat on the end of the bed while Hermione organized her capsule trunk.

"Hermione?"

"Yes, Gohan?"

"Shouldn't we do research about your mother?"

Hermione glared at him. "That's a great idea!" She exclaimed sarcastically. "Let's find out what kind of woman likes to procreate with infamous dark wizards." She winced at her own ferocity and looked away. Silence filled the room as she began huffily stuffing her trunk once more.

The truth was that she possessed enough memories to know that her mother was anything but a willing participant. Hermione had discovered, during her time Petrified, that the box she had always dreamed about her entire life contained memories. Those silvery wispy strands that attacked her at night filled her head with crystal clear images of her life prior to living with the Grangers. So far, she had had fifteen memories. One of the first things she did after the feast at the end of the year was to begin recording those memories in a journal.

Gohan broke the silence. "Maybe she was forced to."

Hermione snorted, "That's likely," But she frowned thoughtfully. The truth was that she didn't want any more bad news. She sighed. "If you want to know so badly, Gohan, you do it. And if you find out something I don't want to hear, keep it to yourself."

"Okay. What's her name?"

Huffing, Hermione pulled a folded leaf of paper from her pants pocket, conjured a copy, and handed the copy to Gohan. "Just don't leave that lying around, okay?"

Gohan nodded curtly. "Right." He carefully placed it inside his inside gi pocket.

Gohan and Hermione spent most of their time in Flourish and Blotts. Although Harry had said in his letter that he had been in Diagon Alley for a few weeks, they never managed to run into him.

Gohan had taken to studying the genealogy Hermione had copied to him. He studied the first name on the list: Lady Lianna Kari Mori Subaru. Because Gohan had studied some of the wizarding lines as background, Mother had insisted, he noted that the name Subaru was very unique. He had never seen the name before, yet automatically recognized the obvious Wizarding stem in the name itself. He carefully wrote the names of all Subaru names before going to the history section.

Gohan had poured through his seventh book when he noticed something. In a book called Chronology of the Founders, Gohan found the Subaru surname.

After the initial plans for the creation of the new school, the four sought out a financial supporter for their cause, and found it in His Excellency, Sir Legolas Mori Subaru, heir apparent of Subaru estates and entitlements. After the breaking ground ceremony, Subaru added to his list of honorary titles one Hereditary Heir of Arandia Estate, Arandia being the designated name of the lands upon which HogVart-Saganís or Hogwarts Castle now stands.

Gohan blinked stupidly. In his studies of most noble history texts, he knew that tiles were inherited. Did that mean that Hermione was a noble? After all, the title Lady was used before her name.

Gohan perused the family tree Hermione had given him. At the very bottom of the page, Gohan found the name Sir Legolas Mori Kana Subaru. He quickly copied the page onto a sheet of copy paper and added it to his pocket.

...

It was a whole four hours before Gohan stumbled across another Subaru name: Sir Ellon Kayla Arandie Subaru. Sir Ellon was the grandson of Sir Legolas. But this time, a detailed illustration accompanied the information in the form of a magically copied oil painting. Gohan gasped. Sir Ellon looked almost alien. He had square-edged ears with strange markings surrounding his eyes in a half-mask fashion. He had long chestnut hair that cascaded around his shoulders like a lion's mane. His rich green eyes held an intelligent, inquisitive sparkle to him that strongly reminded Gohan of Hermione. His thoughts turned accordingly.

While Hermione had inherited her father's attractive dark eyes, the eyes on the young girl's face were worlds apart from the sociopathic teenager Gohan had encountered in the Chamber of Secrets. Unlike his arrogant and hungry-looking eyes, Hermione's eyes were warm, intelligent, questioning, and sincere. True, her eyes also bore signs of longing, but her hunger was more reasonable, more understandable. Gohan had lately witnessed that expression in Hermione's face quite a bit, as if she had suddenly lost a treasured jewel she was desperate to get back. Gohan sighed deeply. He badly wanted things to be alright for Hermione, but he feared difficult times were ahead for the girl. He copied the page and put it with his collection.

The last day before the end of the holiday, they finally saw Ron. Ron was still excited from a trip to Egypt with his family and his new wand. Gohan and Hermione listened silently as Ron retold his story over and over. He brought out pictures for them to view. Gohan accepted eagerly, happy for his friend. Hermione, however, flipped through them absently.

Ron quickly got bored with Hermione and Gohan's hovering around Flourish and Blotts. He soon sought out other company. He agreed to meet them at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Ron and Gohan happily slurped their cones while Hermione fidgeted with her dish.

Hermione and Gohan both jumped when Ron suddenly bellowed, "Harry! HARRY!"

Harry strode over happily as Ron motioned over. "Hey, Ron, Gohan, Hermione," Harry said cheerfully.

"Hi," Hermione said shyly. Harry frowned thoughtfully.

Ron hadn't noticed. "Finally! We tried to find you at the Leaky Cauldron, but Tom always said you were out. We went to Flourish and Blotts…a lot," he said, rolling his eyes at his two companions, "Madam Malkins-"

Harry returned the grin. "I got all my things weeks ago. How did you know I was at the Leaky Cauldron?"

"Dad. By the way mate, nice going with your aunt," Ron said, before cackling

Harry grinned.

Gohan cocked his head. "What do you mean, Ron?" Harry explained what had happened at the Dursleys. Harry had lost his temper because abusive "Aunt Marge" was insulting Harry's parents, resulting in Marge blowing up like a balloon. By then, all three boys were howling hysterically.

For a moment, Hermione forgot herself. "Honestly! It's not funny! Harry's lucky not to have been expelled!"

Harry nodded, his eyes streaming. "Actually, I thought I was going to be arrested. Nice to have you back, 'Mione."

Hermione blushed and retreated into her shell.

Shaking his head, Harry turned to Ron. "Reckon your Dad knows why Fudge let me off?"

Ron shrugged, grinning. "It's you…famous Harry Potter and all. Imagine what they would do to me if I blew up my aunt. Of course, they'd hafta dig me up first…Mum would murder me. I know! Why don't you ask Dad? We're all staying at the Leaky Cauldron! Hermione and Gohan are there as well!"

Hermione nodded, suddenly beaming. "Mum and Dad dropped me off this morning with all my Hogwarts things." Gohan winced. Another lie.

"Excellent," Harry said. "Have you got your stuff for this year, yet?" Ron murmured and pulled out his wand. Gohan looked away, knowing Ron was about to tell about his wand and his trip again, so he snuck a glance at Hermione. Hermione looked miserable.

Harry finally noticed Hermione's sudden mood change, so he pointed at her bags, "What's all that, Hermione?" Hermione warmed to the topic of the classes she was taking. Harry listened politely before asking her if she was planning on eating or sleeping any. Gohan giggled. Hermione glared at Harry.

Harry grinned back. Hermione blanched as if she remembered something and quickly looked away. Harry and Gohan sighed: Harry from exasperation and Gohan from sadness. Harry frowned. It was almost as if she was afraid to be mad at him.

Hermione fidgeted with her purse absently. "I think I've got ten galleons left. My…parents gave me some early birthday money. It's in September yet."

Ron hitched an innocent smile. "How about a nice book?"

"I don't think so. Maybe an owl. You and Harry both have owls-"

"Do not. Errol is the family owl. All I've got is Scabbers," he pulled out a rat. "And he doesn't look too good. I think I'm going to have him checked out. I don't think Egypt agreed with him."

Gohan frowned as he looked at the rat. He had seen Scabbers before but had never paid close attention. It was strange. All this time, Gohan had never noticed, but the rat seemed to have an unusually high power reading…well, for a rat anyways. The rat suddenly looked up at Gohan and gave a nervous squeak. Not wanting to make it feel uncomfortable and the sweet naïve Saiyan he was, Gohan quickly removed his stare.

...

Wanting to see a happy Hermione and because of Ron's peakish rat, all trudged to Magical Menagerie. While the others chatted with the store owner, Gohan quietly examined the other cages. He spotted something strange hiding in the back corner: a massive black dog. Upon being discovered, it growled.

Gohan scratched his own head and chuckled good naturedly. "Hi there!"

It perked its ears and cocked its head. Clearly, by the confused look it had, it wasn't accustomed to being welcomed by anyone. It approached warily. Gohan knelt and offered his hand. The dog sniffed the proffered hand and nudged it. The dog looked Gohan in the eyes. Gohan stared back. The dog's expression was haunted. He stared at Gohan hungrily. The boy misinterpreted the hungry look and reached into his pocket. The dog jumped back and growled, fearing betrayal. But its nose quivered as Gohan revealed his intention.

"Here," Gohan said as he laid his offering of food on the cloth he had wrapped it in. "You look like you need this more than I do." Turning away, he left the dog to the meal. He left the store in time to see Hermione holding a bandy, orange tom cat with a squashed-looking face.

Gohan blinked. The cat blinked. Gohan giggled. The cat scowled. Gohan shot it an apologetic look. It purred. Hermione scratched it behind its ears.

"Oh! He's so beautiful!" She gushed happily.

Ron snorted. "So, when's the engagement?"

Hermione glared. "Well, he'll certainly fit in with you Weasley lot!" She said as her eyes shifted to Ron's hair.

Ron's ears went pink. He returned her look with interest. "Just keep that bloody beast away from Scabbers!"

"He's a cat, Ron. It's in his nature!"

Ron laughed derisively. "He looks more like a pig with hair if you ask me!"

"Well, nobody asked you! Besides, that's especially rich, coming from the owner of that smelly old shoe brush!"

"Hey, Gohan," Harry said suddenly. "Don't look now, but a girl is staring at you." Gohan turned. "Gohan!" Harry reproached.

Harry had been right. In fact, her staring was very obvious. She was about Hermione's height with bright blue eyes and long raven hair that cascaded into two loose braids. She looked at him with a shocked, miserable expression before she hurried away.

Ron grinned. "Wow. Well, we finally did it. We found someone more completely mental than you, Hermione."

The old Hermione might have ignored the comment or rolled her eyes. But the girl before them bit her lip and strode away. Gohan sped after her and matched her stride.

"Nice going, Ron." Harry said and followed after. Ron reluctantly followed way, way behind.

...

As he followed behind, Harry frowned thoughtfully. Hermione had changed somewhat since the incident last year. She had acted strangely since she had been unPetrified. Moreover, her physical appearance had changed as well. She was tanned, leaner, and seemed to possess a light-weightedness as she walked. But Harry wasn't sure he liked the emotional changes in her. Occasionally, the old Hermione would peak through her brooding exterior. But not nearly enough.

As he fought to keep pace with their brisk walk, Harry began catching snippets of their conversation.

Gohan was saying, "-Layta roomees?"

What? What kind of language is that?

Hermione shook her head. "Parkulu nasta. Handu nublar cashachu."

Harry stared. What are they saying?

"Ohvanu corbi soostee. Rakali dos handu say?" Gohan said with a questioning inflection.

Hermione shook her head insistently. "Nasta! Rakali say horbis cashacha tay."

Gohan frowned in frustration. "Tay nasta? Rakali Harry parkay sa-"

"Nasta, Gohan! Mundo sisto mal tay nublar sos rakali kent!"

Harry frowned. The only thing he recognized was his name. He was beginning to think that Hermione hadn't been completely honest with him on what she had been doing over the summer. Something that Gohan knew and wasn't sharing. Harry shrugged, trying to dismiss his anger.

It wasn't really his business what Hermione and Gohan did over the summer. Maybe they were just becoming close. Still, Harry nursed a sore spot from the last time Gohan had kept secrets. But this secret wasn't dangerous like the other ones had been, was it? No, it was probably something silly. Maybe Hermione and Gohan were an item, or were seeking to be, at least. But as he recalled all of Hermione's recent moods, he couldn't help but to think that more was going on. Maybe Gohan was Hermione's confidant. Maybe she felt comfortable sharing with him what she couldn't say to Harry or Ron.

Hermione's growing discomfort around Harry bothered him. She appeared like she was trying to be friends with him, but something was blocking her previous openness. Harry sighed. He missed Hermione. He frowned deeper. Gohan was terrible at keeping secrets. If he wanted to, he could probably get Gohan to tell him he was bothering Hermione. But a tactic like that seemed like a betrayal of trust, Harry reasoned guiltily. He would wait patiently for Hermione to tell him, for the time being.

Gohan sighed deeply as he hopped the platform with his friends. Arriving later would ensure that the best cabins were already taken. Every single compartment was filled. The last one contained the staring girl from before and an older man who was sleeping behind a shabby cloak.

Hermione nodded at the girl. "Do you mind-" she whispered softly.

The girl jumped at the recognition of Gohan and reddened deeply. She nodded curtly before turning her head and becoming extremely fascinated with the landscape that was blurring outside the window.

"Wonder who that is," Ron mumbled, pointing at the softly snoring lump.

"Professor R. J. Lupin," Hermione said automatically.

Ron shook his head in exasperation. "Do you know everything?"

Gohan chuckled and pointed overhead. "It's on his suitcase, Ron. Heh heh, you're silly." The nameless girl turned and stared at the good-natured boy in astonishment. He defeated Cell? Him?

"Right," Ron mumbled.

Harry nodded. "I suppose we don't need to ask who will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year. I had hoped this would be a normal year, with Voldemort and Cell gone. I thought we'd actually get to learn something."

At the sound of the names, Ron, Hermione, and the girl across from Lupin winced. Lupin gave a loud, short snore. Gohan giggled at the man while Ron shot an exasperated look at Harry. Hermione stared at her toes in a sullen silence, and the girl stared at Gohan with increasing intensity.

Ron took notice of the girl's staring and snorted. Blushing, she turned away. Hermione, who had observed the last exchange, took charge. She introduced herself and the boys to her. "And what's your name?"

The girl bit her lip. "I'm…nobody."

Hermione scoffed. "Don't be silly. Of course you're somebody. Go on. Give us a name. We won't make fun."

"Yeah," Harry added. "It's not like you're Voldemort's daughter or anything."

This time, Gohan and Hermione flinched quite noticeably. Then, Hermione glared. "Who cares who her parents are, Harry? As long as her heart is good!"

Gohan nodded knowingly and firmly.

Harry's eyes narrowed. Hermione had had passionate opinions before, but it appeared to him that she seemed a bit defensive that time. He frowned in thought. Would Harry Potter be friends with a good person even if he knew that person was Voldemort's child? Harry wasn't sure, but he nodded. "You're right, Hermione. A person shouldn't be judged based on the actions of their parents."

Hermione softened, satisfied with his reply. She turned to address the girl again, but the girl resolutely turned away and refused to speak any more.

Harry pulled his friends toward the other corner and whispered ominously. Hermione and Ron crouched forward to listen, but because of Gohan's excellent hyper hearing, he sat back and listened. Apparently, Harry had overheard Ron's parents talking about Sirius Black, a mass murderer. According to Mr. Weasley, Sirius Black had been Voldemort's second in command. And for some reason, he was after Harry. Probably to kill him.

Gohan sighed loudly. "Can't we have a normal year?"

Harry frowned pointedly and looked over at the unknown girl in the cabin. Gohan's sudden outburst had gotten her attention, but she looked away once more. After silencing an annoying gadget in Harry's trunk, they began talking about the trips to Hogsmeade. Gohan looked away, disinterested. Once more, he noticed the girl staring at him. Blushing, she looked away. Golly, girls sure are strange, Gohan thought.

"What's this?" A sneering voice said as soon as the door slid open. "Is the Harry Potter fan club holding a special meeting? My, what fascinating members. We've got Potty, Weasel, Monkey Boy, Mudblood, and, ooh," Draco Malfoy said in a relishing voice, nodding at the girl in the corner, "You surprise me, Son. I would have thought you wouldn't get caught dead in the same compartment as her."

Gohan looked over at the stranger. She paled. Gohan shrugged. "Why would I have a problem with her? She seems okay to me."

"Hmph," He turned his attention to Ron and his family. Ron stood, shaking angrily.

Malfoy opened his mouth to retort but caught a glimpse of the man beneath the cloak. "Who's that?"

Harry stood, placing a hand on Ron's shoulder to placate his anger. "A new teacher. What were you going to say, Malfoy?"

Malfoy stared at the lump with a sneer. "Come on," he grumbled to his two cronies.

Ron cracked his knuckles and began ranting, but Gohan's ki sense suddenly shot cold chills up his spine. He shot toward the window in a flash. The girl in the seat squealed at his sudden appearance as Gohan's eyes became glued to something outside the train.

The train began to slow. Ron grumbled about his hunger.

Hermione gasped. "Gohan! What are those things?"

Gohan glared out the window. "I don't know, but I don't like them. Their energy is cold." His eyes followed them in the darkness. The train lurched to a halt.

Harry spoke. "Gohan, shouldn't we-"

Hermione interrupted. "No! Those things aren't coming aboard, are they?"

Gohan nodded soberly. Suddenly, the lamps went out.

"Ouch, Ron! That was my foot!"

Ron approached the window and rubbed the glass. "There's something moving out there. I think people-"

"Those aren't people," Hermione gasped fearfully. The compartment door slid open.

After a small commotion, it was established that Neville had entered the cabin. Hermione said she was going to check with the conductor and turned to leave when she was bowled over by someone.

"Who's that?"

"Who's that?"

"Ginny?"

"Hermione?"

"I was looking for Ron-"

"Well, come and have a seat-"

Harry interrupted quickly. "Not here! I'm here!"

"Ouch," Neville cried.

"Quiet!" a hoarse, manly voice said suddenly. The cabin became illuminated with some white flames that were held by Professor Lupin. "Stay where you are." He got to his feet.

The compartment door slid open. A cloaked figure stood in the doorway. Gohan panicked. He transformed into a Super Saiyan and formed a shield in the doorway. The shield began bending toward the creature and disappeared beneath its hood.

"Ahhhh!" Gohan screamed fearfully. "It ate my shield!" The being stretched out its hand. Gohan felt everything drain from him.

Suddenly, he was there again. Cell. Father. Him. "No-" His father grabbed Cell and transmitted him away from Earth.

"No, Daddy, don't go-"

He sensed his father's ki distort painfully as it was obliterated by Cell's explosion.

"DADDY! NOOOO! It's all my fault! I should have killed Cell immediately. It's my fault Father is dead!" Gohan wept bitterly and faded into the dark.

...

Gohan gasped and sat up, nearly colliding with someone's bushy head. "Gohan!" Hermione exclaimed. Are you alright?"

Gohan nodded. He sat up and looked around at everyone's faces. Everyone looked as though someone they had loved just died. "Did you see…my father?"

Hemione rolled her eyes. "I saw the box again. Saw flashes of it. We…sort of…heard you saying stuff, Gohan. Everyone, except Harry. He passed out." Harry glared at her.

Gohan sighed in relief. He was glad he wasn't the only one who had. He turned back to Hermione. "What kind of stuff?"

"Well, er, you shouldn't blame yourself about your father's death."

Gohan shook his head firmly. "It was my fault, Hermione. If I hadn't wanted to make Cell suffer for the pain that he caused, Daddy would still be alive. I messed up. Now I have to live with it."

Lupin stared. "So, you're Gohan Son."

Gohan sighed. "I wish everyone believed that Hercule defeated Cell. Not just Muggles. I'm no hero. I let my father die."

Hermione hugged him. "Gohan, stop being so hard on yourself. You were only a boy! Besides, that level of emotional trauma would unhinge even the soundest of adults."

Gohan scoffed impatiently. "What about your emotional trauma, Hermione? You've been suffering as much as I had. You haven't let anyone die. It's no excuse."

"Yet," she said softly. "I haven't let anyone down, yet. I have yet to face my Cell, Gohan."

Shooting Hermione a quizzical look, Lupin handed them all chocolate and left the compartment.

Harry also looked at Gohan and Hermione before asking questions about the events. Gohan learned that the creatures were called dementors, from which Lupin had saved them with some magical shield of some sort, and that although he and Harry were the only ones to pass out, everyone had been shook up. Neville shook, Hermione sat with her hand over her mouth, Ginny appeared on the verge of tears (who could blame her, especially after last year), and Ron was incredibly pale.

Lupin returned and asked Harry and Gohan if they were okay. Harry mumbled affirmative; Gohan grunted uncommitedly.