Trying to avoid eye contact, Hermione pushed her eyes down to her hot chocolate and took a sip, wincing as it burnt her tongue. She didn't know how skilled Professor Sprout was in occlumency. Unless she was just being overly paranoid, as she had the past few days, drawing an imaginary wand when her father tapped her on the shoulder, much to his confusion. Even if Professor Sprout did know legilimency, it was highly unlikely she would use it on a muggleborn student about to start Hogwarts, there was no need for one thing.
"So, where are your parents?" asked Professor Sprout. This was after all very big news she would be telling the girl, it would be better if the parents were there, however, she had a very tight schedule to keep, and they might have to miss it.
"Oh, they're out at work," replied Hermione. "They are dentists."
"How interesting," said Professor Sprout, honestly as she had never encountered dentists in the wizarding world.
"Well, what's this school like that you work at?" asked Hermione, trying to act normally.
"It's not like any normal school. It's a magic school," replied Professor Sprout.
A look of shock was instantly painted upon Hermione's face, she even dropped her cup for good measure, even if she did think it was a waste of perfectly nice hot chocolate.
"Are you okay?" asked Professor Sprout, giving Hermione a comforting pat on the arm.
"I'm sure I'll be okay, it was just the shock," answered Hermione. "I can't believe it though, how do I know you're telling the truth?"
"I can show you, if you would like," offered Professor Sprout.
"Oh, yes, that would be great!" grinned Hermione, it truly would be great to see magic for the 'first' time again.
Without a further word, Professor Sprout took a long wooden stick from her handbag and pointed it at the cup Hermione and dropped earlier.
"Reparo,"
The cups shattered pieces instantly flew up into the air and slotted back into place, making the cup look like it had never been broken at all. On closer inspection, Hermione realized that the chip in the handle which had been there for years had also been fixed, and was no longer visible.
"Wow," she said, feeling a sudden surge of happiness.
"Indeed," smiled Sprout. "Is that enough 'proof' for you?"
"Of course," replied Hermione. "So, what is this school like?"
"Well," started Professor Sprout. "First of all, it's a boarding school with three terms. Holidays are for three weeks at Easter and Christmas, and for two months in the summer. You learn to control and use your magic in seven different areas to begin with. There's Transfiguration, Charms, Herbology which is my subject, Astronomy, Potions, History of Magic and Defence Against the Dark Arts. In your third year, you will then go on to pick two more electives to go alongside the lessons you are already taking from lessons such as Ancient Runes and Divination. Then, in your fifth year you will sit your OWL tests, depending on what scores you receive in those, you pick a few subjects to take at NEWT level. Are you following me so far?"
"Yes," replied Hermione. "It all sounds rather interesting, I can't wait to read up on everything."
Professor Sprout smiled, here was a definite Ravenclaw to her mind.
"There are lots of other things you'll need to know as well. You need to be at Kings Cross train station in London on the first of September by 11am, when the train leaves. Now, this is very important; the Hogwarts Express leaves from Platform 9 and ¾, there is a barrier you must cross to get into it, and it is direct between-" Professor Sprout paused as she heard the unremarkable ding dong of the doorbell.
"That's the door," pointed out Hermione, rising. "I'll be back in a second."
Walking through to the hallway, she pulled the door open and was shocked to find two policeman standing there…