Outside, a steely blue sky greeted a small girl as she left her house through the back door. Hermione Granger was playing on the swing in her back garden. She swung to dangerous heights before leaving the seat of the swing to land as softly as if she had stepped off a pavement.

Only two days ago it had been Hermione's ninth birthday. She was late to say she had exhibited magical abilities just recently. The dangerous feat on the swing was a sign.

Hermione had no idea in less than three years to this day she would be starting a great feast in the Hogwarts Hall.