Author Notes: Thanks to all the readers and reviewers. Answers/replies to questions and comments are/will be posted at www fanfiction net/topic/135718/89507238/1/

Update 14 July: Many thanks to Aletheya for proofreading this chapter.

Update 17 September: Hermione's mum is Emma Granger and will no longer be changing names between chapters.

Chapter 4 - Hermione

The next few weeks of summer passed too quickly for Harry's liking. He had been looking forward to going to Hogwarts for so long, he was surprised to find himself now wishing he had more time to prepare. There was so much to learn and Tom had all but forbid him to just sit indoors and read.

'You must exercise more, Harry. The rituals I used to improve my physical strength and reflexes are either dark or unattainable to you at the present time. You certainly don't want to end up looking like Dudley, do you?'

It was that last thought that had Harry putting time each morning into jogging and shadow boxing. He also added in stretches and a few aerobic activities between study sessions. A few mental exercises and some muscle healing spells allowed him to push himself pretty hard.

'Most wizards depend on their magic to keep their body healthy and, for most, that's enough. Even an elderly wizard can move like the lightning if they have a strong connection to their magic. However, even those reflexes can be improved by physical conditioning, which is why Aurors have to undertake physical training.'

"But you didn't do that, did you, Tom?"

'No. Initially I depended purely on magical power and later, as Lord Voldemort, dark rituals were used to steal the physical strength of victims, which he shared with the Death Eaters. However, I don't suggest that avenue for you.'

"Hell no. I'll do my exercises."

'Humm.. That reminds me, I think we need to work on your swearing. I might be providing less than a perfect role example.'

He told Hermione in one of his letters that he was exercising and was pleasantly surprised, when for his birthday, she sent him a pair of rather good self help fitness books along with a box of absolutely delicious cookies. The exercises within the books alleviated much of the boredom of his previous program. With Tom's advice, he recommended her a couple of books on Occlumency, toting their benefit to memory and mental agility rather than its defence against Legilimency. That and his introducing the world of owl ordering to her, was surely met with squeals of delight if the tone of her 'thank you, thank you, thank you' letter was any indication.

However his favourite letter from Hermione was the third one she sent.

Dear Harry,

Thank you again for telling me about those books. I read all the introductory chapters and started on the exercises. It's hard work, but it's going to be so useful. I have completed the first three exercises, but I'm having a lot of problems on the fourth. Do you think I should choose a different object to visualise than a book? It was one of the examples, but everytime I do the exercise I find myself trying to see what the title of the book is.

I want to tell you something strange that I remembered last night. When Professor McGonagall picked me up she told me that it was customary for all muggleborn students and their families to be introduced to the wizarding world and escorted to Diagon Alley by either the Deputy Headmaster/Headmistress or one of the House leaders. However, Hagrid told us that he was the Keeper of the Keys and Grounds. I know it's an important position since according to a History of Hogwarts he's one of the few that can open up the wards to allow magical creatures and races access to Hogwarts. But he's not a House leader nor even a professor. Do you think that was strange? He was nice but I'm not sure he was responsible enough to be given such a task. What do you think?

Also, do you have any idea when his birthday might be? I want to buy him something to say thank you for Athene.

Please don't be offended, but I have another thing I really want to ask you. I just got up to Chapter 33 of Modern Magical History and there is a large write up on 'You-Know-Who'. You called him Voldemort and you were right, they don't even write down his name anywhere - that seems so weird. I mean in normal History books they still write down Hitler when they mention him. So in the chapter that discussed your role in what happened it doesn't sound like you at all. I checked up on the author and she's supposed to be very well respected but I just don't know now. If you don't want to answer I'll understand, but I'm just so confused. This book is supposed to be non-fiction. I remember you saying something about asking you rather than just thinking I knew, so please let me know what you think about it.

Did you know that Albus Dumbledore was also in Gryffindor? I just read that (I hope it's true). If so, it really is the House of those that do things! I want to be in that House more than ever now. Do you think it's worth starting a campaign to promote authors fact checking their work now, or should I wait till after I start school?

Anyhow, my alarm clock is ringing, which means it's time to practice my meditation again. It says to rest at least four hours between doing the exercises so I've been timing my breaks.

Your friend,
Hermione Granger

Even Tom had been rather impressed by her perceptiveness. Though not all his observations were so positive.

'Let's play spot the bookworm. Chapter 33 of Modern Magical History? I don't recall that being one of the course books.'

"Hey, be nice. We also bought that book!"

'Indeed but I haven't seen you reading it cover to cover.'

"She's just trying to catch up."

'Relax, Harry. I'm only making an observation, I'm not trying to put your girlfriend down.'

"She's not my... damn you, Tom. Stop trying to distract me. Let me find that chapter."

'I'm guessing you aren't going to like it.'

Tom was right. Harry certainly wasn't happy and both of them wondered just what kind of reception he was going to get when September 1st arrived.

-my-friend-tom-

Towards the end of August, Harry and Hermione managed to arrange a picnic for themselves and Hermione's parents. The hardest part was convincing her parents that he would be fine travelling alone on the train to meet up with them. He finally had to convince Petunia to call them up and assure them that she was fine with it, that Harry often travelled by himself and was perfectly capable of looking after himself. Harry made an especially impressive and tasty dinner that night to thank her - he didn't mention the use of a little bit of magic to give the food that extra special kick.

Harry was already waiting at the station when the Grangers pulled up. Hermione hopped out of the car and waved Harry over, whilst her father kept the car idling.

"Hello, Harry. Come on, we are not meant to be parking here."

"Hi Hermione, Dr Granger and Mrs Granger." Harry thought it a little strange calling only Hermione's father Doctor, but Hermione had explained it had something to do with his education. Her father had already had a few issues with getting proper respect for his profession and had been less than impressed with Professor McGonagall who had nodded politely at the explanation given to her by Hermione and then immediately ignored it. It seemed she, like most wizards, cared little for getting muggle titles correct.

Dr Granger quirked a quick smile, "Good morning, Harry. You are not in my surgery, so please just call me Dan."

"And just Emma for me. Was the train ride okay?"

"Yes, it was fine. It's much less crowded on the weekends, thankfully, so no one stood on my foot." Harry had actually only caught the train a few times and he had only travelled during the day, but he wanted to give the impression that Petunia hadn't lied for him. Tom had assured him that his wandless curses were easily strong enough to protect himself from any muggle problems.

"Good, good. Well it's only a short way to the park so buckle up and we will be on our way."

As they started moving, Hermione started relating in rapid fire sentences her activities of the last week and her observations on the various books she had read. Harry was pleased to find himself occasionally being asked his opinion on many of the things she had read and, with Tom's help on the answers, thought he managed to come out sounding like he actually wasn't a total dunderhead.

'If I had ears they would be ringing by now. Not sure how you are coping.'

"Shush you. She's just excited to have someone to chat with."

'Someone? I get the feeling she thinks of you as more than just someone.'

"Shush..."

Tom cut him off 'Did she just say Malfoy?'

"I'm sorry Hermione, who did you just mention, Malfoy?"

"Mr Lucius Malfoy. He's one of the school governors. I was saying that he led the vote to reduce the Hogwarts library budget. Can you believe that? Why would someone do that? Education is important and books are essential to that."

'How is he not in Azkaban?'

"What do you mean?"

'Well.. actually maybe you should pay attention to your friend. We will discuss it later. I'm sorry for distracting you.'

Harry tried to get back into the conversation, "Umm... yeah. Maybe he didn't think they had enough money?"

Hermione shrugged, unconvinced, "Then the ministry should be subsidising them. Cuts to education end up costing so much more in the long run. Everyone should know that. Well... at least those in education and government. I wonder if they have petitions in the magical world. Do you know, Harry?"

By the time they got to the park, Harry was feeling exhausted and was very happy when Hermione went along with his suggestion to go feed the ducks and to remain quiet whilst they did so, so as not to startle them. Hermione was nice and very intelligent, but though he hated to admit Tom was right about it, did go on a bit. He was expecting a snide comment from Tom after that quick thought, but Tom seemed preoccupied with his own thoughts. Harry wondered a bit about that. Tom could hear most of Harry's thoughts but Harry could only hear what Tom 'said'. He made a mental note to ask Tom about that later.

After feeding the ducks, the two of them went walking along the cobbled path that led around the small lake. Whilst climbing up some large rocks to check out the view, Harry reached out a hand and helped Hermione up. They remained holding hands for a few more minutes until Emma called them back for lunch. After racing back, they sat next to each other as they ate their sandwiches. Harry never noticed that Hermione's eyes were occasionally flicking between her hands and Harry's. He did however notice she was a little quieter after lunch as they lay in the sun and browsed through a book on birds together.

"Hey, this is Athene. Do you know about anything about our owls, Harry? They must be magical as they knew where to fly without ever being there. Can all owls do that?"

Harry smiled, "I guess it's just like wizards and muggles. Some Owls already have the ability and they are trained. Though from what I understand it's pretty simple and quick training. I'm not sure but Hedwig seems extra smart. I'm positive she understands so much more than just who to take a letter to.

Hermione laughed lightly, "I agree. I saw Hedwig trying to teach Athene how to undo the latches on her cage the other day. When she saw me watching her I could swear she looked a little guilty. I'm not sure if she tried again later but if so it didn't work. Athene is lovely but she's nowhere near as smart as Hedwig."

Harry smiled, "I bet if you said that near Hedwig she would puff up proudly before pecking you for speaking poorly of her friend."

"I wouldn't bet against you on that. Humm, do you think she could be a familiar?"

Harry considered that for a moment, "I'm not sure. Maybe she's just naturally very smart. I should ask her."

Both children laughed and agreed that'd be probably the easiest way to find out.

Harry and Hermione spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the park, with Harry spending the greater part of that time giving Hermione lessons in latin. She had been surprised and impressed when he explained the meanings of the scientific names on the little signs scattered amongst the plants. Harry decided she made a very good student and she promised to order a few books on latin so she could continue to study.

Whilst she knew no greek, it turned out her french was much better than Harry's and on the way to the restaurant for dinner they tried chatting in french. They might not have had much of a conversation, but they had a lot of fun and both were in a very good mood when Hermione grabbed Harry's hand and dragged him into the italian restaurant. She had tried to convince her parents to take them to a french restaurant but the booking had already been made, so they promised to take them another time.

Hermione's parents continued their own conversation as Harry and Hermione chatted about anything and everything they could think of. Harry had had friends for a few years now, but his conversations with them were alway a little stilted because he had to be careful about exactly what he said. With Hermione he could chat about nearly anything and not worry; Tom's presence being the one truly forbidden subject.

It wasn't till the end of meal that he became concerned when he realised he hadn't heard Tom's voice all afternoon.

"Tom, are you there? Is everything okay?"

'Yes Harry. I am still here. I have just been thinking about Malfoy and what that might mean. I think we need to do some more research.'

"More reading?"

'I'm afraid so. But I have a feeling it may be important.'

"Okay."

'Thank you, Harry. I hope you have had an enjoyable day. Hermione is returning to the table, I will leave you be to enjoy your time with her.'

"Eh.. thanks."

Dessert was also very enjoyable, especially for Harry, who hadn't experienced anything similar before. He decided he needed to pick up some dessert cookbooks.

As dinner went later than expected, Daniel Granger insisted on driving Harry home, even though it was around forty minutes out of their way. Harry's objections were ignored and Hermione decided they were going to continue to practice French on the way there. However, ten minutes later both of them were asleep in the back seat.

A rather disheveled Harry waved goodbye at number four.

"Thank you so much, this was the best day ever."

"Take care, Harry, hope we can do it again before school starts."

When he made it to his bed he mumbled, "So what was that about Malfoy?"

'Lucius Malfoy was one of Voldemort's Inner Circle Death Eaters and an up-and-coming political figure. I am very surprised that he is not rotting in Azkaban. To me, it indicates that either the Death Eaters are now in power, there is another dark lord active or that the current government is corrupt. There is no way that a single dose of Veritaserum wouldn't have had all the Inner Circle members given life sentences.'

Harry yawned and switched to thinking his words, "Ohh.. so that's real bad, isn't it?"

'It's looking that way. I was thinking that it was likely the ministry's red tape that caused you to end up here, but if there are Death Eaters holding political power, that now seems less likely. Unless I've sorely misjudged Dumbledore, it's unlikely he would subject you to such living conditions. But that leaves me no idea who is responsible and I don't like that. I suggest we continue as we are and just keep a watchful eye out to learn what is really going on.'

"More reading and then wait and see?"

'I'm afraid so.'