Thank you to anyone who's reading and to those who reviewed!
This chapter might seem like it's a little rushed and the writing might be awkward, but I didn't really know how to write this scene, so I'm sorry. And if you thought Hermione was out of character, just wait for this Professor McGonagall haha.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any writing you recognize from the books, J.K Rowling does.
CHAPTER TWO
A VERY STRICT VISITOR
That evening they sat around the dinner table, chatting quietly away as they waited for the meal to be ready. Her mother had just shared her day at work, mentioning about a woman named Carol Lee who came in with the yellowish teeth she had ever seen. ("It was quite a sight," said her mother, shaking her head.) Hermione's father just laughed, ("You should have seen my teeth as a child after Halloween. Anyway..."), before telling about his day.
"...And then he bit me!" finished her father exasperatedly, throwing his hands up in the air dramatically. "He actually bit me! You would never think something like that would hurt so much, but let me tell you, it did. Had to get stitches from a friend."
"Well," started her mother, "things like that happen. Those little kids can be quite a handful. It reminds me of that time last year, do you remember that?"
"You mean the one with that girl Diana or something, right?"
"Exactly!"
They continued their conversation for a while until her mother finally looked in Hermione's direction. "Hermione dear, you've been oddly quiet. Is everything all right? Did you get your quiz back?"
"Oho!" laughed her father. "I reckon she aced that no problem."
Despite what she was feeling earlier, Hermione couldn't help but smile. "I believe it was the highest in the class."
"Oh, honey!"
"One-hundred and five percent."
"You'll do good on the tests then," nodded her mother.
Hermione nodded too. "I already started studying, just to make sure." She was back to feeling like her old self. Getting excited over tests was just the thing she'd do. "I never once failed a test before, so I'm hoping this won't be the first time. I already rewrote my notes just to help myself memorize it!"
"That's wonderful," said her mother standing up. "Hold on, the chicken's ready. David, can you get the bowl of peas?"
"Eh? Oh, yeah, sure."
Silence fell as they all settled down to eat, and Hermione patiently dug into her potatoes. Despite the calm atmosphere, she felt rather unsettled. Throughout dinner she found herself looking around, leaning sideways so that she was angled toward the door. Was she imagining things, or did she hear a muffled sound? She glanced in her parents direction, both whom were tucking merrily away into the chicken. Should I tell them? she wondered.
She continued chewing, but it soon felt like she was eating chalk. She had an odd feeling in the pit of her stomach; just like how she would feel before or after a test. The anticipation. Something was wrong, she knew, but she didn't know what. That was the question- what? And why was she so nervous? She opened her mouth to talk, but just as quickly closed it. She leaned farther off her chair.
"Er, sweetie, everything okay...?" asked her father. "Uh, Jane, what's Hermione doing?"
"Nothing!" said Hermione quickly. "I just thought I heard something, that's all. Don't worry."
"What-?" started her mother, but all of a sudden there was a loud, sharp sound at the door. Hermione's fingers tingled at the noise and ice seemed to slide down her back. It was like nails on a chalkboard. She and her parents winced.
Her father stood silently and stepped toward the door, opening it a crack. "Hello?" he called uncertainly. "Hello? Anyone there? Hello...? Oh! Oh, it's just a cat, poor thing looks lost. Jane, come here, see if there's any collar or something..."
They all crowded around, but just as her mother reached for the tabby cat, it reared back and meowed loudly.
That's when something strange happened.
Hermione couldn't believe her eyes at first, she thought she might faint of shock. But there, now standing in front of her, was a stern looking woman with black hair pulled up in a tight bun and an odd looking emerald cloak. She didn't know how it happened, but she had watched as the cat grew and grew, the fur disappearing slowly, and the paws turning into hands. Real human hands.
But this person couldn't possibly be human.
What just happened?
Her mouth continued to hang open, and she quickly shut it. Her mother was gaping like a fish out of water, and her father's face was as pale as ice. No words could be described for the scene they had just witnessed. Hermione's brain was on over-drive, a million different conclusions running through her head.
"Hello," said the woman briskly, stepping forward into the house and closing the door behind her with a snap. "I apologize, I know this must've come as a huge shock. I thought perhaps a little persuasion would be needed to help convince you, and I knew this would suffice. Now, hopefully there will be less doubt when I tell you."
"W-what?" gasped Hermione's mother, pulling her family away from the strange woman. "Pardon me, but who are you exactly?"
"Ah, well," the woman breathed deeply through her nostrils as she prepared for what looked like a speech. "My name is Minerva McGonagall, deputy headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I teach the post Transfiguration. Before you say anything, I'm going to cut to the point. Your daughter, Miss Hermione Jean Granger, is accepted to come learn at the school of magic. I decided to do this in person then explain in a letter, and I understand if you need time to adjust to what you've heard. But you, Miss Granger, are indeed magical."
Hermione could only think of what she had thought some moments ago.
What just happened?
"She's... magical...?" Her stunned mother blinked several times. "Letter? I think I remember something..."
"There was an acceptance letter that was sent beforehand, but it seems that it was ignored, yes?"
Her mother stared blankly. "Yes? I mean, there was one yesterday but I-it seemed too odd, but then I saw another one this morning and..." She shook her head. "I asked Hermione to throw it away. What- what is going on?"
"I know this comes as a shock-"
"A shock?" Her father suddenly laughed, shaking his head. "Listen, ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to leave at once. I don't understand what kind of joke this is, or what you're playing at, but I need you to please get out."
Was it Hermione's imagination, or did she see the woman's nostrils get larger?
"I'm certainly not going anywhere, and I'd think you'd have more sense as to consider what I was saying after you saw me transform before your eyes!" The woman frowned. "Now, I don't mean to lose my temper but..."
"I believe you."
Hermione would never have thought her mother would say those words if she didn't see her mouth move. She felt like she was in a dream; she probably just fell asleep while doing her homework. Yes, that seemed reasonable enough. It was the only explanation, anyway.
The woman fixed her eyes beadily over Hermione's mother.
"I believe you," she repeated. "I do. I always thought there was something like this- this magic! And it explains so much, so many strange, mysterious things that happen around here... It's Hermione that does it, isn't it? Because you said, you said that she... that she, well..."
"Yes, Mrs. Granger, Hermione is indeed a witch."
"Oh come on!" said her father, his voice raising slightly. "Jane, listen to yourself! Magic? Preposterous if you ask me."
"And, pray tell me, why?" sniffed the woman.
"Because it just can't be real! Everyone knows that. And Hermione being a-a witch? Excuse me in saying, but that's insulting! What, is she going to turn green and grow some warts now, huh?"
"You muggles," sighed the woman, as if she heard it all before. "Can't even believe something before your eyes."
"Listen," interrupted Hermione's mother, "this is all going so fast... too fast. I'd be pleased if you can explain..."
"Right," said the woman. "As I have previously stated, I am Professor McGonagall, and I teach at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Now, before I dwell on information, I have another letter for Miss Granger... here." She took out a thick envelope from inside her coat and handed it delicately over to Hermione. She could only just stare at it. It had her address and everything on it, even the room she was in. Her head felt dizzy, like how she felt whenever her head submerged underwater and she had to hold her breath.
In disbelief, she shook the letter open and read;
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Miss. Granger,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September first. We wait your owl by no later than July thirty-first.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"There's more," explained Professor McGonagall, pointing to another piece of parchment. "That's the list of required items you will need shall you be going."
Hermione didn't say anything. She pulled out the second parchment.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winder cloak (back, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The standard book of spells (Grade 1)by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Draughts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beats and Where to Find them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
"I'm not quite sure what to think," said Hermione honestly after reading it.
"There's no question about it," said Professor McGonagall firmly. "How else am I able to turn into a cat?"
"Well..." Hermione hesitated. She did see this woman transform, she saw it with her own two eyes. But it didn't make sense! She had never once considered magic being real- it was just an unspoken agreement around the world that it was a load of tosh. "I- this- this is all insane, I'm sorry. I don't understand how this could be... plausible. Maybe it's a trick or something- like a magician!"
A crease appeared between Professor McGonagall's eyebrows.
"I'm not saying I don't believe you," said Hermione quickly. "But, if it's true, how come I'm one? How can I possibly be a- a witch?"
"May I take a seat?" asked Professor McGonagall, but she had already took one before anyone could say anything. "Now, some children are born into families with no magical abilities at all-" she held up a hand for quiet as Hermione's father opened his mouth. "Please, let me talk, then I can answer anything you wish to ask. Now, as I was saying, the term is 'muggleborn'. There are also other terms for those who have both magical parents, or only one, but I won't get into that just yet."
Her father couldn't help himself. "But what is that word 'muggle'. You said it before, right?"
"Indeed, I did. In case it wasn't obvious, 'muggle' is a term we use as to identify non-magical humans."
"I just don't get it."
"No," said the Professor McGonagall sternly. "I can see you choose not too."
There was a heavy silence.
"So, this Hogwarts," said her mother in a breathy voice. "This school. They teach magic there, then?"
"Yes."
"And is it like a, uh, regular school...?"
"Not quite," answered Professor McGonagall, an eyebrow raised. "It is a school for magic, not muggle learning. If Miss Granger were to go, she will start term on September first, and stay the school year in the dormitory for which house she would be determined in."
Her father scratched his head. He was looking unsure. "House?"
Professor McGonagall's other eyebrow raised. "Certainly. There are four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Though, it's not up to me for which one she'll go in. We have a sorting at the start of term feast."
"I don't understand this."
"Understandable."
Silence stretched again. Professor McGonagall stood up. "Now, before I add anymore, will Miss Granger be attending or not?"
"I don't think so-"
"I believe she will-"
"I am."
They all turned to look at her. Hermione straightened. "I want to go. If it's real, that is, but I don't know if I really doubt it anymore... I mean, of course this is the absolute craziest thing that's happened, but after everything..." She took a breath. "Mum? Dad? Can I please go?"
Her father shuffled his feet. "Well, sweetie-"
"Listen, I know it's all hard to believe. I didn't want to believe it. But, I always sort of knew that- that I was different, don't you understand? You know it too. Magic, if it's real, would explain everything! This will be the first time I won't be an... outsider. I guess, maybe that's why I never fitted in. Everyone always thought I was a, well, a freak!"
Her mother had tears in her eyes. "Oh, Hermione... You never said anything."
"I didn't have to, you already knew."
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "I don't mean to interrupt. However, in this pouch is, in which we call, galleons. It is Wizarding money. We do not accept muggle money, and you will need these to get your belongings. Though, you can also transfer your money into wizarding money, too. Will I need to accompany you, or do you wish to go yourselves? If so, I can give you a map."
Hermione frowned. "Wait, where?"
"To Diagon Alley. It's a place filled with shops- you will find everything on your list efficiently, I expect. But right now, I must be heading off, you aren't the only ones I'm doing today."
"So that's just it, is it?" demanded her father. "You come in here and tell us our daughter is a witch or something, and then you're telling us to go to some place diagonally after you go off?"
Her mother shot a glare at him. "David," she warned, "please calm yourself."
"I can't believe you're so ready to accept this nonsense!"
"How much more do you want? She's explained enough."
"Not for me! How is this enough? There's hardly any answers-"
"That's why she's here-"
"Oh, honestly!" Hermione shook her head. "Mum, dad, stop. I want to go!" She turned to look at Professor McGonagall. "Where was this map thing?"
"Check inside your letter, Miss Granger. That reminds me." Professor McGonagall pulled something out of her pocket. "You will be needing your ticket to aboard the Hogwarts Express. It's on Platform nine-and-three quarters. Now before you pester me Mr. Granger, I will tell you how to get onto the platform. Remember this; all you have to do is go straight into the wall between platforms nine and ten. You will know when you get there.
But really, I must be going now. I have a schedule, you know."
She headed toward the door, but before she reached it she looked back.
"Goodbye, Miss Granger." She gave a small smile. "I hope to be seeing you in my class."
Then she was gone.
Hermione slowly sunk to the floor, her brain fuzzy and her hands shaking. She was slightly stunned, but yet happiness was spreading through her like a warm glow of a candle. It slowly turned like a wild-fire until every inch of her felt like she had just slipped into a hot bath. Everything seemed much more peaceful, much more beautiful. Her eyes found her parents.
Her mother had a hand on her heart, and her brown eyes were still locked on the closed door. She looked as shock as she felt. Light hair fell limply in front of her face, and next to her was her father, who just stood there, his face holding an odd expression. Only one thing was moving, and it was his mouth, which was opening and closing soundlessly.
She turned and looked at her hands. Magic? She still felt like she couldn't understand. What did Professor McGonagall mean by her having magic? Are spells going to shoot out of her hands? Will she really look like a green hag, like her father said before? Her palms jumped to her face. To her relief, it still felt normal. Hermione shook her head. Everything went by too fast. Weren't they just having dinner moments ago? How come it seemed like its been hours since then?
Though, one thing she knew, she really wanted to go. A school for magic! She could go there and learn about everything, and she could meet friends who are just like her. She could finally belong somewhere. She wouldn't have to see Lin and her buddies anymore- they would never tease her again. And in the end, it'd be her, Hermione Granger, who was the last one laughing.
Unless Lin was somehow a witch too. Hermione nearly shuddered at the thought, even though she doubted it. It wouldn't be possible. Well, a lot of things that seemed impossible only an hour ago, now seemed... different. Really different. Hermione didn't think she could look at things the same anymore, especially cats.
"You want to go, then?"
Hermione looked up, surprised to see her father looking directly into her eyes. She nodded.
"Then, I suppose we should go to this place diagonally?"
"Diagon Ally, Dad."
"Isn't that what I just said?"
She couldn't help but smile.
I hope you liked it!