Note:

For at least a little bit of logic in this story, the year is 2014/15. Harry & Co. are in their final year and 17/18 years old.

The big showdown with Voldemort didn't happen or was resolved differently, in any case this isn't a post-war scenario, just a big pile of fluff.

English is not my native language so please feel free to correct any spelling or grammar mistakes (I got some help but still…) and let me know what you think about the story.

"Oh, well that's...great." Molly Weasley commented on the letter lying on the kitchen table in front of her and the rest of the family present at the moment. A few minutes ago, an owl from Hogwarts had arrived. The letters were for Ron and Ginny, but also for Harry and Hermione, who were spending the last few days of summer at the burrow - as they had done the two years before.

Molly forced a smile on her face, but Hermione knew her well enough to see the worry in it.

"I think it's fantastic," Arthur interjected. "I've always been fascinated by these things, they can do so much!"

Harry and Hermione looked at each other in amusement, while Ginny and Ron also made rather long faces.

Hermione unfolded her letter again to make sure she hadn't misunderstood.

Dear students,

After careful consideration, the Hogwarts School Board, in consultation with the Ministry of Magic, has decided to lift the ban on so-called mobile phones and smartphones as of the coming school year.

Students will be allowed to use the devices legally between the end of class and the beginning of quiet time with immediate effect.

If devices are used for illegal activities or during lessons, they will be confiscated and the parents or guardians will be notified.

Good reception in most of the castle and a free and stable wi-fi connection have already been provided.

Sincerely yours,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmaster

Hermione sighed softly. She could already guess why Molly wasn't as excited about the unexpected news as Arthur was.

"It's good for you guys, too, isn't it?" Harry's tone was also cautious and hesitant.

"Ginny and Ron can call you from time to time and you wouldn't have to wait for letters anymore."

Hermione cleared her throat.

"I still have two smartphones at home that work just fine and aren't being used anymore. I can ask my parents to send them to me."

Molly formed her mouth into a thin line.

"But why are they lying around unused if they work?" asked Arthur confused.

"Oh, they were contract phones, that is..." Hermione faltered. "Anyway, it's a bit complicated, my parents have different models now, but those two are still good, I promise. I'm sure Ron and Ginny can have them."

"But then we'll need one here if you want to call us," Molly interjected.

"I'm sure I've got one left at home," Harry replied immediately. "Dudley gets the latest model every Christmas, there's a bunch of electronics lying around that would be far too good to throw away."

Molly still didn't look convinced.

Hermione could guess that she was rather uncomfortable with the situation right now. She never wanted to accept 'alms', as she called it. However, she certainly didn't want her children to feel left out at school either.

On the latter, however, Hermione wasn't at all sure how that would look on the ever-approaching first day of school.

On the one hand, she couldn't imagine that Draco's parents, for example, had a thing for Muggle technology, or would even take it seriously. On the other hand, it was also possible that they of all people would immediately get the latest and most expensive model so that their prince wouldn't be left out.

Molly and Arthur continued to discuss the subject all evening, while the younger generation discreetly retreated to Ron's room.

Hermione immediately had to answer all sorts of questions about smartphones for the two siblings and demonstrate various functions using her own phone. She didn't have reception here, but the basic principle seemed to make sense to the two of them.

"Why do you even have that with you?" asked Harry. "I left mine at home - oh boy, great, now I have to ask Petunia to send it to me."

"For emergencies, my parents insist," Hermione replied. "I'm sure they'll be happy I can call them now. But..." Hermione smirked and looked at Harry with raised eyebrows.

"A school full of people from the wizarding world who've never been online and suddenly have unlimited access to the internet - that can only end in chaos."

"Why?" asked Ginny. "Is it that dangerous? Just don't tell our parents, or Mum will have a nervous breakdown."

"No," Harry said reassuring.

"Well..." Hermione received an elbow from him to her ribs.

"No, it'll be fine."

"I'll be happy to take bets on who will be the first to send money to a Nigerian prince," Hermione scoffed, looking at one amused and two perplexed faces.

"They'd have to have online banking first," Harry waved it off, but he too seemed to be playing out some funny scenarios in his mind for a moment.

This year would certainly be interesting...