Hermione worked all through the night until around six when Mr. Weasley, Charlie, and Bill came down for breakfast. She decided to get ready for the trial. She put on her second Sunday outfit which was a white skirt and blazer with a blue top. England was in a heat wave and a drought so she was glad to have kept some of her lighter attire. While she did her makeup to hide the bags under her eyes, Cedric helped style her hair so the shaved part was covered.
"Good morning, Hermione," said Mr. Weasley. "Cedric. I forgot you two were coming in last night."
"Yeah, we came in around midnight," said Cedric. "Bill told us about Harry's trial."
Mrs. Weasley looked up from the pan of eggs she was scrambling.
"Did you get in that late, Bill?"
"Yeah, Mum," said Bill.
"I don't know if I like these late hours you've been staying out."
Hermione looked up from her papers and raised an eyebrow. Bill was, what, twenty-eight? He didn't need to be smothered.
"It's a good thing he was," she said. "Or I never would have found out about Harry's hearing."
Harry entered the kitchen.
"Is that what you're wearing?" Hermione asked.
Harry looked down at his grey t-shirt and jeans.
"What's wrong with it?"
"Everything," she said and put the papers away in her accordion file folder. She gave it to Cedric. "Guard this with your life."
"Yes, my love," he said and gave her the potion he used to straighten her hair.
She grabbed Harry by the wrist and dragged him upstairs.
"Where's your room?" she asked.
"Second floor," he said.
Hermione practically kicked the door in, scaring Ron.
"Bloody hell!" he shouted, sitting upright and holding his blanket to his chest.
The room was a mess with clothes and food wrappers littering the floor and owl droppings on the dresser where Hedwig and Pigwidgeon perched. Hermione wrinkled her nose at the funky smell and flung open the closet door.
"Please tell me you have something decent," she said.
"Er, yeah," said Harry. "Roger and Beatrice sent me a suit for my birthday. They want to take us to see Phantom of the Opera before we go back to school."
Hermione found the champagne colored suit and held it out.
"Perfect," she said. "Put on the trousers, the shirt, and the jacket. We don't need the tie. When you're done, I'm putting this in your hair. Hop to it!"
Once Harry was dressed properly and his hair was combed into organized chaos, it was nearly time to leave. Mr. Weasley would be taking them to the visitor's entrance since Sirius got summoned for an emergency Wizengamot meeting, which he had a seat on. Hermione and Harry had to help Mr. Weasley with the muggle money to buy their underground fare. The way he acted was exactly how Harry and Hermione thought he would causing them both to smile, even under the circumstances.
"I've never been through the visitor's entrance," said Mr. Weasley.
The three of them crammed into a phone booth. Mr. Weasley punched in a few numbers onto the dial.
"Ministry of Magic, please state your names and purpose for visiting," the disembodied voice of a woman asked.
"Hermione Granger and Harry Potter for a hearing summons," said Mr. Weasley.
"One moment please. Upon arrival, please bring your wands to the security desk."
The cup where spare change usually lands spat out two badges. Hermione clipped hers to her blouse and tried to ignore the claustrophobia setting in.
Like an elevator, they slowly sank into the ground, to the Ministry of Magic.
Hermione had never seen any place like it.
The corridor they walked along had dozens of fireplaces made of black stone on either side where witches and wizards were strolling in and out in spurts of green fire. When they reached the atrium, it was almost like its own city with office buildings stretching high as the eye could see.
In the center of the atrium was a gold fountain with a valiant looking wizard, a winsome witch, a centaur, and a house-elf. Hermione immediately didn't like that. It obviously played that wizards and witches were the most superior judging by the way the magical beings were looking at the couple in awe.
A small plaque read: All fountain proceeds go to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magic Maladies .
Well, at least it all went to a good cause.
"Come," said Mr. Weasley after Harry and Hermione had their wands checked in at the security desk. "I'll show you my office."
He led them to a series of elevators. Hermione knew these wouldn't be normal elevators, so she steadied her stance and centered her core. When the elevator shot up and out, Harry fell and grabbed hold onto one of the straps on the ceiling. Paper airplanes hung suspended coming and leaving each time the doors opened.
"We used to use owls," said Mr. Weasley. "The mess was unbelievable."
They exited out into the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department floor. Hermione opened up her file while Harry poked around Mr. Weasley's desk.
"Arthur."
Hermione and Harry looked to see a tall, black man pop his head into the office to whisper something to Mr. Weasley.
"That's Kingsley Shacklebolt," Harry whispered. "Part of the Order."
"Oh, dear," said Mr. Weasley to them. "The trial has been changed."
"To when?"
"Now."
"Oh, no they didn't," said Hermione, following Mr. Weasley and Kingsley. "There's got to be some rule about that. I can't even reschedule an appointment for the dentist without a week's notice and she's my mother!"
Hermione raged the entire time to the hearing, not realizing where they were heading until they had stepped out of the lift.
"Wait…" she said, taking in the onyx black tile. "This isn't the Board of Education office, is it?"
She found Harry staring down a black-tiled hallway to a single door.
"Not sure why they're bringing you down here," said Mr. Weasley. "Oh well, I'm sure it's just a formality. Besides, you do have Hermione with you, Harry."
"What about you, Mr. Weasley?" Harry asked, looking alarmed.
"Oh, I'm not allowed in. Everything will be fine, I'm sure."
Hermione straightened her spine and entered the room ready to fix whoever was in there with a level gaze that said don't-argue-with-me-because-you-will-lose.
"Bloody hell," Harry muttered, taking in the sight.
Hermione thought that at most the entire school board would be there. Not the ENTIRE FREAKING WIZENGAMOT! It was simply unfair. What the hell was she doing? A hippogriff was one thing, but this was her friend! Stomping her foot once to stop her leg from shaking, she strode into the room and stood beside the chair the defendant typically sat in. Harry hesitantly sat down and looked as if he expected the chair to swallow him whole or spin around and dump him into a room full of nightmares. Well… too late for that last one.
This place was definitely neater than the memory she saw. Perhaps because there weren't as many trials at this time. With everything happening, that was sure to change.
She stared at all of them in their purple robes and oddly shaped hats. This must've been a House of Lords type deal. She nearly choked when she saw Lucius Malfoy sitting in his seat. Who was he blowing to get him back in the Wizengamot? Narcissa Black was in the seat beside him, perhaps the Lestrange seat, and pointedly looked anywhere but to her right, despite the fact her ex-husband was speaking to her. In fact, she was talking to Sirius who was in the Black seat. Fudge started a little when he saw Hermione, but quickly composed himself. Sitting below him was Percy Weasley and Hermione thought of a number of accurate words to describe how she felt about someone who would abandon their family for a job.
"The Defense requests permission to speak," said Hermione loudly. If she could spin it that she was waiting impatiently for them rather than vice versa, then she might throw them off their rhythm.
The Wizengamot quieted.
"Permission granted," said Fudge.
"In past cases, trials of underage magic are held in a much smaller setting," she said. "Why, pray tell, is the entire Wizengamot gathered for an infraction?"
"Infraction?" one man scoffed. "Performing underage magic in front of a muggle is more than a simple infraction ."
Hermione narrowed her eyes at Ensign Italics and straightened her spine.
"Well… we have a bit of a conundrum here," she said.
"And what is that?" a broad woman with a monocle asked. The name plate said Madam Bones. She seemed to be a reasonable woman so Hermione decided to address her for the trial.
"Well, it is obvious that this trial setting is meant for more than juvenile court," she said. "Which must mean that you recognize Harry as an of-age wizard."
"What?" squawked Harry.
"What?" the Wizengamot chorused.
Wow… people really didn't pay attention to contracts here.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wizengamot, it is well-known by everyone that Harry—Mr. Potter, was entered into the Triwizard Tournament against his will and forced to compete," she said. "However, and I have discovered this just last night, that a contract, magical or otherwise, is not legally binding if you are underage. Mr. Potter could have been prevented from competing, but certain people decided to make him in order to lure out the culprit. Due to this fact, you have recognized Harry Potter as an of-age wizard, legally allowed to perform magic outside of school. Trace or no Trace. Therefore, he has the infraction of using magic to protect himself and a muggle which warrants a fine of no more than up to 200 galleons, which I'm sure his guardian would be more than happy to pay. In monthly installments of course."
She looked at Sirius in his Wizengamot seat and nodded. He broke into a wide grin and color returned to his pale cheeks. Protests erupted throughout the Wizengamot and Hermione waited patiently for the arguments to subside. She hoped they couldn't see how much her knees and wrists were trembling. It was risky to present this argument but she had to give it her all. Sirius had to stay where he was if he wanted his vote to count.
It took a while for Fudge to get everyone to settle enough.
"There is still undeniable proof that he performed magic in front of a muggle," said one of the Wizengamot members, jumping to his feet.
Hermione recognized him immediately and her anger took over.
"What's your name?" she asked coldly.
"Gerald Portly," he said. "Department of Accidental Magics and Catastrophes."
"How many No-Majs did you have to obliviate?" she asked.
"No-Maj?"
"No magic, non-wizard, No Magia," she defined. "Please, answer the question."
"Well… One."
"How many No-Majs did you have to Obliviate at the Quidditch World Cup? How many times had you obliviated that poor man and his family? How many No-Majs do you obliviate every single day to keep this place under-wraps? May I remind you that wizards are not the most discreet bunch? Do you place every single witch or wizard up on here? Now, I can understand if it were for biting teacups or door knobs, but self-defense from a dementor?"
"Obliviation isn't easy business, missy," said Portly.
"Oh, no, I understand," she said. "I was nearly put into a coma because somebody decided to obliviate me when I was just four-years-old, simply because a wizard saved me from a car wreck in the Thames. Yes… I mean you . You obliviated me and took me away from my family who, by the way, was magical. From a legal standpoint, you abducted me."
Portly paled and shrunk under the shock and glares of the people surrounding him.
"There is still the matter of what a dementor was doing in London," interrupted Fudge, bringing her attention back to a trial. "You can't expect us to believe that a dementor would leave Azkaban."
"So, you're telling me that Harry Potter just decided to go outside and cast a corporeal patronus just because he felt like it?" Hermione countered. "To impress a pretty girl?"
"You can cast a corporeal patronus?" Madam Bones asked, intrigued.
"Yes," said Harry after Hermione nodded. "I could since my third year."
"And that was against a swarm of dementors who were after Sirius Black," Hermione added. "Who, might I remind you, was a victim of mistrial and error."
"It's true," said Sirius. "I was there, I saw it!"
"If you want your vote to count, you cannot be a witness in this trial, Mr. Black," said Madam Bones neutrally.
Sirius pursed his lips so thin they nearly disappeared from the pressure.
Hermione held up Harry's wand high enough for everyone to see but sideways to that it appeared non-threatening.
"Mr. Potter," she said. "Can you identify this object?"
"Yes, that's my wand," said Harry.
"So we agree that this wand belongs to you," she said.
"Yes…"
"Permission to approach the bench?"
"Permission granted," said Madam Bones.
Hermione approached and held the wand out in front of her as non-threateningly as possible.
"Though the spell was cast over a week ago and no subsequent spells were cast, the last spell should be traced," she said. "Could we test that?"
The corner of Madam Bones' mouth quirked into a smile. She drew her own wand and muttered an incantation. A white line traced the wand movement in the air.
"I can confirm that this is the wand movement for the Patronus Charm," said Madam Bones, giving the wand back to Hermione, which she put away in her file.
"Now," said Hermione. "What—"
"Hem hem!"
A toad-like woman wearing a pink, ruffle-neck blouse got to her feet. Hermione immediately did not like her and had a bad feeling about that sweet smile on her face. She smiled condescendingly at the teenagers.
"I do wonder why we are all here listening to what a child has to say," she said. "Do you have the training or experience to be handling a trial like this, dearie?"
Hermione tried not to make a face. She'd seen this type before. This was the type of person to believe that everyone under a certain age was stupid. This was the type of person who would belittle her and mock her for stuttering. She refused to stutter now even when the pressure was mounting. She would use every trick in her book and prove this toad woman wrong.
"I have a General Certificate of Secondary Education and took classes in Intro into Criminal Law as well as Court and Justice Systems," Hermione responded. "I have an Order of Merlin, First Class, an Award of Service to the School, Hogwarts Student of the Decade award, and a medal for Outstanding Achievement in Academics. Do any of you have advanced education degrees? How about majors in politics or law? Does Hogwarts have some sort of political science program I am unaware of? As far as I'm concerned, the only thing I lack is the experience and this is just my second trial."
As the Wizengamot erupted, Hermione knew in that moment she screwed up. She was in no position to be snarky and she just implied that a fifteen-year-old was equally qualified to run a government. Shit, shit, shit. She turned around to Harry and mouthed the sentiment. His eyes widened, and if he was scared before, he was beyond terrified now.
"I would like to request that my previous statement be struck off the record," she said, facing the Wizengamot. "It was out of line and I do sincerely apologize."
"Miss Granger —"
"Consider it forgotten," said Madam Bones, wishing to speed things along. "However, I'm afraid we're simply going in circles, and unless there's a way to prove any of what Harry Potter is claiming is true in the eyes of the law, this is his third offense of underaged use of magic, contract or no contract. Patronus or no patronus."
"Can you list these offenses?"
"The first was back in 1992," said Minister Fudge. "Cast inside his home."
"Did anybody go and check to see if his wand was used for spells?" Hermione asked.
"No, Miss Granger, the first offense is always a warning."
"I see," said Hermione. "Regardless, he did not cast magic in 1992. Magic was merely detected . The magic itself was performed by a house-elf who was trying to warn Mr. Potter of dangers at school against the orders of his former owners the Malfoy family. I assume the elf in question, Dobby, would be more than happy to testify that this is true as he is currently working at Hogwarts."
Mr. Malfoy's pale face turned pink while Ms. Black tipped her head in interest and leaned over to speak to her neighbor.
"We will look into it," said Madam Bones.
"The second offense happened a year later in 1993," said Minister Fudge, who was now turning into an unpleasant shade of red. "Mr. Potter blew up his aunt!"
"It was accidental magic caused by extreme stress as he was provoked by his uncle's family member, Marjory Dursley, who was verbally abusing Harry and had, in fact, insulted Lily and James Potter, calling them worthless drunks and even going as far as calling his mum, and I quote, 'a bitch.'"
This caused another uproar and Hermione took the time to drink some water and get collected again. She could do this. She squeezed Harry's shoulder and he nodded encouragingly at her.
"SILENCE!" Minister Fudge bellowed. "QUIET IN THE WIZENGAMOT!"
"If my memory serves me correctly," said Hermione, getting her confidence back as Fudge was losing his. "I was there when Harry's charges of underaged magic on a No-Maj were expunged due to fear that, then deemed mass-murderer, Sirius Black was after him. That makes this his first…"
Hermione paused. The last time… they expunged his record to prevent him from getting expelled to protect him… Harry was witness to the rise of Voldemort and the press was vehemently against him and Cedric. They were trying to get him expelled!
"May I please ask a question of you?" Hermione asked evenly.
"You have permission to speak," said Madam Bones.
"Please, inform me, why the entire Wizengamot is gathered for this," she said. "Underaged magic should involve the School Board and Head for the Department meant to handle magic in front of No-Majs. Casting magic in front of a No-Maj: the proper Department for the handling that misconduct. This? The entire Wizengamot, seems like overkill for a minor offense. In fact, can you bring up every single case for me where the entire Wizengamot gathered for underaged magic in front of a No-Maj. Also, can you refine it to magic that did not directly affect the No-Maj?"
"Hem-hem!"
Hermione turned her head to the frog lady again and raised an eyebrow.
"Again," she said. "I ask why we are listening to—"
"Objection!"
"I beg your pardon?!"
"Wizengamot member did not properly request permission to speak," said Hermione. "Madam Bones, Minister Fudge, may I please have records of trials such as this? I'll wait, I've got all day."
Madam Bones paused and looked at Minister Fudge, who was visibly sweating. Percy Weasley had stopped his frantic writing and stared at Hermione in amazement.
"Miss Granger," said Madam Bones. "I think you've made your point very well. Due to the fact that you can't prove a Dementor was there when he cast a Patronus Charm, and we can't prove that a Dementor didn't leave Azkaban; along with your claim that Harry Potter is, in fact, an of-age wizard in the eyes of the law, and that it was one No-Maj who was obliviated by someone who will most definitely be receiving an Inquiry. I think now, we can only void this trial and release Mr. Potter with a fine of, oh, 20 galleons, which does not have to be paid all at once."
"Will I still get to go to school ma'am?" Harry asked.
"Well… if you deny your rights as an of-age wizard until you are seventeen, then I see no problem allowing you to return to school."
"Yes, ma'am! I do!" said Harry quickly. "I really want to return to school!"
"Very well, I motion that the court case be dismissed, add it as a warning to Mr. Potter's record, and for Merlin's sake someone get me a large coffee cup filled with as many shots of espresso as legally possible because I will be here late managing the paperwork for this. Minister Fudge, as prosecutor, do you have any reason why this conclusion should not be so?"
"N-no, Madam Bones," said Fudge, as green as his favorite bowler hat.
"Very well, shall we put it to a vote?" said Madam Bones. "Those who agree with dismissing the case and clearing Mr. Potter of all charges?"
The majority of hands in the Wizengamot raised. Sirius raised his so high his robe sleeve slid all the way up his arm. To Hermione's surprise, Narcissa Black raised her hand as well, staring straight ahead while her ex-husband went red in the face.
"All oppose?"
Only a small handful raised their hands including Lucius Malfoy, Minister Fudge, and the Frog Lady.
"The ayes have it," said Madam Bones, tapping her gavel. "This case is dismissed."
"AHHH-HA!" Sirius cheered.
Hermione smiled smugly and organized her papers, which were instantly scattered to the ground when Harry leapt to his feet and hugged her so tightly she was pretty sure her spine cracked.
"Is this how every trial is going to end?" she squeaked.
"Er—sorry."
"Miss Granger," said Madam Bones on her way out. "May I speak to you?"
"Of course, doña," said Hermione, sweeping up her papers and following the woman to the lifts.
Dizzy from adrenaline, Hermione held onto a handle for dear life while Madam Bones stood as if she were in a normal elevator. They exited out onto a floor filled with cubicles. The people working seemed harried and were dealing with stacks of files and paperwork. Madam Bones led her around the side to a desk with a receptionist.
"Rupert, please make sure we aren't disturbed."
"Yes, ma'am," said Rupert the Receptionist.
Madam Bones opened the door to her office and waved Hermione in. It was neater than the desks outside, but still cluttered with paperwork, broken quills, and ink bottles of different colors. There were also pictures on the walls, some plants, and bookcases filled with law books and files.
"Please, sit."
Hermione obediently sat in one of the leather chairs. Honestly, she was more than a little anxious especially with how she spoke at the trial.
"Would you like some tea?" Madam Bones asked, sitting across from her in her own, high-backed chair.
"Oh, uh… yes, please."
"Is Blend No. 49 all right?"
"I love Blend No. 49."
Madam Bones smiled and tapped her intercom, leaning over to the horn on her desk.
"Rupert, I need tea for two please. Blend No. 49 if you will."
"Coming right away, Madam Bones."
Once they had their tea, Hermione's anxiety got the better of her.
"Why did you ask me here, doña?" she asked.
"I just wanted to speak to you," she said. "That was a hell of a trial. Half of my Department here couldn't speak as eloquently nor fight as hard as you did during a trial. And that was only your second one?"
"When I was in No-Maj school I did debate and academic decathlon and I also defended Hagrid's hippogriff the other year."
Madam Bones hummed and nodded. "I also heard that you researched the evidence used in Sirius Black's trial last year."
"Yes, ma'am."
"That was … quite a remark you made as well," said the older witch, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, er—well—" Hermione stammered. "I just—I tend to let my emotions get the better of me. I am working on it, but I was just…"
"Angry."
"Sí, doña."
"Understandable. I was like that when I started out," she chuckled and tapped her monocle, which was mirroring Hermione's eyepatch. "I see a bit of myself in you, I suppose."
"I know why they did that to Harry," she blurted.
Madam Bones raised her eyebrow. "Oh?"
"During the trial, I remembered reading all these disparaging articles against Dumbledore and people calling Harry crazy and Cedric… other things. See, I think Minister Fudge is trying to get Harry expelled so he can't express his views about Voldemort being back to his peers who are more likely to listen to him than The Man."
The witch nodded slowly. "Yes, I suspected that as well. I'll let you in on something that you can tell the Order." Her voice dropped barely above a whisper. "Fudge is looking for a way to place a spy inside Hogwarts."
"I'll tell them."
Madam Bones set her teacup down and studied Hermione. "Have you thought about what you wanted to do with your future?"
Hermione took a sip of her tea and nodded. "Yes ma'am, my main goal is to help S.A.M.B. gain enough popularity that it will be included into bills and laws for the rights of Magical Beings. Career-wise … well, I've always had an interest in becoming a lawyer. The only problem is that I would probably have to prove the innocence of those who are most definitely guilty and that doesn't sit well with me. Ideally, I'd do pro bono."
"I see. Well, your fifth-year of school is when you decide what career path you will be taking once you graduate, that way you know what classes to focus on," said Madam Bones, letting her monocle drop to her chest. "I think you'd have a promising future in the Department of Magical Law."
"Really? But I—"
"Miss Granger, I have never seen anyone do what you did today. You could have easily seen the room and left."
"I couldn't do that to Harry!" said Hermione. "True, I assumed it would just be a small committee but when I saw the entire Wizengamot gathered … I was determined to try. It isn't like anybody else was defending him."
"Amazing loyalty. Well, should you ever decide on a career, I think you would do very well in this Department. I'd even say one day you might replace me."
Hermione felt her ears warm up. "Madam Sanchez-Granger, Head of Law Enforcement does have a nice ring to it."
Madam Bones finally cracked a grin. "Ambitious, too. I knew I liked you, Miss Granger. Just… try and stay out of trouble."
"I can try , but I don't know how much good it'll do."
"Wise words." Madam Bones got to her feet, so Hermione did too and they shook hands.
"I hope you have a pleasant school-year, Miss Granger."
"Thank you, Madam Bones."
Madam Bones, pressed down on her intercom, "Rupert, please escort Miss Granger to the Ministry plaza, and while you're out, please pick-up the court transcripts from Percy Weasley."
"Yes, ma'am."
Hermione followed Rupert out to the plaza where Harry and Sirius were waiting by the fountain. Sirius scooped her up into a massive, bone-crushing hug.
"I guess this is my life now," she wheezed.
"Sorry," said Sirius, releasing her. "I'm just so proud of you for defending Harry like that! We're having a party in your honor tonight, plus Harry getting off. Think you two can make it home okay?"
"Yeah, we'll take the tube home," said Hermione. "Besides, we'll have a tail and I don't think they'll let us out of their sight. See you tonight."
"Get home safe," said Sirius. He paused and pulled Harry in. "Last hug."
Harry didn't seem to mind.
The teens arrived home an hour later. Hermione sighed in relief as the house appeared for them. The humidity had made their hair curl and frizz.
"Ay carajo, it's hot," she moaned.
"We've had a drought all summer," said Harry, opening the front door.
"Cedric," Hermione called. "Are you home? I need someone to conjure me a fainting couch."
Everyone was crowded in the recreation room to the right. Cedric drew his wand and transfigured an armchair into a fancy jacquard chaise.
"Show off," said Hermione, collapsing on it and draping her arm over her eyes.
"Only the best for you," he replied.
"How did the trial go?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"They put us in front of the entire Wizengamot, Harry spoke very little, I spoke a lot, aaand Harry got off with a fine," Hermione summed.
"You also insulted the entire Wizengamot," Harry added. "Can't forget that."
"Of course not! How could I possibly forget that?" Hermione sighed. "Exactly why I need the fainting couch."
"Y-You insulted the entire Wizengamot?" Mrs. Weasley whispered. "How?"
"I basically implied that they weren't qualified to be in political positions due to their lack of education," she groaned. "I feel sick just thinking about it, we could have been held in contempt!"
"But we weren't," said Harry.
Ron howled with laughter. "We knew you wouldn't let us down, 'Mione!"
Fred, George, and Ginny began dancing around and singing "Harry-freakin'-Potter" at the top of their lungs.
"Oh, we're so relieved for you, Harry!" said Mrs. Weasley.
"Couldn't have done it without Hermione," said Harry. "I think the only other person who would've managed it would be Dumbledore."
Hermione hummed and kicked off her heels. After the adrenaline rush, she was completely drained and felt shaky from the whole ordeal like how Harry was that morning. Now, he was vibrant and happy, so that made it worth it. She just couldn't help but dwell on how she almost effed-up and got them both in a heap of trouble.
Somebody knelt down beside her.
"I am not accepting hugs at this time," she said, holding up a hand. "I am completely maxed out. No touchy."
"He's Harry-freakin'-Potter! I wouldn't wince at all! He's invincible from all harm! LIKE BETTY CROCKER!"
"OH, ENOUGH ALREADY!" Mrs. Weasley screeched at her children. Hermione winced. "Can't get any peace around here! I've got a cake to bake and dinner to prepare."
The Weasley matriarch left, muttering to herself.
"I think she could use a holiday herself," said the person right beside her.
Hermione looked out from under her arm at Cedric. He rested his chin on his arm and smiled at her.
"You're amazing, you know that?"
Hermione smiled. "I do my best. I haven't been in England a day and I've already won a trial against the Wizengamot."
"Castelobruxo better watch out," said Cedric.
"Damn straight," she said and rested her hands on her stomach.
"You should get comfortable and take a rest," said Cedric.
"Did you sleep?"
"Yeah, a bit after you left. Least until the twins got up and started making mischief. Mrs. Weasley has quite a set of lungs."
Hermione chuckled. "I think a nap would be good."
She got up and went upstairs, finding Ginny's room on the first floor.
"Oh, God."
Ginny looked up from her magazine and winced. "It's bad, isn't it?"
Like the rest of the house, it was modernized and held no trace of the decaying interior left from before. It almost seemed as if Harry was expecting the Weasleys to stay here, as Ginny's room was designed for a girl. And not a girl like Ginny. The room was pink and white with pale wood furniture. It was… frilly. It didn't suit Ginny at all. It may have suited a couple of Hermione's cousins, but it was not for these girls living in it.
"You're right," said Hermione, nodding in agreement. "It's worse. What do you say we change it?"
"Mum says we can't use our wands," said the redhead. Even with those words, she jumped onto her knees and leaned forward eagerly.
Hermione popped her lips and rubbed her hands together. "Well, then. What is your favorite color?"
"Green!" said Ginny immediately. Her eyes widened and she looked down as a blush spread over her cheeks. "Not Slytherin green! God, no! More… more like…"
"Green like a fresh pickled toad, coming right up," said Hermione with a wink. She shook out her hands then pressed them against the wall. "Coloraverde."
Tea green took over the pink, spreading against the walls like ink on paper. Hermione removed her hands and frowned when the color stopped spreading.
"Oh, well," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "Pink goes good with green."
Ginny giggled and held up the white duvet. "Can you change this to black?"
"With pleasure." Hermione took the duvet in both hands and snapped it. When it lowered, splotchy black marks covered it. "Well… I don't have the spell completely down yet."
"It's brilliant, I love it!" said Ginny, jumping onto it. "It looks much better. Now—" she dropped down and propped her head up with her hands, "—tell me all about your trip."
"Can't I have a nap first?" Hermione asked, digging a red romper out of her bag. She changed in the closet and fixed her hair so that the shaved designs were showing.
"Whoa…" Ginny breathed when she exited. "That design looks sick!"
Hermione grinned and fluffed her hair. "Doesn't it?"
She sighed and flopped onto her back. At least the bed was comfy. Feeling eyes on her, she opened her good one and looked at Ginny who was looking at her expectantly.
"Oh, fine. My trip was great. We took a flying boat to Hawaii."
The youngest Weasley seemed starved for something to do other than hang around this house on her own.
"So, what is with all of the secrecy around here?" Hermione asked. "Why is the house under the Fidelius Charm?"
"Well… this house is the Headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. They were the resistance against You-Know-Who during the last war. With all that's going on, it's started up again. I only know who's in it but I don't know what goes on in those meetings. Top secret stuff that isn't for children's ears." Ginny crossed her arms and scowled. "I mean… it's not like I killed a basilisk and destroyed Tom Riddle's diary. I think I should be able to join and hear what's going on."
"Ignorance is bliss," said Hermione, "but I think it's better to be prepared. Frankly, if I were running a secret organization, I would set up tiers of clearance and spread out the information so no one person knows everything except the leader and the leader would have to be willing to die keeping the secrets."
"That'd be a good idea," said Ginny. "You know, Snape's in the Order."
"I bet they're going to make him a mole again," said Hermione, rolling her eyes. "Like… a double—no—triple agent!"
"Think you and Cedric are going to join?"
"I… I don't know," she admitted, thinking it might be good for them to have overseas support and research. "Maybe. I'm allergic to fascists and bigots. Cedric? He's already been through a lot, I think when it comes to the Big Battle he'll be here, but he just wants to live his life."
"I guess I can understand that."
"Everyone, come set the table for dinner," Mrs. Weasley called after a while.
Two cracks resounded through the house, followed by Mrs. Weasley shrieking in surprise and frustration. Apparently, the Mischievous Duo were taking advantage of their of-age-ness by using magic for everything and creating big messes.
"Oh, Ginny," said Hermione. "I'm designing a gift for Cedric. It's two-way journals so we can write each other at anytime without having to send letters. I just wanted you to know so you don't freak when you see a journal that writes back."
"Oh, thanks for telling me," said Ginny.
"It'll make it easier so we can communicate when we're apart," Hermione explained.
"That's so sweet."
"What is?" Ron asked.
Hermione pursed her lips and turned her head. She was still not his friend.
"Fine," Ron muttered. "Be that way."
"I will."
The kitchen became crowded with visitors from the Order over for dinner, including Kingsley Shacklebolt, Mundungus Fletcher, and Tonks. Cedric was chatting with their one-time defense Professor.
"Wotcher," said Tonks.
"Howzit?" Hermione replied, taking her seat beside Cedric.
"I was just admiring your boyfriend's new 'do," said Tonks, shaking her head so her hair became long and luxurious though still bubble gum pink, her signature color.
"It is nice, isn't it?" said Hermione. "My cousin Renata did our hair last week."
"Blimey, Hermione!" George gasped. "You shaved your head."
"Just part of it," said Hermione, touching it lightly. "Isn't it very?"
"Oh, that's even better," said Tonks, keeping Cedric's hair type but shortening half of it. She couldn't quite seem to get the designs though.
"Everyone tuck in," said Mrs. Weasley, setting dinner on the table. "Plenty to go around."
Hermione waited until everyone else had taken before getting her own food. She tuned into the conversation between Mr. Weasley, Bill, and Remus about goblins.
"They're not saying much," said Bill. "I'm not sure if they believe You-Know-Who is back or not. If anything they'll probably want to stay neutral. Keep out of it."
"If I were part of a different nation, I'd want to stay out of it," said Hermione. "Especially with colonizers." She paused and looked at the massively British table. "Er… no offense."
"None taken," said Cedric.
"Even if they did decide to fight, certainly they'd never go over to You-Know-Who," said Mr. Weasley, shaking his head. "They've suffered losses, too. Like that goblin family he murdered back near Nottingham."
"I think it depends on what they're offered," said Remus. "And not gold; if they're offered freedoms we've been denying for centuries… Bill, what do you think?"
"I think it's my time to shine," said Hermione, snapping her fingers and conjuring a piece of paper and found a pen in her pocket.
"Okay," said Hermione. "What sort of grievances do we have? I can make up pamphlets for Bill to bring to work. Create a one-year plan, a five-year plan, and a ten-year plan because, of course, we can't change the laws overnight. Bureaucracies, amirite?"
"Perhaps she would have better luck speaking to Ragnok," said Mr. Weasley.
"I can try and see if he'd be willing to have a meeting with her," said Bill, "Considering what she's done for werewolves and her speaking up about elfish welfare, they might be a bit more keen to hear us out. Though, I think he's pretty anti-wizard at the moment considering what happened with Bagman. Once Crouch Jr. was Kissed, the payments stopped coming. Still owes them hundreds."
"Oh, trust me, I've got beef with Bagman, too," said Hermione, lifting up her eyepatch. "He'd better learn to sleep with both eyes open."
"You're terrifying and I adore you," Cedric breathed.
"Just be careful about what promises you make," said Remus. "Goblins are—"
His words were interrupted by a cacophony of laughter. Apparently, the seedy wizard named Mundungus Fletcher, was regaling the boys with tales of his … work.
Hermione tapped Cedric on the shoulder and projected her question about what his deal was and why someone like that was in the Order.
"Apparently, he's very popular in the black market," he whispered to her in Spanish. "Mrs. Weasley doesn't like him, but Sirius thinks he's useful. I can see he's loyal to Dumbledore for digging him out of some tight spots, so there's that, but I also think he would sell us out for a corn chip."
Hermione smiled slightly.
Ha ha she thought.
"What're you two sweethearts whispering about?" Tonks asked mischievously.
Hermione decided to respond truthfully en español.
"Cedric was just telling me why you would have such a use for a man who's nickname is synonymous with shit," she said. "I personally think having him around is a bad idea, but if he's indebted to the cause then I suppose it's okay to keep him around."
She turned to Cedric and winked, but since her star-eye was covered it just looked like she blinked weird.
"We're still getting used to — ahem— we're still getting used to the language change," said Cedric innocently. "Only language I couldn't get the hang of was Pidgin and, when I tried, Hermione just held her hand up and said 'no'."
"Had fun living in a house full of women?" Fred asked.
"Well, can't complain," he said. "It smelled nice, there was lots of space, things to do, and there's just something comforting about knowing that there's thirty toilets in the house with twenty rolls in each."
Hermione snorted into her water glass.
"You mean to say there's an island with a house full of women?" said Mundungus keenly. "How many men?"
"None of your business," Hermione snapped. "They would not be interested in a coward! You're lucky I didn't have to pull you as witness today or there would be some serious inquiries regarding why you would be tailing Harry."
"You were supposed to protect him!" Sirius shouted at Mundungus.
While that was argued out, Hermione slowly ate, rubbing her forehead and hoping her migraine would ebb. There was so much energy surrounding this place trying to keep it in a pocket of reality. It wasn't like regular magical architecture. Perhaps it was the Fidelius Charm.
She snapped back in the moment when people stood up to clear their plates. She drew her wand and tapped her empty plate so that it marched itself to the sink for washing.
"Hermione!" the adults in the room admonished.
"We just had a trial about underaged magic!" said Mrs. Weasley.
"Ay." She slapped her forehead. "Don't lecture me! I'm of-age in my country! I'm used to using magic."
"Those laws are not upheld since you are a citizen of Britain," said Kingsley sternly.
Hermione tapped her wand against her head.
"I'm not a citizen," she said.
"What?"
"I. Am not. A citizen," she enunciated. "I never have been. Everyone just assumed I was and I never had any documents made because wizards don't know how to tie up loose ends. They didn't know where to send me, so I ended up in the system under Hermione Esposito until I was adopted."
"I see," said Kingsley. "So you are a citizen of…"
"The Dominican Republic and the United States of America." Hermione tapped her nails against the table, feeling her temper rise. "I want that Portly asshole demoted, if not fired! He abducted me! You don't know what it's like not knowing where you came from or where you are! That group home was hell!"
She felt old memories start to choke her. Cedric rested his hand on her arm.
"It's okay, Hermione," said Sirius. "I personally escorted him out of the Ministry. He has a trial for improper conduct, we'll need you as a witness before you go back to school."
"Alright, fine," she said and sighed. "I'm tired. I'm going to bed."
"Can you lend a hand with clean up?" Fred asked.
"I will not," said Hermione. "I have been awake for two days and I sass-mouthed the Wizengamot."
"You're lucky they didn't expel you for that," said Harry.
"Joke's on them," said Hermione, getting to feet. "Good night, everyone. Buenas noches, cariño." She kissed Cedric on the corner of his mouth.
"Buenas noches," he replied.
Hermione trudged upstairs to her room, stumbling a little as dizziness took over. She hadn't had days like this since third year. She barely managed to do her night care routine before collapsing face first onto her bed. She sighed and hummed before promptly passing out.