Hermione groggily lifted her head and wiped drool off the corner of her mouth.
"What?"
"Mum says lunch is ready," said Ginny. "You've been asleep nearly sixteen hours."
Hermione rubbed her face and sighed. It didn't feel nearly long enough but she supposed she might as well get up. She didn't have a lot of time with everyone and she would prefer to hang out with them rather than sleep the days away.
Yawning broadly, she dragged herself out of bed, dressed in a yellow t-shirt and denim overalls, and released her hair. She brushed her teeth before going downstairs to the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley was just placing a tray of sandwiches in the middle of the table. There was also a veggie tray and a bowl of crisps.
"Afternoon, sleepyhead," Fred and George chorused.
Hermione plunked down beside Cedric and rested her chin in her hand.
"Hi," she said. "We didn't really get to talk much yesterday, did we?"
"Can't say we have," said George.
"We've been looking forward to having you and Cedric back," said Fred.
"Never know when we'll get inspiration from you two," George added.
"That's nice," said Hermione, delicately placing a sandwich on her plate. "What have you all been doing for fun around here?"
"There isn't that much to do," said Ginny. "And ever since Harry had a run-in with a Dementor, Mum isn't keen on letting us out of the house."
"Sirius is following us to see Phantom of the Opera," said Harry. "He couldn't get a seat, so he'll just be in the standing room."
"When will you take us to see a play?" George asked.
"When musicals become accessible to the public and not strictly for the people that the musicals and plays preach against."
"Amen," said Cedric, lifting his glass of water.
"So you'll take us one day?"
"Yeah, sure," said Hermione. "We'll find a way to get tickets to see a show. Maybe something off West End. Anyway, what are our plans for today?"
"Fred and George have mostly been inventing," said Ginny. "Harry and Ron are scrambling to get their summer homework done. I've mostly been reading or listening to the radio."
"That's no fun," said Hermione.
"Well you've probably been reading all summer," said Ron.
"Not really," Cedric replied. "I could barely keep up with her. I don't think I could have even if I wasn't injured."
"What'd you two love birds do?" Fred and George asked.
"Swam in the reef," said Cedric. "That was pretty cool, and we saw a shark. Um, we went hiking in the rainforest, sang karaoke, tried international foods, saw the magical center for the Pacific, Kilokilo, and the magical center for the Caribbean, Luesma. What else? Hermione jumped off a cliff into the ocean and drove a motorcycle. I hung out with Viktor quite a bit, he's really a cool bloke. I'm glad we get along because that would have been an awkward rooming situation otherwise."
"Hold on," said George.
"Back up," said Fred.
"To which part?"
"The cliff bit."
Hermione smiled as Cedric rehashed everything and brought out one of their photo albums to show them.
"Oh!" said Hermione, tapping Cedric on the arm. "Did you tell them?"
"No, I didn't get a chance," said Cedric. "I spent most of yesterday asleep. All we really talked about was what was going on here and my new arm."
"Tell us what, dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked, pouring some more water for Cedric out of a pitcher.
"Okay," said Cedric, taking a deep breath. "I got a job offer."
"Really?" said Professor Lupin, eyebrows shooting to his hairline. "Where at?"
"The East Asian Ministry," said Cedric, lifting his chin proudly. "They heard about my radios and I was interviewed and they hired me on the spot."
"Do they know of your … furry, little problem?" Harry asked.
Professor Lupin coughed to hide a laugh.
"I'm not sure," he said truthfully. "But I get time off for chronic illnesses. That's what Mr. Matsumoto said. I get to work on bringing wizards into modern times technology-wise. We'll probably be inventing our own products in no time. All I have to do is pass my N.E.W.T.s in Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Transfiguration, Charms, and Muggle-Studies. He said the more N.E.W.T.s the better, but if I can quit a couple classes I think I should. That way I can fill more orders and save up for the move to Japan."
"That sounds wonderful," said Professor Lupin.
"Speaking of school, everyone at Hogwarts is going to go insane when they see your new 'do," said Ginny. "Both of you. I personally think you look better than ever, Cedric."
"Thanks, Ginny, I appreciate that," said Cedric. "I used this face mask that got rid of a lot of my scars and I know I tanned quite a bit."
Hermione pressed her fingers to her mouth. She might as well tell everyone now.
"I'm not returning to Hogwarts," she said.
"Come again?" said Harry.
"I am not returning to Hogwarts," Hermione repeated, enunciating every word.
"Why?"
"Why?" Hermione snorted incredulously. "That school is trying to kill me! Do you know how many near death experiences I have had?"
"Three?"
"Ten!" She counted off on her fingers. "Troll, Quirrellmort, Basilisk, Pettigrew, Dementors, drowning, dragon tail to the head, cursed necklace, drowning again, Barty Crouch Jr. Am I forgetting anything?"
"Pneumonia and appendicitis," said Cedric. "But those could have happened regardless."
"Listen," said Hermione. "I know how it's going to look but I can't go back to Hogwarts. The only thing that kept me there before were you guys but I just … I can't." She shook her head. "I can't. I'll be much better off at Castelobruxo."
"When do you leave for Brazil?" Ginny asked.
"School starts Monday the fourth," Hermione replied. "Cousin Cecilia is coming next week and taking me home after we see you off at King's Cross. Soon as I get home, we take the boat to school."
"Sounds like a busy weekend," said Harry.
"My school trunk is already packed and Crookshanks is still in D.R.," she said. "I just brought enough for two weeks. Cedric and I are probably going to stay with my parents after Phantom of the Opera and then we'll be back here."
"That's too bad," said George. "If we got permission to continue Theater Club we were going to do Beauty and the Beast and cast you as Belle."
"That's sweet," said Hermione. "I would have loved to play Belle."
"Professor McGonagall already misses you," said Professor Lupin. "Said you would have been an excellent prefect and, one day, Head Girl."
"I'll miss her, too," she said. "I'll miss all my friends. You know what? I should write to Hannah, Padma, and Daphne, and ask them if they want to meet up at Diagon Alley. Harry, can I borrow Hedwig? It didn't make sense to bring Stephen."
"Yeah, sure," said Harry.
"Thanks, brah."
"How will you get to Diagon Alley?" Ginny asked. "Mum's locked up the floo powder."
"I'll take my motorcycle."
"Motorcycle?" Fred and George breathed.
"Can we see?" Fred asked.
"Yeah, okay." Hermione got up and led them all to the front of the house where her bike was parked. "This is Renata's. She's letting me borrow it since she can apparate."
"Can I have a go?" George asked. "Please?"
"Can you drive a motorcycle?"
"Er… no."
"I'll drive," she said and ran upstairs to get her shoes, keys, purse, and helmet. "Cedric, cariño, need anything from the store?"
"Cookies and peanut butter," he said, giving her a light kiss.
"You got it." She mounted her motorcycle. "Hop on."
George clapped his hands, took the spare helmet from Cedric, and got on behind her.
"I want a turn when you get back," said Ginny.
"Sure thing, Gin," she said and turned the engine over.
"George Gideon Weasley!" Mrs. Weasley shouted. "You get back—"
"Hang on!"
Hermione tore down the street, the roar of the engine echoing off the buildings. George tightened his grip around her and whooped.
The store wasn't too far away but she had to find a parking spot which was slightly more difficult with it being summer and all.
"Has it been this hot all summer?" she asked, taking out her church fan to cool herself as they walked to the store.
"Pretty much," said George. "We're in a drought."
"Huh." Hermione entered the store and grabbed a basket.
George looked around the store in interest. Wizard stores weren't exactly organized and they definitely didn't have the same foods.
"You can pick something," she said, swiping a package of Oreos into the basket. "I've got money on me. Always keep twenty quid in your bag for emergency."
"How much is that?"
"About one galleon," she replied.
"Huh." George tipped his head and examined a package of tim tams before placing them in her basket. "Those exchange rates don't quite add up do they?"
"It's a little ridiculous," she said. "Especially since a lot of countries don't have silver or gold backing their dollars anymore. The money is only as good as the economy. Honestly, it would make more sense for wizards to convert to paper money whilst backing it up with galleons, sickles, and knuts."
"I guess," said George, scratching his head. "Would certainly make registers smaller."
"Oi, sweetheart," said a man who was probably Bill's age. "Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?"
"Why no," said Hermione, forcing sarcasm. "This is my first time out of the house, and pápà forbade mirrors lest I fall victim to vanity."
"It's just a compliment," he snapped and turned away, muttering an insult under his breath.
Though it stung, Hermione grabbed George by the wrist before he could throw hands.
"Don't start," she said. "I don't want to get in trouble."
"He's a git!" George argued. "He'd deserve it."
"I know," said Hermione, dropping a jar of peanut butter in the basket, "but we'd still get in trouble and do you really want to explain to your mum that the first time you went out in London, you picked a fight?"
"I guess not," he conceded.
Hermione also grabbed a box of pads, remembering she forgot to bring some and she was due to start any day. After checking out, they walked back to the motorcycle, Hermione stuffing the shopping bag into her purse. In that span of time, she got catcalled by three blokes.
"How do you deal with that?" George asked.
"I just do."
"Does every girl face it?"
Hermione looked at him dead in the eye and said very plainly, "Pretty much."
"Blimey," he breathed.
Nodding, Hermione put her helmet on and mounted the bike, flinching slightly when the hot metal touched her legs. She directed a light cooling charm with a flick of her hand, the accidental frost instantly melting.
"Hermione," said George. "Can we go somewhere to talk?"
"Hm?" she tried to glance back but just clonked her helmet against his. "Yeah, sure."
She started the engine and drove them to the nearest park, finding a parking space near the entrance. They walked for a little bit until they found a secluded spot under some shade. Most people were trying to keep out of the heat so it wasn't too difficult.
"What's up?" she asked.
George wrung his hands and looked around as if someone were eavesdropping.
"I'm not just telling you this because you're leaving," he said. "It's part of it but I also know you're good at keeping secrets when it matters."
Hermione nodded but said nothing in hopes that it would encourage him to continue.
"I don't really know who else to tell," George continued. "I'm sure Cedric already knows. He knows everything about everyone, but I actually need to say this out loud."
"Go on."
George took a deep breath. "I fancy men."
Hermione stared at him for a long moment, thinking of what to say.
"Alright," she said at last.
"Alright?"
"Alright." Hermione leaned back against the bench. "I won't tell anyone."
"Are you surprised?" he asked.
"I don't think so," she said. "Not that it was obvious, I'm just not good with this stuff. Would you prefer if I were surprised?"
"I don't know." George released a breath. "I'm still me."
"Why wouldn't you be?"
"I'm sorry," he said. "I had a whole list of things prepared to say."
"George." She placed a hand on his arm. "It's an important part of who you are and I'm glad you told me. I won't tell anyone else because this is your thing. And, yes, Cedric probably already knows but he's good with secrets, too. You can always talk to him you know."
"I can?"
"Mmhm. He's bisexual," she said. "He likes men and women and just because he's in a relationship with me doesn't make his identity any less valid. Oh… I probably shouldn't have said that. Though, it's not like it's a secret. He doesn't keep it a secret. Just in case, I won't tell anyone else."
"Yeah, I guess you're right," said George, nodding slowly.
"Why can't you tell Fred this?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know… I'm just not sure how he'd react." George sighed and ran his hands down his face. "I also wanted to tell you because you know what it's like to be in love with your best friend."
"Ah," said Hermione, nodding slowly.
"I don't want to ruin my friendship with Lee," George groaned. "It's just… he's brilliant and funny and always seems to know what to say."
"Listen, George," said Hermione. "Keeping your feelings in like this will make you explode, but I understand your reasoning for not saying anything. If you decide to come out and you want a friend with you, I'll be there. Okay?"
"Okay," said George. He looked at her and smiled. "Thanks for listening."
"Anytime," she said and stuck out her pinkie. "I solemnly swear I won't tell anyone your secret."
George grinned and hooked his pinkie with hers. Hermione kissed her thumb while their fingers were hooked and spit the secret in the dirt.
"Now I'm bound to keep your secret," she said, releasing him. "If I manage to spill, bad juju for a week."
He laughed. "Thanks, Hermione."
"No problemo," she said and got to her feet. "Come on. If I'm boiling out here I can't imagine how you're dealing."
Soon enough, they were back to Grimmauld Place.
"That was fun," said George, removing his helmet and running his fingers through his hair.
"Sure was," Hermione replied, letting herself into the house.
"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?"
While Mrs. Weasley was ripping George a new one, Hermione went off to find Cedric. She didn't need to look far, he was in the parlor on the first floor chatting with Fred.
"Hi," she said, wrapping her arms around Cedric's neck and kissing his cheek. "Anything happen while we were gone?"
"Yeah," said Cedric. "I've got to go to the scrapyard."
"Why?" she asked, wrinkling her nose.
"Check it out," he said and gave her a letter.
Dear Cedric,
I know it's short notice but I've been doing research in pubs around London and I notice a recurring music device called a jukebox. I was hoping you would be able to make one for me for the Three Broomsticks. I have included an advanced payment for supplies and I can pay the rest when it's completed. Just name your price. I think music would add just the perfect touch to my inn.
Best Wishes,
Madam Rosmerta
P.S. Hope you are well and if you can get me a jukebox you'll get free drinks for life.
"That's wonderful!" said Hermione.
"And now that I've got a working arm I can get it done!" he said cheerfully. "I've got to hunt for an old jukebox and parts but I think I've got enough to buy one."
"He and I were also talking business," said Fred. "Found out from Harry that since Cedric couldn't get his winnings officially, he gave them to me and George to open our joke shop after we graduate."
"Well, that's good."
"Told him we wouldn't mind sharing a store front with him."
"And I was saying that I was flattered but that I'm set after graduation," said Cedric.
Hermione hummed. "Okay. Well, have fun dumpster diving, cariño. I'll get out the Dr. Bronner's for when you get back."
"Appreciate it."
He kissed her lightly and got to his feet, no doubt to change into more appropriate attire before going digging through junk behind appliance stores, dumps, vintage stores, and scrapyards.
Hermione smiled. He had perked up some. She could tell he was having doubts about coming here.
"I offered to join him," said Fred, stretching his arms out in front of him. "I've been going stir-crazy in here."
"I can imagine why," said Hermione, sitting in Cedric's seat. "It's a small house."
"It was smaller before we moved in," Ginny scoffed, entering the room. "Sirius had a few more bedrooms added and a small ballroom underneath the kitchen. Not sure why he'd add one."
Hermione perked up with interest. "Ballroom?"
Ginny nodded. "Going to dance?"
"Probably," said Hermione. "But I just solved our boredom problem. Fred, I need you to transfigure us some hockey sticks."
"Sure thing!" said Fred. "Just one question. What are hockey sticks?"
Hermione found some paper and drew the shape out with a pen from her bag.
"Like this," she said. "They're about the size of golf clubs. You do know what those are, right?"
"Yeah, Dad has a set but he doesn't know how to play."
"Brill."
Hermione gathered the kids in the house and rolled up a sock into a ball as they convened to the ballroom. It was elegant and a decent size to hold a good party. It would also be a good place to hide. Hermione imagined a table and chairs could be set up for Order meetings. In fact, she could see that the walls were just coverups. She'd bet her left foot that there were plans hidden behind them. Turning away from the walls, she flicked her fingers to create bright orbs of light to brighten up the room.
"Right," she said. "Fred, George, you be on my team. Harry, Ron, Ginny, you be the other team."
"Why divide it like that?" Harry asked.
"Because if I put Ginny with Fred and George, they'd kick our butts," she explained.
Ginny grinned and Harry nodded.
"So, here are the rules."
Mrs. Weasley didn't mind the kids playing indoor hockey in the ballroom since they weren't making too much of a frackus and weren't breaking anything. Plus, Fred and George were too preoccupied to experiment. At least, until they got bored but they were totally into it for the time being.
When they lost track of points, they ended up sock racing across the floor. They had to stop when Fred and George made the floor slick with a jinx and Ron broke the wall with his knees. Mrs. Weasley was furious as all get out.
By the time people started returning home from work, Cedric came back from dumpster diving smelling terrible but looking absolutely cheerful. When he got done in the shower, dinner was ready and everyone who was having dinner was home. Mr. Weasley and Cedric were talking animatedly about No-Maj appliances.
"It's amazing what people throw away," said Cedric, swallowing his mouthful of chicken. "When rubbish gets piled up, it squashes the oxygen and so the things stop decaying and preserves it. I'll tell you what though, it's no fun getting bags dropped on your head, especially when you aren't expecting it."
"You didn't get hurt, did you?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Nah, just some sticky stuff on my shirt," said Cedric. "I think it was a watermelon at some point."
"Not at the table, please," Mrs. Weasley begged.
"Sorry," said Cedric. "Anyway, I've got some ideas that will really make the jukebox dope."
"No," said Hermione.
"Wicked tight."
"Better."
"I'd be happy to follow along," said Mr. Weasley. "If you don't mind of course."
"Not at all," said Cedric cheerfully.
Hermione was glad to see him so lively. Hopefully he wouldn't be too busy with the jukebox.
"Can't wait to see the finished product, Ced," said Tonks.
Once again, while dessert was being served, Tonks regaled everyone with her impressions.
"Cedric, do Professor Snappy," said Hermione. "It always makes me laugh."
"Oh, come on…"
"Please?" she batted her lashes. "For me?"
"Alright," he said then pulled his hair out of its ponytail and dipped his fingers in his water glass to flatten his fringe against the sides of his face. He hunched over, lowered his voice to a drawl, and sneered. "I am Professor Snappy, the potions master."
Hermione immediately began giggling and within minutes Cedric had everyone clutching their sides. Even Mrs. Weasley couldn't manage to look stern.
Cedric paused and flipped his hair like Rita Hayworth in Gilda.
"Buenas tardes, Snape-a-doodle," he said and looked over his shoulder.
Everyone turned to the door and saw Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall, the former redder in the face than a strawberry Country Club.
"Mr. Diggory," said Snape coldly. "Do you relish in acting in such an undignified manner all for a cheap laugh?"
"Bold of you to assume I have any dignity left," said Cedric. He twitched a little and narrowed his eyes. "Watch it."
Snape glowered at him.
"Time for an Order meeting, I take it?" said Sirius.
"What on Earth gave you that idea, Black?" said Snape sarcastically.
"Don't start," Professor McGonagall sighed.
"Children, why don't you go ahead and go to your rooms?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"But Snape doesn't live here," said Hermione.
It took a moment, but Cedric broke into hysterics and the others caught her implication.
"I've never assigned a detention before school began," said Snape, "but there's a first time for everything."
"You're not assigning me detention," said Hermione.
"Oh, yes I am. You are acting like a child!"
"I am a child," she looked up at him. "What's your excuse?"
He inhaled sharply and his deep shade of red turned an unsightly purple.
"Shall we get on with the meeting?" said Professor McGonagall. "Everyone who does not wish to stay may leave now."
"I'm staying," said Cedric. "I want to be in the—" he twitched again— "loop. Stop."
"If Ced's staying, we're staying," Fred and George chorused.
"I'm staying with Cedric," said Hermione.
"I want to stay," said Harry. "And anything I hear in here I will just tell to Ron and Ginny."
"It might be good to let them know a little so they'll stop trying to eavesdrop," said Mr. Weasley.
Mrs. Weasley huffed and swiped her wand to clear away the dishes. "Fine! It seems I'm out numbered!"
"Do you mind if I sit beside you, Miss Granger?" Professor McGonagall asked.
Hermione scooted over to make room. "I don't mind at all, Professor."
"Well," said Sirius. "The meeting is called to order. I think, first, we should discuss Harry's trial. Hermione, thank you again for acquitting Harry and preventing his expulsion."
"Yes," said Mr. Weasley. "Well done."
The table erupted with applause led by Fred, George, and Cedric.
Hermione raised her hand.
"Yes, Hermione?"
"Yeah, so, you know how I spoke to Madam Bones after the trial?" she said. "She told me to tell you that number one, you have her support, and number two, that since the Minister failed in getting Harry expelled to stop his spread of propaganda, he's going to place a spy within Hogwarts. I don't know who they're getting but only someone desperate would take that position now."
"What legislature?" Cedric asked, looking at Sirius.
Sirius stiffened and everyone furrowed their brows in confusion.
"There was a proposition to make it so that werewolves couldn't attend Hogwarts," he said reluctantly. "Luckily it was turned down before it could even be considered but… there's talk."
"I just need one more year," said Cedric, tensing with anxiety. "One more year is all and then I can go to Japan and live the life I've always wanted — STOP IT!" He snapped at Snape.
"What is he doing?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"He's trying to read my mind," Cedric growled. "He does it to everyone except it's on purpose so that he knows your insecurities and he plays on them to make people as miserable as possible!"
"Severus!" Professor McGonagall gasped.
"Oh…" Cedric breathed. "That's why you are the way you are? It's no excuse!" He paused and looked at Hermione. "What N.E.W.T.s does my contract require?"
"Transfiguration, Charms, Muggle Studies, Arithmancy, and Ancient Runes," she said.
"Brilliant." He snapped his head over to Snape. "You're pathetic and I'm dropping potions. I refuse to be taught by a man who abuses children."
"I had a terrible childhood!" Snape shouted.
"I understand," said Cedric, nodding slowly. "I'm having a terrible childhood right now, but at least I don't use my legilimency for nefarious purposes."
"You're a Legilimens, Cedric?" said Professor McGonagall. "How?"
"I've always been an empath," Cedric explained. "People tend to think loudly and I've honed it in. I learned a lot more from Tía Constanza. I can now read minds or even transfer thoughts with just a touch. I don't like to mess with peoples' thoughts—" he sighed. "Why is it that everyone instantly thinks of the things they want to keep secret the most? And so loudly. It's okay, I've been keeping secrets for years and, as you can see, I know when someone is invading my mind."
"It's one thing if you're picking up on what someone is already going to say," said Hermione. "Or knowing how they're feeling and knowing what to avoid to set them off. But just invading it like that?" She shook her head. "That's illegal in some countries."
"We're getting off subject," said Cedric. "I'm not expelled am I?"
"No," said Professor McGonagall before Snape could speak. "In fact, we were going to wait until the letters came in but I think you deserve to know now that you were nominated to be Head Boy. It was unanimous."
"May I retract my vote?" Snape asked through gritted teeth.
Cedric pumped his fist. "Yesss … Oh, my God, I have so many ideas. I'd like to run them by you after the meeting if that's alright, Professor McGonagall."
"Yes, it's absolutely fine."
Hermione stroked Cedric's forearm with her thumb, projecting her happiness for him. The meeting went on about this and that. It was rather boring. At least to Hermione. Most of it didn't apply to her anyway.
"Any last notes?" Kingsley asked.
"Hermione is going to speak to the Goblins and try to get them on our side," said Bill. "I've arranged a meeting."
"Correction," said Hermione. "I am going to try and get them to reject Voldemort's side should he try to offer them anything. I think that might go over better than trying to get them to fight alongside us. They control the currency and whatever is kept inside vaults, they can make life very difficult for whoever they are against."
"That is fair," said Kingsley, nodding thoughtfully. "You are a force to be reckoned with Miss Granger. I don't think it is Dumbledore the Minister should be afraid of, but you."
"Oh, he's afraid of me, too," said Hermione. "I back up everything with undeniable facts, well-written essays, and in-depth research."
"And that is why you will be Minister for Magic one day," said Cedric, kissing her cheek. "If you aren't some top notch lawyer for the Caribbean Ministry."
"I fully intend to return to England and make the Ministry a better government," said Hermione. "Based on how everything is at Castelobruxo, I might also be in favor of educational reform."
"Before I forget," said Sirius. "There is suspicious talk. Talk of something Voldemort is seeking. Something he didn't have the last time."
"Like a weapon?" Harry asked.
"Yes," said Sirius. "He'll be willing to do anything to get it."
"You need to protect yourself, Harry," said Cedric. "Who knows what our good friend Morty did during that ritual. You're bonded to him until death do you part."
"Which is why Abuela carved you a protective amulet," said Hermione, getting a velvet bag out of Cedric's backpack. She removed a black onyx ring and four smoky quartz figurines. "The ring is to help protect you every day."
"Brilliant," said Harry, examining the ring. "Do you have one Cedric?"
Cedric dug under his collar and held up a cream colored pendant. "Citrine."
"Ah." Harry looked at the figurines in confusion.
"These are your guardians," said Hermione. "Put them at the four corners of your bed."
She pointed to the dog figurine. "Moony and Padfoot." The stag. "Prongs." The doe. "Your Mum." Then the turtle. "And me. They'll perform protective energy around your bed and prevent nightmares."
"Do they work?"
"Did you even ask that?" Hermione challenged.
Harry looked at her, then the ring, then the figurines. "Sorry, it just slipped out." He slid the ring onto his forefinger and released a breath like a weight was taken off his chest.
"Wow," he said, rubbing his scar. "That worked fast."
"Abuela is the best," said Hermione confidently.
"If Potter is connected to the Dark Lord," Snape interrupted. "Perhaps it be best he learned Occlumency."
"For once, I agree with Severus," said Sirius.
"Alright," said Cedric. "I'll teach him. I have a book on it and who better to learn to block than a natural Legilimens?"
"So, it's decided," said Sirius. "Harry will use those protections and practice Occlumency with Cedric. Anything else?"
"A word of warning," said Kingsley. "Be careful, Cedric. There—"
"I know," said Cedric sourly. "Werewolves are just savages waiting to bite any unsuspecting person. I won't give the Werewolf Capture Unit any reason to arrest me."
"That is all, then," said Kingsley.
"Right," said Mrs. Weasley. "Off to bed, the lot of you."
"Sirius, may I use your ballroom to build my jukebox?" Cedric asked.
"Go ahead."
"Thank you."
"Miss Granger," said Professor McGonagall. "I don't know when I'll get the opportunity to tell you this, but I will miss you dearly."
"I'll miss you, too," said Hermione earnestly. "I'll miss most of the other teachers, too."
"Most of us chipped in to give you a going-away present," said Professor McGonagall.
"Oh, Professor," said Hermione, touched. "It won't be goodbye forever, I promise. Don't forget, Chibuzo will be a student and I might just be inclined to give him the grand tour."
The old witch smiled and gave Hermione a wrapped box and a card signed by all the teachers who would miss her.
While everyone else was leaving, Hermione opened up the gift. It looked to be a bookcase except it was twelve-inches by fourteen-inches. It was empty except for nine miniature books related to each Hogwarts subject she took.
"How cute!" she exclaimed.
"It's a shrinking bookcase," Professor McGonagall explained. "Go on and take out a book."
Hermione plucked out the one on Transfiguration. Soon as it was away from the case, it expanded to a full-sized book.
"Oh, wow!" she said. She held it back to the case and marveled at how it shrunk down to fit. "Thank you so much Professor McGonagall."
She gave her former teacher a giant hug, which was tightly returned.
"Goodbye, Miss Granger."
"Goodbye, Professor."