Man, Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings was so good! I haven't felt that much from a movie since Mad Max: Fury Road. Totally recommend it!
I am taking a short break from writing Book Seven. Chipping away at it little by little, but it's not gonna be ready by the end of Year Six. Life is getting pretty busy for me again, but even when this goes on hiatus, it won't be forgotten.
It was still early. Due to the competition the following morning, Hermione and Robbie ended their date at eight so they could rest and prepare. She drove him home, navigating the streets with her point me spell.
"I'm glad your hands are doing better," he said. "I think we really solidified the shakier sections."
"Yeah, I've got the goblins to thank for that," she said, flexing her fingers. "I had fun tonight, Robbie. We'll have to do this again. As friends of course."
"You know, I never had a set time span for a relationship before," he said. "Kinda takes off the pressure doesn't it?"
"Mmhm."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Will my answer determine whether or not you drop me tomorrow?" she asked.
"Of course not, I'm a professional," he said.
"Go ahead then."
"If I'm not part of a company by the time you graduate would you consider coming back and being my partner again?" he asked. "We don't even have to date or anything."
"I don't know," she said. "With the way things are, I could be dead in a ditch in two years."
His face twisted up. "Well don't say that."
"It's true though. I challenge the status quo and that scares people," she said. "Robbie… I'm blind in one eye and my hands are destroyed because someone wanted me dead."
He held his hand out, palm up, and she took it.
"You're still my friend," he said, squeezing it gently. "I promise, I'll send letters from time to time that don't have to do with dancing. I didn't know what I had with you until it was gone."
She smiled wanly. "Tell you what, if you're not with a company and I'm still alive in two years we'll talk about it."
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow. Don't be late. You wouldn't want me to worry, would you?"
"Don't sweat. As much as they try, my family can't get me to conform to island time. I'll be early."
"Great. Maybe during your winter holiday, we can go dancing again."
"We'll see. I've got family coming in, but we'll see."
He got out and she waited until he was safely inside before she drove home. She parked and waved at the person tailing her before going inside.
"I'm home," she called.
"Oh, I thought you would have stayed out a bit longer," said Beatrice. "Is everything alright, darling?"
"Just fine," said Hermione. "We ended early since the competition is tomorrow. I was just gonna go change."
"Do you feel up to watching something after we put Chibuzo to bed?" asked Roger.
"Absolutely." Hermione went upstairs, showered, and changed into a pair of pyjamas. She was rolling her locs between her hands when a knock came at the door. "Come in."
Cecilia entered and sat down on her bed. "Hey."
"What's up?"
"What are you doing?"
Hermione stilled her hands and turned around. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, why are you agreeing to every date you get?" she asked. "It's been four months since you and Cedric broke up."
"He dumped me," said Hermione. "Don't pretend it was mutual."
"Fine, but… you moved on right away. I mean… he could still come back."
"I think he made it quite clear he had no intention of returning when he took our notebooks and his mother's ring," she said. "Why shouldn't I date?"
"It doesn't seem to make you happy," said Cecilia. "Nia, you don't have to date to move on."
"I'm not dating to move on," she said.
"Then why?"
"If I don't fill every second of every day I think I might go mad," said Hermione, swallowing back tears that threatened to spill. "I can't slow down because if I have a moment to think then I can think about what I did wrong. Nobody else wants to do anything except hang around like cats. I like that as much as the next person, but I can't do that right now."
Cecilia got up and hugged her tightly.
"I understand," she said. "Nia… be kind to yourself. Okay?"
"Mm…" Hermione pulled away and put on her bonnet so her locs wouldn't mess up while she slept. "I'm going to go watch TV with Mum and Dad. Want to join us?"
"Nah, I'll probably just turn in."
"Alright. Good night."
~o0o~
The following morning, Hermione woke up and styled her hair and makeup. It was easier now that her hands were steady and she could use a wand. If her costume wasn't with Ms. Esparza she would have changed into it. Instead, she wore slacks and a brightly patterned shirt with her dancing shoes. She ate a light breakfast, making sure to stash protein bars in her gym bag.
"Do you want one of us to drive?" asked Roger.
"No, thank you, Dad," said Hermione, reading through the manual. "Bug only likes me driving and everyone will fit in her."
Cecilia sat in the back with Chibuzo while Roger and Beatrice sat up front with Hermione. Hermione played her Selena tape while she drove over to Grimmauld Place. Cecilia volunteered to go collect everyone. Hermione used that time to change the settings on Bug. The seats shifted and the inside expanded so that it resembled a transit van.
The Weasleys plus Fleur, Harry, and Sirius crowded out of the house. Hermione honked the horn.
"Hurry up! The clown car leaves in two minutes!" she yelled.
"Will we all fit?" asked Percy, opening the back door and looking in. "Never mind."
Once they were all crammed in with Bill and Fleur sharing a row with Chibuzo, Hermione tapped her compass to point her towards the hotel the competition was taking place.
"I know it's early," she said. "And the whole thing will be all day, so if anyone needs to step away, they can, but it really is fun to watch the competitors."
"Some of them should be good for a laugh," said Ron.
"Maybe, but I never make fun of performances until after I've completed mine," she said, wagging a finger. "Karma is real."
Thanks to the car's magic, she was able to arrive at the convention center ahead of schedule, which meant she would have plenty of time to track down Robbie and check in and change. As well as touch up her makeup and go to one of the practice rooms for a last minute rehearsal.
"One last thing," she said, turning around in her seat to look at everyone. "Robbie is privy to magic, so you can discuss it around him. So is his mum. I think you all are best staying together as a group. If you want coffee or juice there are usually stations along the walls. Now my costume is bright, sparkly, and skimpy. I didn't pick it, don't be weird about it. Got it?"
"Got it," the boys chorused.
Hermione got out and hurried on ahead so she could check in and change.
"There you are!" Robbie called, waving her over.
"Go on and change and then we'll get your numbers," said Ms. Esparza. "Your hair and makeup look great."
"Thank you." Hermione took the costume bag and went to the nearest loo. She changed in a stall and stuffed her clothes into her bag. She did one last check in the mirror, adding the clip to her hair and touching up her lipstick.
She looked good. She didn't need to be embarrassed over what she was wearing. It was just like a swimsuit. A swimsuit that was bedazzled and had a small bustle. It also exposed her entire back and some of her sides, so she had to use a concealing charm on the scars made by Wyvern Mama's venom. Once she was walking around for a while she'd forget about it.
She went back out and queued up with Robbie so they could get their numbers. Hers was plastered across her stomach while his hung on his back. His own shirt was the same purple as hers, sheer, and no less bedazzled.
"So, who's here to support you?" Robbie asked.
"Lots of people," she said. "Family, friends. They all needed a day out of the house and there's safety in crowds."
"Fair point," he said. "We have the practice room at ten o'clock. We'll meet there. I am going to… go throw up."
"Maybe try some ginger ale first," she said. "I think there's some in the vending machine."
"Yeah, okay."
Hermione left him and easily found her own family in the crowd. All she had to do was spot the magical signatures. She handed her bag to her mum.
"The first session should be starting soon," she said. "I have to meet Robbie at ten for our practice slot and then we'll have to line up at eleven. We'll be up on the stage. How do I look?"
"I think you look hot!" a voice said behind them. "How'd you like to turn around and give me a kiss?"
"How would you like to learn what it's like to be a ventriloquist dummy?" she snarled and turned around to find Miguel. She screamed and hugged him tightly, kissing him on the cheek. "Hey! What are you doing here?"
"Well, the tour is traveling to Berlin and you said you wanted to send me a video of this performance," he said. "So I decided to come and see it live."
"Oh, Robbie is going to be so stoked," she said. "But we shouldn't let him know you're here. If he knew he was auditioning he would totally choke."
Miguel nodded. "I'll stay out of sight. Esperanza wanted to be here, but she worried people would be too distracted by her presence."
"She does wear big earrings."
"Hola, Fleur," said Miguel. "I hear you're engaged!"
"I am," she said. "Show him the ring, mon chou!"
Bill held out his hand and Miguel fawned over it while Mrs. Weasley pointedly looked away to converse with Beatrice. Hermione kept her observation quiet. Now was not the time to start something.
"You know, you should ask Esperanza to design your wedding gown," said Miguel.
"Oh, she's so busy with touring, I don't want to burden her," said Fleur. "I don't need anything fancy. You are invited of course, Miguel. We will be sending invitations out next summer. The wedding will be next December."
"I'll make sure we schedule our tour around it."
Hermione looked over her shoulder. "They're letting people in now. Let's go watch." She turned back and snapped her fingers. "Boys. My eyes are up here."
"They're just not used to seeing you in this sort of outfit," said George.
"Look away!" she said dramatically. "I have skin! How can anyone ever do anything else but gaze upon my meat suit?"
She frowned at owlish stares she got back. Cedric would have found that hilarious.
"Never mind," she muttered. "Let's just go inside."
Fleur and Ginny fell into step on either side of her while Miguel chatted with Cecilia. They stood along the wall to watch the performers. Robbie sidled up next to her.
"They're good," he said.
"Yeah, but we're better," she replied. "Look, if you're going to psych yourself out just watching other performers we can sit outside and play cards while pretending to stretch."
"No, you want to watch," he said. "I'll be fine."
"If you say so."
Robbie did end up into a card game with Harry and Ron until Hermione pulled him away for them to rehearse. Their run throughs went off with only one hitch, but Hermione had just needed a couple more bobbins in her hair so it wouldn't come undone. Other than that, they couldn't get it wrong and were soon called to line up.
The couple before them finished and when the judges finished with their notes, it was Hermione and Robbie's turn. They walked out into the middle of the floor and Hermione grinned as her family elbowed their way to the front of the crowd.
"Dale, Nia, dale!" Cecilia and Miguel called.
"Ready?" Robbie whispered.
"Ready."
He squatted low and the audience laughed as Hermione did a little cartwheel, making her shoulders land in Robbie's hands. They wobbled a little as he stood up.
"Don't drop me!" she hissed.
"I'm not dropping you!"
She straightened her legs in the air and they stood like that for way too long before the music began. She heard someone, probably her mum, scream as she was purposely dropped. Robbie caught her around her knees and she used her momentum to swing herself up so she was in his arms and then let her legs fall to the ground into a split. That move was so hard to practice and she was sure she nearly broke her neck a few times during rehearsal.
The rest of the routine went smoothly. Hermione smiled the entire time. She had missed the rush of performing.
When they were done, they quickly evacuated the floor, so the next couple could perform.
"You are such a wonderful dancer, Nia," said Fleur. "When do we find out when you win?"
Hermione looked at Roger's watch. "Five more hours. It's a single round this time, no follow up. Want to go get something to eat?"
"Wait, so you danced for two minutes, but we're here for eight hours?" said Ron.
"Competitions are the waiting game, mate," she said. "Though I would kill for something to eat."
"Oh, perhaps you should change or put on a coat," said Beatrice. "I don't think that's appropriate for a restaurant. You're not a Rockette."
"I'm not quite tall enough to be a Rockette."
"Eh, you're right," Cecilia looked around to make sure no one was watching then stretched up morphing her features to look more like Hermione. "We need a Nia this tall for the job!"
She was about six feet and beefy.
Hermione gasped, "It's all the me I could be!"
She laughed and returned to her favorite look. Hermione looked at Miguel and remembered why he was there in the first place.
"What did you think of the performance?" she asked.
"It was amazing!" he said. "I think you have a good shot at winning. Who did the choreography?"
"Robbie mostly. His mum and I helped a little in the transitions. He does have trouble with making every moment a wow moment and then it stays—" she moved her hand level with her eyes, "—the same."
"I had the same problems," said Miguel. "He's really good. Both of you are. As much as I'd like to have the set in my show, I think I could settle for half. Where is this boy? I want to meet him."
Hermione motioned him to follow and led him over to Robbie and Ms. Esparza.
"Robbie," she said. "I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. Miguel, this is Roberto Esparza."
Robbie dropped the paper water cup in his hand along with his jaw.
"You… you're Miguel Montenegro," he said pointing a shaky finger at him. "I read about you. You choreograph for Esperanza Sanchez!"
"I like to think that she sings for my choreography," he said. "The show is more about showcasing great dancers. We just needed someone established to headline. I liked your routine and Nia spoke highly of you as her partner. I want to hang out with her for lunch, but we should get dinner and talk about having you in the ensemble after this tour."
Robbie seemed to vibrate. He inhaled sharply and exhaled.
"I would like that," he said calmly.
"Great. Nia, I'll be right back. Don't go to lunch without me."
When he left, Robbie turned to Hermione.
"How do you know him?!" he whispered.
"He's my cousin Esperanza's best friend," she said.
"YOUR COUSIN IS ESPERANZA SANCHEZ?!"
"Thanks for announcing it to the entire lobby," she said. "And yes."
"B-but… I didn't… he just… dropped everything to come see us perform?"
"Sure. I told him that you were a really amazing dancer and choreographer and that I knew he was looking for an assistant who wouldn't try to upstage him," she said. "And you were so worked up about being signed on to a company or finding a permanent competition partner, so I thought I'd help you out."
He stared at her gobsmacked, then dipped and kissed her.
"You're amazing," he said.
"I know."
Well, there wasn't any spark there. Robbie brought her back up and spun her around while he did a happy dance.
"I'm gonna go change," she said and turned to her family. "Should we see if we can find a food cart or do we want to just split up in groups for lunch?"
"I think splitting up will be easier than finding a table for all… seventeen of us."
"Good point. After I change, we'll meet back here in two hours."
She made quick work of it, even taking off her dancing shoes in favor of her loafers. It was also a relief to take her hair down. She returned to find half of them gone.
"Couldn't wait?" she asked.
"Suppose not," said Roger, looking slightly mystified. "I didn't know you and Robbie were… you just said you were going out."
"We're breaking up in three hours," she said. "I wasn't expecting him to kiss me like that, but I guess he was just that excited about meeting Miguel."
"I do have that effect on people," said Miguel. "Come on, let's go find something to eat."
They ended up grabbing sandwiches from a Pret and sitting in the hotel lobby. Hermione half-listened to the conversation. Fleur seemed particularly thrilled that Beatrice had taken the initiative to propose too and they were comparing stories and what made them decide to be the ones to ask. Hermione was just glad the conversation was something light hearted.
"Hi!" said a girl, sitting down.
Hermione sat up. "Aloha."
"Your routine was so good," she said. "It's almost too good."
"No such thing in a competition," she said.
"Who is your choreographer?"
"My dance partner," she said.
"How long have you been partners?"
"Oh, since we were really young. When did I start dancing, Mum? Six? Seven?"
"Around that age," she agreed.
"Of course, I'm returning to boarding school so he'll probably be looking for someone for the winter circuit." Hermione tipped her head. "I remember your routine now. Your feet were flying, I thought there was gonna be sparks. Jane, right?"
Jane smiled. "That's right."
Eventually the others came back and Hermione introduced Jane to Robbie and let them talk shop. Harry squeezed between her and Fleur.
"Okay, I see your point," he said. "If you make friends with people with potential then you can help those who might have trouble getting their shot, right?"
"You got it," she said.
When he had told her all about Professor Slughorn he'd had contempt in his voice regarding the old man's "collection" of successful people. Hermione didn't see anything wrong with being well connected and if he used it to help boost them up, then what was so bad about it? Seemed her helping out Robbie helped Harry realize there was a lot of good that could be done.
"Are you going to change back into your costume?" asked Robbie.
"Are we dancing again?"
"No, this one is just a single round. It's the Championships Nia."
"Then no. I'm not putting that back on," she said. "If we ever dance together again, I want what Jane there has on. It's cute, stylish, and I won't feel like I have a Burlesque show at seven."
"Alright, fine."
They went back into the ballroom to catch the last dancers and then everyone was called back for rewards. Names were called. Hermione and Robbie stood with their group.
"And now, for the Senior Division, the winners. In third place we have Clayton Green and Willow Harvey. Second place, Declan Bennett and Jane Campbell. And, finally, in first place we have Roberto Esparza and…" the announcer sighed. "Herminia Lotulee-lee-Sanchez 'eh' Granger."
"Close enough," said Hermione, walking out with Robbie to get their prize.
Robbie remembered her allergy and held the bouquet while she held the trophy and they posed for their pictures. It was a huge boost to her esteem that she could still win a dance competition. Especially since the others were really, really good. Hermione approached her family with her trophy in her arms and a crown perched on her head.
"Oh, I'm so proud of you!" said Beatrice, kissing her cheek. "You danced beautifully darling."
"Thank you, Mum."
"Good job, Mimi!" said Chibuzo, making her grin.
"I'm cooking everyone a big meal before they have to return home," said Mrs. Weasley. "Would you like to join us?"
"That would be lovely," said Roger. "I think Chibuzo will need a little nap while dinner cooks."
"Mm not sleepy!"
"Nia!" Robbie jogged over. "I can't thank you enough for saving my arse."
"Of course." She hugged him and kissed his cheek. "Good luck in the big leagues. Tell me how it goes."
"I will."
Hermione led the group back to her car and got in, waiting patiently for everyone to file in. Mrs. Weasley apparated ahead so she could get dinner going, while everyone else stayed behind so they wouldn't get roped into helping.
"Hey, Nia," said Fred.
"What?"
"You know how you were saying 'yes' to anyone who asked you out on a date?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you want to go out on a date?"
She looked back at him. "You had your chance."
While his brothers gave him a hard time, she focused on driving to Grimmauld Place.
"You know," said Beatrice. "It's not too late, we can still look into a private tutor. You can stay close without having to be in the thick of it."
"Thanks but… I need to go back," she said. "It's comforting to know that if I get over my head I have you there to help and support me."
Beatrice nodded and squeezed her shoulder.
"Let's turn on some tunes," said Hermione.
~o0o~
Though it was probably dangerous to go out so much, Hermione and her family went to breakfast. They didn't get to spend as much time together as they would have liked. Everything felt much more real and… Hermione was scared. Her presence in the country would be known by now, she was toeing the line. Anything she said or did could end in catastrophe. What else was new? When they arrived at King's Cross, she pretended she couldn't find her ticket just so she wouldn't have to go in.
"If you lost your ticket, you can always take the Knight Bus," said Cecilia.
"Oh, no, it's right here," she said, holding it up. She placed it back in her bum bag and hugged her family tightly. "I love you all so much."
"We'll see you at Christmas, okay?" said Beatrice. "We've already finalized plans with Manny, Hana, and Amalea."
Roger kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly.
"Don't forget our deal," he said. "One letter a week. Regardless of news."
"I promise," she said, picking up Stephen's cage and Crookshanks' carrier. "I love you all."
"We love you, too," said Roger. "Be safe."
"Don't forget to floss," said Beatrice.
Hermione took a deep breath and stepped through the barrier. Nearly everyone had boarded the train, leaving only family behind. The whistle blew signaling departure and Hermione pushed her way through the crowd. She jumped on just as the train lurched forward and made her way inside. Everyone had already chosen their compartments, so all she had to do was look for the one with her friends. Luckily, she didn't have to open or close compartment doors to look, though many people had similar magical signatures, she knew the ones belonging to her friends.
As she made her way through the train, a compartment door slid open to reveal Cho Chang. She looked startled and stepped back.
"Hi, Cho," said Hermione.
"Hermione?"
"It's Nia, now, actually. Hermione isn't even my real name. Though, I'm a firm believer that if you don't like your name you should be allowed to change it, even if just to your immediate circle of friends."
Cho turned pink and scowled.
"Well, it doesn't matter what you go by. That was a nasty trick you pulled!"
Hermione blinked, confused. "What trick?"
"Just look at poor Marietta's face!"
She looked into the compartment at Marietta Edgecombe who returned her look reproachfully. Clear, even under a thick layer of makeup, were the words: SNEAK.
"I didn't do that," she said. "I only enchanted the first sign-up sheet to bind a person to not talk about the recruitment meeting. The subsequent curse was not my doing." She opened her purse and summoned a travel bottle of Dr. Bronner's. "Here. Try this. It works wonders. Clean the acne with witch hazel every other day and wash with this everyday. Change your pillowcase every day and forgo makeup until it clears."
"And that will work?" said Cho, taking the bottle.
"I swear on my mother's grave. Or one of them anyway. Just, make sure you don't pick at it or it will scar."
Cho passed it to her friend and gave Hermione a curious look. "Why are you here? I thought you were going to Castelobruxo."
"Mm, expelled," she said. "Hogwarts is the only school that will take me back. I only wish I had never left."
Cho hummed and nodded, leaning against the door jamb.
"Is he doing alright?"
"I don't know," she sighed. "I haven't seen him since May and well… he dumped me and went on the run and I haven't heard a word." She blinked back tears. "Does it look like I'm crying right now?"
"No, no, no," said Cho, pulling her into the compartment and offering her a tissue. "Just… like you have allergies."
Hermione dabbed her eyes. She seriously needed to get her feelings in check. She couldn't go falling apart every time his name was said.
Cho patted her comfortingly on the back. "I know we were never close, Her—Nia… and even though things ended badly, I still care about Cedric. He's a good person. If you want to talk about him, you can talk to me."
"Thank you." Hermione took a deep breath and exhaled shakily. "Anyway, erm… I'm sorry, Marietta. I'm sure you didn't deserve it."
"I am sorry I said anything," she said. "I really am. If I had known what was going to happen…"
"I believe you." Hermione sighed. "I'm going to go find my friends. Really, Marietta, I swear by Dr. Bronner's."
She left the compartment and continued in search of her friends. Another compartment door slid open revealing a plump man. He seemed to take great pride in his appearance with his velvet robes, big shiny buttons, a gold pocket watch, and an intentional curl to his moustache. Perched on his bald head was a hat that matched his robes. The whole thing screamed, 'I'm expensive, pay attention to me!'
"Oh, excuse me, my dear," he said.
First impression. Go. Hermione gasped.
"I know who you are," she said, plastering a fake smile on her face. "You're Professor Slughorn!"
He swelled importantly and tipped his cap to her.
"I am, indeed. Horace Slughorn, Potion's Master and Head of Slytherin House."
"Oh, yes, Harry Potter told me all about you," she said.
He looked even more pleased. Hermione kept spinning her web.
"Yes, he said that you have a talent for seeing greatness in others and that you seem very kind."
"And what is your name, dear girl?" he asked.
"Herminia Lotulelei-Sanchez y Granger," she said. "Most people call me Hermione Granger, but I prefer to be called Nia."
He mouthed her name and his eyebrows shot up. "Surely not the Hermione Granger who captured Peter Pettigrew and won an Order of Merlin! The youngest recipient ever."
"The one and the same."
"I had no idea you were returning to Hogwarts this year," he said and shook her hand. "Are you taking Potions?"
"Of course, sir."
"Miss Sanchez y Granger, would you care to join me in my private compartment for lunch? I was just about to send invitations to a select few. A sort of pre-Slug Club meeting."
"A select few?" she said. "That might seem a little suspicious, I mean… you've heard what Umbridge has done."
He nodded and looked disgusted. "Horrid woman. Hurting children like that. I never did like her. Too many people think she was Slytherin. Not that she denies it, she resents being sorted to Hufflepuff. But I would never—"
"I know," she said. "You don't seem like the sort of person who would hurt children, but see all of us are on edge about our latest teacher. We've never really had one that made us comfortable except for Professor Lupin; he's the History of Magic Professor. Of course, I arranged that after proving Sirius Black's innocence."
"Yes, Remus has told me of your accomplishments," he said. "However, it's not in my nature to not meet remarkable students."
"I think remarkability could come from anywhere." She pretended to think. "Hm… what if, in order to at least put us all at ease, you went to each compartment and introduced yourself? That way nobody feels left out. When it comes to the actual club, you can pick whomever you think has the greatest need for it."
"Oh, what a splendid idea," said Professor Slughorn. "I certainly wouldn't want anyone to feel ill at ease."
"Of course not. Well, I oughta be moving on, but it was a pleasure meeting you, sir."
"And you as well, Miss Sanchez y Granger."
Hermione nodded and kept on the search for her friends. She finally found them all in the car where the prefects usually met. Open seats, more room for a larger group. Harry, Ron, and Ginny were there along with Daphne, Astoria, Hannah, Padma, Neville, and Luna. Dean and Seamus were there too, as well as students she never met before but recognized instantly as Harjot, Winnifred, and Gracie from Cedric's message. They were talking to a few friends of their own.
"Did you miss me?" She asked, setting the animal cages down on an empty seat.
Luna jumped to her feet and hugged her tightly, the rest of her close, good friends following suit.
"I didn't know you were coming back," said Daphne. "I knew you were in the U.K. I wanted to meet you, but with everything that's going on… My parents don't want me to leave the house, much less the country."
"Mum is terrified," said Neville. "I don't think Dad quite understands what's going on, but our fear is making him distressed."
"I imagine so," said Hermione. "You guys going to move?"
He nodded. "I'm staying here. If I can do anything to help, I want to and Mum and Gran understand that. They're moving as soon as they find a place with good doctors to keep helping my Dad and make sure Mum doesn't regress."
"I hear Switzerland is good," she said. "Or if you want something farther away from the action, there's Japan. The magical center in the Pacific is, of course, excellent."
"I trust your opinion," said Neville. "I'll pass it along to Gran and see what she thinks."
"Have a seat," said Hannah.
"Where's Susan?"
Her friend's face tightened.
"She went to visit family in Australia after her aunt was killed," she said. "Last I heard, there was an issue with the portkeys so she's taking the muggle way home."
"Mm…" Hermione shook her head.
"We missed you a lot," said Padma. "So, you're back for good?"
"Yes. Apparently, I'm 'a danger to society.'"
They laughed, but she knew that they knew her real reason for coming back. Maybe they didn't think it was her fault, but she knew the truth. Instead of bringing that up, Hermione took a seat and let Crookshanks out. Stephen squawked in protest.
"Hey!" she scolded. "You know exactly why you can't be let loose on a train."
Daphne sat next to her, and Hannah and Padma sat across from her. Luna, Ginny, and Astoria hung over their shoulders while Harry, Ron, Dean, and Seamus played a game of Exploding Snap. Hermione brought out an array of snacks for all of them to share since it would be a while yet before the Trolley Lady got to them.
"I would have thought you'd be at the prefect meeting," she said.
"It's been pushed back," said Hannah. "Since we don't know who's returning, they might need to re-assign prefects. So the first meeting is next weekend."
"Makes sense."
"Now that you're back, do you still want to have our study group?" asked Padma.
"Absolutely," she said. "It at least gives us an excuse to gather. Same hours?"
"Yeah, we'll just have to make sure it doesn't coincide with prefect rounds," said Padma. "I think Shaylyn will let us work around it. I passed her by when boarding. She's Head Girl."
"Are you going back to Gryffindor, Nia?" asked Astoria.
"Probably," said Hermione. "I mean, I still have to be re-sorted since I did leave school. Though maybe it will put me in Ravenclaw this time."
"Why would you want to leave Gryffindor?" asked Dean.
Hermione raised an eyebrow, but before she could respond, Seamus cut in, "The firebolt incident, the Scabbers thing, not to mention we were jerks to her boyfriend during the Triwizard Tournament."
"Exactly," said Hermione. "Thank you, Seamus. So, yeah, I'll probably be put in Ravenclaw this time around."
"Or Hufflepuff," said Hannah. "Though, that might not be a good idea. I hear Aiden and Daven were having nightmares for weeks about you showing up and smothering them in their sleep. Though that could be because the glitter had gone to their heads. Anyway, the sentiment sort of passed around."
"Yes, why would I ever want to join the House that betrayed the love of my life?" she said dryly. "Though, I wouldn't mind bunking with you and Susan. You guys are cool and, really, the thought of yelling 'boo!' and having people scream and run is tempting."
Hannah smiled half-heartedly.
"What if she's put in Slytherin?" Luna suggested.
"The Sorting Hat is very particular," said Daphne. "If anyone with magical ancestry could be in Slytherin, I don't think we'd even have the reputation for only taking Purebloods. Some of the more bigoted think Half-bloods are even pushing it. Nia's grandmothers have magic, but the Sorting Hat will likely see her grandfathers and parents being non-magical as enough to disqualify her."
"Be honest, you just don't want me to keep you up until three in the morning with my projects."
"Trust me, you do not want to meet three-in-the-morning Hermione," said Harry, looking over his shoulder. "I still have nightmares about her."
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Are you Cedric's Hermione?" asked Gracie.
"I used to be," she said. "I go by Nia now. Howzit?"
"Erm, it's fine. Uh, I don't know if he told you about us."
"Of course. Gracie, Winnifred, and Harjot. Oh, and we can't forget about Artemis. I'm afraid I don't know the rest of you."
While introductions were said, Winnifred scribbled on a notepad and held it up.
"Is he okay?" her friend, Mary, next to her read aloud for Gracie's benefit. Hermione felt sick for her Castelobruxo clique.
These are young'uns. Lie to them and change the subject.
"He's alright. Just hiding away until I can prove his innocence, but we're not dating at the moment. You know, my friend Quripuma is deaf. She communicates with sign and a notebook. Though her girlfriend, Cássia, who is also my friend, is blind and so they came up with a type of sign language that they can both use. So now Quripuma is Cássia's eyes and Cássia is Quripuma's ears. Not that they're joined at the hip, mind you."
"Are there a lot of blind witches?"
"I mean there are a few legally blind wixen at Castelobruxo," said Hermione. "Castelobruxo is one of the better schools when it comes to accommodations. Of course, it depends on what it's for. If you've got a disability you're pretty much guaranteed some sort of assistance to make things equitable. If you're a Magical Being however, well that's a different story. My friend, Alejandro, has to wear a special necklace that makes him smaller so people aren't intimidated by him."
"Is he a giant?" asked Harjot.
"Nah, he's a troll. Half-Troll. Castelobruxo accepts Magical Being students as long as they are at least half-wix. I'm planning on changing that. I think anyone capable of performing magic deserves an education. Or hell, anyone with magical parents. Just because squibs can't perform magic doesn't mean they don't have something to offer. I mean, look at Filch."
"Filch is a janitor," said Astoria.
"No, he isn't," she replied. "Not full-time anyway. I learned he's the art conservator for Hogwarts. When paintings are damaged, he's the one who restores them. Same with armor and the like. I think that's why he hates students so much. I mean, he's the museum curator and yet everyone who enters that museum treats it like a fun house." She held up a finger. "However… I don't like how he threatens or treats people and so he has no sympathy from me."
"Then why do you defend him?"
"Because if I only helped those who were polite and amiable, then I would be no better than the bigots," she said and brought out her scrapbook. "This is Alejandro. Isn't he cute? We dated for three weeks, but he broke up with me because he realized he only liked me as a friend. I liked him better as a friend too, but he was a good kisser once you got used to the tusks."
"You dated a troll but you wouldn't even consider me?" Ron squawked.
"Come on, mate, dating two trolls back to back is kinda redundant."
Daphne choked on her butterbeer while Padma and Hannah giggled.
"I walked into that one," Ron sighed and turned back to the game.
Deciding not to give him a hard time anymore, Hermione flipped through her scrapbook, showing her friends the adventures she went on.
"Márcia is really cool. I think you guys would get on with her," she continued. "Bernice isn't an M.B. but she is head of the Romani Cultural Club." She pointed to a picture. "That's Óliver, he's a centaur and a wizard. We weren't as close, but he was always a good lunch partner. I visited his herd and I learned quite a bit. I was thinking of doing a showing of my documentaries to anyone who's interested."
"Did you see any interesting plants?" Neville asked hopefully.
"Oh, yes, there is something I thought you'd like." She reached into her bag and brought out seed packets. "I got these from the Trolls, thought you might be interested in growing them."
"Thanks!" he said, taking them.
"Hello, hello," came the voice of Professor Slughorn. "I hope you don't mind my intrusion, but I had hoped to introduce myself to all the students. I am Professor Slughorn, the Potion's Master and returning Head of Slytherin house." He spotted Hermione. "Ah, Miss Sanchez y Granger, so these are your friends."
"Some of them, anyway," she said. "I was just giving Neville here some plants from the Troll community of Venezuela. He's got a real green thumb, you know."
"I just like them," he said sheepishly.
"Don't be so modest," said Hannah. "Weren't you telling me about your experiments with grafting?"
"Grafting?" said Professor Slughorn. "My that does sound interesting. What did you say your name was?"
"Neville Longbottom, sir."
"Ah, Frank and Alice's boy, I should have guessed. I quite liked them, you know. Very bright students."
"Well, I'm not good with Potions," said Neville. "I didn't even get an Acceptable."
"Oh, tosh, neither was your father, but your mother helped him out quite a lot so they could train to be Aurors together."
"I… I never knew that," he said, looking slightly mystified.
"How are they? I heard they had been in recovery?"
"Er, yes, Nia here introduced us to Muggle doctors and they were able to reverse the effects of the Cruciatus curse."
"Really? Extraordinary. I wonder what else Muggles might have to teach us." He moved on to the others. He seemed happy to meet Ginny, but barely spared Dean, Seamus, and Ron a greeting. He didn't seem to know what to make of the second years in the compartment, but was polite and amiable all the same. Perhaps because he had heard of Hermione's penchant for putting teachers in their place or maybe he just knew better.
"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you all," he said. "We should be at Hogwarts within the hour, so I'll leave you to clean up and change into your robes. Good day all."
"Pleasure meeting you, sir," said Luna. When he had gone she turned to the others. "He thinks very highly of himself, doesn't he?"
"Yes," Hermione agreed, "but he's my ticket to get people on this side of the world to take S.A.M.B. seriously. Viktor's got a good clump of support in Bulgaria, but if I get Slughorn on my side, then change might happen faster."
"I think it's a clever idea," said Astoria and Daphne nodded in agreement.
"I doubt we'll be of much interest to him," said Daphne. "We are one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, meaning our lines go back really far; our family, Hannah's, Neville's, and the Weasleys are on the list. Some take pride in the title but I think as time goes on, it'll be irrelevant. We've got seats in the Wizengamot and my father is an excellent lobbyist, but I think we're too neutral for anyone to really want to align ourselves with anyone."
"I think we should change that," said Astoria. "If you stand for nothing then what is left to fight for?"
"Yes, but that's still years away for us. Besides, Mother and Father's priority is keeping us out of this. And you know you're too fragile to fight."
Astoria grumbled to herself then said, "I'm going to go change."
"Did you bring robes, Nia?" asked Padma. "I like that nickname, Nia, it's cool. It suits you."
"Thanks," said Hermione. "No, I didn't see any need to wear the uniform. The handbook states that all students must wear the school uniform until they come of age or they are an exchange student. As I am not technically a citizen of any country in the United Kingdom or Ireland and I am of age in both the Pacific and the Dominican Republic, I can wear whatever I want to classes."
"Lucky," said Padma.
"So, wait, you're going to be wearing what you've been wearing for the past month to classes?" asked Ginny.
"Don't be silly, I have winter editions of the styles."
"I like what you're wearing now," said Hannah. "Esperanza?"
"That's right."
She had worn a set of clothes that were closer to robes. It just had a coat and long, loose trousers that moved much like a skirt. She felt that it would be best for a long exhausting day of travel. The colors were black and purple, so if she was sorted into a different House it wouldn't matter much and she could just do a color changing charm.
Everyone else had gone into the water closet one-by-one to change into their own uniforms. Hermione brought out her video camera and made sure that it had a fresh crystal inside. She stood up, cast the spell, and it faced her.
"The Hogwarts Express," she said. "Established in the late 19th century as a way for students to get to Hogwarts safely and on time. All students expect a ticket with their school letters. Often, you are told not to lose your ticket, but such a feat has actually been impossible since the 1940s when charms were added to make them unlosable after children escaping the daily horrors of World War II got mixed up with students going to Hogwarts. The No-Maj children ended up at school while others ended up in the country. Such an incident has not happened since."
"Who are you talking to?" a second-year boy asked.
"Shh, I'm making an orientation video," she said. "First year students are expected to take boats up to the castle, though special circumstances permit students to take the alternate route via carriages pulled by Thestrals. To learn more about Thestrals see: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, by Newt Scamander. Not all students are actually required to arrive at Hogwarts via the Hogwarts Express, considering a good portion of the population live in Scotland where Hogwarts is located. Some students are petitioning that rather than be an Express, the Hogwarts train stops in four major cities: Cardiff, London, Dublin, and Edinburgh, in order to put less pressure on families to travel to London and create suspiciously high traffic at King's Cross every September First."
"What students are those, Nia?" asked Harry.
"Us. Don't worry, I'll convince you later." She turned back to the camera. "The train is slowing down and we are now arriving at Hogsmeade Station. For all of you new students, your Hogwarts journey begins here." She posed the camera over her shoulder.
"I thought you wanted to be a lawyer," said Padma.
"Yeah, did you change your mind and decide to be a filmmaker?" asked Dean.
"No, I'm just the only witch around here with a video camera and I think it might be helpful if students can have a video telling them what to expect, that way no one feels stupid or left out."
"I think it's a brilliant idea," said Gracie. "Will you have one accessible to everyone?"
"Yes," said Hermione. "When it's complete I plan to add in closed captions and make another version with audio description. Cover all my bases."
"Let me know if you'd like help from the Journalism Club," said Luna. "Or better yet, you could join."
"I don't know, I haven't decided about clubs yet," she said. "We'll still hang though."
The train stopped and the doors opened so everyone could file off. Hermione figured she would mostly get footage and do a voice over later.
"Firs' years!" came Hagrid's call. "Firs' years this way!"
"See you inside," said Hermione.
"I'll keep a seat open for you in case you're sorted into Ravenclaw," said Padma.
"I'll do the same," said Hannah.