Sirius had put up a terrific show of happiness on hearing the news that Harry could return to Hogwarts. Still, Hermione noticed he was even moodier and surlier than before. He barely spoke to anyone and spent more time shutting up in his mother's bedroom with Buckbeak. Crookshanks had also taken to spending most of the day with him, completely ignoring Hermione.
Surprisingly, Harry noticed Sirius's mood and confided in Hermione and Ron that he felt guilty for leaving Sirius all alone with his thoughts.
"Don't you go feeling guilty!" said Hermione sternly while they scrubbed out a mouldy cupboard on the third floor a few days later. "You belong at Hogwarts, and Sirius knows it. Personally, I think he's being selfish."
"That's a bit harsh, Hermione," said Ron, frowning as he attempted to prise off a bit of mould firmly attached to his finger. "You wouldn't want to be stuck inside this house without any company."
"He'll have company!" said Hermione. "It's Headquarters to the Order of the Phoenix, isn't it? He just got his hopes up that Harry would be coming to live here with him."
"I don't think that's true," said Harry. "He wouldn't give me a straight answer when I asked him if I could."
"He just didn't want to get his own hopes up even more," said Hermione wisely. "And he probably felt a bit guilty himself because I think a part of him was really hoping you'd be expelled. Then you'd both be outcasts together."
"Come off it!" said Harry and Ron together, but Hermione merely shrugged.
"Suit yourselves. But I sometimes think Ron's mum's right, and Sirius gets confused about whether you're you or your father, Harry."
"So you think he's touched in the head?" said Harry heatedly.
"No, I just think he's been very lonely for a long time," said Hermione simply. Regardless of how harsh it sounded, Harry needed to hear it.
At this point, Mrs Weasley entered the bedroom behind them.
"Still not finished?" she said, poking her head into the cupboard.
"I thought you might be here to tell us to have a break!" said Ron bitterly. "D'you know how much mould we've got rid of since we arrived here?"
"You were so keen to help the Order," said Mrs Weasley. "You can do your bit by making Headquarters fit to live in."
"I feel like a house elf," grumbled Ron.
Hermione seized the moment. "Well, now you understand what dreadful lives they lead. Perhaps you'll be a bit more active in SPEW!" she said hopefully as Mrs Weasley left them to it. "In fact, this could be an opportunity. We could organise a sponsored scrub of Gryffindor common room, all proceeds to SPEW. It would raise awareness as well as funds."
"I'll sponsor you to shut up about spew," Ron muttered irritably.
Hermione chose to ignore his sarcasm and, instead, just focused on the potential impact. Cleaning alongside Ron and Harry had given her a renewed sense of purpose. If they could understand even a fraction of what house elves endured daily, maybe they'd take S.P.E.W. more seriously. She couldn't help but think that being a Muggle-born in a prejudiced world made her particularly sensitive to the plight of house-elves. If she could help them, even a little, it would be worth all the effort.
As the last few days of summer ticked by, Hermione shifted her focus from Harry's trial to the upcoming year. They still hadn't received their book list, nor had she been notified of whether or not she had been selected as Prefect. She was pretty sure Harry would be the boy Gryffindor Prefect since he was Dumbledore's favourite (regardless of whatever was causing him to ignore Harry). Still, the competition for Female Gryffindor Prefect was a bit less predictable. Of course, she thought she was clearly the best candidate, though she knew her roommate, Parvati Patil, had also decided to try for the position. Would Dumbledore defer to Parvati to mix things up? Having Harry and Hermione both as prefects would change the dynamics of their little trio. Was that a deciding factor?
Then there were the O.W.L.s coming up this year. Ideally, Hermione would have had all of her textbooks read at least once this summer, but the lack of a book list really ruined her plans. She reread all of her past books when she had time between cleaning and whatnot, but there was going to be a lot of advanced material to cover in their fifth year that she had yet to learn. For a brief moment, Hermione thought about asking for the Time-Turner back but then realised how daft of an idea that was.
Hermione also took some time to focus on S.P.E.W. She needed a new strategy. She would keep up S.P.E.W. as an organisation and recruit new members, but she knew she would have to do much of the hard work herself. Just as it was hard to convince House Elves they didn't need to be slaves anymore, it was equally challenging to convince Wizards they should care. She was beginning to think Ron's sarcastic asides were, in fact, his real feelings instead of just his usual teasing. If that was the case, Hermione had even more work to do.
Since rational arguments weren't working (on either the House Elves or the Wizards), perhaps Hermione would just have to show them rather than tell them. If the House Elves got a taste of freedom, they'd finally understand. Likewise, if Wizards like Ron saw how happy the newly freed elf was, they would also appreciate it. Maybe she could arrange for Dobby to speak to the other elves at Hogwarts, sharing his experiences of freedom and fair wages.
It was definitely something to think about.
Hermione also tried to focus on writing her parents a letter. Every time she'd sit down to write, however, nothing came to mind. She had nearly gone through an entire pack of parchment already and had nothing to show. Hermione just couldn't figure out how to put what she was thinking into words that wouldn't hurt her parents' feelings more than they already were.
The only semi-positive thing to emerge from Hermione's anxiety about the upcoming school year, O.W.L.s, being Prefect, S.P.E.W., and her parents was that her nightmares focused on one of those topics instead of the Graveyard. Waking up in the middle of the night with a panic attack about schoolwork was something Hermione was an expert at after nearly sixteen years. Thank goodness she didn't need Ron's help with any of that.
Hermione decided to get a head start on packing her things (so she would have an excuse not to try to write to her parents) one morning when Mrs Weasley didn't have any chores scheduled. Ginny joined her, and the two started discussing the upcoming school year.
"Who d'you think Dumbledore found for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position?" Ginny asked as she folded her robes.
"Not sure," Hermione said. "Maybe the real Mad Eye Moody will come and teach?"
"If I were him, I'd stay well away from the castle," Ginny said. "Plus, the bloke's already got some mental issues going on… Merlin knows how crazy he'll be after spending a year in a trunk."
Hermione giggled. "That's very true. 'Constant vigilance!'"
Just then, two grey owls glided into the dusty room and landed gracefully upon the footboard of Ginny's bed. Hermione recognised the envelopes with their emerald green writing and red wax seals at once - they were letters from Hogwarts.
Hermione took a deep breath and slipped the letter from the grey owl's beak. Ginny did the same with her letter but kept glancing over at Hermione. She knew how important that letter could potentially be for Hermione.
Hermione looked at the letter in her hands. She couldn't tell if it felt heavier than usual or if her intense hope and desperation were just imagining it. "Let me see your letter," Hermione said in a strangled voice.
"What? Why?" Ginny asked.
"I want to see if mine is heavier," Hermione explained. "If it is, that may mean there's a Prefect badge in there."
"Or you could just open the envelope," Ginny said.
"If I open it, then I will know for sure," Hermione said, staring at the envelope in fear.
"Hermione?" Ginny said, breaking Hermione out of her trance. "Repeat what you just said to yourself and think about it."
Hermione repeated the phrase in her head and immediately blushed in embarrassment. "Sorry, it made much more sense in my head."
"I figured," Ginny said. "Now, open it! Just rip it open!"
Hermione took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and ripped the red seal off the envelope. She lifted the flap but then hesitated before opening the envelope entirely. Whatever was in that envelope would determine the rest of her life. The total weight of the circumstances completely paralysed her. She couldn't move.
"Oh, for Merlin's sake," Ginny said, grabbing the envelope from Hermione's hands and opening it.
Hermione squeezed her eyes shut. The ball of anxiety had become overwhelming. There was no breath coming in or out. Her whole body started to burn and shake.
"Just promise me one thing," Ginny said. Hermione couldn't answer but hoped that the quick nod of her head indicated her promise. "Promise me that you won't ever give me detention."
"What?"
"Hermione. You got it. You got Prefect!"
A strangled squeal erupted from Hermione's mouth as she and Ginny jumped up and down. Hermione grabbed the letter and started to read.
Dear Miss Granger,
With immense joy and pride, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on being selected as Gryffindor Prefect for the upcoming school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Your dedication to your studies, exemplary behaviour, and commitment to upholding the values of our esteemed institution have not gone unnoticed.
As a Prefect, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the order and spirit of Hogwarts. Your responsibilities will include overseeing the well-being of your fellow students and assisting the faculty in various matters. We do not doubt that you will approach this role with the same enthusiasm and diligence that led to your selection.
To begin the next chapter of your Hogwarts journey, please report to the Prefect Carriage on the Hogwarts Express on September 1. The carriage is situated toward the rear of the train. You will receive instructions from the Head Boy and Head Girl and will be expected to patrol the corridors throughout the journey to Hogwarts. Your commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all passengers is paramount.
Upon arriving at Hogwarts, your responsibilities will extend to patrolling the castle and its grounds. The Head Boy and Head Girl will orient you to your duties and create a patrol timetable.
Remember, as a Prefect, you are a representative of your house and a role model for your peers. Your actions and decisions will impact the overall atmosphere of both the Hogwarts Express and Hogwarts itself, so we trust that you will carry out your responsibilities with integrity and fairness.
Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved honour. May your time as a Prefect be filled with growth, camaraderie, and magical experiences.
Yours sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
"I can't believe it!" Hermione shouted. "I have to go see if Harry got it too," she said after a few more minutes of celebrating with Ginny. Ginny gave her one last massive hug before Hermione raced up the stairs to the boys' room.
She threw open the door and tore into the room. Ron, Harry, and the twins were standing there. "Did you – did you get –?" She spotted the badge in Harry's hand and let out a shriek. "I knew it!" she said excitedly, brandishing her letter. "Me too, Harry, me too!"
"No," said Harry quickly, pushing the badge into Ron's hand. "It's Ron, not me."
"It – what?" It took a few moments for it to register.
"Ron's prefect, not me," Harry said.
"Ron?" said Hermione, her jaw dropping despite herself. "But ... are you sure? I mean-"
She turned red as Ron looked round at her with a defiant expression on his face.
"It's my name on the letter," he said.
"I…" said Hermione, trying to backpedal. "I ... well ... wow! Well done, Ron! That's really-"
"Unexpected," said George, nodding.
"No," said Hermione, blushing harder than ever. "No, it's not... Ron's done loads of... he's really…" No matter how hard she tried, words would not come to her mouth. Thankfully, she was saved by the door opening behind her. Mrs Weasley backed into the room carrying a pile of freshly laundered robes.
"Ginny said the booklists had come at last," she said, glancing around at all the envelopes as she made her way over to the bed and sorted the robes into two piles. "If you give them to me, I'll take them over to Diagon Alley this afternoon and get your books while you're packing. Ron, I'll have to get you more pyjamas; these are at least six inches too short. I can't believe how fast you're growing ... what colour would you like?"
"Get him red and gold to match his badge," said George, smirking.
"Match his what?" said Mrs Weasley absently, rolling up a pair of maroon socks and placing them on Ron's pile.
"His badge," said Fred, with the air of getting the worst over quickly. "His lovely, shiny new prefect's badge."
Fred's words took a moment to penetrate Mrs Weasley's preoccupation with pyjamas, just like Harry's took a moment for Hermione.
"His ... but ... Ron, you're not ...?"
Ron held up his badge.
Mrs Weasley let out a shriek just like Hermione's.
"I don't believe it! I don't believe it! Oh, Ron, how wonderful! A prefect! That's everyone in the family!"
"What are Fred and I, next-door neighbours?" said George indignantly as his mother pushed him aside and flung her arms around her youngest son. Even through Hermione's shock, she was so happy to see Ron finally get the recognition he deserved and craved from his mother.
"Wait until your father hears! Ron, I'm so proud of you; what wonderful news! You could end up as Head Boy just like Bill and Percy; it's the first step! Oh, what a thing to happen in the middle of all this worry; I'm just thrilled, oh, Ronnie-"
Fred and George were both making loud retching noises behind her back, but Mrs Weasley did not notice. With arms tight around Ron's neck, she was kissing him all over his face, which had turned a brighter scarlet than his badge.
"Mum ... don't ... Mum, get a grip …" he muttered, trying to push her away.
She let go of him and said breathlessly, "Well, what will it be? We gave Percy an owl, but you've already got one, of course."
"W-what do you mean?" said Ron, looking as though he dared not believe his ears.
"You've got to have a reward for this!" said Mrs Weasley fondly. "How about a nice new set of dress robes?"
"We've already bought him some," said Fred sourly, who looked as though he sincerely regretted this generosity. Hermione frowned; how did they afford dress robes? When did the twins get more money? Were they gambling again?
"Or a new cauldron, Charlie's old one's rusting through, or a new rat, you always liked Scabbers-"
"Mum," said Ron hopefully. "Can I have a new broom?"
Mrs Weasley's face fell slightly; broomsticks were expensive.
"Not a really good one!" Ron hastened to add. "Just – just a new one for a change…"
Mrs Weasley hesitated, then smiled. "Of course, you can... well, I'd better get going if I've got a broom to buy too. I'll see you all later ... little Ronnie, a prefect! And don't forget to pack your trunks ... a prefect ... oh, I'm all of a dither!"
She gave Ron yet another kiss on the cheek, sniffed loudly, and bustled from the room.
Fred and George exchanged looks.
"You don't mind if we don't kiss you, do you, Ron?" said Fred in a falsely anxious voice.
"We could curtsey if you like," said George.
"Oh, shut up," said Ron, scowling at them.
"Or what?" said Fred, an evil grin spreading across his face. "Going to put us in detention?"
"I'd love to see him try," sniggered George.
"He could if you don't watch out!" said Hermione angrily, finally snapping out of shock. Ron deserved their respect, and she was going to make sure they gave it to him, damn it.
Fred and George burst out laughing, and Ron muttered, "Drop it, Hermione."
"We're going to have to watch our step, George," said Fred, pretending to tremble, "with these two on our case."
"Yeah, it looks like our law-breaking days are finally over," said George, shaking his head.
And with another loud crack, the twins Disapparated.
"Those two!" said Hermione furiously, staring up at the ceiling, through which they could now hear Fred and George roaring with laughter in the room upstairs. "Don't pay any attention to them, Ron. They're only jealous!"
"I don't think they are," said Ron doubtfully, also looking up at the ceiling. "They've always said only prats become prefect ... still," he added on a happier note, "they've never had new brooms! I wish I could go with Mum and choose ... she'll never be able to afford a Nimbus, but there's the new Cleansweep out, that'd be great ... yeah, I think I'll go and tell her I like the Cleansweep, just so she knows …"
He dashed from the room, leaving Harry and Hermione alone.
"Harry?" said Hermione tentatively.
"Well done, Hermione," said Harry. "Brilliant. Prefect. Great."
"Thanks," said Hermione, though she knew he wasn't being genuine. He was most certainly disappointed and, truth be told, jealous of Ron. A mean thought crossed her mind: It's about time the jealousy tables were reversed for once. Hermione shook the thought away, however. No matter how true it was, it wasn't kind at all. Harry would get over it eventually, and she needed to be a good friend until he did. Suddenly, a thought occurred to her. "Erm – Harry – could I borrow Hedwig so I can tell Mum and Dad? They'll be really pleased – I mean, prefect is something they can understand."
"Yeah, no problem," said Harry. "Take her!"
Hermione coaxed Hedwig down from the rafters with a few seeds lying near her cage and let the snowy white owl hop on her arm for a ride to her room. Thankfully, She had not packed up her parchment yet and could grab a sheet from the desk. She sat down.
And froze.
Even writing something this universal was going to be difficult. Hermione sat with her quill poised over the page, trying to think of something, anything to say. It was then, and only then, did the shock and excitement of becoming Prefect really take hold. Hermione, for once in her life, felt invincible. She was the Gryffindor Prefect. She could do anything she put her mind to! And if she wanted to write this letter, she most certainly could. It would be best to keep it to the facts and remove most of the emotions - a skill she would definitely need to be a successful prefect. With that in mind, she finally put the quill to the parchment and started to write.
Dear Mum and Dad,
Amazing news! I just found out a few minutes ago that I was named Gryffindor Prefect this year! I know things have been rocky between us, but you were the first people I wanted to share this news with.
I understand that our worlds are quite different, and sometimes, it's challenging to reconcile the magical with the non-magical aspects of our lives. However, being selected as a Prefect is a moment that I believe we can all appreciate. It reflects not only my personal growth but also the values and principles we share as a family.
While we may approach magic and the Wizarding World from different perspectives, I am grateful for your unwavering support throughout my time at Hogwarts. It means the world to me.
I hope this news brings a smile to your faces. I miss you both immensely and look forward to the day when I can share more magical moments with you.
All my love,
Hermione
Hermione gave the letter a once-over before tucking it into the envelope. It was definitely to the point and devoid of emotion, but that was exactly what she wanted it to be. Before she could second-guess it, she handed the letter to Hedwig and watched her take flight through the skies of London.
With that task off her plate, it was time for Hermione to prepare for the next chapter of her life story: Prefect.
As she sat back down, her thoughts turned to S.P.E.W. Perhaps she could use this experience to her advantage.
"Maybe," she mused aloud, "if the other students experienced just a fraction of what house elves go through daily, they'd understand why SPEW is so important."
She decided to propose a "Day in the Life of a House Elf" event at Hogwarts, where students would take on various cleaning and maintenance tasks. It would be a practical, hands-on experience, much more effective than just handing out flyers or holding meetings. Her new strategy would be to show rather than tell, to make them feel the grind and understand the injustice.
Her mind raced with ideas. She would talk to Professor McGonagall and the other Prefects to get their support. Maybe they could even make it a house competition – the house that raised the most awareness and support for S.P.E.W. would earn extra points.
Hermione smiled to herself, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Being a Prefect wasn't just about enforcing rules and maintaining order; it was about leading by example and using her position to make a real difference.
With her plans for S.P.E.W. solidifying and her confidence growing, Hermione felt ready to tackle whatever challenges the new school year would bring. She stood up, looking around her room, feeling more determined than ever.
She whispered to herself, "I can do this. I will make a difference."
And with that, she started preparing for her new role, not just as a Prefect, but as an advocate for change.
Down in the kitchen, Mrs Weasley had hung a scarlet banner over the dinner table, which read:
CONGRATULATIONS, RON AND HERMIONE, NEW PREFECTS
Mrs Weasley looked so proud Hermione was afraid she would burst. "I thought we'd have a little party, not a sit-down dinner," she told Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Harry, Fred, and George as they entered the room. "Your father and Bill are on their way, Ron. I've sent them both owls, and they're thrilled," she added, beaming. Hermione saw Ron puff out his chest with pride. She was so happy for him. She wished they could have had a chance to chat about being Prefects together that afternoon, but he was too busy with his new broom.
Sirius, Lupin, Tonks, and Kingsley Shacklebolt were already there, and Mad-Eye Moody stumped in shortly after Hermione, Ron, and Harry toasted each other with Butterbeer. After writing her parents the letter, Hermione started to think about what it would be like working so closely with Ron as the Gryffindor Prefects. She didn't want to get her hopes up necessarily, but leading together in that role would undoubtedly change the dynamic of their relationship and bring them closer together… perhaps being a Prefect Team would provide some opportunities to explore becoming something more than friends. Hermione's mind flashed back to the rejected kiss, but maybe it wasn't the right time.
"Oh, Alastor, I am glad you're here," said Mrs Weasley brightly as Mad-Eye shrugged off his travelling cloak. "We've been wanting to ask you for ages – could you have a look in the writing desk in the drawing room and tell us what's inside it? We haven't wanted to open it just in case it's something really nasty."
"No problem, Molly." Professor Moody's electric-blue eye swivelled upwards and stared fixedly through the kitchen ceiling. Hermione watched in morbid curiosity. "Drawing room…" he growled as the pupil contracted. "Desk in the corner? Yeah, I see it. Yeah, it's a Boggart. Want me to go up and get rid of it, Molly?"
"No, no, I'll do it myself later," beamed Mrs Weasley. "You have your drink. We're having a little bit of a celebration, actually!" She gestured at the scarlet banner. "Fourth prefect in the family!" she said fondly, ruffling Ron's hair.
"Prefect, eh?" grunted Professor Moody. His normal eye was trained on Ron, but his "mad eye" was fixated on Harry, probably judging his state of mind. "Well, congratulations," said Moody, still glaring at Ron with his normal eye. "Authority figures always attract trouble, but I suppose Dumbledore thinks you can withstand most major jinxes, or he wouldn't have appointed you…"
Ron looked rather startled at this view of the matter but was saved the trouble of responding by the arrival of his father and eldest brother. Hermione made a mental note to discuss it with him later. Mrs Weasley was in such a good mood she did not even complain that they had brought Mundungus with them; he was wearing a long overcoat that seemed oddly lumpy in unlikely places and declined the offer to remove it and put it with Moody's travelling cloak.
"Well, I think a toast is in order," said Mr Weasley when everyone had a drink. He raised his goblet. "To Ron and Hermione, the new Gryffindor prefects!"
Hermione and Ron beamed as everyone drank to them and then applauded. Hermione's heart swelled. She fought the sudden urge to grab Ron's hand and pull him in for an embrace. Her face flushed from embarrassment, and she hoped it just looked like the applause and not her urges flustered her.
"I was never a prefect myself," said Tonks brightly as everybody moved towards the table to help themselves to food. Today, her hair was tomato red and waist-length; she looked like Ginny's older sister. "My Head of House said I lacked certain necessary qualities."
"Like what?" said Ginny, who was choosing a baked potato.
"Like the ability to behave myself," said Tonks.
Ginny laughed immediately, but Hermione wasn't exactly sure if Tonks was joking or not. She decided to take an extra-large gulp of Butterbeer rather than try to figure it out, though she immediately started choking on the bubbly beverage.
"What about you, Sirius?" Ginny asked, thumping Hermione on the back.
Sirius, who was right beside Harry, let out his usual bark-like laugh. "No one would have made me a prefect; I spent too much time in detention with James. Lupin was the good boy; he got the badge."
"I think Dumbledore might have hoped I would be able to exercise some control over my best friends," said Lupin. "I need scarcely say that I failed dismally."
Hermione caught her breath and noticed Harry perk up at Sirius' and Professor Lupin's comments. Maybe knowing his father wasn't a Prefect would make him feel better. She certainly hoped that was the case.
Normal dinner conversation started as everyone tucked into Mrs Weasley's delicious feast. Hermione's thoughts wandered on a twisting and turning path, beginning with the original Marauders and their dynamic, especially when Professor Lupin was made Prefect. Then her mind drifted to the fact that the Marauders were formed because Professor Lupin was a werewolf… and Professor Lupin has been incredibly discriminated against because of who he was… Maybe he would be sympathetic to her fight for House Elves?
Whilst Ron started rambling on about his new broom - "... nought to seventy in ten seconds, not bad, is it? When you think the Comet Two Ninety's only nought to sixty, and that's with a decent tailwind according to Which Broomstick?" - Hermione turned to Professor Lupin.
"Professor, I was wondering if I could run something by you?" she asked.
"Of course, Hermione," Professor Lupin said. "And you can call me Remus if you'd like. I'm not your professor any longer."
"You'll always be my professor," Hermione blurted out.
Professor Lupin smiled. "Thank you, Hermione. That means more than you know. Now, what can I help you with? Questions on being a Prefect?"
"No, I think I have a good handle on that," Hermione said. "I'd like to talk to you about House Elves."
Professor Lupin looked taken aback. "Not what I was expecting, but please continue."
Hermione gave him a brief (ten-minute) explanation of S.P.E.W. and some of the Muggle and Wizard court cases she found to support her manifesto. "I mean, it's the same kind of nonsense as werewolf segregation, isn't it? It all stems from this horrible thing wizards have of thinking they're superior to other creatures."
"I agree that some wizards think they are superior to others," Professor Lupin said in a measured and thoughtful voice. "That is, in essence, the very reason the Order of the Phoenix exists. And I also agree that the discrimination of werewolves is, as you call it, nonsense."
"Exactly! Which is why-"
"But," Professor Lupin continued, interrupting Hermione. "I think a lot of the House Elves would prefer to stay where they are than be free."
"But that's only because they don't know better," Hermione insisted.
"Then I agree you should educate them, but don't take it personally if they still choose the life they have known."
Hermione was silent as she contemplated his words. "Can I think on that for a bit before getting back to you with more questions?" Hermione asked.
"I would expect nothing less from you, Hermione," Professor Lupin said with a smile. "I am always here to lend an ear."
"Thank you, Professor Lupin. I really appreciate that."
"And I know you will be a fantastic Prefect," he said. "And will certainly help Ron grow into his new responsibility as well."
"He's going to be great," Hermione said. "I just know it."
The other dinner conversations were still going strong. Hermione tried to listen in on some of the other ones around the table. Mrs Weasley and Bill were having their usual argument about Bill's hair.
"…getting really out of hand, and you're so good-looking, it would look much better shorter, wouldn't it, Harry?"
"Oh – I dunno –" said Harry. The look on his face made Hermione chuckle. He looked like he was just asked to kiss Professor McGonagall or Professor Sprout.
She watched as Harry escaped the awkward conversation by moving over to talk with the twins and Mundungus. Hermione was sure something dodgy was going on between Fred, George, and Mundungus, but she would have to wait until they were at school, and she was their prefect to do much about it.
Ginny and Tonks were chatting about their favourite hexes. Hermione listened in, though Kingsley's low voice caught her ear. She was about to turn to listen, but it seemed as though he didn't want to be heard.
"…why Dumbledore didn't make Potter a prefect?" said Kingsley.
"He'll have had his reasons," replied Professor Lupin.
"But it would've shown confidence in him. It's what I'd've done," persisted Kingsley, "'specially with the Daily Prophet having a go at him every few days…"
Hermione couldn't help but agree and took comfort in the fact that she wasn't the only one who had that thought. She turned back to Ron, who was still going on (this time to Tonks) about his new broom.
"…the handle's made of Spanish oak with anti-jinx varnish and in-built vibration control-" Ron said. Tonks looked like she was about to fall asleep.
Mrs Weasley yawned widely. "Well, I think I'll sort out that Boggart before I turn in... Arthur, I don't want this lot up too late, all right? Night, Harry, dear." As Mrs Weasley passed Hermione, she gave her a warm smile and a quick squeeze on the shoulder.
Once again left to her own devices (Harry was talking to Professor Moody, Kingsley and Professor Lupin were still chatting, Ginny and Mr Weasley were talking, Tonks was listening to Ron ramble, and Mrs Weasley had left), Hermione decided she should probably save Tonks another half hour of broom talk. Besides, she wanted to congratulate Ron privately and start to discuss strategy.
"Excuse me," she said, walking over to the pair. Tonks' eyes shot up to her with a pleading look in them. Hermione smiled and gave her a secret wink. "Ron, would you mind coming with me for a few minutes? I have something I'd like to talk to you about."
"Sure, 'Mione," Ron said. "Let me first just tell Tonks about the Cleansweep's-"
Trying not to laugh at the horror on Tonks' face, Hermione interrupted him. "If you don't mind, it's sort of urgent."
"Oh, ok, sure," Ron said, standing up from the table. "Sorry, Tonks. We can chat later, yeah?"
"Uh, maybe," Tonks said, then mouthed "Thank you" to Hermione when Ron turned away. Hermione nodded with a smile and then led Ron out of the kitchen and up the stairs to the dining room.
"What's up?" Ron asked once they entered the room. He nervously eyed the dresser off to the side of the room. Hermione remembered the day they were tasked to clean the dining room and found a nest of spiders the size of saucers that had taken up residence in that very dresser. Needless to say, Ron didn't help very much that day.
"We got all of the spiders," Hermione said.
"The bloody things lay eggs, Hermione," Ron said. "Tiny little eggs that can live in tiny little cracks and hatch into tiny little spiders that grow into monsters."
"Don't be dramatic, Ronald," Hermione sighed.
"I'm not being dramatic, Hermione," Ron said. "I'm being practical, which, might I add, is a quality becoming of a Prefect."
Hermione grinned. "That's why I wanted you to come - congratulations, Ron! Really, I am so proud of you!" Without thinking, Hermione threw her arms around him. She could feel his broad shoulders initially stiffen under her embrace. She started to back away immediately.
"Hey, you too!" Ron grinned and pulled her back in for a hug, this time reciprocating tightly. "I mean, you're not so much of a surprise as I am, but you definitely deserve it."
"And so do you," Hermione said. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, Ronald Weasley." She pulled back from the hug to look him dead in the eyes. "I'm serious. Yes, it's a surprise, but a good, well-deserved surprise. I am so proud of you."
"Can I be honest with you, and you won't make fun of me?" Ron said, still holding on to her.
"Of course!"
"I'm kind of nervous," he said, looking away.
"Why?"
"Well, for one thing - well, you heard Mad-Eye. Authority figures attract jinxes and curses. You know I'm not good at that kind of stuff."
"You're better than you give yourself credit for," Hermione said.
"Not really - do you know how many times my own baby sister has jinxed me?" Ron said, dropping his hands back to his sides. Hermione's body momentarily felt cold without his arms around her.
"Ginny is just abnormally good at jinxing," Hermione said honestly. Ginny was one of the best of their age, much better than Hermione (much to her dismay).
"Yeah, but still," Ron said. "And let's be honest; I'm not exactly great at following rules. How am I going to, you know, enforce them?"
"I'll teach you," Hermione said earnestly.
"I'm sure you will," Ron said with a smile.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You're just good at rules," Ron shrugged.
Hermione tried her best not to take that personally. "I suppose you're right," she said.
"But what am I s'posed to do if Fred or George do something? I can't very well give them detentions," Ron said.
"You most certainly can," Hermione said. "And will."
"They'll never let me live it down."
"That's just too bad," Hermione said. "Maybe if they had applied themselves more, they would have had a chance at being Prefects in their fifth year and developed a better grasp on rules."
"But that isn't what happened, so…" Ron let his thoughts trail off.
"So, what?"
"So, it's gonna be hard, that's all."
Hermione sighed. Ron's lack of self-confidence sometimes made her angry. Why couldn't he see how amazing he was? "That's why most people don't get to be Prefects," she said. "We can sit down together and strategise tomorrow in the Prefects' car. I can help us to create a simple cheat sheet of school rules that we can unroll in a pinch and maybe even create some flashcards-"
"I think I'm busy tomorrow," Ron said.
"Doing what?"
"Doesn't matter. I'll just be busy."
Hermione's anger flashed again. She had a sinking feeling Ron was planning to treat their new roles as he treated most of his academics - hoping she'd do everything for him. "Ron, I swear, you will pull your fair share of work this year, or I'll let Ginny hex you without any punishment!" And, with that, she turned on her heels, stalked to her room, and slammed the door.