She had no idea how, but Hermione actually slept through the night. She didn't have a single nightmare and wasn't kept awake by her nervous excitement and anticipation for their journey back to Hogwarts the following morning. Instead, she slept like a baby and only woke when she heard the gentle coos of Hedwig from the bedroom window. Behind her was the soft light of early morning.
A letter, presumably from her parents, was in the snowy white owl's mouth. Ginny had started to stir at this point and rubbed sleep from her eyes. "Who in their right minds would send an owl at this hour?" she grumbled.
"My parents," said Hermione.
Ginny sat straight up in bed. Hermione had told her about her issues with her parents, so she knew this letter was a big deal. "Damn, are you going to open it?"
"I'm not sure," Hermione said, her stomach lead.
"This is a big day for you," Ginny needlessly reminded Hermione. "Maybe you don't want to spoil it with whatever that letter says…?"
Hermione looked at the tight handwriting on the front of the envelope with dread. Maybe Ginny was right - this was her first day as a Prefect and probably the most important day of her life. Why ruin it with feelings of guilt?
"You're right," Hermione said, tucking the letter in her beaded bag for later. "I'll read it later."
"Bravo, friend!" Ginny said with a grin. "This is your day, Miss Prefect!"
Hermione grinned. She was Prefect! It was indeed a dream come true.
Both girls got dressed and put the last of their belongings in their trunks before heading down the steps for a quick breakfast before they all left. The house was in utter chaos as it had been most years since September 1st with the Weasleys. Ron and Harry were still asleep. Fred and George had just started packing and trying to track down all of their various possessions. Mrs Weasley was running around, trying to make breakfast and prepare herself for the journey. Hermione and Ginny snuck into the kitchen to grab some toast, dodging the twins as they apparated and disapparated all over the whole house.
The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity. Pots clattered, toast flew from the toaster, and Mrs Weasley's wand flicked this way and that, trying to manage breakfast while juggling last-minute preparations.
"Are you girls all packed?" Mrs Weasley said in a strained voice, her hair escaping in wisps from her usually tidy bun.
"Yes, Mum," Ginny said with a mouthful of toast.
"Do you need help bringing your trunks down?"
"Yes, please," Hermione answered for the both of them.
"I'll send one of the members of the guard up to get them for you."
"The guard?" Hermione asked.
"Well," Mrs Weasley started, trying to choose her words carefully. "Just as a precaution to keep everyone safe, a few members of the Order of the Phoenix are accompanying us to King's Cross Station."
"By everyone, I assume you mean Harry?" Ginny asked.
"Oh dear!" Mrs Weasley exclaimed, avoiding Ginny's question. Hermione hadn't noticed at first, but Kreacher was working on his breakfast in the corner. One of the dishrags he had left out the night before caught on fire. "Aguamenti!" A jet of water shot from Mrs Weasley's wand and immediately put out the dishrag.
"Kreacher thanks mistress for extinguishing the fire," Kreacher said. "Filthy blood traitor isn't worthy of a wand…"
"Oi!" Ginny yelled at him.
"He's just upset about his dishrag," Hermione said.
"Hermione," Ginny said. "I love you, but you gotta drop this elf thing. Especially with Kreacher."
Hermione frowned. "I admit, he-"
She was interrupted with a CRACK. Fred had apparated directly behind Hermione.
"Have you seen our game of Exploding Snap?" Fred asked Ginny.
"Oh, I think it's up in my room," Ginny said, pushing back from the table. "I'll grab it."
"Fred, you and your brother need to help the girls with their trunks," Mrs Weasley said. "And no-" Fred disapparated with a CRACK. "-magic!" she finished with a sigh.
There was another CRACK. This time it was George. "Mum, have you seen our Quidditch robes?"
"I asked you to take them off the line five days ago," Mrs Weasley said. "I'm assuming they are still there."
"That's right!" George said. "I'll check! Thanks, Mum!" CRACK.
Mrs Weasley just shook her head and sighed. "I'll be looking forward to the quiet calm when you lot leave," she said, though Hermione knew she didn't really mean it.
Mad-Eye Moody stumped in, looking more paranoid than usual. "We're still waiting for Sturgis Podmore," he growled. "Can't leave without the full guard."
"Alastor, we have plenty of guards," Mrs Weasley said, exasperated. "Besides, it's broad daylight. What could possibly happen?"
But before Moody could reply, a loud crash echoed from the hallway, followed by a scream. "Ginny!" Mrs Weasley dropped the toast she was buttering and bolted from the kitchen, Hermione right on her heels.
The scene in front of them was, frankly, scary. Ginny was sprawled at the bottom of the steps with one of the twins' trunks on top of her. Fred and George were fumbling with their wands, their hands shaking violently, trying to lift the trunk off her. Mrs Weasley didn't even fumble with her wand. She was next to Ginny before Hermione could blink and lifted the trunk right off of her without any magic. She tossed the trunk to the side and gathered Ginny in her arms.
"Ginny, are you ok?"
"Yeah, I think so," Ginny said in a small voice.
"What hurts?"
"Uh, my shoulder and back," Ginny said.
"Episky," Mrs Weasley said. Hermione did a double-take. She didn't have a wand out! She was doing wandless magic! Hermione knew Mrs Weasley was an amazing witch, but that was truly impressive.
"Thanks, Mum," Ginny said, sitting up and rolling her shoulder up and down.
Mrs Weasley gave Ginny a tight hug, and then, in the most terrifying fashion Hermione had ever witnessed, she slowly stood up, turned around, and took slow, measured steps towards the twins. She started in a very quiet, anger-laden voice that grew exponentially in volume and intensity.
"I. Thought. I. Told. You. Not. To. Use. Magic."
"We're sorry, Mum! We just-"
"DID I TELL YOU NOT TO USE MAGIC?"
"But Mum, we-"
"I'LL ASK YOU ONE MORE TIME! DID I OR DID I NOT TELL YOU NOT TO USE MAGIC TO MOVE YOUR TRUNKS?!"
All of a sudden, Ron appeared over the railing.
"What's going on?"
"GET DRESSED THIS INSTANT, RONALD WEASLEY OR YOU WILL MISS THE TRAIN!"
Ron's head disappeared back from the landing. Hermione thought he had the right idea. She had a feeling this showdown would get worse before it got better. She had to ensure Harry got Hedwig back anyway, so she slowly made her way to the staircase and started up as fast (and quietly) as possible.
"WHAT DO YOU TWO HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELVES?"
"We're sorry-"
"YOU'RE SORRY?! SORRY?! YOU BOTH COULD HAVE DONE HER A SERIOUS INJURY, YOU IDIOTS-"
Hermione then heard the shrieks of Mrs Black join in Mrs Weasley's screaming: "FILTHY HALF-BREEDS, BESMIRCHING THE HOUSE OF MY FATHERS-"
She nearly dove into Ron and Harry's room. Harry was just lacing up his trainers, looking extremely confused, as Ron told him what was happening downstairs. In the distance, Hermione could still hear both Mrs Weasley and Mrs Black screaming at the tops of their lungs.
"Mum and Dad just sent Hedwig back." The owl fluttered obligingly over and perched on top of her cage. "Are you ready yet?"
"Nearly. Is Ginny all right?" Harry asked, shoving on his glasses.
"Mrs Weasley's patched her up," said Hermione. "But now Mad-Eye's complaining that we can't leave unless Sturgis Podmore's here; otherwise, the guard will be one short."
"Guard?" said Harry. "We have to go to King's Cross with a guard?"
"You have to go to King's Cross with a guard," Hermione corrected him.
"Why?" said Harry irritably. "I thought Voldemort was supposed to be lying low, or are you telling me he's going to jump out from behind a dustbin to try and do me in?"
"I don't know, it's just what Mad-Eye says," said Hermione distractedly, looking at her watch, "but if we don't leave soon, we're definitely going to miss the train…"
"WILL YOU LOT GET DOWN HERE NOW, PLEASE!" Mrs Weasley bellowed, and Hermione jumped as though scalded and hurried out of the room.
Mrs Black's portrait was still howling with rage, but nobody bothered to close the curtains over her; all the noise in the hall was bound to rouse her again.
"Harry, you're to come with me and Tonks," shouted Mrs Weasley – over the repeated screeches of "MUDBLOODS! SCUM! CREATURES OF DIRT!" – "Leave your trunk and your owl. Alastor's going to deal with the luggage ... oh, for heaven's sake, Sirius, Dumbledore said no!"
A bear-like black dog appeared at Harry's side as he scrambled over the various trunks cluttering the hall to get to Mrs Weasley.
"Oh honestly," said Mrs Weasley despairingly. "Well, on your own head be it!"
She wrenched open the front door and stepped out into the weak September sunlight. Harry and the dog followed her. The door slammed behind them.
Ron ran down the steps. "Wait, did they just leave? What about us?"
"You two are with me," Mr Weasley called from the top of the staircase. "Ginny, Fred, George - you three are with Lupin."
"I'll be taking the luggage and trailing Potter," growled Mad-Eye Moody as he limped in from the dining room, donning a porters' cap. He thrust his wand at the screaming portrait, and the curtains closed in a flash.
Seconds later, Mr Weasley was down in the front hall. "We're to wait seven minutes and then head out. Alastor, are you sure you don't need a hand with the luggage? I'm sure the twins-"
"Sorry, Dad," Fred started.
"We've been banned from all luggage," George finished.
"Rightfully so," Ginny said, moving her shoulder up and down.
"I don't need help," grunted Mad-Eye as he waved his wand in the air. All six of their trunks landed within seconds on a trolley that magically appeared.
"Can't I go with you instead?" Ginny asked Mr Weasley.
"No," Mad-Eye said. "No changing the plans this late in the game."
"So you want me to go with these two gits who just almost killed me?" Ginny said with a wink.
"Yes," Mad-Eye said simply. Ginny had to turn her head so he wouldn't see her laugh. She had told Hermione on many occasions how ridiculous she thought Moody was. "I'm headed out now," Mad-Eye said, looking at his pocket watch. "Wait four more minutes and then leave, Arthur. Lupin will be here any minute for you lot. And remember: Constant vigilance!"
Ginny rolled her eyes as the door closed behind the old man and then turned to her brothers. "So, I think you owe me for almost killing me."
"Seriously, Gin," Fred said.
"We're really sorry," George said.
"I know you are," Ginny said. "But you still owe me."
"That's fair," George said. "What do you want?"
Ginny thought for a moment. "I'll let you know," she said with a mischievous smile.
"You are quite terrifying," George said.
"I'm proud of you, sis!" said Fred.
Just as Mr Weasley, Hermione, and Ron were about to leave, Lupin opened the door.
"Any trouble?" Mr Weasley asked.
"No, none," Lupin said. "Mad-Eye nearly cursed me as I walked past him. Apparently, I was walking on the wrong side of the street from the original plan."
Hermione saw Mr Weasley and Professor Lupin exchange a look. She got the idea that they all thought Mad-Eye Moody wasn't (understandably) the same person after being locked in a trunk for a year, and he was almost turning into a joke.
"Ready, kids?" Mr Weasley asked.
Only then did Hermione realise Mr Weasley was wearing the most ridiculous "Muggle" outfit. He had gold corduroy pants with braces, a white short-sleeve shirt, an oversized sweater, and a flat hat. It was even worse than the pinstriped trousers and an old bomber jacket he wore to Harry's hearing.
Ron, on the other hand, looked very Muggle-ish in jeans and a plain green T-shirt that made his red hair and freckles pop. She realised she never got to see Ron in green clothes because of the association with the Slytherin house, but it was his colour.
Mr Weasley led the way as they weaved through the streets of London. Ron walked in step with Hermione, and every time their hands brushed together, Hermione had to fight the urge to grab it (even though she was still mad at him). She could tell Ron was very nervous.
As they neared King's Cross Station, Hermione allowed herself to get excited. She was almost home. It was amusing – she could pick out some of the Wizards in the crowds throughout the station, especially as they neared Platforms Nine and Ten.
Hermione and Ron went through the barrier to Platform 9 ¾ together, and Mr Weasley followed a few moments later. Hermione grinned. Hundreds of familiar faces flashed before her as she searched for Harry. Sophie, her Slytherin friend, gave her a very "cool" head nod from across the way, which Hermione returned (awkwardly). She waved enthusiastically at Neville Longbottom, who appeared to be getting a stern talking from his grandmother.
Hermione had just spotted Harry when someone aggressively tapped her on the shoulder. She spun around to see her roommate, Parvati, standing before her with her twin sister, Padma.
"Did you get Prefect?" she demanded. Hermione was utterly speechless and taken aback by her animosity.
"Hello to you too," Ron said on Hermione's behalf when she didn't say anything immediately.
"So, did you?" Parvati's hands were on her hips.
"Erm, I-"
"What is it to you?" Ron asked, stepping towards Parvati and saving Hermione from having to stutter out an answer.
"I'm not talking to you, Weasley," she sneered. "I'm talking to this one."
"Well, this one," Ron said, pointing at himself, "did get Prefect, so you had better get your attitude in check, or else it'll be detention for you."
"How the hell did you get Prefect?!" Padma spat.
"Aww, still mad about the Yule Ball, eh Padma? I'm sorry – I just didn't want to snog with you."
"I didn't-" Padma stuttered. "You're an arse, Ron!"
"An arse with a Prefect badge," Ron grinned. "Come on, 'Mione."
"I bet she didn't get it," Parvati said to Padma as Hermione and Ron started to walk away.
Ron stopped mid-step and spun around. "Ron, just ignore them," Hermione said.
But Ron did not ignore them. He marched right back over to them. "Of course, Hermione got Prefect. There wasn't any doubt she'd get it since our first year. If you thought for even one second that Hermione wouldn't be made Prefect in our fifth year, then you're even thicker than I thought." Ron spun on his heel again, put his arm around Hermione, and ushered her away.
"Bloody muppet," Ron muttered under his breath. "You should put in a request to change rooms."
"You seem much more angry than I am," Hermione said with a smile. "Thank you, though."
"I ought to go back there and give her detention," Ron said, breaking his stride to turn around.
"No, leave it," Hermione said. "We've got to find Harry and the others. I promise, though – if she does something worthy of detention on the train, I'll give you full reign."
Ron seemed content with that compromise and helped Hermione look for Harry (she had lost track of him when Parvati cornered her). They found Harry, Tonks, and Mrs Weasley with Mad-Eye Moody unloading the luggage from the trolley.
"Any trouble?" asked Mad-Eye to Mr Weasley.
"None," Mr Weasley answered. Mad-Eye didn't seem to trust his answer and spun his magical eye around the station.
Hermione and Ron jumped in to help unload the trolley. All of the luggage was almost unloaded by the time Ginny, Fred, George, and Professor Lupin showed up.
"No trouble?" growled Moody again.
"Nothing," said Lupin.
"I'll still be reporting Sturgis to Dumbledore," said Moody. "That's the second time he's not turned up in a week. Getting as unreliable as Mundungus."
"Well, look after yourselves," said Lupin, shaking hands all around. He reached Harry last and gave him a clap on the shoulder. "You too, Harry. Be careful." Hermione had to refrain from rolling her eyes. Harry was a lot of things, but careful would never be one of them.
"Yeah, keep your head down and your eyes peeled," said Moody, shaking Harry's hand too. "And don't forget, all of you – careful what you put in writing. If in doubt, don't put it in a letter at all." Hermione didn't even have to look at Ginny to know she was rolling her eyes.
"It's been great meeting all of you," said Tonks, coming over to hug Hermione and Ginny. "We'll see you soon, I expect."
A warning whistle sounded; the students still on the platform started hurrying onto the train.
"Quick, quick," said Mrs Weasley distractedly, hugging them at random. "Write ... be good ... if you've forgotten anything, we'll send it on ... on to the train, now, hurry…"
For one brief moment, the great black dog reared onto its hind legs and placed its front paws on Harry's shoulders, but Mrs Weasley shoved Harry away towards the train door, hissing, "For heaven's sake, act more like a dog, Sirius!"
"See you!" Harry called out of the open window as the train began to move. Hermione, Ron, and Ginny waved beside him. The figures of Tonks, Lupin, Moody and Mr and Mrs Weasley shrank rapidly, but the black dog was bounding alongside the window, wagging its tail. Hermione couldn't believe Sirius could be so bold and stupid.
"He shouldn't have come with us," said Hermione in a worried voice.
"Oh, lighten up," said Ron, "he hasn't seen daylight for months, poor bloke."
"Well," said Fred, clapping his hands together, "can't stand around chatting all day; we've got business to discuss with Lee. See you later," and he and George disappeared down the corridor to the right.
The train was gathering more speed, so the houses outside the window flashed past, and they swayed where they stood.
"Shall we go and find a compartment, then?" Harry asked.
Hermione and Ron exchanged looks. Did they forget to tell him?
"Er," said Ron.
"We're – well – Ron and I are supposed to go into the prefect carriage," Hermione said awkwardly. She glanced over at Ron, who was suddenly intensely interested in the fingernails on his left hand.
"Oh," said Harry. "Right. Fine."
"I don't think we'll have to stay there all journey," said Hermione quickly. "Our letters said we just get instructions from the Head Boy and Girl and then patrol the corridors from time to time."
"Fine," repeated Harry. "Well, I – I might see you later, then."
"Yeah, definitely," said Ron, casting a shifty, anxious look at Harry. "It's a pain having to go down there. I'd rather – but we have to – I mean, I'm not enjoying it. I'm not Percy," he finished defiantly.
"I know you're not," said Harry, and he grinned, much to Hermione's relief. She was afraid he'd get irrationally angry again.
Hermione and Ron dragged their trunks down the corridor and stowed them just outside the Prefects' carriage. Ron looked positively green. Hermione put her hand on his shoulder. "Come on, you 'Arse With a Prefect Badge,'" she said with a wink and a smile. Ron returned her smile weakly and pulled open the door.
Inside the compartment, Hermione's eyes immediately scanned the carriage. Much to her dismay, Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson were the new Prefects for Slytherin. Her eyes then fell upon Padma Patil (standing next to fellow Ravenclaw Anthony Goldstein), and the ball of anxiety in her chest started to rise. The new Hufflepuff Prefects hadn't arrived in the carriage yet. Marcus Turner from Ravenclaw and Penelope Fawley from Slytherin were at the front of the car, already in their robes with their "Head Boy" and "Head Girl" badges. Hermione was highly disappointed they had a Slytherin Head Girl, especially with Draco Malfoy as a Prefect.
"You've got to be joking," Malfoy sneered, looking Hermione and Ron up and down. "Those two are the best Gryffindor can manage? I would have at least thought Potter would get it since he gets everything handed to him in life."
"Shut it, Malfoy," Ron said.
"At least we know you didn't bribe your way into the position, Weasley," Malfoy continued. "But the Mudblood? I bet-"
Ron had shot across the carriage and was inches away from Draco Malfoy before he could say another word. Hermione noticed immediately that Ron was much taller than Draco, and it seemed as though Draco noticed immediately as well. He looked slightly intimidated.
"What was that, Malfoy?" Ron said in a low growl.
"Oi! You two!" Marcus yelled, starting to stand up from his chair. "Shut it."
"We will wait a few more minutes for the Hufflepuff Prefects and then begin," Penelope said. She looked almost as nervous as Hermione felt. While she had no classes with Penelope, her reputation was well-known to Hermione. Penelope was considered the brightest witch of her year. Hermione knew she had once been compared to Penelope but had since surpassed her highest marks. Hermione hoped Penelope didn't take that fact personally.
A few moments later, Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott strolled into the carriage seemingly without any cares in the world. When they saw the eight waiting, they quickly apologised and sat down in the closest seats to the door. Hermione sat up straight, her chest swelling with pride as Penelope and Marcus stood and began to address the new prefects.
"Congratulations to you all on becoming Prefects at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry," Penelope began.
"You have all been chosen by the headmaster and our professors because they believe you will be worthy student leaders within the Hogwarts community," Marcus continued.
Penelope continued, firm yet encouraging, "As Prefects, you are expected to uphold the values and traditions of Hogwarts. You are role models for your fellow students, responsible for maintaining order and ensuring that everyone adheres to the school rules."
Marcus nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the group of eager faces. "This is a significant responsibility but also an incredible honour. You are part of a long line of students who have taken on this role and contributed to the legacy of Hogwarts. Use your position wisely, and remember, your actions speak louder than words."
Hermione listened intently, mentally preparing herself for the challenges that lay ahead. She could feel the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders, but it was a weight she was willing to bear. She looked at Ron on her left to see if he, too, was feeling the weight of this moment, but he just seemed uncomfortable. Maybe he was still nervous?
"Now," Penelope said, a mischievous glint in her eye, "as your first official task, you'll find a list of duties in your Prefect handbook. These include patrolling the corridors at night, ensuring that students are in their dormitories by curfew, and helping to maintain a positive and inclusive atmosphere within your respective houses. Once you read those over, it is up to you to patrol the train with your fellow Prefects in your house. We recommend working out a schedule with them for the journey so everyone has a turn."
Marcus added with a grin, "Oh, and don't forget the occasional, um, detentions you may have to assign. It's all part of the job, keeping Hogwarts a safe and welcoming place for everyone."
As Penelope and Marcus finished their remarks, Hermione felt excitement and nervousness. The responsibility was immense, but so was the opportunity to positively impact the Hogwarts community. With a determined nod, she cracked open the Prefect handbook in her hand and started reading immediately.
On the other hand, Ron just thumbed through the book and started looking out the window. "Ronald," Hermione whispered, "we have to read this now."
"But it's so long," Ron said.
"It's barely twenty pages," Hermione replied.
"Nineteen pages too long," Ron sighed. "Listen, I know how to be a Prefect. I've had three of them in my family. It'll be fine."
"This is a grave responsibility-"
"I know, 'Mione," Ron said. "I'll read it. I promise. I just-" Ron looked around and lowered his voice even more. "I just am nervous, ok? And I'm feeling a bit sick, so reading on a moving train isn't a good idea."
Hermione immediately dropped her annoyance and put her hand on Ron's. "Completely get it," she said. "When we go out and patrol, I'll get you a peppermint from the trolley." Ron gave her a thumbs up, and Hermione went back to reading.
Nearly an hour later, Hermione and Ron searched for Harry and Ginny and dragged their belongings after them. They had met up with the other Gryffindor Prefects and agreed to patrol a bit later in the journey. Ron seemed anxious to leave the Prefect Carriage. Hermione had to practically jog to keep up with him as he stalked down the corridor after corridor (which was incredibly difficult with her trunk). Unfortunately, they did not pass the trolley for a peppermint before they came upon Harry and Ginny. They were in a carriage with Neville and Luna Lovegood, a Ravenclaw in Ginny's year that was absolutely looney. She was sitting in the compartment reading a copy of The Quibbler upside down. Hermione gave Ginny a look, to which Ginny grinned. She gave Neville a quick hug.
"I'm starving," said Ron, stowing Pigwidgeon next to Hedwig, grabbing a Chocolate Frog from Harry and throwing himself into the seat next to him. He ripped open the wrapper, bit off the Frog's head and leaned back with his eyes closed as though he had had a very exhausting morning. Hermione just stared at him – hadn't he been so sick that he couldn't read a simple book? Maybe now that he was out of the situation, he felt better.
"Well, there are two fifth-year prefects from each house," said Hermione as she took her seat. "Boy and girl from each."
"And guess who's a Slytherin prefect?" said Ron, still with his eyes closed.
"Malfoy," replied Harry miserably.
"Course," said Ron bitterly, stuffing the rest of the Frog into his mouth and taking another.
"And that complete cow, Pansy Parkinson," said Hermione viciously. "How she got to be a prefect when she's thicker than a concussed troll…"
"Who are Hufflepuff's?" Harry asked.
"Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott," said Ron thickly.
"And Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil for Ravenclaw," said Hermione, deliberately not saying anything about Padma since Luna was in the compartment.
"You went to the Yule Ball with Padma Patil," said a vague voice.
Everyone turned to look at Luna Lovegood, who was gazing unblinkingly at Ron over the top of The Quibbler.
"Yeah, I know I did," Ron said, looking mildly surprised.
"She didn't enjoy it very much," Luna informed him. "She doesn't think you treated her very well because you wouldn't dance with her. I don't think I'd have minded," she added thoughtfully. "I don't like dancing very much."
She retreated behind The Quibbler again. Ron stared at the cover with his mouth hanging open for a few seconds, then looked around at Hermione and Ginny for some explanation, but the girls had both stuffed their knuckles in their mouths to stop giggling. Ron shook his head, bemused, then checked his watch.
"We're supposed to patrol the corridors every so often," he told Harry and Neville, "and we can give out punishments if people misbehave. I can't wait to get Crabbe and Goyle for something."
"You're not supposed to abuse your position, Ron!" said Hermione sharply. Had he read the book, he would know this.
"Yeah, right, because Malfoy won't abuse it at all," said Ron sarcastically.
"So you're going to descend to his level?"
"No, I'm just going to make sure I get his mates before he gets mine."
"For heaven's sake, Ron –-"
"I'll make Goyle do lines; it'll kill him. He hates writing," said Ron happily. He lowered his voice to Goyle's low grunt and, screwing up his face in a look of pained concentration, mimed writing in midair. "I ... must ... not ... look ... like ... a ... baboon's ... backside."
Everyone laughed, but nobody laughed harder than Luna Lovegood. She let out a scream of delight that caused Crookshanks to leap into the luggage rack, hissing. Luna laughed so hard that her magazine slipped out of her grasp, slid down her legs, and onto the floor.
"That was funny!"
Her eyes swam with tears as she gasped for breath, staring at Ron. Utterly nonplussed, he looked around at the others, who were now laughing at the expression on Ron's face and at the ludicrously prolonged laughter of Luna Lovegood, who was rocking backwards and forwards, clutching her sides.
"Are you taking the mickey?" said Ron, frowning at her. Watching Ron try to figure out Luna Lovegood had the potential of becoming Hermione's very favourite thing in the entire world.
"Baboon's ... backside!" she choked, holding her ribs.
Ron's face was utterly priceless. He clearly had no idea what to make of Luna and her looniness and was utterly gobsmacked. Hermione had had a few run-ins with "Loony Lovegood" and found her one of the oddest people she had ever encountered. Her nickname, "Loony," didn't even begin to describe how daft the poor girl was.
Harry had grabbed Luna's dropped copy of The Quibbler from the ground and looked to be reading it. Hermione shook her head. When The Daily Prophet started to focus on Rita Skeeter's ridiculous nonsense, Hermione had checked out a copy of The Quibbler in hopes of finding another publication to receive her news; it would be much better served as a bog roll than any sort of legitimate news source.
Ron still stared at Luna as if she were growing a second head. "Have you been hitting the bevvy?" he asked, totally serious. He looked over at Hermione and Ginny. "Is she taking the piss?"
Confident Luna wouldn't hear her answer over her heaving laughter, Hermione said, "No, this is totally normal."
Ron's face was one of pure terror and confusion. He looked over at Harry for another opinion on the matter but was engrossed in whatever he was reading. Luna's laughter eventually died down, and she resumed staring at Ron. He kept shifting uncomfortably in his seat, begging Hermione, Ginny, and Neville with his eyes to save him. Hermione was enjoying it much too much to intervene.
The spell was broken when Harry closed The Quibbler. Ron jumped at the chance to push the focus somewhere else. "Anything good in there?" asked Ron as Harry closed the magazine.
"Of course not," said Hermione. "The Quibbler's rubbish, everyone knows that."
"Excuse me," said Luna; her voice had suddenly lost its dreamy quality. "My father's the editor."
"I – oh," said Hermione, completely embarrassed. "Well ... it's got some interesting ... I mean, it's quite…"
"I'll have it back, thank you," said Luna coldly. Leaning forward, she snatched it out of Harry's hands. As odd as she found Luna, she didn't want to be cruel. Hermione felt horrible, almost to the point of tears.
Her tears dried up, however, at the sight of Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle standing outside their compartment.
"What?" Harry said aggressively before Malfoy could open his mouth.
"Manners, Potter, or I'll have to give you a detention," drawled Malfoy, whose sleek blond hair and pointed chin were just like his father's. Hermione's blood started to boil. "You see, I, unlike you, have been made a prefect, which means that I, unlike you, have the power to hand out punishments."
"Yeah," said Harry, "but you, unlike me, are a git, so get out and leave us alone."
Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Neville laughed. Malfoy's lip curled.
"Tell me, how does it feel being second-best to Weasley, Potter?" he asked.
"Shut up, Malfoy," said Hermione sharply. She didn't want the incident in the Prefects' Carriage to continue without the Head Boy and Head Girl here to stop it. Hermione had no authority over other prefects, so she couldn't do much to deter Malfoy other than stand up to him.
"I seem to have touched a nerve," said Malfoy, smirking. "Well, just watch yourself, Potter, because I'll be dogging your footsteps in case you step out of line."
Hermione's blood froze at Malfoy's word choice. She needed him to leave. Now. "Get out!" said Hermione, standing up.
Sniggering, Malfoy departed, with Crabbe and Goyle lumbering along in his wake. Hermione slammed the compartment door behind them and turned to look at Harry. He, too, had registered what Malfoy said and looked sick.
"Chuck us another Frog," said Ron, who had clearly noticed nothing. They could not talk freely in front of Neville and Luna, so Hermione just gave Harry a knowing look.
Hermione's mind went into overdrive. She and Mrs Weasley were right - Sirius coming to the station was reckless and dangerous. Why had no one listened to them? Not everything was innocent, fun, or games, especially in today's difficult climate.
The weather remained undecided as they travelled further and further north. Rain half-heartedly spattered the windows, and then the sun put in a feeble appearance before clouds drifted over it once more. When darkness fell, and lamps came on inside the carriages, Luna rolled up The Quibbler, put it carefully away in her bag, and took to staring at everyone in the compartment instead (much to Ron's dismay).
"We'd better change," said Hermione at last. They were almost there, and they had been assigned to the last patrol and assisting students off the train. She and Ron pinned their prefect badges carefully to their chests. Even with everything that had happened so far on the train, pinning the badge to her chest was still a surreal and wonderful moment Hermione couldn't help but relish. She even caught Ron checking out his reflection in the darkened windows.
At last, the train began to slow down, and they heard the usual racket up and down it as everybody scrambled to get their luggage and pets assembled, ready to get off. Hermione gave Crookshanks one last pet, and she and Ron went out into the corridor to patrol and assist with the disembarking. They dodged trunks, owls, and people as they walked up and down the corridors.
A group of very scared first-years was in one of the first cars. They hadn't changed yet and were just sitting in their compartment, staring into the distance through the windows.
"Oi, you lot," Ron shouted. The children jumped out of their seats. "Time to go! Get it together!"
"Ronald!" Hermione said. "They have no idea what they are supposed to be doing right now. We should help them."
"They just have to look out in the hall and do what everyone else is doing," Ron said.
"They're clearly terrified," Hermione pushed past Ron and into the compartment. She helped them all into their robes and tied a few generic Hogwarts ties (that would magically transform into their house ties once sorted). After a few minutes, the first years were well on their way to being ready to start their Hogwarts adventures.
"You can't baby them," Ron said.
"You can't bully them," Hermione retorted.
The train pulled into Hogsmeade station, and there was a rush to get off of the train. They joined the queue and finally felt the sharp night air on their faces. The excitement was electric. Hermione's ears searched for the familiar sound of Hagrid rounding up the first years, but it didn't come.
Instead, a quite different voice, a brisk female one, called out, "First-years, line up over here, please! All first-years to me!"
A lantern came swinging towards Hermione and Ron. By its light, she saw the prominent chin and severe haircut of Professor Grubbly-Plank, the witch who had taken over Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures lessons for a while the previous year.
"Where's Hagrid?" Ron asked.
"No clue," Hermione said, frowning. She doubted he would have left Hogwarts; Hagrid loved the school too much. Nonetheless, she didn't have much time to think about it since they needed to help herd the older students to the carriages.
"This way, please!" Hermione shouted commandingly, trying to direct the queue in the right direction. "Stop diddy-daddling! This way! Keep it moving!"
Finally, Hermione, Ron, and the rest of the prefects managed to get the blob of students to follow directions. She and Ron then focused on finding their friends. They spotted them after a few minutes of looking. Hermione noticed Ron getting increasingly anxious as they approached, looking all around. Just as Hermione was about to ask what was wrong, she saw Draco Malfoy, followed by a small gang of cronies including Crabbe, Goyle, and Pansy Parkinson, was pushing some timid-looking second-years out of the way so that he and his friends could get a coach to themselves. Hermione diverted her path and walked up to the group.
"What is going on here?" she demanded.
"I don't have to answer to you, Mudblood," Draco growled.
"Draco Malfoy," Hermione said shrilly, "you know perfectly well you cannot abuse your position to get your own carriage. I may not be able to assign you detention, but Professor McGonagall certainly can. And will. Now, stop it this instance or else I will tell her as soon as we get to the castle."
"You think you scare me, Granger? You're a bloody mudblooded joke," Malfoy said, but Hermione noticed he moved from the carriage door slightly to allow the second years up.
She gave Malfoy another meaningful glare and then jogged over to Ron and the others. "Malfoy was being absolutely foul to a first-year back there. I swear I'm going to report him. He's only had his badge three minutes, and he's using it to bully people worse than ever ... where's Crookshanks?" she asked.
"Ginny's got him,' said Harry. 'There she is."
Ginny had just emerged from the crowd, clutching a squirming Crookshanks.
"Thanks," said Hermione, relieving Ginny of the cat. "Come on, let's get a carriage together before they all fill up."
She heard Ron say something, but Hermione had spotted an unoccupied coach and was already walking over to it, assuming everyone was following her. She and Ginny reached the coach, and both climbed up. Hermione finally had a second to breathe. She looked down at her pin and then up at the castle and smiled. She was so excited to start her Prefect journey. If only the boys would hurry up. Harry and Ron appeared to be arguing over something in front of the carriages. Hermione rolled her eyes and stared up at the castle in the distance. She was almost there.
At last, the train began to slow down, and they heard the usual racket up and down it as everybody scrambled to get their luggage and pets assembled, ready to get off. Hermione gave Crookshanks one last pet, and she and Ron went out into the corridor to patrol and assist with the disembarking. They dodged trunks, owls, and people as they walked up and down the corridors.
A group of very scared first-years was in one of the first cars. They hadn't changed yet and were just sitting in their compartment, staring into the distance through the windows.
"Oi, you lot," Ron shouted. The children jumped out of their seats. "Time to go! Get it together!"
"Ronald!" Hermione said. "They have no idea what they are supposed to be doing right now. We should help them."
"They just have to look out in the hall and do what everyone else is doing," Ron said.
"They're clearly terrified," Hermione pushed past Ron and into the compartment. She helped them all into their robes and tied a few generic Hogwarts ties (that would magically transform into their house ties once sorted). After a few minutes, the first years were well on their way to being ready to start their Hogwarts adventures.
"You can't baby them," Ron said.
"You can't bully them," Hermione retorted.
The train pulled into Hogsmeade station, and there was a rush to get off the train. They joined the queue and finally felt the sharp night air on their faces. The excitement was electric. Hermione's ears searched for the familiar sound of Hagrid rounding up the first years, but it didn't come.
Instead, a quite different voice, a brisk female one, called out, "First-years, line up over here, please! All first-years to me!"
A lantern came swinging towards Hermione and Ron, and, by its light, she saw the prominent chin and severe haircut of Professor Grubbly-Plank, the witch who had taken over Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures lessons for a while the previous year.
"Where's Hagrid?" Ron asked.
"No clue," Hermione said, frowning. She doubted he would have left Hogwarts; Hagrid loved the school too much. Nonetheless, she didn't have much time to think about it since they needed to help herd the older students to the carriages.
"This way, please!" Hermione shouted commandingly, trying to direct the queue in the right direction. "Stop diddy-daddling! This way! Keep it moving!"
Finally, Hermione, Ron, and the rest of the prefects managed to get the blob of students to follow directions. She and Ron then focused on finding their friends. They spotted them after a few minutes of looking. Hermione noticed Ron getting increasingly anxious as they approached, looking all around. Just as Hermione was about to ask what was wrong, she saw Draco Malfoy, followed by a small gang of cronies including Crabbe, Goyle, and Pansy Parkinson, was pushing some timid-looking second-years out of the way so that he and his friends could get a coach to themselves. Hermione diverted her path and walked up to the group.
"What is going on here?" she demanded.
"I don't have to answer to you, Mudblood," Draco growled.
"Draco Malfoy," Hermione said shrilly, "you know perfectly well you cannot abuse your position to get your own carriage. I may not be able to assign you detention, but Professor McGonagall certainly can. And will. Now, stop it this instance or else I will tell her as soon as we get to the castle."
"You think you scare me, Granger? You're a bloody mudblooded joke," Malfoy said, but Hermione noticed he moved from the carriage door slightly to allow the second years up.
She gave Malfoy another meaningful glare and then jogged over to Ron and the others. "Malfoy was being absolutely foul to a first-year back there. I swear I'm going to report him. He's only had his badge three minutes, and he's using it to bully people worse than ever ... where's Crookshanks?" she asked.
"Ginny's got him,' said Harry. 'There she is."
Ginny had just emerged from the crowd, clutching a squirming Crookshanks.
"Thanks," said Hermione, relieving Ginny of the cat. "Come on, let's get a carriage together before they all fill up."
She heard Ron say something, but Hermione had spotted an unoccupied coach and was already walking over to it, assuming everyone was following her. She and Ginny reached the coach, and both climbed up. Hermione finally had a second to breathe. She looked down at her pin and then up at the castle and smiled. She was so excited to start her Prefect journey. If only the boys would hurry up. Harry and Ron appeared to be arguing over something in front of the carriages. Hermione rolled her eyes and stared up at the castle in the distance. She was almost there.