Chapter 26: Gilderoy Lockhart

Ron's letter arrived a day later by a rather majestic owl. I've never described an look pompous, but it was the only way to describe him. He seemed above it all. He drank the water I gave him, but kindly did not eat the crackers.

Dear Hermione,

I hope this letter finds you quickly because there's a lot to explain. Yes, we've got Harry, and he's fine now, though things got a bit... Well, let's just say "interesting."

Fred, George, and I used Dad's flying car to pick him up from the Dursleys. I know you warned me not to do anything illegal, but we couldn't leave him there! The way those Muggles treat him is fucking horrid! They'd locked him in his room and put bars on his window. He wasn't even allowed to eat properly! How could we not step in?

We flew the car to Privet Drive late at night, and I swear I've never seen a house so gloomy. Fred and George got the bars off Harry's window while I kept watch. It went fine...well, mostly. There was a bit of a struggle with the Dursleys, especially when Harry's big oaf of an uncle tried to hang onto him. Long story short, he didn't win, and Harry made it into the car. The look on his uncle's face was priceless. I know you'll probably scold me for it, but it was worth every second to see Harry free.

We flew back to The Burrow without getting caught, and I'll admit I was nervous the whole way—especially about being seen. Mum was furious when we got back. I don't think I've ever heard her yell so loudly. Fred and George got the worst of it, though she wasn't exactly thrilled with me either. Harry was a bit shaken, but he's fine now, safe and sound here at The Burrow.

It's been great having him here. He's fitting right in with my family. Mum treats him like a long lost son. She's been stuffing him with food at every meal. Ginny's been acting odd, though. She barely speaks when he's in the room and keeps turning red. It's hilarious, but don't tell her I said that.

Anyway, Harry and I are both looking forward to seeing you in Diagon Alley next week. We'll need to get our new books too, and Mum's dragging all of us along for the trip. Let me know what time you'll be there, and we'll find you by the bookstore or something.

Oh, and don't worry about Errol. Percy is letting us use Hermes for now (can you imagine?) because Errol needs a proper rest after all the letters he's been delivering.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Love from,

Ron (and Harry, who says hello!)

When I read Ron's letter, I felt a swirl of emotions—relief, annoyance, and, oddly enough, a bit of amusement. Of course, I was thrilled that Harry was safe and away from those dreadful Dursleys. I could hardly believe Ron's description of what they'd done to him—locking him in his room, putting bars on his window! It was appalling. My stomach churned at the thought of Harry enduring such horrible treatment. Thank goodness Ron and his brothers were there to help.

But a flying car? Really? As I read about their "rescue mission," my hands practically itched to write back and scold Ron. I could already picture him, Fred, and George grinning like it was some grand adventure, completely ignoring the fact that it was highly illegal and unbelievably reckless. They could have been seen by Muggles—or worse, they could have been caught by the Ministry! Did they even stop to think about the trouble Harry could have been in if someone found out?

And yet, as annoyed as I was, I couldn't help but feel a small smile creep onto my face when Ron described Harry's escape. I could imagine the scene perfectly—Fred and George prying off the bars while Ron nervously kept watch, probably muttering about getting caught. The thought of Harry's uncle, red-faced and furious, while Dudley clung to Harry in a pathetic attempt to stop him, was absurdly satisfying. I knew I shouldn't encourage such behavior, but really, the Dursleys deserved it.

Then there was the part about Mrs. Weasley. I could practically hear her voice in my head as I read about her fury. Ron downplayed it, of course, but I could tell she was furious. Poor Fred and George—well, maybe not poor Fred and George, since they likely enjoyed every moment of it. Ron must have gotten an earful too, though he was probably trying to act like it didn't bother him. Typical Ron.

Still, the most important thing was that Harry was safe now, at The Burrow with Ron's family, surrounded by kindness and care. That thought alone made me feel lighter. Knowing Harry was being fed properly, laughing, and spending time with people who genuinely cared about him—well, that was a relief.

Even so, I couldn't stop myself from feeling a bit exasperated. Why did it have to happen like this? Couldn't they have waited for help or tried something less ridiculous than a flying car? I sighed, folding the letter and tucking it into my desk. At least Ron and Harry were coming to Diagon Alley next week. I'd have a lot to say to them when we met.

For now, I was just grateful everything had worked out. Despite my mixed feelings, I couldn't help but be glad that Harry had Ron. Only Ron would go to such lengths for his best friend. It was reckless, yes, but it was also brave—and in its own way, rather sweet.

I was about to write a letter back, when a pleasant looking barn owl arrived at my window, practically pushing whom I now knew as Hermes out of the way. I took the letter from his beak and read it as the owl munched on the plate of crackers.

It was the list of second year books that was needed for this term. I left the owls to rest and hurried down to my parents to share the news about the book list with them.

As I sat at the kitchen table, carefully spreading out the Hogwarts supply list for the coming term, I couldn't help but notice something peculiar. Every subject seemed to require at least one book by someone named Gilderoy Lockhart. A sinking feeling crept into my chest. Who on earth was this Gilderoy Lockhart, and why did he write practically everything we needed this year?

"'Magical Me,'" I said, raising an eyebrow. "'Gadding with Ghouls.' Really? Travels with Trolls? What sort of curriculum requires so much... autobiography?"

Mama, who was washing dishes, turned and looked over her shoulder. "Hermione, darling, why are you muttering about trolls at the table?"

I held up the list with a sigh. "Mama, look at this. Seven books—seven!—all by Gilderoy Lockhart. Who is he? And why would Hogwarts need us to study so many of his books?"

Papa, sitting nearby and thumbing through the morning paper, peeked at the list. "Sounds prolific," he commented with a chuckle. "Maybe he's like the Stephen King of the wizarding world."

Mama dried her hands and came to sit next to me. "Let me see," she said, taking the list. "'Break with a Banshee'? My goodness, it sounds rather exciting. What does he do—chase monsters?"

"Apparently." I rolled my eyes. "But honestly, it's a bit much, isn't it? I mean, seven books! And if I'm right, they're all expensive. I'll need to buy other things too—quills, parchment, potion ingredients..."

Papa smirked. "You know, Hermione, we could always write this Lockhart fellow a letter. 'Dear sir, do you really need to publish a book for every magical encounter you've had?'"

I couldn't help but giggle. "Oh, Papa, don't be silly."

Mama looked over the list again. "So, when are we going to buy all these things? Is it still Diagon Alley?"

"Yes," I said eagerly, leaning forward. "And we're meeting the Weasleys there! Oh, and Harry too!"

Mama and Papa exchanged a quick look, and I caught the faintest hint of a smile pass between them. "The Weasleys," Mama repeated. "That's your friend Ron's family, right? What are they like?"

"Oh, they're lovely," I said, my words spilling out in excitement. "There's Ron, of course, and then his brothers—Fred and George are twins; they're hilarious but a bit of trouble. Percy is older, very serious. And there's Ginny—she's their youngest. She'll be starting Hogwarts this year. He also has a brother named Bill- he's the oldest and he works in tombs breaking curses from what I'm told. And Charlie? He's a dragon tamer!"

"Goodness," Mama said, laughing. "That's quite the family."

"And what about Harry?" Papa asked, folding his newspaper. "What's he like? You talk about him quite a bit."

I smiled. I liked that they were so curious about my friends. "He's... well, he can be a quiet sort, I suppose, but brave. Really brave. And kind. You wouldn't know it by looking at him, but he's been through a lot. His relatives treat him horribly, and honestly, I don't know what he'd do without Ron's family."

Papa frowned, clearly displeased by the idea of anyone mistreating a child. "That's terrible. He sounds like a good lad, though. I'm glad he has you and Ron."

Mama nodded, her face thoughtful. "Well, I'm looking forward to meeting them all. But are you sure this list is accurate? What kind of school requires seven books from one author?"

I laughed. "I was wondering the same thing. But if Hogwarts thinks we need them, I suppose we'd better buy them."

"And I suppose we'll need another bookshelf," Papa teased, winking at me.

We all laughed as I tucked the list into my pocket. The thought of seeing Diagon Alley again, meeting up with Ron and Harry, and starting another year at Hogwarts made my chest swell with excitement.

Still, I couldn't help but wonder about Gilderoy Lockhart. What kind of man writes so many books about himself?

On Wednesday morning, Mama, Papa, and I headed to the Leaky Cauldron to meet Harry, Ron, and the Weasleys. I could hardly contain my excitement. The thought of seeing Harry and Ron after weeks apart made my heart race. I'd been counting down the days for this trip, and it was finally here. Mama and Papa walked beside me, chatting quietly, but I was too preoccupied imagining the looks on my friends' faces when we finally reunited.

As we stepped through the Leaky Cauldron, the familiar warmth of the magical pub wrapped around us. Mama glanced at the bustling crowd and gave me a knowing smile. "I always forget how lively this place is," she said. Papa, meanwhile, was examining the décor with a fond curiosity. "I remember that fireplace," he said, gesturing toward the flickering hearth. "Last time, someone came through covered in soot, claiming they'd taken the wrong Floo exit."

I smiled but was too distracted to reply. My focus was entirely on what lay beyond the pub. I led them to the brick wall that concealed Diagon Alley, tapping the bricks to reveal the secret entrance. As the archway unfolded, Mama sighed in appreciation. "It's still so extraordinary," she said softly. Papa nodded, his eyes following the movement of witches and wizards bustling about. Diagon Alley stretched before us, alive with color and sound—the smell of freshly baked pastries from a nearby shop mingled with the chatter of merchants calling out their wares.

"Can we head toward Flourish and Blotts first?" I asked, glancing at Mama and Papa. "I'll meet Ron and Harry there—they're sure to be around somewhere."

"Now Mimi, we have to head to the bank first," reminded Papa.

"Oh Michael, let her go and find her friends," said Mama. "She can meet us there, yeah?"

Papa looked as if he wasn't too sure about the idea. However, he nodded, instructing me to look after myself.

I hugged him and took off back to the Leaky Caldron. Ron said he would meet me there.

The hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley felt as alive as ever. The smell of fresh bread from a nearby bakery mingled with the scent of polished wood from the wandmaker's shop. Everywhere I turned, there were witches and wizards going about their business, chatting and laughing. It was noisy, chaotic, and absolutely perfect. After all, I was back where I belonged. Still, my thoughts were on seeing Ron and Harry again, and the idea filled me with excitement. I hadn't realized just how much I missed them.

"Ron?" I called out, spotting a familiar head of red hair among the crowd. My heart leapt, and I broke into a jog. As he turned to look at me, I rushed over with a grin.

"Ron! Great to see you finally!" I exclaimed, throwing my arms around him for a quick hug. It felt so normal, so comforting, to see him again.

"Great to see you too," he said with a grin. Then his expression turned to one of mild annoyance. "Would be greater if I could figure out where the bloody hell Harry got to. Have you seen him?"

I rolled my eyes. "Language, Ron! And no, I haven't seen him. I thought he was staying with your family."

"He is," Ron huffed, ruffling his hair. "But we Flooed over, and he must've come out the wrong grate."

I stared at him, incredulous. "Why didn't you Floo over with him, Ron?"

Ron groaned, grabbing my arm to pull me along. "Well, I didn't figure he needed to hold my bloody hand, Hermione! He's a big boy, you know!"

"I know that! That's not the point!"

"Look, stop arguing with me, alright? Let's just find Harry before he ends up being hexed for flooing into a house or something." he said, once again pulling my arm.

I finally managed to yank my arm away. "Wait! Let me-"

Before I could finish, Mrs. Weasley appeared behind Ron, her face creased with worry. "Ron? Ron, what's going on?"

"Harry didn't make it to the Leaky Cauldron, Mum," Ron admitted sheepishly.

"Oh dear, I told your father I was afraid this would happen," she fretted, wringing her hands. "You stay here while your father and I go look. I don't need to lose more children today."

"I have to go to the bank," I said, pulling my arm away for a second time. "They're exchanging Muggle money for wizard currency. I'll come back to help once they're done."

Ron waved me off, distracted. "Alright, alright. Go, but hurry!"

As I turned toward Gringotts, something made me glance back. A familiar figure—no, two—caught my eye. My heart skipped a beat. It was Harry and Hagrid, walking down the crowded street! I nearly tripped over my own feet as I dashed back down the steps.

"Harry! Hagrid!" I called, running up to meet them. Relief flooded through me as I saw Harry in one piece.

"What happened to your glasses? Hello, Hagrid... Oh, it's wonderful to see you two again... Are you coming into Gringotts, Harry?" I asked, trying to catch my breath.

"As soon as I've found the Weasleys," Harry said, looking around.

"You won't have long ter wait," Hagrid grinned.

Almost on cue, Ron came sprinting toward us with the rest of his family in tow—Fred, George, Percy, and a man I assumed was Mr. Weasley.

"Harry!" Mr. Weasley panted, relief evident in his voice. "We hoped you'd only gone one grate too far. Molly's frantic—she's coming now—"

"Where did you come out?" Ron asked, smirking.

"Knockturn Alley," Hagrid replied gruffly.

"Excellent!" said the twins in unison, their faces alight with curiosity.

"We've never been allowed in!" Ron added.

"I should ruddy well think not," Hagrid muttered disapprovingly.

Before I could ask what Knockturn Alley was, Mrs. Weasley appeared with Ginny in tow.

"Oh, Harry! Oh, my dear, you could have been anywhere!" she said as she began to fuss over Harry, brushing soot from his clothes and repairing his glasses while Harry stood there, looking mortified. Hagrid used the distraction to slip away, muttering a quick goodbye.

As we climbed the steps to Gringotts, Harry leaned over to Ron and me. "Guess who I saw in Borgin and Burkes?" he whispered. "Malfoy and his father."

"Did Lucius Malfoy buy anything?" Mr. Weasley cut in sharply, startling us.

"No, he was selling," Harry said.

"So he's worried," Mr. Weasley murmured, his voice filled with satisfaction. "Oh, I'd love to get Lucius Malfoy for something…"

"You be careful, Arthur," Mrs. Weasley warned as we entered the bank. "That family's trouble. Don't go biting off more than you can chew."

"So you don't think I'm a match for Lucius Malfoy?" Mr. Weasley shot back, puffing his chest out slightly. But before they could argue further, his attention shifted to my parents, who were standing in line. His eyes widened in fascination.

"Mama, Papa, these are the Weasleys," I said, gesturing toward the group with a smile.

My parents exchanged polite greetings, though they looked slightly overwhelmed. Mr. Weasley, however, was brimming with excitement. "But you're Muggles!" he exclaimed, shaking Papa's hand enthusiastically. "We must have a drink sometime! What's that you've got there? Oh, you're changing Muggle money—Molly, look!"

Papa chuckled, holding up the colorful notes for Mr. Weasley to inspect. Mama, meanwhile, glanced at me with a bemused smile. "Quite the characters, aren't they?"

"That's putting it lightly," I whispered back with a grin.

As my parents were led off by a goblin to exchange their money, Ron nudged my arm. "Meet us back here when you're done, yeah?"

"Of course," I said, watching them walk off.