Note: Edited 01/01/2024

~Diagon Alley, London ~

~ June 2nd 1991 ~

~ Hermione's POV ~

Diagon Alley, England's Wizarding hotspot for all things magic and shopping, was located in the heart of London and stepping into such a place was nothing short of intoxicating in Hermione's opinion. It was an assault of the best kind on all of her senses, euphoric in the way it encompassed her so wholly. With so many different colours and sounds, vibrant and loud, and scattered in every direction she looked, for as far as her eyes could see. It was as beautiful as it was breath-taking to the muggle-born girl and she had a feeling that this place could very well become one of her most favourite places to be. The feeling she got as soon as she stepped through the brick wall was almost nauseating and overwhelming as she experienced the feel of so much magic for the very first time, it unknowingly reaching out to embrace her magical core, a fact she wouldn't truly understand for a few years yet. Hermione felt herself lurch forward, her hand clutching Professor McGonagall's as tightly as she could, her senses failing and the world momentarily spinning while she tried to adjust to all that she was experiencing.

The feel of magic buzzing around her at long last made gave the brunette a strange feeling of finally coming home. As if every fibre in her had always meant to be here and she had returned at long last. It pulsed around her with an urgency yet gentleness that Hermione couldn't quite articulate. The feeling pulling at her magic in ways she had yet to understand. The brunette tried to draw herself up even as she continued to try and adjust to the many different sensations she was experiencing. Each one interacting with her own magic in a way that she could only describe as playfully. Hermione had to tighten her grip on the Scottish witch for a minute just inside the alley forcing her to halt, as the Scots professor tried to hurry forward, unaware of Hermione's predicament.

"What is wrong with you child?" The brisk question was spoke with a hint of impatience and Hermione glanced up at her new professor apologetically, unable to find the words she needed to voice her response. McGonagall softened a little, a look of understanding flashing in her emerald eyes as she put the pieces together. Her eyes filling with sympathy as she observed the young newly discovered witch adjust to the onslaught of magic she was being bombarded with.

"You will one day be a very powerful witch Ms Granger, only those that possess a great deal of magic can feel it around them as acutely as you appear to." she said, her tone more gentle and instructive than it was before. Decades of honing her own magical core meant that the older woman was quite attuned to the magic of others around her, years of practice and patients had given her a keen sense of her own magical core and the core of others. She had sensed that this muggle-born possessed great power yesterday when they had first met at the girls home. She had felt the girls magic trying to reach out around her as she had descended the stairs at the muggle orphanage and she had witnessed the beautiful display of flowers brought on at her strong emotions. She made a mental note to keep an eye out for the brunette, knowing that power that great couldn't be left untrained and she wasn't entirely convinced the first year training would be much of a challenge. Perhaps it was for this reason that Albus had insisted the girl be admitted to Hogwarts a year earlier than usual. For her to be displaying such potential so young was a rarity and Merlin knew that potential needed to be nurtured lest they end up wasting the opportunity to nurture such talent. She would check in on Ms Granger during the year and if necessary she would find ways to help the girl control her magic better and to learn all that she needed to succeed. In a world so prejudice to muggle-born witches and wizards like the little brunette it wouldn't do for a pureblood fanatic to realise just how much power miss Granger held or she would become a target to much unpleasantness.

A girl with such potential who possessed such a keen mind was a rare find and the older witch rather selfishly hoped the girl would be sorted into her own house. That way Professor McGonagall could keep an eye on her as she went through her Hogwarts years, she would be able to help guide her as her head of house and even better was the credit she could imagine the girl bringing them. Maybe it would tilt the tide in their favour for the house cup, it was well beyond time that Slytherin lost to her Gryffindor cub's. She knew the house rivalries had been escalating year by year and it was maybe a good thing to hope that this would be the year the Slytherin's were taught a lesson by Gryffindor, which could very well be possible if the little brunette ended up in her house. Professor McGonagall vowed either way though that she would do all she could for the girl in front of her. She wasn't sure what exactly provoked the internal declaration, only that she knew Hermione deserved all that could be offered to her. It was more than evident she hadn't had an easy go at life and the older woman wanted to ensure that this could be Hermione's chance to change that.

When Hermione had adequately adjusted to the magic around her she straightened herself up, sweaty palms smoothing her dress in to place. Smiling up at her guide. "Where are we off to first Professor?" She asked excitedly, unable to tame her excitement even slightly. A mix between the magic and the endless wonder around her made the little brunette giddy, a feeling she hadn't often experienced and Hermione was content to enjoy every second she felt it. Matron would be less than impressed with her open emotion, if she were here, Hermione knew. A quick glance at her accompanying professor however reassured the brunette that Professor McGonagall was simply amused by her antics, the older witch unable to contain her own amusement at Hermione's clear excitement. The elder woman smiled slightly at her, before leading them briskly onwards. Towards the many shops, each one unique, tailored to different aspects of magic that Hermione did not yet know off, though she couldn't wait to explore each one.

"We will begin at Gringotts, the wizarding Bank as I will have to withdraw from the School's student fund to purchase your supplies child and then we will head to Madame Malkins Robe shop to get your clothing" The professor replied in answer. A long finger pointing Hermione in the direction of a large greyish white building that stood out at the bottom of Diagon Alley.

At the mention of her need to rely on money from the school fund Hermione struggled to conceal her wince of shame, it was a reminder of just how 'other' she had been her entire life. She did not have parents to take her shopping or purchase school supplies for her like other children. A sad fact that left her with little choice but to quietly sit with her shame and except the help that was being offered to her by the school. Wordlessly she nodded, her shoulders squaring as they moved forward. The reminder of her predicament prompting the muggle born girl to draw herself up, slipping a mask of disinterest upon her pale features as best she could as she followed the professor. Hermione wasn't naive, she had been forced to work for every single morsel she had ever had she had up to now, this would be no different. She would pay the school back by becoming the best student they had ever had, even if she still wished she had some other option available to her. As they moved side by side towards the building, Hermione ensured she walked with a confidence she didn't really feel, though something inside her told her that it was necessary.

She remained quiet as they walked, silently marvelling at the sights around her, resolutely ignoring the shame that lingered. The aging snow white building that they were headed too, towered above all the others around them. It was rather imposing she thought as they approached, though the buildings weathered appearance gave the impression that it had stood for many a year. It was a marvellous piece of architecture and the brunette silently wondered just how long ago the building had been constructed and by who. Whoever it had been had an eye for detail that Hermione could appreciate and she silently added that mystery to the many, many things she wished to learn more about when she got the opportunity.

When they climbed the steps Hermione was startled out of her thoughts by the appearance of a small creature standing by the door. His ears were pointed and he looked quite humanoid in appearance, though he held himself with a stiff spine giving the younger witch the impression that this creature was rather hardened to the world around them.

She smiled politely at him when the creature pulled the door to the bank open and held it for them to pass through. Hermione murmured a quiet "Thank you sir" as she passed him. Completely oblivious to both the creatures and the professors rather startled looks of shock. Unknown to the brunette the creature was wholly unused to witches or wizards, no matter their age, treating him with any hint of respect. The older witch was thinking similarly, if not a little disdainfully. The professor had always found the Goblins that ran the bank to be rather unpleasant creatures. Neither Goblin nor Professor said anything about the polite attitude of the younger witch, though both took note and the Goblin knew he would never forget her for it.

The inside of the bank was just as imposing to the newly discovered witch as its exterior. The front door led directly into an entry room that was lined with large ornate desks that seemed to form a natural path towards what she assumed to be the main reception desk. Behind each desk stood a creature, similar in appearance to the first one that held the door for her. All engrossed in whatever it was that held their attention on the desks in front of them. The goblins worked in a strangely beautiful rhythm, their hands stamping and passing paper effortlessly as they went. Hermione was entranced and a little perturbed when her professor kept them moving forward, a hurrying hand placed on the small of the youngsters back.

"Stick close now child, the Goblins aren't too pleasant to witches and wizards" her Professor murmured in warning, as Hermione felt the older woman hasten their steps. Though the brunette didn't particularly care for the warning administered by the older witch and she struggled to understand the discomfort she felt at her professors obvious bias against the little creatures. Hermione had never understood those that judged others upon their appearance, she much preferred to come to such conclusions on her own, after all it would be highly hypocritical of her to jump to any sort of conclusion about a person's character based solely on an individual's opinion, especially when that individual had clear discriminating opinions. The brunette had always resented receiving the same treatment, she too had been judged unfairly her whole life without anyone caring to get to know her beforehand. She refused to do it to another.

Hermione gazed upwards curiously as they approached what she assumed to be the main reception desk. The creature or Goblin as Professor McGonagall had informed her in her warning, leered down at them with impatience and barely concealed disgust as they approached. An impatient eyebrow raised in wait. He looked to be dressed in more expensive clothing than the other Goblins present, which gave Hermione the impression that this creature was probably their leader or held some sort of position of power within the Goblins social structure.

"I would like to withdraw three hundred Galleons from the Hogwarts muggle-born and other emergencies fund, Goblin." the Professor spoke politely but curtly, barely sparing the Goblin a glance as she withdrew her wand from her sleeve. Her tone though polite shocked Hermione, she couldn't understand why the older woman who had been so kind to her the day before was treating another being with such little curtesy and disdain. In response the Goblin sneered, shoving his hand towards them. "Identify yourselves" he demanded and Hermione supposed she couldn't fault him for sounding so insulted and aggressive. She would be affronted too if someone spoke to her the way this Goblin had been spoken too.

"Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and Professor of Transfiguration at Hogwarts and this is an incoming first year He..." but before she could finish, Hermione did something she had rarely done in her life, the result of years of etiquette lessons at the hands of Matron. She interrupted an adult. She knew Matron would have some choice words if she were to see her do such a thing but Hermione really didn't care for the way the Professor was speaking.

"Hermione Jean Granger sir, I am very pleased to make your acquaintance" she replied, her tone sincere as she curtsied, bowing her head in respect. While offering him her hand. She smiled in understanding when the Goblin in front of her blinked repeatedly, before shaking himself and smiling at her genuinely (if the smile caused the rooms occupants a little fear and shock no one was brave enough to comment). It made Hermione's heart hurt to see that the Creature in front of her had experienced so little kindness. "Griphook, Head Goblin here at Gringotts. It is a delight to make your acquaintance too, miss Granger." He replied, his tone much less confrontational than it had been. He shook her hand firmly. Before gesturing for them to follow him, seemingly content to ignore Professor McGonagall in favour of the little witch who for the first time in centuries had treated a Goblin with respect.

The odd trio moved into an old looking cart let by Griphook. Hermione gripped the side fretfully as they descended on the uneven tracks, she had to stop herself from being thrown as it twisted and turned without any sort of delicacy, her under fed body being tossed from side to side. The brunette winced, knowing she'd bruise later from the impact of such a contraption. The cart came to an abrupt stop at vault 912 and Hermione held tight to the Professors arm as she got off the cart. Her legs unsteady as she adjusted back to the blessedly solid ground. Though that proved to be a mistake when the older witch slipped slightly, the two witches grasping to remain upright. Griphook grabbed Hermione's arm as they fell forward, righting her, still a little surprised when the little witch didn't cringe back from him in disgust at being touched by him and thanked him instead as she, feet firmly back on the ground, steadied her new professor.

The vault they had stopped in was located a few floors below the main reception but Hermione could tell they were most decidedly underground. The walls were damp and dark shadows surrounded them from all angles, kept at bay only by the torch lights littering the walls in various places. Their light adding an eery feel to the place. Though she could feel the magic around her, much more than she did back on the surface, the vaults around her pulsed with it, each vault feeling slightly different because of what she would soon come to know as family Magik. She found it easier to adjust now that she had a feel of being surrounded by magic, her body adapting to the foreign Magiks around her and her own magic greeting that which was rife all around her like an old friend.

Once Professor McGonagall had collected the correct amount of Galleons, they left the way they came. Hermione bidding the Goblin a kind farewell as Minerva didn't even glance at the creature, the older woman merely brushed passed him as they left. The young brunette silently wondered if all wizarding folk treated the creatures as McGonagall did or if there was some personal reason for the animosity between them. Not that she would ask the Scots woman.

Hermione followed along beside Professor McGonagall without complaint. Madame Malkins, the robe shop, wasn't located that far from Gringotts Bank and as such Hermione found herself standing on a stool being measured by the shops owner quicker than she had imagined. Madame Malkin was an older witch in appearance. Slightly older than professor McGonagall if she had to guess, but she carried herself with less importance than the professor did. Madame Malkin gave off a much gentler feel and the woman's magic felt just as calm as the woman appeared to be as she busied herself with Hermione's measurements. Clothes shopping had never really interested her all that much, not that she ever had much money to spend on clothes, so the young brunette found herself zoning out, only nodding along to suggestions politely when the need for her own opinion was pertinent.

She reflected silently as she stood upon the dressing stool. Her mind silently digesting all she had witnessed so far on her very first trip into the magical world. She had accumulated quite a list of questions within her mind. Things she couldn't wait to investigate further but she was certain that Magical London was perhaps the most beautiful place she had ever seen. The feel of magic, alongside the many wondrous sights and colours made even the many forests she had visited in her brief time with the Grangers seem altogether pale in comparison.

Sure she didn't know half as much as she would have liked about her new world but she could correct that in time, though she knew enough to know that she never again wanted to feel the isolating feeling of muggle London when a world so full of life existed on her door step. She wondered just how many chores she would have to do when she got home in order to convince Matron to allow her to come here again on her own or whether it was worth just sneaking back tomorrow regardless of the consequences.

"Come along now child" Professor McGonagall's brisk tone snapped her out of her thoughts and she quickly moved towards the door seeing that Madame Malkin had bagged all her new uniform and was in the process of tidying her workstation. She followed her professor from the shop dutifully, Her mind trying to work out who her professor really was. She had caught glimpses of warmth and genuine care from the woman in the brief time they had spent together but she had also seen more of the brisk, stone faced woman that was with her currently and she could only speculate as to which side of this woman was really her and what side was the mask. She supposed it didn't really matter all that much outside of her own curiosity and need to know everything she could.

They visited Eyelops Owl Emporium/ Magical Menagerie for her familiar next, though she could not find an animal that seemed to call to her in the way Professor McGonagall said it would. "Don't worry child, not everyone finds their familiar so young, some don't find theirs until we'll into adulthood" the older witch had reassured before leading her back out of the shop. Next they stopped by Slug and Jiggers Apothecary. Her professor helping her acquire the correct cauldron and potion supplies for the potions class she would soon be taking.

Much to the Professors amusement, Hermione didn't truly seem to come alive until they entered Flourish and Blotts, Diagon Alley's biggest book shop. The professor aimed to to get all the texts and writing supplies Hermione would need before leaving but seeing the little brunettes eye light up so brightly, the academic within her decided they'd just have to spend a bit longer within the shop than originally planned to ensure Hermione got the chance to explore.

Upon entering Flourish and Blotts, Hermione felt like she had died and gone to heaven. The shop was larger than any book shop Hermione had ever been inside and the scent of parchment and new books filled the air delightfully. It was comforting to the brunette in a way that was rare and she struggled to hold herself back from running off to explore. She glanced at the professor, an expression akin to pleading plastered on her freckled face. Her soft brown eyes filled with pleas. Professor McGonagall sighed but flashed Hermione an indulgent smile as she gestured towards the rows upon rows of books. "Go on then child, look around. I'll get the required reading and your parchment and quill supplies. You may select five books not on the list to purchase. What type of scholar would I be if I denied one so keen the pleasure of plenty new reading materials to occupy a curious mind"

Not needing any more of an invitation Hermione shot forward as if she were a tightly coiled spring let loose. Quickly losing herself within the racks of texts and knowledge.

Hermione didn't know how long she had been lost within the shelves, her head buried in book upon book, a slowly growing stack in her arms. She had picked four books so far. "Defensive Magical Theory – by Wilbert Slinkhard." Had been her first find, "Nature's Nobility: A Wizarding Genealogy" had been second, her insatiable curiosity driving her to discover more about the history of Wizardry in the UK and beyond. "Olde and Forgotten Bewitchments and Charms." had been next.

"Olde versus New, a study on the ways of wizards" was the forth and she was currently debating the pros and cons of "An all encompassed guide to honing the magical core, and mastering your Magic" it was an intriguing book that spoke of both non-verbal and wandless spell casting, It appeared to be something that Hermione could find many positives for buying and the brunette couldn't really find much cons on the matter. Though the predicted difficulty levels (the book stating that even adult witches and wizards were known to struggle with many of the concepts held within the pages) was somewhat of a stumper for the brunette. She did not know if she would be able to harness her magic in that way. After all she was only ten, a year younger than the youngest students and therefore she predicted having to work harder in order to keep up. Would she really have the time and skill to achieve something that even adults struggled with? She didn't know.

Just as she sighed gently and turned to replace the book upon the shelf, vowing to revisit it once she was more acclimatised to her new world, she was startled by a slightly larger body colliding with hers. The impact of their collision knocking them both backwards and sending Hermione's recently acquired books flying across the floor. The Brunette blinked hard for a moment, her mind quickly processing the situation she found herself in. She glanced sideways, her peripheral vision catching a glimpse of elegant black heeled boots and men's dress shoes standing near her left shoulder and a mop of blonde hair lying beside her on the right.

Taking a breath to compose herself, aware of how matron would want her to react in this situation she daintily picked herself up, brushing out the wrinkles on her navy blue summer dress, like the proper young lady she was supposed to embody. She looked towards the mop of blonde hair that was the cause of her unexpected fall. Her face schooled into a polite mask. Hermione met the bright bluey/grey eyes of a boy who appeared to be roughly her age. She would hazard a guess that he too would be starting Hogwarts in September. He wore stylish black robes and his hair flopped onto his face as he struggled to sit up amongst the tangle he had found himself in. Making eye contact she turned towards him fully, offering him her hand to help him up. The boy looked past her, seemingly looking for permission from his adults to accept the offer before his hand reached out for hers. She grasped his hand firmly, easily pulling him back up on to his feet, her muscles flexing on her arms from the constant need to haul herself up and down from the attic at the orphanage.

"I am sorry, I did not see you there miss" the boy spoke quietly but sincerely as he stood. Offering her an apologetic smile. The boy looked calm on the surface but Hermione could tell he was nervous by the moisture on his palms and the way he glanced at the floor subtly, his left foot twitching slightly.

"It's alright mister, accidents happen and I am quite unharmed. Are you alright?" She replied just as sincerely, looking him over for any obvious sign of injury. He nodded his answer, glancing behind her for reassurance to whom she assumed was his parents. Oh how wonderful an idea that was, to have parents to look to for safety and reassurance, to know that when you fell they'd be there to comfort and support you... She quickly tapered those thoughts, she knew it would never do her any good to entertain such wishful thoughts. "Good. I'm glad you're alright. I'm Hermione by the way, Hermione Granger" she replied when she was happily convinced that the boy was in fact unharmed. She couldn't help but frown slightly when she saw a flash of disgust appear briefly on his face.

"Granger? I don't recognise it. You aren't a mudblood are you?" and try as she might, despite the years of training, Hermione could not hide her wince at his choice of wording. Professor McGonagall and she had discussed wizarding terminology the day prior. The older woman warning her to watch out for those that would treat her as other simply for not being born to magical parents. She had hoped to avoid the word and never in her worst nightmares did she expect to encounter it so soon. The slight at her parentage or lack thereof stung the youngster more than she wished it did and she turned her head away slightly, tilting her head up in defiance at the implication of her having dirty blood.

"I am muggle born" she emphasised "if that is what you mean" She said evenly in reply, her face a mask of indifference. Her eyes narrowing slightly at the obviously prejudiced boy. No hint of the hurt he had caused in her tone.

"Now, now Draco, no need to be rude. She's a child. She doesn't know her place yet" a male voice spoke up from behind her, his tone chastising and bordering on arrogant as he stepped around her. He had long blonde hair that was identical in colour to the boy's own. He wore expensive looking robes and carried what looked to be a cane with a snake on top in his right hand. With him, unnoticed at first was a woman sporting wild curly shoulder length brown hair, dressed in a long green summer dress and a black robe with green trimmings, that seamed to accentuate her outfit elegantly. It gave Hermione the impression that this woman and the two arrogant fools she was with were from money somehow. Wealth dripped of them like the raindrops on the Haven's roof when the guttering had overflown.

The unknown man's words caused anger to flash fiercely in the young brunettes eyes, defiance following shortly behind it as she straightened her posture even more. Unwilling to show even the slightest amount of vulnerability in front of these people as she drew her eyes from the brown curly haired woman to meet his. Hermione was just about to let herself bite back at the man and his son when the unknown woman spoke up, quietening everyone. Her voice commanding a respect Hermione couldn't understand. Though annoyingly to the brunette youngster, the unknow witches voice was soothing to her internal anger and she quietly reeled at the safety her mind promised resided within the arms of the stranger in front of her.

"Lucius, that is quite enough" the woman reprimanded, her tone was steely and the look she flashed at both blondes before turning to face her, could only be described as a look of warning. Hermione secretly felt pleased when she saw both blondes shrink slightly, their mouths snapping shut and their eyes shifting downward. Chastised for the time being. When the woman turned towards Hermione her expression was much gentler than it had been moments before. She flicked her hand in the direction of Hermione's scattered book pile, levitating them into her own arms neatly. As the young witch stood watching in awe, her mind trying to work out when exactly the woman had withdrawn her wand.

"I am sorry about them young one, I am Andromeda Lestrange and this is my brother in law Lucius Malfoy, his son Draco you've already met I see. I do hope you're alright" The woman – Andromeda Lestrange – Spoke with a gentleness that threw Hermione, as if this woman thought her a fragile bird ready for flying off if cornered or pushed to quickly.

"I am Quite fine, Lady Lestrange. I assure you." Hermione replied, her tone polite but tense, she really hoped not to draw out conversation for long with this woman, intent on getting away from the uncomfortable situation she was currently in. Lady Lestrange hummed quietly in response, Slim fingers picking up the book on top of Hermione's reassembled pile and examining it before placing it back down.

"Interesting choice of reading material. You are muggle-born yes?" The woman handed the stack of books back over to the little brunette with a polite smile, curiosity in her tone and Hermione could see the book on mastering magic sat on top, almost tauntingly. But the woman's comment again had the hair at the nape of the little brunette's neck stand on end, as she tried hard not to scowl at the woman.

"I am. Or at least I think I am. I don't know who my parents are if you must know." she replied carefully, nodding her head in thanks to her reassembled stack of books, her features schooled blank, no hint of her inner seething to be seen. Though secretly, Hermione was quietly impressed by Andromeda Lestrange's display of wandless and non-verbal magic. From the slight smirk on the curly haired woman's aristocratic features, the woman knew what she had done was impressive to the younger girl. Later Hermione would learn that Andromeda Lestrange rarely did anything unintentionally and her not so subtle display of power although not aimed at her was not something she had done accidentally. Hermione being impressed had just been an added bonus to the older witch. Not that Hermione was about to express that she was impressed even slightly mind you.

"Intriguing, I must say miss Granger, for a muggle-born girl, you're manners are exemplary. Now we must run, my daughter is waiting on us. Do let me know how you get on with your reading materials. It is not all too often you discover one so young with such…. Ambition. I can send you some more once you're done, if you need an extra challenge." the woman spoke warmly, seemingly ignoring the disbelieving looks from her two blonde companions and ignoring the fact that her compliment could have been perceived as a nicely phrased insult. The implication of 'despite your blood status' glaringly obvious to the young muggle-born and the two gaping blondes who were privy to the interaction.

Before she could respond she felt a calm reassuring hand grip her shoulder at the same time she sensed the feel of Professor McGonagall's magic surround her. The Malfoys and Lady Lestrange straightened perceptibly at the older witches presence. Nodding respectfully in deference before hastily retreating from the vicinity. Hermione however, caught the flash of irritation and suspicion on Andromeda Lestrange's face as she hurried away with her family. Brown eyes cast backwards once more before she completely disappeared from view.

"I hope there was no issue?" The Professor enquired, guiding Hermione to the front of the shop to pay for her books and supplies.

"None Professor, despite my less than savoury blood." Hermione retorted back, a seething sense of resentment building within her. So lost to all the different emotions she had experienced in such a short few hours, The brunette did not mind that the cursed book on mastering ones magic still sat at the top of her pile of reading material as she handed them to her professor. In her anger she decided she would get the book and become proficient at honing her magic, it would show them to judge her based on something as irrelevant to her as her parents. After all she had never met her birth family, they had nothing to do with who she was as a person. Her birth family had no influence on her whatsoever and she would be damned if she let the conceited stuck up opinions of the pureblood supremacists in society stop her from achieving.

Her whole life had been a battle to prove her worth, why had she ever thought learning about magic would change such a thing?