Watching the conversation in the house was like a scintillating professional Quidditch Match.
On the one hand, you had McGonagall and Dumbledore, the old reliables who made points that a greener opponent would have folded under. They were the expected winners and the one that Seamus was of the opinion all the spectators (just he and Hermione) were rooting to win.
On the other hand, Seamus' Mam and the Grangers, volleying back all the reasons why Hermione ought not to return. If Hermione's parents had not befriended his Mam, Seamus would imagine that they'd be so out of their depth that they would have just accepted defeat early on. There was so much about the Wizarding world that Hermione had not only failed to tell them but so much that even a lifetime of hearing about it second-hand couldn't possibly cover. Though they were determined, sticking to their guns about their morals and worries, it was evening the playing field by having Roisin Finnegan there to translate the lexicon for them.
Seamus had forgotten a universal truth; never underestimate the underdogs.
McGonagall used facts. She had research and proven studies to show the Grangers, proving that wizards had a different set of needs than Muggles. Wizards could give up their magic, but it would also be like having a throbbing headache, a pain in the back of the mind that wouldn't let up. Magic sought the best way to be freed from the body, you see, so it was actually within Hermione's best interest to continue to strengthen her magical abilities, lest she have some magically bottled-up issue. Also, she pointed out, that if Hermione ever chose to return, and missed her 6th and 7th years, as bright as she was, she'd be horribly behind the curve and it would be far more difficult to make it up.
Dumbledore came across as whimsical and nearly nonsensical, but Seamus wondered if he was purposely using the most confusing Wizarding language to get the Grangers to unwittingly agree. There was also the argument made that with all that had happened, most terrible things may befall Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter without Hermione there.
"So our daughter is responsible for two wizards who can't seem to keep themselves alive?" Mr. Granger demanded, "And how is that fair?"
In all, perhaps that was not the best argument.
The Granger's responses were perfectly reasonable. Had Seamus been an impartial judge, they surely had the better argument.
They had concerns about how safe Hogwarts actually was as an institution; it seemed every year there was some awful incident. Hadn't a student died because someone let a basilisk out?
They argued that Hermione was not fully rounded in other studies. Sure, she was learning Ancient Runes, but where the hell was the simple mathematics, UK history, or practical science courses… courses that would help her into a Muggle university if she ever sought such things?
They voiced their displeasure that a ragtag group of students had managed to evade school boundaries and go on a suicide mission, well, it was a miracle no one had actually died, but they drove home the damage Hermione had suffered, and how she'd be on potions for the rest of her life because a fully grown adult man nearly eviscated her when she was meant to be safe at school.
And on that note! Oh, they had much to say about the collection of shady teachers who had been employed in Hogwarts over the years. From Lockhart to Umbridge to Snape, they came ready with notes and conveyed incidents. All of Seamus' mindless chatter to his Mam throughout the years was now being used as ammunition. It seemed like the Grangers too had been doing their research.
And now, to top it all off, there was a raving lunatic on the loose, basically the Wizarding equivalent of Hitler who - make no mistake- hated everything Hermione was and was actively trying to kill her best friend.
Well, when one put it all like that…it was rather damning.
And it seemed Roisin was right there with them.
"It was a tragedy that Seamus lost his magic, but perhaps it has come at the best of times," She said, which was akin to a stab right through his heart.
"Mam?" Seamus whispered, horrified to hear her admit she was grateful he was utterly normal now.
"You'll be far out of the way when all this comes to a head, dear," Mam said with a heavy sigh, "And safe. Hermione too, if we have our way."
"At the end of the day, Minerva and Albus," Mr. Granger nodded, "We were interested in hearing your arguments, but she is our daughter and frankly, you have not convinced us in the slightest why it is such a good idea."
"If we were even considering sending her back to the Wizarding world," Mrs. Granger added, "We'd perhaps send her to Beauxbatons. We hear the security is much stricter there, but even then, we're not sure we can truly let her out of our sight."
"I would truly hope you reconsider and weigh this wisely. Not for Weasly or Potter's sakes," McGonagall said, though from her frown, it seemed she wasn't sure they survive without Hermione either, "But for your daughter's sake."
"We are," Mrs. Granger said quietly, wiping a tear gathering in the corner of her eye with the back of her hand, "We made the mistake of believing she could handle all this and taking a hands-off approach, but we see now we've made an error."
"So it is just so, then?" Albus asked, seeming disappointed too, "Are we not to expect Ms. Granger back at the start of term?"
Mr. and Mrs. Granger exchanged looks. After a long moment, Mrs. Granger gave a slow nod.
"That is correct," Mr. Granger said, almost looking apologetic, "Since we've heard all the sides-,"
"Not mine," Hermione said, who had been waiting patiently for her turn, raising her hand and staring her parents down, "Not. Mine."
"Darling-,"
"You are forgetting something very important," Hermione said, her voice tightly coiled, but controlled as ever, "Wizards reach maturity at the age of seventeen. My 6th year starts just a few short weeks before that." She tilted her head, "I may not be on the train out, Professors, but you can very well expect me at midnight on the 19th."
"Hermione," Her father stood, horrified, "You may be an adult at seventeen with them, young lady, but you are not out of our sight until 18 here!" He said, waving a furious finger, "You leave, we call the cops."
"They won't do anything," Hermione said simply, almost coldly, "All it will take is someone connecting with their bosses's bosses's boss to tell them it's a wizarding matter, and they'll drop it. I imagine it's happened before, has it not?"
"Well-," McGonagall sighed, her answer clear in her exhale. She didn't seem pleased to be winning with this argument.
"We'll go the paper, then," Mrs. Granger said, turning to her daughter with a look of betrayal, "Plaster your face everywhere. Make enough noise that it cannot be ignored. And if that doesn't work? Well, everyone will hear about this dangerous wizarding community right under their noses-"
"You won't," Hermione said, "Well, you could certainly try, but I imagine the Ministry would intervene quickly."
"And do what, lock us up?" Mr. Granger snorted.
"Perhaps," Hermione said, shrugging, trying to keep her cool, but Seamus could tell she was boiling over on the inside, "Or maybe at the end of it all, you wouldn't even remember you have a daughter to report missing anyway."
This seemed to knock the force clean out of her parents.
"That's…you could do that?" Mrs. Granger asked, horrified, looking at the witches and wizards gathered, as though the idea had never crossed her mind.
"We can do anything you can think of and a million things you couldn't dream of," Hermione said, somewhat haughtily, "Trust me."
"Oh, Robert-," Mrs. Granger grasped her chest, heaving hard at the idea, "I think I'm having a panic attack…oh, god!"
"Shh…sh…" Mr. Granger sent a fiery look at Hermione, "What has gotten into my level-headed, logical daughter? When did you become so cruel?" He demanded.
"I don't want to be," Hermione said, picking at her fingernails, a crack in her evenness. She swallowed hard, "Mum…Dad…please…don't make me choose between you and magic, because I will choose magic. Every time."
The followed silence was as audible as a physical slap across their faces.
"What about Seamus?" Mr. Granger finally gasped, "I thought you two were…I thought we were understanding each other?"
Hermione, across the room, met Seamus' gaze. He gave a nearly imperceptible nod.
" We understand each other," Hermione said quietly. She stood, going to sit next to her mom and rub her back, "I don't want it to come to this, but it is the truth. You will lose me one way or the other if you keep on like this. It just depends whether you will send me back of your own free will or force something drastic," She met their expression, "The Ministry does not mess around, despite what you may have been led to think. Not with matters like this. It's the one department where their efforts are effective."
"Hermione, you're a child-," Mr. Granger said, aghast.
"I'm not. Not truly. Not even last year was the tipping point. No, it was far earlier," She kissed her mom's forehead and hugged her dad, "The Hermione you remember, the Hermione you sent off at 11, is gone and it's not your fault."
"I don't know if we know how to let you go, pumpkin," Her father admitted quietly, "And stop caring."
"I'm not asking for that. I know I can't stop you," Hermione nodded.
"We need to talk," Mrs. Granger managed through blubbered cries, "Please…I can't-,"
"We should take our leave, Albus," McGonagall nodded, "It's late anyway. We will expect an owl soon."
As she passed, her head of house sent Hermione a furious look. Though she may want Hermione back at Hogwarts, it was clear she didn't approve of her methods. Albus just met Hermione's eye. It was impossible for Seamus to tell what was exchanged in his look, as his expression was truly unreadable, but Hermione almost smiled.
"And me?" Mam asked, not wanting to intrude.
"Let us talk," Mr. Granger sighed, "If…if we let her return, well, we may require some…oversight." He said, "And you seem to have eyes everywhere."
Mam chuckled, "Well, that's true. With three trouble-making boys, it was necessary."
"Come, Ros, let's talk this through...theoretically," Mrs. Granger offered, finally gathering herself enough to speak.
They exited the kitchen, shutting the door behind them, and left Hermione and Seamus alone. They stared at each other across the dining table.
"They'll break down," Hermione said, sure, "They know they can't stop me. I'm sure they'll place some restrictions or expectations of continual owls, or…something. And I'll agree."
"And you'll break their hearts again when you leave with me," Seamus said, suddenly not feeling too great about their plans.
"Yes," Hermione said, having already acknowledged such truths, "But there are many things far greater than sparing their feelings. Like you. Like the truth. Like saving someone's life. Besides, by that point, I will be 17, so…" She offered a weak, almost unsure smile, despite trying to keep confident, "Everything I said was true."
"I don't know what I'll do without you, Hermione, even for just a few weeks," Seamus whispered, gleeful that she was going to return, but empty all the same.
Hermione shuffled her chair next to Seamus and placed her head on his shoulder, intertwining their fingers. "You're still a Gryffindor," She reminded, "And we can tackle anything."
Unfortunately, it didn't give him the same lion-length strength those assurances once had, but he didn't know how to say that.
XXX
Seamus stared despondently at his pack.
Take out everything magical, and there wasn't much left for him to take.
He couldn't take any of his toys or Hogwarts items. He couldn't take his Quidditch jerseys, unable to explain a sport and team that seemingly didn't exist. He couldn't take his owl, who cooed sadly at him, even though Finn promised to take great care of him. He couldn't even take photographs, because they moved in a way that would be most peculiar to any muggle who stumbled across it. He managed to hide one of him and Hermione, pack it deep in his luggage, and told himself he'd only take it out if he was alone.
He was lucky enough to get a normal photo of her, though, since her parents had plenty of non-magical types. At least he'd have something to keep on his bedside table, wishing with all his might he could be back in the four-poster beds at Hogwarts that were almost too short for the rapidly growing teenagers of the Gryffindor tower, listening to Neville's snores or Harry's night terrors.
His mam gave him a few new sweaters, saying that she had stitched the wool with protection enchantments, but it was nothing Seamus himself could wield any longer. Similarly, Finn had shoved a few items into his palms and told him to hide them, some 'just in case' items that even a one-armed monkey could use. It didn't make him any closer to rejoining with his magic.
As much as he yearned for Nahtair, his grouchy older brother would probably have a few choice words for him, instead of sympathies. Probably tell him he was an idiot for losing his magic, a feat that seemed near impossible. Still, he'd take the jeering over the silence that met Seamus as he stepped into Nathair's childhood bedroom.
Despite being twins, he and Dilan didn't get along famously, meaning they got their own spaces from thirteen on. Across the hall he saw Dilan, pacing in his room, summoned back to send Seamus off to the non-magical world, as though Seamus seeing almost all his family being able to wield magic fade away across the hills would make him feel any better.
He stepped into the hallway, avoiding the creaky board that had given him and his siblings trouble in their youth. He was halfway to the stairs when he heard Dilan whispering.
"No, his magic isn't back yet. He's headed off to some Muggle school, boarding with Hermione's parents while she returns…yes…Merlin, we've tried everything-,"
Ornery, and hating to be discussed like a rare endangered animal, Seamus shoved Dilan's door open, expecting to see a Floo connection open to one of their cousins, but instead found the room empty - sans, his brother.
"Sea," Dilan broke off, surprised, "Thought you were already downstairs."
"Who were you talking with?" Seamus demanded.
"No one."
"Bullshit, Dil," Seamus snorted, and began snooping around corners, "I heard you!"
Dilan winced.
"It's going to sound stupid," Dilan rubbed the back of his neck, "But sometimes I like to just talk to Nathair…you know? I guess I'm just talking out loud." He admitted.
Seamus paused, shoulders slumping. He'd never thought to ask Dilan his opinion on Nathair's disappearance. They didn't have the traditional twin bond, unlike Fred and George who would immediately be able to tell if one or the other was hurt or dead, so he'd dismissed his brother's opinion. But…
"You think he's dead?" Seamus asked, his throat closing.
"Yes. No? I don't know," Dilan pressed his lips into a thin line, "I really don't. But I like to think he can hear me sometimes…I guess it makes me feel better than just talking to thin air."
"Oh." Seamus felt himself deflate. That had been the opposite of illuminating.
"All packed?" Dilan asked kindly.
"Guess so."
"I…" Dilan sighed, fingers picking at a loose thread on his shirt, unsure how to say anything that wouldn't sound patronizing, "I'll miss you."
Seamus inhaled, "I'm just going to London, not Antarctica. We'll still see each other." The nice thing about a school like this was that Seamus could come home on weekends if he wanted. He couldn't go into Hogsmeade to see Hermione, unfortunately, so he didn't want to, but he was glad to know the option was there.
Plus, he reminded himself, just a few weeks and you and Hermione will be gone on some dangerous journey.
He must be a true Gryffindor still because the thought of danger and unknown paths traveled made something within him curl in excitement instead of fear.
"Yeah, but…" Dilan swallowed, "One of my mates from my year has a Squib sister. It's just different ."
"Merlin, way to be a right prick."
"It's 'God'," Dilan reminded him with a half-smile, "Or all your new classmates will think you're barmy, praying to a fictional magician."
Seamus groaned. Dilan was right. He wished he had paid more attention in Muggle Studies. Hermione and her parents had been giving him their best efforts for a crash course on how not to be immediately othered (more than he would be) and to blend into Muggle culture, which was hard enough as it was. If he was fully Pureblooded and didn't have a side of the family who was muggle, he'd be entirely out of his depth!
Still, some knee-jerk reactions would be hard to shake.
Like his fingers reaching for a wand to find it missing.
Or using expletives like 'Merlin' or 'Great Gryffindor' on instinct.
Or wanting to reach for a spell-checking quill (or a quill at all) and parchment to do an assignment.
Being a muggle just felt weird .
Spiral notebooks were just too white to him and pens were just too dry.
The worst of it was that his new school started so soon; two and a half weeks prior to Hogwarts starting. Two weeks of actual instruction and one week of a new-student orientation, which started tomorrow.
Despite knowing that Dilan was looking out for him, Seamus still wanted to punch his brother.
"You were really brave, Seamus," Dilan finally said, looking past him, like he couldn't look at him fully, "In the Ministry. But so young, dumb, and stupid. And I'm pissed, you know? I don't want the world to forget you."
"I was never going to make history," Seamus gave a dry laugh, "That's Hermione's department."
"Yeah, but…you'll never get the chance to know now," Dilan argued, "And that just kills me."
"Maybe I'll be a noteworthy muggle."
Dilan bit the inside of his cheek.
"Seamus, you'll miss your portkey! Get down here," His Mam called, "You'd better be packed!"
"Yes, Mam," Seamus called down. He took two steps out of Dilan's bedroom, "Well, life awaits."
Dilan grasped him, pulling him back, engulfing him in a bone-crushing hug.
"You're…choking…me…" Seamus teased, pushing against him.
"It's from me and Nathair," Dilan said, holding him tighter, "If he were here, he'd give you one. I'm sure of it. We love you, little S."
Seamus released his struggle, sinking into the hug, "Yeah. Love you too, Dil."
XXX
The one bright side to his new school was that he got to return home to see Hermione every night for nearly three weeks though, of course, her parents kept everything above board as best they could. This meant moments alone were nonexistent, meaning they couldn't discuss their plans.
But he knew Hermione was making efforts to map out where they'd go and what they'd need; she would be up late into the night, the light underneath her door on until late hours of the evening.
Most nights, Seamus just watched it, wishing he could be in there with her, riddling out the mystery of Nathair's footsteps.
He knew Hermione's parents were trying to keep some sense of propriety, but Hermione was on the edge of being an adult, for Merlin's sake - and Seamus too! Of course, they saw Hermione as someone so young, still a year away from maturity, but it still irked Seamus.
Not, granted, that his mother would have been fine with them sharing a room if the situation was reversed… Hell, Seamus wasn't even sure if she'd let them sleep in the same bed if they were married .
The Grangers tried to make it fun for Seamus, watching a movie every night. They joked it was to brush him up on his Muggle pop culture, and at least he and Hermione got to sit side-by-side for a few hours, even if her parents were also in the room. The itch to be alone with her, so close yet unable, was aggravating.
School was a chore. It was hard trying to make new friends, knowing he wasn't staying long, or to excel in school when he didn't care. He was also the weird new kid, coming in so late in their years, who seemed to fumble over basic knowledge. It was best for him to just grit his teeth and keep his head down, he figured. Mathematics, history, civics…it was bleedin' hard, giving him enough of a headache to wonder if he'd survive two more years of this if things went awry. It just made him the more convinced that he had to figure a way out of here, or else he'd go mad!
Still, the weeks bulleted by in a blink; all too soon, Hermione was packing her things to return to Hogwarts.
"You'll see each other during the Holiday break," Her parents assured their daughter, "Perhaps we'll do something with Seamus' family; that would be nice, wouldn't it?"
"Yes," Hermione said, forcing a smile. He hoped they'd be back by that time, with one missing brother and one missing magical aura in tow.
Because her parents had an owl, they could write every night, and Hermione promised never to skip a letter, a lie right through her teeth.
He opted not to go to Platform 9 and ¾. Seeing everyone - and having everyone gawk at him - would just be too painful. He couldn't muster the courage. Of course, the Umbridge Mutiny Club had been sending lots of letters, and he knew Lav wanted to see him before she left, but Seamus didn't have it in him.
As she left, Hermione pressed a short note into his hand, kissing him to the point that her parents had to clear their throats to remind her to be respectful.
After she was gone, he unfurled it. He re-read the eight words scrawled in her neat handwriting.
Just twelve more days.
I love you.
Hermione.
XXX
Hermione usually went with the Weasleys to the Platform. Today was different; she was utterly alone. Not just literally, but in spirit too, wishing Seamus was returning with her.
She refused to accept that his magic was merely gone forever. Nothing in life, not even death, was so permanent.
She saw the Weasleys across the platform.
"Hermione!" Ron waved his arms excitedly, beckoning her over. She pushed her cart as fast as she could, meeting Ron and Ginny for a warm, excited hug. She went for Harry too, but was stopped by two stern-looking Aurors.
"Oi! For fuck's sake, it's Hermione!" Harry groaned.
"Harry!" Mrs. Weasley squawked, "Language!" However, it seemed more instinct, because she too was glaring at the Ministry goons.
"I'm not going to stab him," Hermione rolled her eyes, and when they moved closer to box her out from Harry, she threw up her hands, "Oh, good grief! Are you going to follow him on the train too? Sit with him in the loo?"
"We have orders to get him on the train safely," One replied crisply.
"And after that, he's free to be murdered by You Know Who?" Hermione asked, narrowing her eyes at their faulty logic. They all knew that Hogwarts was…well, it was sort of safe. Her parent's argument there hadn't been unfounded. There were ways in, just as there were ways out.
For the first time, though, Hermione worried about her plans to leave the castle…and that maybe she hadn't anticipated a stronger ministry presence to keep a weathered eye on danger.
She had promised Seamus she'd find Nathair with him, and time was of the essence.
"We have orders to get him on the train," They repeated.
"Fine." Hermione sighed, "I'll see you on the train, Harry."
Harry gave a weak wave, glaring petulantly at his minders.
Hermione had barely gotten through the platform when someone threw their arms around her neck. She was enveloped in a mess of black dreads and a flowery perfume, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Parvati waiting with two luggage carts.
"Oh, Hermione!" Lavender gasped, moving so Hermione could breathe, but not letting go, "I've been so worried about you and Seamus all summer. I'm so glad you're coming back! I couldn't bear saying goodbye to both of you."
Hermione wrapped her arms around Lavender, rocking into the hug, thinking about how different they were from only a few years ago.
"How is Seamus?" Lavender asked, "He's not returning my owls."
"It's hard, as you can imagine," Hermione said, drawing away, "Being sixteen at a new school, a muggle school no less…" She swallowed hard, "My parents are making the best of it for him…" She trailed off. What more could she say? "But how are you?" She asked, guilt settling in her stomach to see a sling still holding her arm up.
"I've come to terms with it," Lavender said quietly, meeting her gaze, "And besides. I can just accessorize my sling to my outfits," She added brightly.
"No change, though?"
"They said it was a slim chance. I mean, I'm lucky as it is," She insisted brightly, "And I still have one good arm. I'm not going to let that slow me down for a second."
"I'm sure of it," Hermione said, but couldn't shake the horrible feeling she got when she saw it.
"It's not like you got off easy either, though," Lavender said with a long sigh, spying the edge of her scar underneath her robes, "We're just badasses, anyway."
Taking her potions each day had become so second nature that Hermione forgot, sometimes, why she was taking them, or how she'd require them for the rest of her life. Hermione was surprised that just now was she irreparably damaged, finally having battle scars for all the years she'd been running around with the Boy Who Lived.
Besides, it had always been the Harry-Hermione-Ron show…having Lavender be collateral damage didn't sit comfortably.
"Glad to see you," Parvati said, giving her a quick hug as well, "Should we find a compartment?" She asked.
"Sure," Hermione agreed, and looked back, waiting for Lavender to follow.
"Well, about that," Lavender said, grinning brightly. She very dramatically moved her lapel to show her Prefect's badge, "I hope you're not upset, Mione."
Hermione had owled McGongall early in the summer, unsure if she could commit to returning, and thought it best to drop her duties. Now, with her plans to abscond with Seamus, she was all the more relieved she'd done so.
"Not at all! Oh, Lav, I'm so happy for you!"
She knew that Seamus had also been released of his duties, though that was with far more reluctance, and Ron had been asked in his stead.
He hadn't been as thrilled about it as Hermione had expected. When she had inquired, his answer had surprised her.
I was so jealous last year, but I'd give anything for Seamus to have his magic back and still be a Prefect.
And, just in that, Hermione knew Ron had matured far beyond his years, and was indeed the exact person McGongall ought to have asked.
"Well, let's find something with everyone else," Hermione said, "Enjoy it. It's a long, boring meeting," She teased.
Lavender blew kisses, waving them away, "Ta!"
Being sixth-years, it was easy to find seating, as the crowds moved to make way for them. Or, rather, maybe everyone was looking at them with a sense of awe since the news of the Ministry Battle was well retold by this point.
Fitting the whole Umbridge Mutiny Club - minus Lavender, Ron, and Colin who were Prefects - but plus Cormac, was quite a task. Still, the absence of Seamus was felt, even if no one voiced it for Hermione's sake.
"You'd best be grateful Ron isn't here," Harry said, watching Dean loop his arms casually over Ginny's shoulders, "If I have to hear him complain about you two one more time…" He rubbed his eyes, tiredly.
"Ron can shove it," Ginny said, rolling her eyes, "He's just salty he's unattached when his two best friends and sister are all dating people," She said, nodding to where Cho and Harry were holding hands.
"We're not being gag-worthy," Dean agreed, "But we could…if it annoys him."
As the train began chugging along, there was much to talk about. Ginny spent the first half-hour complaining about Fleur, or rather as she called her, Phlegm .
"Well, that's rude, don't you think?" Hermione asked, narrowing her eyes, "She was a Tri-Wizard Champion. That takes some major guts."
"I just think Bill could do better, that's all," Ginny huffed, annoyed to have someone call her out.
"Doubt it," Cho sighed, "Man, Fleur is so cool…Everyone I knew had a little crush on her."
To Ginny's dismay, most of the cabin agreed on that sentiment. It was hard not to be intimidated but equally struck by Fleur, someone as beautiful as she was witty. Even Hermione imagined if she liked birds, it would probably be Fleur.
Harry also had news too, telling Hermione - and the group at large - about how he and Ron had followed Draco into Knockturn Alley. This group he trusted implicitly…in some ways, Hermione was grateful that it wasn't just the three of them scratching their heads, dealing with all this stress and strife. It would be good for him to have others once she...took a detour from school.
Luckily, Hermione was not the only one unsure about Harry's theory.
"Voldemort isn't signing sixteen-year-olds up," Ginny argued, apparently having already heard this before, and was tired of hearing it, "And Malfoy is not a Death Eater!"
"But-,"
"Oh, be serious," Hermione agreed, "I'm sure there's a reasonable answer."
"The reasonable answer is that he's a Death Eater!" Harry threw his hands, "And he's been tasked with something…I'm not sure what, but it's something, Hermione!"
She did not believe for a second that Harry was right about what he so angrily argued to be the truth.
She did, of course, feel a momentary twinge of guilt that she was leaving Harry to deal with Voldemort-like things alone, but he had such a big support group now, that she knew they could deal with it. Plus, joking aside, Dumbledore would never let real harm come to Harry at Hogwarts…as long as Harry stayed there and didn't plan any more dangerous plots outside of his protection.
Plus, she owed it to Seamus to find Nathair. She had a bad feeling that he could hold some very necessary answers and they would need his knowledge and insight. At the very least, if they came back with Seamus fully magical again, that would help too, right?
She didn't speak about her plan…not yet. Too many ears on the train.
There were other things to catch up on; Luna and her father's newfound success at the Quibbler, Neville getting a new wand, swapping electives and class schedules, and discussing the D.A.
"Are we still doing it, Harry?" Luna asked.
"No point now we've got rid of Umbridge, is there?" said Harry.
"Oh, come on! I don't trust whoever is the new Defense Teacher this year; not a good track record, you know?" Cormac whined, "Plus it's mine and Cho's N.E.W.T's this year, and Collin, Ginny, and Luna's O.W.L's. If you don't do it this year but start it next year for your final examinations, I'll be so bloody pissed, Potter..."
"I've had so many people ask about it," Neville agreed, nodding, "Think of it as…a homework club, right?"
"I dunno…" Harry looked between everyone, "I guess…let's just see how the first week is."
"That's not a 'no'," Neville said with a sigh of relief.
Just as they were digging into their OWL scores, there was a knock on the door. A gaggle of fourth-years were giggling in the corridor.
"You ask him!"
"No, you!"
"I'll do it!"
Everyone in the compartment watched with half-amusement, half-annoyance as the most forward of the girls - a Gryffindor, Hermione recalled (though only faintly) - pushed herself to the front.
"Hiya, Harry. I'm Romilda Vane. I just wanted to say, you know, it was brave what you did and if you ever need someone to talk about it with, you can talk with us." She smiled, as though attempting to seem shy, and the girls dissolved into blushes behind her.
"That right?" Cho asked, standing, crossing her arms, "I think he has enough people, thanks."
Romilda looked taken aback, her eyes traveling from where Cho had been sitting, close to Harry.
"Just offering," She huffed, rolling her eyes.
One of the girls lingered, looking right at Hermione.
"Sorry to hear about Seamus. I've always thought he was brave." She squeaked. Romilda snorted, shoving her friend away from the door.
"Brave…yeah, that's what you think of him," She said, winking.
"Oi, shoo, Quinn," Cormac made a gagging sound, and as Hermione looked between them, she realized they must be siblings.
She blinked slowly, trying to pull together what exactly had happened.
"Sorry about that," Cormac shook his head, "She's fancied him since she saw him at the Yule Ball two years ago. Mam thinks it's harmless. I told her to back off, but fourth-years are obstinate. His heroics at the Ministry battle haven't helped."
"Fancied who…Seamus?" Hermione repeated, dazed.
"I don't get it either," Cormac said, mistaking her confusion for incredibility, "But if I had to hear one more time about how bad she feels for Seamus, I was going put a silencing curse on her."
"That Romilda character..." Dean narrowed her eyes, "Ballsy to try to offer her services in front of the Chosen One's girlfriend."
"Watch out, Harry!" Ginny barked with laughter, "Or you'll have a puppy dog all year!"
"She was just being nice," Harry coughed.
"Nice?" Cho leaned back, chuckling, "I mean, I guess I should have expected this…you're a catch, Harry."
"You're handling it better than me. I'd be so jealous!" Parvati twittered.
"Ah, well, not much to worry about with a fourteen-year-old, right?" Cho shrugged.
Harry shuddered, "No, definitely not."
"I'm going to go find the trolly cart. Anyone want something?" Ginny announced, fishing some coins from her purse and standing up. A few people gave some orders, but otherwise, she and Dean vanished down the hallway.
"Who wants to bet that's what they're actually doing?" Cormac asked with a sly grin.
"Gross!" Colin shuddered, "That's disgusting, mate."
"Oh, we're all old enough to know what happens when a witch and a wizard really like each other-,"
Luckily, cutting him off, Ron and Lavender arrived back before he could say something that would make Hermione have to hex him.
"What did we miss?" Ron asked, and the entire carriage looked at each other before dissolving into laughter. They could hardly get the meeting with Romilda and Quinn out of the way, with both Hermione and Harry embarrassingly trying to get a word in.
"How was the meeting?" Harry finally rose above everyone shouting on top of one another.
"Boring, as Hermione said," Lavender said with a wink, "But Malfoy's not a Prefect this year; that stringy kid, Nott, is."
"Huh…" Hermione frowned.
"Well, it's because he's clearly a-," Harry began, but Hermione thrust her hand out.
"Merlin, I don't want to hear it!" She stopped him, "The rest are the same?"
"As far as I can see," Ron agreed, "All chummy with each other. I'm a bit nervous, seeing as I wasn't…last year…well…" He looked guilty at Hermione.
Before he could push the matter more, a nervous-looking third-year girl burst into the train.
"Here to take a swing at nabbing Harry too, are you?" Colin asked teasingly, and the girl looked even more nervous at the idea.
"Stop it, seriously!" Harry used his wand to swat harmlessly at Colin, "What is it?" He asked earnestly.
"I'm supposed to deliver these to Neville Longbottom, Harry P-Potter, Co…Cor…Cor…" The girl seemed about to faint. She was holding five scrolls.
"We can figure out what is for who," Hermione said kindly, taking it from her hand. The girl nodded twice, sending one last wide-eyed stare to Harry before darting away.
"She was downright terrified of you," Ron rubbed his chin, "Strange."
"I'd rather be fancied I think, thanks," Harry said, bright red.
"What do you have there, Hermione?" Cho asked loudly, leaning in.
Hermione read off the scrolls, passing them down.
"Neville…Harry…Cormac…Lavender…and me."