AN: A big thank you goes to KSummer and GryffindorHealer for their much appreciated help.

Good news. I've agreed to a challenge to write 20,000 words in February. If I can meet that challenge, I'll upload the next 2-3 chapters a little faster.

As Ginny woke up the next morning with a long yawn, she sat up and pushed her hair back over her shoulder. Her gaze fell on the camp bed where Emily was still sound asleep. A wide smile spread across her face as she remembered the kiss from the night before, when Harry had snuck into her room again while Emily was in the bathroom. The memory of his lips on hers sent her heart racing, and she bit her lip to keep herself from giggling.

Leaning back against her pillow, she stared at the ceiling, her mind swirling with thoughts. How would things be now? Would Harry act differently this morning? Would it feel awkward or easy when they saw each other at breakfast? A part of her wanted to savour this quiet moment, replaying the kiss over and over, but another part of her couldn't wait to see him again. She'd waited long enough, and his confusing behaviour had driven her mad more than once.

Ginny smirked to herself. Maybe Harry had been just as unsure as she was, not quite knowing what to do or say. Even the steamy romance novels she'd read hadn't been much help in figuring out boys like him.

They'd definitely need to talk if they wanted to avoid any more awkward moments that seemed to follow them around. But she knew better than to push it. Harry wasn't one to talk about feelings until he was ready. Still smiling to herself, she grabbed a towel and change of clothes and headed for the shower.

When she returned twenty minutes later, freshly showered and dressed, Emily was just waking up.

"What time is it?" Emily mumbled sleepily.

"Half past seven," Ginny replied. "First lesson starts in an hour."

"Oh, Merlin. I need to get moving," Emily muttered, suddenly wide awake. She paused, glancing at Ginny with a curious frown. "Wait a minute. How did things go with you and my brother last night?"

Ginny feigned innocence. "He kissed me."

"And?" asked Emily eagerly.

"And… well, we didn't exactly get around to talking much. So, you'll have to wait for the details," Ginny teased.

"You're telling me you just snogged, just like that?" Emily looked baffled.

Ginny only smiled. "I'm heading down for breakfast. Harry's probably up already. Let's see if he remembers."

Emily giggled. "If he doesn't, you've done something wrong."

Sure enough, Harry was already at the breakfast table. "Morning," he greeted, pushing the sugar towards her as she poured herself some tea.

"Morning, Harry. Morning, Mum," Ginny said cheerfully and thanked her mother for the scrambled eggs and baked beans.

Molly gave her a knowing smile. "So, is it official now? You two seemed awfully cosy last night."

Ginny glanced at Harry, catching the faint reddening at the tops of his ears. "Yep. He's my boyfriend now, bound to fulfil my every wish," she replied playfully.

Harry nearly choked on his toast. "I don't remember agreeing to that part. Sounds like we might need to renegotiate."

Ginny raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Well, that depends on your bargaining skills, my love."

"Oh, you two," Molly said with a chuckle, shaking her head in amusement as she sat down with her own plate of eggs and toast.

Before long, Bill and Ron joined the table, and Emily arrived soon after.

"So, what are you up to later?" Ginny asked, but hoping Harry would be free.

Harry glanced at Ron, looking a bit torn. "I promised Ron a game of chess."

"Don't worry," said Ron with a cheeky smile. "I've got a broom to fix now, thanks to that new book."

"Oh, great," Harry sighed.

"But don't think you can ditch me every time now," Ron added playfully, wagging his finger.

"Why don't we go for a walk?" Ginny suggested.

Ron smirked. "Or head to the greenhouses to water the plants. It's warm in there, and no one will bother you."

Ginny shot him a glare. "That's your job today. But, fine, as long as you take over for me on Friday."

At that moment, the fire in the living room flared up, and Mrs Potter appeared in the doorway. "Ah, Bill, I'm glad you're still here. You offered to help me with the Gringotts paperwork, and I'd like to take you up on that now."

"Morning, everyone," she added, smiling around the table. "Hope you all slept well."

"I'll take a look at it," Bill said. "I can do most of it at work where I've got your account details and the inheritance documents, too."

"What's this about?" asked Harry, frowning.

"Nothing to worry about," his mum replied. "We're just sorting out the Potter inheritances. Sirius left you and Emily something, too."

Harry eyebrows shot up in surprise. "I didn't know I'd inherited anything," he muttered to Ginny, his expression darkened. "I'd rather they were still alive."

Ginny squeezed his hand, giving him a sympathetic smile.

Once Bill and Lily went over the documents, Mrs Weasley cleared her throat. "Alright, everyone, time to get ready. Transfiguration starts in ten minutes."

**HG**

Through the long and seemingly endless classes, Harry and Ginny sat in their usual spots - Harry next to Ron, and Ginny next to Emily - exchanging glances and the occasional smile at each other. By the time their final class on household charms ended, it was late afternoon. Ron grabbed his broom repair book and excused himself, while Emily gathered her things from Ginny's room and disappeared through the floo, giving Ginny a conspiratorial nod as she hid a bundle wrapped in newspaper under her arm. Harry had obviously noticed and shot Ginny a knowing grin.

"When do we head to the greenhouses?" Harry asked, sounding eager.

"We usually go at five, but we can leave whenever we want to," Ginny replied smiling. "The sooner we are done with the watering, the more time we'll have to ourselves."

Harry chuckled. "Then let's go before we get roped into any other chores."

A few minutes later, walking along the path to the greenhouses, Harry slipped his hand in Ginny's. She smiled back, pausing to give him a quick peck on the lips, saving the real kisses for when they had the privacy of the greenhouse.

Once inside, Ginny closed the door behind them, only to gasp in surprise as Harry pulled her close and kissed her deeply.

She snickered against his lips, then gave in, returning the kiss eagerly. After a moment, she pulled back slightly, breathless but grinning. "Starting early, are we?"

Harry laughed. "Just making up for lost time," he said, pulling her back for another kiss. When he finally gasped for air again, he murmured, "I could get used to this."

"You could have had that sooner, you know," Ginny teased, giving him a playful poke in the chest.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? How was I supposed to know? You're a tough one to read. Half the time I thought you were annoyed with me."

Ginny's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Annoyed? I fancied you right away! But...yeah, I was a bit miffed when you asked me to babysit your sister."

Harry groaned, laughing. "Dora gave me a right telling off for that. I didn't mean to make it sound like that."

Ginny shook her head, laughing. "I thought you saw me as some little kid."

Harry looked her over, eyes twinkling. "Believe me, I didn't. And I definitely don't now."

"Barging into my room when I was half-naked helped with that, didn't it," Ginny quipped, giving him a playful shove. "You didn't even knock!"

"In my defence," Harry said with a smirk, "I thought it was the loo. And in my house, it's either locked or free. No need to knock. Didn't see much anyway." He paused, curling his lips. "Not enough, at least."

Ginny's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Oh really? Did you like what you saw, then?"

Harry rubbed the back of his neck, his ears turning pink. "I, uh, didn't exactly have time to take notes."

Ginny rolled her eyes, suppressing a smile. "Next time, maybe you should knock. Or take a proper look if you're going to barge in."

"Is this an invitation?" Harry asked, his grin growing cheeky.

Ginny hesitated for a split second, then smirked. "I'll think about it."

Harry laughed. "Well, if you ever feel like evening the score, you're welcome to take a peek while I'm in the shower."

"Idiot," Ginny rolled her eyes, laughing. "I know what that looks like, trust me. Ron doesn't care, and I've had the misfortune of seeing him run around half-naked often enough, thanks."

Harry snorted. "Trust me, having a sister means I've had my fair share of -"

"Potter, don't tell me you're ogling your sister!" Ginny cut in, raising an eyebrow.

Harry gaped at her. "What? No!" He narrowed his eyes on her. "You're twisting my words on purpose, aren't you?"

Ginny's face lit up with mock innocence. "Who, me? What gave you that idea?"

Harry shook his head, chuckling. "You're evil."

"I prefer the term 'mischievous,'" Ginny corrected him with a wink.

"You are incorrigible." Harry shook his head, chuckling. "By the way, did your Christmas dress ever get cleaned?"

Ginny's face brightened. "Yeah, sure. Mum sorted it out the next day."

"It's your favourite, isn't it?" Harry asked.

Ginny shrugged. "Well, not really. I'm more of a jeans and a T-shirt kind of girl."

"But your mum said..."

Ginny kissed him briefly on the lips, cutting him off. "That I'd put it on especially for Christmas. What she didn't know was that I, being stupid, wore it to impress you."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "You did what?" He groaned, smacking his forehead. "And I ruined it."

"Stop apologising, or I might get annoyed." Ginny said, rolling her eyes. "Besides, it wasn't your fault." She leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

Harry smiled, holding her face in his hands. "Come on. One more time. I'm already addicted."

"Good. Because I'm not stopping anytime soon," Ginny teased.

Harry smile widened. "I'll take that as a challenge."

"Better watch out then, Potter. I'm full of surprises." Ginny smirked as she grabbed the watering hose. "But right now, the plants are going to get more attention than you."

She stepped over to a long bed of lettuce, pointed her wand at the hose and muttered, "Fluat aqua!" Water started flowing from the hose, moving steadily from plant to plant as Ginny gave Harry a sly look.

When they later returned to the house, Ginny paused at the back door and tugged Harry closed by his jacket. "One last kiss, Harry," she whispered, a playful glint in her eyes as she rose to her tiptoes. "A proper one this time – gotta make it until tomorrow morning."

Harry smirked, voice low. "I only give proper kisses."

With that, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep, lingering kiss. When they broke apart, both breathless, Harry teased. "So...was it up to your high standards?"

"More than satisfactory," Ginny admitted with a cheeky smile. "Though we might need to work on our breathing technique. It's over far too fast."

"Insatiable," Harry teased, laughing softly. He looked up at her with a mock-serious expression. "Now all I need is a photo of you for my bedside table. So I can see you before I fall asleep."

"Oh," Ginny said, her brow furrowed. "I only have a photo of me when I was twelve…definitely still a little girl back then. But... if I give you one, you'll have to return the favour."

Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "It's been a while since anyone took a proper photo of me. But, sure, we can make that work. For now." He grinned. "We could ask Colin if he'd take a photo of us together."

Ginny's eyes lit up. "That would be perfect. But it might take a while before we see him again."

"Good thing we see each other every day," Harry winked.

Ginny sighed, but she was smiling. "True…though I can't neglect Emily either."

"And I've got, Ron." Harry nodded, chuckling.

"It'll work out," Ginny said, pushing the door open. "Now let's go inside."

They stepped into the kitchen, where Tonks and Charlie were sitting at the table with her mum, drinking tea.

"Any news?" asked Harry, raising an eyebrow at Tonks.

She tilted her head and nodded. "Yeah, you'll have a guest in class tomorrow."

Ginny's curiosity piqued. "Is it the Muggle-born student who didn't make it last time?"

Tonks' smile faded slightly. "No. Thomas Entwhistle won't be coming at all," she said quietly. "He's…he's dead. Hit by the subway in London."

Both Ginny and Harry gasped. "What? How?"

Tonks grimaced. "It's a bit mysterious, as always. The Muggle authorities are calling it an accident, saying he tripped. But eyewitnesses said it looked like he was pushed... except there was no one around him."

"That's awful," Harry muttered, instinctively reaching for Ginny's hand. She squeezed his back in silent support. "I suppose the escape portkey he'd got didn't help."

"His parents don't want anything more to do with the magical world," Tonks added. "Can't blame them, really."

"We have to warn the others," Ginny said urgently. "Colin, Mandy, everyone."

"We've already contacted Colin's family," Tonks reassured her. "And tomorrow's guest is also Muggle-born. She's the girl who couldn't make it to the meeting. Spent a couple of years at a magical school in Canada, so she knows a bit about our world already. She's... quite eager to come and learn with you lot."

"How old is she?" Ginny asked, trying to sound casual.

"Same age as Harry and Ron," Tonks replied.

As Tonks talked about the new girl, Ginny's mind shifted. Same age as Harry? She wasn't the jealous type - at least she didn't think so. Still, she couldn't help but wonder…could this girl be competition? Harry was kind, easy to talk to, and, well, undeniably attractive. Then again, she'd never had a boyfriend before, so how would she know what jealousy felt like? A quick glance at Harry, who was smiling at her, was enough to make her worries fade away.

**HG**

The next morning, Ginny stepped out of the Floo into the Potters' living room, followed by Ron, and heard the clatter of dishes. Harry and Emily were clearing their breakfast table.

"Good morning," she greeted, giving Emily a quick hug before moving over to Harry, planting a peck on his lips. "Did you sleet well?"

"Never better." Harry beamed at her. "And you?"

"Fine," replied Ginny, handing him an envelope. "This is the photo you asked me for," she said. "I hope you found yours."

"Oh, I haven't looked yet, but I know where it is." With that, Harry hurried off, calling, "I'll be right back."

After scanning the room, Ginny turned to Emily. "Is our guest here yet?"

"Should be here any minute," Emily replied. "Dora went to pick her up earlier."

"She's coming on her own?" asked Ginny, surprised.

"Yeah, her parents have appointments. They're dentists and had to set up a new surgery. They only got back from Canada a few days ago and have just moved into a new house, so there's a lot of paperwork to sort out," Lily explained. "Her mother plans to visit this afternoon, though. Dora will pick her up then."

At that moment, the front door opened, and Tonks stepped inside with a girl in tow. Ginny's eyes swept over her, taking in the bushy brown hair, warm brown eyes, and the slight overbite visible when she smiled. As Tonks took her knee-length winter coat and hung it in the cloakroom, Ginny's eyebrows raised slightly. Her gaze flicked to the emblem on the dark-green T-shirt she wore—above the silver letteringWhistler's Peak Academy of Magic, a mountain peak crossed by two wands was depicted beneath an eagle in flight. Ginny's attention returned to the girl's curious, friendly smile.

Harry came hurrying back down the stairs. Ginny flashed him a quick smile as she accepted the envelope he handed her, clasping his hand as Tonks stepped forward beside the girl and called out cheerfully, "Come here, everyone, meet Hermione Granger."

Hermione smiled politely, her excitement evident. "Hello! Dora's told me so much about you. It's wonderful to finally meet you all in person."

Ginny, noticing Hermione's gaze briefly lingering on her hand in Harry's, returned her smile warmly. "Likewise. So, you're the girl from Canada, right?"

Hermione nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! My parents moved there for work when I was little, and I've spent the last two years at a magic school in British Columbia. I'm really excited to continue my education here in the UK now that we've moved back."

Ron. Staring at Hermione with wide eyes, spoke up. "What's the school like over there? I imagine it's quite different. We're more or less home-schooled here."

"Oh, exactly," Hermione replied, her eyes lighting up. "The Canadian magical education system is fascinating. They focus a lot on practical magic—especially environmental magic, given the landscapes they're in. But I've always been curious about what it was like back home, especially during the war."

Harry and Ginny exchanged glances, but it was Ron who answered first, "Most of it, we only know from our parents, because we were too young. But we're happy to tell you what it's like now. You probably know we don't have a magical school anymore. Hogwarts no longer exists."

Hermione nodded, her brow furrowing. "I've read all about Voldemort and the war. I even managed to get hold ofHogwarts, A History. Fascinating stuff. But reading about it is one thing. I just want to..." She paused, hesitating. "I want to understand what it was like, beyond the bare facts and dates."

"We can talk about that, Hermione," Lily said kindly. "I'm sure you have plenty of questions, and we'll find time to go over everything. But classes start in about ten minutes, so we'll have to hold off on that for now."

"Of course," Hermione replied, a brief moment of disappointment faded into a polite smile.

"Head to the classroom. Pinkie's already set up an extra desk for you."

"Who is Pinkie?" Hermione asked curiously.

"Our house-elf," Mrs Potter explained with a warm smile. "He's even preparing lunch for us today."

Hermione's eyes widened. "You have house-elves? I've never seen one before. How fascinating!"

Ron, who'd joined them, seized the moment. "You've read a lot about magic, then?" he asked as they walked towards the classroom. "What did they teach you at your school in Canada?"

"Besides the usual things like charms, transfiguration and potions, we had a lot of elemental magic," Hermione explained.

"Elemental magic? Really?" Ron raised an eyebrow." This sounds…intense."

"Oh, is this the library?" Hermione asked in surprise, her face lighting up as they entered the classroom. "There are so many books. Are they all about magic?"

"Pretty much, yeah," Ron replied, though a bit uncertain. "Our classroom is actually the Potters' library. To be honest, I haven't looked around much myself, but I know there's a shelf with Muggle books over there." He gestured towards a desk. "You could sit with me if you like."

Ginny caught Harry's eye, barely managing to stifle a laugh. "What's got into Ron?" Harry murmured. "He's never this... keen."

Ginny snorted softly. "Maybe he fancies her," she teased, watching as Ron pulled out a chair for Hermione. "Looks like you're on your own today."

Harry blinked in surprise as Hermione took his usual seat beside Ron, who shot him a sheepish look that seemed to ask, 'You don't mind, do you?'

Ginny gave Harry an apologetic glance before slipping into her usual spot next to Emily.

"Ron isn't exactly subtle," Emily said quietly.

"Never has been, never will be," Ginny replied with a quiet chuckle.

"You can sit with Harry if you like," Emily offered. "I don't mind swapping."

Ginny smiled gratefully. "Maybe this afternoon."

As the lesson began, Mrs Potter outlined the day's schedule, mainly for Hermione's benefit. "This morning, we'll focus on Transfiguration, followed by Potions in the afternoon. I assume you already have a wand, Hermione?"

"Yes, of course!" Hermione replied eagerly, pulling her wand from her bag and holding it up. "It's made out of vine wood, ten and three-quarter inches, with a dragon heartstring core."

"Perfect," Lily said with a smile. "Let's get started, then." She handed out pencils in various colours to each student. "Today we're going to transform these pencils into water glasses," she explained. "The colour of the glass should match the colour of the pencil, and once you've managed that, try to create a perfectly transparent one, regardless of the pencil's colour."

Soon, colourful glasses appeared on everyone's desks as they got the hang of the spell. But producing a clear, standard water glass proved trickier, leading to quite a bit of laughter and frustration. By midday, though, each student finally had a complete set of water glasses in front of them.

Throughout the lesson, much to Ginny's amusement, Hermione eagerly peppered Mrs Potter with questions about recommended books and advanced transfiguration techniques.

At lunchtime, as Pinkie floated dishes onto the table with a few subtle gestures of his hand, Hermione watched in fascination. "We didn't have house-elves at my old school," she noted thoughtfully.

"I'm also Muggle-born, Hermione, just like you," Harry's mum said with a smile. "It took me a while getting used to." She nodded thoughtfully. "My husband, Harry and Emily's father, was a pure-blood wizard, and his family always had house-elves. One reason we moved here after the war was to ensure Pinkie wouldn't be left alone. He's part of the family, so to speak."

Hermione's eyes brightened with curiosity. "That's interesting. Are there any books about house-elves?"

The table erupted in barely suppressed giggles, which Mrs Potter quelled with a look. "There might be something in our library - it's also our classroom."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you, Mrs Potter. Will I meet Mr Potter later today?" she asked, scanning the room.

An awkward silence fell over the table.

"Oh, I'm so sorry - I didn't mean to -" Hermione stammered, looking around uncomfortably.

Harry's mum gave her a sad smile. "My husband died in the war."

Hermione's face reddened. "I'm really sorry," she said, clearly embarrassed.

"Don't be," Lily reassured her gently. "You couldn't have known."

Hermione cleared her throat nervously. "Before I say anything else foolish..."

Lily's expression softened. "My husband was the only one in our family to die, but the Weasleys... they lost so much more. And we, too, lost dear friends along the way." She paused, her gaze distant. "So many good people."

Hermione's eyes widened in sympathy, glancing over at Ron and Ginny. "That's awful. I'm really sorry."

Ron cleared his throat. "Yeah, it was rough. Fred and George would've turned eighteen in a few weeks, on April 1st. Percy would have been twenty in August... They all died when Hogwarts was destroyed, burned down with Fiendfyre."

The weight of the conversation hung in the air until Mrs Potter spoke up quietly. "Enough about that. Let's finish lunch - Potions starts in half an hour." She turned to Hermione. "How did you find the morning class? It's a bit different from what you're used to, I imagine."

Hermione nodded eagerly. "It's a lot more focused, and with fewer students, we can really get into the details. It's been great."

Mrs Potter smiled. "We'll be adding more students soon - about ten, including you lot. Hopefully, we'll grow even more over time. And Dumbledore, the former Hogwarts headmaster, will be helping out as well, offering lessons in his library once we move the classroom there next month."

"That sounds amazing," Hermione beamed.

"Have you warned Hermione about these strange accidents?" Ron asked worriedly.

"Yes. Dora talked to her and her parents," Lily said. "You have your portkey with you, don't you?"

"Yes, of course." Hermione nodded.

"Good. I'll go ahead and prepare the potions lab," said Mrs Potter. "Don't be late."

Ron cleared his throat. "You'll be a big help to us with all the books you've read, Hermione."

Ginny nudged Harry under the table, smirking. "I didn't know my brother could be such a charmer."

Hermione, however, beamed. "I'd be happy to help anytime!"

In the Potions class, Ginny immediately joined Harry at the lab table, a playful smile on her face. "You don't mind, do you?" she asked, catching him off guard.

"Not at all," Harry replied, glancing over at his sister, who was setting up her cauldron at the next table.

"Don't worry. Emily even sent me over here herself," Ginny assured him with a shrug when she noticed his glance. "Besides, Ron is already occupied with someone else."

Harry smirked and cast a quick glance at Ron, who was eagerly showing Hermione something in his Potions book. "He's really going above and beyond to get her attention, isn't he?" Harry observed with a crooked smile.

Ginny chuckled. "The complete opposite of his best mate, who's taking his time figuring things out."

Harry leaned in closer, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe I'm just careful about who I'm giving my heart," he teased, nudging her elbow. "Can't have anyone thinking I'm that easy."

Ginny shot him a sly grin. "Good to know," she quipped, her eyes sparkling. "I'd hate to think you're handing it out to anyone who asks."

Just then, Harry's mum entered the room with a bright smile. "We were actually going to start brewing a Polyjuice Potion today," she said, glancing around at the students. "But since we have a visitor and that potion takes several weeks to brew, we're going to do something different. Today, we're making Essence of Dittany, which is always useful. You all know the recipe, but if you're unsure, you can look it up in the textbook."

"That's easy," said Ginny with a small smile.

"Yeah, but let's check the book anyway, just to make sure we don't forget anything," Harry suggested as he opened his textbook.

As Ginny started to make a fire and put a kettle of water on the boil, Harry gathered the necessary ingredients from the cupboard. Exchanging the occasional brief smile, they prepared the ingredients together. Just as Harry was about to toss some ginger root Ginny was chopping into the cauldron, she shook her head, brushing his hand away.

"Wait until I'm finished. Otherwise, you might lose a finger. The knife is sharp," she warned playfully.

"Are you so distracted by my charming presence that you can't handle that knife?" Harry asked, a teasing glint in his eye.

"Feel free to test that theory," Ginny shot back with a playful smirk.

"Better not risk it," Harry chuckled and began stirring the potion.

After an hour and a half, Ron and Hermione announced that they had finished their potion, and soon after, Harry called out to his mum, who was helping Emily fill small vials with her brew.

As they were cleaning their work stations and cauldrons, someone knocked at the door and Tonks entered, accompanied by a woman with dark brown hair clad in a dark blue winter coat.

"Hello Lily! Hi kids," Tonks greeted cheerfully. "This is Emma Granger, Hermione's mum. She wanted to meet you all before her daughter joins your classes after Easter."

"Hello," Mrs Granger greeted, nodding warmly to everyone. "It's lovely to finally meet you, Mrs Potter. My husband, Rupert, sends his regards; he's sorry he couldn't make it." Her gaze moved over the students with a hint of curiosity. "What you're doing here is truly wonderful. I know Hermione can't wait to come to school here. She was worried she wouldn't be able to learn anything about magic in England."

Mrs Potter gave her a warm smile. "We're looking forward to it. However, classes won't be held here for much longer. It will get a bit cramped when we have more students."

"Yes, Dora mentioned you're moving to a former headmaster's house," Emma replied.

"Exactly! Albus has been generous enough to offer us his library for certain subjects," said Tonks. "You'll get to see it on the first day of classes after Easter."

"How about we go have some tea?" Lily suggested, and the three adults moved towards the kitchen, where Mrs Weasley was already laying the table for tea with Charlies help.

"Let's head the living room," suggested Harry. "I can fetch some homemade butterbeer. Or would anyone prefer tea?"

"I've never had butterbeer," said Hermione cautiously, but then smiled. "But I definitely want to give it a go."

Soon, everybody had a drink and the conversation turned to riding brooms. Ron, already in high spirits, asked, "So, Hermione, have you flown much?"

Hermione hesitated, then shrugged. "Not really. Flying isn't exactly my favourite part of magic."

Ginny chuckled. "Not a fan, then?"

Hermione looked slightly embarrassed. "Honestly, I prefer to keep my feet on the ground. All that speeding around up there, and the height…" She shuddered. "I just don't feel as… secure."

"You'll get used to it. Flying's one of the best parts!" Harry reassured her.

Hermione gave him a doubtful look but laughed. "We'll see. Maybe I'll give it another try sometime."

After some more light-hearted banter about brooms and a gentle encouragement regarding their upcoming classes, Hermione and her mother prepared to leave. Mrs Granger gave everyone a warm smile. "Thank you all for making us feel welcome. Hermione's very excited to join you after Easter."

"My boyfriend and I will, of course, take you both back home, Emma," Tonks offered as they walked to the door. Hermione waved as she left. "See you all soon! Thanks for all your help today."

**HG**

In the meantime, some 100 km west of the Burrow.

Loud cries from the young master's room startled Dobby from his work. It sounded like a heated argument was taking place. He Apparated silently into a corner of the room, staying hidden until his services might be needed. But what he saw left him frozen. There, on the floor, lay the young master, pale and still, while a boy of no more than sixteen or seventeen, with black hair and dark, piercing eyes, loomed over him, a small black book in his hand.

"What have you done to him? Who are you?" came Master Lucius's harsh demand. Only then did Dobby notice his master, standing at the door, his wand fixed on the stranger.

"Your son has served me well, Lucius," the intruder replied in a mocking tone, "but I have no further use of him."

Lucius's voice shook. "For the last time - who are you, and what are you doing in my house?"

The stranger's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Lucius, I'm disappointed. Surely you recognize your master, Lord Voldemort."

Lucius's face went ashen, his eyes widening in shock. "You... you're lying. That's impossible. You're far too young. And besides, my master - Lord Voldemort - is dead!"

The stranger's grin widened, his dark eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Thanks to your son, I am alive once again. He was good enough to tell me everything that transpired during my... temporary absence." His smile twisted into a hard sneer. "Bring me Avery, my old school friend. He will confirm that I am indeed Lord Voldemort."