Author's Note: Oh Hey, look what's back. Now I bet you're asking "Zimmeron, what made you bring your fan fic back after all the plagiarism and stuff" and my answer is. MY BOOK IS BEING PUBLISHED! I'm in such an incredibly good mood now, that I don't care if some idiot is stealing my work, because soon my novel will be available. So since I'm in such an incredibly good mood, I decided to share my euphoric feeling with all of you and continue my fan fiction.
If none of this makes any sense or you just don't care, then just read the chapter.
Chapter Summary: Hermione is becoming increasingly nervous. No sign of Harry, bad news from Ron. Desperate times call for resourceful Grangers.
--- Begin Fic Here ---
Hermione lie in bed, staring up at the ceiling. It was the Monday after Harry's birthday and she still hadn't heard anything from him. She was reading another letter that she'd just gotten from Ron. He'd written it on Saturday. The decrepit owl, Erroll, had already left.
"Hermione,
We're getting really worried over here. No one's heard from Harry but yesterday Dad said that Harry got an official warning from the Ministry of Magic for improper use of magic by a minor. I think something's happened to him but we can't be sure of course. Still after what happened last year with you know who, there's no telling what could be going on. My brothers and I want to go get him. We've already got a way to do it but we're not sure where he is.
If you know a way to find him or can figure one out, let us know so we can get to him. I figure if anyone can find Harry, you can. Let us know what you find out, and soon.
Ron"
Now she was really worried. What if Harry was in some kind of trouble? What if what she saw in the mirror was true?
The Ouijigona Mirror…
Amber had said she thought it could help her, but Hermione didn't see how. At best it was the wizarding version of a muggle "magic 8 ball" and it only worked when three or more witches or wizards used it. What possible good could it do? Still, she couldn't help shaking the feeling that Amber may have been right. Maybe she had seen something important. But if she did, what did it mean?
"Bloody hell," she muttered to herself as she rolled off the bed. "This is ridiculous."
Here she was, Hermione Granger, lying in bed like a lost little lamb because of some supposed "vision" she got from a 2 galleon party favor. She was a Granger. Grangers don't mope, they take action and she knew exactly what she had to do.
She snatched the bag from beside her desk and the wand off her dresser. Then she opened her desk drawer and started tearing through the pile of papers. Finally she found what she was looking for, a pamphlet she'd gotten last year from the Ministry of Magic seminar. Inside, among other things, was a wizarding map of London. She flipped to it quickly and scanned the page.
There it was; the National Wizarding library. A small bubble appeared over the dot that indicated the library and it read, "The National Wizarding Library is the largest repository of wizarding knowledge in all of Europe. It is seven stories tall and contains more than 400,000 books and 100,000 periodicals and there are at least thirty librarians on staff at any given time. Membership is free to underage and fully qualified wizards with restricted membership available to muggles with a witch or wizard sponsors. Dark Arts sections only available to fully qualified wizards. Open 7 AM to 1 AM everyday, except holidays. Easily accessible by floo or apparition during normal business hours."
That was exactly what she needed. If there was a way to help Harry, she'd find it in the largest wizarding library on the continent. Now all she had to do was get there. But how would she get into London without her parents, who were of course already at work.
She thought for a moment and then flipped frantically through the pamphlet again until she found a section marked "Wizarding Communities." Just as she suspected there were a few paragraphs on the local wizarding neighborhood Turnkey Lane, including instructions on how to reach it from any muggle street in her area.
She read them aloud. "Start at any street corner and turn left, then right, then right, then left, then left, then right, then left. So long as you have your wand with you, you'll reach Turnkey Lane. If you hit a dead end, you've made a wrong turn. Start again."
Well that sounded easy enough. If she could get to Turnkey Lane, she could find the Brocklehurst's house and ask Mandy to let her floo to the library. Hermione threw the pamphlet in her bag and headed downstairs, grabbing her house keys off the wall before heading determinedly out the front door, slamming it behind her.
She headed quickly towards the nearest street sign and turned left down the adjacent street. As she started towards the next sign she glanced up at the sky; it was becoming cloudy, like it was going to rain. She hoped she'd make it to Mandy's house before that happened.
She turned right.
"What happens if the Brocklehursts aren't home? Then what do I do?" she thought. She could always try another wizarding family. Was it safe to trust witches and wizards she didn't know? She had a feeling that even though the wizarding community was close knit, that didn't mean she could trust every one she met.
Another right.
"Where do I start at the wizarding library?" she mussed. "I guess first I need to find out where exactly Harry lives. What's the name of the street where his aunt and uncle live? He talks about it all the time, I should remember this. I think it's Privet Drive."
Left.
The clouds seemed to be getting thicker and more menacing. Even though it was only noon, the sky was already very dark. She was beginning to wish she had bought a coat with her. She picked up her pace.
Right.
"Of course, I'm going to have to find a non-magical way to help Harry if he's in any sort of danger. Then again, I don't know what could have happened to him."
Left.
The first drops of rain were already starting to hit her head. She broke out into a brisk jog. She only had a few more turns to go.
Left.
"Wait a minute!" Hermione skidded to a halt as she saw that she was approaching a dead end. "Just great!" she sighed in exasperation. It was raining harder now. She must have taken a wrong turn. She was so caught up in her thoughts, she didn't even realize it.
She turned around and headed for the street sign. She'd just have to start over. She made a left and started down the street again, trying not to lose her footing in the rain. She was getting drenched.
Right.
It occurred to her that she had no idea where she was. She knew her neighborhood fairly well in theory but had never really been any place other than the local library and her school. After all, she didn't have any friends nearby. She wondered if she'd be able to get back home after taking so many twists and turns.
Right.
Now that she thought about it, even if she found out where Harry lived, how were Ron and his brothers going to get there?
Left.
"So all I need is a non-magical way of finding Harry and a non-magical way of getting him out of whatever trouble he might be in. Simple enough," she thought to herself with a grimace. Ron must have thought she was a miracle worker.
Left.
Would she even have enough time? She wanted to get back home before her parents. There was no way she was going to tell them that she went off to London on a whim, even if it was by floo. "This is the second time this summer I've snick away without my parents knowing. This is all Ron's fault… his rotten influence."
Right.
"Then again, this is Ron's idea. If it wasn't for him and his brothers, I wouldn't even have a way to help Harry. All I have to do is get the information to him and then…"
Left.
"Ahhh!" Hermione went tumbling forward. It was if the earth moved underneath her. She quickly picked herself up. It wasn't raining. In fact the sun was shinning brightly and there were no clouds in sight. She looked around and realized she was no longer in her subdivision. It was definitely Turnkey Lane; she made it.
It didn't take her long to reach the familiar lime green house. Mr. Brocklehurst's car wasn't in the driveway but she hoped Mandy or her mother were still home. She knocked on the door. A few minutes later, Mandy answered.
"Hermione?" she had a confused look on her face. "Uh, hello."
"Sorry to drop in on you like this," Hermione apologized quickly. "But I really need a favor. Can I come in?"
"Oh, of course," Mandy stepped aside to let her in. "You're soaked, what happened?"
"It was raining where I came from; I guess that doesn't affect this place."
"Do you want a towel or something?"
"No, I don't have a lot of time. Can I use your fireplace?"
Many gave her another confused look. "You want to warm up?"
"No I need to floo to the National Wizarding Library."
"The library? I don't understand."
"It's complicated," Hermione said in frustration.
Mandy seemed to realize the urgency of the situation. "Okay, no problem." She pulled a jar from atop the fireplace. "Here you go." She held it out to Hermione.
Hermione took a pinch of floo powder and threw it in the dead fireplace. Instantly a fire sprung to life. "Thank you so much! I'll be back in a few hours; is that okay?"
"Yes," Mandy nodded immediately. "It's fine. Take your time. Anything to help."
Hermione stepped quickly into the fire.
She waved goodbye, shouted, "National Wizarding Library!" and was gone.
Mrs. Brocklehurst appeared from the kitchen. "Mandy, did I just hear Hermione in here?"
"Yes, but she had to leave real quick. I think she's going to save the world or something."
"That's nice dear." Mandy's mother said, returning to the kitchen without another word.
-----
The National Wizarding Library was, in Hermione's opinion, the nirvana of libraries. There were books as far as the eye could see on every imaginable topic. It was massive, and yet extremely organized. It was as if the books were enchanted to magically move to the location of the person that was looking for them. The Dewey Decimal System had nothing on this wizarding form of cataloging.
But there was more to the giant library then just the books. On the first floor, there were a large assortment of merchants selling a variety of food and a bookstore that not only had thousands of books but also was capable of ordering almost any book that was in the library itself. Part of the seventh floor had sleeping quarters reserved for VIP witches and wizards who couldn't be bothered with leaving the library when it was closed. On the fifth floor, there was a coffee shop and dozens of plush couches and chairs, which was a welcome change from the hard wood chairs and tables that populated the rest of the library.
Hermione knew that she would have thoroughly enjoy spending all day at the library if it had been under different circumstances. As it was, she sat at a large table with at least 3 dozen books in front her with names like "Muggle tricks for Magical Sorts," and "Everyday Magic for the Wand Challenge" and "What to do When You Can't Find Your Wand."
She barely had to move from the section she was in, because no matter what topic she was looking for, it all seemed to be right in front of her. Unfortunately, she still hadn't found any of the answers she needed.
Then suddenly, a librarian walked by her and placed a book on top of the one she was reading. "Here dear, I think you'll want this."
Hermione looked up in shock and confusion but before she could say anything, the librarian was gone. The book she'd given her was "The Underage Wizard's Guide to Acceptable Magic: A Complete Breakdown of the Ministry of Magic's Underage Wizarding Statutes and Guidelines" by Angelina Regularum. She began flipping through the book and realized this had been exactly what she was looking for. Hermione looked all around for the librarian who had helped her, but she was nowhere to be seen.
"Well… thanks," she muttered.
"The Underage Wizard's Guide to Acceptable Magic" turned out to be a very interesting and informative.
"The assumption that underage wizards are not allowed to use any magic when away from their wizarding institutions is somewhat of a misconception. The Ministry of Magic is more concerned with underage wizards using their wands or brewing potions while not under the supervision of fully qualified wizards who are licensed professors. There have been many situations over the past century alone that have proven why this is necessary; many of which are outlined in chapter 17.
However there are many exceptions to this rule. First of all, the prohibition of using wands does not extend to the use of magical objects, pets, and transportation, except for apparition. As long as use of such magic is not in view of muggles, it is completely acceptable for underage wizards to use.
In addition, underage wizards are allowed to use their wands when they are 1) under the supervision of a qualified professor, or high ranking ministry official 2) in ministry sanctioned "safe" places such as Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade and 3) in extreme circumstances such as when they are in danger of being exposed by muggles, are lost, or in mortal peril.
The Ministry of Magic closely monitors underage wizards during holidays and if an infraction of the wand restriction regulation is detected, an investigation is launched immediately. Although each infraction is handled on a case by case basis, it is not uncommon for underage wizards to be expelled the first time they use their wand in an unauthorized manner."
"What I need," she muttered to herself after reading this section, "is some sort of magical object that can tell me where Harry is. That wouldn't be against the rules."
"Hermione?"
Hermione spun around to address the familiar voice. It was Amber. "Uh, hi."
"What are you doing here?" Amber asked as she put down the stack of books she was carrying.
"I'm, um, doing some research," Hermione said vaguely. "What are you doing here?"
"I work here," Amber admitted. "Sort of a temporary thing until I start my real job. What are you researching; maybe I can help?"
Hermione hesitated. "Well, it's kind of hard to explain."
"Hey, I wasn't head girl for nothing. Trust me, I can help."
"Oh alright," Hermione sighed. "Well it's like this…"
-----
Hermione explained everything to Amber about why she and Ron were worried about Harry except the part about her brief vision at Pansy's slumber party.
"So your friend Ron wants to find Harry?" Amber summarized when Hermione was done with her story. "I guess I don't blame you. Well it sounds like you need a locator map."
"A what?"
"I need the Encyclopedia of Magical Objects," Amber said more to herself than to Hermione.
A huge book, twice the size of "Hogwarts: A History," dropped on the table in front of Hermione.
"I love this place," Amber grinned.
"I could certainly get used to this." Hermione agreed as Amber flipped through the Encyclopedia of Magical Objects to the page she was looking for.
"Here, read this," Amber said pushing the book under Hermione's nose.
"The Locator Map is extremely common among magical maps. It's enchanted to be able to plot the location of any person, magical or not. Very few spells can stop a locator map from plotting a person because of the way it's designed.
To use a locator map requires a personal artifact of the person you're looking for, a piece of clothing or something they often carry with them. It also requires the willingness of the person you're looking for to want to be found by you. If they don't want you to find them, then the locator map won't be able to plot them."
Hermione nodded in understanding. "It sounds right. Where can I buy one? Are they expensive?" Hermione suddenly remember that she didn't have any money with her.
But Amber only laughed as she pulled out her wand. "Buy one? Hermione don't think like a muggle. We're going to make one."
"We are?" Hermione asked as she followed Amber away from the table full of books. She checked her watch. It was already 4:00 PM. She only had a couple hours to make it back home. "Does it take long to make?"
"For us? Naw!" Amber said confidently.
Something about Amber's cocky attitude made Hermione slightly nervous but she followed her nonetheless.
-----
Making a locator map required a potion, one that Amber seemed to have stored in her memory. They used a vacant potions lab in the back of the library that had various sized cauldrons and dozens of different potions ingredients. The duo was able to prepare the potion without any complications.
"I just hope this works," Hermione said as she stirred the concoction.
"No reason to think it won't," Amber said with a shrug. "You're not loosing faith in your potion making skills are you? Not may people can score top marks in Snape's class, you know."
"Yeah but last time I tried to help Harry with a potion… well let's just say it didn't go to well."
"Well, I haven't messed up one yet, and I don't intend to make this my first, so don't worry."
The liquid in the cauldron was turning a pale blue. "I think it's almost ready."
Amber looked down. "You're right. Hang on a bit. I'll be right back, just keep stirring."
Amber disappeared through the double doors leading back to the main library.
A few minutes later she returned with a large, folded map. "Here we go; a map of Britain. All we need to do is dunk this in the potion and it will become a locator map."
Without preamble, Amber plunged the map into the cauldron and quickly brought it back up. Hermione expected it to be drenched, but to her surprise, it was still completely dry and glowing bright blue.
"Well that seemed to be a little too easy. How do we know it worked?"
"Give me your house key and I'll show you," Amber instructed.
Hermione handed over her key as Amber unfolded the map onto the floor.
"Remember, you have to want to be found," Amber reminded her. She placed the key on top of the map and said, "Seekium Hermione Granger."
Suddenly the map sprung to life. All the text and landmarks were moving and expanding until suddenly the map of Britain was now just a map of London. It looked similar to the map in the Ministry of Magic pamphlet. A yellow dot appeared on the map.
"See that's you." Amber said with a smile.
"Wicked," Hermione said as Amber folded up the map. "I just hope… I hope it works with Harry. I'm not sure if Ron has anything personal of his and what if it still doesn't work. Like you said, Harry has to want to be found."
"If he is in some sort of trouble, I'm sure he'll want to be found by his two best friends."
Hermione checked her watch again. "I've got to hurry back before my parents get home."
Amber gave her a knowing look. "I see." She handed the map to Hermione. "Well good luck."
"Thanks for everything." Hermione shoved the map in her backpack and hurried out the door.
-----
Mr. Brocklehurst was already home when Hermione reappeared in the fireplace and he insisted on driving Hermione home.
"Getting out of Turnkey Lane is a little tricky. I'd hate to see you get lost."
Hermione happily agreed to the lift home and made it back in plenty of time to beat her parents. She ran up to her room and rummaged through her desk to find her last wizarding stamp. She had already gone through all of them and there was still almost a month of summer left. Still there was no other choice if she was going to get the map to Ron. She wrote him a quick note.
"Ron,
This is a locator map. You can use it to find out exactly where Harry is as long as you have something personal of his. To use it, just place Harry's item on the map and say the magic words 'Seekium Harry Potter.'
I know you're just as worried about Harry as I am but I really don't think it's a good idea for you and your brothers to go off to get him by yourselves. Knowing Fred and George, this can only mean trouble. But if you're going to go, good luck, and don't do anything that will get Harry in any more trouble. Please let me know when you're going to go try and get him.
Hermione
P. S. - Please don't tell anyone where you got this map from, not even Harry."
Hermione looked that last line over. She decided it was best not to try to explain to Ron why she didn't want Harry to know that she made the map. It was best to let him think that she didn't want to get in some sort of trouble. In reality, she just didn't want Harry to know how worried she really was about him. She was sure whatever the reason, Ron wouldn't object to taking all the credit.
By the time her parents arrived home, the owl responding to her wizard stamp had already come and gone. Now all she could do was wait.
-----
Hermione didn't have too long to wait. On Friday, the familiar grey owl, Erroll arrived. This time, it looked as if the owl had collapsed along the way because another, unfamiliar owl was actually carrying him. It dropped Erroll on the window sill and flew off without a backwards glance.
"Why Ron keeps using you is a mystery," Hermione huffed as Erroll fell face first on the sofa. She snatched the letter from his claws and hurriedly opened it. Apparently Ron had written it the day after she wrote him.
"Hermione,
Thanks for the map. Fortunately Scabbers still had an old sock of Harry's that he'd ruined ages ago. We used that to plot where he is. Fred, George, and I are going to go get him tonight. Wish us luck. I'll write you again as soon as Erroll gets back with your reply.
Ron"
Hermione took one look at Erroll and knew he wasn't going to be fit to fly for a day or two. She didn't have any more stamps so she'd just have to wait to send her reply.
In the meantime, Hermione had other things to keep her occupied. She had started on the large list of research topics that McGonagall had sent her earlier that summer. Studying seemed to take her mind off of Harry, for a while at least, and she figured it was better to be doing that, than worrying. Ron and his brothers had already gone to get Harry and so there was nothing more she could do. Either they were successful and Harry was not sitting at Ron's, perfectly content, or they'd failed and Harry was still in trouble. In either case, she'd done everything she could to help and it was best to find out what had happened before she started worrying again.
Sunday morning, when Hermione arrived in the kitchen for breakfast, her mother handed her a letter. "This just came for you. I think it's from Hogwarts."
Hermione, who had been only half awake until then, suddenly sprung to life, looking wildly around. "Is the post owl still here?" she asked hoping she could persuade it to deliver her note to Ron. Erroll still hadn't recovered.
"No, it left a few minutes ago. Something wrong?"
"No," Hermione answered quietly. She hadn't told her parents what Ron and his brothers were going to do. She knew, no matter how much they disapproved of the Dursleys, they wouldn't relish the idea of three underaged boys planning a rescue operation, or what she had done to aid them. As she opened the letter from Hogwarts, she wondered vaguely why she didn't feel more guilty about all of the secrets she was keeping from her parents. A year ago, this sort of thing would be tearing her up inside. But now it seemed as though keeping them in the dark was business as usual. She kept telling herself it was because they were muggles and they wouldn't understand, but somehow she knew that wasn't entirely the case.
The letter turned out to be from Professor McGonagall asking her how she was doing with the extra research she had assigned and also informing her that the book list had finally been compiled and she was forwarding this to her as well.
Hermione scanned the list of books and noticed something extremely odd. Aside from "The Standard Book of Spells: Grade 2" all of the books on the list were by her new idle, Gilderoy Lockhart. What an odd coincidence. Now she'd be able to get her parents to get all of his books for her without any problems. After all, this was for her education.
"Well there must be something interesting in that letter to make you turn red," Mr. Granger said interrupting her thoughts.
Hermione tried to compose herself. "Oh… um… Professor McGonagall said she'd be sending an owl later this month to collect all the work I've done this summer. She said since I was the only student trying to further my education over the holidays, she'd give me some extra credit and possibly some points to Gryffindor for my commitment to education." She handed her father the letter.
"Well," her father said, eyeing the piece of parchment. "You'd better get cracking then. You don't want to disappoint your professor now do you?"
"I'm about halfway done with the work. It should only take me a couple of weeks to finish. Plenty of time. I know you think I've been slack this summer but I promise I'll make it up to you."
"Hermione, you're young," her mother said soothingly. "You deserve a chance to enjoy your life."
"So long as you keep up your studies," Mr. Granger added sharply.
Hermione almost laughed. Listening to her parents was always like being pulled in two different directions.
"Now that we have your school list, we should plan a trip to the market." Mrs. Granger said. The "market" was what she called Diagon Alley, because she could never remember the name.
"We'd better not go on the weekend, it'll be crowded just like last time if all the students have gotten they're school lists," Mr. Granger pointed out. "I tell you what. It's been slow this month; we'll take next Wednesday off and go then."
"That's a nice idea," Hermione's mother agreed. "Hermione, why don't you write your friends, Ron and Harry and see if they'd like to meet you at the same time to get their books. That way you'd get to see them at least once before school started. I know you're disappointed that you didn't get to see them on Harry's birthday. What exactly happened anyway?"
"Oh, just some communication problems," Hermione said vaguely.
She saw that her mother was giving her the "I know you're not telling me the whole truth" look, so she avoided her glare hoping the subject would just drop.
Fortunately for her, Mr. Granger started going on about what exciting things Hermione would be able to learn her second year and Hermione was able to quietly eat her breakfast as her father continued to ramble on and on.
"And to think how much more you'll be able to focus on your studies now that you don't have dark lords and what-have-you to worry about. If you were able to do all that and still be top of your class last year, just imagine the possibilities this year."
It was at this point that Hermione decided to excuse herself from the breakfast table and return to her room.
If only her father knew what she was going through now. She didn't think she'd ever be able to concentrate on studies again if she found out something horrible had happened to Harry over the summer and she hadn't been able to do anything about it. As she pushed open the door to her room, she saw that Erroll was awake and looking ready to fly again. Finally, she'd be able to send her reply to Ron. She had already started the letter but added a few extra things about meeting in Diagon Alley on the following Wednesday. She only hoped that Erroll would make it back before then. The way he flew, there was no telling.
She watched listlessly as Erroll flew off into the morning sky and silently prayed that he would return quickly with good news from Ron.
-----
Unfortunately no news came.
It had been a week and a half and still no owl from Rom. Nothing indicating whether or not Harry was okay or if he was with the Weasleys. Had something gone wrong? She had no way of knowing.
As the Grangers rode the train into London to go to Diagon Alley, Hermione's mind was racing. What was she going to do now? She knew the first thing she should do was buy some more wizarding stamps. If she was going to keep in contact with Ron, there was no way it could be done with that owl of his. Earlier that week, Hermione had emptied all of the funds out of her muggle bank account. Her parents had agreed that it was a good idea to put her savings in the wizard's bank, Gringotts. This way she could have more control over her spending money since she spent the majority of her life in the wizarding world now.
Hermione had read all about the wizarding bank after her first visit the previous summer. It was run by goblins and was actually the largest all goblin enterprise in all of Britain. Patrons could manage their accounts using special Gringotts owls. You could send or request money from your account using the enchanted envelops. No stamps needed. Once the envelope was sealed, an owl would arrive to retrieve it, and according to one Gringotts spokes-goblin, "No force in nature or in magic would be able to intercept it." This way, she wouldn't have to worry so much if she ran out of wizarding money. She could just send for more.
Just as they had done last summer, the Grangers took the underground to the Tottenham Court Rd. station. Then from there it was a short walk down Charing Cross Road to reach the entrance to Diagon Alley, a pub called Leaky Cauldron.
Mr. Granger never seemed to care much for the Leaky Cauldron but tolerated it as the only way to get to and from the materials needed by his daughter to get a first class wizarding education.
"But I'd never want to have a drink here, that's for sure," he said huffily as they passed through the pub to the back alley.
Hermione pulled out her wand. She hadn't been able to use it all summer and just holding it now seemed to make her entire body tingle. She tapped her wand emphatically on the trashcan and then started counting bricks, three up and two to the right. She tapped her wand against the designated brick and immediately it began to wriggle. Soon, a large archway had opened up in front of them and the three Grangers were walking onto the cobblestone street of Diagon Alley.
"That will never cease to amaze me," Mrs. Granger said in awe as she watched the archway close behind them.
Hermione twirled her wand expertly in her hand. "No, it doesn't get old, does it? Well let's hurry up and get to Gringotts, I want to open up my account and then… I have a couple of things to do before we get my books."
Mrs. Granger eyed her curiously. "You want to get something before we get your books. It must be really important."
Hermione pretended she didn't here the quip.
As they made there way to the bank, Hermione saw what looked like a owl-post stand. She could probably buy stamps there right after she was done in the bank.
They climbed the large marble steps that led to Gringotts and a short but sinister looking goblin guard bowed them in.
"How anything can be that polite and still look that mean is beyond me," Mr. Granger muttered.
"Yes, but it makes you think twice about robbing them, now doesn't it," Mrs. Granger added knowingly.
"Twice, thrice, and four times over, believe me."
They made their way to an attendant at the long counter. "May I help you?" he snarled.
"Yes, I'd like to open an account." Hermione said handing over the bag that contained all of her muggle money.
The clerk's expression turned to what must have been the goblin version of a smile. "Ah we love to gain new customers." He handed Hermione a form. "Just fill this out. No monthly fees for underage wizards and witches and unlimited owl correspondences; a bargain."
"Indeed," Mr. Granger agreed though it was obvious he had no idea what the goblin meant.
The clerk was counting Hermione's money. "A nice little savings for such a young witch. This comes to 213 galleons, 11 sickles, 4 knuts."
Hermione beamed. She'd been saving money ever since she'd started receiving an allowance at age 8 and her father was very generous with monetary bonuses when it came to good grades. "When a high mark is earned, it's worth its weight in gold," he'd always tell her. Since Hermione rarely spent any money, she already had a hefty savings.
"Can I have 10 galleons of that now, please," she asked politely.
The goblin nodded and handed her a bag and a small book. "This is your ledger. It will be magically updated every time we receive or take money on your behalf. See." He pointed to the first page of the open book it already had two lines in it. One for her initial deposit of 213 galleons 11 sickles and 4 knuts and another for her withdrawal of 10 galleons.
"Also take these," He handed her a stack of green envelopes. "Use only these special Gringotts envelopes to send money or request a withdrawal. Of course when you are here in Diagon Alley you can simply come to the bank and ride down to your vault."
Hermione nodded quickly at this information and then looked up at her parents. "I'll be right back."
"Where are you going?" Mr. Granger asked in alarm.
"I just have to get something real quick." She said, thinking about the owl-post stand she'd seen earlier.
"But all we have to do is exchange our money…" Her mother called after her, but Hermione was already through the doors.
Hermione made her way out of Gringotts and was about to race down the stairs when she saw something very familiar. It was a giant man, easily head and shoulders taller than everyone else. He had wild, tangled black hair and a thick beard and wore a large overcoat. It could only be Hagrid. And with him… he seemed to be covered with soot, and his glasses were broken, but it was unmistakably Harry Potter!
"Harry!" she called out and he looked up and saw her. It really was him. "Harry over here." She was so excited to see him that she tore down the stairs to greet him and was about to fling her arms around him, but then thought better of it. She didn't want to make a scene, especially in front of Hagrid. But she was still grinning from ear to ear.
"Harry! What happened to your glasses?" She looked up at Hagrid and realized she hadn't even greeted him. "Hello Hagrid. Ooo, it's wonderful to see you two again. Are you coming into Gringotts, Harry?" She realized she was rambling even worse than usual, but for once she didn't care. It was Harry and he was used to it. She had a hundred more questions to ask him, like how he had ended up with Hagrid, and why he hadn't written her all summer.
But Harry, true to form, seemed extremely calm. "As soon as I've found the Weasleys," he said cutting off her tirade of questions.
Just as she was about to suggest they go look for them, Hagrid pointed into the crowd and she could see Ron with his brothers and father running down the street. There was a sudden rush of Weasleys and for a moment there was a bit of chaos as Mrs. Weasley and what had to be Ron's little sister joined them and everyone was checking to see if Harry was okay. Hermione had the distinct feeling that she'd missed out on something and that Harry had recently gotten himself into some sort of trouble but she couldn't get in a word edgewise to ask.
"That's alright," she thought contently. "Harry's okay and everything's back to normal. Finally I can breathe easily."
They all entered the bank again, Harry going on about seeing Mr. Malfoy in a place called Borgin and Burkes, a shop on Knockturn Alley, which Hermione knew nothing about.
Mr. and Mrs. Granger were still standing at the counter. Apparently the goblin clerk had to go back to the vaults to retrieve more wizard money and they were waiting for him to return.
"Mom, Dad, let me introduce you to everyone. This is Harry and Ron, Ron's brothers Fred, no wait he's Fred, and that's George and Percy, and his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."
They shook hands all around but when they reached Mr. Weasley he seamed to realize something. "But you're muggles! We must have a drink," he said excitedly. "What's that you've got there? Oh, you're changing muggle money, Molly look!" he pointed wildly at them.
Ron seemed to be dragging his father away to another clerk, a look of embarrassment on his face. At the same time, the Granger's clerk returned with their galleons."
"That Arthur chap was a bit high strung about a few pounds," Mr. Granger said. "Acted as if he'd never seen money before."
"He hasn't, Dad," Hermione reminded him.
"Still, did you see me going on like that when I saw a galleon?"
"Not everyone can be as even tempered as you, Dad," Hermione grumbled. "Just try to be nice, would you?"
"What are you implying?"
Mrs. Granger jumped in. "She's implying that you should at least get to know the Weasleys before you immediately judge them like you do with everyone, dear." The way Hermione's mother said "dear" seemed to put the finally point on the subject and Mr. Granger clammed up.
A few minutes later, Harry and the Weasley family reappeared and they stepped outside the bank.
"Molly, why don't you take Ginny shopping, I want to treat the Grangers here to a drink at the Leaky Caldron. We can catch up later."
Mr. Granger had a look of utter terror in his eyes at the mention of the pub, but Mrs. Granger answered for them both. "That would be delightful." She handed another bag of galleons to her daughter. "Here Hermione, you go off with your friends, we'll meet you later. Where should we meet?"
"We'll all meet up at Flourish and Blotts in an hour to buy your school books." Mrs. Weasley suggested and everyone agreed.
Hermione, Harry and Ron started down the street alone. Finally Hermione had a chance to ask the questions that had been burning a hole inside her for almost a half hour.
"Harry, how did you…"
But Harry didn't hear her. "Let's get some ice cream; what do you say?"
"Absolutely, I'm starving," Ron answered almost drooling.
"Not surprising," Hermione huffed as they headed for Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor.
As Harry bough the three of them ice cream she tried again. "Harry what happened this summer? Ron, why didn't you write me back to let me know that Harry was okay? I was so worried. What's been going on?"
"Same ol' Hermione," Ron said.
"Same ol' Hermione," Harry agreed and they both laughed.
"It's not funny!" Hermione said in exasperation.
"Sorry," Ron stopped laughing. "I did write you. The fact that Erroll hasn't return means that he's either lost of collapsed somewhere. Useless owl."
"Why don't you get a new one?" Hermione asked.
"Oy, what a great idea," Ron said snidely. "Why don't you buy us one?"
Harry cut them off. "The reason why you didn't hear from me all summer Hermione is because a house elf named Dobby was cutting off my communication. He was trying to stop me from going back to Hogwarts. He's the reason why I got that warning from the ministry of magic. He hovered a pudding in my aunt and uncles kitchen, and then he smashed it on the floor. It was because of him that my uncle looked me in my room for the rest of the summer. I'd still be there, half starved, if it wasn't for Ron rescuing me."
Hermione gasped. "What? Why would he do that?"
"I don't know. He said that I'd be in grave danger if I went back to Hogwarts."
"Well, there's a shocker, Harry Potter in grave danger," Hermione said blandly. The happiness she'd felt earlier about seeing her friend was beginning to dissipate.
"See that's what I said," Ron added cheerfully, mistaking Hermione's sarcasm for ambivalence. "Harry's been in loads of danger and scaved off just fine. Besides who's to say this Dobby chap is even telling the truth. I think it's a trick."
Hermione waved a hand wildly in front of his face. "Ron, this is Harry we're talking about. If there's even a chance that he's in trouble we can't ignore it. Remember what happened last time we did that?"
"All I'm saying is we can't get off on a fuss for nothing," Ron said in exasperation.
"And all I'm saying is that we can't ignore such an obvious warning. If Harry's in danger again then we need to act now, while we can."
"You two…" Harry said, "Can't you at least save it until we're at school."
"I'll never understand how you can be so level?" Hermione sighed.
"Easy, you're always wound tight and Ron's always too laid back. One of us has to be the level one," Harry informed her.
Hermione laughed despite herself.
-----
An hour later, after walking all around Diagon Alley, the trio made their way to Flourish and Blotts. There was an unusually large crowd gathered outside for a Wednesday afternoon and they soon found out why. To Hermione's utter surprise and delight, a sign in the bookstore window told that Gilderoy Lockhart was doing a book signing at that very moment.
Hermione almost exploded with excitement. "We can actually meet him!" she squealed. She noticed the boys giving her quizzical books. "I mean, he's written practically the whole book list," she rationalized calmly. She didn't want them to think she was an obsessed fan like the dozens of women crowding the door… but she really wanted the chance to meet Lockhart, even just once. The girls at Hogwarts would be so jealous.
"Look, our parents are already in line," Hermione said as they squeezed their way into the bookstore. "And they're at the front; let's join them."
Harry and Ron didn't seem as enthusiastic as she was, but Hermione didn't care. After they all grabbed their one non Lockhart textbook, they joined the rest of the Weasleys and Grangers in line.
Hermione was surprised to see her father smiling. "How was your drink with Mr. Weasley?"
"Fascinating chap. Did you know he works at the Ministry of Magic in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office? It was very informative, indeed."
Hermione shook her head, but said nothing. Gilderoy Lockhart was in view now and she'd forgotten everything else. "Look mom, it's him!"
Mrs. Granger looked up. "Oh my." Her faced flushed. "Well, I guess I can see what all the fuss is about now. And you say all your course books this term are by him."
Hermione nodded. "He's the most famous, most amazing wizard ever." She thought about this for a moment. Perhaps that wasn't such a true statement considering she knew one of the most famous wizards in the world. He was standing two feet in front of her.
Speaking of Harry Potter. It seemed as if Lockhart had noticed him as well because he suddenly exclaimed, "It can't be Harry Potter!"
Hermione watched in bemusement as Lockhart dragged Harry to the front of the crowd and dozens of people started taking pictures. "He can't be loving this," she said. "I know Harry, he hates being in the spotlight. Look at him; he's red as a beet."
"Can you believe him?" Ron had pushed his way back to meet her. "He only grabbed Harry to get his face on the front page of the Daily Prophet."
"Oh Ron, Gilderoy Lockhart doesn't need Harry to get his face in the Daily Prophet. He's famous enough on his own. This whole crowd is here for him, remember?"
"Well I bet if they knew Harry would be here, there'd be even more people," said a small voice behind Ron. It was the youngest Weasley, Ginny. There was something very familiar in her eyes. Hermione recognized it immediately.
"Little Ginny's got a crush on Harry," she thought to herself. "Aww, how cute."
Gilderoy Lockhart was trying to gain the crowd's attention. "What an extraordinary moment this is. The perfect moment for me to make a little announcement I've been sitting on for some time." There was quiet now. "When young Harry here stepped into Flourish and Blotts today, he only wanted to buy my autobiography, which I shall be happy to present him now free of charge."
"Lucky," Hermione muttered. "He's going to get a personally autographed autobiography."
"He had no idea that he would shortly be getting much much more than my book 'Magical Me.' He and his schoolmates will in fact be getting the real magical me. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have great pleasure and pride in announcing that this September, I will be taking up the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"Did you here that," Hermione squealed despite herself. "Did you hear that! He's coming to Hogwarts, he's coming to our school! Oh I can't wait to tell Anne; she'll be so jealous. She thinks she's special because Lockhart did a lecture at her school. Well wait 'til she hears about this!"
"Calm down, would you?" Ron said as they each grabbed a prepackaged stack of Lockhart's collective works and made their way over to where Harry now stood with Ginny and…
"Malfoy," Hermione snarled. "What's he doing here? Can't we go anywhere without seeing him?"
Ron grumbled.
"Now Ron, don't get in a fight with him," Hermione warned. "You'll just get into trouble."
But Ron was listening and Malfoy had already started in on him. It wasn't long before both she and Harry had to hold him back.
"Why does Malfoy insist on taunting Ron? Doesn't he realize Ron's bigger than him?" To her relief, Mr. Weasley showed up. "Good he'll put a stop to this."
-----
"I've never seen anything like it in my life," Mrs. Granger was shaking.
"Books flying everywhere. People stampeding all over the place." Mr. Granger stammered.
"I only just got out of the way," Hermione said.
It had happened, in a flash. One moment, Mr. Weasley was trying to steer them out of the bookstore. The next moment, Malfoy… not Draco, but Mr. Malfoy himself, had arrived. Hermione only had to listen to him for a few seconds to know where his son got his obnoxious personality from. And then, it was as if she was watching Draco and Ron. Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley regressed to school age boys and soon they were using the bookstore as their own personal boxing ring.
"If it wasn't for Hagrid showing up when he did," Hermione said breathlessly. "They'd have torn down the whole store."
"I'm not sure about that Arthur Weasley chap," Hermione's father said quietly. They were walking only a few paces behind Harry and the Weasley clan. "A trifle unhinged if you ask me."
"Dad, a few minutes ago, you said he was fascinating," Hermione reminded him.
"Well I have the right to change my mind."
"And I'm sure you'll be doing it again in a few minutes," Mrs. Granger said with a half sigh, half grin. "If you want my opinion, this whole thing was started by those Malfoys. There's just something about them that didn't seat well with me."
"All I'm saying," Mr. Granger continued, apparently not hearing his wife, "is that I hope you're friend Ron isn't as hot headed as his father."
Hermione shook her head vehemently. "Who Ron? No, never. He wouldn't hurt a fly."
Mrs. Granger looked down at her daughter and grinned in a "you've got to stop telling fibs that your father doesn't get" sort of way.
As they made there way to the end of Diagon Alley, Harry back tracked to the Grangers.
"Well, that was invigorating," he said with one of his famous half grins.
"Oh so that's your idea of fun," Hermione quipped back.
"So I guess I'll see you on the train to Hogwarts," he said. "What are you going to do with the rest of your summer… other than study?"
"I'm going to find out if Dobby's warning had any merit," she said softly so that only he could hear her.
"Hermione you worry too much,"
"And I'm a bossy, know-it-all. Tell me something I don't know." She smiled. "But if there's even the slightest chance that my best friend's in trouble…"
"Yeah I know… guess I'll see you in the library." Harry laughed a little but then gave her a serious look. "Glad you've always got my back."
"That's what I'm here for," she said with a nod.
The group had reached the familiar brick wall that would lead them back to the Leaky Cauldron. It wasn't long before the Harry and the Weasleys were off to the fireplace to floo back home and Hermione and her family were headed back down Charing Cross Road to take the train home. It would be another week before she would be able to see her friends again, onboard the Hogwarts Express. Until then, Hermione realized she had a lot of work to do.