Hermione Granger was currently leaning against a wall near Platform Nine and Three Quarters at Kings Cross Station, her arms crossed as she looked around at the passing travelers. Every now and then, certain people would run toward the portal into Platform Nine and Three Quarters, and disappear, arriving at the magical platform where the Hogwarts Express was currently stationed.
Hermione was a Muggleborn witch, but unlike other Muggleborn witches and wizards, she was different. She was special.
Hermione Granger was a time traveler. She had come from fifteen years in the future, had the memories, mind and magic of her twenty-six year old self, but she looked like her eleven, near twelve year old self. She had traveled back in time using an archaic ritual that was considered rather Dark in nature, because it needed the sacrifice of a human life. However the twist was, that the sacrifice had to be voluntary. Her best friend, soul-mate and the love of her life, Harry Potter, was the voluntary sacrifice.
The reason for the ritual and time travel was a very complicated tale. Even though Harry was the love of her life, certain forces prevented herself and Harry from becoming a couple until it was far too late for them to truly enjoy themselves. In the future she had come from, Hermione had gotten married at twenty years of age. But she did not marry Harry Potter. She married a man whom she and Harry thought was their best friend for several years – Ronald Weasley. For four years, Hermione had a relatively good life of marriage. She believed she was happy. She had a good career in the DMLE. She believed her marriage to Ron was a good one.
But there was always that nagging thought in the back of her mind that she had married the wrong person. She watched Harry as he married Ginny Weasley, also at the age of twenty, and he seemed to have a good marriage, and a good career as an Auror. But, once again, there was always that nagging feeling in Hermione's mind that Harry wasn't meant to marry Ginny.
At twenty-four years of age, Hermione got attacked in an attempted assassination. She was in St. Mungo's for a week, to heal up. While she was in the hospital, Ron and his mother, Molly, had several conversations with her, trying to convince her to leave her job, and retreat into the safety and comfort of being a housewife to Ron. Ron talked of children, and Hermione was shocked to find that she was quite agreeable with Ron and Molly's idea. She was so shocked that she began to wonder why she was agreeable.
Then one day during her stay at St. Mungo's, a different Healer than the one who had been assigned to her, came in and diagnosed her. They found something that the other Healer had not – actually the other Healer had deliberately ignored it because they had been paid off to do so. It turned out Hermione had been dosed with Love Potions keyed to Ron, and Loyalty Potions to Ron, Molly and Ginny. Also there was a Revulsion Potion keyed to Harry Potter, as well as Compulsion Draughts which made her more agreeable to certain persuasion from certain people – Ron and Molly.
The Healer had gave her Flushing Draughts, then contacted Harry Potter, as Auror, to investigate what had happened. When he arrived, he was also diagnosed with similar Potions – Love Potion keyed to Ginny was the worst one. Harry sent the reports into his Department – he couldn't take the case because he was a victim in the case. Ron, Molly and Ginny were arrested. But Ginny revealed during her interrogation she was pregnant. She couldn't be sent to Azkaban because of the baby. She was sentenced to the mental ward in St Mungo's, where she had twenty-four hour guard and suicide watch until she gave birth. It was also revealed that the baby was not Harry's. It's father was Cormac McLaggen.
Hermione and Harry tried to divorce their spouses, but the marriages were magically binding. However, the bindings did not have consequences if Harry and Hermione committed infidelity – as proven by Ginny and McLaggen.
It was discovered they had been Potioned since their sixth year at Hogwarts, and throughout the next years, through their marriages and further on. Hermione and Harry soon realized they were in love with each other, and had been since before they were Potioned – which is why the Weasleys gave them the Potions. They became a couple three days after discovering the Potions, and before the Weasleys were sentenced. They made love that very night, and had considered themselves a couple, even though they were technically married to others.
A couple months after the revelations of the Potions and Weasley betrayal, Hermione and Harry were desperate to find a way to cancel their marriages to the Weasleys. They finally came up with an insane theory. What if they could fix it to where it never happened?
The answer: Time Travel.
Surprising enough, it was Hermione who had considered the option, even though she had history with the subject. Harry had debated with her and threw back her own words at her, from their third year at Hogwarts, saying it was dangerous. But Hermione, stubborn as always, though she'd never admit it out loud, did research, looking through the Potter, Black and Peverell family libraries. A year and a half after the Potions incident, Hermione found the Dark Ritual that would send her back in time. When Harry saw that a voluntary sacrifice was needed, selfless as always, he decided he would be the sacrifice. This caused a week of arguments between the two, before Hermione finally gave in.
But there were consequences. Only Hermione would be going back in time. The Harry she would know would be the same boy she knew back when they were kids. He wouldn't have his memories, mind or magic of the future.
But this didn't stop the couple. They planned and planned, revisiting their memories in a Pensieve for events Hermione could change. That took several months, and during those months, they discovered just how foolish and oblivious they had been, Molly, Ron and Ginny had never been their friends. Nor was Albus Dumbledore, the so-called Leader of the Light, and the man they saw as a grandfatherly figure. Harry was set up from the very beginning. Their theories and conspiracies turned wilder. Suddenly, that Halloween day their first year at Hogwarts had become much more serious.
First off, why had Dumbledore told the students to go back to their dormitories when a troll was on the loose? Quirrel had said the troll was in the dungeon, and yet the Slytherin House was in the dungeons, exactly where Dumbledore had told Slytherin House to go. What had Dumbledore been thinking?
Also, how was it that the troll just so happened to go to the same bathroom Hermione was in? And why had Hermione gone to that bathroom instead of retreating to the comfort and privacy of her dormitory bed? Wouldn't that have been more logical? Hermione was a very logical person, so why had she chosen such a dumb place to retreat to for a good cry? They figured that she was deliberately lured there in hopes that the troll would kill her. It was also possible the bathroom had troll lure sprayed on the walls and/or in the bathroom.
And that wasn't the only time Hermione's life was threatened. The Basilisk could have actually killed her, instead of Petrified her. The constant time traveling during her third year could have driven her into madness and nearly had. It was foolish and idiotic for her to receive the time turner – she was a third year, fourteen years of age… why give a girl so young permission to do so? Unless it was done to deliberately harm her? The time traveling to help Sirius was another attempt to kill her, putting her in harm's way from Remus the werewolf for a second time. After all, Dumbledore could have taken the Time Turner and saved Sirius that night.
And that was when they realized Dumbledore could have actually given Sirius a trial, where he would have been seen as innocent! Dumbledore was the Chief Warlock after all! So why didn't he? They then realized that he wanted Sirius to be a fugitive, because then Harry couldn't live with Sirius, who he saw as a father-figure. It would have certainly improved his life. Sirius had been sequestered in Grimmauld Place as a fugitive. Dumbledore implored him to remain there, when he could have been responsible for the man obtaining his freedom. And of course, Sirius wouldn't have died if Albus had told Harry of the Prophecy earlier. He would have known about the dangers!
Lists and lists of conspiracies and plots, lists of plans for Hermione to do. Hermione couldn't bring the lists back in time with her, but she had an eidetic memory, so she would remember everything.
And she did remember everything
There was just one flaw, but it wasn't too important. Her target date coming back in time had been a couple days before Harry's eleventh birthday. She would have gone to the Leaky Cauldron on Harry's birthday, with her parents, and met with Harry and Hagrid. She would have Confound Hagrid – not the easiest thing to accomplish, as he was half-giant, this was true - and when Hermione and her parents met them, she'd make Hagrid suggest Harry shop with the Grangers instead of him.
Unfortunately she had arrived a week after Harry's birthday. So she had to change her plans a bit. When her parents were at work, she visited Diagon Alley, and went on a shopping spree for different things, especially books. She had bought several books of several subjects, as well as other items.
The month of August wasn't as eventful as it could have been for the time traveler. There were some things she couldn't do yet or she'd risk her secrets and missions being discovered. She couldn't hunt down some of the Horcruxes, because she felt she wasn't ready for it. She considered going to Gringotts, taking an inheritance, where she would gain the title of Lady Dagworth-Granger – something she had discovered in the future - but she decided not to do that just yet. She feared it would be discovered in the Hall of Records if she did so, and if it became public, before she was ready, it would cause her some unwanted issues. She had to be very careful after all.
So for Hermione the time-traveler, August passed in relative unimportance. Sure, she read through many of her new books, and reviewed her first year book list. She may have had an eidetic memory, but she knew it wouldn't do to not be prepared. She may be twenty-six in her mind, but she was physically eleven, almost twelve, and she was once again beginning her Hogwarts career. She needed to do her best again, so – when she was successful in her self-appointed mission, she would have a good future. With Harry, of course, but also she could find a better career than one that had nearly got her assassinated.
Maybe she could be an Unspeakable. Maybe.
Her thoughts were interrupted, as she saw the target of her desires. Harry Potter. Her best friend, soul-mate, love of her life, future husband, and future father of her children. Her heart fluttered and threatened to skip several beats as she looked upon him. Even though he was skinny, due to the obvious malnutrition and mistreatment from living ten years with abusive relatives, Hermione still thought Harry Potter was the cutest boy at Hogwarts. He would grow up to be quite handsome. She closed her eyes, stopping the tears from falling as she thought back to the day she had said goodbye to future Harry. For several hours before they did the ritual, they were in bed making passionate love and reassuring each other that they loved the other, and always would. Hermione made many promises that she would save Harry's life and both of them would have a better life and future.
Harry was accompanied by his foul relatives the Dursleys as they made their way to Platforms Nine and Ten. Vernon Dursley waved his hand at each Platform, said something to Harry and then laughed. Then he, his wife, and son left Harry standing alone and looking very confused as he looked around the Platforms, obviously looking for where to go to get on the Hogwarts Express.
Hermione inhaled and exhaled. Here goes nothing, she thought. She walked forward toward Harry, and her heart skipped another beat when he looked at her, with his beautiful emerald green eyes.
"Hello!" Hermione said, with a bright smile, then she whispered, "Looking for Platform Nine and Three Quarters?"
Harry's eyes widened. Then he blushed and nodded, and shyly said "Yes."
"It is right there, of course!" Hermione said, pointing to the stone pillar where the portal was.
Harry looked where she was pointed, then turned back to her with a confused frown.
Hermione smiled. "Don't believe me, do you? I am being honest. There is a Portal hidden in the pillar. You simply have to go through it. Run if you're nervous, but I promise, you'll be on the Platform before you know it."
"Um… can you come with me and show me?" Harry asked.
"I would," Hermione said.
But I have another mission to complete before I can get on the Platform, she thought to herself.
"But I am waiting for my parents who have my trunk," Hermione lied; her trunk was already on the train, her parents had already come and gone, given her hugs and goodbyes. "I ran ahead and came here. They should be here soon, but you can go on in. I can meet you on the train if you want? We can sit together."
"Um… sure," Harry said, "Yeah… yeah, I'd like that."
"Me too," Hermione said, smiling.
Harry looked at her, then at the barrier, then back at her. He cleared his throat, then pushed his cart toward the portal. Hermione smiled as she watched him run at it, and vanish through the Portal. It was then she realized she hadn't told him her name, and he hadn't told his.
Hopefully he doesn't feel bad about that. Aw well, I'll see him soon enough.
Hermione looked around, searching for her next victims – ahem – targets. She then smiled when she recognized Kingsley Shacklebolt. The Auror was walking toward the Platform, dressed in civilian garb, and was situated some feet away from the portal.
Excellent.
In the previous timeline, Kingsley had not been there. But she had sent an anonymous letter to the DMLE, suggesting that an Auror guard the Muggle entrance to the platform, looking for troublemakers. The letter had a Compulsion Charm weaved into the parchment, so that the chosen Auror would arrive minutes before the train left. That had been part of Hermione's plan. Kingsley would be there to catch a certain law-breaker.
Speak of the devil! Hermione grinned mischievously, as she saw the redheaded family walking toward the platform. She situated herself close to Kingsley and watched as the Weasleys came forward.
"—packed with Muggles of course!" Molly Weasley said, loudly.
Hermione grinned and walked over to Kingsley. "Er… Mr. Auror? You are an Auror, yes?"
Kingsley looked down at her and smiled. "I am, young lady. Shouldn't you be headed onto the Platform?"
"I am about to do that," Hermione said, "But… um… you see that red-headed lady with her family. She was talking loudly about Muggles, without care, even though she is around loads of Muggles. I may be a Muggleborn, and have only recently been introduced to wizarding society. But, I've been doing a lot of reading, and I wondered… um… isn't that breaking the Statute of Secrecy?"
Kingsley narrowed his eyes at Molly Weasley, then looked back at Hermione. "You are correct, young lady. Thank you for telling me."
"You're welcome," Hermione said.
Kingsley strode over to Molly Weasley and her children, just as she started speaking loudly about Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Hermione walked over to a wall near Kingsley and the Weasleys, and watched them.
"Madam!" Kingsley said, with his usual booming tone.
Molly jumped and looked at Kingsley. "Auror Shacklebolt! How may I help you?"
"You may help me by accompanying me to the Auror Department, madam," Kingsley said.
Molly's face went red and purple. She stammered. "Auror Shacklebolt, I have done nothing that would cause such unnecessary actions. I am merely making sure my boys gets on the train."
"You were speaking loudly about Muggles and Platform Nine and Three Quarters," Kingsley said, "while you were surrounded by Muggles. Threatening the Statute of Secrecy, that is enough to arrest you, Madam!"
Molly blustered as her face went a deeper red. "I-I-"
"Are you going to deny it, after I heard you for myself?!" Kingsley demanded.
"I – I – I was told to do it!" Molly cried.
Hermione raised an eyebrow. She didn't think Molly would admit that so easily.
"Pardon?" Kingsley asked.
"Albus Dumbledore wanted me to do that," Molly said, "so that – um – someone – I mean anyone who were lost and looking for the Platform could seek me out."
"Someone? Who?" Kingsley asked; Molly frowned, but did not answer, so the Auror continued, "I do not think you're being completely honest with me. You will come with me to the Ministry so we can figure out exactly what is going on."
"But my boys need to get on the train!" Molly pleaded, "Let me take them onto the Platform, please."
"So you can then Apparate out of the Platform and avoid me?" Kingsley asked, "I think not."
Hermione snorted softly. Did Molly really think she could get away with that?
"This young man looks old enough to handle your children," Kingsley said, nodding to Percy Weasley, "He looks to be a Prefect, after all. It will be his responsibility to make sure the boys get on the Hogwarts Express."
Molly frowned and stammered and looked from Percy, to Kingsley.
"Mother, I don't know what is going on," Percy said, "But I would advise you to take Ginevra and please accompany the Auror before you make things worse for yourself… and us. I will accompany Ron onto the train and he can sit with me, or Fred and George."
Hermione was only mildly surprised by Percy's statement. She had never thought Percy would talk that way to his mother. But at his current age, he was also somebody who followed rules and laws quite strictly. He also respected people who were well-respected in the Ministry of Magic, much like Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt. He was, after all, aspiring to get a very good job in the Ministry.
"No!" Ron exclaimed, "I can go on the train myself. If I sit with you, then I won't be able to find –"
"Hush, Ronald!" Molly hissed.
Hermione narrowed her eyes. She and Harry had been correct. Ron had been ordered or persuaded to search for Harry and sit with him. And it seemed Molly had something to do with that. She had deliberately stopped him before he could say Harry's name.
"Percy, you can take Ron onto the Platform," Molly said, "And then – well, I am sure he can find his own seat on the train. After all, you need to meet with the other Prefects and Head Students. You don't want to miss that, and Ron doesn't need to accompany you there."
Hermione swore under her breath as Percy – albeit apparently in slight reluctance - agreed with his mother. She had personally hoped none of the Weasleys would be on the train so she wouldn't have to deal with them. Now she would have to resort to Plan B.
Aw well. Plan B was loads more fun than Plan A. She sighed and walked over to the Portal and stepped onto it, and onto Platform Nine and Three Quarters.
There was still ten minutes until the Hogwarts Express began its journey, and a few parents were still saying goodbye to their children. She saw Neville Longbottom, with his Gran, Augusta. Augusta was holding Neville's toad, Trevor.
"Neville, your toad almost got away again!" she said, "You need to hold onto him!"
Hermione stealthily placed a Tethering Charm on Trevor and attached it to Neville. The Tethering Charm was a charm for mothers whose little kids liked to run away from them while they were out in public, shopping and such. The Charm caused the target to remain with the person the charm was attached to. It would dissipate on its own in eight hours. She didn't need the distraction of dealing with Neville and his toad. She was going to be far too busy dealing with Weasleys and spending time with Harry.
She turned and noticed Percy and Ron walking toward one of the train's doors. They placed their belongings near the train, where the Platform's staff were placing the belongings under the train in compartments. She then followed Percy and Ron onto the train.
"Ronald, I don't know what that was with our mother, but something tells me you're a part of it," Percy said.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Percy," Ron scowled.
"Don't give me that!" Percy growled. "Mum has never had to ask where the Platform was! Never! She's been on this Platform dozens of times, from the time when she was your age, possibly younger! And she never spoke up about Muggles so loudly like that, especially in such a public place! I don't know what is going on between her and Albus Dumbledore, but I will find out, that I promise you!"
"Nothing is going on!" Ron lied, "That Auror had no business confronting Mum, and taking her to the Ministry. I guarantee this is his last day as an Auror! He'll be fired for this!"
"Mum was breaking the Statute of Secrecy, Ron!" Percy said, "That is illegal. She could be fined or sent to Azkaban. Even if it is only a fine, we can barely afford to live without the trouble of fines."
"Professor Dumbledore will take care of it," Ron said, dismissively.
"Whatever you were planning on doing, Ronald," Percy said, "You better forget it. Go sit with Fred and George."
"You can't tell me what to do!" Ron scowled.
"I am a Prefect, Ronald!" Percy growled.
Ron scoffed. "So you're already abusing the powers of a Prefect. Typical!"
"Abusing?!" Percy scoffed.
"You're going to betray your own brother," Ron said, "your own flesh and blood, all for the duties of a Prefect. Do it then. I'll tell Mum, and you'll no longer be Prefect."
"I dare you to do so," Percy said, "After all, she was quite proud that I am a Prefect."
"Some Prefect you are," Ron said, "Late for your meeting."
Percy scowled, turned and walked down the corridor. Ron scowled, then turned and his eyes went wide when he saw Hermione.
"What are you looking at?" Ron growled. "Did you – were you eavesdropping on me and my brother?"
"Nope," Hermione said, smiling, "I was actually practicing a spell."
"Oh, yeah?" Ron sneered, "What spell? Prove it! Otherwise I'll report you for eavesdropping."
Hermione pointed her wand at Ron. "Confundo!"
Ron's eyes dazed over and went blurry as the spell settled into him.
"You will not pursue any intentions you have for Harry Potter today," Hermione said, "You will do your best to avoid him until you go to bed this evening. You will not speak to him, nor will you talk about him. For the remainder of the day, Harry Potter does not exist in your mind. You will sit with Fred and George Weasley and remain there until the train arrives at Hogsmeade. You will not attempt to sit with Harry on the boats going to Hogwarts."
Then she smirked as an idea crossed her mind.
"And you will beg the Sorting Hat to place you into Slytherin House," Hermione said, "Do you understand?"
Ron mechanically repeated her orders to the word.
"Good, you are dismissed" Hermione said.
Ron turned around and walked robotically through the corridors. Hermione sighed, happy with herself. That was so fun. Of course, she doubted Ron would stay in Slytherin House. Molly 'the Mouth' Weasley would probably demand to Dumbledore that Ron be resorted or automatically placed in Gryffindor if the Hat refused to resort him.
After all, if he remained in Slytherin, and Harry was in Gryffindor, there was no way Ron could be best friends with Harry. He had to be in Gryffindor so he could be best friends with Harry, and, in the future, introduce him to the Weasleys and – in Ron and Molly's minds – his surrogate and future official family, and future wife, Ginny.
But if Harry isn't in Gryffindor, that would completely mess up Molly's plans, Hermione thought with a smirk, Harry – future Harry, I mean – did say he could have considered Ravenclaw, if he had known more about the House, instead of being manipulated before arriving at Hogwarts into only consider going into Gryffindor, and to avoid Slytherin altogether. It will be my job to explain to Harry about the Hogwarts Houses and the ins and outs of wizarding society, since he's so completely lax in those details at the moment. Thank you very much for that, Hagrid!
Hermione walked down the corridor and stopped at a bathroom. She stepped into it, and reached behind the toilet, where she had stuffed her carry-on bag. After all, she didn't want to place it in a carriage where Harry wasn't located.
She shouldered the bag, then left the bathroom and continued through the train until she found Harry sitting alone, with only his owl, Hedwig as a guest. She placed a modified Notice-Me-Not Ward on the carriage, only giving permission to the Snack Lady, herself and Harry. No need for unwanted confrontations with Draco Malfoy and his minions. This would give her and Harry several hours of unimpeded conversation where she would continue her plans. Yes, she felt bad that she was going to be manipulating Harry into the young man she wanted him to be. But future Harry had given her permission, and when she finally decided to tell present Harry about her secret of time-travel – whenever that would be, though hopefully not anytime in the near future – she would show him the memory of future Harry giving her permission to manipulate Harry.
Her manipulations, after all – and this was agreed wholly by Harry - would be for the betterment of Harry, and the future. None of her manipulations were evil, like Albus Dumbledore's and certain Weasleys. No, hers would be to protect Harry, and give him a better future – better than being the Potioned up husband to an unfaithful Ginny Weasley.
Hermione opened the sliding door. Harry jumped in his seat and looked at her. His expression went from shock to relief.
"You didn't think I was going to sit with you, did you?" Hermione asked.
Harry blushed, his cheeks turning quite pink. "I thought you would have found better to sit with."
"I promised you that I would sit with you," Hermione said, as she stepped into the carriage and shut the door behind her; she put her traveling bag on the empty seat and sat down beside it; "And that is exactly what I am going to do."
"Oh, well, okay," Harry said, "Err… do you need help putting the bag above you?"
"I could put it up there by myself just fine, if I wanted to," Hermione said, "But then I'd have to get up and take it down, if I wanted to grab a book or something from it. It is going to be a long train ride, and I brought some books with me to read. Oh, how very rude of me, not once since we met have I introduced myself. I'm Hermione Granger. Nice to meet you, Mister…"
"You don't know who I am?" Harry asked.
"You haven't introduced yourself," Hermione said.
"But I'm – well – apparently I am sort of a celebrity in the wizarding world," Harry said, "Don't get me wrong, I don't like it. I'm tired of everyone looking at my scar –" He placed a finger up to the bangs on his hair and parted them, revealing his lightning-bolt scar, "—and knowing who I am before I can introduce myself!"
"Oh, well, I am a Muggleborn," Hermione said, then sighed, "Okay, to be honest, I do know who you are. Because I've read a few books, and you are in a few of them. But I want you to introduce yourself to me, because where I'm from, it is polite to introduce oneself."
"I'm Harry," Harry said, "Harry Potter. I'm from that world too, you know."
"Society," Hermione corrected him.
"Pardon?" Harry asked.
"We are all part of the same 'world'," Hermione said, "No matter what some wizarding folk apparently want to believe. But in proper terms, the wizarding society and Muggle society are separate."
"Oh," Harry said, "How do you know that?"
"I read," Hermione said, "I've been reading my books since I bought them in Flourish and Blott's."
"So have I!" Harry said, "But I haven't seen anything about societies."
"Did you buy any other books besides the required ones on the booklist?" Hermione asked.
"Er… no," Harry said, blushing.
"Well, you should have bought some introductory books at the very least," Hermione said, "Something that would get you more acquainted with the wizarding society."
"I am now realizing that," Harry muttered; he looked very disheartened and disappointed with himself, "I bet I'm going to be horrible at everything in Hogwarts."
"You won't be," Hermione said, "I'm not the only Muggleborn, and you're not the only one who likely hasn't read enough before today. Laziness isn't just a Muggle thing, you know. N-not that I'm calling you lazy!"
She had not meant to imply that he was lazy, even though there was some truth to it.
"No, you're right," Harry said, "I normally like to read a lot. So I should have gotten more books. But the bloke who showed me Diagon Alley – well, he seemed in a bit of a rush, and would only let me buy things on my booklist. Like I really wanted this gold cauldron…"
"Gold Cauldrons are too heavy, Harry," Hermione said, "And are for more advanced Potions, so I've read. You don't just buy a gold cauldron because it is flashy, you know. There is a reason the booklist told us to get the standard Pewter cauldron. But if you wanted more books and had told your tour guide that you wanted to learn more about the wizarding society, he might have let you buy more."
"I suppose you're right," Harry said, nodding.
"Well, how about this?" Hermione said, "This train ride is going to be very long. There won't be much to do besides talking and sleeping. That is why I've brought several books along. You can read some if you want. I won't mind. I'll even recommend a couple."
"Really?" Harry asked, "If you're sure, I'd really appreciate that. I should have realized the train ride would be long. I would have brought a book on the train with me."
"Lucky I wandered into your compartment then, eh?" Hermione asked.
Harry smiled, and Hermione had to hold back a swoon. She missed that smile.
"Yeah," Harry said, "Lucky for me."
"Okay, so how about this?" Hermione said, "I've read through all the books I've brought with me. I'm just rereading them so I don't get bored. So while you read them, if you have questions to ask, or topics to
bring up about them, don't hesitate to speak up, even if I am reading a book. I can try to explain things."
"If you're sure," Harry said.
"I'm sure," Hermione said.
She opened her carry-on bag and dug into it, then brought out two books. One was a small book, while the other was quite large. Harry blanched at the size of the second, and Hermione caught this. She rolled her eyes.
"Don't worry, I don't want you to read the whole thing," Hermione reassured him with a soft smile. "That would take you much longer than a long train ride. First I want you to read this one."
She handed Harry the smaller book.
"A Muggleborn Guide to Wizarding Great Britain," Harry read the title.
"It should be 'Muggleborn and Muggle Raised'," Hermione said, "You're not a Muggleborn, but I am going to assume you were raised by Muggles."
"My relatives are Muggles, yes," Harry said, "That's what my – err – 'tour guide' called them."
"Then you should definitely read that book," Hermione said, "It shouldn't take you very long. Meanwhile, I am going to skim through this book for you and take a few notes. More like a guide. Which chapters you should read before we get to Hogwarts. This book is called the 'Encyclopedia Magicka – Great Britain Edition'. Basically this is like the sequel to the book you have, with a lot more facts. It is almost like an abridged version of several books in Flourish and Blott's."
Harry nodded. He opened the book and leaned back against the seat, as he started to read the book. Hermione smiled at him, watching his expression change slowly from uncertainty into a happy, peaceful calm as he continued reading. Harry looked up at her for a moment, looking rather confused. She realized she was staring at him. She shook herself and smiled at him, then rummaged through her carry-on bag and took out some parchment, a quill and some ink. She started making notes for Harry, concentrating hard so she wouldn't just sit there and stare at Harry again.
Because, to be honest, that is all she wanted to do right now.