Hermione closed the door of the room behind her and put the books she had picked up in the Hogwarts library on her way from the hospital wing on the table. It felt to her as if she had only been away for a single day, and even that was only because Madam Pomfrey had insisted on keeping her under observation after she returned from Dumbledore's office. Apart from the Headmaster and the Head of Gryffindor, no one knew that she had not actually been attacked by the basilisk. The three of them had decided it would be better to keep that secret, even from Harry and Ron. Though, most likely, the Non-Disclosure Charm placed on her would not have let her tell them anyway.
Ginny was the only one in the room. She was sitting on her bed with her head lowered, but the moment she saw Hermione, her face flushed and her ears went red. Ginny stubbornly avoided her friend's eyes; she looked as if she wanted the ground to swallow her up. The day before, she had briefly visited Hermione in the hospital wing but had left almost at once without saying anything. Later, Harry and Ron had come to see Hermione and told her everything that had happened while she had been away, including the part Ginny had played in it.
Hermione lingered by her desk, making a show of arranging her books, though in truth she was trying to work out where to begin. At last, she turned to Ginny, sat down on the bed opposite her and asked carefully, "Are you all right?"
Ginny flinched, as if she had been caught doing something forbidden, and nodded so quickly that it was not convincing at all.
"Everything's fine," she muttered quickly, without raising her eyes.
Hermione sighed.
"You know, I understand what happened. And I'm not angry with you. Not at all."
Ginny hunched in on herself even more and stared into the corner of the room.
"You should be angry!" she cried, almost defiantly. "It's all my fault. If I'd… if I'd told someone straight away…"
Hermione shook her head.
"Ginny, you were deceived. And by a professional, one of the best there is at this sort of thing. He once managed to wrap even the finest wizards around his little finger!"
"But still," Ginny covered her face with her hands, her voice breaking. "I almost killed people. I almost killed Harry!"
Hermione moved closer and carefully took Ginny's hands, gently lowering them so she could see her face.
"Ginny, you would never have laid a finger on anyone if you'd been able to control yourself. That was Voldemort. And do you know what that means? It means you fought the most dangerous Dark wizard of our time. He wanted to kill you, but in the end, you managed to defeat him. So in a way, you're our girl-who-lived now," Hermione finished with a smile.
Ginny looked up at her in fear, tears still shining in her eyes.
"Fought? But I didn't hold out. He used me. Harry saved me! I only survived because of him!"
Hermione thought for a moment. She knew how hard this was for Ginny, but she also knew her words had to be honest, not merely comforting.
"Listen. I know what it's like to blame yourself for doing something wrong," she said quietly. "Last year..." She faltered. "...last year I hid important things from the teachers too. Out of stupidity. And because I was afraid. Just like you."
"You were afraid?" Genuine surprise flickered across Ginny's tear-streaked face. "But I think you're very brave!"
Hermione smiled.
"Yes, I was afraid. And because of that, I made mistakes. Other pupils could have been hurt. Harry and Ron nearly died."
Ginny's eyes widened.
"Back then, I thought I could handle it on my own too," Hermione whispered. "I kept everything hidden. From everyone. And it was wrong. A huge mistake. But what's done is done. The important thing is that it all worked out, and I realised I had been wrong."
Ginny looked at Hermione doubtfully.
"That's why I don't blame you. Neither do Ron or Harry. We understand that it wasn't your fault. None of us thinks you're guilty of anything!"
Ginny looked away, but clear relief was already showing on her face. She wiped the tears from her cheek and finally gave a shy smile.
"Thank you, Hermione," she muttered awkwardly.
Hermione smiled back and hugged her. But deep down, she could not help noticing the irony: Olivia Lightflame, her former roommate, had put her in mortal danger because of the League of Light, and now Ginny had turned out to be connected to Voldemort. The absurdity of it almost made her giggle, but she caught herself in time.
"You know, Ginny, perhaps I was too naive to hope for a quiet school year," she said with a faint smirk.
Ginny snorted, wiped her eyes again and finally laughed, quietly at first, then sincerely, properly.
***
Ron and Harry, sitting opposite Hermione in the corner of the Gryffindor common room, exchanged knowing looks when they heard her latest tirade.
"This is absurd!" she said irritably, looking at them over the pile of textbooks she had, for some reason, dragged back from the library. "They've cancelled all the exams! How is that even possible? It goes against the whole education system. We're wasting precious time!"
Harry answered while turning his wand over in his hands.
"Hermione, I think you're the only person who's upset about this. Normal people are happy when exams are cancelled. It's a blessing! Isn't it, Ron?"
"Exactly," Ron confirmed through a mouthful of food, chewing a pasty he had grabbed at breakfast that morning. "Listen, Hermione, just relax. We'll have all year to catch up. Maybe we could play chess? Or something else?"
"Relax?" Hermione raised her eyebrows and slammed her textbook shut so hard that Harry flinched. "Do you have any idea how many new subjects we'll have next year? There's so much to learn!"
"You're not actually planning to take all those subjects, are you?" Ron asked doubtfully. "That's just impossible!"
"Of course I am," Hermione snapped, lifting her chin proudly. "'Impossible,'" she snorted, imitating Ron, "is just what you call anything that requires the slightest effort. If you manage your time properly, it's perfectly possible."
"'Manage your time properly'?" Ron snorted. "Hermione, you're forgetting we're only human! When exactly are you planning to eat? Or sleep?"
"I'll manage," she said sharply. "If you think it's impossible, then you simply haven't tried hard enough."
"Hermione, are you even listening to us?" Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Ron's right: your head's going to explode."
"Heads don't explode from studying," Hermione said dryly. "Only from some kind of curse."
Harry and Ron exchanged looks. Ron pulled a face as if to say, 'She's definitely a bit mad.'
"I just don't understand why you need so many subjects," Harry sighed. "You already know everything."
"If you studied the way I do, you'd understand how much there still is to learn," Hermione snorted, and gave them such a look that both boys fell silent.
After a short pause, she stood up, hugged her books to her chest and headed for the stairs to the dormitory.
***
The day before the end of the school year, Hermione received an urgent note summoning her to the Headmaster's office.
"What now?" she muttered under her breath as she climbed the stairs. "Is Dumbledore not going to give me back the Time-Turner? Or is this about Terry Foster again? Or have I broken some rule?" Then she answered herself at once. "No, impossible. I always follow the rules. Almost always." And yet she still felt uneasy.
When she entered the office, Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk, with Professor McGonagall beside him. By the window stood a tall dark-skinned man in dark-green robes, who immediately seemed familiar. Seeing Hermione come in, he turned and gave her a friendly smile.
"Good afternoon, Miss Granger," he said with a courteous nod. "I hope you remember me?"
"Yes, yes, of course, Mr Shacklebolt," Hermione said quickly, nodding.
He was the same Auror who had helped her during the attack at the Christmas skating rink, and who had come this year with news about Tommy. Hermione now had little doubt that he was the one handling her case at the Ministry. Their paths had crossed too often for it to be mere coincidence.
But Kingsley had never turned up for no reason before. So Hermione's heart began to beat a little faster.
"I'm afraid I don't have very good news," he said, confirming her fears at once with a faint smile. Regret flickered in his eyes.
"Not very good?" Hermione repeated. "What does that mean?"
Kingsley nodded, but instead of answering, he took a fresh copy of the 'Daily Prophet' from an inside pocket. It was the evening edition, not yet sent out to readers. He unfolded the newspaper and carefully handed it to Hermione, pointing to the front page.
"I think you should read this first, before we continue."
Hermione took the newspaper and began to read aloud.
Tragedy in France:
Young Wizard Found Dead.
A new victim of the League of Light, or simply a child unable to bear the gift of magic?
The body of twelve-year-old Antoine Belavanche, a pupil at the prestigious Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, was found near an abandoned lighthouse on the coast of Brittany. Local authorities report that the boy left the school without permission and was found two days after the search began.
Investigators from Maggamouar, the French equivalent of Britain's Department of Magical Law Enforcement, are so far refraining from drawing final conclusions about the cause of death. However, as our correspondent has learned from reliable sources, numerous protective amulets were found near the body. In addition, a pentagram was clearly visible in the wet sand, a symbol used by several peoples to ward off dark forces.
Sources at Beauxbatons Academy say that in recent weeks the boy had looked depressed and frightened, refused to say what was troubling him, and had several times been seen crying alone. Several classmates said he had complained of 'voices', 'visions' and 'warnings' that came to him at night. One pupil, speaking anonymously, admitted that Antoine had been afraid of a 'shadow' that had threatened to kill him if he told the truth.
All this raises an alarming possibility: the child may have been subjected to a sustained Dark magic attack. Although this is only a theory, sadly, there are serious grounds for it. Antoine came from a Muggle family and was already under Maggamouar observation because of threats from the radical group known as the League of Light. And although investigators say the boy really was being watched, an uncomfortable question now arises: was it enough? How else can one explain his sudden disappearance from the Academy, and the two-day search that ended in tragedy?
However, not everyone agrees with this interpretation. One teacher at Beauxbatons Academy, who wished to remain anonymous, offered his own view of what had happened:
"Of course, we all mourn Antoine," he said in an even voice, without showing the slightest hint of real sympathy. "But let us be honest: not everyone can withstand the intense pressure of studying at our Academy. Even among us, those who grew up in a magical environment and absorbed magic from the first days of life, breakdowns happen. Not everyone makes it to the end. And now imagine a child from a Muggle family. We cannot expect such pupils to have the same endurance and resilience. It is entirely possible that he simply could not cope with the pressure and..." The teacher spread his hands, leaving the rest hanging in the air.
The editorial board stresses that we do not share views that link children's psychological resilience to their background. However, the possibility that Antoine was unable to cope with the academic pressure is also being considered by investigators and cannot be dismissed outright.
The investigation continues. Maggamouar representatives are calling for restraint and asking people not to spread unfounded rumours.
Nevertheless, the tragedy of Antoine Belavanche forces us to ask at least two questions: whether our children are properly protected from magical extremists, and how deeply academic pressure can affect a child's mind. We are convinced that these questions must not remain unanswered.
Special correspondent: Isolde Peregrine.
Hermione went pale. At the same time, her eyes flashed with indignation.
"This... this is horrible. But that teacher. How can he say something like that?"
McGonagall, who had been watching her pupil tensely all this time, finally spoke.
"Miss Granger, you are quite right. Such remarks are unacceptable."
"But unfortunately, they did not come from nowhere," Kingsley cut in. "The article does not mention it, but the boy was found with multiple injuries and burns which, by the look of it, he had inflicted on himself."
The office fell silent.
"So you think," Hermione said, barely above a whisper, "that he really... couldn't cope?"
"Not at all," the Auror said, shaking his head. "I'm only saying where such rumours may have come from. Our department is inclined to believe that he was deliberately targeted by the League of Light. The pressure was so intense that in the end it drove him mad."
McGonagall covered her mouth with her hand. Hermione went even paler. Dumbledore frowned, not taking his eyes off the Ministry official.
"Moreover," Kingsley continued, "several similar cases have been recorded across Europe. Fortunately, none of them have ended in tragedy so far, but the children were put under extreme stress: they spoke of terrible dreams, heard voices, felt someone's constant presence. One boy even tried to run away from school, just as Antoine had done. And all of them, without exception, come from Muggle families."
"Yes... a nasty situation," Dumbledore said slowly, looking at the Auror. "I take it, however, that you did not come to Hogwarts simply to tell us about these terrible events?"
Kingsley nodded silently, then looked at Hermione gravely.
"Many of these attacks began exactly as yours did this year," he said quietly. "First notes. Then threats. Strange, unexplained incidents. In your case, you were lucky: the person they chose, your former roommate, was not prepared to go all the way. And then you were Petrified."
He paused. A shiver ran through Hermione.
"Judging by everything we know, their next step will be an attack on your family home," Kingsley said, looking her in the eye. "We have intercepted several worrying indications, but we cannot work out exactly how the attack will be carried out. The League acts carefully and covers its tracks."
Hermione felt her knees give way.
"But what am I supposed to do? And what about my parents?" she asked hoarsely. "They're in danger too!"
"That's right," Kingsley said with a nod. "That is why we have a plan. Your family will have to leave the house for a while, just for the holidays. And we will set an ambush in your home."
"An ambush?" Hermione's eyes widened.
"Yes," Kingsley confirmed. "As far as I remember, you have already had some experience with Polyjuice Potion, haven't you? The incident with Tommy, I mean."
Hermione nodded automatically. Dumbledore and McGonagall exchanged glances.
"Well then," Mr Shacklebolt continued, "you and your parents will take Polyjuice Potion to change your appearance, and then go on holiday. Meanwhile, our Aurors will take your places, looking exactly like the three of you, and wait for the uninvited guests."
"But my parents don't know anything!" Hermione exclaimed. "How am I supposed to explain to them... well, all of this?"
"If you wish, I can speak to them myself," Kingsley offered. "Although it may not be easy for Muggles to take in such a situation."
"Not easy? That's putting it mildly," Hermione said, swallowing nervously. "I'll have to tell them that some magical cult wants to kill me, and possibly them as well."
Dumbledore intervened, calmly raising his hand.
"Miss Granger, I am sure you will find the right words. Sometimes the truth is the best course. And if you feel you need help, I can send Professor McGonagall with you. She will explain everything as clearly as possible."
"No, thank you," Hermione said quickly, lowering her gaze. Her father already disliked McGonagall, and she had no desire at all for the Head of Gryffindor to appear in their house with news like this. "Besides, the League knows where we live. That means they are already watching us. Extra people turning up could make them suspicious."
"That's right," Kingsley confirmed with an approving smile.
"Well, do as you think best," McGonagall put in. "But if you decide you need my help, Miss Granger, I am always at your service."
Hermione nodded gratefully, and Kingsley continued.
"In any case, Miss Granger, you have only three days to explain everything and get ready. After that, you will go to a shop near your house, where you will meet the Aurors. That is where you will take the potion and exchange appearances."
Hermione fell silent. An ambush. Polyjuice Potion. A forced holiday abroad. Everything had been turned upside down again, and she could barely take it all in.
"All right," she said at last, raising her head. "I'll explain everything to my parents. But what happens next?"
Dumbledore chuckled.
"Next, Miss Granger, we shall try to catch the people behind this. And you should try to get some rest. Although, knowing you..." He shook his head. "You will probably take a couple of textbooks with you."
Hermione blushed, but said nothing.
"Excellent," Kingsley said. "Then the plan is settled. And please, Miss Granger, don't worry. We will do everything we can to keep you safe."
***
The next day, the Hogwarts Express, filled with the noise, laughter and chatter of pupils, pulled away from the platform. Hermione sat in a compartment with Harry and Ron, absently leafing through a textbook, but her thoughts were far away. She tried not to give away her anxiety, especially in front of her friends. Kingsley had warned her sternly: not a word to anyone about the ambush.
Harry and Ron were cheerfully arguing about who would win their next game of chess, while Hermione nodded in all the right places and stared out of the window. Green hills and groves drifted past beyond the glass, but to her they were only background. With every minute, the train was carrying her closer to reality, the reality beyond Hogwarts, where she would have to tell her parents everything and convince them to leave.
Mr and Mrs Granger met Hermione at the station. They hugged their daughter with their usual warmth, picked up her luggage and headed with her to the car.
"How was your year, darling?" her mother asked as they walked towards the car park.
"Very eventful," Hermione replied, gripping the handle of her suitcase a little tighter. "I'll tell you everything over dinner."
The journey home flew by. Hermione answered their questions in monosyllables, all the while going over possible wording in her head, trying to work out how to begin. When they finally sat down to dinner, she took a deep breath.
It was time.
Putting down her fork and straightening her back, Hermione looked at her parents. She smiled, a little too tightly.
"Mum, Dad... I've been thinking," she said, trying to sound as casual as possible. "Why don't we go to Paris for the summer holidays?"
THE END OF PART TWO
Writing this story has been a genuinely enjoyable experience. I originally planned for it to have three or perhaps even four parts, but now that the second part is finished, I'm not sure whether I will continue.
Finding enough time to fit writing around everyday life is not always easy, especially when I'm not sure how many readers would like to see the story continue. So, if you enjoyed this part and would be interested in reading another one, I would really appreciate it if you left a comment. Your feedback may help me decide whether to continue the series.