A Much-Needed Break

Albus escorted Rose out of the Minister's office. There was still much to do in regard to reinstating him as headmaster of Hogwarts, but with the Basilisk out of the way, there was no rush. Minerva was more than capable of handling everything on her own.

"Was the Basilisk's head really necessary?" Albus asked.

"Severed heads are always necessary!" Rose exclaimed, shoving the head inside a small black hole from her bracelet.

"If you didn't kill the Basilisk, why are you covered in blood?" Albus asked.

"Presentation!"

Rose waved her hand over her body, and the blood vanished.

"Well, it seems your plan worked."

Rose beamed, ever cheerful regardless of the circumstances.

"Would you mind telling me what happened?"

Rose gave an account of the events that transpired after Albus left with Cornelius a few hours ago.

"I must say, I'm impressed by your friends' ingenuity," Albus said when she finished. "Covering the Basilisk with honey, using a magic tag to find it, and blocking the sight of the user is inspired."

"You forgot setting it on fire!" Rose exclaimed gleefully.

"How could I have forgotten?"

"It was the best part!"

Albus smiled. As frustrating as the girl was, she always managed to stay happy. That was an admirable trait in anyone, especially someone separated from her loved ones.

"Rose, while I've got your attention, there's something I'd like to talk to you about."

"What is it?"

"Third-years are allowed to visit Hogsmeade, but only with permission from their parents or guardians."

"Why?"

"Well, Hogsmeade is mostly unsupervised," Professor Dumbledore explained. "It gives students freedoms that they may not otherwise enjoy, and some parents don't feel comfortable granting those privileges to their children at such an early and volatile age."

"Yeah," Rose said. "Being a teenager was awful. You're always either angry or sad, and start caring a lot more about what other people think."

"I often forget you're older than you look," Professor Dumbledore replied. "Have you any idea how old you are?"

"Not really," Rose said. "Maybe… I was nine when… and ten years later… then that was another year…"

After taking a few moments to figure it out, Rose gave up.

<Ref, how old am I?>

<You are 21, although in a few weeks you will be 22.>

<Thanks!> Rose exclaimed. "Ref says I'm 21, but I'll be 22 soon."

"I see," Albus said. "Your birthday is in May?"

"Not sure. Your months are weird."

"How so?"

"In De'rok, a minute is 60 seconds, an hour is 60 minutes, a day is 24 hours, a week is six days, a month is five weeks, and a year is 12 months. But here, your weeks are seven days, your months vary, and your years are 12 months."

"So a year in your world is five days shorter than one in this one," Albus said. "Although I do like how cleanly everything works out."

"Me too!" Rose exclaimed. "It makes handling lengthy spell durations easier. What if I can't get permission from my guardians?"

"If you can't get a signed consent form, then you won't be allowed to enter Hogsmeade with the rest of your friends."

"How is 'guardians' defined?"

"Your guardians are your caretakers when you aren't at school."

"That varies, but Hermione's parents took care of me over the summer. I can ask Alice and make sure she's okay with it."

"Can she sign the consent form?"

Rose tilted her head. "Probably not."

"However, given that you have no official guardians, and are significantly older than you appear, I don't see the harm in allowing you to attend Hogsmeade outings."

"Especially since I can just dim door in there if I wanted."

"Quite," her teacher replied. "If you wouldn't mind, let's keep that our little secret."

Rose smiled and pressed her finger to her lips.

Albus found it interesting that so many expressions that he took for granted from both the Muggle and Magical worlds were absent in his foreigner. It served as a reminder that despite how similar their cultures were, they were still completely different.

"I've got another question."

"Shoot."

"Well, that was an easy decision," Albus replied, smiling. Seeing Rose grin, he continued. "Next question: Have you given thought to your electives?"

"Creature Care, and something," Rose replied. "I don't know what else, yet. Neither does Harry, I think."

"We sorted it out," Albus said. "I suggested Arithmancy. He got his father's talent for Quidditch, so I thought maybe he'd have his mother's talent for Arithmancy. What about you? You once expressed an interest in Arithmancy."

"Yeah," Rose said. "I think I'd like to, but… well…"

"It's too magic intensive and you're afraid Professor Vector will see through you?"

"Something like that," Rose replied. "She only likes me because Hermione likes me. If she knew I really wasn't from around here, I don't think she'd let Hermione near me."

"She's quite concerned about Ms. Granger's future. I hope you won't take it personally."

"I don't," Rose said. "We get along though. We've got so much in common!"

Albus smiled knowingly. "You both want the best for Ms. Granger."

Rose nodded. "Muggle Studies sounds boring, Divination sounds like a waste of time, and I'll end up with a similar problem to Arithmancy if I try taking Ancient Runes." Rose tilted her head. "Actually, thinking about it, Muggle technology sounded interesting. Hermione and I were looking up electricity over the summer."

Albus kept up with developments in the Muggle world with as much diligence as he did the Magical one. As such, he was no stranger to the advancements in Muggle technology made over the past few years. He was fascinated by their ingenuity. Muggles had a means of flying through the air, and had developed a weapon capable of wiping out an entire city in seconds. Naturally, it was the Americans that had first developed this. It wasn't just their resources that allowed them to develop it first, but Americans always seemed to want to take the violent solution.

If Rose discovered these inventions, there was no telling what she'd do with the knowledge. If there was anyone that would attempt to cross Muggle technology and magic, Albus had two candidates in mind: Hermione Granger and Rose Peta-Lorrum. If Hermione attempted it, the result would be something to benefit the entire world; if Rose did it, there wouldn't be a world left.

The girl liked to tinker and experiment. It was a shame she couldn't take Alchemy; Albus had initially considered allowing her to take it, but that would be three years early, and it was a class that not many students took in the first place. Albus tried hard not to play favorites, although he knew that his treatment of Harry and his friends came off that way. He didn't mean to treat them differently, but they were all special. Regardless, he wasn't going to play favorites with Rose if he could avoid it.

How could the girl constructively create something in a way that didn't result in Hogwarts burning to the ground?

"Ancient Runes isn't particularly magic-intensive," he said. "Why not give it a try?"

"It's Sally-Anne's thing," Rose replied. "Well, she doesn't seem to mind, actually. She likes the Shield Rune, but she doesn't take it as seriously as Hermione takes Arithmancy. Actually, Luna really seems to enjoy Runes."

"Why is that important to your choice?" Albus asked.

"I'm an Artificer, so I can fill any role in the party," Rose explained. "I can probably do it better than the actual party members, but if I do, then the party begins to hate me. The best way to get a party to function well is for everyone to have something at which they excel." She patted herself on the head. "That way, no one feels outshined by the other members."

"Why not simply enjoy the class, but not outshine the other students?" Albus asked.

"I'm not sure I understand," replied Rose.

"You're a clever young lady, but you don't seek to draw attention to that. In fact, you strive for exactly the opposite. You don't want to be labeled as 'clever'."

"Of course not. When you're clever, everyone always turns to you and asks 'What's the plan?' That's what we do with Sk'lar back home, and Hermione here. Sometimes Ron. It's a lot of stress, needing a plan all the time."

"Yes, it is," Albus agreed. "I think you'd enjoy it if you had the chance, and if you don't show off, you'll be fine."

Rose paused, then gave her clasp a dirty look.

"Ref agreeing that you show off?" Albus asked.

"Traitor," she grumbled.

"I've been headmaster at Hogwarts for a long time," Albus said. "I've seen students of all sorts come in through the doors, and I'd like to think that I've bettered each one of them."

Rose tilted her head.

"I don't mean to oppose you," Albus explained. "There's no need to call Ref a traitor. We're both on your side."

"I'll– Mr. Malfoy!"

Rose raced off to intercept the Malfoy patriarch.

What were we just saying? Albus thought. Always having a plan?

Albus watched Rose talk to Lucius. She handed him the book, which he immediately passed to his house-elf.

"Making friends?"

"Trying," Rose replied.

"May I ask why? I seem to recall the young Mr. Malfoy being rather harsh towards you and your friends."

"It was something Carolina said," Rose replied. "Sometimes, the only way for someone to not be afraid is to show them there's nothing to fear."

Albus nodded his approval of her words.

"I hope to meet her someday," Albus said. "She sounds like a wise young girl."

Rose smiled, allowing herself to become lost in a happy memory.

"We should be going," Albus said. "I wouldn't want Professor McGonagall to be worried about you, even if she'll never admit it."

<Perhaps you should tell Professor Dumbledore about Sally,> Sk'lar pathed later that night.

<They should evacuate the school and remove him, just to be safe,> Uncle Oz agreed.

<Lay off my little sister!> Alice shouted in their heads. <She died today!>

<There might not be time,> Shadow argued. <Sally has eyes and ears all over the school, so an evac wouldn't be possible. He'd find out, and who knows the kind of control he has.>

<Only Professor Dumbledore stays there over the summer, right?> Bowie asked. <Why not ask him during the summer?>

<No, Shadow's right,> Sk'lar pathed. <We don't know what he can do. If the Spektres can leave the school, then they can easily wreak havoc on the surrounding population.>

<But leaving him there can't be safe!> Carolina exclaimed. <Someone needs to do something about him.>

<Exactly,> Bowie pathed. <If he can attack people whenever he wants inside the school, then he should be dealt with.>

<A bunch of the kids killed a monster today,> Alice shot back. <It's obvious at least some of them can hold their own.>

<Alice, I don't think it's a good idea to encourage those children to fight,> Oz pathed. <That world isn't like ours; their people don't live under the threat of attack.>

<Doesn't mean they can't fight!>

<He's threatening to go after the other students if I tell anyone about him,> Rose pathed. <If I had that much trouble with Cruentius, other people might too.>

<But you destroyed it,> Bowie pathed.

<We don't know that,> Oz replied. <Swarms only ever disperse. If Cruentius is truly a swarm, then it can be reformed by Sally. Rose, you should be on guard in case he comes after you again.>

<Home sweet home,> Rose pathed.

<The fact of the matter is that Sally is dangerous,> Ozerl continued. <He has created a personal army of creatures that may not be able to be beaten by normal people in that world, and a creature that was able to take a beating before finally falling, as opposed to Voldemort's army of Humans. If Sally can observe the entire castle as he pleases, there's no telling what he can do. Rose, this isn't a typical encounter in that plane. Unlike Lockhart and Quirrell, he uses abnormal magic, and may have the means of stopping you. He isn't going to attempt the amateur move of using a death-effect on you or control your mind. Sally seems to understand that there are easier, non-magical ways of getting to people. Rose, please be careful of him. You have never shown fear for Voldemort since arriving and learning of him, but Sally is different.>

<I know,> Rose replied. <He explained to me how the Spektres work. I thought it was arrogance at first, but he was trying to intimidate me by explaining that he could turn people into them. They… They extract peoples' souls.>

<Figures,> Bowie pathed. <It's as if they know we can res people, so they have to up the stakes. Classic plot point.>

<For the last time, Bowie,> Carolina pathed. <We are real people, not characters in a story.>

<Carolina, do you honestly believe that's going to be the last time you tell me that?> Bowie asked.

<No, but I hold onto hope,> Carolina replied sadly.

<Sally's been trying to communicate with me all year,> Rose pathed. <He wants something from me, but I don't know what. He knows a lot more about me than I'd like him to, but I there's nothing I can do about it now.>

<Rose, if there's anyone that can handle this, it's you,> Alice pathed.

<Remember, the teachers are there to help you,> Sk'lar pathed. <Professor Dumbledore trusts you well enough, so you should consider telling him about Sally.>

<We just discussed this,> Shadow replied. <Rose tells anyone about Sally, she puts everyone in danger. Carolina, that's bad, right?>

<Yes, Shadow, that's very bad.>

<Exactly,> Shadow pathed.

<Sally does pose a serious threat to the students, but for right now, the best way to mitigate that threat is through silence,> Oz pathed.

<Why not go back down to the Chamber of Secrets, and deal with him yourself?> Alice asked. <Take the fight to him!>

<What if Cruentius is only one of his minions?> Shadow asked. <What then?>

<Oh,> Alice pathed. <I hadn't thought of that.>

<That's why we're one, big, happy family!> Carolina pathed.

<I'll stay on alert,> Rose pathed. <For now, I'm gonna get some rest. I'm exhausted.>

<You've had a long day,> Ozerl pathed. <You've earned it.>

Rose closed her eyes as the rest of her friends and family bid their farewells.

While Rose was chatting with her friends, Albus was chatting with his.

"Neville Longbottom?!" Severus exclaimed.

"Threw the Sword of Gryffindor at the Basilisk, taking out its second eye," Minerva confirmed. "I hardly believed it myself, but the evidence was there."

The house heads, along with Professors Vector and Babbling, were gathered in Albus's office. Word had spread like wildfire after the students were released about the downfall of the Basilisk and the early retirement and criminal investigation of Gilderoy Lockhart.

Reactions varied from person to person. Minerva was full of pride that her Gryffindors had successfully devised and executed a plan to kill the Basilisk. Just as proud were Septima and Bathsheda, although the former was far more smug about it than the latter.

Pomona and Filius were happy that the students were alive, and Filius was impressed that the Weasley boy had successfully pulled of a summoning charm on his friend.

Severus was glowering as always, and Albus was betraying no emotion, although he was clearly impressed by and happy with the turnout.

"How did they acquire the Sword of Gryffindor?" Bathsheda asked.

"Longbottom said he pulled it out of the Sorting Hat, which had found its way into Poppy's office," Minerva replied. "None of them knew how." She turned to face Albus. "Albus?"

"I believe Fawkes brought it to them," he replied simply. "Fawkes was tasked with keeping an eye on them if I were to be removed."

"And naturally, you declined to inform any of us about this," Minerva said, sighing. "Fair enough."

"Needless to say, it's brilliant that they were able to handle it," Pomona said. "Have their parents been informed that everything is alright?"

"I've arranged for a meeting tomorrow with Arthur and Molly Weasley to talk about their children," Minerva said. "Arthur has always been prompt about returning post, despite the Weasley owl being sluggish at best. I have requested a meeting with Xenophilius Lovegood to discuss his daughter. I have not told him why, nor have I heard from him as yet."

"What of the other students' parents?" Albus asked.

"Skipping past Peta-Lorrum and Potter," she said. "As the closest thing Peta-Lorrum has to guardians are the Grangers, and the Dursleys are…"

"Monsters?" Severus offered.

"I often forget you know his aunt," Minerva said. "Yes, that's certainly a word for it. Returning to your question, Albus, I have sent word to Augusta Longbottom. Given the current state of Frank and Alice, I imagine she will be concerned about her grandson's well-being. I have assured her that he is receiving the best care possible. Regarding Granger and Perks, the girls are vigilant about keeping in communication with their respective families. Perks's parents seem willing to take everything in stride, while Granger's are more protective. I believe I speak for all of us when I say I'd hate to lose any of those children to another school."

"It is still our responsibility to inform them of these events," Albus said calmly. "Regardless of the consequences. As her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Granger have every right to remove the young Ms. Granger from Hogwarts, and have shown interest in doing so before."

"Why don't we let Hermione talk to them?" Septima suggested.

"How exactly would she do that?" Severus asked. "Through post?"

"If I had to take a guess, I'd say Hermione will be distraught about how to explain all of this to her parents," Septima began. "This was a big incident, and she was exactly where they wouldn't want her to be, and Rose was not by her side, despite her promises. No offence, Minerva, but–"

"One teacher doesn't make an army," Minerva said. "None taken, Septima."

"It would be best if they heard it from their daughter rather than one of us," Septima said. "Hermione said that helped them during the troll incident last year."

"That's common for Muggle-born families," Minerva agreed. "At least families that don't know Hogwarts well."

"Couldn't Peta-Lorrum simply take them to her house?" Filius asked. "I don't think there are limits on her ability to move people from place to place."

"I'll suggest it to Hermione," Septima said. "I also want to talk to her about publication options before too long."

"For now, it's late," Albus said. "I think we could all use some rest. It's been a busy day. Everyone, well done. We handled the crisis as best we could, and no one was hurt."

"What about Lockhart?" Pomona asked.

"No one important was hurt," Severus said, sneering.

Ron was never comfortable being called to Professor McGonagall's office. He didn't know why, but he was confident that it had something to do with the Basilisk. Supporting his theory was the presence of his sister. Together, the siblings made their way through the now safe school. It was relaxing, not having to worry about the Basilisk suddenly jumping out and attacking them. Now the worst threat to their safety was the Twins.

When they arrived, they found not only Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore, but their parents as well.

"Oh no," Ron muttered.

"On the count of three, we run," Ginny muttered, but it was too late.

Before they could so much as contemplate running away and hiding, both of them were swept up in a hug by their mother.

"Are you two alright?!" she exclaimed. "Are either of you hurt? Your professors just got through explaining everything to us."

"Mum, we're fine," gasped Ginny.

"Can't breathe," Ron said.

"I see a bright light," Ginny added.

Molly Weasley released her youngest two children.

"I thought you'd be more cross," Ron said.

"Unbelievably so," his mum replied. "You, Ronald Bilius Weasley, will be doing chores all summer."

"But–"

"You were out past curfew, Ronald," his dad said. "A decision that should've gotten you killed."

"You were lucky Professor Flitwick was there to save you," his mum said.

"But without Ron, Professor McGonagall would be dead!" Ginny blurted out.

Arthur and Molly turned to face their daughter, then to Minerva.

"She's right," Minerva said. "Ronald drove the plan that ultimately slayed the Basilisk, and successfully performed a summoning charm to save Ms. Granger's life. And Ginevra dealt the finishing blow to it."

Ginny contained a scowl. She hated being called "Ginevra".

"I do believe that without these two, everyone would not have been so lucky," Professor Dumbledore added. "I do hope someone will inform William and Charles. I believe they will both be quite eager to hear the story."

Ron smiled. After hearing over and over that he should be more like his brothers, for once, someone was talking about him like he were a real person, and not just a knockoff of Bill and Charlie.

"Why don't you two start from the beginning?" suggested their father.

Dan and Emma Granger were enjoying a quiet, relaxing dinner. There had been no news from Hogwarts, so they were assuming that everything was fine.

Until their daughter appeared in their kitchen.

"Mum! Dad!" she shouted, and ran to hug both of them.

Accompanying her was Rose, who looked less cheerful than normal. Actually, if Dan had to attach an emotion to her expression, it was guilt.

That can't be good, he thought as he held his daughter.

"What's going on?" he asked. "Not that we aren't happy to see you girls, but you've never visited us."

"The Basilisk's dead," Rose said. "It attacked the Hospital Wing, and–"

"Was anyone hurt?" Emma asked the little girl, who shook her head.

"Not badly. Harry and Neville sustained minor injuries, but magic being what it is, they were fine. They survived thanks to Hermione."

Dan looked to his daughter for an explanation, but instead, it was Rose that provided it.

"Hermione enchanted Harry's glasses and threw honey at it so they could see!"

Emma and Dan turned to Hermione for a better explanation, who had let go of them.

"We used a magic tag on the honey, which stuck to the Basilisk," Hermione explained. "The glasses were enchanted so the wearer could see the tag, but covered with burnt bread dough of all things to stop the wearer from seeing anything else."

"Professor Dumbledore called it 'inspired'," Rose said, beaming. "But that's not all she did. She made a spell that made the air more flammable so Ginny could blow it up!"

Once again, the Grangers looked to their daughter for an explanation.

"At a very high level, that's actually correct," Hermione said. "It was the only thing any of us could think to do against the Basilisk."

"What about you?" Dan asked Rose. "Weren't you there with her?"

Rose shook her head sadly, guilt returning to her face. "I was in the Chamber of Secrets dealing with the Heir of Slytherin. He was draining Luna's life from her, and I didn't know how much time she had. I had to make a choice: Depend on my friends and Professor McGonagall to hold their own against the Basilisk, or risk losing Little Moon."

"So you abandoned our daughter to save someone else?" Dan asked.

"It wasn't Rose's fault, Dad," Hermione said. "The professors were protecting the common rooms so it didn't attack the other students, and Professor McGonagall was there with us. Honestly, of all the professors, Professor McGonagall would be my second pick for a defender. My first choice had apparently been removed by the Ministry."

Emma frowned at her daughter, not understanding her statement.

"Professor Dumbledore was taken by the Ministry," Rose explained.

"What possible reason did they have for that?" Emma asked.

"Professor Dumbledore was deemed unfit to handle the school, and Lucius Malfoy is a parasite that feeds on fear."

Once again, Hermione's parents looked to her for a translation.

"Mr. Malfoy scared most of the board of directors into suspending Professor Dumbledore. I think if they hadn't done that, he would've been there with us in the Hospital Wing."

"Hold on," Emma said. "Rose, who was with you?"

"Professor Lockhart," Rose replied. "Turns out he is a fake, and has been stealing credit for stuff other people do. He makes sure they can't out him by wiping their memories."

"And he was the only other person with you?" Dan asked.

"It was fine," Rose replied nonchalantly. "He wasn't that tough, and mind blank stopped him from erasing my memory and stealing credit for defeating the Heir." She grinned. "Enough about me; your daughter's gonna be a published author soon."

Dan and Emma once again found an explanation with their daughter.

"Sort of," Hermione said. "Someone from the Daily Prophet is coming in to talk to us about how we stopped the Basilisk. That gave Professor Vector the idea to contact an Arithmancy journal, and next thing I know, we're working on a paper about methods of killing Basilisks."

"That's amazing!" Emma exclaimed.

"Congratulations!" Dan added.

"The oxygen was Harry's idea, the tag was Ron's, and–"

"But she crafted the spell that killed it!" Rose exclaimed, beaming with as much pride as both Dan and Emma felt.

"Why don't we get the entire story?" Emma suggested. "If you girls would like, there's plenty of food here for both of you."

"I'd love some," Hermione said.

"I'll pass, but thank you anyway," Rose said.

"But we still insist that you stay, Rose," Dan said.

He was still cross about the crimson-haired not keeping her word that she would protect Hermione, but he was keeping good spirits by reminding himself that everything had worked out. In the end, it wasn't actually her fault. Both girls explained that they had had no idea what was happening to Luna, but in order to save her, Rose had to be in the Chamber of Secrets. Dan understood, even if he didn't like it, and he agreed that Professor McGonagall did the best job she could of keeping them safe.

"What prompted you girls to come visit us instead of writing a letter?" Emma asked her unexpected guests.

"Hermione couldn't figure out what to write," Rose replied. "But Professor Vector and I thought it was a great idea to come here!"

"We're always happy to have you girls over," Dan said. "Perhaps a tad more warning next time, please."

"I will do my best, but Rose doesn't give me much warning when she does things like that," Hermione replied.

"Speaking of little warning, Rose, are you going to be staying with us again this summer?" Emma asked.

"If it's not too much of an intrusion," Rose replied, patting herself on the head. Her face lit up with all the light of the sun. "Especially if you're going camping again!"

"Every summer," Dan said, smiling at the girl's excitement. "You're welcome to come along, just so long as you let us move at our own pace this time."

"Although, prestidigitation was helpful," Emma said.

"I know, right?!" exclaimed Rose. "You mortals and your water."

"Did she just call us 'mortals'?" Dan asked Hermione.

"Probably," Hermione replied.

Compared to the Basilisk, exams were no trouble at all. The children were celebrities at school; everyone wanted to know about the Basilisk and how they had killed it.

While her friends had the other students distracted, Rose took the opportunity to comfort Luna, who was still upset by the whole ordeal.

No one at the Ravenclaw table picked on Luna anymore, especially not with Rose there. Despite Rose's efforts, word had spread (mostly due to Peeves) that Luna had been the one behind the attacks. After things had started to get out of hand, Rose made an announcement in Ravenclaw Tower explaining in great detail how she would handle anyone caught harassing her new little sister. Most of Ravenclaw had agreed that they were in the wrong and should be ashamed of themselves for ever doubting that Luna was a kind, sweet little girl after Rose used the word "disembowel". In fact, everyone was quite friendly towards the two after that.

Ron and Harry enjoyed the quiet now and then when the girls had their audience distracted, and Harry loved being normal for a few moments. Even Neville began to enjoy the lack of attention when he got it, although word had spread that he lobbed a sword at the Basilisk and got a "snake's eye" (A pun that Ginny had devised and only Rose found funny). His gran had been ecstatic when she found out, and he knew his mum and dad would be too.

All in all, it was a relaxing end to a hectic year. It was a much-needed break.

Before long, they were all back on the Hogwarts Express. Rose still refused to leave Luna's side, so the ghostly girl sat beside her crimson-haired friend. Across from them sat Hermione and Neville, as Ginny insisted that she would not be left alone with three boys, especially when one of them was Ron.

"I can't believe it's finally over," Hermione said.

"I hope next year's more relaxing than this one," Neville added.

"How could it possibly not be?" Hermione asked.

Meanwhile, at Azkaban

Sirius Black reached the outskirts of the prison. He looked back and saw the guards flying towards him, then started to run. He ran as fast as he could, for he knew that for the first time in over ten years, salvation finally lay within his grasp.

He just had to make it to Hogwarts.

"Thanks for jinxing it, Hermione," Rose said.

"I'm sure we'll be fine," Luna said, her head resting on Rose's shoulder.

After a few minutes, the train rolled into the station. They all filed out, not needing to worry about luggage thanks to Rose.

They had just gotten out of the barrier when they were flooded by their parents.

"We're so glad to see you!" Emma Granger said, hugging her daughter tightly.

"Me too, Mum," Hermione said.

"And you," Dan said, turning to the red-headed boy with his daughter.

"Me?" Ron asked weakly.

Dan took the boy's hand in his and shook it firmly. "Thank you. You saved my daughter's life. I owe you."

"Just… I mean…" Ron couldn't find the words, so instead he silently shook Mr. Granger's hand. "You're welcome."

Dan turned to Molly and Arthur Weasley, who were counting heads to confirm they had all their children. "Molly, Arthur, I can't speak for all of your children, but Ron and Ginny are great kids."

"Thank you, Dan," Arthur said, shaking the other father's hand. "My son Bill, a professional curse-breaker for Gringotts, wanted me to pass along his regards to Hermione. He said a lot of his colleagues' jobs just got a whole lot easier thanks to her."

Dan looked down at his daughter with pride. He had never been comfortable sending Hermione to Hogwarts, but if there was one thing to be said, it was that she was making him more proud than he could've imagined he'd be.