Wishes and Windfall

The five Gryffindors were assembled in Professor Dumbledore's office. The walk up from the ground floor had been quiet, as the thought that they had all just witnessed a person die was still settling.

They all explained, in as much detail as possible, the events of the past few hours, elaborating on Rose's story from earlier.

The Headmaster took in all of this new information, his face betraying no emotion.

"Well," he said finally. "I was considering surprising all of you with house points during the Feast, but then I realized that wouldn't be fair to the other students who didn't just assist in thwarting an attempted resurrection of an evil wizard, so I'll just do that now."

He turned to Ron.

"Mr. Weasley, I never thought I'd live to see the day when Professor McGonagall was beaten at chess, much less by someone so young. You've got quite a mind for strategy, being able to beat her with the handicap of keeping four of your pieces from being captured. For being able to keep your head and defeat Professor McGonagall, despite being under that much pressure, I award you 50 points."

Ron's eyes grew wide. Fifty points?! On a good day, he was lucky to get five!

"Ms. Perks, once again, your bravery astonishes me. Despite being afraid, you followed two of your friends into danger in order to save two more of your friends. Your constant support kept your friends from breaking down whilst they sorted out the dimensional prison, not to mention your knowledge of the prison is what allowed your friends to break through it. Fifty points."

Sally-Anne was starting to get tired of people telling her how impressive it was that she had read a paper. That was all she had done, and it seemed like everyone was making a big deal out of it. Professors Babbling and Vector had both congratulated her, but all she had done was remembered some facts about it. Harry, Hermione, and Rose had done the hard work, not her. Even Ron did more than she had; at least he understood the information he supplied.

"Ms. Granger, Professor Vector has informed me of your incredible aptitude for Arithmancy. I admit, I was a little sceptical of her claims, but after tonight, I no longer doubt her. You were able to calculate the counter-runes to the prison in your head, and you were able to work through Professor Snape's logic riddle, despite it being a fake. I look forward to seeing your progress next year when you take the actual class. Sixty points."

Despite the praise, Hermione felt bad. She wasn't that clever that she deserved sixty points. Not without Rose's help, anyway. In fact, not for the first time, she wondered if she was cheating. It felt like she was cheating, using a magical hair clip to make herself smarter, not to mention Rose's trick with Serendipity. But it wasn't like she was using magic all the time with that second one; that was always functioning. It was a part of her now. Even the hair clip she barely removed, except when washing her hair. Even then, she tried not to keep it off for too long.

"Ms. Peta-Lorrum, you convinced your housemates to charge into a situation for which you admitted to having little information. You could have potentially killed your friends, not to mention you endangered a powerful artifact. You broke countless rules in the past few hours, not to mention you have been lying not only to myself, but the rest of the staff, and I'm not just talking about your inability to cast magic as the rest of us."

This came as a shock to the other four students, as no one had mentioned that Rose couldn't cast spells like everyone else. Rose wasn't surprised; Professor Dumbledore was like Uncle Oz, who just knew things. No one knew how, and no one that knew him bothered to ask anymore. They just accepted that he knew things that he really shouldn't and moved on.

"However, had you not, Messrs. Potter and Weasley would most certainly have died, not to mention that your four friends stand little chance in a fight against Professor Quirrell. You saved Mr. Weasley from dying in the chess match, and Professor Snape from dying against Professor Quirrell. You cleverly created a distraction to allow Professor Snape to escape, then neutralized Professor Quirrell the second you were able. You showed resourcefulness in having Dripty and Atrien collect the other professors, and most importantly, all five of you came out alive. While I don't condone your actions, Ms. Peta-Lorrum, you still made the best out of a bad situation. I know you don't care for house points, but I'm afraid I don't have anything else to give you. Sixty points."

Oh no, Harry thought. Why am I last?

"Mr. Potter, you rushed into a dangerous situation without thinking. You forced your friends to go in and retrieve you from an irrational attempt to protect an artifact from an evil professor, despite being aware that it was under the protection of the other professors. Your actions could have easily gotten you and your friends killed. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Professor," Harry said, nodding.

"With that said, if you had remained in Gryffindor Tower tonight, Professor Quirrell might have gotten away with the Philosopher's Stone. Our attention would not have been drawn to these events, and Voldemort might have even escaped. Even when you knew the situation was dire, you still aided Ms. Peta-Lorrum and Professors McGonagall and Snape in their fight against Voldemort. Sixty points."

Albus mentally tallied up the current points scores, including the additional points he had just administered. Gryffindor was still 18 points behind Slytherin, and after what these students had done, they had earned the House Cup, and possibly even medals. Were they still giving out medals for services to the school? He'd have to ask Minerva. As the responsible member of the staff, Minerva kept track of most of the administrative information.

"I would also like to remind each of you that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of fear. I believe that you have all shown this trait tonight. So an additional five points to each of you."

Albus addressed Sally-Anne and Hermione. "Ms. Perks, Ms. Granger, I understand that you have had difficulty explaining some of the events of the past year to your parents. If you would like, I would be happy to meet with both of your girls' parents and explain to them what has happened."

"Erm," Hermione said. "That… that would be great!"

"If it's not too much trouble," Sally-Anne said.

"Wonderful," Dumbledore said. "Now, if it's not a problem, I'd like to talk to Ms. Peta-Lorrum alone. I've got a few questions for her."

"If it's alright, I'd rather Hermione stay," Rose said. "I promised her an explanation."

"So long as you girls don't mind," the Headmaster replied.

"Not even gonna ask if she needs sleep?" Rose asked as her other three friends left.

"We both know she doesn't," Albus said, a twinkle in his eye.

Hermione tried hard not to stare at him in awe as Rose drew her wand. She hadn't said anything about her ring to anyone except her parents. How did Professor Dumbledore know?

"Doublespeak," cast Rose. "My name is Rose Peta-Lorrum. I haven't the faintest idea how old I am. When I was nine, I was accepted into Arcrel Academy of Artificing. My parents, Arthur Lorrum and Lily Peta, stayed in a town nearby called Kor'el. There was a raid in which my parents died. They couldn't get out because they were too busy giving their lives for the ungrateful Elves. That was at least 10 years ago. I was redirected here when traveling between planes, then a planar barrier was erected around the plane, keeping me here. I can't go home, and I don't know why."

Hermione took a moment to process the new information. She could accept Rose was from another world; given everything she'd seen Rose do, that wasn't much of a stretch. It was certainly more believable than Rose being 19.

"Anything else you'd like to know?" Rose asked.

"How did you survive the dragon?" Albus asked.

"There's a spell in my world called revivify that can restore life to someone who died within the past six seconds. Sk'lar got to me in time and cast it on me. And if it's all the same to you two, I'd rather not answer any more questions involving the Abomination." Rose turned to Hermione. "Your turn."

"Is your hair actually that color?" Hermione asked.

"Yup!" Rose exclaimed cheerfully. "Dad's hair was red, and Mum's hair was black! I got both!"

"You said Quirrell tried to use the Cruciatus Curse on you, but it had no effect," Professor Dumbledore said. "Do you know if you're immune to the other two Unforgivable Curses?"

"Not sure what those are," Rose replied.

"The Imperius Curse and the Avada Kedavra Curse," Albus said. "One allows the caster to possess the victim, and the other causes instant death."

"I think Quirrell tried to use the imperial curse on me, but mind blank prevents attempts to influence my thoughts. I don't know for sure, but abracadabra sounds like a death effect, and I'm immune to those, too."

"Good to know," Professor Dumbledore said. "Have you considered where you will stay over the summer?"

"I assumed I'd stay here."

"That's not a possibility, I'm afraid," Professor Dumbledore replied. "Students aren't allowed to stay in the castle, due to the constant fluctuation of the rooms over the summer. The only room in the castle that is guaranteed not to be affected is this one."

"Ah," Rose said. "What about the Forbidden Forest?"

"You mean the dangerous woodlands that contain potentially lethal creatures?"

"Yeah, the woods that have walking piles of XP living in them."

"I would rather you not," Professor Dumbledore said.

Rose sighed. "Alright, Oz, I know you're trying to subtly hint at what you want me to do, but I'm impatient, so let's skip to the end, please."

An idea occurred to Hermione. Rose had saved her life twice, and even though she was a little odd, she was never too much to handle.

"I guess…" Hermione began. "I can ask my parents if you can stay with us. I mean, there's only a few weeks until summer, but I'm sure they won't mind, considering that you saved my life and all. Twice now."

"Hermione, I only saved you from the troll," Rose said. "Tonight was all you. You got us out of that prison, not me."

"Without you, Harry wouldn't have remembered the runes, and we all might have passed out by the time I worked out the equations for the runes if he did remember. And you saved Ron in the chess match, and–"

"I didn't just save your life, Hermione," Rose said. "We saved each other's."

"I'm glad that's settled," Professor Dumbledore said cheerfully. "One more thing, and then you girls may go to bed."

"What is it?" asked the crimson-haired girl.

Professor Dumbledore held out his hand. "The Philosopher's Stone?"

"Right!" Rose said, reaching into her picnic basket. "In the future, if you're ever asked to keep something safe, nothing gets inside the Bountiful Basket."

"I will keep that in mind," Professor Dumbledore said, taking the Stone from her.

"Is that what it's called?" Hermione asked, noting that every piece of equipment Rose owned was given a name.

"Dunno, I just made it up," Rose replied.

Both girls got out of their chairs.

"Professor?"

"Yes, Ms. Peta-Lorrum?"

"Make sure that Dripty gets rewarded. He was phenomenal tonight."

"I will," Professor Dumbledore replied. "Have a good night, ladies."

"Good night, Professor Dumbledore!" exclaimed Rose.

"Good night," said Hermione.

"I can't wait to get to bed," Ron said as the other three members of their group returned to Gryffindor Tower. "I'm exhausted."

"I think I'm gonna sleep for a week after this," Harry said. "I'm sorry for dragging you both into this."

"Don't worry about it," Sally-Anne said. "It all turned out alright in the end. Just look at the bright side."

"Bright side?" Ron asked.

"Compared to this, exams should be easy."

"Yeah," said Ron, laughing, "and then we can all look forward to a nice, relaxing summer."

"Yeah," Harry said quietly, looking down.

"Harry?" Sally-Anne asked. "You okay?"

"Yeah, it's just… summer isn't really relaxing for me."

"You've mentioned your aunt and uncle aren't nice," Sally-Anne said. "Are you going to be okay for the summer?"

"I'll be fine," Harry said. "I'll just keep my head down like always, and it won't be so bad. They've been feeding me enough."

"Was there a time when they didn't?"

"Yeah," Harry said. "I don't really want to talk about it now, though."

Harry wasn't half as worried as he was letting on, but it was nice to be reminded that people cared about him. If things got bad over the summer, he could just threaten to use magic on his family. He wasn't allowed to, but they didn't know that.

"If it gets bad, mate, just let me know," Ron said. "Mum already made you a jumper, so you're part of the family to her. She won't mind if you stay with me, and she'll make sure there's plenty of food the second she sees how thin you are."

"Thanks."

"Harry's not that thin," Sally-Anne said.

"Everyone's too thin for Mum," Ron said. "I want to see what she does when she sees Rose."

They climbed through the portrait and were immediately met with a pair of prefects.

"Where have you three been?" asked Alex.

"It's well past curfew, and you–" Percy began.

"We've already talked with Professor McGonagall, and she already took points," said Sally-Anne. "Gryffindor's lost 275 house points."

"What?" asked Alex. "That's a little drastic."

"It's a long story."

"Where are Rose and Hermione?" asked Alex.

"Still talking with Professor Dumbledore," Harry said.

"Why 275?" asked Percy.

"Fifty from each of us five, then Rose lost another 25 for disobeying McGonagall again," Ron said, staring longingly at the stairs that led up to his room.

"Just for breaking curfew?" Alex asked.

"For being in the forbidden corridor after curfew."

"You were in the forbidden corridor?!" exclaimed Alex and Percy.

"Like I said, it's a long story, and we're all exhausted," Sally-Anne said.

"From saving the world," muttered Ron.

Sally-Anne elbowed him in the side.

"I'm disappointed in you, Ronald," Percy said. "You've been doing so well in your classes this term, why act up now?"

"Percy, I'm tired, so can you stop pretending to be perfect until I go to bed?" Ron groaned.

"Care to repeat that?"

"Percy, would you please see that Ron and Harry make it to bed?" Alex asked. "They both look beat, and I think they could use the rest."

Percy and Ron glared at one another for another second, then the three boys began the long trip up to the top floor.

Alex turned to Sally-Anne. "I can see Rose pulling something like this, so I'm assuming the whole thing was her idea."

"Like I said, it's–"

"A long story, I know," Alex said, smiling. "Don't worry, I'll talk with Professor McGonagall in the morning."

Sally-Anne smiled back at the prefect. "Thanks, Alex."

"Don't mention it," the curly haired girl replied. "I can handle one odd child. I've got three little cousins that are all troublemakers. Rose being a little odd from time to time is nothing."

"How old are they?" asked Sally-Anne as she began to walk towards the stairs.

"The oldest one will be starting school next year. I keep warning him that he won't be able to get away with anything with Professor McGonagall in charge, but he doesn't believe me."

"Yeah, she's pretty tough," Sally-Anne said, smiling. "Good night, Alex."

"Good night, Sally-Anne," Alex said, settling into the couch.

Alex thought back to a few hours ago when she had returned to the common room. When she finished her rounds, she normally found Rose draped over the side of the couch reading a book, or playing with that puzzle box of hers, or drawing. Not seeing the girl that night had thrown up a red flag. She knew Rose was sneaking out every so often, but she always came back and managed not to get caught. Considering the girl didn't seem to sleep, which Alex suspected was a side effect of that spell she used to make herself pale (since she recalled Rose saying exactly that), the prefect wasn't terribly concerned.

That night, Alex had returned to find an empty common room. Rose did sometimes spend time in her bed, usually staring at the ceiling, or doing work with Hermione, who was either sleeping earlier or less. Alex had checked the girls' room, but not only did she find no Rose in it, Hermione and Sally-Anne were missing, too. Fearing the worst, Alex had run up to check on Harry and Ron, since she knew the girls to be friends with them, and sure enough, they were gone too.

Alex had awoken Percy, hoping he knew something, but the boy was as lost as she was. They went to find Professor McGonagall, but she wasn't in her flat either. Not sure what else to do, the two prefects had returned to the common room, and waited for nearly an hour before the boys and Sally-Anne had returned.

By the time Hermione and Rose returned, Alex was asleep on the couch.

"We're back," whispered Rose.

"Good," Alex said groggily. "I already talked with the other three, and we're all going to meet with Professor McGonagall in the morning."

"Sounds like a plan," Rose said. "I think she's starting to like me!"

Hermione decided that that might be one of the maddest things she had heard her pale friend say, but really wanted to collapse in her bed. She didn't need anymore sleep that night, but she really wanted to collapse into her nice, soft, warm, danger-free bed.

As Rose watched the other two girls ascend the stairs, she pulled out her book and curled up on the couch to read, which is what she wanted to do in the first place.

<So not only was Quirrell evil,> pathed Alice, <but he managed to get around all but one of the obstacles to the Philosopher's Stone.>

Having finished her book (again), Rose decided to let her family know what had happened that night. She had crept silently up the stairs and into her bed, and began a telepathic conversation with them. Considering Carolina and Bowie were sleeping like normal people, she only got her siblings and Shadow, but Uncle Oz joined them soon after that.

<Pretty much,> Rose replied.

<I'm a little impressed with the general difficulty of the challenges,> Sk'lar pathed.

<Why didn't they hide the door to Fluffy's room?> asked Shadow.

<I dunno,> Rose replied.

<Or better yet, if hiding it was the intention, why not just place the Stone in an indestructible box at the bottom of the ocean?>

Rose began to laugh over the telepathic network.

<What?> asked Shadow.

<That's exactly what I said you'd say. Unfortunately, I haven't actually got an answer for you.>

<That does make sense, Shadow,> Oz pathed. <Professor Dumbledore seems like he's smarter than that. The Stone was obviously hidden behind the dog, and many students could've been placed in danger.>

<What if the intention wasn't to hide it?> asked Shadow. <What if Dumbledore was using it as bait?>

<Interesting idea, Shadow,> Oz pathed.

<Since Professor Dumbledore didn't know where Voldemort was, the Philosopher's Stone would've been the perfect way to draw him into the open,> Sk'lar added.

<But he still got away, right?> asked Alice. <Doesn't that defeat the purpose?>

<No, because Dumbledore needed to know that Voldemort was still alive,> Shadow replied. <Voldemort no longer has the element of surprise. The purpose wasn't necessarily to capture him, it was to gain information.>

Rose beamed. She was proud of her not-girlfriend.

<You're making that face, aren't you, Rose?> Alice asked.

<What face?>

<Your 'Shadow's hot when she's smart' face.>

Rose's face turned slightly red, an impressive feat considering that blood didn't flow through her veins. <I don't have a face like that!>

<Alice, you know it makes them uncomfortable when you do that,> Oz pathed. <She's just proud of her friend.>

<Alice, be careful,> Sk'lar pathed. <When Bowie does that, he gets stabbed by Shadow.>

A few seconds passed, with no response from Alice.

<Alice, are you dead?> Rose asked. <Shadow, did you stab my sister?>

<You can't prove anything,> came the response.

<Yup, she stabbed me,> Alice pathed weakly. <I'm dying.>

<Oh well,> Rose pathed. <We can live without our Abjurant Champion, right?>

<Oh, thanks, Sis,> Alice pathed.

<Changing the subject,> Sk'lar pathed. <Rose, do you have any idea when you can come home?>

<No,> Rose replied. <No sign from EL, and the planar barrier is still intact.>

<Voldemort is still out there,> pathed Ozerl. <If her purpose is to help stop him, then she may not be able to return until that happens.>

<I could literally do that right now,> Rose replied, getting off bed. <I can use discern location to find him, and–>

<There are still a lot of unanswered questions, Rose. Before you go running off, you may want to consider the possibility that Voldemort may be a difficult challenge.>

<But I wanna go home,> Rose replied. <I miss everyone.>

<We miss you too, Rosie,> Alice pathed.

<I'll keep looking into the planar barrier,> Sk'lar pathed. <There must be something we can do.>

<Do you know where you're staying over the summer?> asked Oz, <or are you going to continue your tradition of more school work instead of relaxing?>

Rose had almost forgotten that she used to hide behind schoolwork to avoid other students.

<They don't do summer classes here,> Rose replied. <In fact, they don't allow students to stay over at all. Hermione's going to ask her parents if it's okay with them if I stay there.>

<Try to relax and make the most of it,> Oz pathed. <There's no sense in getting worked up over this.>

<Alright,> Rose replied. <I'll let you all go. Good night, everyone.>

<Good night, Rose. Alice out.>

<Enjoy the night. Oz out.>

<Take care of yourself. Sk'lar out.>

<Your workshop's quiet without you.>

<I miss you, too, Shadow.>

Hermione had a similar idea to Rose, and began to write a letter to her own parents.

Dear Mum and Dad,

A lot has happened tonight. There's a lot to explain, but I'd rather wait until I see you in a few weeks. Just know that I'm alright, but I've got a question for you.

Professor Dumbledore said that students aren't allowed to stay in the castle, so Rose doesn't have anywhere to stay over the summer. I was wondering if it would be alright if she stays with us. She doesn't eat much, and I don't think she actually sleeps, but she still needs somewhere to stay.

Lots of Love,

Hermione

After trying for several minutes, it was all Hermione could think to tell them. Hermione wanted to deliver it as soon as possible, before she thought of something else, but realized that the Owlery would be closed, not to mention curfew was still in effect. Maybe Rose could deliver it.

"Rose, would you please do me a favor?"

"Sure!"

"Can you get this letter delivered for me?"

"Can do!"

Rose took the letter, and skipped out of their room. Hermione was a little worried about it, but that quickly vanished as she fell asleep.

That morning, they met with Professor McGonagall, who explained to Percy and Alex that the situation had already been handled.

Word spread that a group of Gryffindors had done something miraculous, although no one had the entire story correct. This was partially due to the Twins embellishing the story every time they told it, although Hermione and Sally-Anne couldn't figure out who had told them. At first, they assumed it was Rose, but they slowly began to turn their suspicions towards Ron, who never denied saying anything.

At dinner that evening, Hermione received a letter from home.

That was quick, she thought as she opened the letter. She didn't think that owls delivered letters at night, but as she watched the "owl" fly away, she realized that it was blue, and turned to glare at Rose.

"Rose, when I asked you to deliver a letter to Mum and Dad, how did you deliver it?" Hermione asked.

"Intelligencer, of course!" replied Rose as her pet circled down to her. "How else would I have?"

"I was thinking the Owlery."

"What's an 'Owlery'?"

Hermione paused, muttered "don't know what I was expecting," then turned her attention to the letter.

Dear Hermione,

We would be happy to let Rose stay with us for the summer. We'll make sure the guest bedroom is made up for her so she has a room to herself, in case she decides to start sleeping again.

We are a little concerned that you need to tell us that you're alright, but we're trying to withhold judgement until we hear from you. We hope you are well, and good luck on your exams. Of course, you don't need it, Sweetheart.

Love,

Mum and Dad

"Rose, Mum and Dad say it's alright if you stay with us."

Rose beamed. "We're gonna have fun!"

In spite of everything she knew about her friend, Hermione laughed. "I'm sure we will."

"Salutations, Professor McGonagall!"

Minerva looked up to see that Rose Peta-Lorrum had appeared in her office. According to Albus, she had a habit of doing that, rather than using a door.

"Ms. Peta-Lorrum, I know your patience and attention span are limited, so I'll be brief," Minerva said. "In the Philosopher's Stone chambers you were quick to think and act, and your method of subduing Quirrell was clever, to say the least."

"It's just flesh to stone," Peta-Lorrum replied. "I get it as part of undermaster!"

Minerva nodded, although she didn't entirely understand.

"I will not condone your general attitude of 'act first, think if you feel like it', but I will say this: I have never seen a first-year more calm in the face of danger. If your ability to think on your feet is as good as I believe it to be, then I will allow you to handle situations yourself, but only if there is no time to retrieve a teacher."

Peta-Lorrum nodded quickly, her hair shaking slightly as she did.

"Thank you, Professor," the girl replied. "I promise I won't lethally injure any of the students."

"Ms. Peta-Lorrum, we are not on your terms," Minerva reminded her. "Therefore, you will not harm the students at all."

"Self-defence only," the girl negotiated. "Non-lethal, and self-defence only."

"And anything you do must be able to be undone by the staff," Minerva replied, remembering the statue that was once her co-worker.

"Done," Rose said.

Minerva never thought she'd be making a deal with one of her students, but there she was, shaking the hand of a first-year after making a deal allowing her to take matters into her own hands.

Minerva hated admitting it, but despite her best efforts, the school was horribly lacking in supervision. She knew that there were bullies, each of which was fueled by magic that the staff themselves were teaching them. Minerva knew all too well that teenagers were more than likely to assume they knew better, if they thought at all, and before they knew it, someone had lost an arm. Fortunately, Poppy was adept at reattaching arms.

With luck, Peta-Lorrum would help keep her friends safe, and that was a few less students about which Minerva herself had to worry.

A few days before they were to return home, Professor Vector asked to meet with Hermione one last time that term.

"Hermione, please have a seat," Professor Vector greeted her. "How are you?"

"I'm alright," Hermione replied. "Still a little exhausted from fielding questions from what feels like half the school."

"I can imagine," Professor Vector replied. "I don't think I've heard the same story twice about you five."

"Yeah, everyone keeps asking us if we really defeated Voldemort–"

Professor Vector scowled at the name.

"Sorry, Ma'am," Hermione said. "I keep forgetting that most people don't like that name."

"I understand, Hermione," Professor Vector replied. "It doesn't mean the same thing to Muggle-born students as it does to those who were alive during the war. Anyway, I wanted to discuss a few last details with you, but first I'd like to see how well you do with this." She handed the first-year a few pieces of parchment. "Don't worry about doing well on it; it's purpose is to evaluate your current progress."

Hermione looked over the parchment she had been handed and realized that it was a test. In fact, it looked like a final exam.

As Hermione progressed through it, she became more and more certain that this wasn't just a final exam, this was this year's Arithmancy final exam for the third-year class. When she finished, she handed the parchment back to Professor Vector, who added it to the top of her stack of what Hermione could only guess were the other exams.

Hermione sat patiently while Professor Vector looked it over. She made a single correction to it before looking up.

"As I'm sure you've worked out by now, that was the final exam for my third-year Arithmancy students. You just scored higher on it than over half of the class. Do you understand exactly what that means?"

Hermione frowned and looked at Professor Vector. It couldn't be. She already knew that she was going to be taking Arithmancy next term, but up until that moment, she had been assuming that she would be joining the third-year class.

"Hermione, you just tested into Arithmancy two years early," Professor Vector informed the young Gryffindor. "You will be joining the fourth-year class at the start of next term."

"What?" gasped Hermione "Two ye– What?!"

She couldn't believe it. That had to be the best news she had heard since she was told that she could go back to bed after the ordeal with the Philosopher's Stone.

"I trust this won't be a problem?"

"I just…" Hermione tried to gather her thoughts, but her mind was going too fast. "I need to make sure that my classes–"

"Already taken care of," Professor Vector replied. "I saw to it myself that your other classes wouldn't conflict with Arithmancy. I trust Ms. Peta-Lorrum will be able to escort you?"

"Probably," Hermione said. "And if not, I could always ask the other students."

"I'm sure Mr. Diggory or Ms. Spinnet wouldn't mind walking with you." Septima smiled at the girl. "I look forward to seeing you next year, Hermione. Have a good summer."

"Thank you, Ma'am," Hermione replied, still trying to process the fact that she'd be taking Arithmancy as a fourth-year. "You too!"

Septima watched the girl leave, then looked down at Hermione's paper. What Septima hadn't told her was that she didn't just score higher than half the class, but nearly all of the class. She had received the same score as Rebecca Gamp, which was the only reason that Hermione hadn't outdone everyone.

While Septima didn't know the girl as well as she'd like, she didn't want to take the chance that Hermione got too full of herself. Merlin forbid she became as arrogant as her friend Rose.

The crimson-haired girl was a bad influence on Hermione, but Hermione spoke well of the girl, so Septima didn't dare say anything bad about her. Nevertheless, it seemed that the only good that had come of the strange girl was giving Hermione a magic bracelet, and Harry Potter magic glasses. True, Peta-Lorrum had saved Hermione's life in the Philosopher's Stone chambers, and against that troll Quirrell had let in on Hallowe'en, but both of those situations would've been avoided if not for Peta-Lorrum.

It worried Septima that that everything bad that happened to Hermione could be traced back to Rose Peta-Lorrum.

Hermione got off the Hogwarts Express and left the platform, Rose following behind her, and Sally-Anne not too far from them.

When Hermione saw her parents, she broke into a sprint, throwing herself at them. It had felt like forever since she had seen them last.

"But you saw them eight chapters ago," Rose had said on the train.

"Rose, stuff like that is why no one takes you seriously," Hermione had told her.

"That's sort of the point," Rose had replied, grinning.

Hermione didn't care that it had only been a few months since she had seen them; she held her parents tightly, glad to be returning to the safety of her home.

"Salutations, Mr. and Mrs. Hermione's Mum and Dad!" exclaimed Rose, curtsying. "It's nice to meet you!"

"Mr. and Mrs. Granger," Professor Dumbledore said, coming up behind the students. "It's a pleasure to meet you both." He turned to Sally-Anne's parents, who weren't too far. "And Mr. and Mrs. Perks, quite a pleasure. If you all wouldn't mind, I would like to treat you all to a pint at the Leaky Cauldron. We've got a lot to discuss."

Dan and Emma exchanged looks. Not only was Hermione not telling them what had happened, but they were being invited to a meeting with the Headmaster himself.

They looked from their daughter, to Professor Dumbledore, to Rose.

It was going to be an interesting summer.

Over the past few weeks, deep within the walls of Hogwarts, the Consciousness looked upon the events that unfolded, and began to formulate its own plan.

I think it's about time that Rose Peta-Lorrum and I met.