Initiation
The tension in the room was palpable as Hermione, Draco, and Theo waited for the arrival of the Muggle team the following morning. The bright conference room deep within the European Space Agency's headquarters was a testament to modern efficiency. A dark cherry wood table stood in the center, surrounded by a number of sleek chairs and topped with engraved nameplates for each of their team members-to-be—save themselves of course. Hermione noted the omission as yet another reminder that they were outsiders here, in more ways than one. Her anxiety peaked as the second hand on the clock ticked closer to the scheduled meeting time.
She tried not to fidget. Glancing over at Draco she found him to be the picture of composure, fingers steepled under his chin, expression unreadable. Theo, by contrast, was draped across his chair, rocking it slightly as he balanced it precariously on two legs, arms folded lazily over his chest. Despite his apparent indifference, Hermione had spent enough time with him to notice the telltale signs of his quick mind at work—his sharp eyes were scanning the room, assessing every detail while lost in thought.
The soft click of the door opening pulled Hermione from her thoughts. She immediately stood, smoothing the front of her shirt as the group of Muggles entered. They were a mix of scientists and engineers, each carrying an air of authority and expertise earned through years of rigorous training and preparation for space exploration.
The tall woman leading the group quickly stepped forward, her sharp presence commanding the room as her dark eyes took in the trio. Hermione stepped forward to meet her outstretched hand in a firm, quick shake.
“Dr. Elena Carter, lead aerospace engineer.” she said, her tone brisk.
“Hermione Granger,” Hermione replied, her voice steady as she gestured to her companions. “This is Theodore Nott and Draco Malfoy.”
Dr. Carter’s lips pressed into a thin line as her eyes flicked between them. “You’re the specialists?” she asked, her tone clipped. “I hope you’re as capable as the Director believes.”
Before Hermione could respond, another voice chimed in. “Dr. Robert Nguyen,” said a soft-spoken man with a round face as he stepped forward. He adjusted his glasses nervously and offered Hermione a polite, if hesitant, smile. “I specialize in analyzing deep-space anomalies.”
Dr. Aditi Prakash, a biochemist with sharp features and an equally sharp tongue, followed closely behind. “Dr. Prakash,” she said briskly, shaking Hermione’s hand with the efficiency of someone who had little time for pleasantries. “I’ll be handling the biological analyses. If there’s anything out there that’s even remotely alive, I’ll find it.” A tone of disdain sliced into her words, though by the end she managed to return to a polite yet curt tone.
The final member of the team was Dr. Simon Reyes, a systems engineer who had been with the ESA for over a decade. His demeanor was friendly but skeptical, and he gave Theo a pointed look as he shook hands. “Dr. Reyes,” he said, his tone carefully neutral. “I oversee mission systems integration. I assume your… expertise will fit into our carefully calibrated plans?”
Once everyone was seated, Dr. Carter wasted no time addressing the unspoken tension in the room. “Let’s get one thing clear,” she said, her tone sharp as her gaze swept across the trio. “This team has spent years preparing for this mission. We’ve undergone countless simulations, endured rigorous physical and psychological evaluations, and dedicated ourselves to understanding every aspect of what we’re about to face. So you’ll understand if we’re not thrilled about having three outsiders thrust into the mission at the last minute—outsiders whose qualifications are, frankly, unclear.”
Theo’s chair thudded back onto all four legs as he leaned forward, his expression still lazy but his eyes glinting with amusement. “You know, Doc,” he said, his tone light, “it’s not that we don’t appreciate the warm welcome, but you might want to save the fireworks for the actual mission.”
Dr. Carter’s glare could have frozen molten lava. “And you might want to take this seriously, Mr. Nott. Our scans have never detected such technology before. This is very likely alien technology, and our mission could very well lead to humanity’s first interaction with an extraterrestrial race. People’s lives are at stake. One wrong move could destroy relations before they even start.”
Theo opened his mouth to retort, but Draco’s hand raised slightly, silencing him before he could speak. Draco’s tone was smooth and unhurried. “Believe me,” he said, his voice like cool silk, “we take this very seriously. We wouldn’t be here otherwise. I trust the Director’s judgment—and yours—to recognize talent when you see it.”
The room bristled with unspoken tension. Hermione quickly stepped in, her tone calm and measured. “I understand your concerns, Dr. Carter,” she said. “We’re here to support your team, not undermine it. I assure you, we’re more than capable of handling the tasks assigned to us.”
Dr. Prakash arched a skeptical brow. “And just what tasks should those be? Your roles have been described as… ambiguous.”
Hermione resisted the urge to sigh. “Our expertise is…highly specialized, and while we can’t disclose the details, I promise you we’re here to ensure the mission’s success.”
Dr. Reyes leaned back in his chair, his skepticism evident. “Specialized? That’s a nice way of saying classified. So we’re just supposed to trust that you know what you’re doing?”
“That’s the general idea,” Theo replied with a grin. “Trust us, Dr. Reyes. We’ve got this.”
Dr. Carter crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. “Trust is earned. And right now, all I see are three people who have a lot to prove.”
Hermione held her ground. “And we intend to. This mission is too important for anything less than our best. I’m a he…doctor specializing in exobiology and can assist in the biological analyses. Draco is a chemist and Theodore, an engineer. Though our specific experience is classified, you can trust that we have a full understanding of the seriousness of our mission, and our experience is relevant.”
Dr. Prakash leaned slightly forward in her chair, her sharp gaze fixed on Hermione. “Exobiology, is it?” she asked, her tone skeptical. “And how much experience do you have working with extraterrestrial environments? Because none of us have heard your name in any of the major publications on the subject.”
Hermione met the question head-on, keeping her tone steady. “My work has focused on areas that aren’t publicly accessible. Classified research has limitations on visibility, as I’m sure you understand. What I can say is that my expertise is directly relevant to the kind of discoveries we anticipate during this mission.”
Dr. Reyes huffed a quiet laugh. “So, in other words, you can’t tell us anything. That’s not exactly inspiring confidence.”
Theo leaned forward, his grin as sharp. “You’re welcome to test us, Dr. Reyes,” he said, his voice light but carrying an unmistakable edge. “Give me your most complicated system diagnostic, and I’ll have it running smoother than it’s ever been.”
Dr. Carter cut in before Reyes could respond. “This isn’t a game, Mr. Nott. It’s not about who’s the smartest or who can solve a problem the fastest. It’s about trust. And right now, that’s in short supply.”
“And trust is built through results,” Draco interjected, his voice cool and unyielding. “We’re not here to win a popularity contest, Dr. Carter. We’re here to ensure this mission succeeds. The Director wouldn’t have brought us in if he didn’t believe we were necessary.”
Dr. Carter’s eyes narrowed. “Necessary, perhaps. But that doesn’t mean we have to like it.”
The room bristled with unspoken tension, and Hermione quickly stepped in to defuse it. “Dr. Carter, I understand your frustration,” she said, her tone calm but firm. “This mission has been your team’s focus for years. You’ve trained, prepared, and built a plan that you expected to execute without outside interference. But the presence of something so unprecedented—this spacecraft—requires an equally unprecedented response. That’s why we’re here. To offer a perspective and expertise that might otherwise be overlooked.”
Dr. Nguyen, who had been silent for most of the exchange, finally spoke up, his voice tentative but thoughtful. “We’ve all worked on interdisciplinary teams before,” he said, glancing around the table. “And those teams have succeeded because we found ways to combine our strengths. Maybe that’s what we should focus on.”
Dr. Prakash’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she nodded reluctantly. “Fine,” she said. “But if your ‘specialized expertise’ slows us down or jeopardizes the mission in any way, I won’t hesitate to escalate my concerns.”
Draco inclined his head slightly, his expression neutral. “Understood.”
Theo smirked. “Wouldn’t expect anything less.”
Dr. Carter stood abruptly, signaling that the meeting was over. “We’ll see how the training goes,” she said, her tone clipped. “If you can keep up, we’ll reconsider our reservations. The briefing begins in 20 minutes. I trust you’ll find your way.”
As the team began to disperse, the tension in the room lingered like a heavy fog. Hermione, Draco, and Theo hung back to provide some space between the groups. They exchanged a brief glance, their expressions a mixture of determination and unease.
“Well,” Theo said as they left the conference room, his voice light but carrying a hint of sarcasm. “That went swimmingly.”
“Could have been worse,” Draco muttered, his eyes scanning the corridor ahead.
Hermione sighed. “Honestly, it went about as I expected. Look at it from their perspective. They’ve dedicated their lives to this work, and on the verge of what could be the crowning achievement of their careers, three strangers with no credentials they can verify are forced upon them. It’s about proving we belong here.”
“Easier said than done,” Theo replied, though his tone carried more humor than doubt. “But hey, I love a good challenge.”
Draco didn’t respond, but his jaw tightened slightly, a sign of resolve simmering beneath his calm exterior. Hermione could feel the weight of the task ahead—the need to bridge the gap between their worlds while proving their value to a team that had every reason to resent their presence.
The group came to a stop as Hermione suddenly realized they had arrived at the mission debriefing room. The atmosphere shifted as the trio stepped in, a projection of the mysterious spacecraft hovering at the front of the room, glowing faintly. Its intricate details filled the space, casting swirling shadows on the walls. They took their seats and awaited the start as the others filtered into the room. Suddenly, the lights dimmed and a voice from the head of the table drew everyone’s attention.
“Let’s begin,” said the Director, his tone authoritative but composed. The room fell silent as the debriefing started, the tension momentarily giving way to the shared focus on the challenges ahead.
The next few days were to be a whirlwind of activity. From the first joint exercise, it became clear that integrating the two teams would be a challenge. The Muggle team had years of training and a precise, regimented approach to their work. In contrast, Hermione, Draco, and Theo were learning to navigate a world that operated without magic—a feat that required not only ingenuity but also restraint.
The morning drills were designed to test endurance and adaptability. While Hermione was used to pushing herself academically, running endless laps in a high-tech training gym was another matter entirely. Draco, surprisingly, kept pace without complaint, his expression neutral even as sweat poured down his face. Theo, however, had a harder time.
“Are Muggles always this obsessed with cardio?” Theo gasped, leaning against a wall after their fifth circuit. “What’s wrong with a Summoning Charm for your water bottle? This is barbaric.”
Hermione handed him a towel, trying to suppress a smile. “It’s called physical conditioning. It’s how they prepare for zero-gravity environments.”
Theo waved a hand dismissively. “Ridiculous. Just slap a Cushioning Charm on the walls, and you’re good to go.”
Dr. Carter, jogging past them, shot a sharp glare. “We don’t have the luxury of shortcuts, Mr. Nott. Now get back on the track.”
Theo groaned but resumed running, muttering under his breath, “I bet she even dreams about running in circles.”
The physical drills continued relentlessly until lunchtime, where they were finally granted a reprieve in the form of a simple meal and just enough time to take a quick shower. However, it was the afternoon sessions that brought the true challenges: simulated crises designed to push the team’s ability to work together under pressure to its limits.
Theo, despite his lack of experience with Muggle technology, proved surprisingly adept at thinking on his feet. He approached the engineering tasks with a kind of reckless curiosity that sometimes led to breakthroughs—and occasionally to minor disasters. He was the first to earn their team a measure of respect during one such exercise, which simulated a catastrophic hull breach. Alarms blared, filling the room with shrill urgency, as flashing red lights cast chaotic shadows across the space.
“Reyes, stabilize the oxygen levels!” Dr. Carter shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.
“I’m on it!” Dr. Reyes called back, his fingers flying across a console.
“Theo, get over here!” Hermione yelled, waving him toward a control panel. “We need to reroute power to the emergency seals!”
Theo approached the console like it might bite him. “There are too many buttons,” he said, exasperated. “It’s like trying to play Exploding Snap with a deck of hexed cards.”
“Just focus!” Hermione snapped, pointing to the flashing diagram on the screen. “Red means bad. Fix it.”
Theo grumbled but managed to redirect the power, and the simulation concluded with the alarms shutting off and the lights returning to normal.
Dr. Carter crossed her arms, her expression stern. “Not bad, but your hesitation could have cost lives in a real scenario.”
Theo gave her a mock salute. “Aye aye, Captain.”
Draco, standing nearby, smirked. “If you put half as much effort into the work as you do into being insufferable, Theo, you might actually impress someone.”
Evenings brought their own challenges. The technical briefings were dense with information, ranging from spacecraft navigation to protocols for handling unknown materials. Hermione listened intently, occasionally glancing at Draco and Theo to gauge their reactions. Theo alternated between fascination and frustration, while Draco appeared stoic, jotting down notes with methodical precision.
At one point, Dr. Prakash directed a question to Draco about the potential chemical stability of a compound found on the spacecraft. Without hesitation, Draco launched into an explanation, seamlessly weaving together Muggle chemical theories with insights that, to Hermione, sounded suspiciously like thinly veiled references to potion-making. She glared at him with narrowed eyes, but if he noticed he certainly didn’t show it.
Dr. Carter raised an eyebrow. “That’s… surprisingly thorough, Mr. Malfoy.”
Draco inclined his head slightly. “Precision and understanding the properties of each component are paramount. We meant what we said, Dr. Carter. Though our experience is classified, it is extensive and we are more than capable of assisting on this mission.”
Dr. Prakash folded her arms. “But where exactly did you gain such an extensive understanding of chemical interactions? I don’t recall seeing your name in any major scientific journals and surely you couldn’t have started your study in such a classified role.”
Draco’s lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smile. “Let’s just say I had a very demanding teacher.”
Hermione suppressed a smile of her own, remembering Snape’s exacting standards in Potions class.
Despite the rocky start, the magical trio began to find their footing in the following days of training. Draco’s expertise in chemistry earned him grudging respect from Dr. Carter, who praised his ability to identify potential risks in the spacecraft’s material composition. Theo’s unconventional problem-solving skills, while frustrating at times, proved invaluable during several particularly complex engineering scenarios. Hermione’s knack for mediating tensions and translating jargon helped bridge the gap between the two teams.
By the end of the third day, as the team gathered in the briefing room for yet another late-night session, the atmosphere had shifted slightly. The tension was still there, but it was tempered by the realization that they were beginning to work as a unit, and in just a few short hours they would be preparing for launch.
Dr. Carter addressed the group, her tone less sharp than usual. “We’ve made progress,” she said, her gaze sweeping across the room. “But we have a long way to go. Let’s make sure we’re ready for tomorrow.”
Hermione caught Draco’s eye and gave him a small nod. Slowly but surely, they were earning their place on the team.
“Before we adjourn,” Dr. Carter continued, “there’s one final matter to discuss: the public narrative surrounding this mission.”
She tapped a small remote, and the holographic projection of the spacecraft was replaced with a sleek slide containing the ESA logo and a draft press release. “This,” she continued, gesturing toward the text, “is the official statement we’ll be releasing to the media later this evening.”
The room was silent as the team leaned forward to read. The statement described the mission in broad strokes: a groundbreaking international collaboration to retrieve and analyze an unexplained spacecraft that had recently entered Earth’s orbit. The language was carefully crafted to highlight the scientific and exploratory nature of the mission, avoiding any mention of the anomalies surrounding the spacecraft’s return.
Dr. Carter glanced toward Hermione, Draco, and Theo. “Your names have been deliberately omitted,” she said, her tone direct. “The Director has decided that your involvement is to remain classified. The media will focus on the core team, and any questions about additional personnel will be met with standard deflections.”
Theo, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up, his tone wry. “So we’re the ghost team. Here, but not really here.”
Dr. Carter’s expression softened slightly, though her voice remained firm. “You’re the specialists. Your work is critical, even if the world doesn’t know you’re part of this mission. Trust me—if we succeed, your contributions won’t go unacknowledged, even if they aren’t publicly celebrated right now.”
Draco tilted his head slightly, his gaze inscrutable. “A noble sentiment, Dr. Carter. Let’s hope the mission lives up to your optimism.”
Dr. Carter chose not to engage further, instead gesturing toward the press release again. “Review this if you like. If there are no further questions, we’ll proceed with releasing it to the media tonight.”
Dr. Prakash, who had been silently skimming the text, leaned back in her chair. “So the world gets a sanitized version of the truth,” she remarked, her tone laced with irony. “I suppose that’s nothing new.”
“It’s not about sanitizing,” Dr. Carter replied sharply. “It’s about ensuring that the mission proceeds without interference or unnecessary scrutiny. The more speculation there is, the harder it will be to focus on what really matters.”
Dr. Nguyen, always the quiet mediator, chimed in softly. “It’s also a matter of security. Until we know more about the spacecraft and its origins, minimizing external attention is probably wise.”
A silence followed signifying no objections, but the atmosphere in the room was heavy with unspoken thoughts. As the team began to disperse, Hermione lingered for a moment, her eyes lingering on the glowing text of the statement. It was clean, efficient, and devoid of the strangeness they had already encountered. For the world outside, this mission would be a marvel of scientific achievement. For those in the room, it was shaping up to be something far more complicated—and far more dangerous.
As Hermione turned to leave, she glanced at Draco and Theo. “Invisible to the world,” she said quietly, “but not to each other.”
Theo smirked, his usual humor flickering back to life. “Invisible? Please. Who could ever make the brilliant golden girl fade into the background?” He winked at Hermione before shifting gears with a grin. “Speaking of brilliance, what do you lot think about one last proper dinner before we’re stuck living off this astronaut sludge everyone keeps raving about?”
A smile slowly spread across Hermione’s face, as she looked between the two wizards. “I don’t believe I’ve introduced you both to muggle room service.”
Several hours later, the three sat in their shared common room, surrounded by no fewer than twenty dishes scattered across various surfaces. The remnants of their impromptu feast painted a picture of indulgence—plates half-filled with decadent desserts, trays of savory appetizers, and the unmistakable aroma of rich, flavorful food lingering in the air.
“Granger,” Theo began, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied groan, hands resting on his stomach. “I have to say, you’ve been holding out on me. All this time, I could’ve nipped back here instead of suffering through those pathetic sandwiches at lunch. Absolute rubbish they’ve been feeding us.”
Hermione laughed, reaching for a napkin to clean her hands. “I’m sure it’s not quite the same as snapping your fingers for a house-elf,” she replied, a teasing glint in her eyes. “But ringing for room service is one of the best perks of a hotel stay in the Muggle world. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“Enjoyed it?” Theo repeated dramatically, gesturing toward the spread with mock reverence. “Granger, I might never leave this room again. Muggle ingenuity at its finest.”
Hermione rolled her eyes, turning her attention to Draco, who had been quietly sampling an assortment of dishes, his expression unreadable. “And what about you, Draco?” she asked, tilting her head. “Everything to your expectations?”
Draco leaned back slightly, setting down his fork with deliberate precision. “It’s… passable,” he drawled, his tone as bored as ever. Yet the corners of his mouth betrayed him, drifting upward into the faintest hint of a smile.
Hermione caught the subtle shift and grinned. “High praise coming from you,” she quipped. “I’ll take it.”
Theo sat up, smirking. “Passable? Malfoy, you’ve polished off more plates than either of us. Don’t think I didn’t see you sneaking that second helping of chocolate mousse.”
Draco shot him a cool glance, though the faint smile lingered. “I was conducting a thorough evaluation. Someone has to maintain standards.”
Theo chuckled, shaking his head. “Of course. Always the paragon of refinement.”
Hermione leaned back in her chair, watching the two banter. For a moment, the tension of the past few days seemed to dissipate, replaced by the simple comfort of good food and shared company. The warm atmosphere was broken, however, by a faint buzz of vibration. Startled, Hermione sat up and began rummaging through her bag.
“Alright there, Granger?” Theo asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
Still digging, she answered distractedly, “Harry gave me one of those floobiles for my birthday. I took it off since we’ve been spending so much time around Muggles. Now where is it…” She trailed off, her entire arm disappearing into the depths of her deceptively small clutch.
“Floobile?” Draco repeated, his tone tinged with skepticism. “What in Merlin’s name is that?”
Hermione paused her search just long enough to smirk. “Oh, I know you Sacred Twenty-Eight types are slow to adopt new things,” she teased, “but surely you’ve heard of them by now? It’s one of those glass bracelets that lets you make portable Floo calls. I think a Muggle-born named it after those mobile phones Muggles use.”
Draco crossed his arms, his expression unimpressed. “I see. Another toy to make life even more reliant on Muggle-inspired nonsense. How delightful.”
Draco’s sharp gaze flicked to her. “I know what Kingsley said, but you should at least give Potter a general idea of where we’re going. It’s not as if you can’t trust him to keep a secret.”
Hermione froze mid-motion, her expression hardening as she stared at him. “You wouldn’t be trying to have me thrown off the mission, would you, Malfoy?”
Draco rolled his eyes, exasperated. “Please, Granger,” he replied, his tone clipped. “I didn’t say to tell him the specifics. Merlin forbid you actually think I’d sabotage the mission—especially when I’d have to deal with the fallout of losing your insufferable competence.”
Theo, watching the exchange with mild amusement, leaned back further in his chair. “You two bicker like an old married couple,” he quipped, earning him an icy glare from Draco and an annoyed huff from Hermione.
Hermione shook off her initial reaction, studying Draco’s face briefly. Was that a flicker of something—hurt? No, surely not. Shoving the thought aside, she excused herself with a terse nod. “I’ll be right back,” she said before heading for the door, slipping on the bracelet and preparing herself for whatever Harry might have to say.
The Floobie buzzed gently against Hermione’s wrist as she stepped into the quiet corridor, activating the sleek bracelet with a quick tap. A shimmering image of Harry’s face appeared above the enchanted glass, soon joined by Ron and Ginny as the connection stabilized.
“Hermione!” Harry’s voice was immediate and laced with relief. “Merlin, it’s good to hear from you. We were starting to get worried.”
“Really worried,” Ron added, his face crumpled into a frown. “You vanished right after the party. We figured we’d get a call. That’s not like you.”
“I know, I know,” Hermione said, guilt flashing across her features. “I’m sorry. Everything happened so fast, and it’s been… hectic, to say the least. I couldn’t say anything at the time.”
“Well, you can now,” Ginny chimed in, her fiery hair glowing faintly in the projection’s light. “What’s going on? Where are you?”
Hermione hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “Alright, I can tell you this much: I’ve been recruited for a special mission. I’m… I’m going to space.”
Three simultaneous reactions greeted her announcement.
“Space?!” Ron’s voice shot up an octave. “Like… up there?” He pointed dramatically toward the ceiling, his mouth hanging open.
Harry’s eyes widened, his hands running through his perpetually messy hair. “Bloody hell, Hermione.”
Ginny, ever quick-witted, arched an eyebrow and leaned closer to the image. “You mean actual space? With Muggles? That’s brilliant! But wait—why?”
“I can’t share the details,” Hermione replied, cutting through their reactions with a firm but apologetic tone. “The mission is classified. I’ll explain everything I can once I’m back, I promise. For now, you just need to trust me.”
“Trust you?” Ron said, flustered. “We do! But you’re telling us you’re flying off into the stars and can’t even tell us why?”
“I know it’s hard,” Hermione said gently, her eyes softening as she looked at him. “But I wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t important. I need you to trust me on this. Kingsley called me in himself.”
Harry gave a slow nod, his worry evident but tempered by understanding. “Alright. If you say it’s important, we’ll back you up. But… who are you going with? Surely not alone?”
Hermione hesitated again, bracing herself for their reactions. “Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott.”
“What?” Ron nearly shouted, his face turning crimson. “Malfoy? Are you joking? And Nott? Have they gone mad, putting you with them?”
Harry didn’t shout, but his eyes narrowed sharply. “Malfoy? Hermione, I don’t like the sound of that. He’s… well, he’s Malfoy.”
“Hold on,” Ginny interjected, raising a hand to silence her brother and Harry. “Let’s give her a chance to explain. They’ve changed, haven’t they, Hermione? Theo at least—he defended us, you know, against the Carrows during that horrible year. And as for Malfoy, I haven’t seen his name pop up in the Prophet for ages. You know they’d gleefully report the tiniest thing he did wrong.”
“Yes,” Hermione said firmly, looking between all three of them. “Malfoy’s not the same person he was in school. He’s… competent, professional. And Theo’s been kind and surprisingly easy to work with.”
Ginny nodded, a faint smile playing at her lips. “Theo was decent back then,” she said, her tone softening slightly. “Especially when you lot were gone. And, honestly, I’ve always thought he got a bit of an unfair reputation because of his parents.” Her grin widened mischievously, and she waggled her eyebrows. “And let’s be honest, Hermione—if the rumors are true, they’re both rather fit these days. Maybe this mission won’t be so bad.”
“Ginny!” Hermione exclaimed, her cheeks turning pink. “This isn’t about that.”
“I’m just saying,” Ginny teased, holding up her hands in mock innocence. “Might as well enjoy the view if you’re stuck with them.”
Harry and Ron both groaned, though for different reasons. Ron crossed his arms tightly, muttering, “Still don’t like it,” while Harry sighed and leaned forward.
“Look, if you trust them,” Harry said, his voice steady, “then we’ll try to as well. But if anything seems off, Hermione—anything—you let us know, alright? We’ll be here in a heartbeat.”
“I will,” Hermione promised. “I appreciate it. Now, enough about me—Ginny, how are practices going? Ready to set the pitch on fire this season?”
Ginny’s face lit up. “Oh, it’s been intense! Gwenog’s got us running drills like mad, but it’s paying off. I’ve nailed three new plays already. You lot better show up for a match when you’re back, or I’ll personally come drag you to the stands.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Hermione said warmly before glancing at Ron and Harry. “And what about you two? How’s everything at the Ministry?”
“Same old,” Harry said with a shrug. “Paperwork, training sessions, occasionally arresting someone trying to sell cursed teacups.”
Ron grinned. “You know, the usual excitement. We’ll bore you with the details when you’re back.”
Hermione laughed softly. “Good. I’ll hold you to that. I really have to go now, but I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.”
“Stay safe, Hermione,” Harry said, his expression serious.
“Don’t let Malfoy get on your nerves too much,” Ron added, though his tone was more resigned than angry now.
Ginny smiled brightly. “And if Theo tries to charm you, enjoy it.”
“Ginny!” Hermione groaned again, shaking her head as she waved them off and ended the call. As the Floobie’s glow faded, a faint smile lingered on her lips. It was strange going on such an adventure without her best friends, but the excitement still rang through. Tomorrow she’d be going to space!