Chapter 1
Chapter 1
3rd January 1991, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London
Every morning after the New Year, Hermione awakens with a sense of profound transformation. It’s as if she’s become a new person overnight, with a thrilling energy coursing through her veins and a palpable anticipation in her flesh and blood. There’s an undeniable feeling in her gut that something extraordinary is on the horizon—something that will shift the course of her life. This instinctive certainty fills her with hopeful excitement, as though she’s on the cusp of a destiny that is about to unfold.
She also senses that something crucial is missing, though she can’t quite pinpoint what it is. Throughout her life, Hermione has often felt like the odd one out, grappling with moments of confusion and unexplained events that seem to elude understanding. Despite this, she remains an enthusiastic and kind-hearted individual, always ready to lend a hand. Her natural curiosity and dedication to her studies, coupled with a confident demeanour, continue to drive her forward, even as she navigates the mysteries that surround her.
Hermione Granger’s parents, though non-magical, are the bedrock of her strength and resolve. Their unwavering support and boundless encouragement provide a solid foundation upon which she builds her extraordinary abilities. Despite their lack of magical prowess, they stand as her most steadfast allies, celebrating her successes and comforting her through her struggles. Their unwavering belief in her abilities and constant encouragement provide a solid foundation for her confidence. In the quiet moments of doubt, it is their reassuring words and the warmth of their unwavering support that bolster her spirit, allowing her to face the world with equal courage and grace.
Today, Hermione wakes up with extra excitement, for her parents have planned a special visit to her grandmother’s in Dorset, South West England. Her grandmother, who runs a charming pet store brimming with a variety of animals, had mentioned in her last letter that she recently acquired a pair of rare owls. The anticipation of seeing these fascinating creatures, along with the prospect of a delightful stay at her grandmother’s, fills Hermione with joy. The thought of exploring the pet store and spending time with her family in the picturesque countryside makes this day particularly special.
"Mina! Time to wake up, sweetheart! Breakfast is almost ready!"
"Mum, just five more minutes..."
"If you don’t get down here, I might just eat all the pancakes myself!"
"Okay, okay, I’m coming!"
"That’s my girl, don’t forget to bundle up! It’s freezing outside."
"I know, Mum, I’ll be fine."
"Make sure you wear your scarf and gloves. The wind’s biting today."
"I’ve got them right here."
"And don’t be in such a hurry that you forget your hat. I don’t want you catching a cold."
"I won’t promise. I’m all layered up like a snowman."
The chill of winter hung in the air, but inside, Hermione felt an unexpected warmth. It wasn’t just the cosy layers or the crackling fireplace; it was something deeper, a sense that today held something special. She smiled, thinking of her grandmother. It had been so long since they’d last seen each other, and the thought of their reunion filled her with joy. But beneath that happiness, there was a flicker of unease, a feeling that something else might be unfolding today—something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
As she prepared to leave, Hermione couldn’t shake the nerves that fluttered in her chest. She wanted to talk to her parents about it, to share this strange mix of excitement and apprehension. After all, her mum always had a way of making her feel better, and her dad could usually make her laugh, even when she was worried. Maybe they’d understand what she was feeling, or maybe they’d just tell her it was nothing at all. But something told her that today was going to be different, in ways she hadn’t yet anticipated.
“Mum, are we visiting Grandma at her house, or are we meeting her somewhere else?” Hermione asked nervously, her voice wavering slightly.
“Yes, Mina darling,” her mum replied with a gentle smile. “We’ll stop at Grandma’s house, and then we’ll all head to the church before exploring the city for some shopping and fun.” She paused, noticing the uncertainty in Hermione’s eyes. “Are you okay, sweetheart? You’re feeling all right, aren’t you?”
“Uh, yeah, Mum, I’m fine. It’s just that I feel a little… I don’t know how to explain it, but something feels different,” Hermione admitted, her gaze shifting anxiously between her mum and dad, unsure of what was happening within her.
Jean exchanged a concerned look with John, a silent understanding passing between them. Ever since Hermione turned four, they had noticed strange incidents occurring on different occasions, episodes where their daughter became unusually sensitive to emotions—whether it was anger, sadness, or happiness. As doctors, they were puzzled by these moments, unable to pinpoint the cause, but aware that something beyond their understanding was at play.
Jean turned back to Hermione, her voice soft and reassuring. “Darling, don’t worry. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay. We all have days where we feel a little off. It’s nothing to blame yourself for.”
A small smile tugged at Hermione’s lips, and she brightened at her mum’s comforting words. She pushed back from the dining table and wrapped her arms around her mother in a warm hug, feeling the familiar and reassuring support that always came from her. Hermione was deeply grateful for her mum’s unwavering presence, especially in moments like these.
“Let’s get in the car, pumpkin. We don’t want to keep Grandma waiting,” her dad said enthusiastically, gently ruffling her hair with a warm smile.
“Oh, my darling Mina! It’s so wonderful to see you!” Grandma Jane exclaimed, her face lighting up with a wide smile as she embraced Hermione.
They stood in the cozy warmth of Grandma’s pet shop, a charming little space filled with the sounds of chirping birds and the soft rustle of small animals. The shop was nestled just outside the gate of Grandma Jane’s beautiful cottage, located on a picturesque street in Dorset. The area was lined with old English country houses and cottages, a place that Hermione adored for its timeless beauty.
Hermione looked around, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She loved visiting her grandmother, especially at the shop, where each corner held something fascinating. Today, she was particularly eager to meet the two owls Grandma had told her about. The thought of seeing them up close made her heart race with anticipation.
“Grandma, where are the owls? I can’t wait to meet them!” Hermione exclaimed eagerly, as her grandma Jane greeted her parents and accepted the gifts they had brought.
“Oh, Mina, don’t be in such a hurry. Aren’t you more excited to see your grandma?” Grandma Jane replied with a teasing smile.
“Of course I am, Grandma, I love you!” Hermione said, hugging her grandmother warmly. “But I’m so excited to see the owls. I’ve read that they have night vision and can rotate their necks up to 270 degrees!”
At this, a burst of laughter filled the shop. It was well known that Hermione had a knack for absorbing every little detail about her interests.
“Well, come on then, let me show you where they live,” Grandma Jane said, leading Hermione outside through the back door. They stepped into the front yard of Grandma’s cottage, where a charming wooden treehouse awaited the two baby owls. One was snowy white, and the other a golden beige colour.
Hermione’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she gazed at the fascinating creatures. “Grandma, can I pick them up?” she asked innocently.
“Of course, darling,” Grandma Jane replied with a warm smile. “But first, let’s have some tea and rest a bit inside the house. We’ll also have to go and explore the city later.”
“Sure, Grandma! Have you made the strawberry scones?” Hermione asked happily.
“Yes, Mina. Let’s go and enjoy them,” Grandma Jane said, her smile as sweet as the scones she had prepared.
After a bit of rest and enjoying the delicious tea and strawberry scones Grandma Jane had prepared, the family was ready to head out and explore the town.
“Mina, would you like to take one of the baby owls with you while we explore?” Grandma Jane asked, a playful glint in her eye. “You can have your very own little partner to hang out with.”
Hermione’s eyes lit up with excitement. She chose the snowy owl, and Grandma Jane carefully fastened a lightweight chain to Hermione’s wrist and the owl’s tiny leg. The chain was long enough for Hermione to place the owl on her shoulder as they moved around the city.
It was 5 PM, and Grandma Jane usually closed her shop at 6 PM. But today, she planned to close early so the family could enjoy the evening together. As Hermione stood on the pavement outside the cottage, waiting for her grandma to lock up, she admired the beautiful street lined with tall, majestic trees. The holiday season brought extra charm, with people bustling about, exploring the festive shops and decorations.
Suddenly, a strange sensation fluttered in Hermione’s stomach, an odd feeling that she couldn’t quite place. Just then, a voice broke through her thoughts.
“Excuse me,” a boy’s voice called out.
Hermione turned around to see a boy with striking bluish-grey eyes staring at her intently. There was something unusual about his expression that made her uneasy.
“Yes?” Hermione responded in a small voice.
“Um, I like your owl. Can you tell me where you got it?” the boy asked, his gaze fixed on the snowy owl perched on her shoulder.
“I—um, sure. It’s from my grandma’s pet shop, right here,” Hermione said, pointing to the shop.
The boy glanced at the shop, noticing it was closed. His expression grew even stranger.
“But the shop is closed,” he said, looking uncomfortable.
“Uh, yeah. My grandma closed early today, but you can come back tomorrow when it’s open,” Hermione replied, feeling a knot of tension in her stomach.
Just as she finished speaking, Grandma Jane stepped outside, and Hermione turned to her.
“Grandma, there’s a boy here who wants to buy the owls,” Hermione said, turning back to point him out.
But the boy was gone. He had been standing right there just a moment ago, and now he had vanished without a trace.
Hermione stood frozen in shock, the strange feeling in her body intensifying. She wanted to tell her grandma about the boy, but something held her back. Instead, she quietly got into the car with her grandma, and they set off to explore the city, the encounter lingering in Hermione’s mind like a distant, unsettling dream.