Meeting Hermione
When Hermione and Neville entered the compartment, they were met with polite, but curious stares. Neville, who was taught the old ways, bowed slightly and stammered out his name. The others rose from their seats and bowed slightly as well, causing Hermione to be the odd one out.
‘I guess this is a wizard custom?’ she asked tentatively. Growing up, she never had that many friends, because she liked reading more than playing outside, absorbed information like a sponge and couldn’t understand people who didn’t care about their education, and had the somewhat annoying habit of speaking up before she was asked. She was determined to change her behavior. Neville smiled and explained that among them, there were Ancient and Noble Houses and that respect needed to be given. He promised he would show her how this worked when they were settled in Hogwarts.
Draco indicated that Hermione could sit next to him, so he could introduce her to his friends. Said friends were still a bit miffed that Draco Malfoy would willingly shake hands with a Mudblood, but had enough decency to not comment. Draco knew that this would change the moment they were alone. Turning over a new leaf was hard, but he was positive that his friends would follow his way.
When the candy trolley came by, the children bought different things. Ice Mice, Cauldron Cakes, Beans in every Flavor, Chocolate Frogs, and Sugar Quills. Hermione had no knowledge of wizard candies, so Neville helped her explain what the different candies were. Because Hermione was the daughter of dentists, she hardly ever snacked on sweets. Wasn't good for your teeth, but when she tasted a Sugar Quill for the first time, she was hooked. This much to the amusement of the others. Hermione explained what her parents’ work entailed, but quit that explanation quickly, for her newfound friends looked horrified. Dream, who witnessed the entire thing, smirked.
While snacking, Blaise and Draco talked about the different houses in Hogwarts and Hermione asked the questions she couldn't find the answers for in Hogwarts; A History. All in all, it was pleasant in the compartment and Hermione felt welcome. She had seen the boys' faces when Draco had welcomed her but decided to keep it to herself. That she was a Muggleborn witch, was apparently a thing, and not just for the rude boy she had met earlier.
She was about to ask which lessons the boys would most like to take when a small black raven flew into the compartment out of nowhere. Hermione gasped and looked around in surprise. Where did that bird suddenly come from? But her thoughts were interrupted by the cry of joy that Draco let out, which seemed to recognize the bird.
‘Hey, you're here!’ Draco held out his arm and the bird landed on it, then continued up his arm and sat on Draco's shoulder. The bird nuzzled his cheek and looked around, its eyes landing on Hermione. She let out a little thrill and flapped her wings. Hermione saw that the bird tilted her head as if she was observing her and felt like she was being judged.
The little raven had striking green eyes. Hermione thought she, or he, was rather beautiful.
Draco observed the silent interaction and was having a mild panic attack. He was hoping Reggie would not speak, but luck was not on his side, for the minute he finished his thought the blasted bird very softly said hello.
Hermione gasped in surprise, Neville slipped off the couch, Vince and Greg gaped at her, and Blaise nudged Theo in surprise. ‘Did…did she just talk?’ came the subdued reply from Neville. Reggie fluttered her wings and tilted her head.
‘I’m sorry…It was not my intention to startle you. It just, uhm, I know Draco and I would like to get to know you as well.’ The children recomposed themselves. ‘What’s your name?’ Theo was the first one to ask. Draco could only watch as Reggie hopped on the couch, sitting next to Theo. Draco knew that Theo's father was a Death Eather because his own father had been one. They were all very young, but not idiots. While Blaise's family was neutral, both Vince and Greg's fathers were also Death Eaters. If Reggie was to say her name, he could not stop the others from maybe making the connection. What Draco however didn’t know, was that Reggie was already beloved by many students, from all Houses, and not one person had made the connection that the little black raven was the deceased Regina Potter.
Severus was very careful never to mention her last name, he only called her Reggie, of Reg. The others who knew her real identity had made a Vow to not mention her last name. And of course, Dream had used his own magic, to protect her. If someone found out, they would forget in an instant. Only the people who Reggie herself told, would be able to remember who she really was.
‘My name is Reggie, very pleased to meet you!’ Theo held out his hand and very carefully, Reggie hopped on. One by one, the boys introduced themselves, until Hermione was left.
Reggie flew off Neville’s shoulder and landed very gently on Hermione's outstretched hand. She then carefully walked up her arm, to finally sit on her shoulder. ‘Hi,’ came the shy reaction from Hermione. She had never done this before, so she was excited and nervous. Reggie squeaked softly. Hermione relaxed and held out her other hand. ‘Is it okay if I pet you?’
She didn't want to just do something the raven wouldn't like. She was so beautiful and Hermione was deeply impressed. She had gone to the Tower of London with her parents and had always admired the ravens there. Reggie spread her wings in a gesture that told Hermione she was okay with it and very gently Hermione stroked her right wing with her index finger. ‘You are soft,’ she giggled.
Draco smiled broadly. He was very happy that no one had made problems. Now that the initial shock had passed that there was a talking bird, the conversation moved on to classes, school, houses, how you were assigned to one of the houses (which no one knew except Reggie, who didn't say it), and pets. such as cats, owls, and toads.
As the sky began to darken, it was time to put on the school robes. Hermione was already wearing hers and offered to wait outside. She got up and opened the door. Reggie remembered her promise to Dream and flew off her shoulder.
The boys changed while Reggie was perched on the window opener and after they finished Hermione came back in. She was just about to get back into her seat when the door of the compartment slid open once again and the unkind boy from earlier stepped inside. He gave her a disdainful look and looked around. He saw the black bird and his eyes went over the boys in the compartment.
‘You really are stupid, aren't you,’ he sneered at her. Hermione wasn't quite sure what he meant. Her face showed her confusion and the boy pointed to the other boys in the compartment. ‘You are a Muggleborn and you are sitting with mini Death Eaters.’
Draco got up. ‘I think you better go. No idea who you are, but I don't appreciate your accusations.’
The boy turned red. ‘Ah, I see. Blonde hair, expensive clothes, stupid face, you must be Draco Malfoy.’ The boy emphasized the first name and the boys behind him, still in the corridor of the train, chuckled. Reggie puffed her feathers out. The boy looked at her and Reggie noticed the anger in them.
Draco, in turn, looked as arrogant as possible and looked the boy up and down. ‘Let me see, red hair, rags instead of normal clothes, vacant expression, you must be a Weasley?’
This made Theo, Blaise, and the others laugh. The boy’s face was now almost purple with anger and Reggie was reminded of her Uncle. To say she was worried and a little bit scared was putting it mildly.
‘This isn't over yet, mini Death Eater.’ With one last angry look, he left. Draco grinned, he wasn't worried about the boy at all. The train slowed down. ‘Will you come with us,’ he asked Reggie. ‘No, I'm being picked up.’ Hermione couldn't understand the conversation. She could fly...right? Before she could ask any further questions, the raven looked up, made a thrilling noise, and flew up. She disappeared into thin air, as mysteriously as she had come.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
At Hogwarts, final preparations were made to receive the students. Now that the curse was gone, Lucius stayed on as the DADA professor. The NEWT students that had graduated the year before all passed their exams with flying colors and de OWL students had scored very high. Lucius was a popular teacher, by all the Houses.
Remus, who still taught History had managed to turn most people’s opinions of the class, by handling the material differently. He was strict but fair and also very popular.
This year another teacher joined, much to the horror of Severus. Sirius had been declared completely sane (how had he managed that?) and would take over the Transfiguration lessons. Minerva was busy as Deputy Headmistress and Sirius was up for a new challenge. He had received a very stern lecture about bullying and how to handle that and even though he was a nervous wreck, everyone had confidence in his ability to teach.
Severus was done preparing everything and decided to walk over to the DADA classroom, to check on Lucius. He walked through the quiet hallways and thought about the coming year. Reggie was now 11 years old and should have attended as a normal student. He wondered how different things would be if she had not died. Still deep in thought, he almost bumped into Sirius. ‘Apologies.’ To his surprise, Sirius waved them away and stared at him. ‘What?’
‘How is she?’ Ah, he wanted to know about Reggie. Sirius had not seen her as much as he had wanted, but that was because he was immensely busy. He had sold Grimmauld Place, relocated the mad little House Elf (who protested way too much), and bought a new house in Hogsmeade. Being busy kept him from overthinking things, like his grandfather, whom he still had to meet, to talk things over. Sirius kept stalling. In the last couple of months, he had seen Reggie in his sleep, when he was teaching her about different kinds of magic. But that was one night of the week and he missed her.
‘She should be here soon. She wanted to go to the station.’ Severus shrugged. There was a bit of an awkward silence. ‘Were you on your way to the Great Hall?’ inquired Sirius. Severus hummed in reply. ‘Mind if I walk with you?’ Before Severus could respond, they had company, for Lucius and Remus had joined them. ‘Did he behave?’ Remus asked.
‘Hmpf’.
‘Ey, I was behaving myself.’ Cried Sirius. They walked off, talking about the new year and arrived at the Great Hall. Dream was waiting in front of the teachers' table. Reggie rose from his shoulder and flew toward Sirius. ‘Siri!’ she yelled happily. ‘Hey Pumpkin, I am so very sorry that we didn’t spend more time together. It’s no excuse, but I have been so busy and time management is, well, was, a bit of a struggle. Do you forgive me?’ Reggie bumped her head against his cheek. ‘Always.’
‘There was a minor...incident...on board the train. One of the students, a Muggleborn witch, was treated unkindly by Ron Weasley. Apparently, he had a problem with the fact that she was a Muggleborn.’
Dream had not intended to say anything, but Reggie was afraid of this boy. The sooner his behavior was stopped, the better. ‘The Weasleys are not blood purists. Why would he treat her like that?’ Lucius didn't like Arthur, but he was sure Arthur hadn't raised his children that way. The man was from the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office for God's sake. He loved Muggles.
‘We will look into this,’ Remus promised. Dream nodded and left. ‘The train is here, Hagrid is on his way with the freshmen. The carriages arrive in 10 minutes.’ Minerva announced. The men took their seats and then it was a matter of waiting for the students to arrive. Like every year, there was a bet between the teachers as to where the first-year students would end up. Severus got it right almost every year, but now faced competition from Lucius. Who was very good in guessing, much to the chagrin of Severus.
‘How many first years are there?’ Remus wanted to know. ‘31’ came the reply from Filius.
With that, the betting started and when the older students walked in Reggie was perched on Severus’ chair, with Sirius on her right side. She didn’t know yet, but the upcoming night would be very special for her.