The Prince Returns

Chapter Twenty-Three

Ron and Ginny had been to St. Mungo's before. The Floo had transported them to the waiting area on the ground floor of the hospital. They stepped out of the fireplace. No one looked up as they entered. Ron and Ginny followed Remus to the desk marked Inquiries. The two tried to look straight ahead and not make eye contact with those seated in the waiting room. Several of the witches and wizards in the waiting room had gruesome disfigurements that made Ginny shudder. One man's skin seemed to be melting. His frantic wife was next to him, trying to catch the liquid-like skin that slid off in a large bucket. Another man across the room was bleeding profusely from his ears, but his blood was a pale blue color. Ginny blanched and quickened her pace.

They reached the desk. "Yes?" the witch asked, looking annoyed. Ginny looked at her for the first time. She was a chubby fair-haired witch who looked like she had already had a long day.

"Remus Lupin. Here to see Arthur Weasley. These are his two youngest children."

"Right." She consulted a book in front of her on the desk. "He's on the ground floor. Had a bit of trouble placing that one this morning. I've been here for several years, but I've never seen a wound like that before!"

"Thanks," Remus said awkwardly, unsure of what to say. Ginny looked around the room anxiously, wanting to see her father.

"Take this hall. He's the last room on your left," she said, pointing. "The twins are in there now."

"Thanks," Remus repeated lamely. The three set off down the corridor. All the doors were shut that they passed, but Ginny could hear groans and moans of pain coming from several of the room. Finally, they reached the end of the long corridor. They knocked at the last door.

"Come in," said a voice that none of them recognized from the other side of the door. Remus quickly opened the door and they entered. The room was very different from the room that Arthur had stayed at the last time he stayed at St. Mungo's. There was only one bed and Arthur was occupying it. He looked pale. Aside from his color and the bandages on his arms, he looked fine. He was smiling, clearly glad to see his company. The twins were sitting in two chairs by their father's bed. A Healer was tapping Arthur with his wand and making notes on his clipboard. The Healer smiled up at them when they entered. Ginny had to smile back. The Healer had a very kind face. She was glad he was her father's Healer.

"I'll leave you alone. I'll stop by before I get off work at ten, Arthur," he said, smiling. Then he left the room, leaving them alone. Remus shifted uncomfortably. Ginny ran up to her father and hugged him.

"Are you okay?" she demanded, stepping back.

"I'm fine," he said dismissively and hugged Ron. "Have a seat." Ginny, Ron, and Remus pulled up chairs and sat next to the bed. "Fred and George here were just showing me the latest products."

Fred and George beamed. It was then that Ginny noticed the bags they were holding. "What are those?" Ginny asked, a little worried about the answer.

"Laughing Lollipops," Fred said, holding up his bag.

"Sneezing Smarties," George said, holding up his bag.

"Want to try one?" the twins asked in unison. Both Ginny and Ron quickly shook their heads.

"How's the shop doing?" Remus asked.

"Great. Regan has really helped us out. She put us in touch with several helpful people," Fred said, dropping a wink. George laughed.

"Sales are up. Quentin Malvo said that we might be able to open up an actual store soon, but he isn't for sure. The economy is still a little shaky, but we're doing great," George said, still chuckling.

"Who is Quientin Malvo?" Remus asked, looking skeptical.

"Our consultant. Regan said her dad uses him all the time for his UK business. He's really good," Fred assured, but Remus did not look convinced.

"Kids," Arthur said. Ginny looked at her father. She noticed for the first time the look he was giving Remus. Ginny sighed inwardly. She had seen that look many times. Her father liked to share that look with other adults when she and her brothers were present.

"Arthur and I need to talk," Remus said, looking back at Arthur with a similar expression. Ginny rolled her eyes.

"We'll go to the gift shop," she mumbled. She left the room, her brothers following. Once back in the hallways, she headed towards the waiting area. Fred grabbed her arm.

"Where you going?" he asked innocently. She looked back at her brothers. They were standing by the door, looking mischievious.

"What?" she demanded. Then she was what George was holding. Extendable Ears. She smiled and moved forward, taking a pair. Once she put them on, she could hear Arthur and Remus like they were right next to her.

"Do you think Voldemort has it?" Remus asked.

"I think we would know if he did. With that kind of power..." Arthur trailed off.

"Then we have to find Braydon."

"Do Richard or Regan know where he is?"

"I don't think so. What happened, Arthur?"

"I walked in at the wrong time. I don't think Braydon knew what he was doing. He looked scared, Remus. Terrified. He looked like some kid who got caught."

"He is a kid."

"I know." Arthur sighed. "He's the same age as my own boys."

"How are you feeling?"

"Better. I cannot believe he used a Muggle weapon," Arthur said in a voice of respect and admiration that Ginny knew. It was the voice he always used when discussing anything Muggle.

"Maybe we should learn more. Richard thinks that the Order should look into Muggle weaponry. I agree. Dumbledore agrees. The Ministry knows several Muggle experts that could work with the Order."

"That would be great," Arthur said. Ginny thought that her father sounded like he had just discovered Eden.

"When are you going home?"

"A few days. Then we can get started on Muggle studies. I can help with that."

"Of course you could," Remus said, laughing.

"What about security? It was very easy for Braydon last night."

"I know," Remus agreed, all humor gone from him voice.

"What are we going to do?"

"More spells. More charms. More guards. They're going to start patrolling the sky now."

"That will help," Arthur said slowly.

"It's still the safest place right now," Remus said defensively.

"What about Hogwarts?"

"I don't know," Remus said. Ginny could picture him shrugging.

"Are my children safe, Remus?"

"Yes. I think they are."

"What about Harry? Hermione? Regan? What about the rest of the Order? The rest of the wizarding community?" Arthur's voice was raising, as it did when he was upset.

"I don't think that any of us will be safe until Voldemort is gone permanently. Until then, I think that the Prince house and Hogwarts are the best that we can do." Ginny took out the Extendable Ears. She did not want to hear any more.

****

"What Malfoy?" Harry demanded. The blonde rolled his eyes and quickly ascended the stairs.

"We cannot talk on a staircase," he said in the arrogant voice that Harry was surprised to find that he had missed, in a sick, demented sort of way. "Room of Requirement." Malfoy turned and continued up the stairs. Hermione and Harry looked at each other, somewhat amused. They did not know who else knew about the Room of Requirement. They certainly had not thought that Malfoy knew about it. Hermione shrugged and followed Malfoy. Harry sighed and followed her.

"What is this all about Malfoy?" Hermione demanded once they caught up with him.

"A few things. Amulet of Rah. Richard Prince," he drawled in a voice that betrayed nothing. Hermione and Harry glanced at one another, more confused than ever.

"What do you know about the Amulet of Rah?" Harry asked, some of the anger that usually accompanied him in the presence of Malfoy leaving him.

"Plenty. Here we are," he said, stopping. They had reached the Room of Requirement. Without hesitation, Malfoy opened the door and they entered. Harry wondered what the room would look like. The room was fairly small. It held a few comfortable-looking armchairs, which were clustered in the middle of the room, facing each other in a small circle. The rest of the room was empty. Harry noticed with distate that the wall were green and the chairs were green and silver. This was Malfoy's Room of Requirement. Malfoy went to one of the chairs and sat down. Hermione and Harry looked at each other again before sitting down in the chairs across from him. Malfoy was leaning back in the seat comfortably, his legs stretched out in front of him. Hermione was sitting up straight in her seat, her hands tightly on her lap. Harry leaned forward, his hands resting on his knees. Neither Harry nor Hermione was very comfortable.

"What do you want?" Harry asked. Instead of responding, Malfoy reached into his robes and pulled something out. Harry tensed. He expected a wand or maybe even a weapon. But he brought out two books instead. He heard Hermione gasp beside him. Harry rolled his eyes and leaned back in his seat, getting comfortable in spite of himself. He did not want to feel comfortable in Malfoy's presence.

"These were in my father's library," he said. He handed the books over to Hermione, who grabbed them. Harry thought that she looked like a young child on Christmas morning. She eagerly opened the first book and flipped through it. Harry looked closer at the books. One looked very old. It was leather, but the binding looked like it was coming undone. The pages were brittle and yellow. The cover itself was a dark brown with gold lettering. The title was in Latin. The other book looked very new. It was also leather, but it seemed very together. In fact, Harry wondered if it had ever been used.

"Do you have any idea what these are?" Hermione said, clearly in awe of the books. Harry could not tell if she was talking to him or Malfoy. Harry had no idea what the books were.

"Of course I know," Malfoy said, rolling his eyes. Harry suppressed the urge to hit him.

"They were in your father's library?" Hermione asked, ignoring his previous comment.

"Did you not hear me earlier?" he asked.

"You are the one who asked us here," Harry said sharply.

"Right," he agreed, nodding.

"Why are you giving me these?" Hermione asked. Malfoy shrugged and looked around the room. For once, an expression graced his pale face. Harry realized that Draco Malfoy was uncomfortable.

"I don't know," he said, shrugging.

"Malfoy..." Hermione said.

"Okay. Regan asked me to," he said, sighing.

"Why?" Harry asked, surprised. He had not expected that.

"She wanted me to give you something," he said, inspecting his fingernails.

"Why?" Harry repeated, even more confused.

"Because. She's a girl. I don't know," he shrugged.

"There's more," Hermione said, smiling. Harry realized that his friend was enjoying this. Teasing Malfoy.

"Fine. She wants us to be.....friends," he said, wincing as if it were a very painful thing to admit.

"What?" Harry choked. He could not have heard correctly.

"Does she know who you are?" Hermione demanded. Then Malfoy shocked both of them: he laughed. It was a mirthless chuckle, but it was the closest thing to laughing that Harry had ever heard out of him.

"Believe me, she knows. I reminded her several times after her odd request. But she did not listen."

"Why would she want us to be friends?" Harry demanded.

"I don't know. I was hoping you would," Malfoy said, shrugging. His face remained expressionless, but Harry saw a slight flicker in his grey eyes as he talked about Regan.

"That's why you gave us the books. As a token of friendship?" Hermione sounded doubtful.

"Yes. She told me that that would be a good way to start. You like books. We have books. There you go," he said, looking more uncomfortable.

"These are really, really rare, Malfoy," Hermione said, looking back down at the books.

"The subjects should interest you both. And Weasley, I suppose," he said, looking more at ease.

"They will," Hermione said, smiling. "Thank you." Harry looked at Hermione in shock. She had just thanked Malfoy!

"Regan also wants me to, um, she wants me to..." Malfoy stumbled. Harry had never seen him so unsure of himself before. "She wants me to tell you that....about what happened before....what I said..did..."

"Are you trying to apologize?" Hermione asked, her grin widening. Malfoy paled, which Harry had not thought possible, not with his skin tones.

"Yes," he said darkly. Harry burst out laughing. Malfoy looked at him with amusement. "Do you think this is funny Potter?"

"Yes," Harry managed between chuckles. "I think this is hilarious." Hermione tried to contain herself, but she had to laugh, though she did it in a much more dignified, lady-like manner. After everything that Draco Malfoy had done to them, he wanted to take it all back. Because of a girl. Hermione got the impression that Malfoy had never apologized to anyone before. At least, not with any sincerity.

"Fine. Be that way!" he exclaimed, standing up. He tried to regain any dignity and pride he could muster and quickly left the room. Harry and Hermione both looked after him with wonder. Harry brushed the tears out of his eyes.

"I cannot believe that," Hermione said slowly, looking back over the books.

"Wait till we tell Ron!" Harry exclaimed.

"I wonder when Ron will be back," she said quietly.

"Are you still mad?" Harry asked, the smile leaving his face.

"You know what he did, Harry. I cannot just forgive him. Not so quickly," she said. "These are really rare books, you know-"

"Don't change the subject, Hermione. Listen, I really am sorry about what happened with Ron. He didn't tell me. I had no idea. If I had..."

"I know you didn't Harry. I know that none of this was your fault."

"I could never do that to someone, Hermione. I don't know how he could."

"Don't worry about it, Harry. I've been thinking about it," she began, still looking at the books, "and maybe I wasn't as in love with him as I thought that I was. I mean, I'll always love Ron. He's one of my best friends. I don't think that he could do anything to ruin our friendship. This entire thing with Lavender, I should have expected it. We never had a very strong relationship. Plus, this was going on for months. If Ron and I were really so in love, I think that I would have been able to know that something was going on. You know what I mean?"

"Yes, but you said that you were in love with him. You seemed so sure."

"I don't think I really loved him. Not like that. There was friendship and I was desperate to believe that there was something more than just that. I thought that we were so perfect. We're best friends. We get along great. I know and adore his family. I like him well enough. I guess I just did not want to have to go out and meet someone new. It was so easy with Ron. We already knew each other. There weren't any surprises. There wasn't any new territory. It was just so simple."

"But it was your first serious relationship, Hermione. Maybe it's a good thing that it was simple. Maybe next time, you'll be ready for true love. Maybe this was just a...practice relationship," he finished hopefully.

"Practice relationship?" she asked, smiling again.

"Yep."

"You know what I want to do?" she asked suddenly.

"What?" Harry asked.

"I want to go find Regan. I would love to tell her about our little exchange with Malfoy," Hermione said, looking a lot like the Weasley twins for a moment, ready for trouble.

"She keeps saying that they're just friends," Harry said, but he was also smiling.

"Malfoy was apologizing, Harry," she persisted. "Let's go."

****

Regan was glad to leave her father's office. She quickly headed back to her common room. She no longer wanted to watch a Quidditch game. She wanted to curl up by the fire in the common room, read a good book. She wanted her real life to seem a million miles away.

Her mother was dead. Her father was at his personal worst, she had never seen him so tired before. He was always very in control of his world. He suddenly seemed very out of control and it terrified her like nothing else could. And then there was Braydon. She could not believe what her brother had done. And what he had done to her. The entire school no longer trusted her. Everyone seemed to believe that she would hex them at any moment. She only thought that it would get worse whenever they found out about Arthur Weasley.

The last thing on Earth she wanted to do was go and join her classmates, who were terrified of her, and watch a bunch of kids try to kill themselves on brooms. Because the Quidditch game was open for anyone not on a house team, several people were playing that could barely fly properly. Regan knew that they would be terrible players. She hated to watch people mess up at Quidditch. It gave her a headache. Also, the game would only remind her of Ron and Ginny's absence. She did not need any reminders.

She was glad to see that the common room was empty. The game would be starting soon and everyone was probably at the pitch. Regan went upstairs and grabbed a good book. A few moments later, she was curled up by the fire, reading. Her problems were not gone, but they were reduced to a nagging feeling at the pit of her stomach. She was so engrossed in the book that she did not notice Harry and Hermione step through the portrait hole some time later.

****

Hermione smiled as she entered the common room. There was Regan, practically waiting for them. She and Harry stood at the door for a moment, watching Regan read. The other girl had no idea they were there. "How do we want to do this?" Harry whispered. Hermione just smiled at him and entered the room. She went and sat in a chair across from Regan. Harry followed her. Regan looked up from her book, obviously surprised to see them.

"You're missing the game," she said simply.

"We just had a very interesting conversation with Draco Malfoy," Harry said, grinning. Hermione felt her own grin widening. She was going to enjoy this. However, Regan seemed unfazed by the information. Hermione frowned. She wanted some sort of a reaction.

"Arthur Weasley was shot last night," she said instead, as if she were reporting the weather.

"What? Shot?" Harry said, clearly surprised. Hermione tried to recover from her own shock. She had not expected that response.

"Yep. With a gun. Death Eaters are using Muggle weapons now," she said, still in a carefree voice.

"How? Where?" Hermione wanted to know. She thought of all the measures that the Order had taken to assure the security at the Prince house. There was no way anyone could get onto the grounds, but she did not know where else Arthur would be. Maybe at the Burrow.

"My house. My brother did it," she said, her voice faltering slightly.

"Braydon?" Harry asked.

"No. My other brother," she said, opening her book.

"Is he okay?" Hermione asked, shocked that Regan could be so calm about it. Hermione did not have any siblings, but she imagined that she would feel very responsible for them if she did. Also, she had always thought of Arthur as her father. He was such a nice, kind man. She could not imagine the Weasleys losing both their parents.

"He'll be fine. He was shot in his shoulders. Ginny and Ron are visiting him now," Regan said, looking up from her book.

"Are they okay?" Harry asked. Hermione was unsure how to feel. She was still very angry with Ron, but she certainly did not want him to lose his father. Or feel any pain, for that matter. She did not want Ginny to hurt either, though they were not exactly close.

"I don't know. They left right after they found out. I didn't think that it was the right time to have a session on what they were feeling."

Hermione looked down at her lap, surprised to see the books that Malfoy had given her there. She had completely forgotten. She suddenly felt foolish. They had been so concerned with teasing Regan, they had completely forgotten about Ron and Ginny.

"When are they coming back?" Harry asked, suddenly quiet. His grin was gone as well, Hermione noticed.

"This evening. They'll miss the Quidditch game, but they should be back for the feast."

"That's good," Hermione said. She looked at Harry.

"How did he get in?" Harry asked.

"They're not for sure. They are going to put in some more guards. A few more spells. They think that should be enough." To Hermione, Regan sounded like she did not think that would be enough at all.

"I thought that the Prince house was supposed to be the safest place around," Harry said. Regan shrugged.

"Maybe Hogwarts is. I don't know. It's still safe. I mean, Arthur is safer there than he is at the Burrow, but there aren't exactly droves of Death Eaters trying to get into the Burrow."
"Right," Harry said lamely. "Is that why he was at the house? To get Arthur?"

"No. He has the Amulet of Rah," Regan said. Hermione gasped.

"So Voldemort has the Amulet?" she demanded.

"I guess so, but wouldn't we know it if he had it?" she replied. "I mean, it's supposed to be so powerful. Maybe it just hasn't gotten to him yet."

"Maybe," Hermione agreed.

"What are those?" Regan asked, gesturing to Hermione's new books. Hermione smiled at Harry. Harry smiled back.

"The Weasleys are fine," Harry said, giving Hermione permission to continue.

"Books," Hermione said.

"I know that," Regan said, rolling her eyes. "What kind of books?"

"Magical Entities and Their Story and People Every Knowledgeable Witch or Wizard Should Know About," Hermione said with some pride.

"How did you find those?" Regan said, sitting up and looking at the books with a new interest. Harry caught Hermione's eye and raised his eyebrows. Hermione laughed. She was glad to have Regan. She finally had someone who understood the importance of books.

"I told you they were rare," Hermione said to Harry.

"Where did you get them?" Regan said again, not taking her eyes off the books.

"Malfoy," Hermione said smuggly. Regan sat back in her seat, suddenly not so interested in the books.

"He gave you those?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes. We were surprised also, but he gave us a reason," Hermione said.

"It wasn't a good reason, but it was a reason," Harry agreed. It may have been Hermione's imagination, but she thought she saw Regan flinch.

"That's interesting," she said and dramatically opened her book and returned to reading. Harry took the book out of her hands. She rolled her eyes and turned back to Hermione. "Have you read the books yet?"

"No, but I'm sure that there will be plenty of information on the Amulet of Rah in this one," she said, holding up the older book. "And I know that there is extensive information on the Prince family in this one," she pointed to the other book. "But you know that."

"I've heard of those books. There are only a few of each in existence. Of course, no one knows what is actually in them. So few people have seen them. I can't believe that they would be just lying around the Malfoy Manor."

"True," Hermione said, shrugging. "Supposedly, there is Dark Magic involved in the production of these books. The information in them is not the type of information you'll find in a text book. I could see why Lucius Malfoy would want these. They were probably in his library, with several other rare books all about Dark Arts."

"But why would he give them to you?" Regan asked.

"Draco Malfoy gave them to us because you asked him to," Harry said, glad the conversation was turning around. He was worried that they would end up having a conversation about books.

"I did not ask Draco to give you those books. I asked him to make a gesture. I was thinking something like a bag of Every-Flavored Beans. Something from Fred and George's shop. Not the books," she said.

"Why did you want him to give us anything to begin with?" Hermione asked. Regan sighed.

"I don't know," she said, looking at Harry and Hermione closely. "I want you guys to be able to get along."

"Why would we want to get along with Malfoy? You know some of the things that he has done and said," Harry said, no longer grinning.

"Has he lately?" Regan demanded.

"No, but that doesn't mean anything. You weren't here, Regan. He could be really.....hateful," Hermione finished, thinking of the many times she had been called a Mudblood.

"I know. He wasn't the nicest guy to me either, last year, but he's...different," she said slowly.

"You can just forgive him?" Harry demanded.

"I didn't just forgive him. It was difficult for awhile, to forget what he had said. We really were strictly study partners for awhile. Then, I don't know, we became friends."

"How can you be friends with him?" Harry said sternly. Hermione gave him a warning look. She did not want to fight with Regan. They were supposed to be teasing her.

"It just happened, Harry. You guys only know the guy he is at school, with his Slytherin goons. And, I know how silly I sound, but he's changed," she said. Harry and Hermione looked at her with skepticism. Hermione wondered how she could be so naive.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, but with less conviction.

"I don't know. He's grown up. You just have to talk to him. Trust me, okay?" she said, looking at them with pleading eyes.

"Trust you?" Hermione asked with disbelief.

"Yes," she said. Hermione looked down at the books. Maybe Regan was right, or at least on the right track.

"Okay. We'll give him a chance," Hermione said finally. Harry looked at her, shocked and betrayed. She rolled her eyes. "Come on, Harry, grow up."

"I cannot believe this," Harry said quietly, more to himself than to the other two girls. He sighed. "Okay. I'll give him a chance."

"Good," Regan said, smiling.

"I don't know about Ron, though," Harry said. Regan looked at Hermione briefly.

"I'm not asking for Ron to give him a chance, I'm asking for you two to."

"I'm going to go to the game," Harry said, standing. He looked at the girls for a moment before leaving. Hermione watched him go.

"Are you really okay?" Regan asked. Hermione knew that she was thinking about Ron's confessions from the night before.

"Yeah. I'm fine. What about you?" Hermione asked, grinning again.

"What do you mean?" she asked, but to Hermione she looked like she knew exactly what Hermione meant.

"Regan, Draco Malfoy, no matter what you say, would never willingly pull Harry and me aside, give us books, books which his father would probably kill him for taking to begin with, and then try to apologize to us. At least, he would never do all that willingly for some friend. At least, I don't think he would. I don't really know how Malfoy handles his friendships because I don't really count Crabbe and Goyle as friends. They can barely speak as it is. I couldn't begin to imagine how one would have an honest conversation with them."

"Hermione, stop. You're babbling."

"Sorry."

"Ask me what you're trying to ask me."

"What exaclty is going on between you two?"

"I don't know."

"Are you ....you know...together?"

"I think so. It's so frustrating. He never gives honest answers. I never know what he's thinking," she said, sighing. Hermione smiled. She was reminded of her relationship to Ron, in some ways.

"So you like him?"

"Yeah. I do," she said, smiling. "I just like being around him. He's funny, in a sarcastic kind of way. And whenever he's away from the other Slytherins, he isn't the bully that you guys spent the past six years with. And I can talk to him. I can really talk to him. It's so nice to finally have someone who understands."

"And? I know I don't enjoy shopping or makeup, but I am a girl," Hermione said defensively. Regan grinned.

"I know. And he is cute. Especially once the whole arrogant demeanor is gone. Those eyes...I think that I could drown in them. And Hermione," she said in a wistful voice, leaning closer conspiratorially, "he does this thing with his tongue that-"

"That's enough! I get it!" Hermione exclaimed, desperate for Regan to stop. She did not want to hear any more. Regan grinned sheepishly.

"Sorry. I really needed someone to talk to about this. I mean, I can talk to him about anything but this," she said.

"Who else knows?" Hermione asked.

"Maybe a few Slytherins. That's it."

"Why keep it a secret?"

"Most people know we're friends. According to Parvati and Lavender, several students are guessing at other things. I don't see a reason to make a big deal out of it. But now you know."

"I am not going to listen to any stories about Malfoy and his tongue," Hermione warned. Regan laughed.

"Okay."

"So you guys talk about everything?"
"I guess so."

"What about Voldemort?" Hermione said hesitantly, watching Regan's reaction closely. She grew more serious.

"It isn't our favorite subject, and we used to avoid it, but we can't any more. It's always present, unspoken. It's not just between Draco and me. It's all over the school. The entire wizarding community. This foreboding sense of evil. Like something is about to happen, but nobody talks about it. Of course Draco and I do."

"And?"

"And what? His father is a Death Eater. The Dark Lord himself is staying in his basement."

"Is he going to become a Death Eater?"

"I think so. Probably at Christmas. He was originally going to after graduation, but it seems that Voldemort is tired of waiting. He wants to start things sooner."

"Does Draco want to be a Death Eater?" Hermione asked. Regan smiled a small smile.

"You called him Draco."

"I know."

"I don't think he wants to any more, but sometimes it's hard to tell with Draco," Regan said softly. Hermione suddenly felt a wave of despair.

"I'm going to go ahead and get started on these books," she said, standing.

"Hermione," Regan said, stopping her.

"Yes?"
"Thank you. And Harry. I know what he did to you and I know that it must be hard, but it really means a lot to me. I don't have a lot of friends at Hogwarts, or in England for that matter. I'd like for us all to be able to get along together."

"We'll try Regan," Hermione said before leaving. She went to her bedroom, sprawled on her bed, and opened up Magical Entities and Their Story.