Struggling Through New Beginnings

Chapter 26

Half an hour later Hermione was once again surprised by the sheer number of people who’d turned out to help her celebrate. She greeted friends from her own house, as well as a good number from the others. It seemed to her that many of them were as excited to be going off-grounds, as they were to help her celebrate. She also noticed the many bags, but no matter who she asked, no one would tell her anything about why they carried suitcases or overnight bags with them. She milled through the crowd accepting birthday wishes and thanking people for a short while before Ron and Harry pulled her aside. Parvati had watched her wipe a few stray tears away as both hugged her close.

“What’s that all about?” Theo wondered beside her.

Parvati shrugged, “I would guess they’re reminiscing a bit. It’s not like her last birthday was one to remember; they want to make this one really special for her.”

Theo nodded, but Pansy, who stood on her other side, looked away sadly.

“Hey, stop,” Parvati said softly. “It’s over. No more blame or guilt, remember? Especially not today. Hermione wouldn’t want that.”

Pansy nodded and clasped her hands together to keep them from trembling. She was a bundle of raw nerves. Not only would she be spending the day celebrating her new friend’s birthday, and get to spend the whole day trying to get Ron to finally notice her, but she was also going to experience all kinds of new muggle things she’d only read about or seen on the television her family had been forced to use over the summer. It was like a whole new world was opening up to her and she couldn’t contain her excitement. Professor Mills had assigned all of them to write a paper on one new muggle thing they’d seen or done during the day and she couldn’t wait to see which one she would choose. All of the things Harry, Ron and Ginny had mentioned were as foreign to her as they were exciting, and she trembled with expectation.

“You’re right,” she nodded finally and squared her shoulders. “Hermione wouldn’t want any more reminders of last year. And, today is all about her having fun, so let’s get to it, shall we?”

Parvati called out for quiet over the noise when she saw their Headmistress making her way down the hall towards them. Professor Mills walked with her and they both stopped at the doors to the Great Hall.

“Good morning,” Professor McGonagall said as she moved her cane behind her a little. She hated when anyone stared at it and stood taller as she spoke.

“Good morning, Professors,” the group chorused.

“First, allow me to wish you a very happy birthday, Ms. Granger. You have very good friends here who have planned quite a day for you and I hope you enjoy every moment of it.” Her eyes, which had softened as she’d spoken to one of her favorite students, went back to eagle-eyed sharpness as they turned to the rest of the group. “But, as your headmistress I must remind each of you about the stipulations for this journey.”

“No, I won’t ruin any surprises,” she continued when she caught the looks of alarm on the faces of Parvati, Pansy and Ginny. “Now, first, none of you are to stray from any of the previously approved locations at any time. Aurors have been strategically placed for your protection. They won’t interfere in any way in your day, unless you give them cause to approach you. And, when you must separate from the larger group, you must stay with at least two others. Last, no one, I repeat no one, will disrespect any of the chaperones in any way. They have full permission to send you back here immediately should that occur, and I promise you, you will not like the results. Now, go have fun and enjoy your day. Professor Mills and I will meet you at the gates when you return tonight.”

Everyone smiled and laughed when Hermione asked, “Tonight? Seriously, why the overnight bags then?”

Ginny wound her arms through Hermione’s and sang out, “You’ll see. Come on everyone, we don’t want to be late.”