Hermione Snape and the Divergence Point Vol. 4

Chapter Six: Before the Match

When Hermione camped with the gang back in Japan, they used simple tents with canvas and bamboo poles. Something students were expected to erect without magic. Here, Mr Weasley and Charlie simply took out the tents, which popped into place. A larger one for the boys, which made sense, and Hermione bunked with Ginny in the "smaller" one, which while looking like a small fabriced dome from the outside, was nearly the size of the common area in father's living quarters.

"I know about expandable charms," Hermione said looking around the vaulted ceiling and two cots. "But this is—is it cliche if I remark that it's 'bigger on the inside'?"

Ginny stifled a giggle. "Who worries about being a cliche? That's cliche!"

"Give me a break, Gin," Hermione shrugged. "I grew up in a literal dungeon."

"Oh, no!" Ginny grinned. "You don't get to claim that anymore. You've seen more of the world than I have now."

Hermione rolled her eyes and threw her bag onto the unclaimed bunk. "I'll grant you that. Though most of Japan I've seen was also inside a school."

Ginny rolled on to her stomach and propped herself on her elbows, her feet swinging behind her with an expectant grin. "Speaking of Japan..you said Hiro's going to be here?"

Hermione's heart fluttered at the thought, before urgency kicked in. "Let's get the water! If we do it quick enough we might be able to survey the campground and look for them!"

"Hermione!" Ginny whined. "I thought you were the one ready to faint!"

It was Hermione's turn to grin when she threw her bag back over her shoulder. "That, my sweet child, is the power of love!"

"Ugh!" Ginny moaned. "I'm eleven months younger than you!"

Hermione stuck her tongue out and the two girls left the tent ready to retrieve the water.

Despite Hermione's count being interrupted, luck was on their side. Something that seemed impossible when Harry and Ron were sent out with her and Ginny suddenly declined the trip. The stood in line for ages, wizards of all ages debating which team would win in hushed voices. Two older men sat cross-legged on the grass, one admonishing the other for wearing women's clothes, the other stating he enjoyed the breeze. Hermione tried not to giggle, but found it hard to believe a grown man would so loudly announce how he airs out his privates.

She quickly regained her focus, stretching this way and that to try and get a glimpse of Hiro and Kaori. So far nothing, and Hermione was treated to Ron's explanation of every game Bulgaria ever won. Until an excited voice shouted:

"Mione-chan!"

Hermione turned back and found a petite older girl with blond curls waving from three men behind.

"Anya-chan!" Hermione yelled back, delight taking her heart. Of course Kaori would take her girlfriend!

"Stay a while after getting your water!" Anya called, still speaking Japanese. "We'll talk after!"

"Hai!" Hermione proudly announced.

"Who was that?" Ron asked.

"Anya," Hermione smiled. "She's a friend from Mahoukatoro."

"Really?" Ron squinted in Anya's direction. "I'd have thought she was from one of the continental schools. You look more Japanese than she does."

"That's because I'm half-Asian," Hermione sighed. Don't ruin this for me, Ron. "And Anya's a summer transfer student like me. She's from Beaux Batons."