Hermione's Journey

Chapter Two

I walked slowly down the hallway I had turned into and stopped when I reached the door at the end of it. I was hesitant to knock, but I finally managed to lift my hand and haltingly rapped my knuckles on the wooden door.

"Come in," an elderly voice called and I slowly turned the knob and let the door swing open. It was a fairly large room with dark red carpets and shelves lining the back wall.

In front of the shelves was a dark brown desk, and seated at it was my great uncle, Digory. He glanced up from his work and froze.

"Hermione?" he stood up and walked from behind his desk, adjusting his glasses, "Goodness gracious! Child, it has been two years at least!" Uncle Digory crossed the room and pulled me into a smothering hug.

"Hello, Uncle Digory," I hugged him back lightly.

"And how are you faring?" he held me back, with a huge grin on his face. His face fell immediately, however, when he saw the expression on my face.

"My dear child, what on earth is the matter?" Uncle Digory brushed some hair out of my face. I made an attempt to keep a straight face.

"I'd tell you, but I'm not allowed to discuss wizarding affairs with Muggles," I looked down at the floor, ashamed.

"I understand," Uncle Digory smiled apologetically and patted my shoulder, "Where are your parents?" He walked back behind his desk and sat down.

"They're not here," I murmured.

"What? They left you here without saying hello?"

"No," I began to feel tears leaking out of the corners of my eyes, "I-I came alone."

"Heavens! What is the matter?" Uncle Digory say forward in his chair, "You came alone, you say?"

"I had to," I put my hands up to my face and wiped away stray tears. There was a heavy weight on my heart and I wondered if it would ever go away.

"Are they alright?" Uncle Digory fingered the pen on his desk nervously.

"Yes," I stood up straight, determined not to cry anymore, "They're moving to Australia."

"Without you?"

"Why would they take me?" I laughed dryly,  "As far as they know, th-they don't h-have any children." I choked the words out and shuddered.

"What have you done, Hermione?" Uncle Digory motioned for me to come behind the desk and pulled me down to his eye-level.

"I altered their memories," I said heavily, looking down, "Things are changing in England, for the worst. They're safer far away from here." Uncle Digory pulled me into another hug and I put my head in the crook of his neck.

"If it's not too much trouble," I started, slightly embarrassed of Uncle Digory seeing me like this, "could I stay here for a week or two?"

"Hermione," Uncle Digory put his hands on my shoulders, "we are family. If you ever need a place to stay, never hesitate to ask me."

"Yes, sir," I threw my arms around him and kissed his cheek.

"You'll have to stay in a room with the Pevensie girls though. Mrs. Macready has been using your old bedroom as a sewing room and it's very crowded."

"Oh I don't mind, Uncle Digory!" I told him hurriedly and stood up, "Ummm... are the Pevensies friends of yours?" I was confused by Uncle Digory's guests. I had never met them before.

"No, no," Uncle Digory shook his head, "Don't you watch the news? Their mother was worried about all the action that's going on in London right now, so she sent them out here."

"I met them just now," I stood up.

"Oh?" Uncle Digory raised an eyebrow, "What did you think of them?"

"They were quite friendly," I smiled, "Although, the older girl didn't seem to like me very much."

"Yes," Uncle Digory chuckled, "Susan is really acting as mother until they go back. Try not to get too upset with her if she seems to be a little bossy."

"Okay," I began to walk out the door, but Uncle Digory called out just before I reached the hall.

"Try to make friends with them, Hermione," Uncle Digory pleaded, "It'll do you some good to have kids your own age to talk to around here."

"Don't worry," I gave him a nod of reassurance, "I'm sure we'll be like old friends in no time."

"Thank you, dear. Now go off and make yourself at home."

"I'll try," was all I said as I walked out of the office, closing the door behind me.