Harry made a face as he changed into the least magical-looking outfit he’d been able to find: a pair of brown corduroy pants and a grey sweater over a simple cotton undershirt. The elves rather enjoyed turning his clothes from the Dursleys into rags to be used in cleaning, and he hadn’t had the heart to chastise them about it. He’d spelled his glasses into plain glass since he no longer needed them.
He was out of practice wearing glasses, and they felt a bit strange perched on his nose after so long without them. He shortened his hair to chin length and snagged the messenger bag he’d started using to carry the different documents and papers he needed to hold his shopping. A house elf popped him inside the Dursley’s house just a moment before the doorbell rang.
“Hey, Hermione,” Harry said with a small smile when he opened the door.
He ducked outside and started to the car that was waiting with her parents, forcing her to catch up after she gaped at him for a long moment in shock. “You grew your hair out.”
“Yeah, thought it might be time for a change,” Harry said, opening the car door for her.
“Mom, Dad, I’m sure you remember Harry Potter," she said as she slid in, scooting to the next seat so that Harry could climb in as well.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Thank you for picking me up," he said once he’d tucked his bag into the floorboard and buckled in.
“It’s no trouble; we wanted to meet the boy that Hermione’s told us so much about anyway.” Mrs. Granger said with a mischievous grin. “Maybe you can explain a few things, the wizarding world seems either extremely illogical or downright insane in some respects.”
“What kind of things?” Harry asked, wondering what exactly was puzzling the muggle family, considering how insane magic could be at times.
“Well, transport, for instance. There seems to be no infrastructure for wizarding towns to have connecting roads, no building laws, that kind of thing.” Mrs. Granger asked, twisting in her seat to face them more easily.
“Well, I’m not sure about the laws, but I can understand why they don’t have much infrastructure. Why would they have connecting roads when every home has a floo? A pinch of powder, and you’re at your destination in seconds. All adult wizards can apparate as well, so they do not need cars or planes unless you count long-distance travel such as between countries, and then they take international portkeys. Only the very young, ill, or pregnant are unable to floo, apparate, or portkey, and they generally take the Knight bus in this part of Britain. I know some international areas have other methods, coaches for Asia and flying carpets for much of India and Africa.”
“He does have a point, dear.” Mr. Granger put in, signaling for a turn as they merged onto the highway, “Why would they vaccinate children when the magical population doesn’t have the same diseases? Why would they worry about most injuries when, with a few potions and spells, they’re cured in moments?”
“Did you get your class list approved for this year?” Hermione asked Harry, trying to steer the conversation back to easier topics.
“Yes, I changed to Ancient Runes instead of Divination, so McGonagall sent my list early. I just have to take a placement test on the first day to see which class I’ll be in.” Harry said with a nod, waiting for Hermione to rant about how useless Divination was, but her mother interrupted before she could get started.
“Hermione was made Prefect this year. I’m told it’s a bit like being a teacher’s assistant?" she asked.
“Yes, it’s generally the top two students in each year. They help out with the younger years as mentors and act as hall monitors and such at night.” Harry said with a nod.
“Mother, I’ve already explained it to both of you,” Hermione said with exasperation.
“Yes, but sometimes others can explain things in a different light.” Mrs. Granger said, giving her a smile in the rearview mirror.
“You weren’t given the other badge?” Hermione asked Harry with a frown, “Your scores weren’t that much below mine and certainly much higher than Ron’s.”
“No, I was made Quidditch Captain. Even without the Captaincy, I probably wouldn’t have had enough time to be a Prefect with all the practices we have to do during the season.” Harry said, shrugging, he doubted Dumbledore would ever want him in a position of power over the other students.
“Ron’s been bragging all summer in his letters that he was going to get Quidditch Captain.” Hermione said tiredly, “He’s probably going to be angry that it went to you.”
“I’ve been on the team longer than he has.” Harry pointed out, knowing it was a moot point.
“I know, I’m just warning you, he might be stupid about it.” Hermione said with a shrug, “Why did you change classes anyway?”
“It’s kind of a useless class unless you have a gift for prophecy.” Harry said with a shrug, “I signed up because Ron was taking it, but after everything last year, I thought I might take something more useful.”
“That’s a good outlook to have, Harry. Hermione told us of your loss; I was sorry to hear about your Godfather.” Mrs. Granger said with a sad look.
“Thank you, Mrs. Granger,” Harry said stiffly, turning to watch the passing countryside.
“It’s Jean, dear.”
He hoped they took his silence as quiet sorrow or brooding, in truth, he was trying to figure out how to broach the subject of the testing that Hermione had undergone after the will reading. He wasn’t sure how to say it in case she was still pushing to inform Dumbledore of the spells. She’d been utterly shocked that someone had tried to control her actions and personality and, at first, had insisted the matter be taken to the school board before eventually backing down and agreeing to participate in the lawsuit.
They passed the rest of the ride in silence except for the occasional casual chatter from her parents. He got lucky when they arrived at the Leaky Cauldron and went straight through and into the alley without seeing the Weasleys. Hermione left her parents in the line at Gringotts to get some muggle money exchanged and dragged Harry into a nearby corner where they wouldn’t be overheard.
“Have you heard about the spell testing that Gringotts is offering?” Hermione whispered, tugging him closer.
“Yes, you were tested?" he asked quickly, glad to be able to ask finally.
“I stayed after the will reading to meet with the account manager doing the tests. I need to talk to you about what I found out, Harry.”
“I can guess I was tested the first week of the summer.” Harry said softly, grinning at the relieved look on her face, “How many love potions have the Weasleys been slipping you, or was it just me?”
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“For Ginny?”
“Probably. I also had a ton of spells to amplify anger and depression on my belongings and parts of my magical core bound. Did you do the full removal ritual?”
“Yes, and a potions purge, though my parents thought I had the flu. I was in bed for two days between everything.”
“I’ll tell you more once we can get alone. It might have to wait until we get to Hogwarts if we can’t get somewhere warded. I think the Headmaster’s monitoring my mail to you and Ron, so I couldn’t warn you. Don’t let the Weasleys touch your school gear or eat anything they give you. I’ll teach you some scanning spells later and how to remove the curses, they aren’t that hard to cast wandless, it just takes some practice to do it discretely. I have a bracelet that will alert you to food that’s been tampered with that I’ll give you later for when we can’t cast.”
“Sounds like you’ve been busy this summer. Let me know what I can do to help. I wasn’t sure what to do. How could they do this?” Hermione ranted, stopping her manic pacing as Harry caught her elbow.
“They never expected us to find out. I would have died a hero while you went on to marry Ron and live the life of a magical housewife.”
“You think Ron is in on it?" she asked, twisting a lock of hair in agitation.
“If he doesn’t know, then they’ve got him spelled to follow the plan. Don’t you think he’s been acting differently since second year or so? His constant random bouts of jealousy and anger?”
“It’s possible." she said with a frown, “I thought it was puberty. Mum always said it’s worse for boys.”
“Think on it,” Harry said, nodding to the line, “Your parents are ready. Do you want to try and get our shopping done before the Weasleys get here?”
“Yes, there are a few extra things I want to pick up.”
“Get a new trunk; I’ll pay for the upgrade to get it blood-warded so no one but you or your parents can open it. They also have dedicated library compartments.”
“Surely He would know how to bypass that." she pointed out softly, frowning.
“He might not be willing to take the time,” Harry said simply, tugging her towards the entrance where her parents were waiting. “I’d rather be safe than sorry.”
They left the bookstore until last and gathered the rest of the supplies the students would need for the sixth year even if Harry wasn’t buying as much as normal, mostly he pointed Hermione toward useful things. He’d be using the new trunk, robes, and gear that he’d found at the manor. He did spend a lot at Scriveners purchasing a dozen blank books so he could try his hand at enchanting books like his mother.
He guided Hermione into the junk shop he’d found on his last trip and watched happily as the owner all but cooed over her selections, adding a few choice books since she was so keen to learn. They skipped the Quidditch store since there was too high a chance Harry would be recognized, changed hair or not. Surprisingly, no one had approached them or even acted like they knew that Harry Potter was in the alley that afternoon, it made for a quiet trip, which Harry was relishing.
The Grangers were a nice contrast to the adults he normally dealt with in the wizarding world. They treated him like another adult, asking his opinion on different things in the alley or the wizarding world in general as they shopped. They also didn’t care a lick for his fame or fortune, treating him exactly the same as their daughter.
Mrs. Granger, or Jean as she was insisting he call her, had a sharp sense of humor, and he could see where Hermione got her sharp tongue, while Mr. Granger, Richard, was calm no matter how agitated the people around him were. While they waited for Hermione and her mother to finish picking out robes and uniforms, they discussed muggle versus magical games. Richard was an avid golfer and seemed surprised that the wizarding world didn’t have something comparable, he offered to take Harry out for a few rounds if he was ever in the area.
They were just leaving the apothecary when the Weasleys finally arrived. Harry watched them approach, trying to steel his mind for any attacks or shocks. He needed to be at his best in case even the slightest thing was reported back to Dumbledore. They’d already be miffed about no longer having access to his money anyway and were sure to call the Headmaster to complain.
“Harry, dear! There you are. I’m sorry we’re late.” Mrs. Weasley said, sweeping him up into a stifling hug that he endured stiffly. Ron strode up with his chest puffed out, clearly hoping Hermione would see the badge he was wearing.
“Have you already been to the bank? We just need to make a withdrawal before we get started," she said with a distracted air, like she couldn’t care less about his response.
“I’ve already been, Mrs. Weasley. We’ve picked up most of our list, I’m afraid," he said with a wan smile, trying to ignore the sharp look it earned him.
“We just need to pick up our books for this year.” Hermione put in with a polite smile. “You can meet us at the bookstore when you finish if you like?”
“Of course. Ron, Ginny, why don’t you stay with the Grangers and pick out what you’ll need while I’m at the bank.” Mrs. Weasley said with a frown, leaving her children behind without a glance at the Grangers.
“How are you doing, Ron?” Hermione asked, trying to cover for her mother, who looked rather insulted.
“You’d think he was knighted with how much he’s been polishing his Prefect Badge.” Ginny said with a mocking sneer, “He’s worse than Percy.”
“I am not!” Ron snapped, though the badge was already proudly gleaming on his sweater.
“Congratulations,” Harry said with a nod, leading the way into the bookshop.
“Thanks, mate,” Ron said, grinning, happy to have finally gotten something that Harry hadn’t.
He could hear the rest of the Grangers offering their congratulations as he started to gather up the books he would need. He tried to ignore the way that Ginny was trailing him as she gathered her books. Hermione had already disappeared into the stacks, probably to get away from Ron, who was blathering on to anyone who would listen about how he’d hoped to be Quidditch Captain, and maybe they’d announce that during the feast, you never know, he could do both.
“Being a prefect is a lot of work, Ron. You’ll be out patrolling almost every night for at least a few hours. Are you sure you want to take on that much?” Harry asked as he moved towards the counter.
“What do you mean? I’m sure it will be fine.” Ron asked, hurriedly picking up his books since everyone else was done.
“Considering how often you’re trying to copy my homework, I doubt it,” Hermione said with a sniff, bustling past with her arms full of books that were not on the list.
“Buying out the shop?” Ginny asked with a look, dropping her small stack on the counter before Hermione could get there.
“Just a little research I want to do.” Hermoine said with a bland smile, “I’m trying to decide if I want to do an apprenticeship or university when I graduate.”
“Where are you thinking of apprenticing?” Harry asked, slipping his stack on the counter next to hers when Ginny’s was moved by the sales clerk since she couldn’t pay until her mother arrived.
“I was thinking mediwizardry. It’s a bit of a combination of potions, transfiguration, and runes, along with medical knowledge. I might even continue with muggle medical school if it seems like the knowledge works the same in both worlds.”
“Are there any good guides about apprenticeships?” Harry asked, trying to look like he was only vaguely interested.
“Oh, were you considering one?” she asked, glancing at him as she reorganized her stack.
“Maybe it’s a good idea to know all your options,” Harry said, paying the clerk and taking his bag with a polite smile.
“I’ll let you borrow the books when I finish if you like.”
“Sure." he agreed with an absent nod, both of his Masters were pushing for him to test for his first Masteries in Dueling and Sword fighting at the beginning of next summer. He would need to practice hard every chance he could to make sure he didn’t lose ground.
“Turning into a bookworm, mate?” Ron asked, setting his small stack of books next to Ginny’s.
“It can’t hurt to put in a bit more effort with everything going on,” Harry said, watching as Molly hustled into the shop and rushed her children out of the store, all but throwing the money at the clerk for their books.
“I’m afraid there’s a problem with our vault. We’ll have to come back tomorrow for the rest of your things. Are you ready to go, Hermione, Harry?”
“Let me say goodbye to my parents," she said, moving away, Harry followed behind her, thanking the Grangers again for picking him up as Hermione collected Crookshanks in his carrier from her mother.
“Just don’t eat anything they give you until I can get the bracelet out of my trunk,” Harry muttered to her as they joined the rest of the group.
“Where’s your things, Harry? Did you let Hedwig fly ahead?” Ginny asked, giving him a head-to-toe leer like she was trying to check how much change he had in each pocket, he thought with disgust, it made him miss his baggier clothes.
“I got one of the shopkeepers to shrink everything when we arrived and let Hedwig fly on. She’s probably already at the Burrow.”
“Where did you get the new clothes? I thought you’d been holed up at the Dursley’s all summer?” Ron asked as they made their way to the floo in the Leaky Cauldron.
“My Aunt took me out shopping one day. I picked up a few things from a second-hand shop.” Harry said with a shrug, tugging at the sweater with a frown.
“Well, you look very grown up, dear.” Mrs. Weasley said with a sickly sweet smile, “Everyone take some floo power. You first, Harry.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Weasley,” Harry said, ducking his head like he was blushing as he grabbed a pinch of powder and tossed it in.