Soon, via the elder Grosvenor—through Darth Vader—a report from Detective Potter was delivered.
Scott had accomplished an impressive amount of work in a short time. He provided a substantial dossier on Hermione Granger and the Patil twins. It contained everything: dates of birth, copies of medical records, lists of academic achievements, disciplinary actions, and other information that could be obtained by both legal and less-than-legal means.
Not stopping there, Richie tasked Scott Potter with obtaining files on all of his yearmates, with the exception of Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley, but prioritising the entire Malfoy family above all. The undertaking promised to be a lengthy one, yet it was important for the boy to understand who could be approached, who should be avoided, and with whom it would be wise—if not to befriend—then at least to establish amicable relations.
On the nineteenth of September, after breakfast, Richard stopped by the staircase just outside the Great Hall exit. Students from various houses passed by.
"What are you standing here for?" Justin approached him.
"I want to speak with someone. Go on to Transfiguration without me, Justin—I'll be there by the start of the lesson."
"Alright."
A stream of Gryffindors passed by Grosvenor. Richie greeted the older Weasley children, then Harry and Ron, who returned his greeting and continued on their way.
"Hermione," Richard called out to the thoughtful girl.
"Hello, Richie," she stopped. "Did you want something?"
"Hermione, happy birthday!"
The pensive expression on Hermione's face gave way to delight. She watched with eager anticipation as Richie drew from his dragon-hide satchel—enchanted with an Extension Charm—a sizeable parcel wrapped in colourful paper and tied with a pink ribbon.
"For me?!"
Hermione, both puzzled and pleased, accepted the gift.
"Thank you, Richie! But how did you know when my birthday is?"
"Word gets around."
He was hardly about to admit that he had obtained the information from the same source that told him about all her illnesses, her poor relationships with classmates in primary school, her excellent marks, and much else besides.
"May I open it?"
"Of course, Hermione. That's what gifts are for."
With bated breath, the girl unwrapped the parcel.
A few older Gryffindors passing by cast curious glances at the pair of first-years before moving on.
Hermione had expected some sort of trinket, but instead discovered a tight-fitting black knitted bodysuit, a woollen ski mask with eye slits, a wide leather belt with a sheath for a wand, leather gloves, and comfortable soft-soled shoes. For a moment, she examined the outfit in confusion—something about it seemed familiar. Then, suddenly, it dawned on her. Her eyes widened in shock, and she stared for a moment before asking in a shaky voice:
"Richie… is this a ninja outfit?!"
"One might call it that. As you may have noticed, the clothing is reinforced in certain areas. Inside, it's lined with an enchanted mesh that absorbs impacts and strengthens the fabric to the durability of light body armour. The set must be worn in full. Press the buckle three times and it activates an invisibility charm that lasts up to an hour, after which it requires a full day to recharge.
"The shoes are enchanted with a Silencing Charm and a Sticking Charm—just like the gloves—so you can move silently, and together with the gloves and the pads on the knees and elbows, you can climb vertical surfaces. The sticking effect works much like a broom—mentally controlled and quite intuitive, though it will take a little practice.
"Additionally, the clothing has charms to repel water, regulate temperature—both warming and cooling—so you remain comfortable in any weather. And with an Expansion Charm, you can adjust the size as you grow."
"A spy super-suit!" Hermione whispered in awe, clutching the bundle tightly to her chest. "But… why would I need it?"
"I don't know," Richard shrugged. "But you did end up in Gryffindor, so I imagine it will come in handy."
"Thank you, Richie! You… you're a true friend. I'm sorry I didn't go to Hufflepuff. I persuaded the Hat to put me in Gryffindor."
"It's nothing serious—we study at the same school, after all. We'll simply see each other a little less often. That won't stop us from being friends. Gryffindor is a fine house as well."
"Well… perhaps," the girl replied with a somewhat sour expression. "I think I would have been better off studying with you. How foolish I was, persuading the Hat…"
"Are your classmates giving you trouble?" Richard asked with concern.
"No," Hermione shook her head. "No one wants to be friends with me. They all think I'm a swot and a know-it-all."
"I don't think that."
The girl forced a smile and replied:
"Says the boy who finished school at eleven and was planning to go to university!"
Richard laughed good-naturedly.
"Fair point!"
"Richie, do you still need help with those topics we discussed during admissions?"
"I very much do, Hermione. It's a matter of life and death. The future of all humanity depends on that information."
Hermione assumed her usual prim expression and said:
"I think you're exaggerating."
"Me?!" Richard pointed at his chest with an index finger. "Exaggerating?! Surely not! Hermione, tell me—have you ever dreamed of flying into space, to other stars, and discovering a new planet like Earth?"
The girl hesitated slightly, but then answered:
"Yes… I have. I enjoy reading science fiction."
(End of Chapter)
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