Kevin finished second year on a high. By the end, he and Snape were genuinely even — no more one-sided beatings. A real fight with actual stakes would be something else entirely, but for Hogwarts, that meant something.
Snape sent him off for the holidays with twice last year's potion supplies. "Finish them," he said, and turned away.
Kevin had been brewing roughly once a month throughout the year — large batches, sold quietly through Snape's network. He'd accumulated a decent amount of money. Enough that next year, with more breathing room, he could think about the house he'd been eyeing.
He said goodbye to Snape, then bolted with his friends to catch the train.
They crammed into a compartment together, the conversation ranging freely. Kevin had even pulled Draco in. "I've got something to run by all of you."
"Harry — you're turning thirteen this summer. Your aunt and uncle can't keep you locked up forever. Come visit me and Hermione for a bit. We'll fire up a barbecue."
"Absolutely," Harry said, without hesitation. Draco's example had shown him what was possible — there were ways out of that house if you were determined enough. No more bottling everything up. "Even if my uncle tries to stop me, I'll find a way."
"Ron, Draco — you too. I'll write when we've sorted dates."
Ron grinned. "You writing the letter yourself, or letting Hermione do it? Because we all know what happens when you try."
The return journey was uneventful. Dumbledore had apparently done a thorough sweep — extra security on the train, a protection charm running under the surface. No one jumped them.
Back in the Muggle world, they separated with promises of letters, then Kevin and Hermione joined her parents at the car.
"Any big holiday plans, darling?" Mrs. Granger asked on the drive.
Kevin was happy to follow Hermione's lead entirely, so the question was really for her.
"Nothing firm yet. Kevin's planning a friends gathering at some point."
Mrs. Granger shot a curious look. "You used to have everything planned to the day."
"Kevin ruined that," Hermione said, with the tone of someone who had fully accepted this. "He made me realise that plans can't keep up with everything anyway. Better to be flexible."
Two years of Kevin's company had rubbed off on her more than she perhaps knew.
Kevin, in the back seat, very carefully did not point out that he had apparently been blamed for this.
"How about a family trip?" Mr. Granger called from the front. "Find a nice spot in the mountains, camp for a few days, invite Kevin's friends along?"
Hermione's face lit up.
Kevin was entirely in favour. It also reminded him — next year, Hogwarts had Hogsmeade visits. First one needed a guardian signature. He'd have to think about who to ask. He supposed Snape was technically out of the question for this particular favour.
They arrived home to a feast Mrs. Granger had prepared in advance. Photos from last Christmas covered the walls — Kevin blending into the family frame a little more naturally each year. The gap between guest and member had quietly closed. He still called them uncle and aunt, and they still loved it.
Over dinner they worked out the trip — a resort nearby, good scenery, camping and fishing allowed, plenty of open space.
Hermione naturally assumed charge of the gear list and pulled Kevin in beside her.
Kevin suggested inviting Harry and the others a few days early so they could shop together first.
Hermione had briefly wanted it to be just the two of them, but she'd come around by the time she thought it through. Their friends were coming on the trip anyway. Why not bring them in sooner?
Mrs. Granger smiled at her daughter. "Look at you, learning to share."
Hermione, once upon a time, would have solo-planned everything for maximum efficiency. Very effective. Slightly cold. Friends making a mess of things together had its own value, even if she was still working out what that value was exactly.
Kevin sat down and hand-wrote letters to Harry, Ron, and Draco — an event rare enough to feel significant. He considered inviting the full Weasley family and immediately reconsidered. This was meant to be a friends trip, not a family reunion. The Grangers were there as chaperones, not supporting cast.
Replies came the next day. All three were in.
Kevin and Hermione spent the following weeks settling into an easy holiday rhythm — long walks around town, quiet afternoons in libraries with their books pressed side by side, cups of coffee at a corner table. Evenings, he brewed. She'd started helping, having spent a solid chunk of last Christmas absorbing his notes. Her Potions grades had jumped to second in the year, right behind his. Given a few more years, she'd be formidable.
They fixed up the house next door together, setting four rooms for Harry and the others.
The appointed day arrived.