3 August 1991, Saturday
Harry left the hotel immediately after breakfast, the next morning, enjoying the good weather and some of his newest clothes. He met Hermione at Hyde Park speakers' corner, as agreed. Hermione first hugged him, and then told him, "I can only stay until a bit after lunch. My parents finish work early on Saturdays and want to spend some time with me, as they are too busy during the week."
Harry shrugged. He liked her company, if only for lack of other friends, but he didn't want to impose. "That's alright. I thought of visiting some attractions." He still felt a pang of loneliness, though. He wished he had somebody who'd care for him and want to spend some time with him, besides Hermione.
They promptly decided to spend the morning in the park, as long as the nice weather would hold. They found a secluded spot where they could sit and read. Sitting so close, Harry was becoming aware of her as a girl, not just a friend. Harry furtively glanced at her occasionally.
Hermione noticed his glances. At almost twelve, she was already quite aware of her emerging femininity and proud of it. She was glad that her new friend was noticing it too.
They had skipped between the books the previous day. This time, they concentrated on the one dealing with customs. Although some were similar to what they already knew, most were totally different. The explanations about the customs provided them with some more insight into the ways magical people thought.
"It's so outdated!" Hermione commented. "It would have seemed outdated even during the Victorian era – about a century ago."
Harry shrugged. "It is. This may be a result of staying hidden from the rest of the world, though."
She gave it some consideration. "It may be, but that's not reason enough, I believe. It looks to me like they don't want to advance, like they fear novelty, unlike the rest of the modern world."
Harry smiled. "Well, novelty can be frightening, if you're not willing or able to adjust to it."
"Yes, it can be," Hermione agreed reluctantly.
With that matter discussed, they switched to another book, and they also moved a bit closer. Harry thought they were quickly becoming very close friends.
They spent the whole morning in the park, leaving it only to drink something, as the day was quite hot, and then to eat lunch. When they had to part, Hermione seemed reluctant.
"My parents only allow me to go to London four times a week, and they want me home for the weekend. I won't be able to meet with you tomorrow, but I'll try to come as early as possible on Monday."
This made Harry feel a bit sad. Although Selma was a nice company, he felt more comfortable with Hermione. Selma was older and had no magic – they didn't have much in common, except that Selma was lonely with most of her friends gone. Hermione wanted his company as a friend and was closer to his age, and she was also magical. He felt much closer to Hermione and had a lot to talk to her about. On the spur of the moment, he found the hotel's visit card. "You may call me at the hotel. Ask for room fifteen or for Mr Weasley's room, as he's the one who's the registered guest, you know."
"I'll call. I'll try to persuade my parents to visit London for one reason or another and if they do, we may be able to meet some more."
Harry smiled at her. "That would be nice, but it's not really necessary. I can take care of myself, you know."
"I know," she said, hugging him. This time it was a tighter and longer hug, that Harry found surprisingly enjoyable. He even returned it a bit, not quite as tightly. Both blushed as they let go of each other.