Kevin and Hermione boarded the Hogwarts Express for the journey back to the Muggle world.
For once, Hermione wasn't buried in a book. Instead, she chatted animatedly with Kevin about her childhood — her favourite spots in town, little adventures she'd had growing up, and the things she'd never told her school friends.
Kevin shared a few stories from his own life at the orphanage. Hermione had long known that he never thought of himself as a "poor orphan."
He had simply grown up on his own, without letting it make him bitter. If anything, it had made him more confident, self-reliant, and braver than most.
Still, Hermione did most of the talking. It seemed she had a lifetime's worth of stories saved up, and Kevin was the first person she truly wanted to share them with.
Her voice was bright, her expressions lively, her hands moving as she spoke.
Kevin listened with a quiet smile, occasionally brushing a hand through her soft, bushy hair, breathing in its faint floral scent.
Hermione began outlining all the places she wanted to take Kevin over the holidays — the bookshop she loved, the park with the perfect picnic spot, the little café where they served the best hot chocolate.
Her plans were neat, detailed, and entirely hers; Kevin simply agreed to everything without argument. He was quite happy to have someone else do the organising.
As they talked, she leaned comfortably against him, unaware that Kevin had begun to braid small sections of her hair.
When the train pulled into the station, they stepped out together.
"Strange," Hermione murmured, glancing around. "Why do I feel like everyone's looking at me?"
"Maybe they've just noticed how cute you are," Kevin said with a straight face.
Hermione blushed — and missed the mischievous glint in his eyes.
Outside, she spotted her parents immediately.
"Mum! Dad! I'm back!" she called, running over.
Mrs. Granger caught her in a hug, then pulled back with a laugh. "Oh, sweetheart… your hair is… unique."
Hermione froze, touched her head — and realised her normally frizzy curls were now twisted into several odd little pigtails.
Behind her, Kevin was laughing so hard he could barely breathe.
"Kevin!!" she yelped, burying her face in her mother's coat.
Mrs. Granger joined in the laughter, and even Mr. Granger cracked a smile.
"I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Granger," Kevin said between chuckles. "First time meeting you, and I couldn't resist a harmless prank."
"It's alright," Mrs. Granger said warmly. "We've heard a lot about you."
"I haven't said that much!" Hermione protested, her cheeks pink.
"Let's get to the car," Mr. Granger suggested, noticing people staring.
In the car, the Grangers chatted easily with Kevin. From their questions, it was clear Hermione had written about him often — his talents, his kindness, and even how he'd fought a mountain troll to protect her.
At first, Mr. Granger had been wary. But hearing how Kevin had stood by their daughter in her loneliest moments had softened him.
Mrs. Granger was especially fond of Kevin. Learning he was an orphan only seemed to deepen her affection. She even murmured to her husband that perhaps they could take him in one day.
Mr. Granger didn't dismiss the idea but said they should see how things went — and ask Kevin himself when the time came.
At the Grangers' home, Hermione gripped Kevin's waist as she led him on a tour.
Kevin grimaced in mock pain. "If you keep pinching me like that, Hermione, I'm going to need a Healer."
Her parents watched, amused. They'd never seen their daughter so flustered around anyone before.
"Wrong, wrong, Hermione — I won't do it again," Kevin said quickly.
"Hmph." Her grip tightened.
"Alright, you two," Mrs. Granger said, smiling. "Why don't you show Kevin the room he'll be staying in? And Kevin — be careful."
Kevin blinked. Careful? Your daughter's twelve!
"I'm not—! Mum, stop saying things like that," Hermione burst out, her face scarlet as she dragged Kevin upstairs.
Before he disappeared from view, Kevin caught Mr. Granger giving him a subtle I'm watching you gesture.
Kevin grinned and gave a thumbs-up in return.
If there's trouble, I'll take responsibility.