[ ten, ron and hermione ]

[Later on, the Hogwarts Express is travelling through the countryside. Aemma is sitting alone in a train compartment, reading 'A Beginners Guide to Transfiguration' and Ron appears in the doorway.]

The mere thought that her granddaughter would attend a school where she'd receive the same education as all her peers filled Rhaenys with nothing but pride. Whilst she knew that Rhaenyra and Laenor had done their best to ensure that Lucerys had received a well-rounded education ( one she'd stubbornly hadn't recognised she'd excelled at until it was too late ), nothing could ever compare with what surely awaited Aemma somewhere where gender distinction and economic background did not matter.

Otto didn't share the woman's enthusiasm. Indeed, he deemed it a travesty that a place such as Hogwarts could even exist and a society seemingly so advanced could fail so spectacularly in following the rules of decorum. Not for the first time, he was delighted that they were the only ones witnessing such memories, for he refused to allow anyone ( even heretic Gods ) to sway the simple minds of the Ladies of Westeros.

Whilst some adults were lost in thought regarding the future, Hermione's eyes softened upon noticing the tome in her best friend's hands. Unlike some people, she'd never been baffled by Aemma's prowess in the subject, for it ran in her blood just like flying on a broomstick did. Ever since she'd first discovered that James Potter had been a savant in Transfiguration, Hermione understood why the subject meant so much to Aemma, for it was obvious that she had wanted to make her father proud and considering her results, Hermione was confident her best friend had succeeded in her endeavour.

Ron: Excuse me, do you mind? Everywhere else is full.

Aemma: Not at all. [Closes her book, bookmarking her page, and places it beside her.]

Ron: [sits across from Aemma] I'm Ron, by the way. Ron Weasley.

Aemma: I'm Aemma. Aemma Potter.

Unbeknownst to anyone in that room, this scene had reawakened long-repressed memories within a certain prince. Suddenly, it wasn't Ron Weasley sitting before Aemma Potter: it was a younger Aemond Targaryen, shunned and mocked for his lack of a dragon, interests and temperament by everyone but his sweet sister, mother and her. Her, Lucerys Velaryon, who'd never once made him feel inferior and, instead of getting annoyed at him for his brash answers, permanently preserved in her attempt to get through to him, for she'd chosen him as her companion after Daeron had left even when presented with other candidates. ( And he'd once hated her, he'd killed her, he still loved her )

[Ron goes agape.]

Ron: So-so it's true! I mean, do you really have ━?

Aemma: A sparkling personality? [She grins mischievously.]

The young witch's quick sass brought joy and laughter to several people in the room, who were immediately reminded of Lucerys' brand of humour. However, whereas Lucerys was a lot more Ladylike and shy in the company of strangers, Aemma reminded most individuals of the Rogue Prince and his careless confidence. She might not have been blood, but the saying 'like father, like daughter' still applied.

The Westerosi weren't entirely wrong in their assumptions; they'd simply mistaken whom Aemma had taken after, for it wasn't the Rogue Prince but James Potter. Indeed, one simple trip into the Pensieve had left Aemma's companions speechless, for the likeness ( both physical and personality wise ) to her father was undeniable.

Aemma and James' similarities explained many things, such as Snape's unjust and prejudiced hatred of her, Peeves' odd respect, and the way many gazed at her as if she were a ghost who'd come back to haunt them. But above all, it raised some questions: had she been born a male, would things have differed? Would she have favoured her mother personality-wise and looked up to her more than her father? Would such changes have made her life less complicated and spared some while dooming others during the war?

Ron: [Snorts and shakes his head] The scar?

[Aemma shrugs and lifts up her hair bangs to reveal the scar on her forehead]

Daemon glared at the boy for his gall, for it was obvious that he knew how such a mark had been bestowed upon his daughter and still thought it wise to question her about it. Whilst his lack of tact could easily be explained by his age, and Aemma didn't seem bothered by his inquiry, his blood still burnt on behalf of his child.

Slightly intimidated by the looks he found himself on the receiving end of, Ron raised his hands placatingly. "I know what I did was wrong. Back then, I was an overexcited child. Still, that doesn't excuse my behaviour, and I apologised to Aemma as soon as I realised it," He explained nervously, as his best friend nodded along. Merlin knew the last thing he wished for was for the infamous Targaryen anger to be directed towards him.

Baela studied the boy attentively, searching for any sign of deceit, yet coming up short. With a glance, she could easily surmise that the boy cared deeply about his friendship with Aemma, their bond more akin to the one she shared with Rhaena than anything else, which was quite the peculiar discovery. Even if jealousy threatened to rear its ugly head, Baela was glad that Aemma had found someone as dedicated to their friendship as she'd once been with Lucerys.

Whilst most people appeared to be mollified by Ron's explanation, Aemond was just as irate as he'd been to begin with, and his elder brother took notice of it, snorting in amusement. "Had anyone asked the same of Aemond, I highly doubt they would have lived long enough to apologise," Although no one in his family verbalised it, they all knew his statement to be correct, for the secondborn son of King Viserys I wasn't known for his even temper and bouts of forgiveness.

Unlike previously, there was no derision or belittling in Aemma's eyes; it was just a sad acceptance that tinged her tone bittersweet as she tilted her head towards the Greens. "That's because he's unfortunately emotionally stunted and repressed due to those who should have known and done better by him." For the first time that day, she smiled at him, albeit sadly, almost as if she were apologising on behalf of those who'd failed him. Aemma Potter had always had a big heart, big enough to recognise when those who'd wronged her had been somewhat harmed in their own way.

Ron: Wicked!

[Later on a trolley comes by the compartment, full of sweets.]

Woman: Anything off the trolley, dears?

Ron: [Holds up his mushed sandwiches] No, thanks. I'm all set. [smacks lips.]

Aemma: We'll take the lot! [pulls out her coins]

Rhaenyra was still amazed that her sweet girl hadn't allowed the harsh circumstances she'd been raised in to harden her heart. Lesser men and women would have allowed the corrosive poison that gathered over the years to run through their system until it reached their hearts, thus obliterating all signs of kindness and empathy they had received very little of, but not her daughter, not Aemma. Her sweet girl had somehow managed to shield her heart, to prevent the world from moulding her into someone she was never supposed to be, and Rhaenyra couldn't be prouder of her because of that.

Viserys couldn't help but smile when he witnessed the exchange unfolding on the screen. "You've always been so kind and pure of heart, dear Aemma," He said while looking at his granddaughter. "I'd wager the moniker 'The Realm's Hope' still befits you even in this new universe of yours." Whilst some might debate that he hadn't yet seen much of her life to make such a statement, he could already tell the girl was a ray of sunshine in a world bathed in darkness, the guiding light that would have aided all those willing to follow her.

Ron: Whoa!

[A bit later, Aemma and Ron are now sitting together eating bundles of sweets. Ron's rat, Scabbers, is perched on Ron's knee, a box over his head.]

Having rightfully predicted that people might be feeling a little bit peckish by now and intent on introducing them to everything the Magical World had to offer, Neville addressed all the room's inhabitants. "Would you like to try any food and drinks from our world?" He asked.

Immediately, the divide that had temporarily and tentatively disappeared made its way known once more, for whilst one side agreed immediately, the other hesitated in the face of possibly ingesting any form of corrupted sustenance.

Upon noticing their hesitancy, Hermione rolled her eyes skywards before gazing at the offending party. "Unlike some people, poison is not our weapon of choice," She stated while briefly sneering at Otto Hightower, the dastardly kingslayer. "Trust us, if we wanted you dead, you'd already be dead." Her words might not have been as reassuring as the Greens hoped, but they delivered the message that had initially gone over their heads.

Uncaring of the divide between the two factions and the troubling thoughts that ran rampant in her mother's mind, Helaena interrupted the smothering silence shattered by a couple of snickers here and there. "I wouldn't mind something sweet," She said kindly, avoiding anyone's gazes but the witches' and wizards'.

The Dreamer's request was the first of many. Soon enough, most people could be seen sampling and exchanging goods they'd been freely given by the Quartet, chatting amicably as they debated which one of the delicacies was the best — a truly heartwarming sight.

Aemma: Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans?

Ron: They mean every flavour! There's chocolate and peppermint, and there's also spinach, liver and tripe. George sweared he got a bogey-flavoured one once!

[Aemma quickly takes the bean she was chewing out of her mouth.]

Aemond, who'd been quietly chewing on his third bean, began to feel slightly sick upon hearing the description of the food he'd been ingesting. He'd felt particularly triumphant when he'd managed to obtain the package since there'd been only one of them available and multiple people had been eyeing it greedily; however, only now he understood it'd been a trap all along. The witches and wizards had played on his ego and had him consume the most vile of treats they'd brought along with them. He didn't need to have powers to know that this had been his cunning Aemma's ploy, and for some reason, he loved her all the more for it whilst he hated the rest of them for having aided and abetted her.

Aemma: [picks up a blue and gold package] These aren't real frogs, are they?

Ron: It's just a spell. Besides, it's the cards you want. Each pack's got a famous witch or wizard. I got about 500 meself. [Aemma opens the package, and a chocolate frog jumps onto the window and climbs up.] Watch it! [The frog reaches the open gap in the window and jumps out.] Oh, that's rotten luck. They've only got one good jump in them to begin with.

Aemma: [seeing Dumbledore's image in the card] I've got Dumbledore!

Ron: I got about six of him.

[Aemma looks at the card again, but Dumbledore has vanished.]

Aemma: Hey, he's gone!

Ron: Well, you can't expect him to hang around all day, can you?

Corlys stifled a gasp as realisation dawned upon him. He slowly eyed the handful of chocolate frogs gifted to each individual who ever cared about Lucerys and Jacaerys and smiled knowingly. "Am I correct in my assumption that your deeds have earned you a place on these cards?" Pride swelled within his chest when he realised that his grandchildren would forever be remembered among the greatest of their kind.

Feeling sheepish, Aemma and Neville's fair complexion turned a rare shade of red. "It's not like we had a choice," Neville explained, his tone confident despite his slightly nervous demeanour. "One day, they simply started producing them, and none of us fancied dealing with a lawsuit, not after everything that had happened." A frustrated noise escaped his parted lips, unbidden. "And yes, Hermione and Ron are on them, too," He further clarified.

She'd once scoffed at her husband when he'd told her, 'History does not remember blood; it remembers names.' ━ nonetheless, she couldn't help but agree with him now as she learnt about the legacy her grandchildren had carved for themselves at such a young age. Whilst she might not have known the details of their lives yet, she was confident they were born for greatness, for nothing less would have forever been recorded by their kind in such a manner.

[Scabbers squeaks]

Ron: This is Scabbers, by the way. Pathetic, isn't he?

Aemma: Just a little bit. Am I seeing things or does he look scared of me?

Ron didn't even attempt to stifle his snort. "I wonder why," He whispered amusedly, eyeing the rat with deep-seated hatred for everything he'd done. "Must have had a big case of deja vu and almost lost it." While some people might have deemed him odd for it, his genuine hatred of Wormtail didn't come from his participation in Voldemort's resurrection ( any brainwashed, idiotic Death Eater could have taken his place ━ his return was all but inevitable ). Indeed, what truly made him furious was that the slimy, pathetic excuse of a human being had been one of the reasons why his best friend had led a childhood no one should ever endure. Not only that, but he went even further, adding insult to injury and framing an innocent man to escape capture and making a fool of Ron's family for over a decade.

Ron: Uh no, he's just old. Fred gave me a spell that's to turn him yellow. Want to see?

Aemma: Yeah!

Ron: [clears throat] Ahem. Sun-

[A girl called Hermione Granger, with bushy brown hair, dressed in robes, appears at the doorway.]

Hermione: Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville's lost one.

Rhaenyra immediately straightened in her seat, her expectant gaze on the screen. Yet, no matter how much she hoped to catch a glimpse of him, her son was nowhere to be seen. Confused by his absence, she turned towards Neville with furrowed brows. "Where were you right then?" She asked. "With a train this size, there is always safety in numbers." Anxiety clawed at her throat, and thoughts of elder students making his life miserable filled her with dread.

"I was probably checking another compartment," Neville replied. "You know, divide and conquer." He didn't think it wise to mention he'd been shoved out of most of the compartments as their inhabitants howled with laughter, for only a blind man would have missed Rhaenyra's current mood. A small sigh escaped him; if this was how she reacted to such an insignificant situation, how would she cope with the constant bullying he'd had to endure throughout the entirety of his school career?

Ron: No.

Hermione: Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see then.

Ron: [clears throat again] Sunshine, daises, butter mellow, turn this stupid fat rat yellow!

[He zaps Scabbers, but nothing happens. Ron shrugs.]

Hermione: Are you sure that's a real spell? Well, it's not very good, is it? Of course, I've only tried a few simple ones myself, but they've all worked for me.

Whilst he laughed mirthfully, Aegon didn't try his luck by clapping his younger brother on the shoulder regardless of how much he wished to, for he knew Aemond wasn't currently as stable as he usually portrayed himself to be. "You would have gotten along splendidly with a younger version of our dear brother Aemond," He guffawed.

The revulsion on Hermione's face was as clear as a cloudless day, the prospect of spending any time in the young man's vicinity even more unbearable than having a decent conversation with Draco Malfoy ( she might have testified on behalf of the boy, but it were Aemma and Neville who believed him worthy of a second chance ). "Sure, as long as there weren't any rocks in sight for him to try and off me," She swiftly retorted, smiling forcefully at the prince in question.

Much like the rest of her family, Rhaena was stifling her glee as she observed the interaction between Hermione and the Green brothers. Truth be told, initially, she'd been hesitant about the duo who accompanied her brother and sister back to Westeros. However, she was now confident that they would get along splendidly with both herself and her twin, for they had more in common with each other than she might have initially thought.

Hermione: For example... [Hermione goes over and sits across from Aemma. She points her wand at her glasses and Aemma tenses.]

They might have easily overlooked such a reaction if they had not been aware of Aemma's background. Still, with their current knowledge, they understood why the young girl had reacted the way she did upon having a weapon pointed at her face. Besides the ire they already harboured towards Voldemort, those who cared about Aemma found themselves wrangling with their wrath towards the people who'd raised her in what could only be described as a house of horrors.

The families that had raised his children had to deem themselves lucky Daemon could not reach them, for, as blinded by his fury as he was, he would have lost control of his actions and sought revenge with fire and blood. No one hurt his family, whether physically or emotionally, and got away with it unscathed.

Hermione: Oculus Reparo. [The tape on the noseband vanishes, repairing her glasses as if they were good as new. Aemma takes them off, amazed.] That's better, isn't it? Holy cricket, you're Aemma Potter! I'm Hermione Granger. And you are...?

Ron: [with his mouth full] I'm Ron Weasley.

Alicent silently blamed the child's mother for his savage ways, for certainly this was a case of abysmal rearing and the adult's lack of knowledge of proper behaviour and etiquette. She bemoaned that Rhaenyra's child had chosen to befriend such an animal, thus subjecting them to his daily appalling behaviour. By the Gods, now that she was a well-bred and honest Lady, couldn't she have aimed higher and found more appropriate and better-educated companions?

[Aemma, almost as if they'd been friends for longer than a train ride, leans forward and closes his mouth with her hand, shaking her head in amusement and gaining a mock glare from Ron.]

It had taken plenty of time and some convincing, but when she'd finally witnessed some of Remus' memories from his Hogwarts years, Aemma had finally understood why he frequently looked at her and Ron longingly: their friendship was awfully similar to that of James Potter and Sirius Black. 

Aemma and Ron's bond blossomed seamlessly and without even trying on the same train as their older counterparts. They were far more than best friends, more akin to siblings who oft fought yet would have done just about anything for one another, for they couldn't picture a world without the other in it. If fighting was brutal, forgiveness, call them fools, was just as easy as breathing. 

In the end, there wasn't just one ghost haunting Hogwarts, for that ghost never walked alone but with two others: the echo of a dog and a wolf.

Hermione: Pleasure. You two better change into your robes. I expect we'll be arriving soon. [Gets up and leaves, then comes back and looks at Ron.] You've got dirt on your nose, by the way. Did you know? Just there. [Points to the dirt mark on Ron's nose. Ron scratches his nose, embarrassed.]

Daeron, who'd distanced himself from his kin and sat closer to the witches and wizards alongside his sister ( much to his mother's chagrin ), grinned at them. "By the Gods, how did you become friends after this?" Whilst he wouldn't have minded a bit of banter, he was aware that people who struggled with their egos, such as his brothers, would have sought to retaliate against the girl in whatever way they deemed appropriate, utterly uncaring of her feelings.

"When the veil lowers, and three unite, gold shall forever follow in their footsteps for life," Helaena said almost absentmindedly and gained the full attention of the three best friends, who smiled at one another before nodding in agreement at the Dreamer ━ after all, she wasn't wrong. If only the people surrounding them were just as willing to listen and believe in her as those hailing from the Wizarding World.

"The Prince that was Promised shall come bathed in gold and silver, walking in Death's footsteps and hidden to their enemy until the very last," Helaena then spoke in a language unknown to the Quartet, her prophecy causing Rhaenyra, Viserys and Daemon to stiffen in their seats before glancing furtively at Neville and Aemma. The queen exhaled shakily as she peered at her children, wondering if they had yet a role to play in Aegon's prophecy, much like her father had foretold.

author's note.      Not me realising that the further I go, the longer the chapters are becoming and inwardly panicking. I know people generally prefer shorter chapters, but these characters apparently have a mind of their own.