It's definitely real, I can promise you that. I've been here almost four months now - sometimes that's terrifying to think about. It's not too bad, though, once you get used to it. [ Admittedly, she might be attempting to be a little more reassuring than she ought to be; just because things had been, for the most part, particularly peaceful it doesn't mean they're going to stay that way. War could be on the horizon at any moment and here she was placating a stranger with kind words and a soft expression. Well, it hadn't done her too much trouble in the past - sometimes a kind word had done herself and Harry a world of good. ]

Until you get used to it things are a little strange - well, for the most part. I'm a witch so a lot of these things are commonplace for me, unlike for others. [ She has long since gotten used to freely admitting who and what she is in front of people, but she does fuss a little over her new friend and urges his hand away from his arm, no matter how casual he might be about it. Sometimes it's little pains that're the most frustrating and painful, after all. ] But, yes, you should definitely enjoy your dinner before we think about anything. An empty stomach does not help book learning.

[ Oh, oh, but then he keeps talking and how is Hermione Jean Granger supposed to stop herself from getting excited when there's someone who seems to enjoy reading and research and books as much as she does sitting right in front of her. She leans close, expression brightening, looking like someone's just given her an incredible birthday present, one she's been waiting for since she was just a little girl (in a way that's exactly what Charles was, which she was sure he'd come to regret). ] You studied at Oxford - the muggle university? What was it like? Harry and Ron - my best friends - always said that I spent too much time reading. It just so happens that most of my silly reading has saved their lives. How fortunate for them.