My Life in Harry Potter Universe

Scarlet woke up early as usual. She hadn’t sensed any summons from Hermione last night, confirming there was nothing lethal about this part of the story, just as she has expected. But now, thinking back, she began to question Hermione’s actions...

Why did Hermione ask for her advice anyway? In the original story, Hermione supposedly didn’t seek anyone’s help and took action on her own, probably in a more assertive manner? She’s a Gryffindor, after all...

After her morning workout, Scarlet headed to breakfast, but just as she was about to sit down, Hermione approached her with a grumpy expression, “Scarlet, can I have a moment with you?”

“Sure...” Scarlet took a glimpse, catching a glance at Harry and Ron, who both looked sleepy. Oddly, Neville, sitting beside them, seemed just as tired. “After breakfast, I’m planning to do some research in the library. Would you like to join me?”

“I would love to, see you later.” Hermione seemed slightly relieve but still looked grumpy.

Scarlet settled into her usual seat with Amelia and Maya beside her. They, along with others nearby, were curious about her conversation with Hermione.

“That girl - I heard she’s as brilliant as a Ravenclaw. Earned loads of House points by being active and answering questions in class!”

“Did she want to form a study group with you, Scarlet? I’ve heard she spends most of her time in the library, reading all sorts of books.”

Scarlet shook her head. “No, and even if she did, I wouldn’t join. I have different plans and a different schedule. She’s aiming for better grades, and I’m not - that sets us apart.”

“You don’t care about getting better grades?” Justin, sitting across from her, looked surprise.

“Well, do you think higher grades would help me manage my company better?” Scarlet replied, noticing a flicker of understanding in Justin’s eyes. Yup, definitely old money, Scarlet mused, he sees value in becoming a wizard but doesn’t take the wizarding world too seriously - probably has a business waiting for him after he graduate... “Say, Justin, would you be interested in learning Chemistry, Physics, and Biology? Maybe some Additional Maths as well?”

Justin was stunned, while others asked what those subjects were. Students from the wizarding world, of course, knew very little about them, and even the Muggle-born students were too young to be familiar with them. But Justin, who Scarlet suspected came from a wealthy family - he was supposed to attend Eton before coming to Hogwarts – clearly understood what she meant.

“You mean...you’re planning to hire a tutor and study those during school breaks?” Justin asked in amazement. “Wow, you’re so...hard-working. I feeling ashamed just listening to your plans. But if I may suggest, you should consider some business management subject - marketing and accounting might be useful.”

“Nope, I’m going to self-study and take the exams during school breaks. The subjects you mentioned are already on my list for after I graduate from Hogwarts.” Scarlet’s words left Justin even more astonished. “That’s why I’m asking if you want to join. We could study together if you like. We have plenty of time on Fridays since we only have Flying in the afternoon and Astronomy at night.”

“Well...” Justin hesitated, “I’ll think about it. I’ll let you know.”

“Sure.” Scarlet replied with a smile and then explained the subjects they were discussing to others. Their housemates from the wizarding world were particular curious, especially about Scarlet’s plan to attend university after graduating from Hogwarts.

“I think I’m going to get married after I graduate,” one of the girls said. “I hope I find a nice boyfriend here before then.”

“That soon?” Scarlet was surprised, but she quickly learned that most Hogwarts graduates tended to marry at a young age compared to that she was accustomed to in her previous life. It made her wonder if it was worth investigating...Nah, I’m not planning to form deep connections with the wizarding world anyway. This should be the Ministry’s job, not mine.

She finished her breakfast happily, promised to show her textbooks to those interested when they arrived, gave Hermione - who had been waiting nearby - a nod, and then headed to the library. Today, she’s planned to study History of Magic, not for the grades, but to gain a clearer understanding of how the wizarding world functioned and to decide whether she should blend in slightly or stay completely apart from it.

When Hermione and Scarlet settled in a quiet corner of the library, Hermione immediately began to complain, “Ugh, those boys are so stubborn! You have no idea how stupid they can be!”

“Well, I can imagine,” Scarlet replied, quickly understanding her role today; she was there to be Hermione’s emotional sounding board, to listen to all her complaints about Harry and Ron, which she didn’t mind. All she needed to do was offer the occasional “uh-huh, yeah, absolutely, you’re way better than them, you deserve better,” and Hermione would calm down and returned to her usual self.

Though most of Scarlet’s attention was focused on her textbook and some reference materials, she managed to grasp the gist of Hermione’s frustrations – especially regarding Harry and Ron antics the previous night - and learned a bit about Hermione’s daily life in Gryffindor. It didn’t sound great; Hermione seemed somewhat isolated, with Percy Weasley, Ron’s older brother, being the only one she got along with reasonably well. Percy, aiming for high grades to secure a position at the Ministry of Magic struck Scarlet as ambitious, but given Weasleys’ financial situation, it was understandable. A government job would provide financial stability.

As for Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s little adventure, they did indeed reach the forbidden third floor, and managed to return to their dorm safely.

However, Scarlet couldn’t help but ask, “Why did Neville go with you guys?”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “I was trying to stop the dweeb duo, and Neville was up for the toilet but got curious when he noticed we were out, so he followed us. By the time Neville and I wanted to go back, the Fat Lady in the portrait wasn’t there to open the door for us, so we had no choice but to follow them.”

“Well, it must have been a rough day for Neville. He’d just come back from the hospital wing,” Scarlet sighed.

“That gigantic dog on the third floor must be guarding something...We could all have been killed -- or worse, expelled!”

“Wait, hold up.” Scarlet frowned, “Are you really saying being expelled is worse than getting yourselves killed?”

Hermione went silent for a moment, taken aback.

“Hermione, look, I know how much you value being at Hogwarts, but you need to understand that your life is more important,” Scarlet said gently but in a stern tone, “If, let’s say, you were expelled, you could always go to another magical school. I’m not sure where they are, but it’s not the end of the world, Hermione.”

Perhaps for the first time, Hermione saw the sternness in Scarlet’s eyes, or perhaps she finally understood the point. She nodded and whispered, “Sorry, Scarlet, I was just...too angry.”

“I know you’re just nervous because a magical school is truly exciting, and I understand that,” Scarlet said warmly. “Well, if you ever need anything, just let me know. I’ll see how I can help you out. I’ll always be there for you.”

“Thanks, Scarlet, I really appreciate it,” Hermione replied, nodding with a slight blush.

Eventually, Hermione finished venting and focused on her studies. They both enjoyed their time studying together and even exchanged parts of their schedules to get a better understanding of each other’s routines.

Before they packed up their books and headed back to the Great Hall for lunch, Neville came looking for Scarlet.

“Fred and George agreed to custom-make a tool to help with my forgetfulness,” Neville said.

Scarlet raised her eyebrows, “Great! But you seem a bit bothered...”

“The price is a bit high for me, and I don’t want to bother my gran about it,” Neville admitted, looking a bit embarrassed. “I heard Ron say you were looking for someone to fill out your questionnaire - a paid task. Could I take that on?”

“Absolutely.” Scarlet took out a set of questionnaires, “Ten Galleons for a completed set. I’ll pay you after I receive your answers. By the way...do you know how to write a summary?”

“A Summary?” Neville accepted the papers, though he looked puzzled by the question, “What kind of summary?”

“I’m busy with my schedule, but I’d love to know what’s in the newspapers and magazines,” Scarlet explained, considering if Neville could be a good fit. “I need someone to summarise the content for me. It’s a long-term task, kind of like being my assistant...”

Neville’s eyes widened, “You mean...like a job?”

“Exactly.” The more Scarlet thought about it, the more she deemed Neville suitable for the position. “Would you like to take my offer? I’m paying five Galleons per week, but you’ll need to send me the summary daily after dinner. Don’t worry, I’ll teach you how to do it step by step - you’ll do great. How does that sound?”

Nevilles hesitated, thinking about the Galleons he needed for the Weasley twins’ tool. “I...I could give it a try,” he said slowly. “I do need some extra money.”

“Great! How about we start today with the newspapers and magazines in the library?”

“Sure.”

Now that I have an assistant and two freelancers to help with some of my tasks...Scarlet glanced at the history reference materials, considering she might need another assistant for that. Well, I’ll just wait and see if I can find anyone else looking for some extra pocket money.

Her Flying lesson was uneventful, nothing dramatic like what happened yesterday with Harry and Draco. Still, she became the centre of the attention because the broomstick worked perfectly in her hands, and she seemed very adept at manoeuvring it, even compared to those who had been flying since childhood.

Scarlet just smiled and accepted the praise humbly, feeling a bit embarrassed by it; she had frequently flown with wind chants in her previous life, and she could perform the same trick now. As an adult – at least in soul - it didn’t feel fair to compare herself to these young wizards who didn’t have her experience.

Astronomy that night was cold. The Hufflepuffs were well-prepared with jackets and all, thanks to Scarlet’s reminder. They shyly smiled when the shivering Gryffindors glared at them in the chilly night wind.

“Scarlet, you could’ve reminded us too!” A few Gryffindors who knew her grumbled, and she responded with a wry smile.

“Alright, alright, I’ll remember to remind you guys next time, okay?”

“You’d better,” Ron said, raising his chin before cackling along with others.

Well, here’s hoping the story doesn’t end up the way I remember from the posters, with dark tones and all that...seemed so sad and tragic, Scarlet mused.