"Good morning, ma'am. I'm looking for Jerry. We arranged for him to visit my house today!"
After Christmas, Jerry and Hermione had agreed that he would visit her house the day before school resumed. He would stay the night, and they would go to Hogwarts together the next day.
So Hermione had woken her father early, and he had driven her through the morning mist to the orphanage on the edge of the city.
"I'm sorry, child. Jerry went out on some business. He hasn't been back for several days."
Surprise and disbelief flashed in Hermione's eyes. Frowning, she asked, "But Jerry and I made plans. How can he not be here? Where did he go?"
Seeing Hermione's confusion and anxiety, the matron patted her hand gently. "Jerry really isn't at the orphanage. He left in a hurry and didn't tell me where he was going."
A puzzled look crossed Hermione's face. "May I see his bedroom?"
"Of course. Follow me." Hermione followed the matron to Jerry's room on the second floor. She pushed open the door and found the room spotless and the bed neatly made.
Hermione went in and touched the quilt. It was cold, and disappointment washed over her.
Jerry really hadn't come back last night.
Hermione sighed and sat on the edge of Jerry's bed. Then she reached for his bedside cabinet.
Just as Hermione was about to open it, an aged hand caught her wrist. She looked up in surprise to find the matron watching her sternly.
"Child," the matron said, "you may be Jerry's friend, but it's rude to go through someone else's things."
Hermione gently pulled her wrist free. "I'm sorry. I only wanted to look at Jerry's things and learn a little about his life."
The matron smiled faintly. "I understand."
Hermione