"Dad, Mum, and Godfather, this is far enough. I'm getting on the train."
Hermione pushed her trunk as she spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Granger and Karn. She could have used an Undetectable Extension Bag, but Kettle had reminded her that first-years were better off not standing out too much. Besides, house-elves would help put away their trunks once they reached Hogwarts, so Hermione had brought hers along.
Some of her equipment, however, had been replaced with the very best, such as her dragonhide gloves and cauldron, because she had a fabulously wealthy godfather.
"Godfather, I'll deliver your letter to Professor Dumbledore, so please don't worry."
Hermione raised her little head as she spoke to Karn. After studying with Kettle for a month, she was not at all nervous about going to Hogwarts alone; she was even looking forward to it a little. Kettle's assessment was that, apart from some theoretical knowledge she still needed to memorize thoroughly, she was already no worse than a second-year student.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Hermione. I may be going abroad for a while soon. If you need help, write to Phil and Isaac, or Kettle."
Karn gave Hermione these instructions. Anything that came up in her first year could be handled by contacting the house-elves and Kettle. With Karn's approval, Hermione would be their second master while he was away.
Karn had also hired Kettle as a shop assistant. His application for a general store had passed the Ministry of Magic's review, and only a few steps remained before it could fully open. Karn had also bought another property in Diagon Alley to use as the shopfront.
For now, the shop would mainly buy potions, magical materials, and the like, while also selling some potions brewed by Kettle. Karn also wanted