Landing in the backyard of her childhood home, she looked around. Her father had just restored the garden pond when six-year-old Hermione made friends with Sir Hiss. Her mother had helped her look up her new friend, discovering he was a rainbow snake from Florida. Given his rarity and protected status in America, the Grangers said he could stay so long as he behaved and kept the frog population in check. She smiled sadly remembering the indulgent looks when Hermione solemnly promised her friend would be a gentleman. She made her way to his garden pond, trying to keep her hopes at bay. She hadn't seen the snake for seven years. He might have moved on. "Sir Hiss, are you here?" She heard a soft scrap, then saw the long grass twitch.