Leaving the Past Behind

A/N: This was a challenge by Tiger 111991!! It really drew me towards it and I cant wait for you guys to read it! Hopefully its good.

For the many of you that read Office, not to worry, I'm still working hard on that!! Sorry about the cliffy!!

~~

“Hermione, dear, please come help me.” Elizabeth Granger called from the kitchenette they had in their small apartment within the women and children rescue shelter for the abused.

“Coming, mum.” Hermione called. “C'mon Emma, let's go help mum.” She told her little sister.

“But she called for you.” Emma complained.

“Em, mum needs us, okay?” Hermione sighed. “Can't you ever think of someone other than yourself?”

“I do!” Emma exclaimed as she followed her sister into the kitchen.

“Yeah?” Hermione smiled walking up next to her mum. “What'd you need?”

“Oh, just some help with dinner.” Elizabeth smiled.

It was a worn, torn smile that Hermione had gotten too used to. She hadn't seen her mum smile for real in a long time, probably over 7 years, when her mother had left her father, fleeing from his abuse. Emma had no idea what they had gone through, she hadn't been born yet.

Hermione remembered the night they left.

“Hermione…go! Get your stuff.” Elizabeth said her voice raspy.

“Mummy!” Hermione clinged to her mum as she heard her father approaching.

“Go!” She exclaimed softly. “We have to get out of here! Hermione, please, go call 911 and tell them what's going on.”

Hermione nodded and ran up the stairs, as fast as her feet would carry her. She stuffed everything in her bags and picked up the phone dialing 9-1-1.

“Hello? 911, what's your emergency?” An operator from the other side asked.

“Please.” Hermione's 7 year old body shook violently. “You have to help us. My dad's drunk again and he's going to hit us again. He's going to hurt her worse tonight.”

“Okay, Okay, sweetie.” The operator said calmly but frantically. “I need your address. Do you know your address?”

“456 Abbey Lane. Hurry!” Hermione practically screamed at her in a pleading voice, hanging up the phone and watching as tears streamed down her face, looked out the window, waiting for the police to come.

She whipped her head around when she heard her mum scream and her dad curse loudly. `Oh, god. Oh, god.' She thought, `Hurry, please, hurry…'

Not three minutes later, she saw red and blue flashing lights accompanied by sirens racing down her lane and coming to an abrupt halt in her driveway and run into her house. She heard her father yell louder as he threw his mother down on the ground. She ran down the stairs and watched as her father resisted against the handcuffs being placed around her father's wrists and her mother, lying on the ground, was being tended to by a paramedic who arrived in the ambulance.

A young man had approached her, whom she didn't recognize and he was not a police man, and asked her if she was alright. She cried and cried as he hugged her and promised her that everything would be okay…

That man had been named Remus Lupin. She had never heard of the man, and her mother confessed to have met him once.

That night, she remembered Remus telling her that she, and her mother, are witches. Hermione had not let herself believe it, but her mother told her that they found out when she was a little baby, but her dad had not wanted her to know.

Remus Lupin had come into her mother's life around the time when owls from a school called “Hogwarts” begin delivering acceptance letters to all the witches and wizards. He had come to her mother and made a deal that Hermione would not have to attend the school, but strongly encouraged that she keep in contact with him.

Elizabeth Granger had called Remus that night, in fear for her daughter's life. He had come to her beck and call, and assisted them in finding a women's shelter for the abused in the Muggle world, as Hermione's mother preferred.

Hermione's little sister, Emma, had showed signs of being a witch at an early age, and had always known about her potential power, but never felt the need to embrace it.

“Hermione, dear? Are you alright?” Elizabeth Granger asked concerned.

“Fine, mum, just fine.” Hermione smiled as she set cookies out on a baking sheet. “So, are we, or you, doing anything today? Wait, don't you have to work?”

“Um, actually, darling…” Elizabeth smiled, searching for words. “I don't work at the hospital anymore.”

“What? Why?” Hermione asked confused.

“I got a letter from Remus last night.” She said simply, but then explained further. “He said they were searching for a teacher…and Head Mistress McGonagall offered me a job at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! They want me to be the new Transfiguration professor!”

“Pro…Professor?” Hermione choked and Emma covered her mouth in shock. “You're going to be a…professor?”

“Why, yes. Don't look so shocked, dears. I can do transfiguration with the best of them.” Elizabeth chuckled.

“Sorry, I just…” Emma trailed off being interrupted by a rambling Hermione.

“Wait…It's August 31! Mum! This is so like you! Aren't you supposed to be at school by now!! We still have to find a place to live, and…we have so much to do! It's the last day before…oh my…” Hermione started frantically walking around.

“Sweetie, Hermione, calm down.” Elizabeth grabbed her daughter by the shoulders and sat her down. “I know. We have a place to live, in Hogsmeade. You can do jobs around the town, even at Hogwarts…Relax, darling, we've got it all under control.”

Darling. Sweetie. Dear. Hermione wasn't used to her mother treating her this way. Normally, her mother was irritable, angry, tired…she always pushed her daughters away. She didn't care. What was happening to her mother? Maybe she was finally getting over herself and the fact that Hermione's past father hurt Hermione just as much as he did Elizabeth. She'd noticed it the second she walked in the kitchen. Her mother wasn't tense or harsh; she was…kind and gentle. Hermione had a feeling she could get used to this. If this was what her mother was going to be like now, after all these years…that was fine with her.

“C'mon now girls, time will not stop for you.” Elizabeth Granger called from the bottom of the stairs.

“Mum…” Hermione complained. “Why do we have to get up so early just to get there?”

“No kidding.” Emma whined.

“Because. I want to get there and I want you to meet Head Mistress McGonagall before you two go home.” Elizabeth explained. “Now, c'mon. Go.”

Elizabeth and Emma dragged their trunks down the stairs and made their way towards a deserted fireplace that Remus had set up in the Floo Network so they could leave from there. “Alright you two, I know you've only used Floo once before. So, what you do is stand in the center of the fireplace, clearly shout the name as you drop the powder.”

Emma and Hermione nodded. Hermione went first and then Emma, followed by their mother. Once through, they found themselves in a large office. It was the Headmistress's office in Hogwarts.

“Why hello, Elizabeth! These must be your two daughters! Hermione and Emma. Nice to meet you both.” McGonagall greeted them warmly as they all came through.

“Nice to meet you too.” Hermione said, shaking her hand. Emma shook her hand next.

“Thank you so much for offering me your old position.” Elizabeth smiled. “It really means a lot to us.”

“Of course.” McGonagall said. “Please have seat.”

McGonagall took a seat behind her desk and the three Grangers sat across from her in the comfy arm chairs. “Welcome to Hogwarts.” She said. “We are very pleased you accepted our invitation, Elizabeth. However, I am very sorry that Miss Hermione Granger here is not able to join us. It is a shame that she could not, however, I'm sure Emma will be joining us when she turns age?”

Elizabeth nodded. “Most likely. I really am regretful that I did not allow Hermione to attend. But it is too late now.”

Hermione looked down and McGonagall nodded. “Of course. Hermione, I understand you do not have a job?” Hermione nodded. “Well, in any case there are a lot of odd jobs and such around Hogsmeade, and we may need you here. How does that sound?”

Hermione smiled. “Thank you, Professor. I'm sure that would be great.”

“Good. Now, I understand you have a lot to do. Elizabeth, I'll see you tomorrow.”

“Good bye.” Elizabeth said, as she led her girls out. “C'mon, girls, lets walk out.”

“Cant we apparate?” Emma asked.

“No.” Hermione answered before her mother could. “You cant here…”

Emma rolled her eyes. “You know everything.”

“Just about.” Elizabeth smiled. “C'mon.”

Hermione, her sister and her mother walked through the school quickly and into Hogsmeade. They found their house and stared at it for a moment.

It was a small cottage, looking quaint and cozy. The windows were in the process of cleaning themselves, and the flowers were blooming beautifully. “Lets go inside.” Hermione said anxiously.

They walked in and explored their new grand home. Hermione was extremely happy with their new living quarters and couldn't wait to start her new life. It was all going to be right this time.

~

Hermione made her way to bed per her mother's request in her new room. It was painted a soft blue and she could hear the faint crashing of waves. Her mother had helped her decorate her new room with her mothers wand and unpacked all of her belongings.

She saw a letter and a package sitting on her bed waiting for her. She looked at it curiously and opened the letter.

Hermione,

I'm sorry if in the past I have not been the good mother. I have tried, I really have, but it has been difficult. Letting your father into my life was not all a mistake, it brought me you and Emma. Other than that, yes, he was a mistake. I am sorry I was too scared for a while to do anything. You have to know that I love you and I would do anything for you. I am also sorry that you never got a chance to embrace your magic like a normal witch. I was wrong. But here, I have wand, it was supposed to be yours. I know you do not know magic, but maybe one day I can teach you.

I love you.

Mum

Hermione smiled and brushed the tear that was dangerously close to falling. She opened the package and saw her wand staring back at her. She carefully placed it on her nightstand and slipped into bed, letting the waves sooth her to sleep.

~~

The next morning, her mother was running around. “Okay…um…I have to go girls, don't get into too much trouble. I love you!”

“Bye!” Hermione and Emma called back after her as she ran out.

“So.” Emma started. “What are we going to do today?”

“Look for a job.” replied Hermione. “I need something to do.”

Emma rolled her eyes. “Kay.”

Hermione and Emma were about to walk out the door when Hermione ran back to her room and put her wand in her pocket. Even if she couldn't use it, it felt nice to have it there. She was a witch, after all.

They made their way down the streets of Hogsmeade and walked into The Three Broomsticks.

“How can I help you?” A man asked.

“Got any job openings?” Hermione asked, smiling.

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A/N: Thanks for all the reviews on the last chapter, I wasn't sure how you guys would like the story, but I've had a lot of encouragement! So, without further ado…chapter two! (Lol, that kinda rhymed.)

~

About a week had passed by since Hermione's mother had first started working at Hogwarts and their lives had changed. Hermione had yet to decide whether this was a good change, or not. She knew her mother was happy, but she felt something missing. Like a piece of her life wasn't complete. Though, it wasn't that thrilling being a waitress at the Three Broomsticks every weekend.

When Hermione woke up, she began her normal routine. It was Saturday morning, bright and sunny. She stuffed her unused wand in her pocket and headed out the door, only to be followed by Emma. Now that her mum was always at Hogwarts, Hermione ran the house. Sure, they could probably find some way to live at Hogwarts, but Hermione didn't want that. And that meant that Emma followed her everywhere. On every single one of her jobs.

As she arrived at the Three Broomsticks she couldn't help but realizing how much busier not only the place, not just all of Hogsmeade, was a lot busier today. She saw a lot of younger looking kids walking around and wondered where they had come from. Her mother never told her that they were going to be in Hogsmeade that day. Then again, she hadn't spoken to her mother that much lately.

“What's up with all the kids?” She asked Madam Rosmerta that morning when she tied the apron around her waist, slipping her wand inside that pocket.

“Well, its Hogsmeade weekend for the Hogwarts students. They come here every so often on Saturdays.” She huffed. “Thought you would've known…”

Hermione rolled her eyes at her boss but smiled and continued her work.

~

The afternoon came quickly, and the pub was now bustling with students. She struggled to keep up with it all, as she did not have the prime advantage of magic like the rest of them did.

Hermione approached one of the tables that had about 5 students seated around it out of breath and asked, “What can I get you?”

“We'll just take a round of pumpkin juices, thanks.” A green eyed, raven haired boy told her smiling. Well that's refreshing, he wasn't rude to me.

When she returned with their drinks and began setting them down, a blue eyed blond girl sitting next to the raven haired boy asked. “You look around our age? How come we haven't seen you at Hogwarts?”

“I, uh, can't go there. I'm far past training age and we just moved into the uh…wizardry part. My mum teaches there though.” Hermione said, smiling weakly.

“Oh, that's a shame.” The blonde smiled. “Wait, your mom teaches there? Who is she?”

“Professor Granger.” Hermione said proudly. “Transfiguration.”

“Oh!” A red haired boy exclaimed. “Right, she's pretty cool. Not as strict as McGonagall, not evil like Snape…yep. I like her.”

“Doesn't let me get away with sleeping in class…but…she's alright.” A blonde boy sighed.

Hermione smiled gratefully. “Thanks.”

“Yeah, my mum teaches too. Professor Potter. Charms. I think our mum's know each other well.” The raven haired boy told her.

Hermione laughed softly. Just as she started to hand the last drink to him, it slipped from her hands and spilled all over his shirt. And her eyes closed tightly.

“What did you do that for girl?” Hermione's father screamed as she tried desperately to apologize for spilling the drink on him, on accident.

“I didn't…” Hermione whimpered as he backed her against the wall.

“You stupid, insolent bitch…” He advanced toward her and raised his hand to hit her…

“I'm so sorry. I didn't mean…” Hermione started, stammering as he stood up. “I'm sorry…” She closed her eyes.

She felt him grab her shoulders. “Hey…hey, its okay.” He said softly. She opened her eyes and looked into his face, realizing that he knew something was wrong. She didn't know how he knew, but he somehow did. She saw everyone else's eyes on them, wondering what the hell was going on.

“I'm so sorry…” She said.

“Don't worry about it.” He smiled. “I don't care. I'll just clean it with a spell or something. Honestly, it's okay.” He let go of her shoulders and pulled out his wand.

“Scourgify.” He said, pointing the wand toward his shirt.

Her face lit up and she gasped. It didn't matter how many times she had seen magic. It amazed her every time. He saw her astonishment and he laughed. “Can you not do that?” He asked her, sitting back down.

Hermione shook her head. “No…I can't do anything…magical.”

The blonde girl's jaw dropped. “How can you live without magic?”

Hermione shrugged. “Always have.”

“I'm Lillian.” The blonde girl smiled. “Lillian Fairchild. And that, is Harry Potter.” She pointed to the raven haired boy. “Ron Weasley.” She pointed to a red headed boy. “Ginny Weasley.” She pointed to red headed girl. “And Draco Malfoy.” She pointed to a blonde boy, rolling her eyes a little, but smiling at Draco. “And you are…?”

“Hermione.” Hermione said smiling. “Really, I can't believe they let you in Hogsmeade, I would have thought that after all that's happened…” She saw Harry's face fall. “Oh, um, sorry. I didn't mean…”

“Don't worry about it.” He said. “I'm a little surprised too. But they let us.”

“Cant say I'm complaining.” Ron said grinning as he put down his glass.

Lillian laughed and shook her head. Hermione smiled and said, “Well, I mean, I should probably get back to work. Nice to meet you guys.”

“You too. Hope we see you again. You should come by the school sometime with your mum.” Lillian suggested.

“Bye.” She said.

“Bye!” they all chorused back. She watched them from the corner of her eye a lot, hearing them talk and laugh and act like normal wizard teenagers. Oh, how she wished she could be one of them. But she wasn't.

When she spilled the drink on Harry, she had that immediate feeling that he was going to hit her. He was a man, that was he supposed to do, at least she thought. He seemed to know something was wrong though, and she didn't know how or why, all she was glad for was the fact that he didn't hit her.

Lillian had treated her like any other friend. No one had ever talked to her like that before; no one had ever accepted her so easily. And she only knew them for a few minutes. Maybe her mother teaching at Hogwarts wouldn't be so bad for her after all.

~

Hermione hung up her apron and watched as Emma sat at the bar, tapping her fingers in boredom.

“Hey, Emma. Wanna walk around Hogsmeade for a bit? We don't have to get back home right quick.” Hermione asked her younger sister.

“Yay!” Emma jumped up from her seat exclaiming. “That'd be fun!”

“Kay.” Hermione smiled at her younger sister's enthusiasm. “C'mon.”

They walked through Hogsmeade, really exploring it for the first time. They passed by stores and homes, wizards and witches. Everything they saw amazed them; they were being opened up to a whole new world, little by little each day.

Hermione saw a shop called Honeydukes that caught her eye. “Wanna go in there, Em? It's got candy and stuff.”

“Yes!” Emma said, jumping up and down.

“Let's go in then, come.” Hermione led her sister inside and marveled at the bubbling store, candy all over the place. Things called sugar quills, chocolate frogs, ice mice, licorice wands and Drooble's best blowing gum.

She walked slowly through the store, keeping an eye on her bouncing sister, who was skipping through the store, picking up candy and inspecting it while the storekeeper spoke to her kindly.

It marveled her how welcoming this world could feel after not being here that long. Sure, there were several unsavory characters around, but a lot of them were nice and warm hearted. But of course, with everything going on in the wizardry world lately, everyone had their bad days. A terribly evil wizard called Lord Voldemort's spirit had been reincarnated into his body, and any day now, he could show up. Finishing his quest to kill all that stood in his way. Years ago, before he first was defeated, there were many wizards and witches who gladly stood up to him, only to find them selves tortured or killed.

Luckily, the wizardry community found hope in the family of the Potter's. The name of James Potter was spoken very carefully around Hogsmeade, and the rest of the wizardry society. He had been killed by Lord Voldemort, when his secret keeper, Peter Pettigrew, had given up where he and his family were hiding from this all-powerful wizard. James held Voldemort off for a while, until he found himself killed.

Meanwhile, Lily Potter had been upstairs trying desperately to save her son from the wrath of Voldemort, as well as herself. She had found she could not apparate out, and thought she was to meet her death. It was the only way she could save her son, Harry. However, when she met Voldemort face to face a minute later and refused to get out of the pathway of the killing curse meant for Harry, Voldemort cast the curse anyways. She managed to dodge it, keeping Harry out of harms way, and his second attempt had hit Harry. When she thought all way lost as she saw the green bolt of magic hit her son, she watched as it bounced off of Harry and hit Lord Voldemort. And with a piercing scream, he dropped to the floor. His soul left his body. It was over.

Lily and Harry Potter had grieved at their loss for several years, and now…they're having to deal with the same fear of a man who almost killed them earlier.

That's when it occurred to her. Her jaw literally dropped. She had met Harry. Harry Potter. Harry James Potter, the boy-who-lived. She had been too busy with her work to recognize the name. How could she have forgotten that name? She had books on him. She had read about him. And she had now met him. Harry Potter.

“Hermione?” She heard a chipper voice call from behind her.

She spun around and saw Emma standing there, licorice wand sticking in her mouth. “Em?”

“Hi! I got one of these thingies. That nice lady over there got it for me. She said its called a licorice wand.” Emma smiled and pointed to the store keeper behind the counter.

“That's nice, Emma. But please be careful when you take things from people in the future.” Hermione said, picking up a pack of sugar quills, moving to the counter and pulling out her pouch to pay for them. “And don't point.”

Emma rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Are we going to see mummy tonight?”

Hermione thought about this for a minute. Yes? No? I have no idea. Probably not. “Maybe, Em, maybe.”

Emma sighed and shrugged as they walked out of the door and strolled back to their cottage. Imagine their surprise when they opened the door to an array of wonderful smells filling the cottage.

“What the…” Hermione looked around in confusion and Emma grinned broadly.

“Girls!!” Elizabeth Granger called, coming out of the kitchen cheerfully.

“Mummy!” Emma said, running to her mum and hugging her tightly.

Hermione walked slowly to her mother, still trying to take sight of what was going on. “Mum…what are you doing?”

Elizabeth smiled widely. “Cooking dinner, of course! I haven't seen my girls in a day or two!”

Okay, what was going on here? “Yeah…but, mum. Why are you…cooking?” Hermione asked, trying to make sense of a confusing situation.

“Because we have to eat.” Elizabeth replied, as a matter-of-factly.

“Well, yes…” Hermione said impatiently. “But why are YOU cooking dinner?”

“Because I'm tired of all that rubbish we eat sometimes.” Elizabeth smiled. “Now, come on. Get washed up. Dinner's almost ready.”

Emma looked to Hermione questioningly and Hermione shrugged, leading her sister down the hall. “That's weird.” Emma said. “I've only seen mum bake cookies. The kind of cookies that you keep frozen, peel apart and stick on a cookie sheet. And that's only when she has to tell us something, or she's sad.” Emma pointed out.

Hermione laughed. “Yes, well…At least we don't have to rely on take out or MY cooking.”

“That's for sure.” Emma snorted. Hermione playfully glared at her sister and they washed their hands, returning to dinner.

They returned to the dinner table and sat down as a family. A broken family, Hermione concluded. But more or less…a family.

Her mother sat down and the dinner appeared in front of the table. After the meal, their mother set out pumpkin pie. “So, girls, how did you like it?”

“Delicious, mum! Really, it was amazing. Much better then when I cook.” Hermione smiled.

“It really was good, mum.” Emma said, agreeing with Hermione. “Thanks.”

“Sure, I'm happy to do it. After all, I never see you. Look, I know we've had some very difficult times before.” Elizabeth said, causing Hermione to look down. “But I am ready to move on. It's a new life, a new beginning. We need to be ready to experience our new life. Together.”

Emma grinned, but Hermione just averted her eyes from her mother's and sister's. Her mother cleaned it up with the wand, and bade they goodbye with a hug, returning to Hogwarts once more.

~~

Hermione sat reading a section of a book about Harry Potter on the sofa in front of the fire. It was past midnight and she couldn't sleep, so she did the one thing she could think of: read. She didn't know what possessed her to choose this particular subject, but it had been on her mind for the past few hours.

When done with the passage, she set it aside with a yawn. She curled up against the cushions and gazed into the red and orange burning flames. She now had a mission: Learn magic. She was going to do it. She didn't know how, she didn't know when. But sometime, before this short live of hers ended, she was going to learn it. Even if she had to do it alone.

~

A/n: I don't think this chapter is what most of you expected, and I know it was short. As much as I love long chapters and it revolving around more than just one day, you have to understand that with this new story, the beginning may include some history and maybe some short chapters as she begins to learn about the world, and her new friends!! :)

Not sure how much you like it. So, message to you: Review, luv, review. Thanks.

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A/N: Okay guys, I know it's been awhile! Sorry! I spent awhile on this chapter, hope it is worth it! I like this chapter, but I'm not sure if you will.

I KNOW that a few of you are confused why I introduced Lillian instead of Luna, or Draco instead of another bloke like Seamus. But c'mon guys. I have a reason! You just have to stick with the story, I have a reason behind why Draco is DRACO and why LiLLiAN is LiLLiAN and NOT Luna!

Geez. Love you all though. Here goes nada:

~

A few weeks had passed since Hermione had first met the group of kids from Hogwarts at Hogsmeade. They seemed to alter her perspective majorly. She'd spent most of the time working and taking care of herself and her torn family, but every now and then, late at night, she got a chance to think. People her own age could do magic, and Harry Potter was one of them. If they could do it, she, as bright as she is, could certainly learn as well.

Much to her dismay, Madam Rosmerta had given her the day off. She claimed that Hermione had been working way to hard lately, and needed some time. Though, it might have been a result of the scalding tea she spilled all over herself the day before. Hermione had been upset at first, considering the Hogwarts kids were coming that day and it would be especially busy, but Madam would not give in. So, Hermione had to find something to do. Her mother had finally found a woman to watch over Emma during the day, after Hermione complained about having her sister follow her around like a lost puppy dog. But there was one day a week when Emma still had to follow Hermione around. And unfortunately, today was one of them.

“Why are we going in here, Hermy?” Emma asked.

“Why in the world are you calling me that?” Hermione asked annoyed as she opened the door to a new bookstore that had just come to Hogsmeade. It was called Clark & Lewis. Apparently it was named after the two owners, Meriwether Clark and William Lewis. Hermione had no idea why they put it in Hogsmeade of all places in Wizardry London, though they probably figured Diagon Alley was pointless with the budding bookstore Flourish & Blotts. Though, it never seemed to be busy.

“Because I want to.” Emma replied simply. “Why are we going in here?” She repeated as they walked in.

“Because I want to.” Hermione replied curtly.

Emma shrugged. “Hermy, you have so many books at home, why do you need more?”

“I just DO okay?” Hermione snapped. At the hurt look that then appeared across her younger sister's face, Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I'm sorry, Em. I'm just a little frazzled. I just need to check out some books, okay?” Emma nodded.

Hermione turned around and jumped when she came face to face with a short, gray haired, bearded man. “Sorry to startle you, love. I'm Meriwether Clark, what can I do for you?” He asked with a smile, extending his hand.

Hermione smiled back and shook his hand. “Oh, so very nice to meet you. I'm Hermione Granger. I was just looking for a few books on simple spells and charms. You know the one's you usually get your first year at Hogwarts?”

Meriwether eyed her curiously for a second before leading her to a large shelf by the shop window and gesturing towards it. “Here you should find the required books for level one, though I'm sure you're far beyond that.”

Hermione blushed momentarily and hesitated. “Actually…” She started, “I'm not.” Meriwether looked intrigued. “You see, my mum, my sister and I…we just moved here. My mum's the new transfiguration professor at Hogwarts, but I…I never went to Hogwarts, nor any wizardry school. I'm just looking to study up.”

“And I'm going to help!” Emma exclaimed happily.

Hermione shushed her sister. “Maybe.” She added quietly.

“Ah, well then,” Meriwether started to back away, “I'm sure you'll find all you need. Just call for me if you need me. I'm the only one in today.”

“Thank you, sir.” Hermione said.

“Of course.” Meriwether smiled before `popping' away. Hermione was determined to find not only spell books, but the books that every first year needed to learn about the Wizardry world and all that was in it.

Hermione scanned the books carefully before pulling out one that read The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk. She looked inside and scanned a few pages before handing it to Emma.

Emma herself, trying to be like her older sister, inspected the book with her small eyes thoroughly before nodding in approval and putting it in the satchel bag around her shoulder, while Hermione continued to scan the shelf.

Next, she saw one that said: The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self Protection by Quentin Trimble. She handed it to Emma, who followed her normal process, and placed it in the bag.

They did the same for Magical Draughts and Potions, A Beginners Guide to Transfiguration, Magical Theory, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and A History of Magic.

Emma was beginning to struggle with the bag as the last book was placed in. It was quite thick. “Well…” Hermione sighed, oblivious to her sister's struggle, “I think that's all the first year books. I read mum's list the other night. Hmm…oh, wait!” Her face brightened.

She picked up Hogwarts: A History excitedly and flipped through a few pages.

Emma groaned, “Uh…Hermione, don't you already have, like, three copies of that?”

Hermione glared at her sister. “I have one of the first editions that are very rare that mum bribed me with, and I have a more recent one, but still pretty old. But this, Em, is the newly revised copy.” She stared at it in awe.

Emma rolled her eyes, “You are so weird. What changes?”

“Lots.” Hermione said, before tucking it under her own arm. While patiently scanning nearby books, she looked up through the window and saw a bright blue eyed blonde girl pointing at her through the window. She recognised her. Who was she?

Lillian. Of course! It was the blonde she met last month during the Hogwarts visit to Hogsmeade! And now as she looked closer, Lillian was leading the whole group into the store, Harry Potter at her side.

What was she doing? She tried to walk away, but no such luck. “HERMIONE!” She heard an excited female voice call out as they walked into the door.

I spun around and smiled. “Lillian!”

“I can't believe I saw you! When went into The Three Broomsticks we asked for you, but Rosmerta said you weren't working!” Lillian exclaimed.

“You…asked for me?” Hermione asked confused. Why were they being so nice to her? They barely knew each other!

“Of course.” Harry spoke up with a grin.

The boy she knew as Draco added, “Wait, you had the day off, and you came in here?!”

The red headed girl, Ginny, swatted him on the arm.

“Umm…yeah…” Hermione started, not sure what to say. She didn't want to tell them why she was in there.

But unlucky for Hermione, her loud mouth sister did. “Hermy is going to teach herself magic and I'm going to help! Isn't that exciting? We just came here to get books and stuff…I think we were going somewhere else after this, but-”

“Emma!” Hermione exclaimed quietly.

“Sorry.” Emma shrugged.

“Really?” Harry asked. “Are you really that serious about learning?”

Hermione nodded. Ron shrugged, “I can understand why! Bloody hell, can you imagine a life without it?”

“We-” Harry started but looked around, seeing Meriwether watching them. “Maybe, we should talk about this outside. Should you go pay for your books?”

“Oh, right!” Hermione said, guiding her sister to the counter. They placed the books on the table and once Meriwether had checked them all out, Hermione realized she was a few sickles short. She had no idea what to do, when Harry came up beside her.

“Let me get it.” He said, pulling out a few.

“No!” Hermione exclaimed. “Really, I mean…I can just put one back…”

“Hermione, you are going to need all of these,” He said, handing the rest of the money to Meriwether as she picked them all up and put them back in the bag.

“You really didn't have to do that.” She said. She had just let him pay for part of her books! And she barely knew him! But, apparently, that didn't matter to either of them, because they were completely content with treating Hermione like just another of their best friends.

“Just give up,” Ron announced. “He did it already.”

They walked out of the store and started down the pathways. “So, you live here?” Ginny asked.

“Yeah.” Hermione replied. “Just down the road, actually. It's kind of small, but it's nice. Much better than where we used to live.” She added quietly while looking down, while her sister squeezed her hand.

This didn't go unnoticed by Harry who examined her closely and decided that he wouldn't press her on it.

“That's cool.” Ginny said before realizing what time it was. “Oh!” She jumped. “C'mon Drake...we've got to go.” Draco rolled his eyes at the nickname, but took her hand none the less. “See you guys.”

“Bye.” Draco said as they walked away.

“Where are they going?” Emma asked curiously.

“To snog like crazy at the Shrieking Shack.” Lillian put in.

Ron's face grew flaming. “Lillian, I really wish you wouldn't just outright say that. I don't like to think of my sister snogging Draco Malfoy.”

“I thought you were friends with him?” Hermione added.

Harry sighed. “Kind of. You do know who his dad is, right, Lucius Malfoy?”

Hermione thought for a moment and shook her head.

“He's a Death Eater.” Ron put in. “Evil. I mean, seriously, vile. I want to strangle him.”

“Anyways, he kind of `betrayed' his father. It happened last year, he was supposed to perform some Death Eater task, but he never went through with it. He said he just couldn't do it. He wasn't that kind of person. I never really liked him, but ever since his dad kicked him out and he started dating Ginny, he's different. Ginny brought out a good side in him. I dunno how, but he's on our side now. He even took a bloody oath. He's clean now, I guess.” Harry told her.

“I like him.” Lillian said brightly.

“You always find the good in people.” Ron rolled his eyes.

“People aren't always as they seem, Ronald Weasley. You never know what their past has been, or what they feel underneath.” Lillian commented.

“I believe the same.” Hermione agreed.

“That's good.” Harry smiled. Hermione averted her eyes from him.

“Are you the Harry Potter?” Emma asked suddenly.

Harry looked down at her. “Yeah. I'm sorry; I never asked…who are you?”

“I'm Hermione's little sister, Emma.” Emma told him.

“I'm Lillian and this is Ron.” Lillian gestured towards them.

“Lillian, that's a pretty name. So is Harry.” Harry chuckled.

“She's my very annoying little sister.” Hermione added. “Em, don't bug him.”

“It was just a question.” Emma shrugged. “I've heard all about you. Hermione told me about you when I was little.”

“Really…” Harry said, his expression falling a bit as he remembered what she had probably read. Emma saw this.

“I'm sorry.” Emma said. “About your parents.”

“Emma!” Hermione exclaimed softly.

“Its fine, Hermione. Really. Thank you, Emma.” Harry said.

“She told me all about your parents, your scar, your aunt and uncle…all about how one day you were going to help save us.” Emma said.

Harry looked over at Hermione. “You're quite the expert on me.”

“I don't know all of it; just a bit that Remus Lupin has told me and the parts in the books about when you were a baby.” Hermione said.

“You know Remus Lupin?” Ron asked.

Hermione nodded. “Of course. He and my mum are good friends. Have been for awhile. He's the one who found us a place to live after…” She stopped and sighed. “And then found us a place in Hogsmeade, too.”

Harry knew there was something that was weighing her down; she kept cutting off certain sentences. Perhaps he could ask Remus. “Yeah, I know Remus really well; of course, he and my dad were best mates in school, with Sirius…” Harry stopped, regaining his composure after the wave of sadness he felt about his godfather's death. He felt Hermione next to him put a hand on his arm.

“Remus told me. I know…I know he was like a father to you, I'm sorry…” She said quietly. He smiled weakly at her and then removed her arm.

“Anyways, I'm sure you know that he's the DADA teacher this year. Kind of amazed he's back. After that jinx…you would've never thought…” Harry added with a laugh.

They walked in silence for a moment before Lillian spoke up. “Harry, don't we have to…”

Harry thought a minute and then his face lit up. “Oh, right…umm…”

“Right now?” Ron asked.

Hermione just watched the exchange in confusion.

The three stared at her for a minute before Lillian said, “Can't we just tell her?”

“Lil, she could be one of them.” Ron whispered not so quietly, which caused Lillian to elbow him hard in the stomach.

“Shut up, Ron!”

Harry grinned at Hermione. “You aren't are you?”

Hermione's eye brow's raised. “Yeah right.”

“Fine, then. We might as well tell her.” Ron sighed.

Harry looked around and pulled Hermione, who was pulling Emma, into the corner of an alley way, followed by Lillian and Ron and lowered his voice. “In fifth year, we created a group called the DA. Dumbledore's Army. I led a bunch of kids who wanted to in learning good defense skills for the war since Umbridge, the DADA teacher then, wouldn't let us use our wands in class. We figure since this year the war is going to get even worse, that it might be a good idea to reinstate it. No one knows about this. No one but the few who were in it then. We told them to meet us at Hog's Head this afternoon at one so we could talk. That's where we have to go.”

Hermione let this sink in for a second before lowering her voice just as Harry had and asked, “Don't any of the Professor's know?”

Lillian shook her head. “It's too dangerous. Sometimes with certain people we never know who is on our side. Not even Ms. Potter knows.”

“I guess that makes sense.” Hermione whispered.

“You won't tell anyone, right?” Harry anxiously asked.

“Of course not.” Hermione stated surely.

Harry breathed a sigh of relief. “Okay, then. We have to go…why don't you come with us?”

Hermione shook her head. “I'd be no use to it at all. I don't know any spells, remember?”

Ron shrugged. “You still could help us on other stuff. C'mon, we need all the help we can get.”

“It's like the Resistance.” Harry told her, to better explain it.

Hermione smiled and nodded. “I always told myself if I was born in that time that I'd be part of it.”

“Me too.” Harry grinned.

“What in the world are you two talking about?” Ron asked.

“The Resistance.” Hermione explained. “It was a group formed during the Muggle World War II when Hitler was trying to kill all the Jewish people. They met in secret underground and created bombs to stop the Nazi's, who were Hitler's followers.”

“Hitler?” Lillian asked. “I know I'm nothing of a Muggle, but wasn't that that Muggle born wizard that cast the imperious curse on all those muggles to kill those `Jews'?”

“He was a wizard?!” Hermione asked, astounded.

Harry shrugged. “No one really knows. Kind of a rumor that younger wizards always talk about.”

“Billy Roberts told me that!” Emma interjected. “He said that Hitler still haunted some people.”

“Who's Billy Roberts?” Hermione asked her sister.

“A boy who Mrs. Codsworth also watches. But he's full of it, so I don't believe a word he says.” Emma commented.

“Anyways…” Harry started, getting them back on topic. “Will you come?”

Hermione thought about it. “Em?” Emma nodded excitedly. “Okay. I guess…but I'm telling you I'm not any good for spells and such.”

“No matter.” Lillian shrugged. “You like to read, don't you?” She looked towards the bag full of books.

Hermione nodded. “I love it.” Ron rolled his eyes.

“Well, maybe you can help us out on any research we need.” Lillian told her. “We always need stuff like that.”

“And,” Harry added, “If you're really that serious about learning magic…we could always help you.”

“You would teach me?”

“Why not? I don't think its right you never learned.” Harry shrugged. Lillian and Ron nodded in agreement.

“Can I ask you a question?” Hermione asked suddenly. “Why are you being so nice to me? Why are you treating me like your friend?”

“Because you are now.” Lillian smiled. “I like you. You're nice and you're fun.”

“You are now officially one of our best friends.” Harry smiled.

Ron winked. “Consider yourself lucky, any other student would die to be in your new position.”

Hermione rolled her eyes playfully as they walked off towards the shady pub. She had no idea what that friendship would give her just yet, but it wouldn't take her long to find out.

~

A/N: So how was it? I think it was def. the best and the longest so far. It'll get better, I know it. If you're a fan of Caribbean Cruising, I'll be updating it before the end of this weekend!

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A/N: Hey! Quick Warning! PLEASE read!

I have to warn you that this is a pretty deep, emotional chapter. It doesn't have much activity in it. Mostly just thoughts and discoveries. I promise we will get to the more fun, lighter, chapters with magic learning, but this chapter just has to be in here!

**Oh, and It was REALLY hard to write a DA scene where Hermione wasn't Harry's right hand man like normal, so pplllease forgive me!**

Updates should be better.

Love you!

Read and Review!

~ Amber (harry_mione_love)

Ps. In this chapter, you'll get second person. It's the thoughts, feelings and emotions of a couple different characters instead of just Hermione's. especially at the end. I'm not sure if you'll like this chapter anyways.

I'm so nervous about this; I don't know how good this chapter is!

~*~

As they walked inside the dark, shady pub, Hermione's face conveyed a confused thought and she felt Emma squeeze her hand tighter.

“C'mon.” Ron led them all to a table in the back, which was already full with students.

“Harry! Ron!” A dirty blonde headed boy exclaimed, “There you guys are!”

“Hey, sorry, we got…side tracked.” Harry apologized. “And we brought someone. She doesn't go to Hogwarts, but her mother teaches there. Everyone, Hermione Granger. And she has her little sister, Emma with her.”

They all said hello warmly, but Harry, Ron, Lillian and Hermione didn't miss their nervous looks.

“Oh come on!” Lillian said. “We all know her mother, Professor Granger! She's not bad!”

“And she's going to join us.” Harry announced. “So be nice.” He added with a smirk and wink in Hermione's direction.

Lillian told Hermione and Emma to sit down, so Hermione chose the outside seat next to a blonde girl. Emma slid in tightly next to her and decided that in this case, it was better to be seen and not heard.

“Hello, Hermione. I'm Luna. Luna Love good.” The girl identified herself as.

“Oh, uh, hi” Hermione smiled at her, a little shy at the girl's forwardness.

“You know, I think it's great we are starting this again, and we have new members. This is everyone's war.” Luna said, examining Hermione closely.

“Yeah, well, I don't know what benefit I'll do to you.” Hermione shrugged. “I can't perform any magic.”

Luna gasped. “Then you especially need to be here! You need to learn how to defend yourself in case. Have you known Harry long?”

Hermione shook her head. “No. We just met a few weeks ago. I'm new to the magical world, you might say.”

“Really? Is that why you don't go to school with us?”

“Yes, we just moved here at the start of the term and it was too late for me to start.”

“Oh, then I suppose you aren't familiar with a lot of magical things. Like a crumple horned snorkack or a nargle?”

“What?” Hermione looked at this girl as if she was crazy.

“A snorkack is a…”

Luna was cut off by Harry's voice. “Alright guys, I know you are all excited about this being started up again, but remember this is just a quick meeting. In 5^th year, when we started this, to defend ourselves because Umbridge wouldn't let us train with wands in class. We needed to defend ourselves. Now, it's even more important. Voldemort has returned.” He continued in a softer voice. At the name, `Voldemort', Hermione, Luna, and Harry

were the only ones who didn't flinch. Several sharp intakes of breath were heard. We still need to be practicing more advanced spells. Together.”

Harry paused when a girl's hand rose. “Yes Hannah?”

“Does this mean we'll be meeting regularly?”

“No.” Harry started. Talking erupted at the table as Ron quieted them down. “I just wanted to warn you that we cold call you guys at any time. I wanted to see how many of you guys were interested in starting it again. If I decidet o completely bring it back, I'll alert you on your coins. And I know that some from last year didn't make it, so if you get word, spread it around to old members.”

Everyone nodded.

“Okay, then…” Harry sighed. He ran his hand through his hair, but thought of nothing else to say. “Back to Hogsmeade.”

The students slowly filed out, in small groups to lower suspicion, some stopping to ask Harry a question.

“I'll see you later,” Luna smiled at Hermione.

“So you met Loony?” Ron asked.

“Ron!” Lillian exclaimed. “Don't call her that!”

“What she is…?”

“She asked me if I knew what a crumple horned snorkack was…” Hermione trailed off.

“See, Loony!” Ron said.

“…and I have never, ever, heard of anything so ridiculous. She must be related to that Lovegood who edits the Quibbler. But…she seems nice, though. She was very sweet.” Hermione added as they walked outside into the light.

“Nice and Loony.” Ron muttered under his breath.

“So, what'd you think?” Lillian asked Hermione, ignoring Ron.

“It was interesting…you know…I know that you weren't starting it up again yet, so I guess it was an off meeting. Seems interesting though.” Hermione said.

“Yeah, I dunno if I should bring it back yet or not. It'd be just another thing to handle.” Harry said.

“Yeah…”

“I think it was cool!” Emma interjected. “You're the leader and you control everything!”

Harry laughed at this.

They walked in silence for only a matter of a few seconds when Ginny and Draco met up with them again. “Hey guys! We were looking all over for you! Where were you?” Ginny asked.

“Oh, just around…” Lillian said. “What's up?”

“Nothing. We just…decided to meet up with you. Wanna go somewhere?” Draco asked.

“I…I should probably go. C'mon Emma.” Hermione started. She was beginning to feel a bit out of place with this large group of close friends.

“Why?” Lillian asked.

“Well, you guys have to leave soon, and I need to get my sister home.”

“Not for a bit,” Harry said. “But okay.”

As they rounded the corner, Hermione saw a father in a heated argument with his son, backing him into the outside brick wall of a nearby shop. Her breath caught in her throat and she stumbled into the wall she was standing near.

~*~

Flashback:

“A B!” Hermione's dad backed her against the outside wall of her school. “Why can't you ever do anything right! Do you know how embarrassing a B minus is to my fellow professors!”

“I'm sorry, Dad…I tried, but…” Hermione started in a tiny voice.

“Shut up!” He yelled. He hit her once in the arm.

~*~

“Ah…” Hermione exclaimed quietly as she held her arm in her hand.

“Hermione?” Harry looked at her and reached his hand out to touch her arm. Emma held tight onto her sisters arm while Lillian was moving closer to her and Draco edged behind Harry. When Harry made contact she jumped and quickly moved out of his touch.

“I…I have to go.”

“Bye.” Emma said to them as they walked away. Only she knew why her sister was so startled.

As Harry, Ron, Lillian, Ginny and Draco watched her go, they wondered what had happened. Harry glanced back to the father and son, still oblivious to Hermione's reaction, and shook his head before turning around again.

~*~

Hermione steered her sister home, gave her a book to read, and shut herself in her room. She lay on her bed, knowing her mother wasn't coming home tonight, and cried until there were no more tears.

~*~

After Harry arrived back at the castle, they gathered in the Great Hall for dinner. Later that night, Harry found himself walking towards the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.

“Remus?” He called, walking inside.

“Harry? Is that you?” Remus called from upstairs. He appeared at the top of the stairs seconds later. “Hello! Your mother and I were just discussing some lesson plans…would you like to come up?”

“Harry!” Lily exclaimed.

“Hey mum.” Harry smiled. “Remus, can, I, uh, talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure,” Remus said, a concerned look crossing his features.

“Do you, uh, want me to go…?” Lily started.

“No, its okay, mum. You could help me, too.” Harry said.

Lily smiled and Harry joined them upstairs in Remus' office. As they walked in and waited for Harry to speak up, they chose seats. But Harry remained standing, pacing back and forth.

“You know the Granger's, right Remus?” He asked suddenly, stopping his pacing to look Remus in the eye.

“Yes…of course. Elizabeth is an old friend of mine, and your mothers. I'm the one who found her the job here,” Remus said, curious as to where this was going.

“I talk to her all the time, dear.” Lily added to Harry.

“Well…what, what happened to them? I mean…did something…b-bad happen?” Harry stumbled upon the right words.

“What do you mean?” Lupin asked, thoughtfully.

“I met that Hermione Granger-” Harry continued to pace.

“Lovely girl.” Remus interrupted.

“Yes, well, I mean, she always stops when she's talking about her past, and she's really jumpy…” Harry trailed.

“Harry, you need to be careful around her…” Remus' concern etched on his face, looking stubbornly at Harry.

“But, why?” Harry pressed.

“I don't think that's any of your business.” Lupin said impatiently.

“Please, Remus. I just want to know. We were trying to be friends with her…she keeps…pulling away from us. I can't understand why…please. I swear, I won't tell anyone.” Harry said.

Remus sighed. “Harry, I if I tell you this…you have to promise you will not tell anyone this…and you wont tell Hermione I told you.”

“I promise.” Harry said quickly.

“Harry,” Remus sighed again, “Hermione was abused.”

Harry stopped walking, and dropped down into a soft chair by him and stared ahead.

“By her father.” Remus continued. “He used to hit her a lot, badly. He hit her mother, too. Elizabeth only told me a little at first, she was too scared to do anything. But one night when I go a call on my muggle phone…I came immediately. Hermione was ten, then. I found them a place to live. And then when this job opened up, Lizzie was my first nomination.” Remus paused. “She's not the best mother. She has a hard time being emotional and comforting…she's…she's just not the best mother.”

Harry's steely gaze was still fixed ahead of him as Lily ran her hand comfortingly through her son's hair.

“I know this brings back bad memories…” Lily started.

“Mum.” Harry warned, in deep, angry voice.

“Harry, please. I know…I'm sorry.” Lily was on the verge of tears.

“So…her father hit her…” Harry said quietly. “That's why…she…that's why she freaked out today. That's why she wouldn't let me…touch her arm…she thought was going to hit her…”

“She's uneasy around you because you're a man. A young man, but a man nonetheless. She was nervous around me at first, too. But she knows me well. And she probably doesn't want to talk about it. I don't blame her. Don't push her, Harry. She's a very special, talented girl who's been through a lot.”

“I just…I don't know her that well at all…we just met…but I didn't…”

“It's alright, Harry.” Lily said.

“No…No it's not. Her…her own father. With me-it, her own dad…” Harry mumbled quietly getting up and walking out of the classroom despite Remus and Lily's calls of protest.

He walked back to the Gryffindor tower slowly, trying to subside his anger towards Hermione's father, thinking about everything. Mumbling the password to the fat lady, he walked through.

Since it was late, everyone was pretty much in bed, or upstairs. Harry walked up the stairs and a few minutes later, he just lay there, thinking. Thinking about what Hermione went through, thinking about what he went through. After his father had died and his mother accepted his job at Hogwarts, he knew she loved him and would do anything to keep him at Hogwarts with her, but two years before he attended there himself, it became too much.

Lily had pleaded that her sister, Petunia, took care of Harry while she worked. She didn't know what was to come. If she had, she'd have never done it. She had thought her sister was decent, she had thought that this would keep Harry safe. But after Lily left, Petunia's husband, Vernon, treated him like a servant boy. His room was under the stairs.

Their son, Dudley, used him as a personal punching bag. He remembered how hard his Uncle Vernon could hit, he remembered everything. When he did get to be with his mother, he was too scared to tell her because Uncle Vernon had threatened him. Little Harry didn't understand that his mother could do worse with her wand. He suffered through two of those years. When Lily did return early and find out, though, it was a different story. She hexed and cursed, using every spell she knew to take care of the Dursley's. It wasn't pretty. And then she had cried. For days, months. Cried.

Then, He thought about Hermione. He had only met her twice, but he knew the signs too well. At The Three Broomsticks, he felt her fear when she spilt the glass. He understood she was scared. Somewhere inside, he had always known she'd been abused. But to hear it was different.

~*~

Lily lay awake in bed. She couldn't sleep. Too many memories ran through her head. She had seen Harry's face when Remus informed him of Hermione's past. A few tears streaked down her face as she remembered seeing Harry after his second year at the Dursley's. When she came home early and found out how he'd been treated, she was furious. Mostly with herself. She couldn't believe she'd trusted them. Her son was badly hurt, and she felt it was all her fault.

~*~

Elizabeth Granger looked into the mirror. She could barely stand her own reflection. She hadn't gone home again. She was still putting Hermione in full control. In some ways, she felt she was abandoning her own daughters. First, she had let her first daughter suffer through abuse. Her second had been raised by her first. Elizabeth knew she had never been there for her daughters. This was her chance. Hogwarts was her chance, their chance. It was time to clean the wounds of all the pain and hurt.

~*~

Emma was in her sister, Hermione's, arms trying to fall asleep. Her life had never been simple. She hadn't been born when they lived with their father, but she had been told he was a bad man who hurt her mother and sister. Living your whole life without much of a mother, and no father in an abuse shelter had not been fun. Maybe this time around, they'd make it right.

~*~

As Hermione gazed down at her sister, she felt tears well up in her eyes again. Hermione had never had much of a childhood. She was always concerned about pleasing her father, cleaning up the messes he made, and making sure she didn't upset him, making it worse for her mother and herself.

She wanted to trust other men, or young men, around her. But her instinct reaction was to pull away and hide. If only Harry and the others knew…

She had spent her life cowering in the shadows, and now…it was time. Time, to force herself into the light.

~*~

A/N: Kay, so when I was writing it, it sounded good, but I'm not sure how good it is now. Sorry if it's bad. I'll try better. I wrote this all in the car, so…Lol. I know some of you doubted my ability to update when I said I would…but ha ha…I did! Lol!

Thanks for reading…now review!

Love you!

AMBER!

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Didn't mean to get anyone's hopes up-this isn't chapter. It's a very serious author's note. You know I love you guys and I update quickly most of the time. I feel like I should explain my recent troubles, even though a lot of you say I am feeling too bad about my updating, because it's really not that bad.

But I don't know how quickly the next chapters will come.

Most, if not all, of you know about the Virginia Tech Shooting Massacre that occurred on Monday, April 16, 2007. It killed 32, not including the shooter who committed suicide. The attacks left over 15 badly wounded.

Two of my cousins attend Virginia Tech. One, survived. She was in one of the classrooms in Norris Hall where the killer stormed in and shot continually, but she survived along with others. However, her sister, also my cousin, was less fortunate. They were in the same French class when he burst in, and my cousin was among those shot and killed.

It's been very hard for me the past few days. I can't close my eyes without seeing the shooter's face flash through my mind, or a random news clip replay over in my brain. I can't be in a dark area without being jumpy and turning around every second because I feel someone's behind me.

Some people don't know how to approach me, they're afraid to talk of it around me. But I want to talk about it.

For me, right now, it's so surreal. It's not like I saw her all the time, so it's hard to grasp that she's really gone. I dunno.

I'm sorry for going off on that about me, but I just felt that I should tell you why my updating might be late. I will be flying to Virginia tonight and will be there until Sunday, in time to be back in school on Monday.

I hope you guys are doing alright! I love you all. If anyone else knows someone who was hurt or killed in the shooting, please don't hesitate to talk to me…I understand!

Thanks guys, you're the best.

Love,

Amber (harry_mione_love)

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Hey guys sorry for probably making you really happy for a final chapter alert, but I have to get this out. I am working so hard on the next chapter of this, doing all I can after losing two pre written chapters to the garbage, and now I have to leave for my little brother's tournament game tonight. I will come back and work ALL night on trying to get it out but I'm leaving early tm. Morning and may, just MAY not be able to get the chapter up! I will be in Europe for a few weeks, but once I get back from South Africa on the 26^th I will be able to get on the computer and type away! Don't get your hopes up for CC though till then, but LPB might come out tonight. I'll try guys I swear! Love ya…

And I'm sorry!

Look out for one tonight or early tm morning!

Lizabeth

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A/N: (I wrote this on Sunday:) Well, my brother lost his game! He only won one today…but that's kinda good. They were just too tired. 12 hours they were playing and sitting around in that heat. Lol, it was kinda torture and until dinner at mickey d's I had only eaten a pop tart all day! Lol.

Apologize for the long update. Just the Virginia thing…a wedding…South Africa trip…Concert for Diana…OotP world premiere…Europe to visit the dad and fam…falling-for-best-friend crisis (don't ask unless you want the whole story) and sum acting stuff. Hope you enjoy it! (I'm nervous about this chapter!)

I must say it's really developing. This installment could break or make this story! Hopefully the latter!

**wait, Wait. I have one thing to say. I must have the BEST readers on portkey. I have never felt so much support and comfort like this before. I don't even know what to say. I'm so lucky to have such amazing people supporting me…you have no idea what it means to me. I can't thank you enough. You guys are truly the best. The most compassionate readers I've ever had reviews from. Thanks guys, I love ya!

Plus--Oh my god you're totally not going to believe this. I threw away a buncha my school stuff and accidentally threw away two incredible (if I do say so myself) chapters of this story. I loved them, they were long and emotional, but fun and magical…absolutely PERFECT! I'm sooo pissed right now I don't even remember what happened in them I wrote it so long ago. So bare with me and I swear I'll try to get it better.

~*~

Hermione was finally ready. She had woken up that morning with a goal in mind. A goal to start learning magic.

At the moment, Hermione Granger was seated straight up on her bed, wand in hand, books flailed out over the queen sized bed she called her own.

She had decided to start with a simple spell. One that could easily be done by a newcomer such as herself. She focused mainly on the first book: Standard Book of Spells, Grade One.

“Wingardium leviosa.” She said softly to herself. She moved her wand according to the detailed description next to the incantation.

Mulling over the incantation again and wand movements in her head, she got read to take the first plunge into magic.

Taking a deep breath, she chanted, “Wingardium Leviosa!” She got excited as the pen started to lift, but it easily fell back down.

Hermione groaned and slammed her wand down, feeling like a failure and looked down.

“You might need some visual,” a voice sounded.

Hermione's head snapped dup and she saw her mother's figure in the doorway. “What?”

“You can't read wand movements. You have to be shown how to do it. Here,” she took out her own wand.

Hermione watched intently. “Wingardium Leviosa!” Elizabeth said, waving her wand in a swish and flick motion. Hermione watched the pen on her bed rise and float by the movement of Elizabeth Granger's wand. Elizabeth slowly let it back down.

“It's called, `swish & flick'.” Her mum informed her with a smiled.

“Swish & Flick,” Hermione repeated.

“Good.”

Hermione lifted her wand and said softly, “Wingardium leviosa,” Moving her wand in the acquired swish and flick movement.

Enchanted, she watched the same pen float to her discretion and slowly let it down. She looked up at her mother leaning in the doorway, grinning and clapping for her.

“Mum! I did it!” Hermione squealed.

“You're a natural!” She laughed, stopping clapping.

Hermione grinned and said, “That was easy. I did magic! Magic! For the first time!”

“Well, on purpose, you had a lot of accidents as a child,” She laughed. Hermione joined her chuckles but abruptly stopped.

The smile dropped from Hermione's face. “So, what are you doing home? Doesn't first class start soon?”

“I don't have that early of a class, but yes. Um, actually…I, I was wondering if you would like to, um, come to work, you know…to Hogwarts with me?” Elizabeth asked cautiously.

“Really?” Hermione asked, surprised.

“Well…” Elizabeth started nervously. “Emma is at Mrs. Codsworth's….and seeing as you got fired...” Hermione frowned. She had gotten fired by Madam Rosmerta a few days ago. She didn't blame her, too many accidents and no magic to clean it up. Well, Hermione wasn't really fired. She more…quit. Rosmerta had been kind of upset with her, but was not going to fire her, when Hermione kind of…volunteered herself. She knew she was slowing things down, and that Rosmerta didn't have the heart to fire her. So she did it herself. Her mum never did hear the whole story. “I was just wondering if you wanted to spend the day around Hogwarts. I know you always loved to read about it and see pictures,” Elizabeth finished.

Hermione thought about it for a moment. She couldn't believe her mum. For once she wasn't rude, or angry or moody, and she wasn't being fake. Maybe she should take advantage of the situation and see where it got her. Besides, Hogwarts was a lovely place. She could walk around and maybe even convince McGonagall into giving her a few jobs to do…just to earn a bit of money again. “Sure…mum. Yeah, that'd be great.”

A tentative smile returned to Elizabeth's lips. “Wonderful. Just…um, get whatever you need. We'll leave in a few minutes. We can apparate to the gates but from there we have to walk in.”

“I know,” Hermione sighed.

“That's right, my little girl knows everything,” Elizabeth said without thinking. They both were silent for a moment before Elizabeth pushed herself off the door way. “Well, just um, I'll be in the parlor when your ready.”

“Okay,” Hermione replied.

Once her mother left, Hermione realized that she was wearing skin-tight holey light jeans and a form fitted white short sleeved shirt that exposed a sliver of her midriff. The shirt was fine, she supposed, but the jeans were probably too messy. `Oh, well,' Hermione thought. She didn't feel like changing and besides, most people passed tight, ripped jeans off as a style these days. She pulled her hair up loosely in a large clip, while one strand fell loose around her neck. She didn't care.

Stuffing her wand in her back pocket and slipping on her flip-flops, she walked out her bedroom door and closed it. Hermione walked into the parlor and met her mum.

“Ready to go?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yeah,” Hermione smiled.

They walked out the door together and faced the bright sunlight as it beat down on the small village of Hogsmeade. There was not a cloud on the horizon as far as you could see. For the first time in months, smiling faces walked the sunny streets. For months, now, since the war had begun with Voldemort and the dark side, every day had seemed dark and dreary. Like it rained everyday; clouds always floated nearby.

But not today. Today was perfect. Maybe it was a sign; a sign that everything would be alright, a sign that things in her dark and cloudy life are starting to clear up. Maybe it was jut because of Hermione's cheery mood that had such a positive attitude on life, ever since learning that one spell this morning. She was extremely excited that she had finally done magic. It was a huge milestone in her life. Something she had only dreamed of trying to do. Never did she know that at age seventeen, she would accomplish her goal.

Before Hermione knew it, they had reached the gates of the castle, deciding to walk instead of apparate in light of the clear weather.

“McGonagall wants to see you this morning before we, or you, do anything.” Elizabeth said.

“Okay,” Hermione answered.

“She really likes you, you know.”

“McGonagall?” Hermione inquired.

“Yes. She thinks you have a wonderful personality and a lot of potential,” Elizabeth said.

Hermione blushed. “Don't be so humble,” Elizabeth said. “You're a wonderful young woman, Hermione Jane.”

“Thank you,” Hermione softly told her.

They were silent until they reached McGonagall's office. Elizabeth knocked on the door softly. “Minerva?” she called.

“One moment, please,” they heard on the other side of the door.

They patiently waited until the headmistress came to the door and answered it. “Ah!” Elizabeth, Hermione. So nice to see you. Please, do come in,” McGonagall greeted.

“Hello, Minerva,” Elizabeth greed her as they walked in.

“Hello,” McGonagall said.

“Hello, Professor,” Hermione greeted her as well.

“Good morning, Hermione. So nice to see you here today. Please, you two take a seat,” the old professor invited them, taking a seat at her own desk.

Elizabeth and Hermione took their seats, in front of the headmistress's desk. “Good morning to you as well. How are you?” Elizabeth asked.

“Oh, alright,” Minerva said. “Dealing with the students is never easy in the morning. I was just about to go into the dining hall, actually. And you?”

“We're well,” Elizabeth said. “Hermione actually did her first spell this morning!”

“Mum…” Hermione blushed in embarrassment at her mother's enthusiasm.

“That's magnificent, Miss Granger! I knew you had potential, I could tell you were a natural from our first meeting!” McGonagall exclaimed.

Hermione was quite embarrassed with all the attention she was receiving. But it was kind of nice to hear her mother gloating about her.

Elizabeth, however, was feeling somewhat brilliant about her daughter's accomplishment. Underneath, she had so many secret about her and Hermione's past, but for once, she wasn't worried about revealing them. Hermione seemed fairly content with heir growing relationship and Elizabeth didn't want to shake things up by telling her daughter the biggest secret she had ever held. She hadn't thought about it in months, but now, she was forcing herself to push it in the back of her mind again.

“Well, it is real nice to see you this morning. I'm so happy you chose to come today, Miss Granger. What were you planning on doing?” The Headmistress's voice brought Elizabeth out of her stupor.

“I was planning on walking around, touring the castle and maybe sitting in on one of my mother's classes…” Hermione said.

“I heard you got fired from your job...” Hermione shot her mother a dark look that Elizabeth shrugged off. “And I'll be willing to pay you a generous amount for odd jobs around the castle. Your mother did say you liked to earn you way,” Minerva said.

“I believe in hard work,” Hermione replied.

“Very respectable,” McGonagall commented. Hermione smiled. “You may see Filch, our grounds keeper; he should find some work for you.”

“Oh, my. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much it means to me.”

McGonagall laughed. “Refreshing. Absolute wonderful daughter you have here, Elizabeth, “McGonagall stood, as did they. “You should be very prod.”

“That I am,” Elizabeth shook the headmistress's hand. “I must be off. I would like to introduce Hermione to one of my friends. DO you mind if I steal her away for now, she'll come back later for, the uh, job.”

“Of course. I'll see you shortly,” Minerva said.

“Goodbye, Minerva,” Elizabeth walked to the door.

“Goodbye, Professor McGonagall,” Hermione turned and waved as she walked out the door.

“Goodbye, child,” She waved.

When both Elizabeth and Hermione left, McGonagall leaned against her desk.

“Lovely Girl,” She sighed.

~*~

“This way,” Elizabeth instructed her daughter. She guided her to a large classroom in the castle and led her in.

“Lilly?” Elizabeth called. “Lilly?”

“Elizabeth is that you?” a tall, read headed woman stepped from behind the blackboard.

“Yes, Lilly, it's me.” Elizabeth called back, laughing. `I though I'd bring my daughter by to meet you.”

“Oh!” Lilly smiled genuinely. “Wonderful. I've heard so much about you!”

Elizabeth chuckled. “Hermione, this is Professor Lilly Potter. She teaches Charms. Lilly, this is my daughter, Hermione Granger.”

“So you're what all the fuss is about,” Lilly said, shaking Hermione's hand. “It's nice to finally meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too, Professor Potter,” Hermione greeted her.

“Oh, darling, do call me Lilly. It's not as if you're one of my students, anyways,” She smiled. Hermione couldn't help but notice the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled. They were a brilliant color of emerald green that was enchanting. She realized they were exactly the same as Harry's.

It was in that moment that she actually remembered that she was talking to Lilly potter, Harry's mother. It was somewhat fascinating to Hermione that people such as Lilly and Harry, who had suffered so much loss in their lives, could still be so lovely. Sure, Hermione had suffered so much loss in their lives, could still be so lovely. Sure, Hermione had suffered a lot in her life, but not much death, and she didn't find herself lovely all anyway.

“Of Course,” Hermione smiled shyly.

“You know-” Elizabeth started.

“Professor Granger?” a voice carried from the classroom entrance.

The three turned around to face a very intimidated first year boy.

“Oh, excuse me,” Elizabeth said. “I must go. I'll see you two later. Hermione, will you be alright?”

“Yes, mum,” Hermione answered.

“Alright, goodbye,” Elizabeth walked out.

“Have you met my son Harry?” Lilly asked, not waning to mention that she already knew she had. She did not want to get into why she knew. Too many questions.

“Oh yes,” Hermione smiled. “He's very nice.”

“Eh, he's alright,” Lilly joked.

Hermione laughed. “No really, he's great. One of the first friends I made here…him and Lillian Fairchild.”

“Oh, yes, Lillian is an interesting person. But nothing compared to our dear Luna Lovegood.”

“She's a bit out there, I will admit,” Hermione chuckled.

“Wow, Hermione, you have been around, you know more people than I thought you did!” Lilly exclaimed.

“Well, all because of Harry and Lillian,” Hermione told her.

“Right,” Lilly said. A few students started walking in loudly and Lilly checked her watch.

“I guess I should go…”Hermione started.

“Yes, I have my first class…but I have a group of seven years right after lunch, mostly Gryffindor, and Slytherin, but if you want to…you could come back in and sit in,” Lilly said.

“I'd love to,” Hermione's face brightened

“Great. I'll see you then, “Lilly bad her goodbye.

“Bye,” Hermione smiled, walking out the door.

“Settle down class!” Lilly called. “Let's get started…please turn to page-”

Hermione closed the door behind her politely and found McGonagall again. The headmistresses led her to Filch, who was more than happy to arrange a few jobs for her to do.

About an hour later, Hermione was mopping the floors. She knew she was lucky to be doing the job. The headmistress could have assigned the job to detention students, or charmed a mop to do it itself, but she took a bit of pity on Hermione, she supposed. And I some ways, Hermione was glad. She liked to earn her own money and she needed it; her family had never been rich…they needed what they could get.

It was only then that she felt someone bump into her hard, making her slip on the wet floors and fall hard to the ground.

“Oh, I'm sorry,” a sneering voice said sarcastically. “Did I knock you down, servant girl?”

“I am not a servant girl; and you know very well that you did,” Hermione spat.

“Oooo…” Hermione heard a few of his friends behind him sing.

“You got a bit of bite, slave, and a lot of nerve,” The boy said.

“I'm not a slave,” Hermione snapped.

“Like a house elf,” He added, ignoring her last comment.

“I believe house elves should be free. And paid,” Hermione stuck up her nose, though still on the floor.

He just laughed. “Get up,” He kicked her sharply in the side.

Hermione winced and instinctively stood up, almost fearful of not.

“Oooo…we have an obedient one. What's your name, servant girl?” he asked.

“My name is Hermione Granger,” She spat at him.

“Well, I'm Michael Ferris,” he smirked. “And you, miss Granger have some very tight clothes on,” Michael took a step closer to her.

(*A/N: NOT a descriptive rape scene, I swear it. Keep going…*)

Hermione took a step back in fear, and he followed her back.

“Get way from me!” She ordered.

He slapped her across the face. “Don't talk to me like that! You aren't worthy of it. I've had a bad day…I need to take It out one somebody.” He almost said it like he was amused, which he probably was.

Hermione put a hand to her cheek and winced in pain. Flashbacks of her past ran through her mind and she knew exactly what was happening. The bad thing was Hermione wasn't strong enough yet to fight back, spiritually or mentally.

Michael continued to hit her and whenever she pushed his hands away as they ran down her body, he hit her again. She was gasping in pain and he shoved her hard against the wall. He let his friends join in and they just kept kicking her and hitting her.

As Hermione closed her eyes, she expected another punch in the abdomen, but when nothing happened she opened them just in time to see Ferris flipped around and shoved against the wall by none other than Harry Potter in a flash.

“What exactly did you think you were doing, Ferris?” He sneered.

“Just having a little fun with the servant girl...it was an off day,” Michael said, amused.

Harry glanced at Hermione, whom he had recognized while he, Draco, and Ron were taking a short cut to class being beaten up. She had slid down the wall on the ground, looking absolutely scared to death. “You leave her alone,” he warned. “Ron,” He signaled to Ron, who held Michael in place while Harry walked to Hermione. Meanwhile, Draco was having some fun with Michael's new friends, and his own old friends…Crabbe and Goyle. Ever since Malfoy had started dating Ginny…he had abandoned his abusive and ignorant friends and they had to find a new leader.

Harry knelt in front of her. “Hermione, what are you doing here?”

“My mum wanted me to…come to work, with her. McGonagall game some things to do around the castle for money so…and then-” Hermione was shaking.

“Merlin, Hermione,” he mumbled. “Are you okay?” He asked, concerned.

She nodded. “I guess I'm just a little shaken up…I'll be okay.”

“Are you sure? No…you're not… you should go see Madam Pomfrey…she'll clear these up for you…” Harry concluded.

“No!” Hermione almost shouted. Harry looked taken aback. “I mean…I just don't want to go to a doctor…”

Harry sighed. “Please, Hermione. You need to. These need to get healed. Don't think Ferris isn't going to pay for what he did. I'll talk to the Headmistress about it. But you need to see her. Come with me, will you?”

“Y-yes,” She said, choking back a sob. He must really care about her if he's going to all this trouble for just a stupid girl like herself. It made her wonder if she actually had a real friend now.

He closed his eyes, trying to subside his anger. This poor girl had gone through seven years of abuse and now she was on the edge of it again.

“Oh, Hermione.” He said, taking her in his arms as she choked back sobs. She let him hold her, and shook a little in his arms. He held her now, the main thought entering his mind was that this was the first time she had ever let him touch her. Every time he had touched her arm or bumped into her on accident in Hogsmeade she would shudder and freak out, usually finding some excuse to disappear. And now, he held her, she was broken and torn. He had no idea what to do.

Then, looking down at her terrified face, and body, he held her tighter and silently swore to himself that he would never again let anymore hurt this girl. They would have to kill him first.

He let her go unwillingly, and returned to Michael. Ron backed away as Harry shoved him against the stone wall. “You lay another finger on her, Ferris, I'll kill you.” Michael's face hardened. He got the picture. “You touch her. YOU die.” He hit once for pleasure and pushed him away. Michael and his friends scurried away.

“Who is that?” Hermione asked, as Draco helped her up. She was a little scared of him touching her but he was a friend of Harry's, and she trusted Harry.

“Michael Ferris. Seventh Year Slytherin,” Harry said.

“Wanna be Malfoy.” Ron added.

“Future Death Eater,” Malfoy commented.

“Ironic, coming from you,” Ron shot back.

“Shut it Weasley,” Draco said.

“Why don't you make me, Malfoy?” Ron challenged.

“Boys! This is hardly the time! Get off of each other. You know better than that.” Hermione exclaimed, gaining back a bit of strength. Harry was amazed at her sense to take control so suddenly. Ron and Draco were a bit surprised to but broke apart anyway.

Harry shook his head and pulled out his wand, cleaning the mess made.

That reminded Hermione of something. “Harry?”

“Yeah?” He looked up.

“I did a spell today. This morning,” Hermione told him, a smile actually returning to her face.

She saw a smile on his now too. “That's great. I'm sure you're brilliant at it.”

“It was only levitating,” She added.

He nodded. “Ah,” He looked down and looked back up grinning. “Want to learn another?”

Hermione raised an eyebrow curiously.

“C'mere,” He guided her hand with her wand in it and pointed down at a spill of loose water. “Scourgify,” He said.

She gasped in surprise as the water disappeared.

He smiled just at her smile. “Try it.”

She hesitated but did, after a few trys, and she got it. “Scourgify,” She finally made the water disappear this time.

“But they will get a lot harder,” Harry said.

“Would you teach me?” Hermione asked curiously.

He was taken aback by her question. “I…I suppose”

She smiled. “When?”

He thought for a moment. “Tomorrow. Here, in the room of requirement its-”

“I know what it is. I know everything about this place.” Hermione said.

He looked at her, trying to read her. And he realized there was much more to Hermione Granger than on the surface. He already knew she was beautiful and probably brilliant…she was hurt and torn; but she had her own hidden secrets and talents.

She saw him scanning her face, as if he was trying to study her. She had never felt so much care from anyone; not even her own mother and certainly not her father. The only other people who had ever cared about her at all were her sister, and Remus Lupin. She had been terrified at the possibility of Michael seriously hurting her, but Harry had shown up just in time. Now she could only confirm that what she had here was indeed a friendship. It felt strong to her. Like it would take the Jaws of Life to break. It was a new feeling, something she had never experienced before. At school as a younger child, no one liked her. She was the smart, know-it-all, little girl in the front, raising her hand at every question the teacher asked. “T-Thank you,” She suddenly said.

He stared at her. “Of course.” He whispered. “No one should hurt you. No one will ever hurt you again.” He hadn't meant to say that, as she could probably read into the fact that he knew about her father, but it was out in the open now.

She narrowed her eyes at him a bit, trying to decipher what he knew. Could that mean something? Did he know something about her past? Hermione forced herself to push into the back of her mind for now. She finally looked behind him, to where Draco and Ron were standing, who had been studying them the entire time silently.

“C'mon, let's go to Madam Pomfrey's…” Harry led her to the infirmary, as Draco and Ron just went to class, at Hermione's descriptive orders to them.

Madam Pomfrey healed all her wounds and pain. She asked many questions but Harry had demanded several times they do this without questions, to Hermione's request. Finally, they got out of there.

“I-I am supposed to be about to head off to Charms right now,” He said. “But…if you don't want to be alone, I can stay with you.”

“No. No! Go to class! You've already missed one class and lunch. You will not miss another, Harry,” She nagged at him.

“Are you sure?” He asked her.

“Yes, yes, yes. And besides, if you are going to Charms, then I'm going with you. I met your mum this morning. She told me I could drop by after lunch for that class today and I told her I would.” Hermione told him.

“Oh, Okay then,” Harry said, turning around.

Hermione smiled and laughed to herself, watching as he walked away. Then it occurred to her that he might just be walking away from her. Maybe she had sounded too much like his mother…or said something….

She saw him turn around, smiling. “You coming or what?”

She rolled her eyes and smiled, walking to catch up with him. They walked into the Charms classroom and Lilly noticed her the second she pranced through the doors. “Hermione! Oh, it's lovely to see you've come. And dragged my son to class, as well.” She finished sternly. “I heard you missed a class and weren't at lunch, Harry Potter, you better have a good excuse.”

“It was my-” Hermione started, but Harry cut her off.

“I'll tell you all about it later, mum. But something happened and I had to take care of it,” Harry said, signaling to his mother with his eyes that it was about Hermione and he really would tell her later, just not now.

“Well, okay then. Take your seats. Hermione, I'm so glad you made it.” She concluded, with a sigh.

“Thank you, Lilly.” Hermione smiled.

Harry smiled inwardly at hearing Hermione called his mother by her first name. His mum must really like this girl if she's so open to her. Yes, Lilly Potter was kind to everyone. But usually a little distant. To Hermione, it almost seemed like they shared a connection. Maybe it was their somewhat similar personalities, or maybe Lilly just felt like she knew the deep soul of the young girl in front of her. Whatever it was, Harry knew it was something new.

Harry joined where Ron, Draco and Lillian were in the third row and offered Hermione the seat next to Lillian, as he sat beside Hermione.

“Hermione! What are you doing in class? Ron and Draco told me what happened…” Harry narrowed his eyes at his two sheepish best friends, but Hermione put a hand on his arm, still looking at Lillian, to let him know it was okay.

“Yes, well, Li-Professor Potter offered me a place in her class today…to sit in. So I figured I would. My mum brought me with her today.” Hermione said.

Just as Lillian was about to answer, a beautiful blonde haired girl made her appearance and sat down casually next to Harry. “Hi, Harry,” She greeted.

“Oh, hi.” Harry smiled.

“Hello, Madeleine.” Lillian said, obviously despising this girl. “Have you met Hermione?”

“No, I haven't. Harry, who's this?” She asked.

“This is my friend Hermione. Hermione Granger. Her mother's a professor here. I could have sworn I told you about her,” Harry introduced them.

Madeleine shrugged. “Must've forgotten. I'm Madeleine Bernadotte.” She said to Hermione. “How well do you know Harry, Hermione?”

“I-“ Hermione started.

“Len, she's a really good friend of mine.” Harry answered for her. “I'm sure you'll get to know her later.”

When Hermione smiled secretly at Harry for his answer, Lillian leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Sorry about her. She's Harry's girlfriend. She's a bit of a slut. Only dating Harry because of what he is. Harry's just blinded by her beauty. Don't worry though; Harry won't let her get in the way.” Lillian smirked. Hermione really didn't know what the last part meant but smiled gratefully at Lillian and turned towards the front of the class to Lilly, who was now beginning class.

“Now, remember that last week, we talked about…” Lilly started.

Hermione pulled out her notebook she had brought with her and began to take notes just as Lillian had, listening intently to everything The Professor said.

As class rambled on, Harry eyes were not on the blonde haired beauty draping her arm around him, but the brunette witch sitting next to him. He watched her poised figure sit straight up and listen to hi smother, jotting down notes about things Hermione had probably read about her entire life.

There was something about her, her hair that was loosely put up, her smile that dazzled him, making him happy just to see her happy, her chocolate brown eyes that always showed a different emotion. He didn't want to give her up. Not ever. She was a friend of his now, and he already felt a connection with her. He felt the need to protect her because of her past. Maybe it wasn't fair, but he didn't care. It was what he was going to do. She needed him, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't need her in his life.

He didn't care if they just met a few weeks ago, he was closer with her than any other friend he'd ever had.

Lilly Potter continued her message, smiling, as she noticed that her son wasn't paying a lot of attention to her, but his eyes were staring at that lovely Hermione Granger.

~*~

A/N: Whew, 8 pages plus a little on the ninth. Longest I've ever done! Lol. You guys deserved it though. I'm sorry it's taken so long. I'll let you in on a secret when I say this is my favorite story. With Caribbean Cruising, I'm following the book's plot a bit, but here…I love it.

It's a bit difficult to write because the characters I made in chapter one, must grow. Draco couldn't be the bad guy if I had already made him the good guy. So bear with me as I create a new world.

Madeleine came out of nowhere as I was writing in my notebook, but I like her character. Adds a bit of steam. It sounds weird, but her name came from my mother. I needed a name and I wrote down Madeleine. It was my mum's name and I had been thinking a lot about her lately, since her memorial service. Her friends called her Len. Don't get me wrong, my mum was NOT Like the character in this story. She just has the same name and physical features. Other than that, the personality and the sluttyness…that was def. NOT my mum. Lol!

Love ya! Review! Please! It gives me fire and passion for this story!

**Next Chapter***

~Lilly/Harry talk

~Hermione discovers the Harry/Lillian mystery.

~Hermione learns some more MAGIC! This is what this story is mostly about, mind you! Lol. Its just gotten off to a different start. I intended it to be completely different, but once you start writing, the little muse inside your head takes over!

-->

A/N: It's raining. I'm watching it through the window. It rains a lot. Duh, it's England. Yuck. I hate the rain. Never mind, I love the rain. But only when I want it. Now, I don't want it. I hear the thunder and lightning. Forgive me if my mood is sour.

First of all, I have to say I almost threw up when I reread chapter 3 of this story, how could make that `becoming our friends' scene any cheesier? Geez, you can def tell my writing style has improved a bit from then. If I could rewrite that part I would. Gross. Maybe later, but for now…

Oh, and by the by, I just wanted to clarify that the Michael Ferris/Hermione scene was NOT a rape scene. She was not raped. Just roughed up. Just needed to make that clear, that's an important thing to understand! Love ya. Enjoy!

OO. And to Tiger: (Lol, hey girl…I'm emailing you, I'm perfectly fine with telling the story )

By the by: Madeleine in my language (ha) is pronounced Mad-A-LIN

~*~

Ill be there for you
these five words I swear to you
when you breathe I want to be the air for you
Ill be there for you
Id live and Id die for you
Steal the sun from the sky for you
Words can't say what a love can do
Ill be there for you

--“I'll be there for you” By Bon Jovi

~*~

“I never liked Michael Ferris,” Lilly said, anger seething through her voice.

“I don't think, you're the only one,” Harry commented.

“So, he just, attacked her? No reasoning what so ever?” Lilly asked.

“There is never an excuse or reason to attack Hermione!” Harry exclaimed, stopping pacing to stare at her.

“You know what I mean, Harry! Did he tell you what” Lilly said, holding her son by the shoulders.

“He was having a bad day,” Harry said softly. “And he just…attacked her.”

Lilly dropped to her desk chair. They were alone in the Charm's classroom talking about the incident between Michael and Hermione earlier that day. After dinner, Lilly had led Harry back to the classroom and almost demanded that he tell her everything.

“It was horrible, mum. Horrible. Her cuts were really bad. Pomfrey said she nearly had a broken wrist. She was shaking, scared to death…and her eyes, god, you should've seen them. He hurt her so badly. Her own father hurt her so badly. I won't let it happen again. It won't happen. No one will hurt her again,” He said firmly

“Oh Harry,” Lilly stood up.

“No one,” He said again, shaking his head.

“Harry,” Lilly took, her son in her arms. “I know… I know…”

“No one,” Harry held tight on his mother.

Lilly felt tears roll down her cheeks. “I love you Harry,” Lilly reminded her son.

“I love you, too, mum.” He responded.

She held tears back and hugged him before pulling back.

“She let me touch her,” Harry said. “I reached out to her, and she hugged me. She let me hold her.”

“She trusts you,” Lilly smiled. Harry nodded. “Be careful with her. Don't betray that trust,” Lilly warned

“I would never,” Harry's look darkened. “I will never hurt her.”

“I know that, Harry, I Just want you to be careful around her.” Lilly was amazed at the look on his face. It was a dark look; almost like he wanted to strangle her for even thinking such a thing.

“I will, I will, always,” Harry promised.

Lilly nodded. “Does she know you know yet?”

Harry shook his head. “I don't want to tell her. I don't want her to feel…uncomfortable. Our friendship is new, and I don't want to screw it up.”

“I understand. But if the right moment comes, tell her. Don't let it be the secret holding back. She doesn't need another secret in her life,” Lilly said.

“What are you talking about?” a now very confused Harry asked.

Lilly's eyes widened and she shook her head. “Nothing, nothing. I meant nothing by it.”

Harry narrowed his eye sat her but let it slip. “I will.”

“Good, well then, dear, please get back to the tower. I'll see in the morning.” Lilly said. “Goodnight.”

“Night mum,” He hugged her.

“Good night, Harry James,” She bad him as he walked away. She leaned against her desk in thought. She hadn't brought it up, but she had a feeling that Harry could fall hard for this girl. If he hadn't already. She had never seen such determination in his eyes or the dark look he got at the thought that anyone would hurt her.

But Hermione was fragile; he needed to handle her with great care. She had to admit she wanted to hex Michael Ferris into oblivion herself, but she knew she would never have to. Not with Harry James Potter standing in the way of Hermione. She wasn't worried as long as Hermione had Harry. She had advised Harry not to go to McGonagall with this `little incident'. Yes, McGonagall would probably try to expel him, but Michael's father is in the ministry and with his power it would end up making things harder for Harry, Hermione, and the school.

Sighing, she set off upstairs and off to bed.

Lying there, she knew there was still one thing they hadn't talked about; Harry's abuse. It haunted her for years and she couldn't even imagine how Harry felt. He had avoided the subject for a long time. Eventually, they would have to talk. But for now, for now, she wouldn't push him.

Hermione lay in bed on her back, her eyes gazing at the ceiling as her body lay under he covers. All that she could think of was Michael Ferris and her hidden scars. Then Harry's face. His protective instinct around her, his concern, his care. Like no one else had ever cared for here. And he was teaching her magic. Magic@ Not stilly, nothings...magic@ Tomorrow, Harry Potter would teach her, and she would learn. Now that she was ready, it was time to start.

“But I don't wanna go to Timmy Westlake's' house!” Emma whined to Hermione.

“Emma, you are going. Like it, or not. I have something to do!” Hermione said.

“But Hermione!” Emma complained.

This time, Hermione was done. She stamped her foot. “Emma Katherine Granger you will stop whining, march your bum upstairs and get read! Because we are leaving in five minutes! Like it or not!”

Emma looked very surprised at her sister's outburst. She snapped into shape and marched upstairs just as instructed. Hermione, who was seated at the kitchen table, put her head in her hands and examined the very intricate wooden patterns. She didn't know what she was getting herself into.

Hermione had to meet Harry in twenty minutes at Hogwarts and had to drop Emma off so that she didn't have to take Emma with her. Before Hermione left yesterday, Harry had agreed to meet her at 7:30pm. It was now 7:20pm. “Uh, come on, Emma!” She groaned loudly just as her sister bounced down the stairs.

“I'm here! I'm ready!” Emma said.

“Thank Merlin,” Hermione said.

“Let's go,” Hermione led her out.

On the walk to Tommy's house, Emma asked curiously. “Where are you going tonight, anyway?”

“Nowhere,” Hermione said.

“What are you going to do there?” Emma inquired further.

“Nothing!” Hermione exclaimed, annoyed.

“Is it illegal?” Emma asked.

“No!” Hermione yelled. “Just Shut UP!”

“Sorry,” Emma apologized quietly.

“Whatever,” Hermione shook her head impatiently.

They didn't speak at all the rest of the time till they got to the Westlake's. When they did reach the front door, it was just a quiet goodbye. The tension was so thick; you could cut it with a knife. Hermione knew it wasn't nice to be acting so rudely to her own little sister, but she and her sister rarely fought like this and her sister could get really annoying. It seemed sometimes she was searching for ways to drive Hermione crazy.

Hermione snuck carefully through the halls of the castle. It took some careful planning to get through the gates, but then she had to get up to the appropriate floor unseen. Once she reached the top floor, she saw Harry pacing, probably waiting for her to arrive.

“Harry?” She called to him. He turned to face her and a smile slowly appeared on his face.

“Hermione, hey.” He greeted her, walking to her.

“I'm sorry, I'm late, Emma was giving me a hard time and it took longer than I though and then...” Hermione started explaining.

“Sh, Hermione, it's okay,” Harry smiled, grabbing her by the arms, to slow her down.

Hermione smiled. “Okay. Um, so...” she gestured toward the invisible door to the room of requirement.

“Right,” Harry said. He paced in front of the door thinking for a minute.

A door appeared and he opened it for Hermione to enter first and walked in after. He walked in and watched her as she looked at the room in awe.

“You like it?” He asked.

“It's amazing,” Hermione breathed. “I've always read about this room, but this is the first time I've ever really seen it.”

He nodded. The room was pretty amazing. This time it was a room that had two parts to it. One section was more comfortable with seating, but the other half was a bit stonier. The seating section was decorated with deep reds and browns, a fire place lighting the room, with a large couch in the corner. The stony part was a bit colder, but it was large enough to perform dueling spells in, yet small enough to feel comfortable with only two people.

“So...” Hermione walked around. “Where do we start?”

“Well, I dunno. Um, you wanna show me that levitating spell you learned.”

“Right, okay,” She looked around and found a feather to her right. “This really is a strange room,” She mumbled. “Okay, here goes,” She pulls out her wand.

“Wingardium Leviosa!” She lifted the feather perfectly in the air and played around with it a little before letting it down.

“Perfect, “He said, satisfied. “And I said your cleaning spell already. What do you wanna learn?”

“Something useful,” She said. “Something defensive and tough. No more easy ones.”

“No more easy ones?” He asked, uneasily.

“Yes, I don't want to learn unlocking charms or silencing charms, I can learn that on my own if I really want to! I don't know which spells I want to learn...but I don't know, what did you teach them in fifth year during the DA?” Hermione asked curiously.

Harry looked surprised. “Hermione...I don't know...those spells were tough for fifth years who had been doing spells and taking magical education for five years...some even more. Even they suffered. I don't-“

“What, you don't think I can handle it?” Hermione quirked an eyebrow, hand on her hip.

Harry took a deep breath. “I'm sure you can handle it, but-”

“Okay then, teach, teacher,” Hermione's face brightened, standing straight up again.

“Merlin,” He breathed under his breath. He thought for a moment. “Are you sure? I mean, I can think of one to teach you, but most didn't learn it till fifth year...it could be hard.”

She nodded. “I'm ready. What is it?”

“Okay. It's called the disarming spell.”

“Disarming? Like, to take someone's wand?” Hermione asked.

“Right,” He nodded. “It knocks their wand, and if done correctly, can make their wand fly straight to you hand. A”

Hermione nodded again. “Alright. Go.”

He smiled. “Okay. I'm going to show you by doing it to you.” He moved away from her and they faced each other.

“Expelliarmus!” He pointed his wand at her. Apparently, it had too much force on it, and not only did he get her wand, But caused her to fall over.

“Oof,” she hit the floor.

He walked to her and took her hand, helping her up. “Sorry,” He apologized. “I didn't mean to. Are you okay?”

“I'm fine, “She steadied herself.

“Are you sure?” He pushed.

“I'm okay, Harry,” she laughed.

“Just being sure,” he smiled. “It's kind of difficult, so don't get discouraged if you didn't get it the first time.”

“c'mon. Let's go,” She ordered, ignoring all sense of doubt. They moved apart.

She took a deep breath and flicked her wand in the appropriate matter, “Expelliarmus!” In a flash, his wand landed in her palm. “Whoa,” She breathed.

“Bloody Hell, Hermione,” Harry said. “What are you?”

“I Just...did what you did, and it worked!” She was stunned and a grin spread across her face.

“I've never seen anyone, pickup on that, so quickly,” Harry was still awe struck that Hermione had just disarmed. He was to totally unprepared, excepting her to screw up the first time. “You are a natural.”

“Thanks,” Her smile widened. It still hadn't really hit her that she had just preformed such a spell.

Harry, shaking his head back into reality, asked, “Do you, uh, want to try again?” He asked.

She nodded and they took their respectable positions. “Expelliarmus!” this time Harry shielded it but he could tell the power of Hermione's spell.

She smiled again at the realization she had just done it again. He smiled at the sparkle in her eyes and the happiness that radiated through her, that was what sparked the happiness in him.

“That was absolutely brilliant,” Harry told her.

They practice the spell several times successfully before Harry accidentally knocked over Hermione with a strong shield.

“Sorry, again,” He helped her up.

“Its fine,” She shrugged out of breath. “Geez. I'm kinda tired,” She sank into the couch nearby.

“Yeah, well you did well. I'm proud of you,” He said, sitting next to her. Her head snapped up and she stated at him, eyes wide.

“Really?” Hermione asked.

HE nodded. “Of course. That's a tough spell. What?”

She smiled a little. “No one's ever told me that before,” she said softly.

They held eye contact for a minute before Hermione was forced to look down from the intensity of his gaze. “Well, I'm very proud of you,” He repeated quietly.

She leaned back and closed her eyes. “Thank you for teaching me. I know you have better things to do...”

“Hey,” He said. “There is no where else I'd rather be. You deserve a change in this world, Hermione. You deserve a chance.”

They sat in silence for a moment, until Harry broke it. “My mum really likes you, you know?”

“Really? She does?” Hermione looked up at him through her eyelashes, a look that made Harry's heart unconsciously stop.

“Yeah, yeah,” Harry said, recovering. “I've never seen her take to someone so quickly.”

“Not even Lillian?” Hermione said, with a bit of crude in her voice.

“You don't like Lillian?” Harry asked, confused.

“No, no...I like her, a lot. She just seemed like the Golden girl. I thought your mum would love her...I thought she was your girlfriend until I met Madeleine...” Hermione sighed.

Harry began laughing a little too hard and at Hermione's look of confusion he explained. “Hermione, I would never, ever date Lillian.”

“What? Why?” Hermione asked, confused.

“Hermione, Lillian is my cousin,” Harry explained, calming his laughter.

“Your cousin?” Hermione asked a little embarrassed with herself.

“Yes, my cousin. A second cousin on my father's side... I don't know, something confusing like that. All I know is that somehow she is my family and I would never date anyone in my family. She's a great friend, though, don't get me wrong. When I met her here, she was kind of considered an outcast, you know? Like everyone thought she was a freak...but she's a great person.” Harry further told her.

“Oh, wow,” Hermione sighed. “Sorry. I just thought...”

“It's fine...you wouldn't know.” Harry smiled. “But my mum really does like you...a lot.”

“I like her, too,” Hermione told him, smiling back. “She's really nice. I've met a lot of adults in my life...spent a lot of time around them...” Her face went blank. “But anyway, I really like her a lot.”

“Good. She...you know, has her days. But when I saw her today, and when I told her...about Ferris,” Harry swallowed and his voice went dark for a minute. “I've never seen her so emotional.”

“She's a wonderful teacher,” Hermione commented.

“Yeah, she's great,” Harry smiled to himself, proud of his mother.

“I only wish I had been here all seven years to hear her teach,” Hermione's face saddened.

Harry studied her carefully again; her facial expressions, her voice. He used this strange moment of silence to watch her gestures and emotions. Hermione shifted in her seat and her sleeve rolled up a little to reveal a deep scar on her shoulder.

“Merlin, Hermione,” He reached up to touch it.

She started at his touch and covered it up. “What happened? This wasn't from Michael, I know that.”

“It's...nothing. Absolutely nothing. You know, its late. I should-” she stood up.

“Hermione,” he grabbed her arm and she jumped. “Did your father do that to you?”

She stared at him for a minute. “How do you know about my father?”

“I-I, Remus. Remus told me,” he answered softly.

She slowly and carefully sat back down. “R-Remus told you?”

“Its not his fault, Hermione. Don't be mad at him. I practically forced him to. I was worried about you. I went to him one night, and i begged him to tell me.” His expression hardened. “About your dad and how he hurt you...”

Tears rolled down her cheeks. “Everything?” Harry nodded.

“I'm sorry, I had to know.” His voice was strained. She nodded. “And then-yesterday, when Ferris-” his fists curled.

“It brought back so many bad memories,” she cried harder.

“I know, I know. I wanted to strangle him. I wanted to beat the hell out of him, Hermione,” he looked pained.

“The look in your eyes scared me,” Hermione said through her tears.

“It scared me, too,” Harry said softly.

“Why does every guy want to hurt me?” She asked, crying.

“Oh god,” He reached to her and she let him hug her again. “Not all guys. Remus never hurt you, I've never hurt you.” He told her.

“Yet.” She said, without thinking.

He pulled back and looked her square in the eye, holding her by her shoulders. “Don't you dare think I would ever hurt you. Never, Hermione Granger, never. I am not your father. I am not Michael Ferris. I will never hurt you. I swear it, Hermione. Never, ever. And I won't let anyone hurt you again either. If I'm around, no one will so much as think it. You do not deserve it. It is not your fault. Not at all. Not all men are like that, I know its hard, but I need you to trust me, Hermione. Believe that what I say is true. I know your mum is hard, but she cares about you. Your sister does. Remus cares about you. My mum does, too. I care about you. I' m here, love, I'm not going anywhere,” He said to her.

She sniffled again, tears streaming down her face. Everything he had just said to her was new. Maybe she did need to trust him more. She was scared, terrified, that she's get hurt again. But something inside told Hermione to step out and trust him. Maybe he was speaking the truth. Whatever it was, she felt safe, and secure with Harry; comforted and warm. A feeling she'd never felt; and that scared her as well.

Why did he care so much about her anyway? What made her so special? She didn't understand. What did anyone care bout her. There's nothing special about her.

Harry smiled a little and wiped a few of her tears off.

“Thank you,” She said softly, not sure what else to say.

“Can I tell you something? Do you want to know how I suspected something was wrong before Remus said a thing?”

“Why?” She asked.

“I was abused, as a child.” He heard her sharp intake of breath. “Not nearly as bad as you...only two years.”

“Lilly?” She breathed, although appeared to be about to stop breathing.

“No!” He exclaimed quickly. “No. No, never. It was not my mother,” her body relaxed. “My aunt and uncle. I stayed with them two school years while my mum taught here. He treated me like a slave. I lived under the stairs, in a cupboard. I did all his work. I cooked, and cleaned. And he hit me, a lot. Threw me around. My cousin used me as a personal punching bag. I got beat badly. When my mum found out, there was hell to pay,” He said quietly.

She covered her mouth and tears began to glisten in her eyes again. He felt a tear in his own eye. Harry had never told anyone that much about his past, ever. But he though she deserved to know the truth. After everything that had happened, it was the least she deserved. He took her hand in his.

“I know what it's like, Hermione. I'll always be here,” He squeezed her hand.

“Oh, Harry,” She threw herself into him in a tight hug. “Harry, I had no idea. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry that you lived like that.”

“Hermione, love, its okay. You lived like it for seven years. But we're both out now, Hermione. You are stronger than you think. I hate that someone ever hurt you. I hate the pain they've put you through,” Harry said. “I'm so sorry.”

She pulled back and he moved the sleeve of her form fitted black t-shirt up to see the scar. She almost moved to stop him but made herself hold back. He looked at her again and slowly put a finger to it. He traced the scar lightly with his finger tip. She closed her eyes and felt a strange tingling in her scar.

“No one's ever touched my scar,” She told him randomly.

He glanced up and pressed a gentle kiss to it. “I wish I could take your past away,” he whispered.

Opening her eyes, she saw him sitting up again, facing her. “I'm sorry for bringing this all up. I didn't mean anything by it. I just...didn't want to hide that I knew.” Harry said.

“It's alright,” Hermione smiled a bit. “I guess it might be good if you know. As long as-”

“I won't tell anyone. I swear. I won't say a word,” Harry promised.

“Thank you,” She smiled.

“Of course,” He said and wiped the last of his tears.

She laughed a little and sniffled. “Well,” She checked the clock. “I should go. I have to pick my sister up.”

“Yeah, I guess you do,” Harry stood up with her.

They walked to the door and she turned around.

“Thanks again for teaching me that spell. Will we do it again or are you tired of my drama already?” She joked.

“Never,” He laughed. “Next week, same time, same place. Teaching you is easy,” He winked.

She laughed and looked at him for a minute. Hermione suddenly hugged him again tightly. He was surprised but hugged her anyway.

“Thank you,” She whispered. “For telling me.”

He nodded and kissed her on the side of the head. “Alright,” He pulled back. “Let's go. You don't wanna be late. I'll have to walk you down to make sure you aren't caught.”

He pulled out a cloak and she eyed it curiously. “It's my invisibility cloak. C'mon,” they got under it.

They made it almost to the gates unseen except for one incident when they had to avoid Snape. He had to push her against the wall. Her back was pressed to the wall, head turned to watch as the impending intruder past by as Harry was practically pressed up against her, hand on either side of her body, head turned in the same direction.

It was then Harry realized their close proximity and just how unnerving it was. He was standing very closely to a beautiful girl in tight, stonewashed jeans and that made his brain think some things he knew he should be. To look at her and her lips shining close to his face, it was tempting him.

But they were on the more soon and made it to the gates unseen.

“Goodbye,” Hermione whispered.

“Goodbye,” Harry whispered.

He watched her walk out and shook his had, smiling; wondering what his new friendship would bring next.

~*~

Hermione knocked on the door of the Westlake's, and when it opened to reveal a familiar face.

“Why, hello, servant girl,” the sneering face of Michael Ferris said.

~*~

A/N: WHOA! Didn't expect that, didya?? Hehee, I'll try not to keep ya hanging too long. I know its tough, but I LOVE to leave ya with Cliffies!! Sorry, though, really. LOL!

I had to add the Harry part in there about he finding Hermione really attractive and all that to wake some of you up who thought they'd be like brother and sister and not like romantically involved. Lol, anyway...I love ya guys! Please, Please, Please, Review!

Working on CC as we speak!

NEXT CHAPTER:

*NO IDEA> haha. Lol. I really dont know what to tell you about next chapter, but what i can say is...yes, you will find out why Ferris is there!

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A/N: Hey you guys! I finally got Microsoft Office back on my laptop so updates might be a bit faster since; you know…I love typing on my laptop a lot more! Lol. Well, thanks to the response from last chapter!

I dedicate this chapter to my lovely friend, Lola, from harmony forums whose computer is down and is having a dreadful reading an fan fiction. When you read this, know that I love ya, Lola. Hope it gets fixed!

Ps. You guys had some big hopes with how the Ferris encounter would go—I'm here to warn you that its not that big of a deal. So don't get your hopes up!!

I feel bad for those of you I told this chapter would have come out while ago. This chapter would have been out DAYS ago, but I was going to wait til my beta sent it back. However, I am a very impatient person and I have concluded this chapter does not have as many mistakes as Caribbean Cruising always does, so I shall save that for my beta work. If you disagree, just tell me.

~*~

I want to swim away but don't know how
sometimes it feels just like I'm falling in the ocean

-“Into the Ocean” By Blue October

~*~

“Why, hello, servant girl,” sneered the far too familiar face of Michael Ferris.

Hermione froze on the spot and had no idea what to say or do.

“Speechless, eh?” Michael leaned up against the doorways. “Normally, I'd invite you in to `play',” He looked behind him. “But my mum is here, and my step dad, so—”

“Your st-step dad?” She finally sputtered.

“Well, yeah, you don't think my real dad has ever kept a wife? Goin' on number seven this summer. Ah, memories,” he pretended to reminisce. “Mum somehow thinks she can straighten me out, like my good ole half brother, Tommy.”

“You've been here all along?” She asked, uneasily.

“Yep, whole time. Let's get something straight, Granger, your little body guard Potter may've scared me off yesterday. But he can't always be around,” Michael started towards her. Her hand went to her wand.

“Oh! Hermione! You're here!” His apparent `mother' appeared just in time, checking her watch, she said,” Right on time. Emma's coming. Michael? What's going on here?”

“Nothing, mum Just meeting her,” Ferris said, not wanting to use her proper name.

“Well—” She started, but was cut off by Emma's loud entrance.

“Hermione! You're here! Let's go,” Emma practically zoomed by her, grabbing her hand. Hermione staggered as her sister pulled her, eyes on Michael as he hissed,” See you around.”

The door slammed and finally snapped out of it, moving father down the block. Shaken up, Hermione asked her sister softly, “Um, so you met M-M-Michael F-Ferris? Tommy's, um, brother?”

“Half brother,” Emma replied smartly. “And yes.”

“Did he-do anything? Say a-anything?”

Emma looked at her, confused. “No. He looked at me oddly for a moment, but no. Hermione, did something happen?”

Hermione had no intention of filling her younger sister's head with those kinds of thoughts. “Um, no, Emma, no, don't worry about it,” She forced a smiled and rushed her sister home.

Once Hermione had gotten out of the cool night air and through the warm cottage. She realized just now how exhausted she was. “Emma,” She rubbed at her tired eyes. “You need to go to bed-and I do too.”

“Tired?” Emma asked curiously.

Hermione yawned. “Yes.”

“From your secret adventure?” Emma perked up.

Hermione rolled her eyes and pointed her finger to the stairs. “Bed. Now.”

Emma sighed. “Night Hermione,” She ran to her sister, pecking her on the cheek.

“Goodnight,” Hermione watched her sister disappear up the signs.

Thanking the heavens above that her bedroom was on the main floor, she trotted off to her room and threw herself on her bed. What a night she had had. Learning an important defensive spell and right off the bat. And Harry, Harry had been so impressed. IT made her smile to remember how shocked Harry Potter, of all people, had been.

She hadn't meant for such an emotional conversation to occur afterward though-no, she had definitely not expected that. Harry had known all along; well, perhaps not all along, but he had known. Hermione couldn't believe what Harry had gone through. Perhaps she had found someone who could understand after all. She knew she could trust him now, he was the only one. Why did he care about her so much through? She let her thoughts wander as she drifted into the first peaceful sleep she'd had in a long time.

~*~

Meanwhile, back at Hogwarts, Harry was hoping Hermione had gotten home alright. He shouldn't have let her walk home alone after everything that had happened. She could get hurt-Oh Merlin, now he was just even more worried. That's when Madeleine chose to make her entrance beside him in the common room.

“Hi, Harry,” She sang. “Where have you been? No one has seen you since dinner.”

“I was just spending time with a friend,” Harry answered quickly.

“What friend, Harry?” Madeleine asked, curiously. “All your friends are here, in Gryffindor. And they've all been right here. Taking about where you were.”

“You don't know all my friends, Len,” He answered.

“I'll say. What was with that one Hermione girl I met the other day?” Madeleine asked.

“What do you mean?” Harry asked, defensively.

“Well she obviously doesn't go to Hogwarts, but you know her. And she doesn't seem like your type of friend anyway,” She rolled her eyes.

“My type of friend?” He asked, slightly agitated.

“You know,” She impatiently said. “She was pretty, but she seemed like she spends half her time thinking about books and studies. Harmony just doesn't seem very popular, that's all.”

“For your information, Hermione has friends. And her mother is a good friend of Remus'…and my mum. She's a great person, Len.”

“Whatever,” `Len rolled her eyes, shrugging. Her face suddenly got very smug and she leaned in to kiss him.

Harry responded, but felt quite uneasy. He pulled back slightly and said, “Um, Madeleine, I'm really tired,” He yawned for effect. “So I'm going to go to bed…I'll see you tomorrow.”

Madeleine looked disappointed and sighed. “Alright. Goodnight,” She kissed him again and Harry forced a smile, rushing up the stairs to his dormitory.

Once Harry got through the door, he was immediately bombarded by Ron's questions. “Where've you been?”

Harry jumped in surprise but continued to his bed, where Ron was waiting on the end. “Around.”

“Around where?” Ron narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

“Just around. With a friend,” Harry answered, nonchalantly.

“A friend?” Ron questioned. “Who…Me, Seamus, Dean, Lavender, Padma, Parvati, Neville, Ginny…Madeleine…everyone has been around and asking about you.”

“Well, I have a lot of friends,” He said.

“Yes,” Ron looked at him. “Oh, you were with that Hermione Granger weren't you?”

“What?” Harry asked, alarmed.

“Well, who else would you be with…?” Ron asked. “Were you with Luna?

“No!” Harry said.

“I know,” Ron said. “Your mum?” Ron asked, answering for him. “No she asked for you earlier. Remus?”

“Maybe,” Harry lied.

“Liar,” Ron rolled his eyes. “I saw him earlier. You were with Hermione.”

“So if I was?” Harry asked, kicking of his trainers.

“Ah ha! You admit it!” He yelled in victory.

“Sh,” Harry quieted him, so as not to wake the other three boys sleeping in the cabin. “Yes, okay, I was with Hermione Granger.”

“Why?” Ron asked, confused.

“What do you mean, `why'?” Harry asked.

“Well, I mean…you've been distant from me, everyone lately. And spending time with her. What's up?” Ron pursued him, obviously annoyed with Harry's questioning.

“Nothing. I just…” Harry struggle for words without telling Ron what was going on with Hermione.

“I mean she's pretty but she really can't be all that great at-OW!” Ron felt himself being pushed. “Bloody hell, Potter.”

“Don't talk about her like that,” Harry snapped, feeling his emotions being let loose.

“Sorry, sorry,” Ron held his hands up innocently. “Besides, I was kidding. I just don't understand. How can you say you're such good friends with her if you've only known her like, a couple weeks? You've known me seven years! I just don't get it.”

“You wouldn't, mate, you wouldn't,” Harry shook his head, stripping down to his boxers and slipping into bed. “Look, our mum's are good friends. Remus and her mum are good friends. She needs a friend…”

Ron shrugged, getting into his own bed. “I guess you're as good as anyone. Listen, mate, I was wondering how you've…been. I mean, everything with you-know-who and the…horcruxes…”

“We haven't been working as hard as we should, Ron. I have a feeling the Death Eaters are going to be making an appearance soon. I can't meet Voldemort and not be reading, Ron,” Harry said quietly.

“I know,” Ron sighed. “Lillian has been trying to look some stuff up about that Ravenclaw artifact. After we destroyed the locket, though, she's been kind of…distant towards the idea of horcruxes.”

“Yeah,” Harry agreed, remembering how when destroying Slytherin's locket, Lillian had gotten burnt badly on the hand. Somehow Lillian had been a bit scared towards the thought of any other horcruxes, and that slowed down the process a bit. “We need more help.”

“Help? Like who?” Ron raised his eyebrows, a bit angry. “You KNOW Dumbledore left it just for us, right?”

“Well, yes, I know…but letting one person in…that wouldn't hurt. Not if we trusted that person completely.”

“Who?” Ron asked.

Harry shook his head. “Can we just, not talk about this right now? I'm sorry, I'm tired. I have no idea what to do and I need some sleep.”

“Okay,” Ron rolled over in his bed, closing his eyes.

Harry heard Ron's snores moments later and let his thoughts drift away from Voldemort and the horcruxes, and back to the evening he had just spent with Hermione. Merlin, she was bloody amazing! She had learned a spell in one try that took others…weeks of DA meetings to get perfect; and yet she was dead on the first time.

That girl was one of a kind; positively brilliant, his mother and Remus had been right about that. Afterward, he hadn't meant to tell Hermione he knew about her past, but how could he hide such a secret from her. He couldn't look at her without thinking about her father and all he had done. How could someone hurt her so much? Her own father? What kind of a sick minded bloody bastard would do that to his own damn daughter?

Harry didn't know what had gotten into him when he had ranted on and on about how much he cared for her; he was never one to be so out front with his emotions. But he wanted her to know, he needed her to know that he would never hurt her or let anyone cause her anymore pain.

He kept thinking about everything that had occurred for the next few minutes before finally letting his eyes close and he fell asleep not long after.

~*~

Hermione Jane Granger woke up the next morning with a bright smile on her face. Today was going to be a good day, she was due to meet her mother and McGonagall again at Hogwarts while Emma spent the day at Mrs. Codsworth's, and hopefully get a few more work opportunities.

Emma came tumbling down the stairs while Hermione was preparing toast and humming. “What makes you in such a good mood?”

“Good morning!” Hermione grinned. “I'm just making toast. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes,” Emma looked at her sister suspiciously, plopping herself down on the barstool. “And I take it you did too?”

Hermione nodded. “Of course. Here,” She laid some toast down in front of her sister. “Eat up. When we're ready, I'll take you down to Mrs. Codsworth's and then I have to get down to Hogwarts.”

“Hogwarts?” Emma inquired.

“Yes,” Hermione sat beside her younger sibling, taking a bite of toast. “The Headmistress promised me a few jobs around the castle. I have to get down this morning soon though, so whenever you're done, brush your teeth and then we must leave.”

“Alright,” Emma agreed, satisfied with Hermione's happiness that morning.

Hermione smiled as they continued to eat their breakfast, pleased at how well the morning was going. There was no need for fighting, as they had last night. She had a feeling her better mood had come from the joy of last night and the spell she had learned. Besides, maybe today she would be able to sit in on her mother and Lily's classes if she finished the jobs early.

They finished breakfast, brushed their teeth and headed out the door at around eight thirty. Hermione and Emma got to Mrs. Codsworth's house just on time and from there Hermione had continued on to the gates of Hogwarts. This morning was particularly cloudy, seeming as if it would rain at any moment…just when you least expected it. It kind of reminded her of home, in England. Not that she had ever had much of a home there. The shelters definitely were not home and the house where she had lived before with all her family was hell.

After a bit of conversing at the gate, Filch had let her through. Hermione made her way to McGonagall's office.

“Password?” The gargoyle sneered.

“Lemon drops,” Hermione used the password the headmistress had given her to get in the office. The old professor had mumbled something unintelligible about it being the old Headmaster's memory that had inspired it.

The door opened to reveal McGonagall arguing with a professor. He had black, greasy hair and a hooked nose, cloaked in black. She hung back as they noticed her.

Both cautiously looked at her, the professor looking at her in almost disgust as he hissed, “Remember what I said, Minerva.”

“Same to you, Severus,” She narrowed her eyes as he stormed past Hermione and let the office door slam behind him.

Hermione jumped in surprise and McGonagall offered her a small smile. “I'm sorry for that, dear, do come in.”

Hermione walked in, sitting down in an armchair, and started to speak. “I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am, Headmistress. I feel so privileged to be able to work here. I'm sorry if I cause any disturbances the other day though…”

“Disturbances?” McGonagall raised her eyebrows. “What are you talking about Ms. Granger?”

Hermione's breath caught in her throat. For some reason Harry had not told McGonagall. He could have at least warned her! “Nothing, I'm sorry. I just…thank you.”

“Of course, Ms. Granger. You are a lovely girl and I would hate to see your time go to waste…and that comes to the next order of business. I understand that it is too late to start here at Hogwarts but Professor Potter, er, Lily…suggested that you sit in on her seventh year class on the day's you are working here.” Hermione smiled at Lily's offer. “Of course, you must understand that--”

“I… I get it, Professor McGonagall. I know that I am here for one reason and one reason only. I do appreciate Lily's offer, but I understand that I am only here to work,” Hermione's face fell a bit.

“Now, Ms. Granger, slow down,” McGonagall chuckled. “You must understand that even though you are not a student at this school, I care deeply for your future and I believe your talents should not be wasted. So even though your mother doesn't think that you are experienced enough, which you may not be, to enter this school…but I would be honored if you would sit in on Lily's classes,” Minerva handed her a new Charms textbook that looked as if no one had ever touched it.

Hermione slightly gasped and carefully took the textbooks in her hands. “Professor McGonagall--”

“No, no,” Minerva said. “Don't even bother.”

“Thank you,” Hermione smiled softly, getting up from the seat she had taken.

“You're very welcome,” She smiled. “Just be sure to report to the Charms classroom right after lunch, which you may attend if you finish your work.”

Hermione nodded her head in thanks and shook her hand, turning and walking out the door. She bumped into someone coming out, dropping her textbook.

“Oh, sorry, let me--” the person started, bending down.

“No, it's quite alright,” Hermione said, picking it up.

They both got up and met each other's eyes for the first time. “Oh, its you. Hello, Hermione,” Draco smiled at her.

“Hello, Draco…” She greeted, hoping she got his name right. “How are you?”

Malfoy shrugged. “Okay, I suppose.”

“Already being sent to the Headmistress's office?” Hermione guessed.

Draco grinned. “How'd you figure?”

Hermione shook her head. “You should be careful. This is the last year of school, any amount of trouble…”

“I get it, I get it,” Malfoy put his hands in the air. “I won't get in any more trouble.”

“Please, Malfoy, I wasn't asking for miracles. Just a little effort,” Hermione walked past him.

“Funny, Granger,” He said as she turned back around to face him. “What're you doing with a textbook?”

“I'm joining Lil-er, Professor Potter's Charm's class,” Hermione said.

“You don't say?” Draco asked. “I don't see why anyone would want to join classes, though,” Hermione shook her head. “Hm, well, I should go.”

“See you around,” Hermione waved.

“Goodbye,” Draco turned around and readied to enter the Headmistress's office for yet another punishment.

Hermione turned and walked away, shaking her head at Harry's friend; he wasn't half bad. She continued down the hall, reporting once again to the grumpy groundskeeper to receive the duties for the day.

~*~

“Hey Potter,” Malfoy entered Defence against the Dark Arts later that same morning. “I ran into your girl today.”

“What?” Harry and Ron asked as Draco sat down behind them.

“Hermione,” Draco answered.

“What was Hermione doing here?” Harry asked, wondering if something had happened.

Draco shrugged. “Never got around to talking about it, she was coming out of McGonagall's office when I ran into her. Literally.” Harry narrowed his eyes at his friend. “Relax, it was an accident. She's fine…we're both fine, just knocked a stupid book out of her hand.”

“What--” Harry started, but was interrupted by the start of class.

“Alright, alright, settle down, Good morning class,” Remus walked in, his voice booming throughout the walls. “Good morning,” He spoke louder, as some whispers still remained.

“Good morning, Professor Lupin,” The class murmured.

“There we go,” Lupin smiled, “For a moment I thought you didn't want to be in this class.” The slight sound of laughter echoed throughout the room. “Alright, everyone up, you know I hate sitting down and reading from textbooks. Today we are going to practice our disarming spells! Sometimes these may be difficult…” The members of the DA shared smirks as they lined up. They already knew how to do that and more. Maybe today's class wouldn't be bad after all.

Harry grinned when he heard Lupin say that, glancing around at the members of Dumbledore's Army and was satisfied to know that he was the one who put that confidence in them since he had taught them.

~*~

Hermione found today's cleaning just the tiniest bit easier, considering for any spills she could use the quick cleaning spell. Although, she was forced to do most of the work herself, unless she could figure out to charm the brooms and mops to work themselves; however, Hermione wasn't planning on doing that. It wouldn't be right, McGonagall didn't need to pay her to do that, she could already do it herself if she wanted to. McGonagall was paying for Hermione to do the work herself.

After a while, she had finally finished cleaning the lower west wing, which was currently unoccupied, and felt relieved as she packed the supplies back in the broom closet on the other side of the school. A few giggling girls past her on their way to lunch, and Hermione looked down at her clothes. She was wearing the same light, ripped jeans as the day before, a dark blue shirt with a white shirt underneath it that stuck out a bit. Her hair was pulled into two plaits; with little make up covering her face. From the reflection of the glass, she actually didn't look that bad at all. The work wasn't exactly vigorous, so her face wasn't flushed and her hair wasn't frizzy and messed up. No, she looked presentable; she just…looked different than everyone else, wearing uniforms.

That was something she should probably get used to, however, uniforms were custom for students only, and she was not. Although, many girls would probably kill for the privilege of not wearing a uniform. Perhaps she was considered lucky.

Hermione made her way to the Great Hall, figuring she might catch some lunch. Walking into the Hall, she had no idea where she was supposed to sit. She figured since most of the students she had met were in Gryffindor, she could sit at that table. Opening the Charms textbook she had put away in her bag until then, she began to put food on her plate and eat lunch. She hadn't noticed that Harry, Ron, Lillian, Draco and Seamus had walked in to the canteen and saw her sitting alone.

Harry grinned at the sight of her and walked over, as the others followed. “My, my, this is a surprise.”

Hermione jumped, started by his voice and exhaled a deep breath, smiling. “Oh, hello, Harry,” She turned to him as he sat beside her. Ron, Draco, Lavender, Seamus and Lillian sat across from them.

“Hey,” He said. “What are you doing here?”

Hermione shrugged. “Working, and um…taking your mother's class,” She pointed to the open textbook.

“Really?” Harry was surprised at this revelation.

“Yeah, McGonagall told me this morning and gave me the textbook,” Hermione answered.

“And then, ever so rudely, ran into me, knocking said textbook from her hands, as she came out,” Draco smirked.

“Hilarious,” Hermione rolled her eyes. “You ran into me.”

Draco shrugged and Harry intervened. “You knew she was taking a class, Malfoy?” Harry asked curiously.

“Oh, yeah, I knew I was going to tell you something else!” Draco exclaimed. “Sorry, I thought she might've told you last night.”

“What happened last night?” Ginny said, swooping in, kissing Draco on the cheek as everyone's ears perked up.

Harry and Hermione exchanged nervous looks. “Um, nothing, Ginny,” Harry answered.

“But weren't you hanging out with her last night?” Seamus asked.

“Well…” Harry looked at Hermione.

“Yes,” She finished. “Yes. He was helping me with something.”

“Right, yes, I was,” Harry smiled.

“Oooh,” Ginny and Lavender sang.

Hermione rolled her eyes. Ron shut her textbook. “Do ya think you can lay off reading for like, one bloody minute?”

“Well, some of us care about our studies…” Hermione shot back.

“Some of you care too much about your studies!” Ron exclaimed.

“There's nothing wrong with that!” Hermione snapped.

Ron was about to retort, but Harry interceded. “Alright, quit it. Ron, stop riding her about her work.”

Ron rolled his eyes. “So, anyways…”

“I can't believe today's lesson was something we already learned!” Seamus exclaimed.

“What?” Hermione asked.

“Today's DADA class was about teaching us the disarming spell…which us in the DA already learned,” Lavender informed her.

“Yeah, it was easy this time. It took forever to learn!” Ginny groaned.

Harry and Hermione shared a secret grin and held back a laugh. Harry nudged her and she blushed, looking down at her plate.

The group saw this and Ron asked, “Are we missing something?” They both shook their heads. “Well,” Ron shook his head. “That's one spell you can't learn by reading a book,” Ron smiled smugly.

“I don't need a book,” Hermione retorted, without thinking.

“Like you could handle it! You don't know any magic!” Ron said.

“Hey!” Harry and Lillian came to her defense.

“Please, Ronald Weasley, I could take you in dueling. Any time. Any day,” Hermione replied.

“Name it,” Ron shot back.

“For Merlin's sake,” Draco finally said. “Do you two ever shut up?”

Both Hermione and Ron snapped their mouth's shut and continued to eat. Ron piled more on his plate and shoveled it into his mouth. Lillian rolled her eyes and shot Ron a dirty look that went unnoticed by him.

“Finally,” Draco sighed.

The rest of the lunch went by somewhat quickly, with casual conversation before the class bell rang, signaling they needed to hurry to their next class.

“So you'll be joining us now?” Lavender asked, as they walked down the hall.

Hermione nodded. “Um, yes. That's right.”

Ginny bobbed her head in satisfaction. “Well, good luck guys, I've got herbology!” She bade them goodbye as she walked in a different direction.

“She's not joining us?” Hermione asked, curiously.

Harry shook his head. “She's a year younger than us.”

“Oh,” Hermione said. “Good to know.”

Harry smiled at her as they walked inside. The rest of the group started ahead of them but Harry hung back. “I'm glad you are here.”

“Me too, I owe your mum,” Hermione said.

“I told you she liked you,” He reminded her.

“Hermione!” Lily exclaimed as they stopped in front of her.

“Lily! I, I mean…Professor Potter,” Hermione corrected herself. “I just want to thank you, I mean, there's no way to thank you enough for doing this.”

Lily laughed. “Of course, Hermione. You deserve it. And,” Lily leaned in, “It's only Professor Potter in class…otherwise I'm just Lily & mum to you two,” She finished with a wink.

“Thank you, Lily,” Hermione smiled.

“You're very welcome,” She smiled back, but then regaining a mock-serious face. “But get in your seats. Wouldn't want to give you detention on your first day, Ms. Granger.”

Harry chuckled and followed Hermione to where the others were sitting. Hermione once again settled herself between Lillian and Harry. Madeleine strolled ever-so-gracefully into the classroom, sitting beside Harry and looking at Hermione curiously. She must've thought Hermione was deaf when she leaned in to Harry and said, “What is she doing here?” Because she acted as if Hermione could not hear, but she did.

“Madeleine,” Harry started. “She's taking this class.”

“But she's not a student!” Madeleine whispered.

Harry shot her a `look'. “So? My mum requested she be able to take this class.”

Madeleine rolled her eyes, sitting back in her seat and fixing her hair, scooting her chair closer to Harry's. “Let's hope today's class isn't as boring as yesterdays.”

Harry was about to comment but Hermione beat him to it. “I think her classes are very interesting.”

Harry secretly grinned at Hermione but Madeleine just rolled her eyes again. “Of course, you would.”

“Just shut up, Madeleine,” Lillian shot at her, from a few chairs down. “No one asked your opinion.”

Just watching Madeleine shake her head made Harry wonder why he was dating this bird in the first place. So what if she was pretty? She was acting like a total bitch at the moment. She wasn't normally like this, Harry didn't think so at least.

However, Lillian figured he was just now realizing her atrocious behavior, and it probably had something to do with a certain brown eyed witch sitting beside her. Maybe she was just what they all needed.

A few minutes later when Lily had assigned them a personal reading assignment, Harry leaned close to Hermione and whispered in her ear, “Did you get home okay last night?”

Hermione was startled and his hot breath on her neck sent shivers down her spine. It took her a minute to register what he'd said. “Yes,” She whispered back, not choosing to tell about her Michael Ferris encounter. What Harry didn't know wouldn't hurt him. It's not like anything bad had happened to her. No reason to get him so worked up over nothing.

“Good,” He whispered back. “I was kind of worried about you,” He admitted.

“No need,” She smiled at him, whispering. “I was just fine. I promise.”

He smiled back at her before returning to his own work. However, he found it very hard to pay attention to it while Hermione was sitting beside him. Harry didn't know why, but his eyes kept drifting back to Hermione and her work. She was sitting very straight up, quill in hand, scribbling away on her parchment. Her writing was incredibly neat and legible, which Harry admired compared to his chicken scrawl. Her hair that day had been pulled back into two plaits out of her face, which Harry found cute. She was biting her lip as her quill stopped, obviously in an internal struggle about her work. Harry smiled again at her, shaking his head, returning to his work.

~*~

Lily was watching this interaction from afar, pretending to be immersed in her own readings. She couldn't help but smile as her son leaned over and whispered something in her ear and saw the way Hermione reacted. Hermione looked somewhat surprised, but she could tell Hermione answered him. She watched again as Harry whispered another mysterious saying to her, earning him a smile from Hermione. He smiled again and she saw him try hard to return to his parchment. However, he saw his eyes wander to Hermione and examined him as he examined Hermione. She watched the myriad of emotions cross his face before he finally smiled and shook his head, returning to his own work.

Then her own eyes wandered to the pretty blonde beside Harry. Lily didn't mean to be rude, but that girl was a ditz. She had no substance to her; all she was was a good quidditch player and a beautiful girl. She knew Harry was rubbish at girls and he probably was only staying with her since he just wanted to be a normal bloke with a girlfriend. However, Madeleine did not deserve a young man such as her son. Lily knew just who she think deserved her son, and hoped it wouldn't be long before they both figured it out.

~*~

Class had ended a little bit ago and Hermione announced to the group that she would probably just go and see her mum before going back home.

Harry stopped her, hanging back as the group continued far away from them. “You want me to come with you?”

“No,” Hermione shook her head. “I'll be fine.”

“You sure?” Harry looked at her.

Hermione smiled. “I promise. I'll be fine.”

“Okay, okay…” Harry sighed, looking around in the halls. “Just…I don't want you to run into Ferris again.”

“I know, I'll make sure I stay far away from him,” Hermione promised sincerely, taking his hand.

“I don't want anything to happen to you,” Harry admitted.

Hermione looked at him and just stared into his beautiful emerald eyes for a moment. “I know, Harry.”

“Will you be extra careful for me?” Harry asked.

“For you,” Hermione squeezed his hand.

“Thanks,” Harry said, drawing her closer to him, putting his arms around him. Hermione immediately let herself relax in her embrace as she never had with anyone else. She put her own arms around hers, laying her head against his chest. He kissed the top of her head.

“You should go to class,” Hermione told him softly.

“I suppose I should,” Harry reluctantly let go of her.

“See you tomorrow,” Hermione smiled at him, letting go of his hand.

“Bye,” Harry said, as she walked off. He watched her retreating figure until she disappeared out of sight.

~*~

“Mum?” Hermione called, walking into her mother's classroom, as she knew their was a short afternoon break before the last lessons of the day.

“Hermione? Is that you?” She called from her desk.

“Yes,” Hermione answered, walking in. “How are you?”

“Quite fine, you?” Elizabeth asked.

“Good, very good,” Hermione smiled. “I'm about to go pick up Emma, just wanting to say hello before I left.”

“Took you awhile to finish today,” Elizabeth commented.

Hermione opened her mouth but didn't mention that she was taking a class at Hogwarts. She would tell her mother when they had more time to think about it. “Yeah,” Hermione lied.

“Well, you have to go pick Emma up,” Elizabeth said, after an awkward moment of silence.

“Right,” Hermione said. “I guess I'll see you later. Will you be home tonight?”

“Maybe,” Elizabeth said, nonchalantly. “I may be able to, but I'm not sure. I'll see you soon though.”

“Right…goodbye!” Hermione called.

“Bye!” Elizabeth called after her.

Hermione walked down the halls purposely, her trainers occasionally making a noise as they hit the stone floor she had just recently cleaned. Out the gates she strolled, home to the only home she had ever really had.

~*~

A/N: Heyyyy guys! I'm nervous, as always. I ALWAYS am!! Did you like it? I hope you did! Leave me a comment!

Next chapter has a scene I have been planning since before I even PUBLISHED the first chapter! That should be wonderful to write!

**Next Chapter:**

~ A crisis hits Hogsmeade/Hogwarts

~ Hermione is involved in a scuffle

~ Death Eaters make an appearance

~ Elizabeth finally finds out (in a unfortunate way) her daughter is friends with Harry Potter

Tune in!

~Fin

-->

A/N: Well, here you go. Yes, CC fans, I AM working hard on the next chapter of that but this story is so much more fun and new to write so those updates will come out sooner and closer in between. As for the song, I couldn't help it!

Here you go, my darlings!!

~*~

Its gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
Theres nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do

--“Africa” by Toto

~*~

A couple days later, it was Monday morning, and Hermione got up, ready to continue her new daily routine. This was only her third day since she had started the new routine, but it already felt like this was second nature. Emma was now going to Mrs. Codsworth every week day until around three when Hermione would get home from Hogwarts, instead of just a few times a week.

Hermione began getting dressed, pulling on some jeans, different from the ones that were ripped and a bit darker, and a white shirt. She pulled her hair into two plaits and lightly spread a bit of mascara across her eyelashes. After eating breakfast with her younger sister, Hermione put on a brown jacket, due to the fact that it was getting colder and a multi-color knit scarf around her neck that hung down on her jacket.

Emma, clad in a purple jumper and jeans, followed her sister outside into the cold air. “Hermione, does mum know you're taking a class at Hogwarts?”

Hermione looked at her sister. “No, not yet, are you planning on telling her?” She asked in an accusing voice.

“No!” Emma replied quickly. “No, I was just asking.”

“I just haven't gotten around to telling her yet. I don't know how she'll respond,” Hermione said as they walked down the pathway.

“What do you mean?” Emma asked.

“Well, mum likes the fact that I'm working. I don't know if she'll be thrilled that I am studying and participating in a class at a school,” Hermione answered.

Emma nodded and continued to follow her sister. Once they reached the house, they bade each other goodbye and Hermione headed off into her normal direction. She made it their on time, checking in with McGonagall before starting her work. She finished quite early and considered going to lunch early, but decided to skip lunch. She had something to get that afternoon. Out the doors and gates of Hogwarts she went, heading towards the town of Hogsmeade.

Hermione walked through the door of Clark & Lewis as the bells clang, alerting the store of her entrance, and she almost noticed something different in the air this morning. “Hello, Meriwether.”

“Good Morning, Ms. Granger. Good to see you this morning,” He said, looking somewhat uneasy. Hermione wondered what had gotten into him as he averted his eyes from her and walked in the storage closet.

She maneuvered her way through the book shelves until she got to the back of the store and searched for the title of a Charm's subject she had been interested in.

A few minutes later, Hermione overheard somewhat of a disturbance and screaming coming from the front of the store. Curiosity got the best of her as she moved closer; she hid behind a shelf and saw two wizards arguing. They both turned and looked outside to see people running southward, looking as if they were trying to escape something.

Hermione's eyes widened as one of the wizards pointed their wand at the incoming Meriwether. “Imperius!”

She may not be able to cast many spells, but she knew what they all meant. Hermione had no idea what to do, something was going on in the street and now something was going on in the bookstore. The two wizards told Meriwether something before exiting. Meriwether followed close behind, seeming to forget the bodies that lie stunned on the bookstore floor. Hermione cautiously moved to the door and opened it. Her hand went to her wand and she pulled it out. Someone approached her, holding their wand to stun her—or worse, kill her.

“Expelliarmus!” Hermione shouted, disarming the person.

She ran past the person she deemed a Death Eater and through the streets. “Expelliarmus!” She shouted behind her at a woman trying to corner her, but she was too late.

“Crucio!” The woman shouted at her. Her body began writhing in pain and she fell to the ground.

Hermione cried out as pain shot through her, she felt like she was dying and was desperate to do anything, something to save herself. A man appeared at the woman's side, supposedly to inspect what she was doing.

“Ah, Bella…torturing another,” the man sneered appreciatively.

“Of course, Antoine,” She cackled.

Bella? Bellatrix Lestrange? She had heard about this Death Eater and knew she was in serious trouble in her hands, plus another death eater named Antoine…Hermione felt that crying tears of frustration and fear, but found it hard to do anything but scream.

A woman sporting purple hair had now rushed over, disarming both Death Eaters as she spoke to Hermione when he got close so only she could hear. “Go inside the book store, stay safe. I'll see you to you later…” She began dueling with the two Death Eaters.

Hermione followed her orders, grabbing her wand and went as fast as she could into the store, limping a bit from the pain rushing through her, hiding behind one of the shelves as she collapsed to the ground. She glanced out of the window and watched as a myriad of spells were cast against different people. Hermione guessed the woman that had saved her was an auror, seeing as she looked to be one.

At that point, Hermione began to feel very weak, and her eyes began to shut slowly. Her whole mind went black, and the last thing she remembered was weakly whimpering, “Harry.”

~*~

*Earlier that morning at Hogwarts*

Lillian laughed at something Ron had just said as the group of Harry, Ron, Lillian, Ginny, Draco, Seamus and Lavender headed to the Great Hall for lunch. They entered and Harry looked around, expecting to see Hermione at their table, reading some book. However, she was missing from her usual spot that morning. Harry felt fear rise in his chest but told himself that she was just running a little late. After all, McGonagall had mentioned that she had been here this morning.

They took their seats and Harry noticed Lillian looking around for Hermione as well. “Where is Hermione today?”

Draco shrugged. “Didn't McGonagall say she was here?”

Harry nodded. “Yeah, I dunno,” He looked around again.

“I'm sure she's okay,” Lavender smiled.

“Yeah,” Harry sounded unconvinced.

As lunch went on and their conversation's wandered, Harry's anxiety grew. Where was Hermione? Why was she not here? He had just seen her last night, she seemed fine. What was she not here? Maybe she was just doing some extra studying…maybe she had just decided to eat early and not sit with them that day. Harry wondered if she knew that she was scaring the hell out of him.

He busied himself with conversation and when lunch was over, allowed himself to be worried. “Lillian, where is she?” He whispered in her ear.

Lillian shrugged. “I don't know, Harry, but I'm starting to worry too. Something doesn't feel right. Let's go to class…see if she's there.”

Harry nodded in agreement and they walked into Lily's class.

~*~

*Back in Hogsmeade*

Nymphadora Tonks left the young woman Madam Pomfrey identified as Hermione Granger in the Hogwarts infirmary, and headed to Professor Granger's classroom to alert the mother of her daughter's current state.

She entered the class carefully and quietly, and besides tripping over herself, continued waiting to be noticed without interrupting. Class had just started two minutes ago when Elizabeth Granger looked over to see a fun looking woman standing in her room. “Class, open your books to page 103 and began reading. I shall return shortly.”

Elizabeth led the mysterious man outside the doors of her classroom. “How can I help you, Ms.…?”

“Call me Tonks,” She introduced herself with a grim smile. “You are Elizabeth Granger, no? Hermione Granger is your daughter?”

Elizabeth's eyes grew wide, worried about what the woman would say next. “Yes, I am. What's going on?”

Tonks offered her a small smile. “Death eaters attacked Hogsmeade this morning, and I'm afraid your daughter was involved.”

Elizabeth gasped and covered her mouth in shock. “Is she alright?”

“She will probably be fine. I found her…and she's pretty roughed up. She's in the infirmary if you would like to go and see her. I've alerted the Headmistress and she has prepared for a substitute to take over your class.”

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said on the verge of tears. She rushed to the infirmary, a blue haired woman at her side.

As she appeared inside the nurse's office, a few tears spilled out as she saw her oldest daughter lying still in a hospital bed, wounds and sores on her body. “Oh, Hermione…” She sighed, running her fingers down Hermione's arms.

“Can I do anything for you Ms. Granger?” Tonks asked.

“Could you go tell Remus Lupin, I believe he needs to be here,” Elizabeth concluded.

“Oh, yes, Remus…Of course,” She left with one last reassuring smile.

Elizabeth ran her hand down her daughter's arm again, willing her daughter to open her eyes.

“Harr-Mum?” She cracked her eyes open.

“Hermione!” She exclaimed. “Oh, Hermione…are you alright? Can I get you something?” She frantically asked.

“Harry…” Hermione whimpered, barely being able to speak.

“What?” Elizabeth asked, confused.

“I need Harry,” She croaked, her eyes barely opening.

“Hermione…Harry, who?” Elizabeth asked, wondering who her daughter was asking for.

“Potter. Harry Potter,” She said, trying so desperately to speak, lifting her head up.

“Harry Potter, why do you--how do you know Harry Potter?” She asked.

“Please,” Hermione whimpered desperately, her voice scratchy. “I need Harry.”

“Alright, alright,” Elizabeth said. “I'll…I'll go get Lily…and Harry…”

Hermione let her head back down and was angry with herself for not being able to communicate better with her mother; her voice just wouldn't come out. She hoped her mother would hurry, she wasn't sure if she could stay awake much longer.

Elizabeth raced down the halls, making herself walk as fast as she could. It hurt her a bit that the moment her own daughter had awoke she had asked for Harry Potter. Wondering how her daughter knew Harry Potter, she burst in the classroom, not caring that she was interrupting.

“Lily!” She exclaimed.

Lily stopped mid-sentence. “Elizabeth! What's going on?”

She walked close. “An attack! There was an attack on Hogsmeade…” Gasps sounded throughout the classroom and Harry gripped the edge of his desk, ready to get up. “Hermione's hurt.”

Lily gasped and Harry was down the stairs, followed by Lillian before you could blink. “Is she okay?” He asked frantically.

“She's in the infirmary…A woman named Tonks said she'll probably be okay…you're Harry…” She commented.

“Yes, I have been my whole life…where is she?” Harry asked, slightly annoyed.

“The infirmary here,” Elizabeth answered. “She's calling for you…”

Harry's eyes grew and he walked past everyone, followed by Lillian, out the door and down the corridor as quickly as possible. Lily and Elizabeth looked at each other, running out of the room.

Up in the row of desks where Harry had been, Draco and Ron looked at each other, shrugged, jumped over their desks and took the steps two at a time, racing out the door behind them.

Harry and Lillian were the first to enter the room, closely followed by Lily and Elizabeth. Harry walked quickly over to Hermione's bed. “Hermione?”

“Harry…?” She called, her eyes closed.

“Sh, don't wear your voice out…” He brushed a strand out of her face, sitting in a chair beside her bed.

Elizabeth and Lily watched intently to what was going on with Harry and Hermione as Draco and Ron rushed in, stopping abruptly near Lillian away from the bed.

“Stay,” Hermione whimpered to him, cracking her eyes open.

“I will,” Harry said, taking her hand.

“Don't leave me,” Hermione croaked, desperate to speak to him.

“Never,” Harry promised her, kissing her hand. “I'm so sorry…”

Hermione shook her head. “Not your fault.”

“Shh…” Harry quieted her, letting his other hand stroke her hair and alongside her face. “I'm here. You'll be fine now…” Her eyes shut slowly.

“Harry…” She whispered, sighing in contentment as she let the potions Poppy had given her put her to sleep.

“She will be just fine,” Madam Pomfrey told them all. “Miss Granger will make a full recovery; she just needs to stay in the infirmary for a couple days. I'll give her a few more potions to cure her and she will be just fine.”

Harry sighed in relief, closing his eyes, squeezing her hand. “Thank Merlin…” He whispered, leaning back in the chair, but not daring to let go of her.

Elizabeth finally snapped out of the trance she had been in watching Hermione and this boy interact. “Lily,” She whispered. “How do they know each other?”

“You didn't know?” Lily asked, amazed.

“She doesn't tell me much,” Elizabeth said, somewhat embarrassed.

“They met one weekend. They're really good friends…” Lily sighed. “Wonderful, actually. You should see them.”

“Really?” Elizabeth said, wondering how she could not know about someone so important as he was in her daughter's life.

For a moment in that room, everything stopped. Elizabeth was marveling at Harry and what he had done to calm her daughter. The minute Hermione had seen him and heard his voice Elizabeth had watched her visibly relax, comforted more by this friend than her own mother. Lily was smiling at her son as he gazed at Hermione. Even though the circumstances weren't good, Lily was amazed at her son's care.

Lillian, Ron, and Draco still stood in the corner, away from everyone, letting the situation flow through them. “We should go,” Lillian suggested.

“Probably,” Ron said.

“Yeah, now that we know she's okay,” Draco agreed.

They turned around and left the infirmary, casting only one last glance over at the sleeping form of Hermione and the anxious Harry as he watched over her.

At that moment, Remus came through the doors, panting from racing through the corridors as fast as he could. “Elizabeth! Elizabeth…Lily…how is she?”

“She'll be fine,” Elizabeth told him, a tear rolling down her cheek.

Remus smiled, giving both women a hug and looking over to Hermione. “I see Harry made it here.”

“Of course,” Lily smiled through tears falling down her face.

“She started calling for him…asking for him…desperately. She didn't even want to talk to me. She just called his name,” Elizabeth told him.

“I expected just as much,” Remus smiled to himself.

He walked over to the bed, laying a hand on Harry's shoulder as Harry's eyes stayed fixed on the girl in front of him. “Harry,” Remus said.

“It's my fault,” was all Harry said.

“What?” Remus asked, startled.

“It's my fault she's hurt,” he repeated.

“No…how could it be your fault?” Remus asked.

“How?” Harry asked, sarcastically. “Please, Remus. Those fucking Death Eaters would have never laid a hand on her if I had defeated Voldemort…or if I would have known. If I would have been there…I could've saved her.”

“Harry…don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. Not at all,” Remus pulled up a chair beside him.

“Yes, it is. I swore I wouldn't let anyone hurt her. No one was going to touch her…” Harry said his voice full of emotion. “And here…she gets hurt again. Maybe they know she's my friend.”

“They don't,” Remus assured him.

“How do you know?” Harry asked accusingly. “Voldemort can read my thoughts…Merlin, he knew who she was…they did. They went after her…”

“Harry James, calm down. Honestly, you think too much. She will be just fine, remember? Just calm down,” Remus told him.

“I can't, Remus, I can't…” Harry felt tears threatening to escape his eyes and he noticed a cut that would leave scar much like the one on her shoulder he had already seen.

Lupin sighed, watching Harry and then casting a look over to Hermione. She looked really roughed up; you could tell that someone had used the Cruciatus Curse on her few times.

Harry was thinking the same thing. He wondered who it was…which Death Eater had attacked her. He wanted that Death Eater. He wanted them now. In fact, if he hadn't promised Hermione he would stay with her, he would probably have gone after them. He wanted to rip them apart. Harry wanted to kill them. But he didn't want to kill him with his wand…no, he wanted to kill them with his bare hands.

Harry let his eyes travel over her body, the scars; her white t-shirt ripped around the stomach area and the brown jacket he assumed as hers hanging on the bed wrapped around a scarf. She looked so weak, so helpless. He wished he could save her…Harry wished he could erase this morning.

“Harry?” Elizabeth said softly.

“Yes?” He tore his eyes away from Hermione for the first time to look at her mother.

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said. “Now that you're here I think she'll be okay. I'm glad she has a friend like you.”

Harry offered her a small smile before looking back to Hermione. “I'm glad she's let me be her friend.”

Elizabeth excused herself from the room, tears starting to spill from her eyes to the bathroom.

“Well,” Lily started. “What a day this has turned out to be.” When Harry didn't respond, she added. “She's glad you're here Harry.”

“I wasn't there,” Harry said. “She needed me, and I wasn't there.”

“No, Harry,” She ran her hand through Harry's hair. “She knows you couldn't have been there when she was hurt. She needed you when she got here. And you were here for her.”

“I feel like I should've prevented it,” Harry admitted.

“You couldn't,” Lily said. “It's okay, she knows that.”

“I know,” Harry said. “I hope she knows I need her.”

“Hmm?” Lily asked.

“She needed me…I hope she knows I need her too,” Harry told his mum.

“She does, Harry James Potter…she does,” Lily kissed the top of her son's head and exited the room. “Remus.”

Remus got the point and got up. “Harry…I don't think you should stay here…”

“I promised her I would stay. I don't want to leave her,” Harry told him, a dark look inhabiting his eyes.

“Okay, okay,” Lupin lifted his hands. “If she wakes up, tell her I'm glad she's okay.”

“Sure,” Harry said absently.

~*~

Later that night, Hermione opened her eyes and a smile touched her lips when she saw him. Harry was leaning back in his chair, still holding tightly onto her hand, while he slept. His hair was such a mess, in a way that made him look cute and his glasses were slightly crooked. She let herself stare at him for a moment before deciding that she should probably wake him up, seeing as he probably wasn't very comfortable.

“Harry?” She nudged him with their joined hands. “Harry…” She called, amused.

“Mmm…H'mione?” He mumbled.

She snickered. “Harry?” She called.

“Hermione,” He said, his eyes coming open, clearly this time as he sat straight up.

“Hi, sleepyhead,” She smiled.

“Hermione, you're awake…” Harry grinned.

Hermione found herself captivated by that adorable, silly, tired grin of his that she loved. “Yep and I'm just fine,” She told him, her voice still scratchy.

“Are you sure?” He asked her, letting his eyes scan her for any other bruises he hadn't noticed.

She nodded. “Yes. It hurts…but I feel much better than before. Thanks to Madam Pomfrey.”

“I'm glad you're okay…” Harry whispered. Hermione smiled. “But… I should get Poppy. She told me to get her when you woke.”

“Okay,” She said.

He smiled at her again, standing up. His hand slowly let go of hers and Harry felt a strange sense of loss. He realized he had been holding her hand for about eight hours without letting go. He gave her one last look before disappearing behind the office door of Madam Pomfrey.

Hermione shook her head and couldn't believe the position she was in; in the infirmary after being attacked by two vicious Death Eaters. `Since when did her life become this?' She mused.

“Alright, Miss Granger,” Poppy said, coming to her side. “Here, drink this water; it'll help your throat. You will be just fine, you do need to stay here over night.”

“Overnight?” Hermione asked in anguish.

“Oh, yes, Miss Granger, It's necessary,” Madam Pomfrey told her.

Harry sat down beside her again. “I'll stay with you.”

“Harry--” Hermione started a disapproving look on her face.

“Mr. Potter that is entirely inappropriate. You have classes tomorrow and students that are not in hospital care are not allowed to stay in here,” She sternly reminded him.

Harry narrowed his eyes. “But--”

“Harry,” Hermione intervened. “She's right. You need to go to bed, in your own bed. I promise that I will be just fine, for Merlin's sake I'm in the infirmary; nothing's going to happen to me, Harry.”

“But, Hermione, really, I'll stay with you. You'll be all alone…and after what you just…”

“Harry James Potter you will go to bed in your dormitory, in the tower and please get some sleep tonight. I'll see you tomorrow morning and I swear nothing will have changed about me since then,” Hermione smiled, but said sternly.

Harry sighed. “If you are sure you'll be okay.”

“Absolutely positive,” Hermione confirmed.

“There you are Mr. Potter, now you must go to bed, it's late,” Madam Pomfrey said, trying to usher him out.

Harry smiled and kissed the top of her head. “I'll see you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight,” She smiled, squeezing his hand once before he pulled away.

“Out you go, Good night, Mr. Potter,” Poppy rushed him out.

Harry nervously glanced over his shoulder one time at Hermione but she gave him a reassuring look that forced him to finally walk out of the infirmary for the first time in many hours.

~*~

Harry headed back to the tower and once he reached the portrait door, mumbled, “Mimbulus mimbletonia.”

“Someone has been out late. I heard a certain young lady was involved in some sort of attack. Harmony is her name, isn't it?” The portrait of the Fat Lady asked.

“Hermione,” He corrected her instinctively. “And please just open the door.”

“Touchy, touchy,” The fat lady mumbled, opening the door for him.

He was met with a chorus of “Harry!” as soon as he stepped in the common room.

“Hey,” He mumbled, with a small smile. Harry's eyes were met with the smiles and anxious faces of Ron, Ginny, Lillian and Madeleine.

Ginny had been pacing; Lillian had been deep in thought it seemed; Ron was sitting, staring into the fire; and Madeleine had a look of sheer annoyance on her face.

“How is she?” Ginny asked.

“Are they keeping her overnight?” Lillian asked.

“When will she recover?” Ron asked.

“WHY, have you been out so long?” Madeleine demanded.

Harry took a deep breath. “She's fine, staying overnight; Poppy says she'll make a full recovery in a matter of a couple days and I HAVE BEEN WITH MY FRIEND WHO WAS JUST BRUTALLY ATTACKED BY DEATH EATERS!”

“WELL WHY WERE YOU OUT WAY PAST CURFEW FOR HER?” Madeleine asked, standing up.

“MADELEINE, SHUT UP! She's my best friend and she's HURT. I had no idea whether she'd be okay,” Harry informed her quietly.

“You're best friend?” Madeleine asked, folding her arms. “Since when is that poor servant girl your best friend?”

It took all of Harry's resolve not to scream, yell…go absolutely crazy. Every light in the room flickered with his internal power. “Madeleine,” He said through clenched teeth. “I'm done.”

“What?” She asked frantically.

“You heard me, I'm done,” Harry moved toward the portrait door.

Madeleine tried to grab his arm. “But Harry!”

Harry ripped her arm off and spun around to face her, raising his hands in surrender as he backed up. Madeleine let her arm fall to her side as a crocodile tear rolled down her cheek. She stomped up the stairs as he flew out the portrait door. Everyone else watched with astonished faces, not believing what had just happened.

~*~

Harry walked down the hall in a rage of fury. How could Madeleine be so insensitive? She always had been; she knew not the meaning of true friendship or genuine care. All Madeleine Parsons cared about was herself.

Wondering where he was leading himself to, he looked around to figure out where he ended up. He deciphered that he was somewhere near his mother's dorm and knew just what he needed to do. Harry found her door and knocked hard on it. “Mum?”

“Harry?” She opened the door quickly. “What are you doing out so late? Is everything okay? Nothing happened with Hermione, did it?”

“No,” He answered angrily as he moved past her and perched himself on the side of his mother's bed. “No, she's fine.”

“Then what's going on?” Lily asked, closing her door.

“Madeleine,” Harry only needed to say one word.

“Oh, that girl,” Lily sighed, leaning against her door.

“She's so damn frustrating. I swear, all she cares about is herself. I come back from the infirmary, while the rest of my friends are anxiously waiting, genuinely asking me if she was okay…and then Madeleine speaks up; yelling at me for being out so late and not being with her!” Lily rolls her eyes as she imagines the scene. “I'm so sick of the comments and the rude attitude she has and…everything about her.”

“Well, Harry, maybe you should--”

“And that's why I broke up with her,” Harry added softly.

`You broke up with her?” Lily asked carefully, to be sure she didn't get ahead of herself.

“Yeah, I ended it. I never should have began it,” Harry stated.

“No, Harry James, you shouldn't have,” Lily told him with a grin on her face.

“What?” Harry asked alarmed.

“That girl has been trouble since the moment she was born. Ignorant, selfish, rude, and Harry she's really not all that pretty. There are plenty of pretty girls in the world, that are much prettier in the inside,” Lily remarked, thinking of one in particular.

“I know, mum, I don't know what I ever saw in her,” Harry admitted.

“Neither do I. But all that matters now is that you saw clearly about what kind of person she is and you did something about it.”

“I've been ready to do something about it for a few weeks now, but this was my breaking point,” Harry told his mother.

“She's probably been especially irritable lately because she's jealous,” Lily said off handedly.

“Jealous? Of what?” Harry asked, genuinely confused.

“Of Hermione,” Lily said, as if he were stupid.

“Jealous…of Hermione…” He said aloud, trying to make sense of it.

“Of course! How could she not be. I mean, not that I am making excuses for her actions because that girl has always been like that, but…Harry I imagine she has been especially angry because of her jealously of Hermione,” Lily commented.

“I still don't understand. Why would she be jealous of Hermione?” Harry asked.

“Please Harry, you are always around her when she's here, you're practically keeping her within your range in case anything should happen to happen to her…you're always holding her hand or hugging her or something…and here, she calls your name out the instant she wakes up from being attacked and you come running to her side in the middle of class, staying by her for hours and you probably only left by force,” Lily raised her eyebrows at him. “I understand that was only because she was hurt and you were worried because so was I, but I'm trying to see this from a girlfriend's perspective. How could that not be issues for her?”

“Mum,” Harry took a breath. “Yes, I care about Hermione, she's my friend. My really, really…good friend. I'm the only one she can trust and I'm not about to let anything more happen to her…don't you understand what its like to not want someone who's been hurt so many times to get hurt again?” Lily nodded yes with a slight smile on her face. “And I can't let that happen. She's too fragile…too innocent…too perfect,” He looked far off. “She doesn't deserve it. And I did run over there today because she was attacked, by Death Eaters! You know that Voldemort could have seen into my mind and known about her. Then it would be all my fault. Again, mum, I'm going to protect her as much as I can. I'm the only one she has.”

After a moment of silence, Lily smiled softly at him. “I know that, darling, I do. I understand the way you think. All I'm saying is that she was jealous. I didn't mean for it to turn into this, and for that I'm sorry. I'm very glad Hermione has you, and I'm very glad you have her.”

“Yeah,” Harry said, thinking about everything.

“I'm sorry about Madeleine, but you have no idea how happy I am that you have seen the light and ended it. I'm sorry though that it ended so brutally,” Lily apologised.

“I had it coming,” Harry commented.

“She doesn't deserve you,” Lily grinned.

“I'd like to think so,” Harry rolled his eyes.

“You're much better person than you give yourself credit,” Lily told her son.

“Maybe,” Harry said, still doubting himself.

“Hermione wouldn't trust you so much if you weren't,” Lily added.

“Maybe Hermione should just stay away from me,” Harry remarked.

Lily practically laughed. “Like you could ever do that; like she could ever do that. Harry, please, please, don't let go of her because you're scared this will happen again. You already promised her that you would never leave, don't abandon her.”

“I wouldn't abandon her!” Harry exclaimed.

“Well she would consider it that if you told her to stay away. Even if it was for her safety.”

“I know, I know, it was just a random thought. I shouldn't have voiced it,” Harry dismissed it with a wave of his hand.

“Just make sure you know what you're dealing with, Harry. If Hermione's really important to you, I have a feeling you'll find a way to keep her safe. But anything that happens to her it's not you're fault, Harry, you have to understand that,” Lily reminded him.

“I know. I love you, mum.”

“I love you too, Harry,” Lily sighed, walking to sit beside him. Lily finally worked up the courage to say something she has been waiting to for a long time. “And is because I love you so much that…we need to talk.”

“To talk?” Harry swallowed.

“Yes.”

“About?” He pondered aloud.

“Everything. Everything I've ignored for the past few years,” Lily said uneasily.

“It's late,” Harry's eyes darted around the room as he tried to get up. “I should get back to my room…”

“No,” Lily held him back. “You're not running away from this.”

“Mum…” Harry shook his head.

“Harry! Stop! This is something we need to talk about. And you wont leave this room,” She cast the strongest locking charm she knew. “Until we do.”

“Fine, talk,” Harry looked uninterested, walking to the other side of the room and lying on the couch.

“You've been through a lot. This abuse you went through can haunt you for the rest of your life. It's been proven that it can carry with you forever and cause you to pull away from people, have trust issues, have difficulty loving someone…fear of abandonment…trouble making friends…”

“You sound like a textbook,” Harry abruptly said.

Lily sighed. “Well this is hard for me; I don't know how to handle it, Harry. I'm sorry.”

“Look, mum, I know you're trying…but this really isn't helping…I'm going to go…” Harry got up and went for the door.

“But--”

Harry easily unlocked the door with his wand and solemnly sped out.

“How did you…never mind,” Lily said, lying down on her bed. “It is Harry after all.” I just wish he would listen.

~*~

Harry fled back to his dorm, trying not to think of the fact that he just walked out on his mother. It had been rude, but Harry couldn't take it anymore, he felt like the walls were closing in on him and there was only one person in the entire world he wanted to see right now. However, it was impossible.

But when was anything ever impossible for Harry Potter?

~*~

Hermione had fallen asleep for a little while but now was wide awake and left to stare at the ceiling. She had nothing to do; nothing to read; nowhere to go; no one to see.

That was when she heard the infirmary door open and wondered who was coming in the door. When she noticed it was Harry, her eyes quickly closed and she pretended to be asleep. She felt him sit beside her in the chair he had been in earlier and sigh.

“God Hermione, I'm breaking a zillion rules by being in here right now, but I don't care. I have to see you, even if you're asleep,” Harry spoke to her `sleeping' form. “I just came from my mum's. I originally went to her about breaking up with Len, but then she brought it up. She kept trying to go on and on about all these consequences of abuse and trying to sympathize with me and talk to me about what happened to me when I was little…but I couldn't stand it. I just walked out. I just left her there.” He paused for a minute. “I don't know why. I just couldn't take it. I felt like I couldn't breathe. I didn't want to go back to the tower…I didn't want to see anyone but you. I didn't want to deal with anyone else. And I don't care if you can't even hear me and you wont remember any of this when you wake, I just need to be with you and talk to you right now. I just don't want to talk about it Hermione, not right now. Not with her. I can't.” He finished, sitting back in the chair and staring at her.

Harry ran his hand down her arm, sending tingles down her body as she fake-slept. “I'm so sorry you got hurt. You don't deserve it. I don't deserve to have a friend like you.” He closed his eyes sleepily and yawned.

A few minutes later, Hermione could tell that he had gone to sleep and opened her eyes. His head was rested on the side of the chair especially close to her and she smiled as she reached out and stroked her hand through his hair. “Oh, Harry, you deserve more than you think. You'll be okay, I swear. I'll always be here for you if you need me….don't doubt that.”

~*~

A/N: Ah! Did you love it? Hate it? Hm, tell me, I must know! Personally I love this chapter—Harry is so adorable and hilarious in it, so I'm praying you love it as well! Things moved FAST in this chapter, and for that I can apologize. As for this and the rest of my stories I've been grounded so I haven't been able to update. Sorry bout that. I'll behave from now on!! LOL!

Thanks for tuning in, hope you enjoyed your overly large dose of h/hr!!

The next chapter is a mystery even to me, but after my break in updates I have discovered just exactly where this story is going and have written several future scenes that I know you will enjoy!

Love ya!

~Fin

-->

A/n: Wow. I can't apologize enough. I'm not going to say I didn't abandon this world for a while, cause that would be a boldfaced lie. I abandoned it. And every time I would try to force myself back in, I couldn't do it. I was thinking, I don't wanna do this to my readers, but I just can't bring myself back. I'm busy. I'm in high school. I'm working on work, and my school…I wont say too much cause that would give away where I am, but my school has had some pretty bad things happen lately, and I've had school hockey games and trips and all these crazy things. So I'm going to try. I promise, even if it takes the rest of my life (being sarcastic) I will finish this. I'm just not making promises as to how quickly. I feel like a terrible person and I'm truly very sorry. Bash me all you want, I wont say a word back.

Moving on-anyone here watch soap operas? I swear this story is turning into one. You'll see what I mean in like ten seconds.

By the by---It was a total accident that Andromeda is also Tonks' mother's name. Total accident. I totally forgot. Lol.

~*~

“Mr. Potter!” Madam Pomfrey exclaimed as Harry jerked awake. “What are you doing here?”

Harry looked around and realized he was in the infirmary, sitting in the chair by Hermione's bed surrounded by Poppy and McGonagall. He removed his arm from Hermione's tight grasp and stood up quickly. “Um…”

“Poppy…I'll take care of Harry later, don't worry about it. Harry…would you please go into Pomfrey's office and retrieve Miss Granger's file?” McGonagall asked.

“Sure…uh, yes, Headmistress,” Harry, disoriented from sleep, walked into the nurse's office.

“Now, I must warn you Minerva, she may be a bit out of it…I gave her a lot of potions before she went to sleep and they may have caused some strange dreams…Miss Granger?” Poppy steadily woke Hermione.

Hermione awoke with a start and sat up. “Where is he?”

“Where is who, dear?” Minerva asked.

“Harry…” She pointed to his chair. “Harry was right here…”

“He was just…” Poppy said before Harry came in the room, looking uneasy.

Hermione smiled. “You're not gone?”

“No…” Harry eyed her suspiciously.

“I had a dream that you left…and then…”

“Hermione, relax, honestly…” Harry moved towards her, somewhat distracted and Hermione grabbed his arm.

“Sorry…ah,” She squirmed in pain.

“Yes, lie back down, you awoke too quickly,” Poppy tsked.

“I guess so,” Hermione slowly let her self down again.

~*~

~2 minutes Earlier in Madam Pomfrey's Office~

Harry saw the file they were looking for, and quickly glancing around to make sure no one was near, opened it. His eyes fell upon the first page in curiosity.

His breath stopped. “Hermione Jane Granger (born Hermione Jane Amherst),” His voice softened as he continued. “…Born…Paris, France…Hôpital Hôtel Dieu…Father, Adrian Mark Amherst,” His voice said in total confusion. “—French, muggle…Mother…” His eyes widened again. “…Alexandra Marie Norris—English, muggle,” Harry finished quietly. He continued reading, scanning, whispering out bits of information.

“Moved to London, England at one year old when-”

It was when he heard Hermione call his name that he snapped out of it, quickly closed her file and headed into the next room, trying not to look guilty.

~*~

“Harry, are you alright?” Minerva asked, sensing Harry was a bit out of it.

“Wha-oh yes…I'm just fine, Headmistress. Here's that file you asked for,” Harry offered her a weak smile.

“Ah, thank you,” She handed it to Madam Pomfrey and Harry wondered. Had McGonagall seen the file before? Probably, considering Hermione was now a part-time student. Why wasn't she doing anything about it? Did his mum know? He would ask her.

“Miss Granger how are you feeling this morning?” the Headmistress asked.

“Good, thank you, Professor. I'm feeling much better this morning,” Hermione smiled up at her.

“Good,” Poppy said. “You will be sore for the next few days but I expect you will feel 100% better very soon.”

“Thank you. Am I allowed to go now?” Hermione asked anxiously.

“Yes,” Poppy sighed.

Hermione exhaled a deep breath and smiled. Harry held her arm as he helped her up from the bed carefully. “Are you sure you'll be okay?” He asked, reassuring himself.

“Yes, I will be fine. I'll go to class today…”

“Yeah right, you'll go home and rest,” Harry commanded her, forgetting about the truth he had just uncovered not too long ago for a moment.

“Harry…” Hermione whined.

“I'm afraid Mr. Potter's correct, Miss Granger…I don't want to see you back at this school until Thursday morning,” McGonagall ordered with a grim smile. “I want you completely recovered before you come back, understood?”

“Understood,” Hermione sighed, still holding onto Harry as her sprained ankle crippled her.

“Hermione!” A bubbly young girl came racing through the door and jumped into Hermione's arms.

“Emma…” Hermione spoke grimly as she almost fell down, Harry catching them both before it was too late.

“Oof, sorry, Hermione…” Emma said, shocked, backing away from her sister as he put his arm around Hermione's waist again to keep her steady.

“It's alright, Emma, just be careful,” Hermione winced.

“Hermione,” Elizabeth came through the door behind Emma.

“Oh, hello,” Hermione forced a smile to her mother.

“Hello,” Elizabeth smiled. “You look much better—”

Harry blocked out the rest of the conversation as his thoughts wandered. There was Hermione's `mother'. But according to the file, Elizabeth Granger wasn't her mother at all! Who was she then? Why was she posing as Hermione's mother? Was she Hermione's step mum? `Robert Granger' the man who had abused his best friend…wasn't her father? Who was he? And Emma…was Emma really Hermione's sister? Or was she Elizabeth's daughter only? What had happened to this `Alexandra' woman? Or…Adrian? Why weren't they with Hermione anymore?

“Harry?” Elizabeth called. “Harry?”

“Hm?” Harry was brought back to reality.

“Thank you…for taking care of my daughter,” Elizabeth smiled.

Harry wanted to shake his head and glare at the woman but instead just stared at her with a questioning look in his eyes. “Of course.”

Elizabeth saw the look in his eyes; almost as if he were questioning her without having to say a word. Did he know something? How could he? What did Harry know?

Hermione looked up at Harry with a questioning gaze, sensing something was wrong by the sound of his voice, but said nothing when Harry slightly shook his head at her.

“Well, I have a class right away…but Remus said he doesn't have a class for a bit and he volunteered to take you and Emma home. I want you to relax and take it easy, alright Hermione?” Her `mother' asked.

“Yes, mother,” Hermione said, rolling her eyes at yet another order.

“You'll just need to go down to Remus' room right away.”

“I'll take them,” Harry offered.

“Would you, Harry? Oh, that would be wonderful, class will be starting soon. Is that good with you Minerva?”

“Yes, I suppose that will be just fine. Please return to class though as soon as you have though, Harry, you missed enough lately,” She reminded him.

“Yes, Headmistress,” Harry promised.

“Very well then, now that all this is worked out, I must return to my office. I'm glad you are okay Hermione, Good day,” Minerva left with a smile, followed by Elizabeth who gave one last wave.

“I can't believe you got attacked Hermione! How did it happen? Who did it? Mum said a woman saved you…”

“Who?” Harry asked Hermione while she used him as a crutch to walk out of the room.

“I dunno, actually, I don't remember. I think she said her name was…Tonks?” Hermione said. “She told me when she brought me back here but I was only half awake.”

“Tonks?” Harry asked, smiling.

“You know her?”

“Yeah, very well actually. Good friend of ours…Remus and I's. And…Sirius…”

Hermione decided not to press him on Sirius at the moment, considering they were walking down the hallway with her little sister. “You know everyone in some way…”

“Something like that…” Harry sighed.

“I think…I can…walk,” Hermione moved on her own two feet.

“Are you sure?” Harry asked.

“You still haven't answered any of my questions,” Emma complained.

“Emma, can we just talk about it later, when we get home?” Hermione asked.

“I guess,” Emma said. “How are you Harry?”

“Good,” Harry answered, amused.

“Good, Hermione has probably seen you a lot lately. She's been at Hogwarts all the time. Are you two friends?”

“Yes,” Hermione answered, annoyed.

“Good friends?”

“Yes,” Hermione answered, still annoyed.

“Best friends?”

“Yes,” Harry answered for her, smiling at Hermione.

“Oh,” Emma seemed satisfied now. “Harry?”

“Yes Emma?”

“Are you my friend?” She asked curiously.

Hermione looked at Harry, rolling her eyes at her sister's questions. “Yes, Emma, I'm you're friend.”

“Good,” Emma said, pleased.

“She's cute,” Harry whispered in Hermione's ear.

“She's annoying,” Hermione whispered in his ear. “Not cute.”

“Yes she is,” Harry whispered back. “And she reminds me of you,” He whispered, his lips on her ear.

“Ha ha,” Hermione said aloud.

“Are you talking about me?” Emma questioned.

“Maybe,” Harry raised his eyebrow.

Hermione laughed a little to herself and wondered what he meant by that. Harry thought she was cute? And that Emma reminded him of her?

She let the thoughts drift from her head and noticed they were almost to Lupin's room and as the two were about to follow Emma inside, she stopped Harry. “Harry?”

“Yes?”

“Is…something the matter?” She asked, now standing face to face with him.

Harry knew she would be able to sense the fact that something was wrong with him. She knew him too well already. “Nothing's wrong…”

“Promise?” Hermione eyed him.

Harry didn't want to lie to her but this was a necessary lie. “Promise,” he forced a smile. “I'm just glad you are okay.”

“Okay…” Hermione shrugged, walking in as he held the door open for her.

“Hermione!” Remus exclaimed, Emma in his arms. “It's so good to see you up and walking.”

“I dunno how good the walking thing is going right now,” She remarked as Harry caught her before she fell again.

“Well, you'll recover soon,” Lupin smiled at Harry. “I'm just glad you see you're okay.”

“We all are,” Harry looked down at her.

“We'll be leaving from my floo connection,” Lupin said. “Are you ready?”

“Yes,” Emma answered for the two of them.

“I'll go after you both go through the floo…who wants to go first?” Remus asked.

“I do!” Emma exaggeratingly raised her hand.

“Okay, then, Em, into the fireplace you go,” the werewolf guided her.

Emma stepped in and nervously took the powder. Lupin ordered, “Say it strongly.”

“17 Andromeda Lane,” Emma threw down the powder and disappeared.

“She did it right, I believe,” Remus sighed. “Hermione, it's your turn now. Are you ready?”

“Just one second,” Hermione turned to Harry, who took her by the arms.

“You'll take care of yourself, right?” He asked, as Lupin watched in the background with a strange look in his eyes.

“Yes,” Hermione rolled her eyes.

“You won't go running around?”

“No,” Hermione sighed. “I'll be fine.”

“Just making sure, I won't see you for a couple of days,” Harry looked her over again. “Remember to take the potions Poppy gave you, okay? And if you need me…I'll be there in a second.”

“I know, I know, you don't have to lecture me,” Hermione waved her hand dismissively.

“Ha,” Harry said sarcastically, pulling her to him and hugging her. “I just want to be sure you're okay.”

“I know, but you're a bit over-protective, Potter, I'll be at home, with Emma, I swear,” Hermione told him.

“Good girl,” Harry winked, letting go of her. “I'll see you in a few days.”

“Goodbye,” Hermione waved, walking into the fire. “17 Andromeda Lane.”

Harry watched as she disappeared, away from the castle, away from him and hoped that she would be safe.

“Well,” Lupin made himself noticed again. “I guess I must go to be sure they are okay.”

“Right,” Harry said, distracted by his thoughts

“Is there something you need to talk about, Harry?” The professor asked curiously.

“No.”

“Are you positive?”

“Yes!” Harry exclaimed, and sighed. “I'm-just, thinking about something…it's nothing, really.”

“Alright, well, Harry, if you need to talk…I'll be here. Even if it's about `nothing'…”

“I know,” he said, before watching Remus disappear through the flames.

~*~

“I'm leaving, are you sure you are going to be okay?” Remus asked one last time before heading to the fireplace. He had dropped the two off and made sure Hermione had more than enough to keep her busy for a few days. Now he must head back to the castle for the morning class, and leave the two girls alone to fend for themselves.

“Positive, Remus, Emma and I will be perfectly fine. Keeping busy…not leaving the house…” Hermione sighed.

“Hermione, it's only in your best interest,” Remus eyed her.

“I know, I'm just not one for staying in one place. I have lots of reading material though. Really, Remus, I will be just fine.”

“Alright,” Lupin thought of something else then. “Hermione, did Harry happen to mention that anything was wrong?”

“No,” Hermione narrowed her eyes. “But he did seem distant. Why? Is something wrong?”

“Oh, you shouldn't worry your mind over it, love, that's just Harry for you. You never know what's going on with him, he's pretty secretive. I'm sure he's just fine-worried over you perhaps.” He tried to tell her.

“Perhaps,” she seemed unconvinced.

“You seem to have caused quite a spark in that young man, I must say.”

“What do you mean?”

“He seems to have quite a taking toward you. I don't know how you did it, Hermione, but whatever you did-,” Remus shook his head. “He cares about you, a lot. And I warn you-when Harry cares about someone—he's going to try to protect you. Even if it means someday pushing you away,” Remus told her suddenly.

Hermione thought about this for a moment as her eyes scanned the room around her. “I won't let him get rid of me…”

Lupin let out a chuckle. “I'll see you tonite, Hermione, I'm checking in on you for dinner.”

“Not mum?”

Remus looked down. “No, not your mother.”

“Oh,” Hermione nodded, forcing a smile. “Well, goodbye, for now.”

“Goodbye,” Remus said, feeling bad for Hermione. A mother who barely cared for her, how sad. Elizabeth was his friend, but there were some major problems in her priorities.

Perhaps Alexandra should have kept her daughter.

~*~

It was driving Harry crazy. It was later that night and he had to see the file again. He had to know more. He had to know who Hermione really was. Maybe Hermione even knew about this. She could be holding back…I mean, how well did he really know her?!

`No,' he shook his head, angry at himself for his own doubt in her. How could he think that way of Hermione? She didn't know. But Harry was her friend and she deserved to know the truth. Even if it hurt her.

Then another thought occurred to him. His mother. Could she know? She was good friends with Elizabeth. And how many times had she slipped up… almost telling him about some kind of hidden secret. She knew, Harry knew she did. He stormed off toward her classroom.

Harry didn't care that class had just started. He was angry now. And for some reason, he couldn't contain it.

“You know!” Harry came in to her room, stopping before her desk. The whole classroom, filled with sixth-year Gryffindors and Slytherins stopped their work and stared.

“Harry?” Lily asked, alarmed.

“You knew the truth about her! About her mother! You knew all along.”

“Harry, come,” Lily dragged him into her office, leaving the classroom of students to wonder what the hell was going on.

“What are you talking about?” Lily asked, digging to see how much he knew before she blew it all.

“Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about! Hermione is NOT Elizabeth's daughter! Some Alexandra persons…she was abused by a man who's not her father...! Tell me everything, mum, please!” He yelled, breathing heavily. He slowed his breath steadily. “Please, mum, tell me what's going on.”

“Okay, okay, Shh,” She brought her son to her and rubbed his hair. “Sit down.”

Harry uneasily took his seat as she sat on her desk in front of her. “I'm sorry for bursting in here.”

“It's okay, Harry, I'll tell you.” Lily smiled. “First of all, yes, you are right. Elizabeth is not Hermione's mother.” Harry shook his head. “But she is Hermione's aunt.” Her son looked at her in confusion. “Elizabeth's sister, Alexandra…she was only very, very young when she had Hermione. And when Hermione, was only very young…her mother decided that she could not properly take care of her. Elizabeth offered to take care of Hermione with her husband, Robert.”

“And they took great care of her,” Harry remarked, sarcastically.

“Yes, in the end, the care wasn't as good as it should have been, but Lizzie had good intentions. Hermione's birth father was not taking proper responsibility anyways and so Liz was only doing it for Hermione's best. That's when she decided to protect her sister, by putting her name down as her mother and changed her name to Hermione Jane Granger. Hermione moved to London when she was around one, and started that life. The little words she knew were French, from living in Paris, and Elizabeth decided to bring her up as a strictly English girl, but made it a point for her to study French.”

“Why was Alexandra living in Paris?”

“She was going to school there,” Lily answered. “Both sisters are very English… Hermione's father was blue blooded French,” Mrs. Potter sighed. “This is a lot to take in Harry; I know…you must be very upset…”

“Hermione doesn't know, right? She was just in the dark about this as I was?”

Lily nodded. “Of course. Elizabeth wanted to protect her.”

“She hurt her.”

“Well, yes, Elizabeth is not a good mother to either of those girls.”

“Emma? Is she Elizabeth's daughter?” Harry asked curiously.

“Oh, yes, Elizabeth is truly Emma's mother and Hermione's cousin. That is for certain.”

“Wow,” Harry let his back hit the back of the chair. “This is too much. I have to see her…”

“Who?”

“Hermione,” Harry answered.

“No, Harry! You mustn't tell her!” His mother stood in front of the door to block it.

“I'm not going to keep secrets from her!” Harry protested.

“Harry, think of it this way. You don't want Hermione hurt. Neither do I; telling her this, will hurt her, darling. Things are bad enough.”

“So what, is Elizabeth going to pretend she is Hermione's mum forever? Not tell her the truth?? I won't allow it!!” her son exclaimed.

“Harry…I'll talk to Elizabeth. I'll figure this out. But for now, love, I'm begging you to keep quiet. Understood?”

“Understood,” Harry finally said quietly.

When he left the room, he didn't go to dinner. He went to Lupin's office.

~*~

A/N: Can I just apologise for this chapter. I wrote it a while ago and don't know what I was thinking. I wrote this really confusing chapter and I'm sorry if I made any of you be like, “You just ruined like a good story”. Totally didn't mean for it.

But this chapter was TERRIBLE! Do urself a favor and get out now. Sorry for disappointing.

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