Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter, we do not claim ownership.


Preparing to Depart


In a far corner of the Department of Magical Creatures a figure sat hunched over a desk. Books lay scattered across the desk, crumpled up parchment littered the floor, where ideas had reared their heads then been denied further thought. It was another typical day for Hermione Granger, wasted time spent at a desk instead of out in the field doing research for her book. Heaving a sigh she threw yet another parchment across her desk in disgust. She had put in her request for leave to do the research; she desperately needed for her book weeks ago.

She was about to give up for the day and see if there was anything else her boss would like her to do when a white envelope flew in her office and landed on her desk. Her heart jumped slightly as she instantly hoped that it would be her request going through. She picked it up, her hands shaking as she tore open the seal. A small squeal of excitement escaped, as she read the words contained in the letter. Her request had been approved, she couldn't believe it. After spending so much time finding what little information she had and doing interviews of those infected, so was more than ready to get out in the field.

"Finally," She said as she reread the letter taking in every detail.

Dear Miss Granger,
Thank you for your patience regarding your travels. I am well aware of how important your research is to you as it is to others as well and this was rushed as much as I could rush it without my authorities being questioned.
I have scheduled a portkey to depart from my office tonight at 8pm. I believe you have enough time to get your things together. Knowing you, everything is already packed.
We shall discuss further matters when you come to take your portkey.

Well Wishes
Kingsley Shacklebolt
Minister of Magic

'Wait 8 o'clock, what time is it now.' She thought to herself as she looked at her wrist watch. She only had four hours to prepare, and for once her longtime friend Kingsley was wrong, she hadn't packed nearly as much as she needed to for her trip. She jumped to her feet and began to gather the research material that was actually useful.

She looked around once more making sure she had gathered everything, before apparating to her flat in Muggle, London. Ginny had argued up and down with her when she had discovered that she was buying this place but Hermione felt more comfortable living near Muggles. It made her feel closer to her parents.

Her kitten, Kori ran up to her and rubbed against her legs as soon as she appeared in her flat. Which reminded her, that she would have to see if Harry would take care of her, at least until she got back. She bent down and ran her hand through the ginger kittens' fur, as she pondered which would be the best way to contact Harry.

As she ran through the options in her mind, Kori began to play with a shining gold coin that drew her eye. She leaned down; upon farther inspection she discovered that the coin was the same one that was used to contact the members of DA during their 5th year and The Battle of Hogwarts. She knew for a fact that Harry still carried his, just in case, so she used the spell to place a message on it solely for him before going to her room to pack.

Less than 15 minutes had passed when she looked up to see Harry standing in her bedroom doorway. He was still wearing his work suit so she was guessing that she had pulled him from his work.

"So your request finally went through?" He asked as he watched his friend scramble across the room to place more books in to her trunk with amusement.

"Yes, can you believe it? I was beginning to think it was going to get denied." She replied as she grabbed another stack of books.

"Are you sure this is such a good idea, you going alone and all."

Hermione rolled her eyes. She was seriously beginning to get annoyed with his constant nagging. He sounded like he was trying to give Mrs. Weasley a run for her money. "Harry, please. I'm an adult. I can take care of myself." She said in annoyance.

"Hermione, you don't know what kind of dark Wizards are out there. Anything can happen, and then I wouldn't know what to do with myself. You are my best friend. If anything happened to you, it would be my fault."

She placed her books down on the bed and walked over to him. "Listen to me Harry; I understand that you have your worries. And you have every right to be worried but I have to do this. Think about Teddy. Even if he never changes this still affects him. His father was the reason I ever got interested in lycanthropy. I need to do this, please understand."

He sighed. "I guess I see your point, I just wish you didn't have to go alone."

"I know, but I will be fine no need to be worried, besides I will owl you every day I promise." Smiling at him she gave him a tight hug.

"So will you be able to take care of Kori for me while I'm away?" She asked as she went back to packing.

"Sure, I will drop her off at home with Luna now. I don't mean to rush away but I need to get back to work."

"Let me get her things together really fast." She replies as she quickly gathered Kori's bowls, food, and a few toys. Handing them off to Harry before giving him the cat, she hugged him once more. "Give Luna my love. And thank you for this Harry." She said gratefully.

Harry grinned and nodded his head before retreating back into the fire, floo-ing to Grimmauld place where he and Luna were living together.

Once he was gone, she looked around her room. All her books that she needed as well as some books that she wanted to bring just in case she had some free time were packed. Now she just needed to pack her clothes and she was set. She looked at her watch, which displayed "6 o'clock." She still had plenty of time.


At quarter till 8 she grabbed her wand from her stand and shrunk her trunk then made one last sweep around her flat before she apparated outside of Kingsley's office. Spotting Ginny, she made a slight detour.

Ginny was reading over a file when Hermione approached her.

"I just wanted to tell you goodbye before I left." She said as she smiled down at her friend.

Ginny looked up from the file. "Goodbye?" Her expression was confused for a moment before she remembered. "Oh yeah, you are leaving for Scotland. I hope you find what you are looking for." The younger girl said as she stood up.

Hermione opened her arms and gave Ginny a tight hug. "Thank you. I do as well. I will keep in contact."

As if sensing that she was here, the door to Kingsley's office came open and he appeared. "Evening Miss Granger. Are you ready?"

Hermione pulled back from the hug and looked at the Minister and smiled. "More than you know."

Smiling at the young witch he gestured for her to follow him, "Well then let's get you prepared to go."

As they walked into his office, Kingsley filled her in on the information that she would have to send back to him as it was a requirement when traveling. It was more a safety protocol than anything else because of the number of Witches and Wizards that have come up missing or dead while on business.

The portkey sat on his desk, she was able to spot it as followed him into his office, it was an old boot on top of his otherwise neat desk. For the second time today her heart jumped into her throat. This was really happening. She was finally going to get more accomplished on her book. She gave Kingsley a hug. "Thank you."

Kingsley hugged her back before pointing at the boot that had begun to glow. "You best grab onto it now. Be careful and keep in touch."

Hermione turned her head to look at it. She gave him a smile before placing her hand on the portkey. She had only used a portkey once before, several years ago. As 8pm hit, there was a flash of light and a slight pulling like a hook at her stomach as Hermione felt herself being transported from Kingsley's office to Scotland.


End Chapter

A/N: This is the first story that we both have written in quite a while, so please excuse any mistakes. As always looking forward to your reviews. Expect the next chapter within a week. Thank you for reading. :3

-Immortal and Lulu