A/N – I know I've changed a few things but I re-read the first couple chapters and they bored me lol. Hopefully this is ok, I know where I am heading with this story now. =]

Disclaimer: sadly J.K Rowling owns it all...i'm just borrowing her characters =P

Chapter One

Hermione awoke to sun streaming through her curtains and stretched lazily. She smiled as she remembered what day it was, 21st July, her birthday. More importantly however, it was the day she was of age to use magic outside school. Smiling happily she sat up and went to the bathroom to take her morning shower. She mulled over her thoughts as she let the hot water run over her.

So much had happened in the last 2 years at school; Dumbledore's army, Umbridge, and Sirius' death. But worst of all, the appearance of death eaters at Hogwarts resulting in Dumbledore's death. She still couldn't believe that the headmaster had gone. Dumbledore had always been an inspiration to her and Hermione had been shocked when Harry had told her of Snape's betrayal. Dumbledore had trusted Snape unconditionally. It had only been a month and she was still deeply upset, but tried to put on a brave face to appease her parents.

This year at school was going to be difficult. Harry, Ron and Hermione had argued and finally (although grudgingly) let Professor McGonagall in on the secret of the horcruxes. They did need help and Dumbledore had always trusted the woman. Harry had been furious when the Professor had told them that under no circumstances would she allow the three of them to disappear and search alone. But after a bit of reasoning from Hermione he had finally agreed. She personally thought that the threat McGonagall made about locking them in the dungeons with the Slytherins if they did not return also helped. Now that was a thought to make them shudder!

Finishing her shower, she dried her hair with her wand and made her way downstairs to greet her parents. They were sitting at the kitchen table whispering eagerly as their daughter approached.

"She should have been told before now, how are we going to break it to her?" Her mum said, but got no reply from her husband as he was staring wide eyed at the doorway where Hermione was standing.

"Tell who what?" Hermione asked confused. Her parents were talking as if they were hiding something, which wasn't like them at all.

"Err…" her dad mumbled before looking to his wife for her to explain.

"You see…well…um…read this." She said as she held out a letter for Hermione.

Dearest daughter,

I assume if you are reading this letter then Mr and Mrs Granger have already told you that you were adopted at birth for your own protection. As you are now of age, we feel it is more suitable for you to finally return as you are more able to defend yourself. We will explain everything when we see you again but please know we only did this for your own good. We know times have been hard and are so sorry for all you have been through. We are all just glad you are safe. Please do us the pleasure of meeting us at Hallow Manor at 2pm. We have arranged with the ministry to set up a floo connection for this time. We would love it if you could stay with us until Hogwarts starts again on the 1st September. Congratulations on your birthday daughter.

Eagerly awaiting your return,

Liliana, James and Thomas Hallow

Hermione didn't know what to say when she had finished the letter.

"I…I'm adopted?" She spluttered shocked. Her parents just nodded, not knowing what to say.

Hermione was flabbergasted. "Why didn't you tell me?" She asked hurt.

"We were told not to Mione, your parents told us it would be much safer for you to be kept in the dark." Her father replied.

"Honey, you know that we will love you no matter what, you've been our daughter for 17 years, nothing is going to change that." Her mum said.

At this Hermione nodded before replying, "I know, it's just unexpected."

Her mum got up and wrapped her in a tight hug. "Come on, let's go and open your presents." She said as she led Hermione into the living room, where her presents were waiting on the couch.

They all sat down as usual as Hermione started opening all her gifts and cards. She picked up a lumpy package that looked as if a whole roll of selotape was holding it together. This has to be from Ron she thought as she unwrapped it, and grinned as she brought out a diary. She had been eyeing it for the last few Hogsmeade trips and still had not bought it. It was black with red flowers on the front, there was a little square in the corner, which acted as a finger print reader and only allowed the owner of the diary to open it. She turned to her next gift, which was slightly better wrapped. She opened it eagerly and pulled out yet another book with the words, Magical Hair Taming Tricks. She laughed as she put Ginny's gift aside and opened another. From Harry she got a bag, which was a bit like a Mary Poppins bag. Meaning you could put numerous things inside it and not feel the weight of it Her parents had bought her a heart shaped necklace, as well as clothes and CD's. She smiled and said, "Thanks mum, dad, I love them." The Grangers hugged their daughter tightly, not wanting to let go.

"I'd best go and get ready," Hermione told them, "It's nearly 1.00pm now."

Her parents nodded and smiled as she made her way up stairs.

Hermione didn't have a clue what to wear as she searched through her cupboards. Pulling on some jeans and a jumper, she tied her hair up and set to work packing her trunk. It didn't take too long to place all her books in the bottom and put some clothes in, especially with the use of magic.

She picked up Crookshanks who was curled up on her pillow and with a flick levitated her trunk.

Her dad smiled when she reached the bottom of the stairs. He was glad his daughter was now able to use magic and could lift the awfully heavy trunk. Every year they had struggled getting the thing downstairs. Probably because of all the books she had packed inside.

She gave her parents one last hug and told them she would write before picking up her emergency floo powder.

"Hallow Manor," she said as she was whisked away in the green flames.