DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything.

A/N AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER

Chapter One - Danger

"I'm sorry Hermione, but it's just too dangerous."

In all fairness to Lupin, he really did look sorry. But Hermione did not care. She was outraged. A look of pure shock, mingled with white hot rage, adorned her usually pretty face. She sat rigid in the wooden seat at the table in Number 12 Grimmauld Place.

"B-but…" No, still couldn't manage speech. How dare they. How dare they! She had been through just as much as Harry or Ron. But no, poor little Hermione was apparently unable to manage herself on such a difficult task. Pfft, like Ron was going to do any better. He'd probably trip over his own feet and fall in the way of the killing curse. Anger surged through her like molten rock.

"Hermione, it's not that, your not… capable. Its just… so, dangerous…" Mr. Weasly faltered, realized that what had sounded good in his head had not sounded so great when said out loud. He gave up trying to convince the girl. Best leave it up to Lupin. He had a way of dealing with things like this. He took a seat next to Harry.

They were currently in the kitchen of The Order of The Phoenix Headquarters. Harry, Ron and Hermione had all arrived there a week ago after getting off the train from Hogwarts. The next stop was The Burrow for Bill and Fleur's wedding before going on to find the last of the Horcruxes and finally Voldermort. Now with Harry, Ron, Mr. Wesley and Tonks, Lupin was trying to tell Hermione that she would in fact, not be joining Harry and Ron. He was having very little success.

"You just have to understand Hermione, three people is just too dangerous. Harry will have us there the whole way" Lupin realized the moment the words had left his mouth he'd made a mistake.

"So what. I'm a burden am I? Huh? Is that it? Incapable of looking after myself. Poor little Hermione could never survive out there in the real world. That's just fine. Send me back to Hogwarts. Apparently it's the only place I can actually do anything." Speech had returned and Hermione decided the best way of releasing her anger was by screaming at the occupants of the room. It seemed to work. The others looked terrified, trying to back away without looking conspicuous.

"We're sorry Hermione" Tonks turn to try and reason with the lioness. "But you won't be returning to Hogwarts" she added quickly, taking note of the deathly evil glare she was now getting. This managed to have the intended effect. Hermione looked up, curious, despite of herself.

"What do you mean not going back to Hogwarts?"

The room took a collect breath of relief. They were safe from flying chairs at the moment. Perhaps they could get out of the room before Tonks dropped the bombshell. No way was Hermione going to like it.

"Well, now don't go flying off the handle again, but you're going into hiding. It's much too dangerous for you to be going back to Hogwarts" Tonks looked relived that Hermione hadn't moved or said anything yet. A good sign surely. Now for the next bit.

"Where will I be going into hiding? Am I going to be alone?" Hermione asked slowly. Harry noticed the arm resting on the back of the chair she was sitting on side ways, was shaking. He felt a jolt of guilt run through him.

Tonks continued on, cautiously now. "Umm well, no you won't be alone. But I can't tell you either destination or the name of your new friend just yet. You'll find out soon enough, because, umm…."

"Tonks" Hermione said cautiously.

"You'll be leaving tonight" Lupin said, stepping into the conversation. "You'll need to go upstairs right now and make sure you have everything. You're going to be collected soon."

Hermione looked around the room, a murderous glare in her eyes. They all averted they're eyes, finding great interest in the blank walls.

"Fine. Just fine" she growled, and stalked out of the kitchen.

The moment she was gone the room let out a sigh. Each new what the other was thinking. They all felt guilty about what they were going to have to do but it was for the best. Hermione was going to be just fine where she was going. Or so Harry hoped.

"Where is Hermione going?" Harry asked curiously. "And who is she going with?"

Tonks grinned evilly, but she won't say anything. "You know I can't tell you that Harry. But believe me, if you thought Hermione was angry just now, wait till she sees who she's staying with"

Why Tonks was getting so much pleasure out of this was beyond anyone, but they supposed they'd just have to wait.

They heard Hermione stomping downstairs 10mins later, grumbling about this and that, obviously upset about the arrangement. Two minutes later she was back into the kitchen, glaring again, dropped back into the wooden chair. Silence filled the room before it was punctured by the sound of the door bell, and the screams of Mrs. Black.

"That would be them now. Come on Hermione, quickly now" said Tonks trying to get Hermione to move faster.

"Bye Hermione" Said Harry quietly.

"Yeh by moine" seconded Ron, but Hermione just threw them a dirty look and stalked out of the kitchen and down the long darkened hallway. She felt like she was walking to her doom. And maybe she was. For all she new, Draco Malfoy could be standing on the other side of that door.

Tonks opened the door and there stood Professor McGonagall in the dark doorway, framed by the street lights. With him stood a boy around her age. She dropped her trunk with a 'thud' when she saw who it was.

"Zabini?" She cried out in outrage.

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A/N: New story. The other ones not doing so well. Hope you like this one. Hope you like the cliffy!