Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!!!! NOTHING AT ALL! I don't wish to get sued.

A/N: This takes place in their sixth year… but you'll have to use your imagination a bit as always in fan fiction. I love to hear from you if you liked the story! Please Read and Review, but no flames. I don't feel they are necessary.

Harry, Hermione, and Ron were sitting outside on a cool October morning. They were busy studying for their Defense Against the Dark Arts exam that would be taking place in just two weeks. Hermione had them on a vigorous work schedule, more to keep herself sane. She felt in total control when she was in charge and the two boys left her to it. She has been in a great mood the past couple days and was eager to work with her best friends.

"Concentrate Ronald!" Hermione exclaimed as Ron refused to answer her question.

"I'm done Hermione. I can't possibly think any more."

"Humph." Hermione says, scowling at her redheaded friend, "You need practice Ron."

"Hermione, we've been at this for hours. I'm ready for a break." Ron sighs.

"And you Harry?"

"I've been ready." He says shrugging at Hermione, lying back on the grass.

"Fine, take a break, don't get the knowledge you need for the exam. See if I care if you fail or not."

"Now don't be like that Herm." Ron says, slyly.

"Don't call me that!" She snaps, "You know how I detest that nickname."

"Sorry, Hermy."

"Oy!" She says in disgust, shocking both the boys.

"Oy?! Did Hermione Granger just use the term Oy?" Ron smiles as Harry begins to laugh.

"Hermione, I don't think I have ever heard that come out of your mouth." Harry laughs, "It seems so much funnier coming from you."

Hermione can't help but start laughing, "I don't think it suits me much, do you?"

"No." Both boys exclaim as they continue smiling.

"Ouch!" Ron exclaims as Hermione punches his arm, "What was that for?"

"For Herm and Hermy." She growls.

"Bloody hell woman, you don't even know your own strength, do you?" He says, rubbing his sore arm, "That really hurt."

"Woman?!" Hermione says, "That's almost as bad as the other two things you called me."

"Well you aren't a man are you?" Harry asks, all in good fun, getting slapped by Hermione, causing him to laugh.

"Why didn't he get punched as hard?" Ron asks innocently, beginning to chuckle again.

"Never mind that." Hermione says, groaning, "Can we PLEASE study some more?"

"NO!" Both boys say as they stand up with their books.

"Besides, we have our potions papers to finish." Harry reminds them.

"That can wait! We can finish that in an hour, but studying…" Hermione says bargaining with them.

"No, YOU can finish it in an hour, we however can not. We are normal." Ron teases his friend.

Hermione groans and says, "Fine. Let's go."

"You will be sure to check over our papers right 'Mione?" Harry asks.

She clenches her teeth at the nickname, but it is the one she is beginning to tolerate, "We'll see. One day you guys are going to have to do your own papers. I won't be here to review them."

"Graduating early?" Harry asks light heartedly.

"Well, no, but…"

"I'll help always help you out with Defense, if you help me with my papers." Harry bargains.

Hermione laughs, "Not much of a bargain if you ask me, but I'll check your papers today."

"Great!" Ron smiles.

Hermione really has no trouble looking over their work. She loves correcting things and feels that she may end up teaching once she becomes of age. She also would love to rewrite the history of magic books, or maybe become an Auror. She watches her friends as they work hard on their papers, giving hints as she reads over their shoulders.

"Alright, it's time for lunch." He says as he hears the clock strike noon, "I'm all potioned out right now."

"That's not even a word Ronald." Hermione says to him, shaking her head.

"Doesn't have to be a word." Harry smiles, "He got his point across."

"You both infuriate me sometimes." Hermione says, with a smile.

"But you love us." Harry grins, giving her shoulder a squeeze.

"Sometimes I don't know why I bother." She says as she puts her quill down and stands up, "I'll be right back down. I've got to go and put my things away."

"Us too." Ron says, "We'll meet you back down here."

The three friends head over to the Great Hall for lunch, talking and laughing. During their meal mail comes. Hermione grabs for her letter and smiles, "Who's it from Hermione?" Harry asks.

"My parents." She says smiling, "Who else?"

"Mine's from Lupin!" Harry grins and reads to himself:

Harry:


Figured I'd owl you and see how your year is going so far. Sorry I haven't really kept up in our correspondence, but I'm going to be changing that very soon. Hope all is well with you. Hope you are staying out of trouble! I'll be at yours and Ron's next quidditch match. See you soon!

Remus

"What does he say Harry?" Ron asks, after reading his parents letter.

"The usual. Hi and stay out of trouble, but he also says that he'll be at our next Quidditch match."

"Great!" Hermione smiles, "I'll be glad to see him!"

"What did your parent's say Hermione?" Ron asks.

Hermione smiles and reads the letter:

Dearest Hermione,

Well, it is only a couple weeks till we see you for the winter holiday and we can't wait for it! It's coming up so soon! Dad and I have closed down the office for a few days before and after the holiday so we can give you our undivided attention. We can't wait to hear all about your semester in person.

Your father wants to know how your grades are, but I told him that grades are the least thing to worry about. He knows that too, but just wants to be nosey. He also wants to know how the boys are treating you, but that also is none of his business.

Has your health been good? It's been terribly cold here, but we are both in excellent health. Our… what do you call it… Muggle germs have not gotten us yet.

I'm sure that you are extremely busy with your friends and your studies, but send us a letter back when you get a chance, not that we have to tell you, because you always do.

We miss you and will see you very soon.

All our love,

Mum and Dad

"Aww." Ron says mocking her.

"Oh come off it, what does your mum say?" Hermione asks, smiling at him.

"Just the usual. Trying to be nosey like your parents, but my parents' are horribly obvious! They just come right out and say it, listen here:

Dear Ron,

How are you? We are all good. You better be keeping up your grades. You know that if you start to slip this year it is going to be horribly difficult to pull your grades up! Your OWL grades were excellent and show that you can actually do the work.

How is your sister? Is she staying out of trouble? What about the boy she is with? Is he treating her alright? She doesn't say much to us, so I expect you do tell. Is Ginny studying for her OWLS? She has a lot to hold up to this year! Keep your eye on her.

How are Harry and Hermione? Tell them we said hi and send them our love.

Stay out of trouble! We'll see you soon for the holiday! We can't wait! Please tell Harry that we expect to see him for the holiday as well, and he is NOT to stay up at school this year. Hermione is also welcomed this winter if she so desires. I'm sure she'll be spending it mostly with her family, but the offer is there! Also Tell Ginny to Owl us or else I'll be sending her a screamer.

See you soon!

Love,

Mum and Dad

"Sounds like the note was mostly from your mum." Harry smiles.

"It always is. You heard her though… you are coming to our house for the holiday, alright?"

"Right." Harry smiles.

"Hermione, can you make it for some?"

"I don't' see why not. Mum and Dad won't mind."

"With two fabulous blokes like Harry and myself, who would mind you staying for the holiday?" Ron laughs.

Hermione giggles, "My aren't we full of ourselves today?"

"Nah, just honest." Ron laughs. "What are we doing this afternoon?"

Harry smiles at his two friends, "More potions paper Ron! It has to be done this weekend, because it's due the day after."

"Right." He says with little enthusiasm, "I'd much rather be playing Quidditch."

"As would I." Harry smiles, "Tomorrow we'll go and practice, or if we finish our papers tonight, then we'll go out a bit before it gets too dark."

"It will have to be before dinner then." Hermione says, "Gives you a goal to strive to."

"I'm almost done it." Harry says.

"Same here." Ron agrees, "And we all know our little 'Mione is already finished."

"It can be fixed up." Hermione says, frowning at the name, "It's only two feet high…"

"We only need it to be a foot and a half." Ron says.

"I try to go above and beyond." Hermione says, stating the obvious.

"That's an understatement if I ever heard it." Ginny smiles, sitting next to her friends.

"Hey Gin." Hermione smiles.

"Hey." Ginny grins, "Oh Ron, is that a letter from Mum?"

"Yeah."

"What does she say?" She asks, snatching the letter from Ron. She reads it and frowns, "She is always trying to spy on me! Unbelievable!"

"Come on Ginevra Molly." Ron teases her, "You're her baby! Of course she'll check up on you all the time."

"Call me that again and I'll hex you!" Ginny growls.

"Which, Ginevra Molly or Baby?" He teases.

Ginny raises her wand before Hermione grabs her arm and lowers it, "You don't want to be expelled for hexing your brother do you?"

"I'm starting to think it would be worth it." She growls, frowning at her brother who was smiling smugly, "I'll get you back Ronniekins."

"I'm sure you'll try." He smiles.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione after lunch work extremely hard on their homework and get most of it finished before dinner. Ron and Harry were a bit bummed out because it was too dark for quidditch. They headed down to dinner grumbling about how much work they finished and still couldn't practice.

"You two sound like infants." Hermione laughs as they enter the great hall once again at six o'clock.

The mood quickly changes when Professor McGonagall comes swooping in very quickly with a look of remorse on her face, "Miss Granger."

"Yes Professor?" She says looking frightened at the head of the houses face.

"I need you to come with me, please."

"Why, what did I do?" Hermione asks very nervous, looking back from Harry to Ron and then back to McGonagall.

"Now is not the time for questions." She says.

"Professor what's wrong?" Harry says, starting to stand up before the professor stops him.

"Miss Granger, you are to come with me to Professor Dumbledore's office immediately." She says, watching the girl slowly stand up from the dinner table, shocked beyond believe that she was getting in trouble, "Quickly Hermione." McGonagall says with compassion in her voice.

Ron and Harry look at each other quite shocked that McGonagall actually used her first name. She was a stickler for last names only, but something changed today.

Harry could tell that Hermione was on the verge of tears, wondering what she could have possibly done to be drug out of the Great Hall during dinner, and sent to the Headmasters office. She glances back at her best friends, but follows McGonagall out of the great hall quickly.

"What in the bloody hell was that all about?" Harry asks.

"Haven't the foggiest!" Ron says, just as shocked as Harry.

Ron continued eating, but Harry couldn't. He was tempted to go and grab the invisibility cloak and head over to Dumbledore's office, but decided against it, because he has a way of knowing everything. He couldn't eat anymore, and just stirred the food around his plate, waiting for Ron to finish. He knows that it was something bad, because of McGonagall's face. He also hated seeing Hermione looking like she was going to cry.

Hermione follows Professor McGonagall up to the gargoyle blocking the Headmaster's office, "Acid Pops." McGonagall says clearly as the gargoyle starts to move.

"Professor… what did I…"

"Not yet Hermione." She says with a hitch in her voice, not looking at the frightened 15yr old.

Hermione did all she could to keep tears at bay. She slowly followed the professor upstairs and over to the Headmaster, "Miss Granger, please have a seat."

Hermione pauses for a moment before speaking quickly, "Professor Dumbledore, I am sincerely sorry for what ever I have done. I am not sure what it is exactly, but I know that it has to be something bad for you to be bothered. I am so sorry that you had to be drug into this when it was obviously something that was my fault and I…"

"My dear girl, shh." He says, raising his hand to her, "It is nothing that you have done. You are most certainly not in trouble."

"Then why…"

"Sit down Hermione." Professor McGonagall says, pulling a chair out for her, "Please."

Hermione takes a seat and immediately starts playing with her hands. McGonagall pulls out a seat and sits as close to Hermione as she can, "We have some horrible news." She says.

"What is it?" Hermione says, not wanting them to drag out the inevitable.

"This afternoon your father…" McGonagall starts, her voice hitching in her throat as she looks to the Headmaster. Dumbledore nods to her to finish, "Your father had a heart attack."

"What?" Hermione says not believing her.

"He had a heart attack this afternoon and I'm sorry…"

"You're sorry about what?!" Hermione says a bit louder than she would normally talk to a teacher, her eyes bolting back and forth between the Headmaster and the House Mistress.

"He didn't make it." McGonagall finally spit out, "He died this afternoon."

"No… impossible! I jut got an Owl from them this afternoon and they are all in good health. They are fine! Why are you saying this to me?!"

"I'm afraid it's true Miss Granger." Dumbledore says, looking at the girl, "I am sorry to be the one to bring you the news."

Hermione stands up with such force that the chair she was sitting in topples over, "I don't believe you… I don't believe you! He's fine! He's not dead! I just got a letter from him! I just got a letter from my parents! How dare you! He is NOT DEAD!" She says shouting at them as she starts to flee from the office.

Dumbledore and McGonagall stay seated and watch her closely. She stops at the door, her hand on the knob and a sob escapes her. McGonagall stands up and takes a step towards the heartbroken teen. They watch closely as Hermione comes to realization that her father was no longer alive. Her entire posture started to break, sobs racked her small frame and she sinks to the ground, unable to hold the tears in anymore.

"I don't…" Hermione sobs. She pulls her knees up into her chest, her head placed down on her knees, tears pouring out of her eyes. Professor McGonagall walks over to her and squats down, placing a hand on her back, rubbing it in circles, trying to offer her some comfort. Her other hand was pulling the hair away from her neck, much like a mother soothing a small child. This was not a side of McGonagall that anyone was use to seeing.

Dumbledore speaks again, "You will be going home tonight by floo Hermione. Take as long as you need. Your mother is expecting you home within the hour."

"Why?" She says, looking up at Professor McGonagall, "Why did this happen?"

"I wish I had the answer." McGonagall replies, "But I don't. Muggle medicine is not as advanced as our potions. It is a horrible tragedy Hermione. I feel for you, I really do."

"I'm a muggle…" She says, tears pouring out of her eyes still.

"You're a witch." McGonagall says, "You will get through this."

Hermione starts with a fresh batch of tears that last another fifteen minutes. It takes McGonagall that long to get her up and off the floor so she could go back to the Gryffindor Tower and pack up a bit.

McGonagall accompanies Hermione back to the tower, her hand never leaving the small of Hermione's back. She whispers words of encouragement as they walk down the hall. Her eyes were bright red and her face blotchy. She walked through the hallway like a zombie. McGonagall gives the password to the fat lady and she swings the door open. Harry and Ron were sitting in the common room awaiting Hermione's return.

Harry stands up as he hears McGonagall say, "Alright Miss Granger, go ahead up and get what you will need. Do not worry about your trunk, just enough for you to get through the next few days."

Harry and Ron watch Hermione walk up the steps, and they turn to McGonagall, "Professor, what happened?" Harry asks.

McGonagall shakes her head, "Not right now boys."

"Was she expelled?" Ron asks fearing the worst.

"No."

"Why was she crying?" Harry questions.

"Mr. Potter, enough for right now."

"SHE'S OUR BEST FRIEND!"

"I understand that." Professor says, "However, now is not the time."

She heads upstairs to make sure that Hermione is getting packed up. Harry and Ron stand at the bottom of the steps, awaiting their friend.

"Back up the both of you!" McGonagall barks at them when she and Hermione advance down the stairs, back into the common room. Hermione has a small bag filled to the brim. Her eyes were downcast, as she walks past her friends. Ron and Harry can't believe how out of it she was. They have no clue what could have made her so mental. Hermione stops before she gets to the portal and starts to sob again, "Come along Hermione. " The Professor says to her gently, but instead she drops her bag, turns and runs over to Harry, throwing her arms around his waist, burying her face against his chest. He wraps his arms around her, rubbing her back, feeling his shirt soak with her tears. Ron stands next to his two friends helpless. He too places his hand on her upper back, offering what ever comfort he could.

"What is it Hermione?" Harry says as she sobs into him, clinging to him like a second skin.

"He's gone Harry." She finally is able to get out, "He's gone."

"Who Hermione?" Harry says, scared at the state his friend is in, "Who's gone 'Mione?"

She continues to sob as Harry and Ron try and get her to tell them. They stand with two hands rubbing her back and Harry's free hand stroking her hair soothingly.

Professor McGonagall comes over and gently pulls Hermione away from her friend, "Come along Hermione, we have to go." She begins to unwind Hermione's hands from Harry's middle with great difficulty. Harry helps, feeling guilty that he was trying to pry off his friend when she is obviously in quite a state of panic. He feels Hermione grip his shirt tighter a moment before the Professor manages to unwind her hands, "Come on Hermione." She says again soothingly.

She picks up the girls bag and walks out of the portal with her hand still on the small of her back. Hermione looks back one more time at her friends, tears streaming down her face as she leaves with their professor.

Ron and Harry stand there dumbfounded as McGonagall leaves with their hysterical friend, "We need to find out what happened to Hermione." Ron says. Harry agrees and they head out of the common room and over to McGonagall's office to await her return.

She returned wiping her eyes with a handkerchief, before seeing the boys standing outside her office, "Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, what can I do for you?"

"We want to know what is going on with Hermione, and why did she leave in tears? Where is she going?" Ron says.

McGonagall sighs and opens her door, "Come in and have a seat." The boys do as they are told, "Today Professor Dumbledore and I got some news about Hermione's family. This morning, her father had a serious ailment. He had a heart attack and died. Miss Granger was told this evening after the Headmaster and I found out. She is going home temporarily or permanently. We are not sure which yet. It all depends on how she is feeling. As you could tell she was quite shocked and in a bit of a bad state. If she does come back, she is going to need you two."

"Do you think she will come back?" Harry asks his heart paining for his heartbroken friend.

"I believe she will want to return to normal as soon as possible, but her family need her right now."

"She needs us too." Harry says.

"Poor Hermione." Ron sighs, "I remember what it was like when my father was hurt, but he made it."

"She will be alright." McGonagall says, "It will take a long time, but she will be fine. I will keep you informed, alright?"

"Thank you." Harry says, as he and Ron stand up and walk out of the office. Ginny was in the common room with her boyfriend when she sees Harry and Ron walk through the portal, "How's Hermione? Is she ok?"

"No, she's not." Harry sighs, running his hand nervously through his hair.

"What happened?" She asks, standing up from her spot on the sofa and walks over to her brother and friend.

"Her father died." Ron says, shrugging at his little sister.

"What?!"

"Yeah, it was suddenly." Harry says, "Heart attack."

"Oh my gosh, poor Hermione. Where is she?"

"Home."

"For good?" Ginny questions.

"No, just for now. Hopefully she'll be back." Harry sighs, wanting to cry for his best friend.

"I wish there was something I could do." Ginny sighs.

"Believe me, so do we Gin." Ron says, sitting in the arm chair.

"I'm gonna go send her a letter." Harry says, as he goes and looks for a quill.

"Isn't it too soon?" Ron asks.

"It's never too soon. This is just to let her know that we are thinking about her." Harry responds, before heading up to his dormitory to get a quill and parchment. He comes back down and begins to write.

Dear Hermione,

He stops and thinks for a while, staring at the beginning of the letter, "I don't know what to say." He tells his friends.

"Just write." Ginny says sounding irritated at her friend, "Don't go all nutty on her, because that is NOT what she needs right now. She needs her friends!"

Ron, Ginny, and I wanted to send you an owl to see how you are doing. We are so very sorry to hear about your father. I wish there was something that I could do for you. I know you are probably also sick of everyone saying how sorry they are as well.

Anyway, we really miss you, and hope to see you soon! Hogwarts just isn't the same without you Hermione.

If there is anything we can do, just owl us!

Love,

Ron, Ginny, and Harry

"Love mate?" Ron says, smiling.

"Figured it was a good ending because of what she has gone through." Harry shrugs, "I've gotta go find Hedwig."

"She is probably up in the owlery. That's the last place I saw her." Ginny says.

"Thanks Gin." Harry says as he heads out of the common room up to the Owlery, "Hedwig? Where are you?" He says aloud looking for the snowy owl. He hears her hoot and sees her fly down onto his shoulder, "I need you to take this to Hermione straight away. The quicker the better!" Harry says, as Hedwig flies over to a post and sticks out her leg. Harry ties the letter tightly to her leg, "Remember, Hermione's house in London. Stay with her if she needs you. Got it?"

She hoots her understanding and takes off. Harry watches her fly until she was just a speck in the black sky. The full moon made it easy for him to watch her for a bit.

Harry sighs, and feels another owl on his shoulder, smaller than his own, "Hey Pig." Harry smiles, patting her, "You'll be next, I'm sure." Pig hoots happily and takes off from Harry's shoulder, "I hope she's alright." He says aloud and heads down to the common room.

A/N: So like it? Love it? Comments? Review please! Chapter 2 will be up soon.

Thanks a lot!

Stary