~ Hermione ~

Hermione flinched when she heard the front door slam, signifying the Professors departure and hinting at her mothers ire, but quickly righted herself at seeing her father turn towards where she was standing in the corner of the room. The idiom 'out of sight, out of mind' is ridiculously flawed in this house. He didn't say anything, just stared at her menacingly until her mother walked back in, then she started. "What the fuck?! We knew you were completely odd, how could we not, you've inhabited our house for eleven years! With items flying through the air and the music at odd times. But magic? Being a witch?" She scoffed and shook her head while her husband continued, "This just confirms everything we always knew, that you're abnormal, a disgrace to our family. We really should have just gotten rid of you when we had the chance." Anna turned to him, ecstatic, "George, we have another chance. With this school she will be gone at least nine months of the year, let them deal with her. Then we can do what ever we want, or rather what we've been doing, without having to worry about people finding out!"

Hermione just stood in the corner, desperately trying not to draw attention to herself, even if she was the topic of conversation like usual, and desperately hoping that they didn't see the flicker of happiness in her eyes at the prospect of attending Hogwarts. If they did, they would be sure not to send her, no matter if they wanted her gone. That's the tricky thing about my parents, Hermione mused, they desperately want me out of their lives, by any means possible, but never if it could cause me any ounce of happiness.

"But Annie Honey, I'll lose my stress reliever!" Anna turned to Hermione smirking, "Well then your just going to have to make up for lost time before she goes wont you? As well as make sure that she does not breath a word about this to any other freaks that she'll meet there, even if none of them want to associate with her because, lets be honest, she's not much to look at and ever so dull. I bet she'll be the freakiest freak there." Nice English Mother. With that said she stalked off out the door, George not far behind her, stating as he went, "I'm sure you have chores to do today, do you not?" "I do, Father, I'll do them right away." he nodded "Well at least you're good for something." and with that they were gone out the door. Leaving Hermione in the sitting room, contemplating what her new life will be like, if any different at all.

M&H.M&H .M&H

The remainder of the day passed quietly for Hermione as she worked her way through the house, tidying and cleaning. Her mind however, wasn't so quiet. Are they actually going to send me to this Hogwarts place? If they want me out of the way as much as I want out then quite probably. Even if they will be loosing their cleaner. And chef. And Gardener. And, oh shut it. I thought that would be enough in itself to keep me here. But what am I going to do at a magical school? Learn, duh Hermione. Ugh. No. This will be a good thing. I'll make sure it is, I just have to keep my head down, study really hard and do really well in exams and then they'll have no reason to send me home, surely, considering a school is all about learning. Well I'm sure they could find a reason if they wanted to, Mother and Father always find reasons.

Hermione's head snapped up as she heard the key jiggle in the lock and noticed the setting sun. Oh no! Oh no! I haven't finished dinner! Oh God what am I going to do! "Hermione! Get your lazy ass in this kitchen right now!" "Coming Mother!" she called, running from the study where she was dusting. Just as she made it through the kitchen door she was yanked back by her wrist, slamming into a solid mass she instantly recognized as her Father. He flipped her around until her back was to his front and he was holding both of her upper arms to hold her still. "Why is dinner not on the table Hermione? We work hard all day to put food on that table and all we ask is that it is prepared when we get home. Quite simple don't you think?" Anna sneered, leaning in close to Hermione's face. Don't show fear, don't show fear. "Yes Mother." "THEN WHY ISNT IT DONE?!" "I was cleaning Mother, I apologise, I'll finish dinner right away." "Oh no you don't, you're not getting out of this that easy. Just because you're 'special' and attending that ridiculous school does not allow you to disobey your parents. I think you need to be reminded of what happens when you forget your manners. Don't you dear?" John smirked and gripped Hermione tighter, "I think you're right my love, that's exactly what she needs." With that he turned and started to drag the tiny girl to the basement. "Oh and John?" "Yes Annie?" He replied, turning slightly. "Make sure you won't be caught by prying eyes, I think she needs a reminder in being discrete while in the presence of company as well, don't you?" "I'll make sure she remembers." and down the basement stairs they went.

M&H.M&H.M&H

~Minerva~

"Your move Minnie my dear." "Huh? Oh, I apologise Albus." She replied, ordering her knight to take his bishop. "Minerva, you have been distracted ever since you returned to the castle this morning. Whatever has gotten you so befuzzeled?" Albus inquired while his castle claimed her knight. "Befuzzeled is not a word Albus, you know this. And I am not distracted, I've just met a lot of people today, some of which were quite ignorant." The stern witch scoffed. "Min, I have known you since you were eleven years old, so thirty years at last count, I know when something is on your mind." She sighed, "Fine." Albus' eyes twinkled merrily when he was found right. "Oh stop your twinkling Albus, and stop reminding me of my age, I just met a little muggleborn girl today and she just doesn't quite sit right in my mind." "Hey! You don't get to complain about how old you are until you're my age. In what way is she different?" "I'm not sure, all the other children and their families were fine, and I didn't think much of hers until later apart from the occasional oddity during the visit, but I don't know, Hermione is just… different, I suppose." She replied, gazing at the dancing fire wistfully. "I'm sure she's jus like every other child Min, don't delve too far into it, you don't know what you'll find. Check mate." "What?!" she screeched, turning back to the game. "Check mate." He repeated "Actually, she must be pretty significant if she's caused you to loose your first chess game in near three years. Anyway, I must be off. Don't forget about the infirmary inventory check on Thursday morning." "Oh ah Albus?" "Miiinnn? Why are you looking apologetic?" "Possibly because I won't be able to attend?" "And why is that?" "I may be taking Miss Granger to Diagon Alley." "Minerva that has not been your job for near ten years!" "I know Albus I know, I just, don't know." Dumbledore gave her a funny look. "Oh shh, I just want to talk to her, it's one child Albus, and I have this feeling that she's going to need more help than the rest." "Alright Minnie, I've never had reason to doubt you with a student before, but be careful! I'll see you when you return." "Goodnight Albus!" She replied as he walked through the floo. Oh for once I hope I am wrong about that girl and I'm just becoming a no good meddling fool like that old codger. Ugh I retract that, however I still hope my ridiculous feelings turn out to be quite that, ridiculous. She sighed before rising and heading to bed.