An Unpleasant Surprise
The next morning Hermione woke up with a slight headache, but she hadn't drank enough to really have a bad hangover. She opened her eyes at the sound of the alarm clock and had the urge to just slam her hand down on the sleep button and sleep another hour. She knew that if she did that however, that she would miss her flight. Sighing she pulled herself out of bed and walked to the bathroom. She let the water soak into her skin and wake her up before she stepped out and changed into a clean white cotton mini-skirt and a bright red tee. She dabbed on some makeup and signed a post card to her parents before picking up her suitcase and a blue backpack that was her carry-on bag. She stopped at the door and turned to look back inside her room. Sighing softly she managed a weak smile as she shut the door and walked to the elevator. The door closed and the elevator started downwards. Shifting the strap on her bag she couldn't help but tap her foot, for once impatient to get out of the hotel. To be free, to get back home and see faces that she knew. When the doors opened she stepped out and walked quickly to the front desk. She dropped the postcard on the desk.
'Mail this for me Marce?" she asked the clerk, who had become a good friend in her weeks at the Maxwell. "Sure Mione," she leaned across the desk and hugged Hermione quickly. "Now you come back here yah hear? This place is awesome at Christmas time." Hermione just nodded and offered a smile, she knew it was likely she'd never return. "Your taxi's outside. Oh and this came for you," she finished handing Hermione a heavy envelope, the address was in emerald green ink. Marcie had inquired as to who the special someone was who sent her a letter each day, but Hermione had just given her a mysterious smile and shrugged it off as a girl friend who sent her clippings from the magazines back home. "Bye Marce, thanks for everything." "No problem. Hope to see yah soon." Marcie waved goodbye as Hermione stepped outside. The driver of the taxi took her suitcase and backpack and placed them in the trunk. Opening the door she climbed in and leaned back. She was finally on her way home. She didn't bother to get a last look at the hotel, she knew already what it would look like. Though if she had looked back she would have seen the cloaked figure rounding the corner and entering the lobby, she would have seen Draco trailing the figure, stop to watch her enter the cab and smile happily to see her safely off. But then, she had no regrets to be leaving. She thought Draco once again hated her and that it would be a lot better when she got home.
Later at the airport she sat in one of the chairs watching a t.v. while waiting for her flight to come in and was surprised when a news alert came in. A black haired woman stood in front of the Maxwell microphone in hand. A little "Live" text was flashing at the bottom of the screen. "Ladies and Gentlemen," she started, "I'm standing in front of the Maxwell Hotel, where it has been reported that a break-in has occurred. At precisely 10 am this morning someone forced their way into the Grand Terrace suite. Managers say that nothing was stolen but the room was in disarray. Apparently the young woman who was staying there checked out this morning. No one was harmed and police are still looking for evidence as to who broke in and why." Hermione gasped as the screen switched to the regular anchor woman who was telling the people to stand by for further information. As she zoned out she wondered who it was that was searching her room. Draco knew she was leaving and so did her parents…Who would be looking for her. And why? "Flight number 97 to London now boarding," crackled the lady on the loudspeaker. Not having time to think she shouldered her backpack and walked to the entrance. She pulled out her ticket and handed it to the lady, still quite confused. The woman smiled and ripped part of the ticket off. "Enjoy you flight ma'am," she said. "Thanks," Hermione muttered, still disoriented. She boarded the plane and took her seat.
The plane ride passed fairly quickly and before she knew it she was at the terminal in England. She picked up her suitcase and went through security. Once through she paused to look around and get her bearing. Closing her eyes for a moment she opened them and turned to the right heading down a corridor marked personal only. She reached into her backpack and took out her wand before opening the only door at the end. An older woman dressed in emerald green robes and writing something looked up and smiled pleasantly.
"Hello dear, in country or out of?" she asked, her voice was rather high-pitched and it bugged Hermione but she ignored it.
"In please," she replied.
"Right through the door on my left. You know how to summon the Knight Bus dear?" Hermione merely nodded and toted her suitcase through the door, she did as Harry had in their third year and raised her wand hand. The purple bus appeared with her loud pop and Stan walked down the steps. He took her suitcase from her and led the way onto the bus.
"Where too?" he questioned as soon as she was on.
"Leaky Cauldron please," she replied easily and sat down in one of the chairs.
"Our next stop actually. Important people. They don't generally use this here bus. Anyway that'll be 7 knuts." Hermione handed him the money and in less than five minutes they were at the leaky Cauldron. San was busy unloading what appeared to be the luggage of 7 official looking people. They were all dressed in midnight blue robes, she waited until they had passed picked up her suitcase once again and disembarked the bus. Looking around she eyes the other wizards and witches currently unloading their own stuff. She looked at one girl in particular for a moment and as they were about to enter the Leaky Cauldron she heard.
"Hermione is that you?"
"Lavender? Wow…Didn't expect to see you here," Hermione replied with ease. Lavender stopped for a moment and looked her up and down.
"You look…great. Where'd you get the awesome tan?"
"California," Hermione said, pleased to see the envious look Lavender threw her. "Where are you headed?"
"I'm meeting Padma and Cho for ice cream and then we're going to get some new dress robes for the Valentines' Day ball," seeing Hermione's confused looks she stopped for a moment and then smiled knowingly. "Your Hogwarts letter will explain it all. If you get a second you should join us," she added, almost in an afterthought but Hermione just shrugged.
"I've gotta get a room and then do a couple things…I might," Hermione almost thought she saw a look of relief pass over Lavender's face but it was hidden quickly and the other girl just smiled said her goodbyes and headed to the courtyard. Hermione went off in search of Tom to get a room.
She found Tom quickly, he was always around when a costumer needed him. She asked for a room, until September 1st, and he smiled and led her up a staircase to a lavender painted room. "It's all yours Hermione. Great to see you again…" she smiled. After five years at Hogwarts and coming here every year, and staying sometimes, Tom was bound to know at least a few of them. She put her suitcase on the bed, and opened it up. Pulling out a set of light blue robes she pulled them on and walked out, grabbing the key from the wall as she went. The door closed automatically behind her, and she made her way down the staircase towards the entrance to diagon alley.
Once she entered the alley she smiled happily, and kept herself from spinning around in circles. She was happy to be back in her element. She couldn't wait to send letters to Harry and Ron telling them that she was back. She couldn't wait to see them. She walked towards where Lavender was meeting friends and stopped in the shadows looking towards them, they were so happy, laughing and joking. No doubt gossiping about hot guys. She was about to walk towards them, towards the happiness she'd been left out of when she realized it wasn't for her. She'd given that up when she'd joined the wizarding world. A failing student before Hogwarts, her parents had told her this was her last chance. So she stopped thinking about boys, about gossip, about anything but her schoolwork. The summer before she'd read all the materials. Before Hogwarts she'd been an avid horseback rider. Had even owned her own horse. Her and her best friend Margot would spend hours out on the trails. She still rode in the summers, when she had a chance, and she still owned her horse. A Thoroughbred mare, but Dream was being leased by another girl. And the two had developed a strong bond Hermione had never had the time to forge with her mare. The girl had finally asked if she might buy the horse, her parents had informed her of that during the flight to California. She'd reluctantly agreed that it was what had to be done, and was going to deal with it in a day trip to her home. She walked into the bookstore and looked around, heading to the biographies section. They had some new ones, one about the founders of Hogwarts. She picked it up thoughtfully and flipped through the pages, turning to one in the middle to see if she would like it. It was then that she heard something she'd prayed never to hear again. "Hem hem," Hermione almost screamed. How did this woman stay alive. "Yes?" She asked sweetly, turning to glare at Umbridge, the Defense Against Dark Arts teacher from her fifth-year. "Could you please move out of the aisle. You know there are reading chairs in the back right?" Umbridge stated, in her annoying voice. Hermione refrained from grimacing. "Yes I did. I was just leaving thank-you," she took the book and walked to the counter. The person working the register told her the total and she handed him the money with a smile.
She walked down the street in the general direction of Gringotts. On her way to change the money her parents had given her for the rest of the summer into wizarding money. She entered the bank and changed the money easily, before exiting she looked around to see who was there, thinking she'd heard Draco. She didn't see him anywhere. Shaking her head she walked out. Looking around she felt again like she was hearing someone. Or, lots of someones. Lots of someone's being very emotional. She pressed to fingers to her temples and waited, breathing slowly. The feeling passed and she shook her head. Wondering what the hell was going on. She made her way towards the Leaky Cauldron. Deciding to get dinner and to go to bed. Hearing voices wasn't a good sign. Even in the wizarding world.
She reached the Leaky Cauldron after a half hour walk...Trying to clear her head. When she entered it she thought she heard screams and looked around, trying to figure out why there were people screaming. Everyone was quietly eating. Suddenly, she had lost her appetite. She walked up to her room and sat down on the bed, holding her head. Her migrane increasing by the minute. Eventually the voices went away. Afterall, her door was locked and she was slowly pushing them to the back of her mind. Hoot Hoot.... She heard a tapping on the window and was happy to see Hedwig clicking her beak. She opened it and the owl flew in. She dropped a letter for Hermione and then sat on the desk...Hermione tore it open, eager to see what Harry had to say.
Dear Hermione, The police came to the Dursley's today. They wanted to know where they could find you. The said something happened to your parents? I told them your address, but that you were flying in, and I didn't know when you would be home. They said it was important. Asked if you had a cellphone. I told them know. I'm hoping this reaches you before tomorrow, they're going to your house. Write Soon, Harry She shook her head once again, trying to clear it. Her parents...Then the story about the ransacked room came back. Was someone looking for her? Was someone out to get her parents. To kill her? Her head was spinning again and she grabbed the desk, trying to stay consious. What was going on...
Once she got past the faintness, she looked around the room, trying to collect her thoughts. Well she had to get home, that was apparent. She felt bad checking in and out so fast, but…She didn't know what was going on. She threw her packages into her backpack and pulled out a pen, turning Harry's letter over she made a quick note to him.
Harry, I'm going home. I was staying at the Leaky Cauldron. I should be home by tonight I'll write you as soon as I know what's going on -Hermione She gave Hedwig the letter and shut the window after the owl flew out. Pulling herself together she tossed the pen into her backpack and turned to leave. She hung the key on the hook and went downstairs. She didn't even bother to find Tom, she'd send an owl along later. She went to the fireplace, her house had been connected the year before, a quicker, cheaper, way to go between the Burrow and such. She grabbed some of the floo-powder beside it and stepped in, calling her address. Green flames surrounded her, and in an instant she was staring at her living room.
The Living room held many memories for Hermione. Sleepovers, Birthday Parties, movie nights, and fights. Fights with her parents over grades, detentions, suspensions...And the one expeltion. She stepped out of the fireplace and looked at the perfectly white couch and chairs...It was a nice looking living room. She carried her bags up to her bedroom and had just put them down when she heard the doorbell ringing. She sighed, wondering who was there at 7 o'clock at night. Certainly not the police. She opened her window, hoping for an owl from Harry, or possibly Ron, and then walked to the staircase. The doorbell rang again, followed by loud knocks and more ringing. "ANYBODY IN THERE?" someone yelled from outside. A deeper voice. "Hold on, hold on" she called, not as loud. She undid the latches on the door expecting to see the police, but was surprised that instead a middle aged, darkhaired wizard, just a tad taller than her ready to knock again. He was dressed in midnight blue wizarding robes, which brought out the light blue in his eyes.
"Bob Dewart, Ministry of Magic, Foreign Affairs department. Are you Hermione Granger?" "Yes, please come in." She answered, now thoroughly confused. "Would you like something to drink?" she asked already leading the way towards the kitchen. "Yes, thank-you. It been a long day," she dug around in the refrigerator and pulled out two diet sodas. Bob opened his and took a long drink. "What can I do for you Mr. Dewart." "Bob, please. And I was sent to inform you…To inform you…Well this is unpleasant news Miss Granger…Your parents were involved in a mass destruction in California. The mass destruction was led by American Death Eaters. The United States muggle government has informed its country that it was a terrorist bombing. Their ministry sends its deepest regrets…" Hermione looked faint, all of the color drained from her face. She was holding onto the island like it would keep her from flying away. "No…No…You're lying. You have to be. My parents are safe…" "Miss Granger, I'm sorry. I know this is hard to accept. Please understand, I know what you're going through…" he slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a thick parchment envelope. Addressed to Hermione in lavender ink. "Happy sixteenth birthday Miss Granger. Your mother wanted me to give this to you." She narrowed her eyes at him, her mother had never contacted anyone in the Ministry. She could only get to Diagon Alley with Hermione's help. And she sure as hell had no idea where the Ministry was located. She left the parchment on the table, and was suddenly hit with a double wave of grief and with Bob's thoughts. She pulled herself together. "Who do you want me to owl to come stay with you?" he questioned, knowing he could not leave her alone. "Malfoy…Draco Malfoy," she said softly. He looked surprised, but she knew she couldn't owl Harry, who was barricaded in at the Dursley's until the last week of August. And Ron was busy with the Order…She looked up from her thoughts to see him tying a letter to an owl and sending it out the window. Hermione took a sip of her soda, trying to keep her stomach settled. Knowing she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. "What will the muggle police say?" She asked finally. "That their hotel was hit by a suicide bomber." "A terrorist attack?" "Many innocent muggles died. That's what has to be said. You'll get a letter of apologies from the minister…And possibly another from Mr. George Bush." Hermione nodded. A tear slid down her cheek. The initial shock had worn off, now the heavy burden was setting in. The heavy envelope lay untouched on the island. "And their bodies?" "When we find them we'll bring them home…" "Thank-you." They heard the sound of flames in the fireplace and Bob stood. "My deepest sympathies Miss Granger. I'll be in touch. Please read that letter when you have a second." "Hermione?!" Draco called from the living room, and with a pop Bob was gone. She almost cried in relief. He'd come… "In the kitchen," she called, barely loud enough to hear in the room across the hall. He made his way there, and found her crying. "What's wrong Mione?" He asked, looking confused and worried at the same time. "My parents…Are dead Draco…They're gone..." More tears flowed unchecked down her cheek. Draco wrapped his arms around her, and for the first time in a long time she felt safe.
The next morning Hermione woke up with a slight headache, but she hadn't drank enough to really have a bad hangover. She opened her eyes at the sound of the alarm clock and had the urge to just slam her hand down on the sleep button and sleep another hour. She knew that if she did that however, that she would miss her flight. Sighing she pulled herself out of bed and walked to the bathroom. She let the water soak into her skin and wake her up before she stepped out and changed into a clean white cotton mini-skirt and a bright red tee. She dabbed on some makeup and signed a post card to her parents before picking up her suitcase and a blue backpack that was her carry-on bag. She stopped at the door and turned to look back inside her room. Sighing softly she managed a weak smile as she shut the door and walked to the elevator. The door closed and the elevator started downwards. Shifting the strap on her bag she couldn't help but tap her foot, for once impatient to get out of the hotel. To be free, to get back home and see faces that she knew. When the doors opened she stepped out and walked quickly to the front desk. She dropped the postcard on the desk.
'Mail this for me Marce?" she asked the clerk, who had become a good friend in her weeks at the Maxwell. "Sure Mione," she leaned across the desk and hugged Hermione quickly. "Now you come back here yah hear? This place is awesome at Christmas time." Hermione just nodded and offered a smile, she knew it was likely she'd never return. "Your taxi's outside. Oh and this came for you," she finished handing Hermione a heavy envelope, the address was in emerald green ink. Marcie had inquired as to who the special someone was who sent her a letter each day, but Hermione had just given her a mysterious smile and shrugged it off as a girl friend who sent her clippings from the magazines back home. "Bye Marce, thanks for everything." "No problem. Hope to see yah soon." Marcie waved goodbye as Hermione stepped outside. The driver of the taxi took her suitcase and backpack and placed them in the trunk. Opening the door she climbed in and leaned back. She was finally on her way home. She didn't bother to get a last look at the hotel, she knew already what it would look like. Though if she had looked back she would have seen the cloaked figure rounding the corner and entering the lobby, she would have seen Draco trailing the figure, stop to watch her enter the cab and smile happily to see her safely off. But then, she had no regrets to be leaving. She thought Draco once again hated her and that it would be a lot better when she got home.
Later at the airport she sat in one of the chairs watching a t.v. while waiting for her flight to come in and was surprised when a news alert came in. A black haired woman stood in front of the Maxwell microphone in hand. A little "Live" text was flashing at the bottom of the screen. "Ladies and Gentlemen," she started, "I'm standing in front of the Maxwell Hotel, where it has been reported that a break-in has occurred. At precisely 10 am this morning someone forced their way into the Grand Terrace suite. Managers say that nothing was stolen but the room was in disarray. Apparently the young woman who was staying there checked out this morning. No one was harmed and police are still looking for evidence as to who broke in and why." Hermione gasped as the screen switched to the regular anchor woman who was telling the people to stand by for further information. As she zoned out she wondered who it was that was searching her room. Draco knew she was leaving and so did her parents…Who would be looking for her. And why? "Flight number 97 to London now boarding," crackled the lady on the loudspeaker. Not having time to think she shouldered her backpack and walked to the entrance. She pulled out her ticket and handed it to the lady, still quite confused. The woman smiled and ripped part of the ticket off. "Enjoy you flight ma'am," she said. "Thanks," Hermione muttered, still disoriented. She boarded the plane and took her seat.
The plane ride passed fairly quickly and before she knew it she was at the terminal in England. She picked up her suitcase and went through security. Once through she paused to look around and get her bearing. Closing her eyes for a moment she opened them and turned to the right heading down a corridor marked personal only. She reached into her backpack and took out her wand before opening the only door at the end. An older woman dressed in emerald green robes and writing something looked up and smiled pleasantly.
"Hello dear, in country or out of?" she asked, her voice was rather high-pitched and it bugged Hermione but she ignored it.
"In please," she replied.
"Right through the door on my left. You know how to summon the Knight Bus dear?" Hermione merely nodded and toted her suitcase through the door, she did as Harry had in their third year and raised her wand hand. The purple bus appeared with her loud pop and Stan walked down the steps. He took her suitcase from her and led the way onto the bus.
"Where too?" he questioned as soon as she was on.
"Leaky Cauldron please," she replied easily and sat down in one of the chairs.
"Our next stop actually. Important people. They don't generally use this here bus. Anyway that'll be 7 knuts." Hermione handed him the money and in less than five minutes they were at the leaky Cauldron. San was busy unloading what appeared to be the luggage of 7 official looking people. They were all dressed in midnight blue robes, she waited until they had passed picked up her suitcase once again and disembarked the bus. Looking around she eyes the other wizards and witches currently unloading their own stuff. She looked at one girl in particular for a moment and as they were about to enter the Leaky Cauldron she heard.
"Hermione is that you?"
"Lavender? Wow…Didn't expect to see you here," Hermione replied with ease. Lavender stopped for a moment and looked her up and down.
"You look…great. Where'd you get the awesome tan?"
"California," Hermione said, pleased to see the envious look Lavender threw her. "Where are you headed?"
"I'm meeting Padma and Cho for ice cream and then we're going to get some new dress robes for the Valentines' Day ball," seeing Hermione's confused looks she stopped for a moment and then smiled knowingly. "Your Hogwarts letter will explain it all. If you get a second you should join us," she added, almost in an afterthought but Hermione just shrugged.
"I've gotta get a room and then do a couple things…I might," Hermione almost thought she saw a look of relief pass over Lavender's face but it was hidden quickly and the other girl just smiled said her goodbyes and headed to the courtyard. Hermione went off in search of Tom to get a room.
She found Tom quickly, he was always around when a costumer needed him. She asked for a room, until September 1st, and he smiled and led her up a staircase to a lavender painted room. "It's all yours Hermione. Great to see you again…" she smiled. After five years at Hogwarts and coming here every year, and staying sometimes, Tom was bound to know at least a few of them. She put her suitcase on the bed, and opened it up. Pulling out a set of light blue robes she pulled them on and walked out, grabbing the key from the wall as she went. The door closed automatically behind her, and she made her way down the staircase towards the entrance to diagon alley.
Once she entered the alley she smiled happily, and kept herself from spinning around in circles. She was happy to be back in her element. She couldn't wait to send letters to Harry and Ron telling them that she was back. She couldn't wait to see them. She walked towards where Lavender was meeting friends and stopped in the shadows looking towards them, they were so happy, laughing and joking. No doubt gossiping about hot guys. She was about to walk towards them, towards the happiness she'd been left out of when she realized it wasn't for her. She'd given that up when she'd joined the wizarding world. A failing student before Hogwarts, her parents had told her this was her last chance. So she stopped thinking about boys, about gossip, about anything but her schoolwork. The summer before she'd read all the materials. Before Hogwarts she'd been an avid horseback rider. Had even owned her own horse. Her and her best friend Margot would spend hours out on the trails. She still rode in the summers, when she had a chance, and she still owned her horse. A Thoroughbred mare, but Dream was being leased by another girl. And the two had developed a strong bond Hermione had never had the time to forge with her mare. The girl had finally asked if she might buy the horse, her parents had informed her of that during the flight to California. She'd reluctantly agreed that it was what had to be done, and was going to deal with it in a day trip to her home. She walked into the bookstore and looked around, heading to the biographies section. They had some new ones, one about the founders of Hogwarts. She picked it up thoughtfully and flipped through the pages, turning to one in the middle to see if she would like it. It was then that she heard something she'd prayed never to hear again. "Hem hem," Hermione almost screamed. How did this woman stay alive. "Yes?" She asked sweetly, turning to glare at Umbridge, the Defense Against Dark Arts teacher from her fifth-year. "Could you please move out of the aisle. You know there are reading chairs in the back right?" Umbridge stated, in her annoying voice. Hermione refrained from grimacing. "Yes I did. I was just leaving thank-you," she took the book and walked to the counter. The person working the register told her the total and she handed him the money with a smile.
She walked down the street in the general direction of Gringotts. On her way to change the money her parents had given her for the rest of the summer into wizarding money. She entered the bank and changed the money easily, before exiting she looked around to see who was there, thinking she'd heard Draco. She didn't see him anywhere. Shaking her head she walked out. Looking around she felt again like she was hearing someone. Or, lots of someones. Lots of someone's being very emotional. She pressed to fingers to her temples and waited, breathing slowly. The feeling passed and she shook her head. Wondering what the hell was going on. She made her way towards the Leaky Cauldron. Deciding to get dinner and to go to bed. Hearing voices wasn't a good sign. Even in the wizarding world.
She reached the Leaky Cauldron after a half hour walk...Trying to clear her head. When she entered it she thought she heard screams and looked around, trying to figure out why there were people screaming. Everyone was quietly eating. Suddenly, she had lost her appetite. She walked up to her room and sat down on the bed, holding her head. Her migrane increasing by the minute. Eventually the voices went away. Afterall, her door was locked and she was slowly pushing them to the back of her mind. Hoot Hoot.... She heard a tapping on the window and was happy to see Hedwig clicking her beak. She opened it and the owl flew in. She dropped a letter for Hermione and then sat on the desk...Hermione tore it open, eager to see what Harry had to say.
Dear Hermione, The police came to the Dursley's today. They wanted to know where they could find you. The said something happened to your parents? I told them your address, but that you were flying in, and I didn't know when you would be home. They said it was important. Asked if you had a cellphone. I told them know. I'm hoping this reaches you before tomorrow, they're going to your house. Write Soon, Harry She shook her head once again, trying to clear it. Her parents...Then the story about the ransacked room came back. Was someone looking for her? Was someone out to get her parents. To kill her? Her head was spinning again and she grabbed the desk, trying to stay consious. What was going on...
Once she got past the faintness, she looked around the room, trying to collect her thoughts. Well she had to get home, that was apparent. She felt bad checking in and out so fast, but…She didn't know what was going on. She threw her packages into her backpack and pulled out a pen, turning Harry's letter over she made a quick note to him.
Harry, I'm going home. I was staying at the Leaky Cauldron. I should be home by tonight I'll write you as soon as I know what's going on -Hermione She gave Hedwig the letter and shut the window after the owl flew out. Pulling herself together she tossed the pen into her backpack and turned to leave. She hung the key on the hook and went downstairs. She didn't even bother to find Tom, she'd send an owl along later. She went to the fireplace, her house had been connected the year before, a quicker, cheaper, way to go between the Burrow and such. She grabbed some of the floo-powder beside it and stepped in, calling her address. Green flames surrounded her, and in an instant she was staring at her living room.
The Living room held many memories for Hermione. Sleepovers, Birthday Parties, movie nights, and fights. Fights with her parents over grades, detentions, suspensions...And the one expeltion. She stepped out of the fireplace and looked at the perfectly white couch and chairs...It was a nice looking living room. She carried her bags up to her bedroom and had just put them down when she heard the doorbell ringing. She sighed, wondering who was there at 7 o'clock at night. Certainly not the police. She opened her window, hoping for an owl from Harry, or possibly Ron, and then walked to the staircase. The doorbell rang again, followed by loud knocks and more ringing. "ANYBODY IN THERE?" someone yelled from outside. A deeper voice. "Hold on, hold on" she called, not as loud. She undid the latches on the door expecting to see the police, but was surprised that instead a middle aged, darkhaired wizard, just a tad taller than her ready to knock again. He was dressed in midnight blue wizarding robes, which brought out the light blue in his eyes.
"Bob Dewart, Ministry of Magic, Foreign Affairs department. Are you Hermione Granger?" "Yes, please come in." She answered, now thoroughly confused. "Would you like something to drink?" she asked already leading the way towards the kitchen. "Yes, thank-you. It been a long day," she dug around in the refrigerator and pulled out two diet sodas. Bob opened his and took a long drink. "What can I do for you Mr. Dewart." "Bob, please. And I was sent to inform you…To inform you…Well this is unpleasant news Miss Granger…Your parents were involved in a mass destruction in California. The mass destruction was led by American Death Eaters. The United States muggle government has informed its country that it was a terrorist bombing. Their ministry sends its deepest regrets…" Hermione looked faint, all of the color drained from her face. She was holding onto the island like it would keep her from flying away. "No…No…You're lying. You have to be. My parents are safe…" "Miss Granger, I'm sorry. I know this is hard to accept. Please understand, I know what you're going through…" he slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a thick parchment envelope. Addressed to Hermione in lavender ink. "Happy sixteenth birthday Miss Granger. Your mother wanted me to give this to you." She narrowed her eyes at him, her mother had never contacted anyone in the Ministry. She could only get to Diagon Alley with Hermione's help. And she sure as hell had no idea where the Ministry was located. She left the parchment on the table, and was suddenly hit with a double wave of grief and with Bob's thoughts. She pulled herself together. "Who do you want me to owl to come stay with you?" he questioned, knowing he could not leave her alone. "Malfoy…Draco Malfoy," she said softly. He looked surprised, but she knew she couldn't owl Harry, who was barricaded in at the Dursley's until the last week of August. And Ron was busy with the Order…She looked up from her thoughts to see him tying a letter to an owl and sending it out the window. Hermione took a sip of her soda, trying to keep her stomach settled. Knowing she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. "What will the muggle police say?" She asked finally. "That their hotel was hit by a suicide bomber." "A terrorist attack?" "Many innocent muggles died. That's what has to be said. You'll get a letter of apologies from the minister…And possibly another from Mr. George Bush." Hermione nodded. A tear slid down her cheek. The initial shock had worn off, now the heavy burden was setting in. The heavy envelope lay untouched on the island. "And their bodies?" "When we find them we'll bring them home…" "Thank-you." They heard the sound of flames in the fireplace and Bob stood. "My deepest sympathies Miss Granger. I'll be in touch. Please read that letter when you have a second." "Hermione?!" Draco called from the living room, and with a pop Bob was gone. She almost cried in relief. He'd come… "In the kitchen," she called, barely loud enough to hear in the room across the hall. He made his way there, and found her crying. "What's wrong Mione?" He asked, looking confused and worried at the same time. "My parents…Are dead Draco…They're gone..." More tears flowed unchecked down her cheek. Draco wrapped his arms around her, and for the first time in a long time she felt safe.