A/N: Sorry for the delay. Even though I didn't put a time for the next update, I wanted this to be up at least around 6. But I had a small case of writers block and baked a cake. Then I started reading an AMAZING Dramione fanfiction, by an AMAZING writer, Mel88. Her story, An Aversion to Change, is definitely something worth checking out. The sequel to it is mind blowing. Anyway enough chit chat, I also wanted to say that I am shocked to see that in 5 hours my hits went from 245 to 611! Thanks for reading and thanks a lot for the reviews! Well, enjoy[:

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Friday it was hard to pull myself out of bed, I was still exhausted from last night. I picked myself up and headed groggily down to the Great Hall.

Harry and Ron were already there, looking almost as tired as I felt. I sat next to them and poured myself some pumpkin juice.

"Er, Morning Hermione." Harry said, looking hopeful.

"Morning," I replied yawning.

"Late night?" He asked politely.

I nodded and bit into a piece of toast. When I looked up Ron was smiling at me, "Does this mean you're not mad?"

I heard Harry groan beside me and I shook my head, "No, Ronald. I am not mad, it would just be nice to feel included every once in a while."

"Sorry Hermione, you were already in the hospital wing," Harry explained, "We didn't want to worry you."

I gave them a bright smile, "It's fine, let's get to History of Magic shall we?"

We left the Great Hall together and Harry and Ron immediately began telling me about the Quidditch tryouts that were going to be happening the following weekend.

I nodded along with what they were saying and tried to look interested. Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil, two of my dorm mates past us, Lavender looked back, "Hi, Ron."

They walked off giggling, and I found myself extremely annoyed, "What was that about?"

Ron shrugged looking uninterested, "She was being polite."

Harry sniggered and Ron turned red in the ears.

"So what did you get for question number five on the homework?" Ron asked quickly changing the subject.

The rest of the day went smoothly, I had redeemed myself in Transfiguration earning 15 points for Griffindor, and another 5 points in Astronomy for being the only one to get an 'O' on pop quiz we had on the first week back.

I linked my arms through Ron and Harry's as we walked to Defense Against the Dark Arts, my least favorite subject, besides Divination, but today I found myself excited.

We arrived 3 minutes early and took our seats in the back of the class, I pulled out my notebook and began writing the notes on the black board in front.

"That won't be necessary today Miss Granger."

I looked up to meet the black eyes of Harry's least favorite teacher, Professor Snape. His usual sneer was replaced by a very unusal look that might even be described as pity.

"What do you mean Professor?" I asked unnerved by his expression.

"The Headmaster has requested that you report to his office immediately," He said handing her a slip of paper, "Collect your things, the notes and homework will owled to you."

Harry and Ron gave me looks of confusion as I packed away my notes and quill. I gave them a timid smile and slipped out of the classroom.

Once out of sight I opened the note, which had one word printed in a neat script, Fanged Frisbee.

I reached the Headmaster gargoyle, "Fanged Frisbee."

It bowed and sprung aside allowing me to step onto the moving spiral staircase. I knocked a bit too loudly on the door and it swung open instantly.

I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and stepped into the spacious circular office. It was of course the most magical place I had ever been in. The walls were adorned with shelves that were piled with odd sorts of magical items that I couldn't even began to fathom did. The phoenix, Fawkes, was easiest the most beautiful thing in the entire room. Its bright red, gold, and orange feathers shined in the sunlight from the window near its perch.

The phoenix regarded me intelligently and then took flight, out an open window and disappearing out of sight over the forest.

"Ah, Miss Granger, I hope you are feeling well."

I spun around, the headmaster was standing near a magnificent fireplace were a green fire was dying, hinting that he had just arrived.

"Y-yes, Headmaster," I stammered.

He took a seat at his desk and gestured to the chair in front of it; I sat and looked at him nervously. There was a clicking sound and I noticed an odd item on his desk was spinning rapidly, it was in the shape of a globe and was moving too fast for me to make out the pictures.

Dumbledore waved his wand it the noised abruptly stopped, but the spinning did not. He peered at me through his half-moon spectacles and my insides quivered at the mournful look on his face.

"Hermione, I have the tragic burden of being the one to tell you that your parents have passed away," Dumbledore said with heavyhearted tone.

"W-what do you mean, passed away," I breathed, "They were barely 40…"

"Your parents," Dumbledore began voice heavy with woe, "Were found murdered in their beds early this morning."

He paused for a minute as though mentally preparing himself. "The Dark Mark was hovering over their home."

All my breath left me and I clapped my hands to my mouth, trying to hold in the sob that was working its way up my throat.

"I wish I could save this for another time Miss Granger, but there are certain affairs we must discuss." Dumbledore spoke, sounding fifty years older, "Your parents left you everything in their will, the house and the items inside it, even their dentist business."

"Sell it, all of it." I spoke, voice cracking.

He nodded at me, "Are you sure this is what you want? Just because they have passed, does do not mean that you should forget them."

I shook my head violently.

"No, I don't need it. The money will be enough for me to buy new things." I paused as a sob broke through, "I can't bear setting foot in that house again."

"Very well. Your things are packed and your Uncle Robert will be waiting for you at Kings Cross station when you arrive tomorrow morning."

"What do you mean?" I asked standing up, "Why am I leaving? This is the only home I have left. My parents were the only ones that knew I was a witch. My family has no idea! I haven't even seen my Uncle in twelve years!"

"Calm down Miss Granger, I assure you it is just for a few days. You will be returning to Hogwarts after the funeral, which your uncle has kindly taken the job of preparing. You will be staying at his home for a few days."

He stood, "Now, I will escort you down to Hogsmeade where the Hogwarts Express is waiting."

"H-headmaster, what about Harry and Ron? I can't just leave them without telling them were I am going." I said sniffing.

"All is well Miss Granger I will speak to them and tell them what has happen," He said placing his hand comfortingly on my shoulder.

I buried my face in my hands, no longer fighting back the tears, and violent sobs shook my body uncontrollably.

I must have fainted because when I awoke I was looking out at the sunset from the windows of the Hogwarts Express. The headache I had from crying was terrible, and I pressed my head against the glass yearning for relief.

The silence was overwhelming, the empty compartment and hallways seemed spooky. I pulled my knees to my chest and tried to lose myself in the landscapes that were rushing past.