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Hermione waited several moments before speaking. Her throat was dry, and she could feel her head swimming. They had to be joking. That's what she decided. It was all a joke, and at any moment Snape and Dumbledore were going to jump up and down laughing their heads off because it was all a huge joke. But the minutes ticked past and no one laughed. No one jumped. The twinkle was gone from Dumbledore's eyes. Hermione could feel her throat constricting.

"No." She said slowly. "It's not true..." She couldn't wrap her head around what she was being told. "Please...tell me you're joking." Dumbledore frowned.

"My dear, why would I...joke...about this?" he asked, leaning forward and folding his hands on his desk. Hermione couldn't provide him with an answer. She looked frantically from Snape to Dumbledore, both of whom were watching her, gauging her reaction. She swallowed several times, but found herself unable to rid her throat of the terrible lump that had lodged itself there. Her eyes fell to the hands that were folded together on the arm of her chair. One was small, pale and icy. The other was larger, pale as well, and warm compared to her chilled temperature. She let go of his hand and stood up.

"Excuse me." She mumbled and quickly made her way toward the door.

"Miss Granger?" Dumbledore called after her. Both men, too, rose to their feet. Snape made to follow her, but Albus held up one hand. "Leave her. Let her grasp hold of it." After shooting him a rather unpleasent look, Snape dropped back into his chair.

After making it into her rooms, Hermione closed the door and sat on her bed. This was one of the few times she was actually grateful for being HeadGirl. She had her own room. Her head was spinning. She could barely breath, and the only thing she wanted to do was send a letter home to her parents to see if what the Headmaster told her was true. Climbing slowly and carefully to her feet, she set off for the owlry. She was thouroughly convinced that her parents were still alive and this was some sort of cruel humor.

Dear Mum and Dad,

It's Hermione. I know it's been a while since I last wrote, and I'm really sorry. Please forgive me. Listen, I've heard a nasty rumor that you were attacked and killed. Please contradict it. I love you both so much.

Love,

Hermione

She folded the note and chose a promising looking owl to deliver her message. Her heart was pounding eratically against her ribcage as she watched the owl fly off.

"You're wasteing your time, you know." A deep, silky voice said from behind her. She didn't jump, but remained unscathed.

"Yeah, well, that's what I do best." She mumbled, hugging her arms around her. Snape walked up next to her and followed the direction of her gaze to the owl shrinking into the distance. Her heart sank when she realized the owl probobly wouldn't be returning with a reply. She sighed softly. Then a thought hit her.

"The Time Turner!" She cried, spinning to look at Snape. He raised an eyebrow at her enthusiasm. "I could use the Time Turner to bring them back!" Snape shook his head, a slightly pained expression on his face.

"It doesn't work that way, love..." Her face fell and she turned back toward the window.

"Why not?" she asked softly.

"You can't bring back those who've passed without seriouse consequences."

"But!" she began, turning to face him again. "We saved Bu--WitherWings and Sirius!"

"That was a different situation entirely." he told her sadly. "I'm sorry. It can't be done."

"What are the consequences?"

"What?"

"The consequences for bringing back someone who's passed with the Time Turner. What are they?"

"I'm not going to get into that with you. It's far too dangerous." His tone confirmed the end of that. She sighed and turned back to the window.

It's quite short again, but at least I'm updating!! And this ones a bit of a cliffy to keep you all hanging on. ;) Hope you enjoyed!! R&R