Found a small error in the end of this chapter - reuploading to fix. The next will be out shortly!

Hermione awoke slowly, her head feeling fuzzy like it was stuffed full of cotton. She blearily blinked and when her vision cleared she was surprised to see the familiar surroundings of her bedroom. She didn't remember how she had gotten there – the last memory she could think of was being in her History of Magic exam. She had no memory at all of the last few days of term, nor of riding the Hogwarts Express back to London. The clock on the wall said it was just after 7, so her parents would still be home. Shakily, she got out of bed, just now realizing that her body rather felt like it had been run over by a muggle school bus. What had happened to her?

Her parents were eating breakfast at the table and when they noticed Hermione, they got up and embraced her. "Hermione, darling! I'm so glad you're awake! You've been out for days, Professor Dumbledore said that you would be alright, just needed some rest, but we've been so worried!" Hermione returned the embrace, thinking to herself, Professor Dumbledore must have returned her here. Did something happen to her? Why wouldn't she have gone to the Hospital Wing?

"Mum, I can't remember how I got here? What happened? What day is it?" Jean Granger looked down at her daughter sympathetically, obviously she was suffering from some memory loss from her concussion. "It's alright dear. Your Headmaster told us that you fell down a flight of stairs and hit your head, you probably have a bit of a concussion but he assured us that they'd given you a potion to heal it. Since it was the last day of term he just sent you home to recuperate with us, instead of being alone at the school." Hermione was thoroughly confused, it still felt like she was missing something. She supposed it could have something to do with the concussion, but there was a nagging part of her brain that said there was more to the story.

Her parents obviously didn't know anything more, so she let it be for now and helped herself to some eggs and toast, chatting amicably with her parents about how the school year had gone. They tried their best to understand but it was just a bit irritating having to stop and explain herself every few sentences. She obviously didn't say anything about Bellatrix, her ring, or the discovery that they could possibly be squibs. It wouldn't change a thing for them, and she didn't want them to worry. Plus, she hadn't come out to them yet, doing so and simultaneously announcing her engagement to a witch 20 years her senior would not go over well.

After breakfast her parents headed off to work, and Hermione back upstairs to her bedroom. She looked through her trunk and all was as she had left it, including her journal from Bellatrix. She was about to open it and write a letter to Bellatrix when she heard the sharp crack of apparation and a crash downstairs signaling the arrival of a witch or wizard. She drew her wand from her trunk, she was underage and therefore not technically allowed to use magic, but in an emergency situation that wouldn't stop her from defending herself.

Hermione crept downstairs, wand at the ready, muscles tensed. She rounded a corner and jumped as she all but collided with Nymphandora Tonks. "Ahh!" Hermione shrieked slightly in surprise. "Tonks! What're you doing here?" Tonks grinned at the Gryffindor student, thinking to herself that she wouldn't mind this assignment, Hermione was actually a nice kid, and quite fun to mess with. She was glad that Dumbledore decided to Obliviate all the kids' memories from the night at the ministry. He didn't want them to feel guilty about losing the prophecy to the Death Eaters, especially Harry who apparently gave it to Bellatrix after she threatened to torture Hermione. Tonks didn't remember much from that night either, all she knew was that she took a nasty curse from her Aunt and woke up when it was all over. "Wotcher, Hermione! Dumbledore sent me, after what happened last summer with the Dementors, and You Know Who getting stronger, he reckons all you kids need someone around for protection. Lucky you for, you got yours truly, fully qualified Auror and a good time to boot! Bet Mad Eye won't be nearly as fun for Harry."

Hermione furrowed her brows, not necessarily unhappy with the arrangement but a bit confused. Surely some wards around her muggle home would have been sufficient to keep any Death Eaters out? No doubt there was something else an Auror like Tonks could be doing, besides babysitting Hogwarts Students. "Okay, then. But what can I tell my parents? I haven't really told them anything about You Know Who, how am I supposed explain that you're here to basically be my body guard?"

Tonks chuckled, as book smart as Hermione was, she clearly didn't always think of the obvious. She quickly morphed her features, shrinking a few inches and making her face appear younger. She let her normally short, pink hair lengthen down to her shoulders and turn back to its natural dark brown hue. She flattened her chest slightly and for effect, added just a few small pimples on her forehead. "Hi! I'm Nyphandora Tonks, soon to be 6th year Ravenclaw student at Hogwarts! I've had arithmancy with Hermione for the past two years, and since my parents are going abroad for the summer, Hermione's been kind enough to ask me to stay with her!"

Hermione gaped at the transformation, she had mostly seen Tonks fooling around, making animal noses and such, but had never seen her change her entire body before. It was incredible, much better than polyjuice potion! She gaped at Tonks for a minute for the older witch started laughing. "Alright there, Hermione? Close your mouth or you might catch flies. Now, what's first on our agenda for summer fun? Pool party with some muggles? Going to the movies? Ohh, maybe we could go to one of those parks with all the rides. I went to one once, with my dad!"

Hermione laughed seeing the hopeful look on Tonks' face. She was clearly in need of some fun. Now usually she would finish up all of her homework and then start to pre read the textbooks for next year, but she supposed that it could wait, for one afternoon anyway. "Come on, there's a great little coffee shop just down a few blocks. Have you ever had a caramel macchiato?" Hermione and Tonks headed out from the house, chatting amicably, the journal completely forgotten.

May 31st

Hermione!

Are you alright? We all got out safe, are your friends alright? I'm so sorry, the next time I see Dumbledore I'll be exacting some revenge for that stunt with the statue. He could have killed us both! I'm quite busy now, doing some research on the prophecy for the Dark Lord. Quite surprising, the way that last line was worded. What do you reckon it means? I'll come see you at home after term as soon as I can get away, I know your muggle address from the research I did on your parents. We've some unfinished business ;)

Yours, Bella

June 1st

Hermione,

It's been 3 days since the ministry! Please answer me so I know you're alright! Are you still at Hogwarts? Draco said that you weren't on the train home, and he hasn't seen you since that night. I stopped by your home but you weren't there. Where are you?

Bella

June 3rd

Hermione I'm coming to find you tonight, as soon as the Dark Lord will let me leave after the meeting. I'm so worried – please let me know you are alright. If Dumbledore's done something to you I swear I'll kill him!