Parts of this chapter may confuse you slightly. if you've any questions please feel free to message me about it.
Chapter 36 – End Of Term
The summer holidays were finally upon the students of Hogwarts. However due to Dumbledore's horrific death there was a great sadness looming over the school. Dumbledore's funeral had been a very emotional affair for all involved. Witches and wizards from all over the country had came to pay their respects to Dumbledore who was laid to rest in a white tomb grave in the Hogwarts grounds.
Fred had refused to leave the school until Hermione was going. He didn't want to leave his girlfriend, she needed his support more than ever now. George stayed too. McGonagall kindly put the twins up in an empty dormitory for the night though Fred did attempt to stay with Hermione. Hermione refused to let him though, saying the other girls in her dorm would not be happy about it.
Bill Weasley had been sent to St Mongos for the rest of his treatment due to Hogwarts closing for the summer. Thankfully he was recovering well and his wounds were slowly heeling. McGonagall had arranged for the Hogwarts express to take students back to Kings Cross station straight after Dumbledore's funeral. Unfortunately for Hermione and Harry this meant going back to their muggle families and away from their friends.
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"Did you find a you-know-what then?" George asked the group as they headed back to London on the train.
"We found a necklace but it was just a fake. Someone has been and found the real one so goodness knows where it's at now." Harry replied, pulling the fake necklace out of his pocket.
"Someone with the initials RAB got there before them." Ron added.
"RAB? That sounds familiar. I've seen those initials somewhere before." Fred stated, rubbing his head.
"At headquarters, I'm pretty sure I seen it written on one of the doors." George added.
"Sirius' brother!" Hermione shrieked.
"You don't think there's one at headquarters do you?" Ron wondered.
"There might be. We can't ask Sirius though." Fred replied.
"We'll just have to go hunting them when we get back to headquarters." George said.
"Isn't it a shame that Kretcher hates us or we could have asked him." Fred sighed.
"We could always hold him hostage until he agrees to help us." George hissed.
Hermione shot George a murderous look.
"You do realise that elf magic is different to human magic? Kretcher would get away quite easily." Hermione said matter of factly.
"Anyway moving on. When are you and Harry coming to the burrow?" Fred asked Hermione and Harry.
"I think I'm being picked up a few days before the wedding." Hermione replied.
"I have no idea." Harry answered. "No one ever tells me anything remember."
"How are you getting to the burrow come to think of it? Both of you?" Ron wondered.
"I assume members of the order will come and collect the both of us." Hermione answered.
"I'll come and get you Mione if I have to." Fred stated. "And you too of course Harry. Though if I had my way the two of you would be coming back with us now."
"I'd love to be going back to the burrow with everyone but I have stuff to do at home and I need to see my parents. I've really missed them." Hermione said sadly.
"As you know I'm jumping for joy about going back to the Dursleys." Harry said sarcastically.
"By the way did Dumbledore give you anymore information?" George asked, changing the subject.
"Not really unfortunately. I think he thought we'd have much more time. All we know is that we were allowed to borrow anything we needed from his office and that we're to use headquarters as our safe house when we go." Hermione replied.
"So was that why your trunk was so heavy?" Fred laughed.
"But will Sirius and Lupin not be living at headquarters?" George wondered.
"No. According to Dumbledore Sirius and Lupin are moving in with Tonks and her family since Lupin and Tonks are now dating." Harry replied.
"Poor Sirius having to move out of his house." Hermione sighed.
"Yeah well it's probably for the best after what has happened as we can't exactly trust Snape anymore and he knows Sirius is there so he'd probably ship him to the Ministry." Harry said, seething at the thought of Snape.
"We can still use it though?" George wondered.
"Yes Dumbledore wants us to use it. He knows that you both have all your products and stuff there." Harry replied.
"So let me get this straight, Dumbledore is forcing Sirius to move out of his house and move in with Tonks and Lupin but we're still allowed to use it? It doesn't make sense." Ron stated, sounding confused.
"It does make sense Ronald when you think about it. Snape was part of the order, he knows where Sirius is and could tell the Ministry so Dumbledore has suggested he move into a safe house." Hermione explained. "It'll be safe enough for us all to use."
"Do you think Dumbledore knew he was going to die?" Fred wondered.
"I think he did you know. Dumbledore always seemed to know everything." Harry replied.
The group feel into silence as they thought everything through. Harry sat looking out the window, watching the trees and lakes zooming past.
"What if Snape comes snooping around headquarters while we're there?" Ron questioned, breaking the silence.
"To be honest, I really don't give a damn about Snape. If he does show his face, I'll be ready for him!" Harry snapped.
"I'm sure members of the order will put up some enchantments to stop him from getting inside." Fred said.
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The Hogwarts Express finally pulled into Kings Cross train station in London. The tired students began to gather up their belongings and exited the train to find their families. Hermione ran straight into her Mother's arms, tears trickling down her face. Molly, Arthur, Charlie, Lupin, Tonks and Mad Eye were waiting patiently on the Weasley children. Fred shuffled nervously over to where Hermione was stood with her parents.
"Hopefully I'll see you soon Hermione." He spoke nervously, aware that Hermione's father was watching him closely.
"I hope so Fred. We can keep in contact. Keep me updated on what's happening and how Bill is doing and please stay safe." Hermione cried.
"I will Hermione, I promise. Please stay safe Hermione, you are at so much risk because of you being muggle born. I can't bare to loose you. If you need me to come and get you at any time let me know." Fred stated, hugging Hermione tightly.
Hermione pulled away from Fred's tight embrace, tears streaming down her pretty face. Fred lifted his hand up to her face and carefully wiped away the loose tears.
"I love you so much Fred." Hermione croaked.
"I love you too Hermione, you are my world." Fred admitted, not caring that Hermione's parents were inches away.
Fred and Hermione's moment was cut short as they all had to leave the platform. Mad Eye was eager to get the Weasleys going. Hermione waved her friends and boyfriend off as they left. Harry had gone straight away with his horrible Aunt and Uncle who had been stood with their faces full of disgust at having to mix with magical people. Hermione felt so sorry for her best friend and wished she could have taken him with her to her parent's home.