The Internet and Hogwarts Don't Mix, Hermione!

By: Mari G. (a.k.a. MalfoysGirlfriend)

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN THE HARRY POTTER CHARACTERS.

Chapter 5:

"I want you to be like you were before. I want you back," he said, and walked out the door. Hermione looked tearful and this made her cry harder than before. She stuffed a fist in her mouth to avoid being heard and her crying stopped suddenly as her eyes fell on the notebook computer…

She looked at it for a moment. She thought of her life and that maybe she could start over again, just run away and be happy. Maybe change her name to something common. Hermione didn't even know where she would end up now that she didn't have a house or a family. She was totally lost. There would be no harm in running away. Nobody wanted her here or at home anyway. Her mind was set.

Hermione walked over to the computer and opened it. She quickly logged into her hotmail account and clicked "Compose". She sat there for a minute thinking what she would say. She didn't want to sound desperate for help. She wrote:

Dear Mike,

I'm ready to leave. The problem is I don't have a car. I'll meet you at Kings Cross Station tomorrow at midnight. E-mail me today to confirm.

Love,

Hermione

She sent the letter. It was satisfying to know she would be leaving this mess of a life. Hermione kept her account open and put the notebook (open) on her nightstand, where she could see it. She waited for a long time, just looking at the computer and every time the screen saver would go on she would take it off. Her eyes started to droop with sleepiness and she fell asleep.

Harry was very upset about what happened to Hermione. He thought everything bad happened to her. He just felt so bad, he knew he needed to talk to someone. Harry climbed the stairs to the boy's dormitory and went to his room at the end of the hall. He saw Ron sitting by the window reading a comic book.

"Hey Harry, "said Ron, putting the comic book down.

"Hey," Harry replied seating himself on his four poster bed.

"What's wrong Harry? Having trouble breaking up with Cho?"

"That's the least of my worries Ron. I just found out something awful."

"What?"

"Hermione's mom died," he said, not believing it Ron gaped at him.

"How? What happened? Is Hermione ok?"

"She doesn't look well. She passed out when she read the letter," said Harry, covering his face with his hands.

"How did her mom die?" asked Ron, standing up and pacing.

"Her dad killed her." Ron sat down roughly on his seat.

"Damn," said Ron.

"I know."

"I was thinking, Harry, that maybe you shouldn't have left her by herself," said Ron slowly. "Maybe, you know, she might jump out of a window or hang herself."

"Ron, stop making me worry. She said she wanted to be alone and I trust her," Harry said, staring at the ceiling. Ron could see that he didn't mean it.

"If you say so."

"I mean, she's, you know, level headed."

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is from the man who said that Hermione was bound to try suicide again."

"I think she changed."

"Harry, it's only been a few hours."

"Whatever, Ron."

"I'm just saying, Harry, don't get your hopes too high. I learned that from Hermione today. When you go too high you're bound to hit earth too hard."

"That reminds me, you think Herm is getting high?"

"On what? Books?"

"No, stupid. On drugs," said Harry sharply.

"I don't know anyone here who sells drugs."

"Don't judge by the appearance."

"You've been watching "The Sopranos" too much."

"I think Malfoy's selling it."

"So, let me guess. He's Tony Soprano? Wait, and Hermione is Carmela or his stuck up sister?"

"OK Ron. I saw the Sopranos with Dudley during the summer," Harry said. Then his eyes narrowed, "Ron, how do you know about "The Sopranos"? You're not muggle or live with a muggle family."

"I don't."

"Yes you do. How do you know the characters names, then?"

"Alright, fine. I do watch "The Sopranos". I met this neighbor who has a TV and he would invite me over to watch the show," said Ron.

"Ha! I knew it!"

"Ha," mocked Ron in return.

"Hey… how did you know I watched the show?"

"You hum the theme song."

"No I don't."

"Yes you do."

"Really?" said Harry looking amazed.

"Yeah. I'm glad to know you can keep a tune," said Ron, trying hard to contain his laughter.

"Laugh all you want. I'm going to check on Hermione."

"See! I knew you'd go check on her."

"Well, I'm just sorry I'm the only one who worries about her."

"Alright Harry, I'll go with you."

The door to Hermione's bedroom creaked open and she closed her eyes and pretended to be sleeping. She was drifting in and out of sleep and was now glad she was. What were they doing in her room? She recognized Harry's shadow and then Ron's.

"Hermione?" Harry whispered, but Hermione kept on pretending.

"She's asleep," pointed out Ron.

"No shit, Sherlock!" said Harry with fake amusement. Hermione almost burst out laughing, but controlled herself fairly well.

"Let's go," said Ron.

"Wait. Look, she has a computer!"

"Wow," said Ron, looking like he had seen the Titanic itself.

"I wonder who gave it to her…"

"Let's check it out," said Ron. Hermione almost popped out of bed, but again controlled herself.

"No Ron. It's a personal computer."

"So?"

"So it's personal."

"Ok, let's go then," said Ron looking disappointed. They tip-toed out of the room and closed the door softly behind them. Hermione got up and locked the door, to make sure there would be no more unexpected visitors. She scrambled over to her computer and took off the screen saver. Right there, in black writing, were the words she wanted to see most of all in the world. One new message.

(A/N: Ok, did you like this chapter? Tell me in your review and also leave your e-mail if you would like to be informed when there is an update!)

To Be Continued