Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all related characters are property of J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. And I don't own anything! So don't sue me or anything like that! **************************************************************************** **********************

For the sake of this story, please note that Ginny is now good friends with the Dream Team, and they are going into their seventh year at Hogwarts. Thanks!

Chapter 1: Trouble in Paradise

Hermione woke up on that beautiful, sunny morning, thinking nothing could ever go wrong on a day like this. She tossed back her blankets and hopped out of bed, turning on the radio. But when she looked at her clock, and saw that it read 10:00, she wondered why her parents didn't wake her up. Normally they'd never let her sleep in this late, but she thought, "Well, they're probably just feeling good this morning too!" and didn't give it another thought. She sqealed with delight when her favorite song came on, and she danced to her dresser, trying to find something to wear. Today she was going to meet Harry and Ron at the Leaky Cauldron, because Harry had been staying there instead of at his aunt and uncle's. Dumbledore seemed to think it was a precaution to keep the Muggles on Harry's street safe, and Harry gladly agreed. Ron's parents were going to the Bahamas for the next two weeks until school started in honor of their 30th Wedding Anniversary, so Ron and Ginny would be staying at the Leaky Cauldron too. Hermione had convinced her parents to let her stay there as well. Besides the fact that it would be fun to live with her friends for two weeks, she was hoping she could spend a 'quality time' with Ron. They had started going out over the summer, but so far their relationship was secret. Ron had given her a shoulder to cry on when she found out that that slimy overgrown bat of a bastard, Krum, ditched her for some ditzy 20 year old like himself. He'd practically drooled on the owl when he sent her the letter, and there was actually a lipstick smudge on it. But she wasn't too upset. Krum had tried to pressure her to do things she didn't want to do.with him. But Ron was another story. Ever since he'd acted that protective of her, in their fourth year, she had begun to notice he was actually growing up. She'd noticed he was hot about several years beforehand, but always decided he was too immature to like. He hadn't even thought about dating girls until they're fourth year. And Hermione had noticed how he blushed everytime he was around her, which was very strange. Ginny had told her that Ron liked her, but Hermione had always said, "No he doesn't.." with a sigh. But this summer, Ron had kissed her on the cheek after getting off the Hogwarts express, then blushed and walked away. No one else noticed of course (luckily actually) but since then had kept in touch more than usual, and actually went out a few times. She was really looking forward to spilling the beans at dinner that night, but slightly nervous too. They had both agreed that tonight was a good night because if Harry or Ginny freaked out, they would at least be friends by the time they got to Hogwarts. But, Hermione thought with a grin, she had a feeling Harry was starting to notice Ginny as more than his best friend's little sister, and would not object to their (Ron and Hermione's) getting together. She finished getting dressed into her comfy black knit pants and baggy red long sleeved t-shirt, she walked into the bathroom and bruhed her teeth, did her makeup and her hair, then was in the process of pulling on her sneakers, heard the kettle on the stove whistle. She grinned at her mother's common forgetfulness but frowned at why it was still whistling. She wondered whether something was wrong, but being her optimistic self, figured she was just being a worrywart and she jogged down the stairs. "Mom?" she called. "Dad?" "Are you guys here?!?"

Figuring they had gone to work and left a note (Dear Hermione, went to work, will be back soon! Love mom and dad.) on the table. But she walked into the kitchen, and saw no note. She frowned again and walked into the living room and screamed at what she saw. Her parents were lying on the floor, eyes glassy and not moving. "No!!!!!!!!!!" She shrieked, and ran over to her parents. Checking their pulse, doing CPR, shaking them, nothing worked. They still lay there, immobile. Hermione moaned and began to sob uncontrollably. Heart-wrenching wracking sobs filled the room. She looked heavenward as if to ask why, but sank to the floor in a dead faint.

The Dark Mark was carved into the paint on the wall.

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Whatcha think? Sorry it's short, but I thought that was a good ending. Chapter Two coming ASAP! Please review! Your comments truly inspire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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