(Hermione's POV)
Sitting at her desk with a blank piece of parchment in front of her, Hermione was, for maybe only the second time in her life, at a loss for words. How could she write a letter in response to Harry's without sounding like she has a crush on him? It was hard enough for her to write the birthday note and sign it "With Love always" and only make it sound like a friendly phrase. She thought it screamed to the whole world that she liked him.
She knew she was just being paranoid and that Harry was her best friend, he would love her no matter what, even if it was just as a sister. Finally Hermione just decided that the best thing to do was just to write the letter. She told him her address, directions to her house, and that her dad and her would pick him up if needed. She signed it with a very un-controversial: Sincerely, Hermione.
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Meanwhile back at #4 Privet Drive…………….
(Harry's POV)
"Harry, of course I won't take you to that girl's house!! Do you think that we owe you something after all we've done for you? Provided for you and shared our hard earned food and home ? You should be the one doing stuff for us. Now go and mow the lawn!!!!!" Uncle Vernon yelled at the top of his lungs.
"Fine, but I'm still going to go, oh and by the way, this year I'm going to the American Academy of Magic in California so I'll probably never have to see you again. I'll just take all of my possessions, which isn't much, and go live with the Grangers or the Weasley's because they actually care if I have almost died seven times in my seventeen years of existence!!!!" Harry stated in a very stern voice, but since he said it all in one breath, it added a certain air to the whole situation. He left the room before Vernon or Petunia could answer.
Up in his room, Harry started to pack his trunk. He used Hedwig to tell Hermione that he would be at her house really soon. He walked out of his room, down the hall and to the stairs. He went through his trunk to find the packet of floo powder. He lit the fire by wand, not caring whether he got in trouble by the ministry or not. Harry threw the powder into the fire and said in a very clear voice, "Hermione Granger's house."
He then stepped into the fire with his trunk and Hedwig's cage, and without a look back, he was gone. Now the Dursley's didn't know what to make of the situation and they just stood in the same spot for about an hour, completely struck.
Harry knew what to expect when he stepped into the fire place, so he closed his eyes and kept his elbows at his side. After what seemed an eternity, he found himself on the ground of what appeared to be Hermione's house. "Um, hi? Sorry about my dropping in, I hope Hermione got my owl?" Harry turned to look at her and she gave him an assuring nod. Then he realized just how pretty she was. I can't believe I never saw her like this before, Harry thought to himself.
(Hermione's POV)
Wow, thought Hermione, He got even hotter in just one month. Snap out of it, Hermione, go give him a hug. Man I hate it when my conscience gets the best of me.
She ran to Harry and jumped on him like a dog goes after a bone. They must have been holding each other for some time because after a while, they heard a distinct, "ahem."
They pulled apart, both very red in the face. "Mom, Dad. This is Harry Potter, my very best friend," Hermione managed to squeak, clearly very embarrassed.
Harry held out his hand to shake Mr. And Mrs. Granger's hands. "I hope it's all right if I stay here until the 5th. My family made me really upset so I just left and I'm never going to go back there, ever!" Harry said a little more stern than intended.
"It's all right if you stay here. It's for only a few days, make your self at home," Mr.Granger said, somewhat reluctantly, thinking about the hug from a few moments ago.
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(Heathrow International Airport, London August 5)
"This is the final boarding call for British Airways Flight 7382 to John F. Kennedy International airport in New York, USA" said the voice on the loudspeaker.
"Well, that's us. Ron have fun this year and owl me all the time. Ginny, we'll still talk. Owl me with any problems. Tell everyone in Gryffindor bye for us!!" Hermione said cheerily with an underlying tone of sadness about being away from her friends for so long, "We'll see you all at Christmas!"
"Bye you guys! Have fun this year, and Ron don't get into any trouble, you are Head Boy and you have to be a good influence on all of the younger kids," Harry said sarcastically
" Bye Harry, Hermione. Don't get into trouble this year, you do represent the British Wizard population, don't make us look bad!!" Ron said in a mocking tone.
Everyone burst out laughing at his remark. They said their last good-byes, exchanged some hugs and then Harry and Hermione boarded the plane.