Disclaimer: See Chapter One.

A/N: Thank you for all the positive feedback everyone.

Chapter Two: Diagon Alley and Dealings with Professor Dumbledore

As Hermione sat alone on the knight bus she thought about her life and what was to become of her. 'Why couldn't they understand me? What am I going to do with what is left of my old life? I can't go on and act as if nothing happened. But there is no need for me to let this incident ruin me. I can not give up my goals and dreams just because my parents wanted me to. I'll wait for word from Dumbledore before I make my decisions.

Having had such a bad day, Hermione felt exhausted and decided to go to sleep. She walked over to one of the beds and immediately fell asleep after lying down.

As Hermione slept the men in charge of the evening's pick-ups discussed their new passenger. "Well what do you think of her? She can't yet be out of Hogwarts."

"Something must have happened to her. Why else would she be here?"

"My guess would be she had a conflict of some sort with someone close to her."

"Yeah. You're probably right." The two workers then left the subject of Hermione's trip to themselves.

Half an hour later the Knight Bus had reached its destination and Hermione awakened. She was a little confused when she first awoke, but soon she remembered where she was and why she was there. Hermione thanked them for all their help and then left them to pick up another person.

As Hermione looked all around Diagon Alley she realized just how late it was. 'I best just go to the Leaky Cauldron and get a room. I'll pay Tom tomorrow for my room.' Hermione thought as she came up to the leaky cauldron.

When she walked in, Hermione realized that it was uncharacteristically quiet in the pub. She looked around for some sign of Tom or anyone else for that matter. "Tom? Are you here, I need a room for the night." Hermione said as she walked through the room.

"Why Hello Hermione. Albus told me that you would be by sometime tonight. It's been a slow day so I will take you up to your room. Then you can have a bit to eat before you get some rest. Albus told me that he would be sending someone here for you first thing in the morning." Tom took Hermione's bag and they headed up to her room.

"Thank you Tom. It will only take me a minute to let Crookshanks out of his cage. I will be down right after that." Hermione said as she let Tom out of the room. 'I hope Professor Dumbledore doesn't get too angry with me for leaving my house. I don't think he will be, but you never can tell. I only wish I knew what to do.' Hermione thought to herself as she let her ginger colored cat out of his cage.

"I will be back in a few moments Crookshanks. I am in need of something to eat and Tom has gladly offered to make me something. Don't go making a mess out of things while I am gone. I will also see what I can bring you." Hermione talked with her cat as she prepared to head back down the stairs to the pub.

Hermione exited her rooms then headed for the stairs. "Thank you so much for letting me stay here Tom. I greatly appreciate it. What is on the menu for this evening?"

Tom smiled at the girl's sense of kindness. "For you anything you want. You best hurry and make a decision though the kitchen is about to close. I highly recommend the chicken breast and a baked potato."

"That sounds fine. And can I have two butter beers please. I think I am going to need them if I am to see the professor in the morning." Tom got Hermione her requested beverage of choice then went to check on her order.

"Here we go. One Chicken and potato special." Tom handed her the plate. "And here is a slice of my fine chocolate pie for dessert."

"Thank you so very much. You are very kind Tom." Hermione said before she started to eat her food. Ten minutes later she was finished and ready to call her day ended. "Goodnight Tom. Can you wake me at seven? I would like to go to Gringotts and Flourish and Blotts before I see Professor Dumbledore."

"Of Course Hermione. Have a goodnight." Tom said as Hermione disappeared up the stairwell once more.

Hermione lay in bed that night with Crookshanks sitting on her chest. Sleep was not coming to her, so she decided to write in her journal. Hermione dated the page July 5 and began to write. After half an hour, Hermione was finally beginning to let sleep take hold of her. Within minuets of closing the book, she fell asleep.

The next morning proved a perfect day for some light shopping. Having awoken early Hermione was down in the pub having breakfast at seven. "You got up on your own did you? Well then what shall you have before you head off?"

"Just a slice of toast with strawberry jam please. I'm too nervous to eat anything more. Besides I need to get this shopping done before seeing the professor. Do you know what time he will be here?"

"I think he said something about ten o'clock." Tom said as he handed her a glass of juice and her toast. "Be sure to be back by then at least."

"All right Tom. I promise I will be back on time. I am leaving now." Hermione said after finishing her breakfast.