Disclaimer: See Chapter One.

A/N: Sorry the rest of this chapter took so long for me to complete. I have been sick and schoolwork had gotten the best of me. Too many projects and finals to worry about. I will try and get another chapter out in a couple of weeks after my finals. To all those who have responded to this please keep doing so. Your comments feed my creativity.

Chapter Two: Diagon Alley and Dealings with Professor Dumbledore

Part Two

Hermione walked through Diagon Alley thinking about her predicament. She was wondering what she was going to do now that she had nowhere else to go. After a few moments of walking Hermione decided to venture into Madame Malkin's. As she entered she realized that she had not been in the building since just before her first year at Hogwarts.

"Hello, might I be of some assistance to you?" Madame Malkin asked Hermione.

"Yes please, I am looking to buy new school, dress, and casual robes please. I've found that I am in need of a new wardrobe. Mine just does not seem to fit my lifestyle any longer," Hermione explained to the proprietor.

"Of course dear, I can understand as much. You will be attending your final year at Hogwarts then?"

"Yes, but how did you know?"

Madame Malkin looked into Hermione's eyes. "Your eyes give you away dear. Besides that, I do believe I remember you. Six years ago you walked in this store with an air of haughtiness about you. Of course it was in relation to brainpower and not some mindless power trip like some other young witches and wizards in your year. Now if you would just stand here," she said pointing to the pedestal in front of three mirrors, "I will be with you in a moment."

Hermione got up on the stool. "Thank you very much."

"Now dear, can you tell me what color do you most favor?" Madame Malkin asked as she took Hermione's measurements.

"Honestly, I love greens. Although being in Gryffindor basically dictates that green is an outlawed color."

"Now you can't mean that you will not buy green robes simply because of a feud between the houses?"

"No, I just can't have a lot of green. I'd love green dress robes. All the other robes I do not mind what color they are just so long as they look halfway decent."

Madame Malkin laughed. "You certainly are a funny one. At least you know your mind. It usually takes an hour for most girls to just decide what color they prefer. You on the other hand are sensible, therefore making my job much easier. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Besides I was never one to worry over clothes and things."

"Well. I think I have the perfect dress robe for you dear. It's a lovely emerald green shade with a diamond-like beading around the neckline. I think it would do wonders for you." She transfigured the robes on to Hermione. "Now what do you think?"

Hermione was breathless. "Wow, I just don't know what to say. It's absolutely perfect, but how much does it cost?"

"Very little. I've been trying to sell this robe for a while, and no one has found it the least bit flattering. But on you it looks outstanding and you cannot afford to miss this robe."

"Thank you very much. Now for my other robes?"

"Of course." Madame Malkin went about showing Hermione several robes. After half an hour Hermione chose five casual robes, her dress robe, and three new school robes.

"Thank you Madame Malkin. Can you send them over to the Leaky Cauldron?" When she saw the nodded reply Hermione again said, "Thank you." Then walked out of the shop.

Looking at her watch Hermione noticed that she only had a little over and hour until her meeting with Professor Dumbledore. Having finished the bulk of her personal shopping Hermione went about getting new school things that had been left at her house. Parchment, ink, and quills were easy enough to find. Her potions materials she would have to get on another trip. She needed to know what she was going to need for Potions class first, and then she would decide what other ingredients she might need.

Finally Hermione walked into Flourish and Blotts. She smiled as she took in the aroma the books had to them. She was amazed at how much she had missed in the short period of time she was from the wizarding world. As she walked to the potions section Hermione bumped into someone. "Oh I am terribly sorry. May I help you with your things?" Hermione noted as she bent down to help whomever she had knocked into with their purchases.

"Miss Granger, I am not in need of your assistance. Just watch where you are going."

Hermione looked up. "Hello Professor Snape. Are you enjoying your holiday?"

"It's none of your concern, but yes I am enjoying my holiday. Now if you would please excuse me I have a meeting to attend to with the Headmaster in a few minutes."

"Of course. Have a good day Professor." Hermione said as she watched Snape turn as he usually did leaving his robes to fling around after him. Hermione chuckled to herself. 'He didn't seem so bad out of school. Still a complete jerk, but not so much as usual.'

Hermione continued her tour of the potions section of the bookstore. Glancing at the titles she saw three books that would prove necessary if she was to continue experimenting with new antidotes for those injured in the war. She purchased her books and made her way back to the Leaky Cauldron.

"Right on time Hermione. I've just fixed you some lunch. It shall be ready in a moment. Professor Dumbledore will be here in a few short moments," as Tom said this the bell on the door rang signaling a new customer.

"Well hello Professor Dumbledore, we were just saying that you would be here shortly." Tom said as he handed Hermione her plate of food. "Please have a seat and I will make you something to eat. Is anyone else to be joining you?"

"Yes Severus will be attending this meeting in a couple of minutes. Please make something for him as well."

"Of course. I will let you talk to Hermione now." Tom said then left the room to tend to other customers at the bar.

Albus Dumbledore smiled at Hermione. "How are you child? This cannot be easy for you."

Hermione looked glum. "I'm fine, at least I will be once the shock wears off. I new something was wrong, I just hadn't figured it to happen so soon after I returned home. Other than that I am fine for the most part. I'm just wondering what am I to do now that I am alone."

"You will never be alone Hermione. You will be fine and you will continue your education at the head of your class. There is no need to fret about paying for it either. Your parents stopped a long time ago and some people decided to be your benefactor so that your wonderful mind would not go to waste. I see that this is all a shock to you Hermione. Let it take hold for a while then we will talk about your living arrangements for the rest of the holiday."

Hermione nodded and began to eat her lunch. 'This is too much to take in. I can't possibly believe that my parents were that crude to me. I am thankful to whoever has been paying for me to educate myself.' Hermione ate the rest of her lunch without another thought,

A few moments later Severus Snape walked into the establishment.

"Hello again Professor."

"Thank you Miss Granger. Your kindness is impeccable."

Dumbledore smiled a knowing smile at Tom. "Now that all parties are present we can discuss your living arrangements for the rest of break Miss Granger."

"Please call me Hermione. Miss Granger reminds me too much o my parents."

Dumbledore nodded. "Hermione Severus has agreed to allow you to stay at his manor for the remainder of summer holidays. If you agree you will leave here tonight and return to Diagon Alley to finish buying your school things. If you do not agree well you'll have to stay here where you would not e able to go out much."

"Thank you for allowing me to chose. If it is all right with Professor Snape, I would like to stay at the manor. As long as I can bring my cat is all I care about."

"Crookshanks is welcome at Snape Manor Hermione. I think he would make a good companion for my cat Rhiannon."

"Then I gladly accept your offer professors. If you would excuse me I need to pack a few things."

Hermione went upstairs to collect her things while Severus and Albus talked. "Thank you for taking her in Severus."

"It is no problem Albus. I understand where she is coming from and she will be in excellent care. So there is no need to worry. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go prepare a room."

Severus then left the Leaky Cauldron and Albus quietly waited for Hermione.

Five minutes later Hermione walked down the stairs with Crookshanks in her arms. "I am ready professor Dumbledore whenever you are."

"We will be leaving as soon as I pick a few things up for Poppy. I shall be back to collect you in a little while." Albus then walked out the door as well.

A/N: Next Chapter: Snape Manor!!!!!!! Please Review I need to hear your thoughts to work on my next chapter.