Second Chance - Chapter 4

A/N: I forgot to add that our dear You-know-who otherwise known as Voldie, has been finally killed or whatever you call it by Harry, Dumbeldore and the whole gang. Here's Chapter 4.

Hermione stared straight ahead, seeing nothing at all. Her hands, still clutching Ginny's note began to sweat unbearably. For the first time in her life, Hermione Granger was lost. She didn't know what to do. As an attempt to regain her calm, she decided to reply Ron and Ginny's letters, telling them that she would see them in the next few days. However this was not as easy as she thought. Truthfully, writing to Ron after reading what Ginny had written was a bigger torture. Hermione spent half-an-hour trying to phrase her words correctly.

Finally she came up with;

Dear Ron,
How are your holidays going? I'm sorry I haven't written - its just that I've been rather busy - with homework. You know with the NEWTS and all.

I'll probably be coming in a few days. Meanwhile, as Harry's already there, could you wish him Happy Birthday from me? I haven't had a chance to write to him either

See you soon
Hermione

"There!" Hermione said to herself, " it doesn't mention anything..out of the ordinary."

She had purposefully left out any mention of the events of the previous year - as she wanted to discuss them in person ( that is, if she ever had the courage). Next, she wrote to Ginny. As expected, this was much easier than the one before.

Dear Ginny,
Thanks for telling me all you did. It really cleared some doubts and fears. I can't believe Ron actually trusts anyone to keep his secrets for him. I wish I had a little sister. Anyway, I'll tell you everything when I come to the Burrow. I'm sorry I haven't asked anything about you - we can talk about that when I get there

Love from
Hermione.

After having written and given both these letters to Pig, Hermione picked up her quill yet again to reply to Harry; However, as she was about to put quill to parchment (A/N: pen to paper) she realised that Harry was probably, already at the Weasleys. She could talk to him there.

She put down her quill, picked up Hedwig (who was having a hooting competition with Buckbeak - and losing) and carried her to the window.
"Bye Hedwig," she whispered and released Hedwig from her grasp.
Glad to finally get away from Buckbeak, Hedwig hooted a note of thanks and soared gracefully away.

Alone again, Hermione walked and sat back down on her bed. However, instead of feeling the soft mattress underneath her, a thick hard object came into contact. Hermione looked down and saw the unopened Hogwarts package lying innocently under her. Hermione picked up the envelope. It contained two things. The first being her usual Hogwarts letter..which was unusually bulky and the other, a note from Hagrid. She tore open Hagrid's note and read:

Dear Hermione,
Congratulations! I knew you had it in you!
See you on September the 1st to celebrate!

Have a good holiday
Hagrid.

Hermione was confused.
What on earth is he on about? she thought - oh well, I'll probably find out on September the 1st.

The other Hogwarts parcel contained the usual letter. Hermione scanned the page quickly, not noticing that something else had dropped out of the envelope and was resting on her lap. Suddenly, as Hermione neared the end of the letter, her eyes widened in surprise and she looked down .

"Oh-my-god!"

A/N: Its pretty obvious...please review...I'm halfway through the next chapter and would appreciate it if you guys gave ideas.