Chapter 8- Lazy Summer Days

Harry, Hermione, Ron and Hermione's parents got out of the car when they pulled up in front of Hermione's house. Harry and Ron were in awe. Her house was humongous! It was three stories high and about three or four normal houses long. Hermione took them around to the back of the house. There, in the yard (which was also gigantic) was a large swimming pool with float toys in it. Also, there was another, smaller house, which was about as big as if you were to put four garages together in a square.

"This is the guest house where you two will be staying," Hermione explained, then in a softer tone, "at least until my parents leave." She gave them a sly smile.

"My lord Hermione how big can one house be?" Ron asked, still awed by the size. He was gaping at the swimming pool. Harry and Hermione seemed to notice this.

"Don't worry Ron, we will go swimming also after my parents leave, we would go beforehand, but they want us to wait until they are gone so they can say goodbye." Harry and Ron nodded, obviously looking forward to going swimming.

Soon enough it was time for Hermione's parents to leave for the rest of the summer.

"Hermione, are you sure you can stay alone all summer? I will stay home if you need me." Mrs. Granger worriedly asked her daughter.

"Mom, we will be fine. I know where the emergency numbers are, I have money, I know the number for you hotel, and the neighbors will be checking up on us. You know I am able to handle this." Hermione said, anxious for her parents to leave.

"I know, honey, but I worry. Oh, we better get going or we will miss our plane!" Mrs. Granger hugged her daughter, "Good-bye darling, I will call when we get there." Mr. Granger went to Harry and Ron, shook their hands, and gave them a look that said that they better not try anything with Hermione while they were gone, but then his expression softened and he said good-bye. Then, the Grangers were off.

Hermione, Ron, and Harry waited at the window until the car was no longer in sight, then they all bounded toward their rooms to change into their swimming attire.

In the guest house Harry and Ron had bedrooms next to each other, and had their doors open so they could talk while they changed. The main door was locked though, so no one else could get in.

"Harry, don't you think it is funny? I mean, I have heard of guest rooms, but never guest houses!" Ron exclaimed, sounding as if he were STILL awed by the grandeur of the house.

"Yeah, I never knew that Hermione's family was rich! It is cool though to have you own HOUSE when you visit somewhere, don't you think?" Harry then came out of his room with his swimming trunks on and carrying a towel.

"I guess." Ron also came out of his room, sporting his trunks and a towel also. The boys made their way to the pool which was only a short distance from their front door.

When they got out the door they were greeted by a lovely, yet shocking, sight. Hermione was sitting at the edge of the pool kicking water with her feet and laughing slightly. Her hair was pulled back tightly, and then put into some kind of twist. She was wearing a scarlet, almost blood-red, bikini. The top consisted of two small triangles that covered her breasts, although not fully, then a small strap that went under her chest (holding the fabric in place), and around her back, then tied into a bow. The straps that went over her shoulders crossed on her back and connected to the bottom strap, although she could unhook them and tie them around her neck if she wished. Her bottom looked like a pair of shorts, but a lot shorter and tighter. Her face was flushed from the laughter that was escaping her lips. Harry turned to Ron; put a finger up to his mouth to signal his to be quiet. Then, he snuck up behind Hermione, and grabbed her arms.

"You look very beautiful, you know." Hermione was about to turn around to thank him when he pushed her directly into the pool. She came up laughing, and sputtering water.

"Harry Potter, you are going to pay for that!" Hermione said, while giggling.

"Oh really? Well, just so you know, I meant what I said, you really do look beautiful."

"Yeah, if you weren't Harry's girlfriend I would be drooling all over you." Then Ron blushed, "In a friendly way of course."

"Thank you both. But, Harry, you still have to pay, I will get you back sooner or later." With that Harry and Ron looked at each other and ran towards the pool, doing cannon balls making the hugest splash ever. When they surfaced Hermione jumped onto Harry's back, dragging him into the water. That started a full-blown water fight.

They were all in the pool until long after dark. Hermione's back yard had outdoor lights that came on at dark, if programmed, and stayed on until you put them out. Soon they were all laying on floating chairs, out of breath.

"So, what do you say about taking showers, and then meeting in the living room to watch movies?" Hermione asked, ready to get out of the pool.

"I'm up for it." Ron said.

"Can I take a shower with you? I'm scared of my shower." Harry told Hermione, making a puppy dog face. Hermione pretended to consider it.

"Um, no. You may be my boyfriend, but you are not taking a shower with me." Hermione simply stated.

Harry mumbled to Ron, jokingly, under his breath, "By the end of this summer I bet I will get a shower with her." Ron and Harry started laughing. Hermione just rolled her eyes.

"Meet you there in five minutes, just change into your pajamas." Then Hermione got off the chair and pulled herself out of the pool. She grabbed her towel, draped it around her slender waist and walked to her house, Harry admiring her all the while.

"Harry, you might want to shut your mouth before it hits the ground." Ron joked as he also got out of the pool. Harry then followed.

Five minutes later Harry and Ron made their way to the main house. They opened the glass back door; most of the walls were glass- with an unbreakable charm on them (if you have ever seen "Crazy/Beautiful" think Kirsten Dunst's house, only bigger). They soon found themselves in a large, cozy room, with an enormous television set, a couch that you sunk into when you sat on it, and comfortable looking armchairs in it. Hermione was on the floor, busying herself looking at the possible movies they could watch.

Hermione's pajamas consisted of a pair of short shorts, and a tank top. Her pajamas were dark blue, covered in stars and moons. Harry and Ron were both wearing flannel pants, Harry's blue, and Ron's red. Harry was wearing a white undershirt, and Ron was wearing a grey, hooded sweatshirt.

"Hey, Herms." Harry said. Hermione turned around, surprised, and then smiled.

"So what movie do you want to watch? I have my favorites out, then you can pick from which one you want." On the floor were "Eight-legged Freaks", "Lord of the Rings", "Titanic", and "Scooby-Doo". "I just got "Eight-legged Freaks" and have never seen it." Hermione explained.

The boys ,well Harry, decided on "Eight- legged Freaks" since it was the only scary movie. Hermione and Ron reluctantly agreed since they were deathly afraid of spiders, but, how bad could it be?

It turned out that it could get pretty bad. At one part a spider came out from behind a chair and wrapped its legs around the man who was sitting there. At that point Hermione had her head buried in Harry's chest, too afraid to watch the movie. Harry smiled and put an arm around her.

All too soon the movie was over. Hermione suggested they go to bed, and no matter how much Harry pleaded she wouldn't let him go to HER bed! The boys left the main house and Hermione and pretty soon everyone was asleep. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next few weeks were full of swimming, watching movies, going to the mall and other fun, normal teenage things. One day, about a week until school started, the doorbell rang. Hermione was doing the dishes so she yelled,

"Harry, would you mind getting that? I'm finishing up and will be there in a second." Harry walked to the door and opened it. Standing in front of him was a boy and a girl that looked his age. Harry was curious as to why they were here.

"Hi!" said the girl, "Who are you and why are you in Herb's house?"

"Hi right back at you. I am a guest here, but who are you? Do you have the right house? No one by the name Herb lives here." Just then Harry was cut off by Hermione.

"Charity! Josh! It has been ages! What are you doing here?" Hermione was obviously excited that these people were here.

"Hey, Herbie, long time no see." The boy, Josh, said, sounding quite suave to Harry. He didn't like this guy one bit.

"So, Herb, who's this guy and where have you been hiding him?" Charity said eying Harry.

"Oh, this is Harry. He's my, my, my friend. Ron's also here somewhere." Hermione took a step inside leaving Harry standing there very shocked that Hermione had only introduced him as her "friend". "Ro-on! Come down here, I want you to meet someone." Ron came bombarding down the stairs and skid to a stop in front of the visitors.

"Ron, this is Charity, and Josh. We have been best friends since, well, forever. Then I went to our boarding school and I only see them on vacation." Hermione said, emphasizing the words "boarding school" so he got her drift.

Ron was looking Charity over with interest, and she the same. There was obviously attraction between them. "Nice to meet you." Ron said, sticking his hand out to be shook. Instead though, he got a surprise. Charity leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

"Nice to meet you to, Ron." She giggled taking his arm and leading him inside along with the others.

Harry was still shocked by Hermione. 'Why didn't she introduce me as her boyfriend? That's what I am right? I wonder if she fancies this Josh guy. He sure seems quite taken with Herm. That's it; I am going to talk to her.'

Harry walked up to Hermione and tried to put his arm around her waist. Tried was the key word. Hermione pushed him away abruptly. He leaned down and whispered to her, "Can I talk to you privately please?" he walked into the large kitchen which happened to be the next room. Hermione followed and shut the door behind them, knowing what was coming. As soon as she shut the door Harry attacked.

"What's going on Hermione?!" Harry asked, not loudly but urgently.

"What do you mean?" Hermione's voice was timid, which was how she felt at that time.

"You know exactly what I mean. First you introduced me as you friend, which I am of course, but I thought I was more to you, like, maybe your BOYFRIEND?! Then, I go to put my arm around you and you just shrug me off. What'd going on?" Harry's voice was growing louder and louder.

"I don't know. I'm not sure if I want them to know about us yet." Hermione said growing bolder.

"Oh and why not?! Oh I think I get it. You fancy that Josh guy. Is that it?! Would you rather be with him than me?!" Harry was now on the verge of yelling.

"NO! It's not like that!" Hermione yelled back. They were both yelling now, and they didn't care who heard them.

"THEN WHAT IS IT LIKE?! ELIGHTEN ME WHY DON'T YOU?" Harry was inwardly worried that he was going to lose Hermione. This was their first fight as a couple, and he didn't know what kind of damage it might do to them.

"MAYBE THERE IS NOTHING TO ENLIGHTEN YOU ABOUT. MAYBE IT IS JUST YOUR OWN PARANIOIA AND PROTECTIVENESS!"

"HERMIONE GRANGER I THINK I KNOW YOU BETTER THAN THAT! YOU DON'T THINK I CAN TELL WHEN SOMETHING IS WRONG?!"

"MAYBE YOU CAN, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN I M GOING TO TELL YOU!" With that Hermione ran out of the room, past her guests, who were awed by what they heard, up the stairs, and slammed her bedroom door shut. Harry then came out of the kitchen.

"Um, make yourselves at home. Ron will entertain you, me and Hermione will be right down." He gave Ron a look that said everything. Harry ran up the stairs two at a time.

When Harry reached Hermione's room he stopped at the door and listened. Inside he could hear Hermione sobbing. Right then he realized how poorly he had handled the situation with Hermione downstairs. He should have sat her down, when the guests were gone, and talked to her calmly. Instead, though, it had turned into a yelling fest. He hoped that what they had wasn't gone. Slowly and quietly Harry opened the door. Hermione was lying on her bed, face buried in a pillow. He silently walked up to her bed and put a hand on her back.

"Hermione? Listen, I'm sorry I upset you so much. I went around everything wrong. I was just so worried that you didn't want to be my girlfriend anymore." Hermione had got into an upright position so that she was sitting, facing him. Harry could see her tearstained face now and he felt worse than ever. He reached up and pushed a strand of hair out of Hermione's face. His hand lingered on her cheek until she reached up and took his hand in hers; bring it down to the bed.

"Harry, I still want to be your girlfriend, I promise."

"Will you tell me what is wrong?" Harry asked this very cautiously, as to not set her off again. Hermione saw his clearly concerned face and gave in. she deeply sighed and looked into his eyes. She knew that if she didn't tell him now she never would.

"It was for the best, not telling you. If you hadn't inquired about it we could have gone on as always. Except, you're right, I was pushing you away, but not because I don't want to be with you anymore." She looked down and took a deep breath. Harry put a finger under her chin and lifted her head up, so she was looking in his eyes. He gave her an encouraging look and she decided to go on. "A month before summer vacation my parents owled me. Up until then I didn't think anything would get in the way of our relationship. See, Harry, my parents are very old fashioned, they believe in old customs. My parents aren't evil, as you might think they are when I tell you, they just do what is best for our family. As you can see, my family is very wealthy, and being that way they expect me to marry someone wealthy. Well, Harry, what I'm trying to say is, my parents have arranged a marriage for me. I am getting married the beginning of the school year! See why I had to push you away? I was getting married soon, and I had to gradually get farther away from you, so you weren't totally betrayed when I left." Tears were now running down Hermione's cheeks again. Harry just looked stunned. He didn't think people did that anymore. He believed someone should marry the person they choose, not their parents. There was just one question he couldn't get out of his head.

"Who are you getting married to?" Hermione looked down again, not wanting to look him in the face when she told him.

Under her breath she muttered, "Malfoy."

"WHAT?! But they hate, well, half-bloods. Why would they agree to this?"

"They're in it for the money, not for me. As soon as we get married they will take the money, then most likely lock me up somewhere."

As if he were reading her mind he said, "Hermione, this isn't your fault, don't blame yourself. Are you going to finish your last year at Hogwarts?"

"No! I have to drop out after I get married! This is ruining everything!" Hermione fell forward into Harry's arms and cried her heart out. Five minutes later, though, Harry remembered something.

"Hermione, the guests." He saw she was asleep, so he gently laid her down and went downstairs. When he got to the room he left them he found quite a sight. Ron and Charity were making out on the couch and Josh was looking quite bored. When Harry heard Charity moan out "Ron" and realized that their hands were in compromising places he couldn't take it anymore. He cleared his throat loud enough to stop them. Josh looked at him.

"Oh good, where is Herbie? I was hoping she could save me from my boredom." Josh said, with a certain, 'I was hoping she could make out with me' look in his eye. Harry knew that Josh liked Hermione, and this further confirmed it.

"ARE YOU STUPID OR SOMETHING?! HERMIONE IS MY GIRLFRIEND! MINE! NOW GET OUT!" As if Josh wasn't acting stupid enough he had to go asking another question.

"But where is Herb?"

"I SAID GET OUT! SHE IS SLEEPING!" Then Harry turned to Charity. "It was very nice to meet you, and I know Ron feels the same way. Feel welcome to come back, that is without him." Charity nodded and left, dragging Josh along the way. The rest of the day Harry and Ron just sat around watching movies. That night Harry went up to Hermione's room instead of his own. He only wanted to say goodnight though, not thinking of anything else at that time. Harry bent down and kissed her forehead.

"Goodnight Herm." As he went to get up Hermione grabbed his arm.

"Please stay with me? I don't want to be alone." She was looking at him so desperately. Harry just nodded and slid into bed next to her. Harry fell asleep that night with his arms protectively around Hermione, no intentions except to keep her safe.

The next morning Harry woke up not knowing where he was. He turned his head and suddenly all of the events of the past day came back to him. He saw Hermione though and couldn't help but smile. She looked so peaceful in her sleep. Harry was still laying the way he woke up, that is, on his back with his arms around Hermione, who was resting her head on his chest holding onto him as if her life depended on it. Harry didn't want to wake her so he carefully slid out from under her, laying her head on a pillow and made his way to her shower. He had clothes with him and he didn't want to go all the way to his shower in case she woke up and was wondering where he was.

When Harry was about half way done with his shower Hermione woke up. At first she didn't know who was in her shower, but then she remembered that Harry had stayed with her last night. She was looking out the window on her side, head resting in her hand, when Harry came out of the shower.

"Hey you. How'd you sleep?" Harry asked. Hermione couldn't keep from smiling. Harry looked so adorable. He had his boxers on and nothing else, plus his hair was sticking up, still wet from the shower. She could see all his muscles from Quidditch and from his Aunt and Uncle's house. When Harry turned around to look in the mirror to brush his hair Hermione could also see his scars on his back. His life at his Uncle's house, which had made him caring, strong, and sympathetic had also terrified and somewhat destroyed him. Harry saw Hermione looking at his scars and turned around.

"I know they look ghastly. That's why I don't go around without a shirt on." Hermione got out of bed and walked over to him. She was wearing a nightgown that went to about four and a half inches above her knee and fit her curves nicely. Hermione reached him and pulled him into a soft kiss.

When they broke Hermione began to talk. "The scars have become part of you. From receiving them you have learned how not to and how to act. They have also made you understanding of other peoples' pain. Since they are part of you I have grown to love them as I love you." Hermione's eyes grew wide with the realization of what she had said. They have never told each other those words before. They never told the other that they loved them. Hermione knew she felt this way, but she didn't know if Harry returned those feelings.

"I-I I mean to say . . ." she became quiet when Harry out his lips to her with a powerful kiss. When they broke he looked her in the eyes.

"Herm, you said you love me, do you mean it?" Hermione nodded. Harry put his forehead to hers and whispered, "I love you too." Hermione's eyes grew huge with glee and she smiled widely. Without warning she pulled Harry into a passionate kiss. They backed up until they hit the bed, and fell backward, never breaking their kiss. Harry began to tug the small shoulder straps of Hermione's nightgown off.

"Ahem." Harry and Hermione sat up and in front of them. Looking rather amused, was no other then Ron.

"Harry, I wondered where you were last night." Ron had his eyebrows raised.

"No, Ron, it's not what you think, we didn't do anything, I only stayed here to comfort Hermione." Harry told Ron about Hermione's predicament the night before.

"If that's what you call what you were about to do just now. It's lucky for you that I interrupted or we could have had a mini-Harry running around in nine months. Harry, do you use protection?" Ron said, only half serious.

"It's not like I carry condoms around with me."

"Condoms? What are you talking about? Oh those muggle things? We wizards have a new and improved version of protection. Want some?" Harry almost burst out laughing, but stopped himself seeing that Ron was serious.

"You have some? With you?" Harry asked incredulously.

"Yeah, actually, my dad gave it to me. But, seriously, you want some?" Harry looked at Hermione who gave him a look that said 'do what you want, but it's a good idea'.

"Sure, why not. We don't want another Harry running around here. Another Hermione might be okay, but a Harry? Oh no, that'd be trouble." So while Hermione took her shower and after Harry got dressed he and Ron made their way to Ron's room. When they got there Ron went to his dresser. He took out a baggie full of things that looked like little wrapped candies. Ron handed him the whole baggie.

"Keep it, I have two more bags. My dad says it's better to be safe then sorry. What you do is keep half the bag and give the other half to Hermione, or someone else but I think Hermione is the only one right?"

"Well in a way. Hermione and I haven't actually HAD sex yet, but I wouldn't think of doing it with anyone else."

"Well, you guys look awfully close to doing it so I suggest you start taking them now. You only have to take one for now. It lasts until you do it, however long that may be, then you have to take another. Got it?"

"Yeah, thanks a lot, these might come in handy."

"Whoa! Too much information. Just joking. You should go give half of those to Hermione right now and tell her what I told you." Harry nodded and did as he was told. Harry and Hermione decided not to put the 'protection' to the test. They didn't want to just get their first time over with, they wanted it to be special and all summer they stuck to their resolution.

The next week was filled with swimming, visits from Charity, more swimming and just having fun. Harry and Hermione tried to put Hermione's marriage out of their mind and succeeded most of the time. They kept wishing the time for Hermione to leave never came. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A day before school started the trio decided to go to Hogsmead to get their supplies. Along with the usual books and other supplies they were also required to get a book on dueling. Ron suggested that they might be starting a dueling club or class again since Voldemort was on the rise. Harry and Hermione agreed with him and they started talking about what the class might be like this time. They guessed it would be better since Lockhart wasn't there anymore. While in Hogsmead they met up with many people including Dean, Seamus, Lavender, and Parvati. Surprisingly, yet pleasantly, they didn't run into Malfoy or his goons all day long. After getting their supplies Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way home for the last time that summer.

When they got to Hermione's house there was a nice surprise waiting for them. Inside Charity had set up a nice dinner on the dining room table with candles and all. She was waiting for them at the door when they came in. She was wearing a long black dress with a slit up one side that went to about an inch above her knee. The dress looked great with her dark red hair. Charity was a petite girl, but still had the looks and attitude to kill. This dress showed those attributes off.

"We are going to have a fancy dinner tonight, then after there is going to be a ball in Hermione's ballroom, I invited many people. Go get ready; you should look good for your last night here." The boys both ran out to their house, and Charity took Hermione to Herm's room.

"Charity! I have nothing to wear!" Hermione was throwing her clothes out from her closet.

"Yes, you do. I brought a little something over for you." Charity took a dress on a hanger off of the back of the door. On the hanger was the most gorgeous dress Hermione had ever seen. Charity handed it to Hermione who put it on behind her screen. When she came out it was all Charity could do to keep from gasping. Hermione looked stunning.

The dress Hermione was wearing was tight, crimson red, and off the shoulder. It was so tight that it seemed like a second skin. It was tight until right above Hermione's knees, and then the dress had a small red ruffle at the bottom. The dress ended at a diagonal point at Hermione's left leg. Charity put Hermione's hair up into a bun, almost like the night of the ball, but it was looser. She had silver hoop earrings on and the necklace Harry gave her. (If you need a reference, he gave her the necklace in chapter 6 on Christmas.) Hermione also had an extremely light silver eye shadow on along with a small amount of blush and lip gloss that made her lips look even more full and luscious.

"Are you sure this looks alright? I mean, I don't exactly have the figure to wear this." Hermione was examining herself in the mirror.

"Are you kidding me? You must be, I mean don't you have any idea how great you look?"

"Well, I guess I look okay. Maybe I should go on a diet, I could stand to lose five or ten pounds." Charity was speechless. Hermione? Go on a diet? There was no way that she needed to. Hermione had the most flat stomach Charity had ever seen. Sure she didn't have a tiny frame like herself, but guys would die to go out with a girl who looked like Hermione. And here she was saying she needed to go on a diet?!

"Hermione, you do NOT . . ."

"Well, let's get going. The boys are probably waiting." With that Hermione was out of the room, Charity right behind her.

"Herb, you're not serious about the diet thing right? It could become a disorder if it goes too far."

"Yes, I am serious, and I won't let it go that far, who do you know who has more will power than me?" After that Hermione saw Harry and walked over to him.

On her way to Ron Charity mumbled, "No one, that's the problem."

Dinner that night was great, there were so many of Hermione's old friends there, excluding Josh. All during the night Hermione was careful to introduce Harry as what he was, her boyfriend. There was a lot of food and everyone chowed down. Everyone, except Hermione. Harry, who was sitting next to her bent down to whisper in her ear.

"Herm, you have to eat something."

"Fine." Hermione out some salad in her bowl and started to pick at it.

"Do you not feel well, Herm?"

"I feel fine, thanks." Hermione smiled up at Harry and took a small portion of pasta. Harry went back to his own food and made a mental note to talk to Hermione about this later.

Finally, it was time for the ball. All the guests filed into the ballroom which was amazingly decorated. The ceiling was charmed to be able to see through it, but it was still the same strength and thickness. The ball room was an extension of the house and didn't have another story on the top of it, so above them was a clear sky with all the stars twinkling brightly. Every table was decorated with candles and muggle icicle lights were strung around the dancing area. There was a slight summer breeze flowing through the room since all the doors to the outside were open. As if on cue men took their dates hands and led them to the dance floor.

"Herm, would you like to dance with me?"

"Of course Harry. Lead the way." Harry took Hermione's hands and led her to the center of the dancing floor. Harry put his hands around Hermione's waist and she in turn out her arms around his neck. Harry decided this would be a good time to talk about Hermione and her newly found eating habits.

"Herm, do you care to explain why you were barely eating at dinner tonight?" Harry was searching her eyes intently looking for an unfound answer.

"I just feel like losing a few pounds is all." Hermione seemed busy studying her shoes.

"Hermione, you are perfect just the way you are, you shouldn't want to change yourself. Please go back to eating normally, not eating is going to do nothing but hurt you. I don't want to see you hurt. Please take into consideration what I am saying, okay?" Hermione looked up and smiled. Harry just looked so adorable when he was concerned.

"Alright, Harry. I won't stop eating, I'll just eat healthier." She gave him a sly grim which made Harry chuckle.

"Fine, I'll settle for that." Harry leaned down and kissed her on her forehead. Hermione then laid her head on his shoulder and they swayed to the rhythm of the music. Both were thinking about what might happen this coming year. Neither wanted to leave the other.

"Harry, I don't want to leave this year. Everything would be so perfect if I only didn't have to go and get married! I don't even WANT to get married to Malfoy. I always imagined that I would marry the person I loved."

"I know, Herm, I know. But, then again, you aren't the kind of person that lets other people force you into something you don't want to do. Isn't there something we can do?"

"I don't know! I hope there is, I can't imagine leaving you."

"Nor I, you." A silence fell upon them while they were trying to figure out a way to keep Hermione at Hogwarts.

"Hermione, I could talk to you parents alone and try to convince them to let you stay." Harry said a bit hesitantly.

"Harry, you don't have to. I know you don't like to be alone with my parents-"

"Herm, I am going to talk to them tomorrow, end of discussion." Hermione gave in, hoping he could convince them to let her stay unmarried. The rest of the night was spent dancing and relaxing, it was the perfect night to end their summer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hermione, Harry, Ron! Hurry up, you are going to miss the train if you don't get a move on!" Hermione's mom was yelling up the stairs. Harry and Ron were in Hermione's room waiting for her to finish packing.

"Alright, done!" Hermione finally said. They all lugged their luggage to the front door and piled into the car.

Earlier that morning, Harry had pulled Hermione's parents into their study and talked with them for the most agonizing twenty minutes of Hermione's life. Finally they came out, but neither Harry, nor her parents spoke of the conversation. Hermione decided to wait and get it out of Harry at school.

Back in the car, the group was just getting out and loading onto platform 9 ¾. They said their good-byes; Harry pulled Hermione's parents to the side and said something to them in private, then the trio made their way onto the train.

A/N- Sorry this chapter took so long, but as you can see it is a bit longer than the other ones. It actually took up 12 pages in Microsoft, not double spacing! I don't know about you, but to me that is a lot. I just noticed something that didn't fit together in the story. In the beginning, Hermione and her parents got into the car wreck, but her parents survived, then, when Harry gave her the necklace it said 'May Their Spirits Live On', as if they were dead, and finally, in this chapter Hermione and Harry and Ron stay at Herm's house with HER PARENTS. I am so so so sorry! Let's just say that Harry gave her the necklace as a remembrance for when they do die. Again, I am terribly sorry! Please forgive me and by the way, RESPOND!!!!! Also, THIS IS IMPORTANT- PLEASE READ!!!!!!!!!!! I will be changing the title of this story to "5th year and beyond- full of changes, good and bad." Thanks a ton! -meg