Disclaimer: In Ch 6
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"Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I beg you to reconsider."

Dumbledore's voice was calm. It was as if they were discussing something as boring as the thickness of cauldron bottoms, and not the further wizarding education of one of Hogwart's top students.

"Removing your daughter from Hogwarts may do more harm than good."

"How?" Mr. Granger demanded. "If we remove her, at least we'll know she's safe."

"But for how long, Mr. Granger? Has your daughter spoken to you of Voldemort?"

The Grangers nodded. "All the more reason to stop teaching her magic." Mrs. Granger said. "If this Voldemort person is after Hermione and others like her, who are what you call 'Muggle born', then he won't notice her if she disappears from wizarding society."

"I am afraid your logic is incorrect, Mrs. Granger. Hermione happens to be one of Harry Potter's best friends. Harry is Voldemort's major enemy. If Hermione leaves the safety of Hogwarts, he will know."

"How can you possibly call Hogwarts safe after our daughter was attacked within its very halls?"

"Every school has its dangers; surely you understand that. The dangers at wizarding schools are just a little more...unusual than what befall Muggle schools."

Dumbledore stood. "I can see we are not going to reach an agreement tonight. Perhaps we may further this discussion with your daughter, when we are able to bring you to Hogwarts? With your permission, I would like to inform Hermione of your views, and allow her to think it over. After all, this is her future we are discussing. Her opinion should be the deciding factor."

The Grangers nodded. They did not look at all pleased.

"Very well. I shall send word of when you will be brought to Hogwarts by owl. Goodnight."

He exited the Three Broomsticks. For a moment, he stood under the glimmering moonlight, and then he vanished. The Grangers were still sitting at their table, gazing into the shadows, lost in thought.
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Ron was eating breakfast the next morning when Professor McGonagall tapped him on the shoulder.

"Good morning, Mr. Weasley."

"Er, good morning, Professor."

"Madame Pomfrey has asked me to inform you that you are to come to the hospital wing immediately after breakfast."

"What's happened? Is it good news?"

"Indeed it is, Mr. Weasley." One of Professor McGonagall's rare smiles emerged. "It most definitely is." She moved away before Ron could ask her any more.

"What was that about, Ron?" Seamus asked.

"I think Hermione's condition has improved, if she's not completely better. McGonagall actually smiled."

Seamus grinned and turned to Neville. The news that Hermione was well enough to make McGonagall smile spread like wildfire down the Gryffindor table. Excited voices filled the air.

"Attention, attention please!" Dumbledore stood up at the head table. "As I'm sure many of you have already heard," He nodded toward the Gryffindors. "Miss Hermione Granger will soon be fully recovered."

The Great Hall erupted with cheers. Everyone - or nearly everyone, as many of the Slytherins were looking severely disappointed - was relieved at hearing the news. With Hermione recovered, Malfoy could be punished.

Dumbledore raised his hand. The students quieted.

"Yes, this is most wonderful news. However, much as you may wish to visit Miss Granger, I advise against it. Madame Pomfrey will most likely turn you away, as Miss Granger still needs rest."
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"Do you think Madame Pomfrey'll let you visit?" Neville asked Ron when he turned toward the hospital wing, instead of Transfiguration. Breakfast had just ended.

"Yeah. McGonagall told me I'm s'posed to."

"See you later, then." Neville walked off. Ron walked in the other direction.
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The first thing Ron noticed when he entered the hospital wing was that Harry was grinning broadly. The second thing he noticed was Hermione sitting at the foot of Harry's bed, also grinning.

"Herm! You're better!"

"Of course I am. Did you really think I wouldn't be? Honestly, Ron, sometimes I just can't understand you."

Ron grinned. Hermione was definitely better.

"Hello, Mr. Weasley." Madame Pomfrey said, emerging from her office. She shuffled through the potions and cures in the medicine cabinet. After pulling a bright blue bottle out, she returned to her office, the door closing firmly behind her.

Ron walked over to the bed.

"So, uh, is everything ok now?"

Harry and Hermione's grins faded.

"Not entirely," Harry began. He stopped, trying to think of a way to explain.

"What? What's wrong?"

"I don't remember what happened, and, well, uh..." Hermione stopped talking and stared at her feet. Ron was shocked. He had never seen Hermione at a loss for an explanation before.

"Herm's parents want to remove her from Hogwarts. Dumbledore told us this morning."

Harry's news completely floored Ron. He couldn't picture a Hogwarts without Hermione, and told her so.

"After all," he remarked, attempting to cheer her up, "who would help us with our homework?"

A small grin was his reward.

"I am glad you feel that way, Mr. Weasley. You may tell her parents as such, if they allow you to attend our discussion on this matter." Dumbledore stood behind Ron.

"I hate it when he does that" Ron muttered under his breath. Harry overheard him and grinned.

Dumbledore turned to Hermione.

"We have found a way to bring your parents to Hogwarts. They'll be here tomorrow."

"How are you going to bring them here, sir?" Ron was very interested. He'd overheard Flitwick talking to Professor Vector about it. It sounded near impossible.

"I shall bore you another time with the memory spells, countercharms, and everything else we must perform to bring them here." Dumbledore stated. "However, you must attend some portion of Transfiguration today, Mr. Weasley."
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A/N: All, right everyone, I'm going to take a short break to work on No Time Like The Past. But I hope to upload more Dark Times soon!