Disclaimer: Look in Ch 6
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"All right," Ron sighed. It was obvious he'd rather stay. But, "I'll see you guys later." he said, and left.

"I suggest the two of you discuss what you will say to Miss Granger's parents tomorrow."

"But, we don't know if Harry can be there."

"I am working on that. I believe your parents will allow both Harry and Mr. Weasley to speak tomorrow, so you should prepare. I shall try to visit again later." With that, Dumbledore left the room.

Harry looked at Hermione. She was staring at the floor again, her brown hair hiding her face.

"Herm?" She glanced up. "We have to think of a way to convince your parents that you're safe here."

"They won't listen Harry," Hermione said in a low voice. "When my mum makes up her mind, it's almost impossible to change it."

"I don't fully believe that. There has to be a way to change it."

"I said, it won't matter, Harry!" Hermione shouted in a shrill voice. Her gaze dropped to the floor again. "I just have to accept it," she whispered.

Harry was stunned. Hermione was rarely torn between tears and anger, as she was now. And he had NEVER heard her give up on a problem, no matter what it was.

"Ok, fine. Tell me why it won't matter."

Hermione didn't answer immediately. It wasn't that difficult to explain, but she was uncertain of how to do so. She didn't want to portray her mum as the bad guy, when she really wasn't.

"My mum never really approved of my being a witch. I think it's because she's jealous. She loves me, but I can do what she can't. And she worries about my safety. When I told her about the basilisk, she freaked out. Add that to the other things we've done, Malfoy's attacking me, and You-Know-Who, and you have her reasons for removing me from Hogwarts. She feels I need protecting."

"But with Voldemort returning to power, you need to stay here. Voldemort's afraid of Dumbledore, and you can learn to protect yourself, if you stay."

Hermione smiled wryly. "She won't see it that way. To her, You-Know-Who will forget I exist, if I return to the Muggle world."

"Then we need a way to prove it to her. And we'll find it."

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She was in the Entrance Hall. Footsteps echoed behind her, and she turned. Malfoy stood smirking before her. Slowly, he raised his wand.

"CRUCIO!"

Between her screams, Hermione faintly heard him say "...use Potter's wand."
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Harry bolted upright. He grabbed his glasses and hurried over to Hermione's bed.

"Herm! Herm! Wake up!" He shook her roughly. The screaming stopped.

"Herm?" She turned and looked at him. "Were you...dreaming about the attack?"

Hermione nodded mutely, tears on her face. Before Harry could think about it, he sat down on the bed and pulled Hermione to him. He held her gently, trying to provide some comfort.
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The door between Madame Pomfrey's room and the infirmary burst open. Madame Pomfrey bustled out, tying her bathrobe belt as she hurried to Hermione's bed.

"Are you alright, Miss Granger?" She panted. Good Lord, if the girl had had a relapse...Then she noticed that Hermione was quietly crying against Harry, and sighed with relief. It wasn't a relapse.

"Is she alright, Mr. Potter?"

"She was dreaming about the attack."

"Can you remember any of your dream, Miss Granger?"

Hermione slowly sat up. When she was facing the nurse, she nodded.

"Tell me what you remember."

Hermione shook her head. "I'd rather speak to Professor Dumbledore."

"Of course. I'll fetch him at once." Madame Pomfrey rushed out, leaving the pair alone again.

Harry suddenly felt very embarrassed. He got up and moved to his own bed. Avoiding Hermione's eyes, he asked, "How bad was it?"

"It was...awful. Horrible. It hurt so bad, and..." Hermione stopped and shuddered.

They turned as the door swung open.
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A/N: As you may have noticed, I've begun combining the earlier Chs: 2 Chs into 1 longer Ch. This is because you guys have been asking for longer Chs and so that I don't end up w/ a sixty Ch fic! :) :)