Disclaimer: In Ch 6
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Hours later, Harry and Hermione had been released and were anxiously awaiting
the visit of Hermione's parents. To pass the remaining three hours, they
attempted to play Exploding Snap while answering questions.
"Is it true that Malfoy loved you, but since you refused him, he didn't
want anyone else to have you?"
"No." Hermione stated firmly. Her eyes flashed warningly.
"For the fiftieth time, no." Harry muttered beside her. Hermione
grinned a little. They had been answering similar questions for last ten
minutes.
"Uh, Hermione?" Neville stood nervously before them, shifting his
weight from one foot to the other. "C-Could you...I mean...you
know...um...explain what you went through?" Harry and Hermione exchanged
glances. Harry had told her about Neville's parents, so they both knew Neville
must have spent forever gathering his courage for that one question.
"Sure, Neville," Hermione said gently. She led him over to an
isolated corner. Harry continued to answer questions.
"Harry, were you and Hermione making out when it happened?"
Harry blushed. "No way." The second-year looked at him dubiously.
"Really."
Harry was so busy protesting this latest rumor, he didn't notice when Ron
climbed through the portrait hole.
"Hey, Harry." Ron plopped down in Hermione's empty seat.
"Where's Hermione?"
"She's over there, talking to Neville."
"So, uh, when do her parents get here?"
Harry glanced at his new watch. The Dursleys hadn't protested against buying
it, after he'd mentioned Sirius.
"About two hours."
"What're you gonna say to them?"
Harry shook his head. "I dunno."
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Mrs. Granger shifted uncomfortably in her chair. She didn't like those
portraits on the wall, with the moving people inside. They made her nervous.
She glanced at her husband. He didn't seem to mind.
She checked the time again. One minute to five. She sighed, and looked over at
Professor Dumbledore, seated behind his desk. He was all right, she supposed,
although he seemed a bit mad.
Mrs. Granger was distracted from her thoughts when the door opened. Her
daughter walked, followed closely by two boys who were vaguely familiar. They
sat down across from Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Dumbledore waved his wand, and
another chair appeared, making it a circle. He walked over and sat down.
"Well, now that we are here, let's begin. I believe, Mr. and Mrs. Granger,
that you have met Mr. Harry Potter and Mr. Ronald Weasley?" Hermione's
parents nodded. The group then sat in an uneasy silence.
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Perhaps, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, you should
explain to your daughter why you wish to remove her from Hogwarts."
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A/N: I'm cutting this chapter a little short, because I want
to try to fit the whole discussion into one chapter.
