Disclaimer: Don't own Harry Potter or anything associated with the franchise. JK Rowling is the owner of all that. This is total fiction.

AN: Not sure what I think about this chapter. It's sort of a fill in chapter; I promise the next one's going to be more interesting. Anyway, let me know what you think. I would love some more reviews!

"Hermione, hurry up. We're supposed to be in Dumbledore's office in ten minutes," Harry said to me from the other side of my privacy curtain in the Hospital Wing. I sighed and slipped my gray and black sneakers on quickly. Finally I pushed the curtain back to reveal Harry standing there with his hands in his pockets. I noticed that when he looked up he scanned me briefly from head to foot, and I bit my lip in sudden nervousness. Because I still wasn't feeling quite up to par yet, I chose to go simple in a pair of dark blue jeans and a black top with a glittering British flag in the center. I'm not like Parvati and Lavender, who like to show their stomachs and cleavage. Comfort is a major clothing factor for me. Still, I hope I look decent.

Harry himself was wearing a pair of khaki pants and a dark green shirt. His hair was in the usual disarray, making him look even cuter. 'Whoa...cute? Where did that come from? Why can't I seem to get him off my mind?' I wondered to myself. I tried to keep my thoughts from showing on my face by smiling and looping my arm through one of his.

"I'm never late for anything, Harry Potter. Come on, we'll go before you have a conniption fit," I said, leading him out the double doors.  We walked the familiar halls quickly, heading toward Professor Dumbledore's office.

"Where are your parents?" Harry questioned me as we turned a corner.

"They came by the wing a while ago. They've already spoken to Dumbledore this morning. I have a feeling they discussed what we are going to talk with him about. Anyway, they mentioned something about Professor Sprout giving them a tour of her private gardens. They're going to meet back up with me after we get done with the Headmaster," I explained, smiling again as we turned another corner and began the walk down the hall that would lead us to the stone gargoyle. Harry began to pick up his pace a little bit, obviously anxious to get there. 

"Harry, if you don't slow your wizard behind down, I'm going to curse you from here into the next millennium!" I exclaimed. He slowed a bit and looked down at me sheepishly.

"Sorry Mione," He said, running a hand through his dark hair.

"Not all of us have long legs, Mr. Potter," I teased, poking him in the side gently. He grinned at me and replied, "Well I can't help it if some of us are as short as goblins."

I gasped and thumped him lightly. "That was so mean. I don't think I can associate with you anymore, Harry Potter. "

He laughed at this and put his arm around my shoulders. "I was just playing. Besides, you know you can't live without me. Who else would give you the password to the Headmaster's office?" He asked as we came upon the familiar gargoyle.  I turned and smiled sweetly at him.

"I don't need you to give me the password. I already know it. Canary Creams, " I said, my smile getting even bigger as the gargoyle moved aside. Harry gave me mock glare before laughing.

"I should have known I couldn't outsmart you. Come on, let's go," he said. We made our way through the passage and into the main office of Albus Dumbledore.

"Good morning Harry, Hermione. Please, have a seat," Professor Dumbledore said from his chair behind the huge wooden desk. Two dark red chairs sat across from the Headmaster, and we each took one.

"Now I know you must have questions. Harry has explained to me what went on that night, but I would like to hear it from your point of view as well Miss Granger. Do you mind?" He asked me. I shook my head and began to recount the events of that night. I told the professor about how I started to feel strange about the storm, and about the death eater battle that took place. I ended my tale at the part where I fell to the ground, unconscious.  As I finished, the professor nodded his head in understanding.

"I see. Do you have any theory as to why you were attacked?" He questioned, his blue eyes twinkling.

"Not really sir. I don't think they really intended to kill us. I mean, Harry and I are good at D.A.D.A. and we duel okay, but I get the feeling that those death eater's were holding back a bit. The killing curse was used, but only once. If they intended on really killing us, they would have used it more often. Also, he only sent six death eaters. If it was a real attack I am sure he would have sent more, to insure that we were defeated. I don't know quite what to make of it all, to tell you the truth," I said, looking at the much older man in confusion.

"I agree with Hermione. There were many pauses where the death eater's probably could have taken us out. We were caught off guard and we let ourselves get distracted. I think maybe this was more of a scare tactic than anything else," Harry piped in, shifting slightly in his chair. Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled at us from behind his half-moon glasses.

"I do agree that this probably was meant only to scare you, maybe injure you a bit. He is trying to distract and distress you Harry, and you mustn't let it work. As to the question about whether the death eater's were holding back in the duel, I couldn't answer that as I was not present. I do know that you are both very skilled in that area, but of course it could be as you said. Either way, I must commend both you and Miss Granger for your brave actions that night. "

"Miss Granger, I am sure you are wondering what exactly happened after you blacked out. Shortly after you fell, Remus Lupin and Nymphdora Tonks apparated into the residence and took care of the remaining death eater. Unbeknownst to you Harry, you have had at least two wizards following you ever since you left for Hermione's. We, of course, could not leave you unprotected in these dangerous times. We felt it was better if they kept out of sight.  Remus and Nymphdora were outside the residence trying to set up protective shields when they were attacked by another set of six death eaters. By the time they disposed of these death eaters, your fight was almost over, and they apparated straight in. All of you were then transported here to Hogwarts, where both of you were treated by Madame Pomfrey. The death-eaters were then taken to Azkaban. "

Professor Dumbledore stood up and placed his hands on his desk, leaning forward toward Harry and myself.

"Now, as to what is to be done in the aftermath of this attack. Because of these strange circumstances, I do believe it would be in your best interest if you were to move to Grimmauld Place for the remainder of the summer. It is unplottable and therefore the safest place for you to be. Not to mention the number of wizards and witches that are constantly moving in and out of the house. You will be well-protected there," Professor Dumbledore said. 

Harry and I looked at each other. It wasn't hard to read the disappointment and fear in his eyes. I know he wasn't looking forward to going back to the place where Sirius spent so much time. It would bring up painful feelings and memories for the boy-who-lived. I looked back up at the Headmaster, a question forming in my mind.

"What do my parents have to say about this, Professor? " I asked. He nodded his head as if he was expecting my question.

"Your parents are concerned about your safety, as well as Harry's. However, they said that they trust my judgment on the matter. They want you to be as safe as possible.

I must say, Miss Granger, that you have done well in informing them of the goings-on in the wizarding world. They are, of course, scared for you and your friends. However, I believe that they realize what part you have played and will play in all of this. Therefore they are willing to let you go with Harry to Grimmauld Place for the next month or so," The Headmaster told me.

I let out a sigh of relief. I know my parents miss me a lot while I am gone in the magical world. We stay in contact and everything, but sometimes I feel guilty that I can't be "normal" for them. Of course they've never really said anything about this, but I still get that feeling sometimes.

" Now. I expect the two of you to behave well during your stay at Grimmauld Place. You are not to leave the House and yard until your trip to Diagon Alley later on in the month. I will be seeing you there at least once a week, as I will be in close contact with Order of the Phoenix members.  Harry, you will begin receiving Occulumency lessons with Snape again. Twice a week will do, on Monday's and Thursday's.  On Tuesday's and Wednesday's you will have defense lessons with Remus Lupin.  In addition, Professor McGonagall will be giving you some special training that will begin in two weeks. Any questions?" Dumbledore asked, his blue eyes studying us carefully over the rim of his glasses.

"What about Ron, sir? Will we get to see him before the start of the term?" Harry asked. I glanced at him, knowing what he was thinking. Ron would be really upset if we spent all that time together before school at Grimmauld Place and he wasn't allowed to stay too.

"Ah, yes, Mr. Weasley. He and his family will be arriving in three days, I believe, at Grimmauld Place.  Ron and Hermione will be sharing Professor McGonagall's lessons with you, as well as Remus Lupin's. Since the three of you seem to like 'adventuring' together, I thought it would be wise for the two of them to learn these things with you," He told us.

I grinned in delight. I get to take extra lessons with Harry and Ron! Although I must admit I'm not too broken up about not sharing Snape's lessons with Harry.

"Professor, must I continue with Professor Snape? Couldn't you teach me?" Harry asked, his tone pleading. Dumbledore sighed and shook his head.

"I am sorry Harry, but I feel that you will learn more from Professor Snape," The Headmaster replied. I could feel Harry's body tense a bit.

"You don't know how it is, Headmaster. I'll never be able to learn anything from him. He reflects his hate for my father onto me," Harry said.  The headmaster looked at Harry quietly for a moment.

"That may be partially true, but I do not believe you are seeing the entire picture, Harry. But I will make a deal with you. If you attend the first four lessons with Professor Snape and you still are making no progress, then we will find another solution. Does that sound fair to you?" He asked. I raised my eyebrow, astonished that Dumbledore would make such an offer.  Harry thought about it for a few moments, and then nodded.

Professor Dumbledore smiled, clapping his hands together once before speaking, "Very well. Hermione, Harry, I believe I have a few school letters for the two of you, if you care for them, " the Headmaster said. I shot a look at Harry; I had suspect that one of the letter's would be our O.W.L. results, which made me quite nervous.

 Dumbledore shuffled around some papers on his desk before finally producing four envelopes, two for each of us. I reached out for mine, my hand shaking with nerves. I glanced at Harry again to see him regarding his envelopes with a look of apprehension. I looked at the address on the envelopes; one was from Hogwarts, probably our usual school list. The second was indeed our OWL results. Taking a deep breath, I suddenly felt sick to my stomach.

"Hermione? Are you okay?" Harry asked, putting a hand on my shoulder.  I glanced back down at the envelope.

"I don't think I can open mine," I said, turning it over in my hands.

"Why not?" Harry asked, a bewildered tone in his voice. I shrugged.

"I'm so nervous...I think...I think I'll just save it for later," I replied, reaching down to put it into my pocket. Before I could stuff it in, a familiar hand snatched the envelope away.

"Bugger that. I know you're dying to get the results. I'll open it for you," Harry said. I swallowed hard and nodded my head in agreement. He ripped the envelope open, scanning the contents quickly. He was silent for a moment or two, and I swear my heart stopped beating.

"Harry! What is it? What's wrong? Did I fail them all? Oh, if I failed them all I'll just die..." I trailed off, feeling a ramble coming on. Then a huge grin broke out over my best friend's face.

"Hermione! You got Outstanding in every subject you were tested in! You got 12 O.W.L's! " Harry exclaimed. My mouth dropped open when I heard this.

"I did what?" I asked, obviously in shock. Harry grabbed my shoulders, forcing me to look up at him.

"You did it! You got all O's 'Mione," He repeated.

After another minute or two it finally sank in and I shrieked, hugging Harry tightly.

"I did it! I did it! I can't believe I did so well, I thought for sure I would get Acceptable in Astronomy because it got interrupted," I said, looking back down at my paper. Suddenly realizing Harry hadn't opened his yet, I looked back up at him.

"Well? Are you going to open yours?" I asked. He glanced back up at me, a nervous look on his face. I grinned and grabbed his envelope from him.

"It's time to return the favor," I announced, ripping the envelope open. I smiled as I read his results. Harry looked at me anxiously.

"Well?"

"You got 9 O.W. L's. 4 Outstanding, 3 Exceeding Expectations, and 2 Acceptables. And, one of your Outstandings was in Potions! I'm very proud of you, Harry! " I exclaimed, hugging him. He grinned back at me.

"I don't quite have your score, but I'm not complaining!" Harry said. I beamed at him, actually surprised at his score. He took only 9 classes, so that means he passed every one of them, even History of Magic.

"You both did excellent on your tests. This only reaffirms my opinion that Hogwarts has some of the brightest students in the wizarding world. Congratulations!" The Headmaster said, beaming at us from behind his thin glasses.

"Thanks Professor!" We chimed together.

"Might I suggest that you two go off and find an appropriate way to celebrate? Ice cream, perhaps?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes twinkling.  Harry grinned and nodded his head.

"Brilliant idea, Professor. Hermione, do you want to go down to the kitchens? We can see Dobby and Winky while we're there," Harry said, grabbing my hand.

"Sure, let's go. Oh, Professor? If we're going to Grimmauld Place tomorrow, how are we going to get our things from my house? " I asked curiously.

"I will have your parents pack your things, Hermione. You may wish to create a list for your mother, so she will know specific things to pack for you. Harry, when I send Remus to pick up yours and Hermione's things, he will pack your bags for you. If that is all right with you two?" Dumbledore asked. 

"Sounds great to me. Thanks again Headmaster!" I exclaimed as Harry dragged me out of the office. Laughing, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Grinning mischieviously, I covered my mouth.

"What's wrong? " Harry exclaimed, stopping to give me a worried look.

"I just realized, now that our O.W.L.'s are over....."

"Yes?" Harry asked, concern clear on his handsome face.

"We only have two years until NEWTS! I've got to start studying soon!" I exclaimed. Harry rolled his eyes and grabbed me by the wrist again.

"My best friend is loony...that's all there is to it, " Harry muttered under his breath. I punched him in the arm lightly, laughing at his mutterings.  We made it to the kitchens, where Dobby the Houself practically jumped on us when we entered.

"Mr. Harry Potter Sir. Dobby is glad to see you sir. What is it Dobby can be getting for you sir?" The hyper houself asked, looking anxiously at Harry. Harry stifled a smile and replied, "Just two vanilla ice cream cones, please Dobby. How has your summer been?"

Dobby's eyes got even wider at Harry's question. " It has been good, Mr. Harry Potter Sir. Dobby is liking it here, with Professor Dumbledore, sir. He is coming to visit house elves often, he is. Here is your ice creams, Mr. Harry Potter sir. Will Dobby be seeing you often also, when you is getting back for school?"

Harry and I smiled at each other and took the ice cream cones.

"Yes, we will be down to see you often, Dobby. I promise. Hermione and I are going to take a walk outside now though. We'll see you later, Dobby," Harry said. Dobby waved at us until we reached the door. Once we were back out in the hall, I looked at Harry.

"Who said we were going to walk outside?" I asked, licking my ice cream cone. Harry did likewise, before replying, "I said we were walking outside. What are you going to do about it?"

I just smiled secretively and said, "Oh, I don't know. You might just wake up tomorrow with blue hair..."

Harry's eyes got wide at this, and I laughed at his expression. Suddenly he began to laugh too. I looked at him in confusion.

"What? What's so funny?" I asked. He just grinned and pointed to my face. I felt myself blush.

"You have vanilla ice cream just...there..." Harry said, leaning over me to wipe it off of my cheek, very close to my mouth. Suddenly we both stopped laughing, and I became very aware that Harry hadn't taken his hand away yet. Slowly he moved his thumb over a bit to my lips. He gently rubbed my bottom lip with his thumb, staring at my mouth as I gazed up at him, unable to move or say anything.

"Hermione..." Harry whispered softly, sending my heartbeat racing. I took in a sharp breath when he spoke. I opened my mouth to reply, but was interrupted by a very familiar voice.

"Well, if it isn't Harry Potter and Hermione Granger."

Closing my eyes, I took in a deep breath as Harry moved his hand away. Slowly we both turned to face the unexpected guest.

"What are you doing here?" Harry sneered, his disgust obvious in his voice.  Silently I took our ice creams and threw them away in a nearby chute that leads to the trash bins.

"Oh, let's just say my father has some...business at Hogwarts today, and I thought I'd tag along. Now I'm glad I did...can't lose a chance to taunt the mudblood, now can I?" Draco Malfoy replied, an annoyed look on his face. Harry tensed at the ugly word, but I put a restraining hand on Harry's arm.

"Harry, don't. Please," I whispered. I really didn't feel like having my good mood interrupted even further by the Slytherin snake. Harry turned and looked down at me.

"Fine. We should get going anyway. I'm starting to get a whiff of a smelly ferret. Frankly, it's making me sick," Harry said, staring at Malfoy the whole time. Surprisingly, Malfoy didn't reply, he just sneered at us as we turned and walked back down the hallway.

Despite the encounter with Malfoy, my spirits were still pretty high. I mean, I scored brilliantly on my O.W.L. tests, and Harry almost kissed me!

Suddenly, this year is looking very bright indeed.