Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Harry Potter. They are the sole property of JK Rowling and Warner Bros

A/N: Reply to one of my reviewers, I'm not planning on this being a superpower Harry story, but he is going to have to realise some new talents to defeat good old Voldie but of course it will have to come at a price. To anyone else who is reading. Getting a review is nice and generally makes you feel appreciated so please review

Hermione's summer

Hermione started "Promise me that you will write and let me know how Harry is going, he may open up more to you because you are a boy and because you didn't make some stupid "Hero complex" comment. You look after yourself, Ok."

"Of course I'll write to you, you look after yourself too." An awkward hug followed by a quick kiss to Ron's cheek. Hermione turned towards her parents and with a last goodbye to Ron made her way over to them. She embraced them both in a large hug "I'm so happy to see you, I haven't seen you in so long. Sorry I couldn't make it home for Christmas but study comes first right?" Anna and Lucas Granger shared a knowing glance "we know you didn't stay at Hogwarts over Christmas but here isn't the place to discuss it. We will do it once we arrive home." Lucas glanced a look over to where Tonks was talking with Arthur Weasley, a funny looking man named Moody and another man named Remus if his memory served him correct. Lucas made eye contact with Tonks and she signalled that she was ready whenever they were. Lucas turned back to his wife and daughter "I think we should be off, I will take your trunk Hermione, you just look after Crookshanks." Hermione shot her dad an appreciative look but kept silent as she contemplated exactly how her parents had found out about Christmas. She was so deep in thought she did not even notice Tonks trailing behind them at a discrete distance. Hermione was half way home before she came to a logical conclusion to her dilemma, her parents had been standing with the Weasley's at one point in time, Mrs Weasley must have told her that she had spent the holidays with her, but how much had she told them? Hermione had made it a priority not to tell her parents about the problems in the wizarding world, hopefully Mrs Weasley hadn't ruined it for her. Finally they arrived back at the Granger home. Hermione stared lovingly at her family home, the one place she used to feel safe but now Hermione felt exposed, unlike Ron who had a whole family of wizards to protect him if the death eaters came, Hermione had no one, she would have to be the one to protect her parents if they came. Hermione was roused out of her thoughts when her Mum handed her Crookshanks and made her way inside.

Hermione placed Crookshanks on the ground as she entered the house and made her way into the dining room where all important discussions took place. Hermione's parents entered with 3 teacups and saucers, a teapot and some savoury biscuits, carrots and celery arranged on a platter. Mrs Granger poured the tea and then sat down opposite Hermione with her husband next to her. She looked over to her daughter waiting for her to start but her husband opened the proceedings "What happened at Christmas Hermione? Please tell us the truth." Hermione considered her options if she told them the whole truth then they would probably overreact so she decided to tell them the truth just not the whole truth. "I spent Christmas with the Weasley's at the place where I stayed last summer" Hermione looked over to her parents hoping this answer had satisfied their curiosity but it hadn't. Like all parents that knew something that their children thought they didn't know they dangled more rope for Hermione to hang herself with.

Mr Granger asked the next question "were all of the Weasley's present?" obviously giving Hermione the option of telling him about Arthur's injuries and the war but Hermione was too far down the road of half truths to recognise when she had been caught. "Well now that you have asked Dad, they weren't all there. Percy, Ron's older brother who was head boy whilst I was in third year wasn't there. He had work to do and was much to busy to spend time with us at Christmas" Anna and Lucas shared a knowing look, they really believed if they gave Hermione the chance to explain that she would. It was time to confront her about the lies, half truths and omissions that had been a regu;ar part of Hermione's life since she found out that she was a witch. "Hermione, we have become quite close to the Weasley's over the last two years. We thought it was important to make friends with some wizards. They have been telling us all year about the things that have been happening in the wizarding world this past year, including what happened to Arthur at Christmas"

Hermione had a horrified look on her face, this wasn't happening, they were sure to forbid her to return to Hogwarts but Hermione didn't say anything but sat there waiting for her dad to continue. "We are disappointed that you haven't told us any of this but we were absolutely horrified when we received a visit from your esteemed headmaster." Hermione's heart started to beat faster and she lost all colour from her face, "Professor Dumbledore visited you" she asked in a timid voice. Her father nodded but it was her Mum's time to talk "Yes he did. He told us everything, all of your little adventures with Harry and Ron and your likely involvement in the war. We can't say that we are very happy about all that he told us but he can be a very persuasive man when he wants to be. We wanted to remove you from Hogwarts and ban you from seeing any of your friends again but the headmaster talked us out of it. He in fact talked us into taking a holiday and then you are going to go and meet up with Ron and Harry and we are going to go into hiding, something about a secret keeper." It was all too much for Hermione, she quickly got up and sprinted up the stairs and slammed her bedroom door making sure to lock it.

Hermione lay on her bed tears streaming down her face, the summer had come too soon, there was such chaos in her life. Harry had further ostracised himself from Ron and herself leaving them to spend more time with each other which had created confusing feelings. Sirius was dead. Dumbledore had visited, telling her parents everything and suggesting they go on holidays before being put under the Fidelius Charm which would mean Hermione wouldn't see her parents until the danger passed or at least until she finished school. A knocking on her door interrupted her thoughts, Hermione moved over to the door and unlocked it but didn't open it but Mrs Granger had heard the door being unlocked and opened it herself. She perched herself on the edge of Hermione's bed where Hermione was once again laying and started to stroke her hair after about a minute of silence Mrs Granger spoke "Are you okay Hermione?" Hermione considered her answer but finally decided to be completely honest this time "No." Mrs Granger knew that there was more to come and finally it did "Sirius died, Harry has been pulling away from Ron and I and I think I might be falling for Ron and I know for sure that he doesn't like me back and I have tried so hard to protect you from the realities of being a muggle born witch but you obviously know now especially if Dumbledore thinks that you should go into hiding and you must hate me for keeping these things from you and lying to you."

Anna felt bad for her daughter, she shouldn't be protecting them that was there job. "Your Dad and I don't hate you, we are more disappointed that you have felt that you couldn't come to us with your problems now what makes you so sure that Ron doesn't like you?" this question set off more tears, not exactly what Anna was hoping for but it did create some reassurances that Hermione still had some normalcy in her life "He only likes pretty girls. I will never be pretty enough for Ron." This was the last thing that Anna had expected to hear. It was obvious to nearly everyone who saw Hermione that she was far from ugly, granted not much time was spent on her looks but she certainly wasn't ugly. "Hermione you are far from ugly but that doesn't matter. If Ron doesn't want to go out with you because of your looks then you really shouldn't want to go out with him anyway. But I have a feeling that Ron thinks you're pretty anyway, you should have seen the colour of his cheeks when you were saying goodbye." Hermione tried to laugh but a hiccup came out instead, her Mum had done the impossible, she was actually feeling good about herself. Anna continued on "Tomorrow we will be taking you to the doctor, I know something happened last week and I would feel better if you went and had a full check-up now there is something else we have to talk about. Professor Dumbledore has organised a fully trained wizard to stay with us until you go home. Can I send her up now, she apparently has some stuff to discuss with you or do you need a couple of minutes to compose yourself?" Hermione nodded her head which Anna interpreted as send her up now and then left the room.

Hermione brushed the tears away from her face and looked up to hear a "Wotcher, Mione" The moment Tonk's opened the door Hermione launched herself onto her in what can only be one of her biggest hugs she had ever given. "I was so worried, when did you get out of St Mungo's, I'm so happy to see you, are you okay" Hermione stopped to take a breath which Tonks took advantage of, finally managing to escape from Hermione's grasp when Hermione started again "Tonk's how many times have I asked you not to call me Mione" and then in a quieter voice "I'm so sorry about Sirius, I know he was one of the few you still called family." Tonk's plastered a smile on her face "I have to call you Mione, Wotcher Hermione certainly doesn't have the same ring to it. And about Sirius, I think he died happy, he died protecting Harry. Not being able to protect Harry was his biggest regret so being able to help him at the ministry probably made him happy. Now onto other things, I am your guard assigned by the order wherever you go I go, understand?"

Tonk's looked over at Hermione like she was absolutely pleased to be given such a task but Hermione was thinking once again. Tonks was her guard, Tonks was an auror, they must really think that I am in danger if they sent an auror to look after me. "Voldemort wants me doesn't he?" Tonks smiled at her "Yes. You are Harry's best friend and you are the smartest witch at Hogwart's apparently, kicking all of the pure bloods arse including Mr Draco Malfoy's but not to worry I haven't lost a person yet, I did injure one but he was under the misconception that Aurors were co-ordinated and I don't need to tell you how untrue that is. Now I am under orders to make sure you have fun this next month." Hermione looked at Tonk's suspiciously and then started "Orders from who I thought you were under orders to keep me safe?" Tonk's once again smiled "Well Fred and George of course. They mentioned to me that you needed some loosening up, they claim that they have been trying ever since they met you but they haven't managed it yet. I'm sure a certain red-haired Weasley would appreciate a more easy going Hermione." Hermione turned bright red and then said "How did you know, I haven't told anyone" Tonk's laughed and then pulled out a pair of extendable ears "every auror that knows of them carries them now, they have turned out to be right helpful. Now here is the deal there are a few rules that Dumbledore has imposed and these are non-negotiable, Dumbledore has cancelled your Daily Prophet subscription someone could follow the owl to us, I accompany you wherever you go, whether as a companion next to you in whatever shape you want me or behind you in a traditional guard role and lastly you are not allowed to send any owls to Ron and Harry is that clear." The second part of the conversation was spoken in an auror tone so Hermione just nodded and then said "You don't have to follow me, I could do with some female company, however I don't think you should have pink hair, it sort of is quite conspicuous." Tonk's motioned Hermione out of the bedroom as her Dad had just informed them that tea was ready.

Hermione went to bed early with Tonk's taking the bedroom next door to her own but Hermione found herself needing the bathroom in the middle of the night, she opened her door and was just about to enter the bathroom when she felt two eyes on her, she turned around to find Tonks wide eyes watching her. Hermione opened the bathroom door, finished her business and was on her way out only to see Tonk's eyes watching her again, Hermione's eyes raised in a silent question Tonk's smiled back "Your door is warded. I am alerted when it is opened. Back to bed unless you want a midnight snack, I'm up for either." Hermione smiled back "I think I'll go to bed. See you in the morning." Hermione woke up at her usual summer time, 7 o'clock and made her way to the shower. She was going to the doctor today so she picked a conservative button down top and a mid calf length skirt once she had finished her shower and walked down into the kitchen. The sight that greeted her was shocking, Tonk's in her dressing gown, her bright pink hair from the day before dishevelled and her eyes half closed, she looked up as Hermione entered the room "This isn't going to happen every morning is it Mione you're on holiday normal people sleep in and what is with that skirt here let me fix it" She grabbed her wand, waved it with an incantation and all of a sudden the skirt was sitting 6 inches above her knee "That's better isn't it?" Hermione stared at Tonk's giving her her customary do you know what you have just done look but when Tonk's didn't change it back she just made her way to the toaster "Toast? Coffee?" she asked Tonks. Tonk's nodded to both. "What's the plan for today Mione?" Hermione considered whether to answer and decided it was probably in her best interests if she did, especially if they were going to be together for the next month. "Well my doctors appointment is at 9.30 and then I was thinking about doing some clothes shopping followed by a trip to the library." She looked towards Tonks and seeing an excited look on her face cringed "I've never been to a doctor, Mum always took me to a healer but no can do with the library Mione, didn't you listen you're going on holidays and won't be returning" Hermione didn't say anything which Tonks suspected was a pretty bad sign but she respected her need to digest her new way of life. Hermione placed Tonk's coffee and toast on the table and then sat down with her own. Hermione was the first to talk "I guess we will just visit a book store" she said with no expression Tonks stayed silent and finished her toast and then left the room to get changed.

When Tonks returned to the kitchen it was quarter past nine and she looked like a 16 year old girl with beach blonde hair. She was wearing low cut jeans and a halter neck top with sparkling emerald green eyes much like Harry's "You ready to go Mione?" Hermione nodded her head and was up out of her chair before Tonks knew it. They chatted comfortably on the walk to the surgery and they were just about to walk into the surgery when Tonk's clumsiness showed itself. Tonks managed to fall up the three steps that led up to the door and cut her head on the door-handle. Without even thinking Tonks picked herself up and continued through the door where the receptionist immediately noticed she was bleeding. The receptionist pulled out a form for Tonks to fill out and retrieved gauze for the cut and then she promptly informed her to take a seat, Hermione watched it all with a small knowing grin on her face, Tonks doesn't know what she was getting herself into. Hermione signed in at the desk and mentioned that she was with the girl with the cut forehead and if it was possible if they could be seen one after the other. The receptionist told her she would do her best and then Hermione took the seat next to Tonk's. "What were you doing, you should have healed yourself outside now you have to get muggle stitches." Tonks shot Hermione a not now look and went back to filling out the form to the best of her abilities.

It wasn't long before Nymphadora Tonk's was called. Tonk's jumped up shouting that's me but don't you ever call me Nymphadora again. She then turned to Hermione and beckoned for her to follow but the nurse broke in "The doctor sees patients alone except for young children." Tonk's shot the nurse a classic teenage look that said a resounding so and once again beckoned for Hermione to follow. Hermione followed reluctantly only just realising that Tonk's was going to most likely try and stay for her appointment which she definitely didn't want. The nurse led them both down to one of the examination rooms and indicated the bed for Tonk's and a chair for Hermione she then left them alone. Hermione started "now don't be alarmed, he's going to use sharp, pointy stuff to poke into your cut, its going to hurt but please don't curse him or anything that's the way things are done in the muggle world. My mum and dad can fix it when we get home" and with that the doctor entered the room. "Good morning ladies, how are you both this fine day?" At this Tonk's giggled. The doctor who had entered the room was every womans fantasy, perfect bone structure, dazzling smile, tall and well toned. He walked over to Tonk's and complemented her on her beautiful eyes whilst performing the necessary tests on people who came in with head injuries. He then asked Tonk's had she ever had stitches. Tonk's replied yes whilst Hermione was shaking her head no. The doctor promptly placed 5 stitches into her wound and then asked her if she had had a tetanus shot lately, this time Tonk's responded with a no whilst Hermione nodded yes. The doctor informed Tonk's she was going to have to have another injection this time in her arm. To say Tonk's looked confused would be an understatement but Hermione just raised her arm slightly signalling to Tonk's that it was all okay. The doctor finished with Tonks and then stepped out of the room for a second.

When the doctor re-entered the room he was surprised to see Tonk's still there "Miss Tonk's you can wait for miss Granger in the waiting room if you wish." Hermione felt relieved, she hadn't had to ask Tonk's to leave but before Hermione could let out a sigh of relief Tonk's quickly piped up "Hermione asked me to stay, you know for moral support. We share everything." The doctor still didn't look convinced but turned to Hermione, she gave a small nod which Tonk's grinned at and then the examination started. She was weighed, measured, looked at, poked and prodded and was given nearly a clean bill of health except for some minor blood pressure problem. Hermione thought to herself of course I have high blood pressure, I have more stress in my life than most teenagers. Of course the doctor suggested a little exercise and a bit of holiday for the stress not the destruction of a truly evil dark lord but hey a nice run in the park may make me feel better. The doctor interrupted her thoughts "If that's all?" Hermione looked up, its now or never and then started "Well I was wondering if I could have a prescription for the Pill?" The doctor looked pensive "Hermione, I have to ask, have you been sexually active in the past?" Hermione turned pink shaking her head whilst Tonk's gave her a wink. "Well I can't see why not. I normally only give out 6 months worth for first time users but because you go to boarding school I guess I will have to give you a years worth. Any problems tell your school nurse okay. Well I guess that would be all then?" Hermione nodded her head, grabbed her prescription and went to leave the room only to look back to see Tonk's trying to chat up the doctor. It was quite funny, it was obvious that the doctor felt uncomfortable being chatted up by a patient, not to mention a supposedly 15 year old one at that. Hermione went and grabbed Tonks by the arm and forcefully removed her from the room. They hastily left the surgery and once they were out of there Hermione started to laugh "Tonk's you're meant to be 15 you can't go chatting up guys that are your real age" Tonk's started to laugh as well "He was mighty fine though wasn't he?" This made them both start laughing again. It was the first time Hermione had felt normal, happy and carefree in ages. Unfortunately it didn't last "Come on Mione we have to go shopping now, we are leaving tomorrow."

The rest of the day flew by. Hermione bought some new clothes and only 7 new books whilst Tonk's played best friend commenting on all of the outfits that Hermione tried on. Once they returned home Lucas Granger removed Tonk's stitches and they all sat down to a pleasant meal. After tea details for the next day were discussed. The plane was leaving at 10 o'clock so they needed to be at the airport at about 8 and the taxi was booked for 7. Hermione and Tonk's bid everyone a goodnight and made their way up the stairs to their respective rooms. Just as Hermione was about to step into bed Tonks knocked and then entered "You finished packing Mione?" Hermione nodded and then Tonk's asked if she could shrink her stuff so that she could carry it aboard the plane and bypass customs with it. Tonk's then made her way over to the bed where Hermione lay. "Hermione can I sit down?" Hermione once again nodded. "I was wondering if we could talk about today's healers visit." Hermione didn't respond this time but Tonk's pressed on "I'm assuming that the pill prevents pregnancy." Hermione butted in with a small sarcastic joke desperately trying to stop the conversation that was about to happen, "You know what they say about assumptions Tonk's, it makes as ass out of you and me. You don't want to be an ass do you, because I certainly don't?" Tonks considered her options, she had another month with Hermione and Dumbledore had told her to get Hermione's trust as she had another mission for the order that would need the trust of Hermione, Harry and Ron. Tonk's nodded her head this conversation could wait "Night Mione"

"Night Tonk's" Hermione relied.

The next morning went smoothly and it wasn't until they were safely in the taxi did Hermione start to wonder where they were going "Mum where exactly are we going?" Hermione questioned curiously. Her Mum gave a slight chuckle "We are going to stay at a resort on the island of Fiji." Hermione was confused, normally they went on holidays that were culturally rich with museums, galleries, monuments and artefacts not deck chairs, cocktail umbrellas, sand and bikinis. "That will be different but what will you and Dad be doing?" This is when both Anna and Charlie started to really laugh. Lucas chimed in "We do know how to relax Hermione, obviously better than you" Hermione started to blush and Tonk's elbowed her playfully in her ribs and started "He's got you there Mione, but I will teach you a thing or two about re-lax-ation"

After an incredibly long flight, 14 and a half hours to be exact the Grangers and Tonk's exited the plane and immediately made a bee line to the resort. They checked in and were shown their way into a modest 3 bedroom cottage that overlooked the beach from the lounge and one of the resort's pools from the back. After a quick tour of the house Anna and Lucas sat themselves down looking at Hermione and Tonk's expecting them to do the same "I have to set up some wards would you like to come Hermione?" Hermione needed all of a second to think about it, Tonk's was an auror and she was going to be setting up all sorts of wards. "You know I do but I would need to come with you until you set them up anyway right?" Tonks smiled and nodded, this girl was too intelligent for her own good and with that they left the room. Tonk's first approached the front door and set some sort of locking spell on that would not allow magical people to enter except for Hermione and herself, she then moved outside and set up anti-apparition wards and then finally she moved to the bedroom and set up a spell that would alert her when Hermione entered or exited the room. By this time Tonk's was really looking tired and suggested to Hermione that they head off to bed but Hermione was adamant that they stay up for as long as they could in order to ward off jet lag. After a lengthy explanation of jet lag and a long walk on the beach Hermione finally relented and allowed them both to head off to bed.

After a refreshing 10 hour sleep Hermione awoke to banging on her door. Hermione shouted out for whoever was banging on the door to stop but then Tonk's voice cut through her consciousness "We are going running in ten minutes. No excuses. Meet you at the front door." Hermione groaned, who did Tonk's think she was telling her she had to go running and with that Hermione stomped down the stairs to inform Tonks that she didn't go running. Hermione entered the kitchen it was obvious that Tonks was dressed for the occasion, she had sandshoes a tank top and short shorts on, sunglasses that only hid her deep blue eyes today and she had picked her age to be about 24. "Morning sunshine, you better change, you can't go running in that." That was just the thing that set Hermione off, "Nymphadora Tonks I do not go running, just like I do not do flying on broom sticks and I do not do divination. I am not going running." At this little tirade Tonk's chuckled "No choice my dear, orders orders, or really Moody's orders. If you are going to fight death eaters you need to be fit and I'm afraid my friend that you just don't cut it, but don't worry neither do Ron and Harry, they're on physical training programs too. Now go and get changed, you have two minutes." Hermione argued again but after two minutes were up Tonk's transfigured Hermione's night dress into a little tennis dress "Next time Mione just get changed, that way you can wear something that you are comfortable in. You can run in bare feet, we are going on the beach and with that she left with Hermione trailing behind too stunned to argue anymore.

Ten minutes later Hermione lay sprawled on the beach. Tonk's looked down at her "You don't do this often do you?" Hermione just shook her head still unable to get her breathing under control enough to talk. Another minute passed and finally Hermione was able to talk "I hated physical education at primary school and you know the amount of exercise you get at Hogwart's if you're not on the quidditich team and whenever we go on one of our adventures as you call them I always had adrenalin to help me on my way. How did you get so fit?" Tonk's just laughed "Auror training my dear, come on we should be heading back now, hopefully your heart rate hasn't dropped completely" Hermione reluctantly got up and they started to head back to the house. By the time they arrived home Tonk's had planned their whole day for them. To start with they were going to spend some time out by the pool where Hermione could read and Tonk's could relax and then they were going to learn how to wind surf, Hermione put up an admirable fight about the windsurfing but Tonk's could be persuasive when she wanted to be.

After getting changed Tonks and Hermione made their way out to the pool deck. Tonks headed to the bar after telling Hermione that she would meet her at the deck chairs at the far end of the pool. Tonk's made her way towards Hermione only spilling half of the drinks "Here Mione I got you a Long Island Iced Tea but I'm sticking with the tried and true Pina Colada, well that what the barman said anyway. I forgot that I didn't really know much about Muggle Drinks" Hermione looked at Tonk's like she was mad, a Long Island Iced Tea was notorious for the amount of alcohol it had in it, what was Tonk's doing get her alcoholic drinks anyway. "Tonk's I'm not old enough to drink" Tonks laughed "I know that silly, I just thought it might help you relax plus you are old enough here, just take it slow okay." Hermione sipped slowly at her drink and she was quite surprised that she actually enjoyed it. Tonk's lay on the chair next to her happily slurping her drink and paying close attention to the young man in the pool, she pointed him out to Hermione and then she got up and tried walking seductively over to the pool. She had managed to get his attention, right before she got her foot caught in one of the chairs that were sitting dangerously close to the pool. In true Tonk's style she fell head first into the pool bringing the chair with her. Hermione who had watched the whole thing burst out laughing and took another mouthful of her quickly diminishing drink.

The man who Tonk's was trying to seduce helped her out of the pool but quickly left, Tonk's made her way back to the bar and picked up two more drinks on the barman's suggestion and returned to where Hermione was sitting. "That didn't go well did it?" Hermione just shook her head and smiled, "hey what's this that I have here"

"a vodka sunrise, I've got a Caribbean Dream." By the time they had both finished their drinks it had been decided that they would leave the wind surfing for another day, instead they both fell asleep right there on the pool deck only to be awoken by Hermione's parents a couple of hours later. "You're looking more relaxed Hermione." Her mother told her. Hermione thought about it, yes she was feeling relaxed, she felt safe and for the whole day she hadn't once thought about the troubles in her life "I guess you could say that I am" came her cheeky reply. Her parents informed her that they would be taking dinner alone tonight and that Tonk's and Hermione should probably just go to eat at one of the restaurants at the resort. They promptly bid them goodbye and that's when Tonk's informed Hermione that they would be going to the gym for their night time session. Hermione who had long decided it was easier to go along with what Tonk's said just groaned.

An hour later they were in the gym working on Hermione's arm muscles when once again Tonk's broached the Ron topic but she went about it in a different fashion by asking about Victor Krum and singing his praises.  Hermione went on to tell Tonk's what a good guy Victor was but somehow she started to point out his so called bad points, which also happened to be Ron's good points. For Tonk's this just confirmed what she had picked up on last summer, Hermione and Ron liked each other, they were just too caught up in other things to realise it. The day ended quickly and soon they were both in bed, relaxing and thinking how much doing nothing took it out of you.

The week passed just like the first day, a run in the morning, a workout in the gym at night, a bit of reading and relaxing in the middle. It was ten days later when Tonk's mentioned that Professor Dumbledore would be dropping in for a quick visit later that day. Hermione was confused, why would Dumbledore be coming to visit her unless something was wrong. What if something had happened to Harry? Or Ron? Tonk's spent the rest of the morning trying to settle Hermione down but it wasn't until Professor Dumbledore appeared wearing board shorts, a billabong T-shirt and a floppy hat did Hermione calm down but still she just had to ask "Professor has something happened to Harry or Ron." Dumbledore gave her a gentle smile. "They are fine my dear, but please Hermione call me Albus." At this statement Hermione looked as horrified as if he Dumbledore had told him that both Harry and Ron had been killed by Voldemort himself. Hermione stammered out "I don't think I could Professor" but Dumbledore just laughed, "This coming from one of the founders of Dumbledore's Army surely one of the founders could call me by my given name. We are going to be seeing quite a bit of time with each other if things go to plan." Hermione had managed to turn a Weasley red by the time Dumbledore's speech had finished. She tried to apologise to the headmaster about all of the trouble they had caused for him, but he wouldn't hear any of it, he made some vague reference to it being a necessary evil but then steered the conversation in another direction. "Are you having a good time Hermione?" Hermione couldn't help but smile, indeed she was. "Yes, although I feel a bit guilty. Poor Harry is trapped in that awful house and I can't write to him or Ron. But Professor I am starting to worry when my OWL scores will be coming." Dumbledore looked at Hermione with an amused grin on his face. He knew that she was the brains behind the trio yet he didn't think that she would still be worrying about it after the week that she had had "The OWL results haven't come out yet, but even when they do Minerva or I will be keeping your results until after you return from your holiday. We do not want any owls delivering to this island." Hermione looked quite upset but nodded her head. "If that is all Hermione, I will be off to talk to Tonk's for a minute and then I am heading home. Enjoy yourself and I will see you soon." And with that he was gone.

A couple of more days passed when Hermione decided that even though she couldn't write to Harry there was nothing stopping her from ringing him. She quickly informed Tonk's of what she wanted to do and then Tonk's seeing no harm granted her permission with one rule, no letting on about where they were. Hermione quickly got her number out of her address book and made her way over to the phone with Tonk's trailing behind. She picked up the phone and dialled:

"Hello, is Harry there?" No reply was heard.

"Hello." Harry's voice was suddenly there, apprehensive as to who it could be. Hermione started to cry and Harry immediately knew who it was.

"Hermione, don't cry. I'm okay and you are meant to be as well. At least that's what Dumbledore told me. Shh." Hermione managed to calm down enough to speak.

"Are you okay Harry?"

"I'm getting there Hermione, what about you. I hear that you are holidaying and Tonk's has even managed to get you to relax a bit." Hermione laughed at this.

"To tell you the truth Harry, I'm having a great time although I have spent a fair bit of time worrying about you and Ron but I feel much better now that I have talked to you. I was worried that you might go and do something stupid you know what I mean." Harry's silence confirmed to Hermione that he knew what she meant but suddenly his voice could be heard again.

"I have changed quite a bit Hermione, I'm still not great but I'm not going to go and top myself just yet. I would also like to apologise for last year. I should never have behaved the way I did, you and Ron have been such great friends to me and I treated you like shit." Without even thinking Hermione butted in

"Don't swear Harry" but Harry continued on

"You two are the only family I have left." Hermione butted in once again.

"Yes we are your family, and most probably your closest family but I would like to hear you tell the Weasley's that you have no family other than Ron and I. I would like you to tell Dumbledore that you don't consider him part of your family. Especially after he went to all the trouble to make sure that Ron and I were safe. I certainly don't warrant one of the orders aurors to guard me. It is because of you that Tonks is here."

"You're right you know Hermione, not about you not needing to be guarded but about everything else. Mrs Weasley is the closest thing I have to a mother. I feel safe whenever she hugs me." The conversation had gotten way to personal especially when Harry normally didn't open up to anyone except for Ron every now and again. And whenever he did it was always under the cover of night and with the understanding that Ron would inform Hermione later when Harry wasn't around so he couldn't see the way it upsets her.

"Hey Harry, I'm glad you are feeling better but I think I should go now. Tonk's is trying to pull the phone from me. I will let you talk to her for a sec. I miss you but I'll see you soon okay. Take care. Love you, bye." Harry didn't know what to say, he couldn't remember anyone ever saying that they loved him. His parents must have, as well as Sirius before everything happened. Harry knew what she had said was true. Hermione did love him, so did Ron. Ron, Harry and Hermione shared a bond that most people couldn't understand. They loved each other with all of their faults and all of their shortcomings. Hermione handed the phone to Tonk's knowing that Harry wasn't ready to say I love you back. Tonk's spent about 5 minutes on the phone with Harry. Hermione managed to talk to Harry 3 more times before the holidays were over.

The last week of the holiday was bittersweet for Hermione. She was still having fun and she was finally enjoying her workouts with Tonks but her parents were going to be heading into hiding soon. Hermione had thought long and hard about who would probably be her parents secret keeper and she had come to the conclusion that it would have to be one of the Weasley's as they didn't know many other witches whom they could ask. Hermione managed to spend a lot of time alone with her parents for most of the week. It wasn't until the day before they were leaving that Tonk's turned back into auror Tonk's. Dumbledore had somehow contacted Tonk's to tell her of the dementor breakout and once again Hermione didn't get a spare minute alone. The dementor breakout whilst not unexpected managed to upset Hermione anyway. Tonk's tried her best to cheer Hermione up but it really didn't work but Tonk's put it down to the fact that she was leaving her parents the next day more to than being worried about the dementor attack. Hermione's parents asked Tonks if they could have tea alone with Hermione that evening, Tonk's happily agreed.

Hermione sat facing her parents at the resorts main restaurant. They were all dressed nicely, Tonk's had helped Hermione straighten her hair earlier on in the afternoon. Conversation around the table was stagnant at best. They discussed light topics such as what subjects Hermione was going to be taking at school the coming year, the upkeep of Crookshank's and anecdotes about Hermione's childhood and Anna and Lucas' university day. Once they had finished tea they made their way back to the cottage. As they entered the lounge room, Tonk's discretely bid them goodnight. Anna and Lucas took the long couch and beckoned Hermione to join them in the middle. They each grasped one of her hands. Lucas started "Hermione, you know that we love you don't you?" Hermione nodded not trusting her voice "And we are both so very proud of you. We really don't really want to leave you but Professor Dumbledore feels it is for the best, both for you and for us." Tears welled in Hermione's eyes but she was determined to not let them fall. "With Bill Weasley's help we have setup a vault for you at the Wizarding bank. It should be enough for the next 3 years if you spend wisely, of course we hope that we will be reunited before then but we have to plan for the worst but hope for the best. We also have set it up that Professor McGonagall is your wizarding guardian, Dumbledore suggested her but really that is a formality. You are old enough and mature enough that you can make your own decisions. Professor McGonagall knows this and respects this, we trust you." At the last two words tears started streaming silently down Hermione's face, she had her parents love, respect and trust but she didn't know when she was going to see them again. Hermione grasped each of their hands tightly, it was her turn to say something. "You are two of the best people I know. I respect you, every time I have to make a major decision either subconsciously or consciously I think to myself would you guys approve. I hope that I will be able to continue to make you proud, I am going to miss you so much. I love you so much." At this she really started to cry she couldn't help it. They sat together for about an hour just enjoying each others company before Hermione decided it was time for her to go to bed. She kissed them both before going to say goodnight to Tonk's.

Hermione knocked on Tonk's door and Tonks called her in. "Wotcher, Mione" seeing Tonks sitting atop of her bed with fluorescent green hair sprawled around her Hermione couldn't help but laugh despite the seriousness of the conversation she had just had with her parents. Hermione started to say goodnight and then thought better of it. "You mind if I join you on the bed?" Tonk's nodded and Hermione perched herself stiffly on the edge of the bed. "I'm scared Tonk's, everything is going to change tomorrow. I don't know if I'm ever going to see my parents again. I'm scared for Harry, I'm scared for Ron and I'm scared that Voldemort could win even with all of our best efforts." Tonk's had moved up and was hugging her tightly, brushing her now golden brown hair. Tonk's thought about what she could tell this girl that knew too much already. "Honey, I can't tell you its not going to change tomorrow because it most probably will. I can't even tell you that you'll see your parents again or that Ron and Harry are going to stay safe. I can tell you that as long as there are people who are willing to fight for what they believe in then evil won't ever prevail. I know that the order is going to do their best to keep you three safe. You three are to Hogwart's what Dumbledore is to the whole wizarding world. And I have every faith in the three of you that eventually you will be the downfall of Voldemort." Hermione smiled up at Tonk's "You know I don't normally get hugs like this, drawback to having boy best friends I guess. I'm going to really miss having you around when I go back to school. Thanks your speech really helped me. I guess I was just being silly." Tonk's pulled Hermione's chin up again "No. You're not being silly. You're only 15 Hermione, you're meant to be an irrational, immature teenager. Your biggest worry is meant to be does Ron like you back, which he does. You shouldn't have to be worrying about evil wizards and the safety of your friends and parents but try not to dwell on it, what will be, will be. Now off to bed we have a big day tomorrow." Hermione wished Tonk's goodnight and then made her way to her bedroom. Hermione went to bed that night confident that she was ready to face whatever was to come.

The next morning things went smoothly to begin with, breakfast was eaten, Hermione's luggage was shrunk and last minute plans were confirmed. Tonk's was accompanying her parents to the airport where they would fly off to begin their new lives. All they had was the suitcases that they had bought with them; the rest of their house had been put into storage. With half an hour before the portkey would activate they all sat round the table, Tonks and Hermione with a smile on their faces, Anna and Lucas with a sombre expression. Hermione broke the silence "I'm going to be okay, you know that right. Mrs Weasley wouldn't let anything happen to me, you know that." Lucas nodded but tears had started to leak from Anna's face. "This isn't the last time you'll see me Mum, so don't cry and even if it is I would have died to make the world a better place. Tell me one thing though what do you think of Ron Weasley?" This made Anna stop crying and look at Hermione, it sounded to her that Hermione was suggesting to them that she might think of Ron as more of a friend. Anna and Lucas shared a knowing look, "we think from everything you have told us that he is a wonderful boy and if you would like to date him that your father and I would have no objections to you dating him. However if you would like to date someone else I suggest you get Harry and Ron's approval. If they approve then I am sure that we would to." At this they all laughed but Tonk's interrupted "One minute Hermione." At this information Hermione stood and embraced her parents in a hug kissed them all on the cheek and promptly said "I love you both" Anna and Lucas returned the sentiment and looked longingly at their daughter who was very quickly becoming a woman "We'll miss you" And with that Hermione was gone.