DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

For a group of people who were leaving in one day for a month long vacation, the Granger household was peaceful and ordered. They had already organized everything from packing to transportation so that the next morning would be as easy as possible. They sat eating breakfast as if nothing in the world was wrong. Mr. and Mrs. Granger of course knew a little about the current state of the magical world, that it was again in turmoil, but the realization that this could affect the muggle world hadn't sunk in. Their daughter had no such qualms though. Hermione knew first hand the dangers Voldemort and his death eaters proposed for the entire world, both magical and not. She was still a little sore from Dolohov's spell during the attack at the ministry, and her parents knew this, but they didn't quite grasp how close she came to dying. She thought that ignorance is truly sometimes bliss

When Hedwig arrived with a letter, her heart soared. Harry had sent her a letter before they left for their cruise. Hedwig dropped the letter next to her, then hooted a sad hoot, full of despair. This was her first indication of something wrong. She grasped the letter and opened it, but soon dropped it in shock when she heard Harry's voice. It was like a howler, but at a normal volume. Her parents were a bit shocked as well, magic still holding a great spectacle for them. As she listened to his voice, tears sprang to her eyes, this wasn't just a letter, this was his last letter. She knew that she would never see him again, not alive anyways. Her parents understood this as well, both had tears in their eyes as they moved over and hugged their daughter, listening to the boy, no young man they had met a few times, as he explained who Voldemort was, and how he was a threat to the both worlds

They all listened to him tell his loving companion Hedwig that she should stay with Hermione now, he wanted them to take care of each other. They listened to him explain the prophecy that led to the death of his parents and his fame. He explained how he was the only one who could defeat the dark lord, and that he planned to do it today. He wasn't afraid to die, just afraid to leave this world without making sure that his family would be safe. They cried as he said how much he loved Hermione, she was the little sister he never had, she was his best friend, and she was his lifeline. They smiled as he told Hermione that Ron fancied her but was a stupid prat and git for not having courage to tell her. He advised her to just grab Ron and snog him senseless, for that would make them both happy. He asked her to please accept the money he left in a Gringott's vault for her and her family. He asked her to stay strong, and to please forgive him, but he had to do this. Two more owls arrived, one with the Sunday Prophet, another with the Quibbler. Mr. Granger took care of them while the letter finished. He noticed the headline of the Quibbler, and placed it out of the way, he would read about this young man later, after he took care of his family.

He made his decision, it was time for he and his wife to get better aquainted with the magical world. With a glance and a nod, he knew she agreed.

'Hermione, where do we need to go? Didn't you stay somewhere here in London last summer?' Hers eyes lit up, she seemed to be at a loss for words, mouth moving but nothing coming out. 'I'll grab our bags and load the car, then we can go there.'

With that he moved upstairs. Mrs. Granger held her daughter as she cried, whispering soothing words to help calm her, although it was hard for her as well. This young man was courageous, selfless and loving, and it didn't sound like he would live through his next ordeal. Hermione was in mild shock, moving but not actually aware of her actions.

Once they had loaded everything into the car, they drove into the center of London. After several attempts to understand Hermione's mumbles, they decided to head to Diagon Alley. They entered to see everyone reading the Quibbler. Most seemed shocked by what they read, the life story of this boy who many considered their savior. Tom recognized them and brought them to a private room, saying that he would contact Dumbledore for them. They waited for about fifteen minutes before a very somber looking Professor McGonagall arrived.

'Thank you for coming Minerva. We have decided that Hermione needs to be with her friends right now, and well, we want to stay with her if that's ok.' Minerva agreed and handed both of the Grangers a slip of paper.

'Please read and memorize this, then we can leave.' The slip just said that the headquarters for the order of the phoenix was at #12 Grimmauld Place. He felt an odd sensation, he could tell his wife did too, and then Minerva produced an old coat hanger.

'This is a portkey to take you there.' He explained that their luggage was in the boot of his car, which she said would be taken care of. They touched the coat hanger, and when Minerva touched it with her wand, he felt a swift pull at his navel. He barely kept his footing, catching his wife and Hermione to keep them from falling as they arrived at Grimmauld Place. Someone they didn't know whispered for them to remain quiet and follow them to the kitchen. The scene that met his eyes was something like a funeral. Arthur was trying to console Molly as she was in hysterics. The twin Weasley brothers were trying to get Ginny off the floor. She was curled in a small ball, rocking back and forth. Ron though seemed to be much the same state as Hermione. Upon seeing him, Hermione ran too him and they held each other, not saying anything, just crying and using the other for support. Several other people that the Grangers didn't know were there, all with the same hurt expressions. He quietly asked Arthur if there was any news, to which he shook his head no. There was two loud pops, and the standing in the middle of the kitchen were two of the strangest creatures he had ever seen. He knew from Hermione's descriptions that they were house elves, but he had never actually seen one. The taller of the two, which by the clothes he assumed was a male, was crying, but still began immediately making tea and such. The other was wearing a dress and she began moving around cleaning the kitchen. Hermione broke out of her state to stare at them.

'Dobby? Winky? What are you doing here?'

The male elf just cried harder, so the female answered, 'We's here cause Master Harry Potter asked us to take care of his Weezy's. We's works for Master Potter now. He's said that we should work for his Weezy's if he's dies.' This made most in the room including the male elf cry harder.

Things remained much the same for the next hour. Ginny was finally seated at the table, but still rocked back and forth. Different people came and went, all saying they didn't know anything. The only thing anyone knew was that Harry had fought this dark lord and his minions this morning. No news of the fight or the outcome had been received as of yet. They had heard that there had been a few deaths, but it wasn't known who those people were. There was a shriek from a tall blonde girl as Bill Weasley arrived covered in blood. She threw her arms around him and spoke in French, asking him if he was alright. Molly sprang from her seat and engulfed them both in a huge hug.

'Oh Bill!!' He seemed wore down, with a defeated look. Everyone held their breath, hoping that he would have news.

'Fluer, its ok, its not my blood.' He looked around the room, noticing all eyes were on him he said, 'Harry is alive, but he was hurt very badly.'

Pandemonium broke out at that point. Questions were being shot at Bill from nearly everyone present. It stayed this way for awhile, no one allowing Bill to answer anything, just bombarding him with more questions. A burst of flame, along with the most amazing music stilled everyone. A beautiful bird was hovering above the table, its song calming and uplifting, helped everyone to get control of themselves. With one final note there was another burst of flame and the bird was gone.

Bill took a deep breath, 'Harry is back at Privet Drive, the magic there is the safest place for him. Madame Pomfrey is with him, as is some more medi-witches from St. Mungos. Four death eaters are dead, I don't know who they are yet. Harry and you-know-who…. Bloody hell, Harry and Vol-vol oh…. Voldemort were both hurt badly. Harry is unconscious and they don't know if he will pull thru or not. Albus said he would be here to explain everything soon.' With that they all settled in, waiting for the news, dreading what it might be.