REMINISCENCE

Hermione sat on couch, shocked, though she would never admit loudly, depressed. What she had done now? She has just said her sister's new boy friend is a nice guy, and now - there is her sister, crying out her anger. A caboodle of such memories began to rise in her head.

'Not again 'she swore to her self, glared at the tears that are threatening to fall down. TV is looking like a round-object; she couldn't see remote control as clearly as she is before a moment.

'No. I am not going to 'Hermione reprimanded her self.

She looked directly at fan for some time, repressing depressing memories that are bubbling up one by one. Slowly, the tear vanished, but her eyes felt dry and started to burn.

She walked back to the chair she is sitting in, fluttered her eyelashes as though to practice it. She sat in chair, stopping her self from remembering any thing that threatened to distress her, but the task is becoming more and more harder.

'No!' She thought to her self again, 'I have decided I am not going to do that. '

'Remember some thing …… Any thing … Any Happy memory.'

'Harry … Ron … Mountain troll … No, that's frightening. Try other.'

'Hmmm…'

'Tri wizard Tournament … Second task.'

'Those are really good times. Though Harry looked like he came out of bath room just now.'

'And Viktor looked as though some one was stealing his teddy. '

Hermione sat there talking to her self for another fifteen minutes, and by the end of it, she is almost cheerful.

Almost.

Not entire.

Door bell ringed suddenly, waking her out of her soliloquy. She is beginning to get bored any way.

"Hi" Jack greeted her carefully balancing the food packets in his hands.

"Hi … Thank you" Hermione greeted back, removing one package from his hands and moving toward dining table.

"Where is Michelle?" asked Jack looking around.

"She is in her bedroom. Il call her. Wait a minute." said Hermione darting towards her sister's room.

Michelle is already overcoming her tempestuous state, so she just shot a venomous glare at Hermione. 'It is becoming habitual of her' thought Hermione idly.

"Jack is back. He is waiting for u." said Hermione looking evenly.

Michelle wiped tears off her cheek, gave small touches to her face to cover them and entered living room.

Jack greeted her enthusiastically. Hermione retreated to kitchen removing some dishes for serving.

She is half considering going back to her room, but jack soon stopped her by inviting her to eat with them. Jack started asking about her boarding school, after five minutes it is confirmed for Hermione that he is more than desperate to know about her school. Gossip! She thought with amusement. Meanwhile, sensing dangerous territory, Michelle steered conversation on to movies. Jack left after an hour leaving Michelle in considerably cheerful state. Hermione retreated to her room still thinking about Michelle's words. Sometimes, it is hard to estimate how the normal slip-in words can hurt. Though she tried to convince her self by saying her sister is just venting her anger, her last remark is still biting at Hermione's conscience.

'I am not last resort.'

'Is she really? '

Well, Ron did ask her to ball only as a last resort. Hey, she isn't last resort for Krum. In fact she is his first choice. And, she isn't last resort with any of her friends, all of them adore her. 'Not really 'reminded her subconscious. They respect her because of her intelligence. Isn't there a moment where her friends came to her only because they want to see her?

She started raking through her memories.

Harry came to ask her if she know any thing about philosopher's stone.

Ron asking about transfiguration.

Harry seeking answers to potions questions.

Harry and Ron leaving her after completion of home work to watch quidditch.

Ron trying frantically to complete potions assignment, scowling at her because she wouldn't let him copy. Harry pitying Ron, telling him half of his essay.

Wait! They are a team, they always went to classes together, and if they came to her to ask help with home work, they can't help it. They are in school. And in schools homework is given on daily basis. For inexorably ignorant people like Ron, Homework will be present at any time. By the way, what about times when they have spent together after exams? And Ginny is obviously her friend.

Well, they looked absolutely happy when she is not talking to them during her third year. In fact, they never looked like they are missing her. By the way, they are talking to her because she doesn't have friends, and after the troll incident, she is the one to make first move.

'I shouldn't think like this' Hermione reminded her self.

Harry did miss Ron when they aren't talking in fourth year. If she answered to her self honestly, would any of them going to miss her that way if she stopped talking to either of them?

'No' answered her nagging conscience.

She did stop talking to them during third year, and neither of them made a move to talk with her. After that, she is wise enough to not to seek fights with them, even if she did, she took enough care they are not going to turn in to major disputes. What would have happened if she did? – Well, she would have sulked in common room for ever. There is no better solution. Okay, she is not first choice of them, but she is neither their last choice. 'None of Gryffindor members are their last choice. 'Her conscience interrupted again.

'At least I have some true friends. People like Malfoy didn't even have a friend. All they have is two gorillas following them.' She reminded her self.

Slowly, very slowly, she tried out her logic on cheering her self.

'I wish I was with Harry though' she thought after making her self comfortable.

'Sirius is a good person. Though he is godfather of Harry, he always did help me.'

She remembered her chat with Sirius in Grimmaud place. That is one of days before Harry came, and they are resting after a day's cleaning. All weasleys and order members sat talking in hall while Hermione sat in Library reading.

----Flash Back—

"Hermione, why don't you relax? These are Holidays you know." Said Sirius.

"I am relaxing Sirius. "

"Hmmm… I wouldn't call reading the biggest tome in Library relaxing." Said Sirius sardonically. She is reading a book on security charms, and the book contained some interesting dark magic. Yes, Dark magic.

She didn't want to be impertinent towards him, so she answered what her heart said.

"I am enjoying what I am doing Sirius. I love reading, and I am not reading for the sake of reading. It never hurts you to acquire additional knowledge."

"Yes Hermione. But reading always? Why you are so inclined towards reading? "Remonstrated Sirius.

Hermione is miffed by his intonation while voicing the question. 'Who is he to point what she is doing when she is enjoying it?'

"Because they don't leave me for a broomstick." Said Hermione sarcastically.

Clearly, sarcasm in her voice didn't go unnoticed.

Sirius raised his eyebrows in answer. His countenance clearly said, 'Oh! Yeah?'

"Because they do not abandon me what ever I do to them." answered she.

She never thought it was possible to raise eyebrows to such a height.

"Sirius! Do make an effort to move your lips and convey your question. you know, you are looking like you have shaved your eyebrows. Now, that is fashion of the time of Mona Lisa, which is almost two centuries ago, so I do not presume it is going to attract feminine population towards u."

Sirius's face slowly broke in to a grin.

"I never knew you had it in you Hermione. That almost sounded like Fred and George." Sirius sat down in front of her still smiling.

"I don't." said she almost immediately, with a look of revulsion and arrant disbelief on her face.

"My, my! I seem to hit a nerve." Said Sirius in perfect imitation of Snape.

Hermione is still looking at him shocked.

"Oh come on Hermione. I just said it to see your reaction." Said Sirius.

"Good. And it better be that way." Threatened Hermione.

Sirius can listen an 'Or else' hanging in air.

"now, to what we are talking prior to my smarm. "

"Mr.Black, In case you didn't notice, I am not very flattered by your overstated compliment. It will be my pleasure to return one. you are sounding sweeter when you have borrowed voice of Mr.Snape than you are at present." Answered Hermione.

"Ok, Ok, your sarcasm is noticed and appreciated. Now, to the matter on hand." Said Sirius in his most business like tone.

"What is matter on hand Sirius? My reading? "Hermione almost snapped.

'NOTHING COMES BETWEEN HERMIONE AND HER BOOKS'

Precisely, Sirius forgot the basic rule in bookworm etiquette.

"not exactly, but I have heard only one person say that sentence before. And he did refrain from using it after attending Hogwarts."

"Which sentence?" asked Hermione perplexed.

"They don't abandon me what ever I do to them." Sirius quoted.

"What's awry about it?" if possible for a person as diligent as her, she didn't understand what is wrong with that sentence.

Sirius took one deep breath before talking.

"Hermione, are you feeling lonely?" asked he slowly.

Hermione thought for a moment before answering. Yes, loneliness is one of her worst fears. She restrained her self from fighting with Harry or Ron after third year. she never understood why she did it though, that is, whether it's because she don't like to be alone again, or because she has outgrown her childhood. After third year, she kept her wits about her and took strict control of her tongue so that she wouldn't get in to another big dispute with her only pals. Intelligence can be curse some times – thought she wearily.

Now, matter on hand – she can't tell Sirius she did feel lonely some time. She didn't want to impeach Harry or Ron in their absence. Not that she could do that to their face, even if she did, they will just shake off it as another complaint of hers and never notice the hurt behind it.

"well, I don't have any one to discuss my subjects with. Harry and Ron are good friends, but they are not studious. I some times hope I would get a friend with whom I can discuss these subjects." Deadpanned Hermione.

'nice choice of words Hermione, never reveal too much about your self' she reminded her self.

"Is that all? " asked Sirius.

'well, he seem to be more perceptive than he shows himself to be.' Thought Hermione idly.

"well, they are not girls too. Ginny is good, but I assumed another bookworm would fit in nicely with me." Said Hermione hoping Sirius wouldn't try to inquire further. She wanted to read her book badly, and when she is torn between her books and talking with some body, she couldn't be well mannered for long time. She is already trying with all her strength to appear interested.

"Hermione, don't think I am nosing. But I think this will help u. there are many definitions of friendship, but friendship should never to be measured. If you try to measure with a spoon it would fit in a spoon. If you try to measure with a tub, it will fit in a tub. If you try to measure it with sea, then it will expand to fit sea. Got it?"

"I will remember these wise words Sirius." Said she with out even thinking about it, but she stored them in her memory.

Sirius, seeing she is more interested in book, left Library.

But she did deliberated over that comment for entire night, but she couldn't reach any where, so she just forgot that.

---- over ----

'now seems the perfect time to remember that' thought Hermione.

'but that doesn't make you first choice of neither' said a voice in her head which always spoke against her.

'aren't you listening? Friendship is not to be measured. Whether first choice, or second choice I am still their friend.' Hermione reminded her self.

'Yeah! Yeah! As if that would make you their best friend.' Retorted her inner voice.

Hermione tried in vain to stop her self from becoming jealous for no reason.

After one hour of such thoughts, she decided it is best to continue her colloquy with Rowena, because as she quoted to her self, ' idle brain is devil's play ground. more so when it is me.' Thought she and returned to the trunk. Rowena is not there in portrait, so she started looking at the titles of the books.

'curses for invincible'

'magic of night'

'coven rituals'

'grievous jinxes'

'greatest dark lords of history'

'how to control a wizard'

'most potente potions'

'nightmare rain'

'breaching forts'

'fatal anomalies'

'Isn't there any thing that is light magic?' she wondered aloud.

As if answering questions, a book fell on the study table.

She turned around with her wand trained.

'Oh, cheers Hermione, you are now frightened by books too.' Thought she, walking towards the book.

'Mind Arts for Beginners' she picked up the book curiously.

A warm sensation started from her hands. It soon crept up to her torso-

Hermione began to panic.

'My god. This bloody book is trying to take control of me.'

She tried to shake that book from her hands, but the task has already become impossible for her. Slowly, she drifted in to black ness.

Hermione opened her eyes slowly. Her head hurt like hell. What happened? She asked her self. She doesn't seem to be remembering any thing. She looked around trying to throw away the dizziness in vain. She is in some sort of library, that is sure. Where is this library located?

This place seems familiar – thought she involuntarily. Does this belong to Hogwarts?

Suddenly, all memories came back to her.

Book that made a sound.

Book trying to posses her?

Was she possessed? she looked around frantically to see if that book did exist. Now, there is a book in front of her. She cautiously moved toward the book and peered at the cover. Her face is on the cover, apparently, the troll is about to attack her. How did it enter book? she flipped the cover of book with her wand. There she is, looking at the basilisk in her mirror. And all her memories are present in one page after another. She sat there, frantically moving through the book in front of her, while her mind is already trying to figure out a way to cauterize this book.

After many 'Oh! My god's and 'Merlin's unable to find the way to remove her memories or to destroy the book, Hermione left the book to look at portrait of Rowena. She has just entered the room and observing Hermione with an acute glance. Hermione sighed with relief. Leaving the book to its own means, she went to Rowena to ask how to remove her memories.

"Hey Rowena" greeted Hermione happily.

"Hi Hermione, what are you reading?" asked Rowena.

"Nothing. I tried to read this mind arts for beginners, but that book is cursed." Answered Hermione.

"Oh! That book is not cursed Hermione, but you shouldn't touch it before reading it once. It would have read all your memories. you just have to do the reversing spell so the content of book will be available to u. now, listen properly. – "

"but Rowena, I am still underage. I can't do magic outside school" butted in Hermione immediately.

"don't worry about it. magic done inside this room is not traceable. And I will teach you how to mask magic so you need not worry about a bunch of fools." Answered Rowena proceeding to show the counter curse.

"Incantation is Edus Availo and wand movement is like this" she proceeded to show a complex wand movement, which after a minute Hermione understood is the tracing of letters in the incantation.

She practiced wand motion, after an hour she is able to do it properly. She walked to the book, and performed the counter curse. That book glowed orange for a minute, letters in gold started to form on its top.

Beyond Occulemency.

Hermione's memories aren't gone completely, as she looked in side book she observed the book has kept her memories organized into different groups, and this book even indexed her memories!!!

She opened the book and started reading.

"Mind Arts, in other words magic of mind is long since considered to be domain of serpent magicians. This notion, while not inappropriate, is not entirely plausible. While controlling and maneuvering strictly belong to them, resistance magic is never theirs to begin with. This book is a collection of all sorts of mind arts including vampires. However, I would advise the reader to strictly restrain them selves from reading any thing more than required, and I would advise not to use these arts unless you know to which class you belong with authority. This book can cater needs of elf, serpent, vampire, wolf, wizard magicians. Controlling magic of Veela, manticore, chimera, doesn't belong to mind arts since much of their magic comes from usage of unique powers they only posses. "

Hermione is impressed by what she has read. This book is explaining things very, very simply. She turned around the book to look at the author's name.

She gasped with surprise once she understood what that name is.

At the bottom of the cover page, there is a name shining in blue color – Merlin.

She almost ran to Rowena after reading that name. Rowena is, as usual, watching her with obvious amusement. She turned to Rowena, who is now smiling at her.

"this book is really written by Merlin?" asked Hermione involuntarily.

"Yes dear." Answered Rowena.

"I mean, not some one of his descendants, but by Merlin him self?" asked Hermione again.

"Yes dear."

"Wow." Said Hermione, now admiring the book she held in her hands.

"Oh, not only that book dear, you can find many other books written by some of most famous and able wizards who are connoisseurs of their fields. This Library hosts some of knowledge that is never available to wizard folk, which is both fascinating and enlightening. Let me tell you this, this room is used by strictly light wizards till 1500's and then I don't know how, but there after is used by strictly dark wizards. No matter to which genre they belong, my descent always excelled in their oeuvre. So, you will find some of most interesting information on both fields. "Said Rowena proudly.

"That's brilliant Rowena." Answered Hermione already flipping through the book.

Next page came as a bit of surprise to her. It is given a heading of depression; all her worst memories are listed under that heading. She turned page, next page listed angry, her memories are classified under the feelings that are dominant in that scene. In the last page, a simple explanation for the organization is given. Organizing ones memories according to feelings would give an edge when using emotion magic, specifically, charms. And it advised the reader to concentrate on remembering each memory individually, and arrange them in to a specific pattern. Hermione followed immediately –

After two hours –

Hermione had enough of organizing, she is about to close the book when she noticed that leather binding on back of front page is slightly open. She slowly ran a finger through cut; it opened as though it is a zip. Hermione searched inside, found a single parchment there. Her fingers felt like prickling when she touched the top of parchment, she pulled out parchment any way.

Dear scion,

Embedded in this parchment is a key to my castle. If you ever make it to the castle, do find out your co-descendants and look after them. Also enclosed is a map to our abode. I hope I will meet you soon to discuss rest of your duties.

Yours faithfully,

E.M.

This small writing is followed by an outline of key. Hermione ran her fingers through the outline slowly, thinking it may eject the key. How ever, it only made the parchment to change in color, and then a map of Europe formed on it slowly. Merlin castle is marked as a red spot in the middle of Iceland.

'why isn't it in England?' thought Hermione warily. She had to find a way to extract key from this parchment.

Her wrist watch gave a small beep sound indicating its 7pm and the time to have dinner.

She made her way down the hall wearily. She have got in to a fight with her mom yesterday, on going to beauty parlor. Hermione said to her mum she could do almost all of that through magic, and her mum objected vehemently. Hermione tried to make her understand by explaining that when did through magic, almost none of the charms would hurt her as much as they did when done with out magic, but her mum is persistent in taking her to beauty parlor, saying Michelle never gave such a hard time to her. She wouldn't have minded going to beauty parlor that much in normal circumstances, but to her annoyance, the reason for her mum's persistence is anticipated arrival of her mother's colleague's son. To Hermione, it is last straw. In a blinding rage, she told her mum she will never enter a beauty parlor even if her life depended on it, and stomped out. They are not very amiable at the moment. Not to mention argument with her father to day morning. Even then, they are her parents, and the reason she is spending her holidays at home is she didn't have much time to spend with them. So, here she is, standing at the edge of dining table, wondering where her mum and dad are.

Michelle arrived soon throwing deadly glares at her, and sat down at the opposite end of table, at the same time motioning her to sit on other end.

"Where are you earlier?" asked Michelle in – politely inquisitive tone.

Very uncommon for Michelle – some thing is amiss.

"My room."

"Don't you dare lie to me. Now, where are u?"

"I am in my room" answered Hermione with extra stress on I and My.

"I have searched there earlier." Said Michelle.

"Why?"

"First u. where you are?"

"In another magical room, it is in my room. Why did you search for me?"

"Mum and dad called at six. They are arriving late. Some work with lawyer, they say."

Hermione nodded her head in answer, and sat down to eat her dinner.

They completed in no time, and are off to their rooms by eight.

At nine, calling bell rang. Both girls raced to door, but Hermione stopped in living room seeing as Michelle is already moving towards door.

Her mother and father came in looking rather tired.

"Hi mum. Hi dad" said Hermione rather curtly.

"Hi dear." They greeted in unison and rather tiredly.

Hermione wondered why her parents are looking so tired this day.

"This way dear." Her mother motioned both of them to nearby chairs.

"We have one urgent matter to discuss with you to day." Said her father, looking at both of them apprehensively.

"Now, I think you should explain to Immy from beginning." Said Hermione's mother.

Hermione looked at her dad perplexedly.

"Hermione, your grandmother died before a month. Precisely, on may 18th. You didn't know about her since she didn't approve of our marriage. Your mum, she is formerly married to Mr. Edmond Ray, your grand mother didn't approve of me since she is fond of Edmond. However, your mum wanted to marry me, being individual and respectable citizens of society, we had our way as we desired. Now, your mother had a child with Mr. Ray, who is looked after by your grand mother. After your grandmother's death, Leonard Ray is sent to his father. Now, problem is young Mr. Ray didn't want to live with his father. Since he too wants to continue in medical field like your mother, he deems it would be good for his career if he stayed with his mother. So, we are going to bring your brother Leonard back, but it might take a week or two till legalities are completed. I got only three reservations to Bath since I reserved the seats in last minute. One of you should come to bath after a day. So decide which one of you wants to come with us. "

"Immy can go with u." said Michelle immediately.

"Michelle can go." Hermione said almost in tune with Michelle.

"I'll go" said both at the same time.

"Now, now dear, calm down." Said their mother trying to calm them.

"Hermione, you wanted to go and see your friend. Right?" asked Mr. Granger.

"Yes, dad" answered Hermione quietly. She couldn't believe her father is letting her go.

"How are you planning to stay at surrey?" asked Mr. Granger.

"I haven't decided any thing dad." Answered Hermione wondering why she didn't thought any thing about that. Perhaps she supposed her father would never let her go.

"I will make reservations for you at the local inn; we have a permanent cottage at Surrey. May be you can do some sight seeing too. "Said her father as though thinking aloud.

"I can stay at Surrey too. Why Immy gets to go sight seeing while I am to spend at Bath? I don't have any friends there. "Interrupted Michelle.

"U can go to sea shore there Mich. You can go sight seeing in Bath. " Said Maybel Granger trying to calm down her another daughter.

"Cant I go to Surrey mum? Please …" tried Michelle again.

"You can go to Bath Michelle, you know, Bath is really more interesting than Surrey." Piped in Hermione knowing full well that Jaquelis owns a beautiful house in Surrey. He mentioned it in their little talk when Hermione accidentally told him she have friends at Surrey. He invited both Hermione and Michelle to see that house.

Michelle glared at her in answer.

After that Hermione's father called the inn at Surrey, reserved a room for her in local lodge. Her mother repeated every kind of safety precautions, from eating food at proper time, not going out too much in sun to how to ring alarm bell if a fire accident occurs. Hermione patiently nodded her head in answer, though she knew all of them by heart.

"Okay darling, now go and get ready. You have to leave soon." Said Mr.Granger rolling his eyes when her mother started repeating her self.

Hermione went till upstairs when she suddenly remembered trunk in her room. It is not there during previous holidays.

"Mum… "She called turning around almost violently.

"Yes, dear?" answered her mom. She is about to enter their room.

"the trunk in my room, is it granny's? "asked Hermoine.

"Yes dear. She bequeathed all her belongings to me, then to u. I forgot to tell you."

"its okay mum. By the way, I forgot to ask too, what is name of granny?"

"Oh! I really seem to forget u knew next to nothing about her. She is very strict woman Immy. Most disciplined soul in world. I would never have become a doctor if not for her discipline. Oh! I am deviating again … her name is Melania Riddle, former Melania Bennet. Actually, it's Melania Michelle Black, but I don't know why she changed it to Bennet. you know, she actually gave me my middle name from my father's name. Marvolo. But she changed it after two or so years. I never saw my father u know. Funny thing is I don't even feel sorry I didn't... He sounds more disciplined than my mother. Ah, his name is Tom Morvolo Riddle. Remember these, at least for record." Her mother disappeared in to her bed room after giving all the details at lightning speed leaving a shocked Hermione at the foot of stairs.

Hermione stood there dumbfounded at what she heard. She is grand child of most evil wizard in history of magic and she is a Black. How in the name of Merlin does she not know this till now?

I am not going to faint, thought she fiercely, however, she did sit down so that she wouldn't hurt her head in case she did faint. Her mother came to collect her shoes after a minute.

"Immy! What is u doing here sitting? Go and pack ur things." Cried her mother.

Hermione walked back in daze, and packed all her things in mechanical fashion. She hung one bag from her shoulder, walked out of her room – only to trip on the Ravenclaw Trunk.

She sat on floor and watched the trunk idly for a complete minute. Then, as if somebody has given her an electric shock, all things came back to her mind.

Her grandmother's death …

Leonard's arrival …

'My God' she almost swore when she understood the implications. Her grandmother is an outcast from a powerful wizard family; so obviously, she should have inherited Ravenclaw blood line from her. If her grand mother changed her name, then she should have been a Squib or she should have eloped with Voldemort. It fits exactly … Voldemort is a halfblood, so he should have tried to marry or impress a girl who belongs to a noble wizard family. That way, he would become almost respectable member of pureblood society. Probably, her parents might not have agreed seeing he got no money. She becoming pregnant would obviously make her parents agree. Her grand mother must have run away from her parents seeing she is pregnant. After a year or two Voldemort should have abolished her seeing she is of no use. That's why Granny should have thought about changing middle name of mother. Thought Hermione. Even then, she is grand child of most evil wizard in history, that fact is not about to change. And her half brother might be coming to take this very trunk at any cost. At least, I will not give him that satisfaction, decided Hermione shrinking the trunk and pushing it in to her bag. She then walked down to living room looking rather smugly.

Michelle sat there already waiting for their mom and dad who are locking windows and doors.

"U know, If I didn't know better, I would say mum and dad likes me better than u." said Michelle looking at Hermione.

"I really know better, and I would say they trust me more than u." answered Hermione.

Michelle scowled at answer and turned away. That's truth. Her parents never let Michelle alone even though she is one year elder than Hermione. Apparently, they caught Michelle once when she is spending time with her friend who is a boy, from there onwards, she is under strict watch.

Soon after, they are in railway station, and Michelle did give a warm hug to Hermione though not with out promise that she wouldn't bye a single ribbon for Hermione while she is at Bath.

Hermione sat in train, going through this day's experiences once again.

Harry …

She suddenly remembered why she is going to surrey. What is she going to tell to Harry? How would he react if he knew her parentage? What would Ron say? What would Order think? --- Okay, I think they would hate me.

'Oh! Hating u wouldn't be a problem dear – the problem would be comparison. 'reminded her little too intelligent voice.

'Okay, Harry wouldn't hate me.' she assured her self involuntarily.

'Mrs.Weasley may treat me with apprehension.'

'Ginny will take some time to accept it.'

'Ron would make quite a big deal of it, but he would agree it in end.'

'Well, better if I stop thinking about this and try to remember dragon blood properties. '

'You are really naïve. Are u thinking all their reactions would be so simple? '- questioned her ever annoying perfect commonsense.

Fear of rejection slowly raised it self to an enormous height before Hermione stepped her foot in Surrey. She decided it would be better for her mental health if she tried to ease her nerves before going to see Harry, and since it is late in night, she would better sleep any way. It is a tiring day. So, she went to the cottage that is reserved for her, and tried to sleep.

When she woke, it is already 10 Am. Hermione cursed her self for oversleeping. She couldn't help it; she is up till late night, almost till 4am with all sorts of depressing thoughts going through her mind. She got ready, but all her thoughts returned with full force. Being Hermione, she did the only thing that is appropriate.

She listed down pro's and con's of meeting Harry on a paper and marked them. Now, meeting Harry certainly got one mark more than not meeting him, so she decided she would better meet him. Now, to the worst topic. How should she meet him? And what might she expect?

Jumping up and hugging her? That is certainly not Harry.

Staring at her with his jaw dropped? Probably.

So, what should she do? Hmm… may be taking a bouquet or two with her is a good idea. And where should she meet him? Going to Dursley's is out of question since they hate magic. So probably she should go to Arabella Figg and call Harry. That's good idea…

Action – hey , read up that previous scene. I actually wanted to write it with Hermione's thoughts, but I am too eager to update. If any one wants to be here, tell me.

"Harry"

"Harrryyyy…"

"Hmm…" is the reply.

The annoying voice called once again, Harry tried to drown it by swatting it but it came again. To whom ever the voice belonged Harry wished some one would cast a silencing charm on them. That voice sounds familiar though … REMUS … Harry jerked awake. That voice belongs to Remus. All memories of previous night returned to Harry while his mirror stopped making any noise. Harry fumbled through the mess on his bed to retrieve the mirror.

He almost broke his head while crawling when he found his mirror under the desk.

"Remus … REMUS" Harry shouted in to the mirror.

"Harry… don't shout" answered Remus. Harry let out an audible sigh with relief when he heard back Remus.

"What happened?"

"Azkaban is attacked. "Answered Remus.

"And…"prompted Harry.

"Some of prisoners died. Death eaters escaped with Voldemort through port key. Actually, Azkaban is warded against use of port keys and Dumbledore says Dementors might have lifted wards for Voldemort. We don't know more information, but Dumbledore believes some thing is wrong. We are waiting for information from Kingsley now. "

"Ok Remus. Do u think Ministry will tell truth to public? "Asked Harry.

"I don't know Harry. Tell me if u have any more dreams. I have to go now. Il talk later, wait till I call u. okay." Said Remus looking at his side.

"Okay Remus. Good night." Answered Harry.

"Good night Harry." Answered Remus and the communication is cut off.

Harry sat there thinking about all that has transpired on this day. It is quite exhausting. What with the practice of wand less magic and excitement of meeting Hermione – he is quite tired. He drifted off in to sleep immediately only to be awaken rudely by an owl.

Harry groaned as he heard the tapping on his window. His neck muscles and back bone are hurting worse than hell because of his inordinate sleeping posture. He did slept in his bed after talking to Remus, but that is only two hours ago. But the owl from Daily prophet is stupid and persistent just as prophet it self. So, he got up from bed not so eager to get paper but more to stop the owl from breaking his ear drums. He took the paper sleepily, unrolled it with a big yawn, sat down on his bed and looked at it. All his sleep flown out of window as soon as he looked at the headline. There at the top of Daily prophet, written in big capitals is headline.

"MINISTRY PROTECTS AZKABAN FROM DARK LORD"

Author notes:

Emma Borrows: hey, thank u for saying my fic is good.

Every one who read this fic, please review.

By the way, I have written a program which down loads an fanfic if u give it address of the fiction u want to download. If any one wants the exe file – they can ask me. I have written this program in VC and those who are interested can take the code to improve it or use it.

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