A/N: Sorry this one took so long for me to post, but I want to thank everyone for sticking with this story.

CHAPTER 25

On Monday morning, Gryffindors were still celebrating their victory over Ravenclaw. Hermione cannot recall a Monday morning when her fellow peers have been so happy. They were usually upset about another school week starting, but not today. It must be great for everyone since Harry has returned. There was no Quidditch during their fourth year and Harry only played one game last year. Everyone must have been anxious for him to come back and play.

All of Gryffindor is on a natural high that hasn't been deflated yet. Ron was even smiling when Hermione mention going to Herbology early.

They were half way through their lesson, when Professor McGonagall appeared at the door of the greenhouse. Everyone hushed and Hermione could feel the euphoria sucked away from her. Everyone remembered the last time McGonagall appeared. It was to tell Hermione that her parents were attacked.

But this time, her parents couldn't have been attacked. They were safe in Africa. That's what the Ministry told her! Then, Hermione panicked and thought that maybe her parents weren't as safe as they promised.

"Class has been cancelled for the day," McGonagall said tightly. This was a moment when the class would usually cheer. But not today, today was different. There was something in her voice that the other students knew it wasn't for a good reason. "The Ministry of Magic is under attack. The Headmaster would like all of the students to gather in the Great Hall."

Everyone slowly got up, but as soon as Professor McGonagall was out of sight, the whispering and the murmuring started. Hermione heard two Hufflepuff students chatting behind her.

"What do you think happened?"

"I don't know. But it has to be something big. He wouldn't call the entire school to the Great Hall if it was nothing."

"It's only ten in the morning. What could possibly happen?"

"We'll find out, now won't we?"

Hermione walked out of the greenhouse quickly with Ron and Harry. They were leading the pack in the castle. Harry started breaking out into a run.

"Harry," Hermione called after him. She started running to catch up. Ron followed.

"Harry," Hermione said out of breath. She grabbed on his arm so he wouldn't run faster. "Do you know something?"

Harry looked at her and shook his head.

"Then why are you running," Hermione asked.

"Something happened, and I want to know what," Harry said. They continued to run into the Great Hall and notice almost all of the students were there already. Everyone was in the castle already. The only students that weren't were the ones that had Herbology or Care of Magical Creatures outside.

The students were chatting among themselves loudly.

Dumbledore stood up and with one arm movement, silenced the entire room. Hermione faced the headmaster and sat perfectly still.

"You may all wonder why I have called you all in today," Dumbledore said. There were no signs of emotions on his face. "We are in a time when things that are good are lost. This morning, a band of Death Eaters and Dementors have attacked the Ministry of Magic."

Murmers started again. Whispers and worried looks spread across the room. Hermione looked over at Ron and Ginny and their faces were white. Their father works at the Ministry. He could be under attack. Dumbledore spread his arms and the room was quiet again.

"Please, I ask you to remain calm and quiet. Students who wish to go home will be able to do so, but I suggest this is the safest place right now. We don't have any further news from the Ministry, but we will notify you. Will the house prefect please escort the students to your houses."

Hermione jumped to her feet, as did Ron. They quickly gathered the students together and walked toward the exit.

"I didn't see Malfoy," Harry said, catching up with Ron and Hermione.

"Yeah, I didn't see Snape either," Ron said, frowning.

"I reckon he's at the Ministry with the other Death Eaters," Harry said darkly. "I have to talk to Dumbledore."

Before Hermione could protest, Harry was running towards the head table. She knew she couldn't chase after him. She had to get the students back to the tower.

"Tiger Lily," she said to the Fat Lady Portrait.

The students climbed through the portrait hole, not sure what to do with themselves. Some students went to their rooms and packed, in case they had to leave Hogwarts immediately. Others stayed in the Common Room, waiting for any news. Ron, Ginny, and Hermione stayed in the common room and sat off near the corner.

Hermione's thoughts weren't on her parents anymore. Now that she knows where the attack is, she knows her parents are safe, for now. Her thoughts lingered on Mr. Weasley. He must be at the Ministry. It's well into a workday and all the workers must be there by now. She looked over at Ginny and Ron and could tell from the look on their face that they were thinking the same thing. They have to go through the same ordeal with their father again as they did last year. Last year, Mr. Weasley was attacked in the middle of the night. It was Harry's vision that notified them of the accident.

After about half an hour later, Professor McGonagall stepped through the portrait hole with a large bottle of blue potion.

"Mr. Weasley, Miss. Granger," McGonagall addressed them. "I trust I can give you this. You do know what it is, don't you?"

"The Draught of Peace," Hermione spoke mechanically.

"Correct," McGonagall said, with a hint of smile. "And I'm sure you know what it does."

Hermione nodded and the Professor continued. "Madam Pomfrey was able to whip up a batch for each of the houses. Give it to the students if they ask for it, Madam Pomfrey is making more."

Ron took the bottle from McGonagall.

"Now, I need to speak to Eliza Bodden," she said, the grim feeling falling upon the room once again.

A short girl with long brown hair stood up from near the fireplace. She was obviously eavesdropping and so were many other students.

Eliza walked over slowly and McGonagall placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and led her out through the portrait hole.

For about an hour, McGonagall or other professors would come and lead another Gryffindor student out of the common room. About eight more students left and the Draught of Peace was running low.

After a few more minutes, the portrait door slowly starting opening. Hermione instinctly held her breath while the other students in the room tensed up. Everyone stared at the door, but instead of seeing a professor, it was a teenage boy with messy black hair. Harry has returned. Ginny jumped up, but McGonagall quickly entered after him. Harry sadly looked at Ginny.

"Mr. Weasley, Miss Weasley, please follow me," McGonagall said.

Hermione looked at Harry, but he was staring at the ground, refusing to make eye contact with anyone. Ron grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her up with him.

"I'm afraid Miss Granger will have to-"

"She's family, too," Ginny said. "She's coming with us."

McGonagall, surprisingly, didn't retort back. She led them out of Gryffindor's common room to a gargoyle statue. This is the entrance to Dumbledore's office. She said the password and the gargoyle quickly sprang into life, allowing the visitors to enter.

"Please, take a seat," Dumbledore said, conjuring up three more chairs out of thin air. "Your mother, Mr. Weasley, has asked us to bring you home. She wants to have the family together in a moment like this. Do you understand?"

"Is our dad okay," Ginny asked worried.

"He has been confirmed to be at the Ministry," Dumbledore said. "But I'm afraid that's all I know for now. You'll be going through Floo Powder. I made sure it was safe enough for all of you to travel through. Mrs. Weasley, I expect, is waiting for your arrival any minute. So, please hurry."

They all got up and grabbed a handful of floo powder. Ron and Ginny went first. Hermione was standing in the fireplace when Dumbledore spoke. "Oh, Harry. Don't forget what we talked about."

Hermione was engulfed by the flames and found herself in the fireplace she was in at the beginning of the summer.