Back to London

Hermione was happy to get back home. Italy had been great, she had fun, took time for herself, study for her upcoming N.E.W.T.S. And when she wasn't studying or practicing wandless magic, she was at the beach, relaxing. She also had plenty of time to think about the situation in the wizardry world and a solution to get Harry back to Hogwarts.

She was now in London, in Diagon Alley to be more precise. She received permission from her parents to stay at the Leaky Cauldron for the rest of the summer. They judged the young girl responsible enough to be alone at the inn; anyhow, they wouldn't even be at home as they had two more conferences to attend. Hermione had finished her shopping and was waiting for her friends, Harry and Ron, to meet her at the Leaky Cauldron.

Hermione was quietly drinking her coffee while reading Nietzsche biography in her room. This colourful character fascinated her. She was a passionate persona. The majority of her schoolmates considered her for a bookworm, the truth was that she studied very little; however, she read everything she had under her hand. It was like a mysterious force, when she opened a book, she would absolutely have to finish it, if not, she couldn't sleep. Hermione was passionate by everything she did, her friends, her readings, her thoughts, her projects. She had an opinion on everything, where her nickname of Miss-Know-It-All. She didn't care at all.

Hermione was feeling a little nervous, like a child the day before Christmas. She was so happy to see her friends, Merlin she missed them. Hermione wished Ron would be Head Prefect with her, but she knew it was almost impossible considering his poor score. She was nervously shaking her leg. She smoothen her black skirt and adjusted her sleeveless blouse. She fastened her army boots and looked in the mirror. 'And if Harry and Ron don't like my new look?' She didn't have more time to think about it as they finally arrived.

Hermione didn't give them time to say hello and jumped in their arms. Ron blushed as usual, more because his long time friend had developed forms she didn't have before, or didn't flaunt to everyone. Ron felt her breast on his torso and was furious against his body reaction, she was like his sister he finally admitted to himself, as blind as he could be in the 'girl area', he couldn't help to find his friend very beautiful, probably the most pretty girl he ever saw.

And came Harry's turn. Harry didn't blush, but was feeling a little shy. He did the best he could to hide it and succeed with more success than his other best friend. He was feeling so good in Hermione arms, she was his sister, non from the blood, she was his adopted sister. An inexplicable bond was forged between them. The shyness Harry's was feeling had nothing to do with anything sexual, simply said, his best friend changed, she was a woman. This was rending him uneasy because he had never been good with words, and sensing his friend wanted a compliment. He was already thinking how he would protect her from the male population. Hermione broke the uneasiness.

- I missed you so much! Hermione told them.

- You too Mione, said Ron.

- Same here cutie, said Harry his eyes twinkling.

- Cutie hey? No more than that? Add Hermione with humour, hitting him on the arm.

- No, no, Mione, hasten Harry leaving some insinuations.

- Boys… So what have you done this summer, I didn't received a lot of owls, said Hermione in a fake angry tone.

- Well, said Ron, my brother Bill got married last week, we wanted to invite you to, but you were Merlin knows where…

- I was in Italy with my parents, excused herself the girl.

- Anyhow, it was very quiet, only the family and few friends, he added.

Harry didn't have a lot to say about his summer, since it was the first day he got rid of the Dursley. It was the last time he had to go there and he was happy about it. So were the Dursley. His aunt Petunia even offered to give him a ride to London. It was the first time in his life that his aunt treated him like a human being. He refused, 'thanks, but no thanks' he told her. And without another word, he apparated away from the Dursley for ever. Dobby and Kreacher were in charge to bring him his stuff to his new house, the 12 Grimauld Place.

- And you Harry? Asked Hermione

- Nothing much, I'm finally free of the Dursley.

- What do you mean?

- Meaning that since I'm 17, I am an adult in the wizardry world, meaning that they are no longer my guardians.

- Oh, said Hermione, So Harry, what will you do?

- For first, Ron accepted to move in with me in Grimauld Place, and I hoped you would to?

- Until the school beginning?

- Hum, Hermione, said Harry, I don't plan to go back to Hogwarts.

- Harry, school is important! Pleaded Hermione.

- Mione, my decision is final; nothing you could say would make me change my mind.

- And you Ron? Asked Hermione, a determined expression on her face.

- Hum…well…

- So you're going to stick with Harry?

Ron was looking guilty as charged. When Harry arrived at the Burrow last week, he explained every details of his plan to his friend. Harry knew his friend Hermione wouldn't want to be an active part of it. Ron has been easy to convince, since he wasn't that good in school.

Harry now knew, without any doubt, that Hermione would never want to quit Hogwarts. And because he knew her so well, he was prepared for her refusal. While Ron and he would go looking for the missing Hocruxes, Hermione would do some research at Hogwarts for them, prepare potions they might need. Deep down, he knew and hoped she would refuse to come with them, it was a dangerous business, and he didn't want her to get hurt.

- Hermione, said a very calm Harry, I knew you would refuse to be a part of that plan, so that is why I won't ask you to come with us. Of course, you are most welcome to come at my place, I insist that you come, but I won't hear anymore about returning to school.

- If it is what you want Harry, I won't try to convince you, said a very sad Hermione.

- Good now, what do you say about packing up your things and move into Grimauld Place?

- Now? Asked the young women.

Both boys nodded. Hermione said few quick spells and was ready to leave. They exited the Leaky Cauldron, and within time, they were at the apparition point. The three of them had their licence, Hermione since May, boys since July. They disappeared in a very loud 'Crack'.