Happy Holidays! I thought I would give a holiday treat to all my readers and post the final two chapters of this apparently beloved story. Have fun reading and remember, I own nothing!

Chapter 9: Back Inside the House

"It's a simple question," the paramedic said, "What is the name of the school you go to?"

"Simple question or not," said a voice that Hermione knew only too well, "I'm afraid I cannot allow you to question Miss Granger any further about her school."

The ambulance doors opened and Albus Dumbledore was standing there... in full-length wizard robes.

"Who are you?" the paramedic said in a slightly annoyed voice.

"I am the headmaster of Hermione's school. I am sorry for interrupting your little interrogation, but I am afraid I simply cannot allow you to know the name of the school," Dumbledore said, bowing to the paramedic politely, "Now, if you don't mind, I would like to talk with Miss Granger about her parents."

Hermione had been so happy to see Dumbledore there, but that quickly passed when Dumbledore said that he wanted to talk about her parents. She looked past him at Harry, who smiled and nodded, telling her it was all right. She looked at the paramedic.

"Very well. Hermione, you may go," the paramedic said, now thoroughly annoyed.

Hermione was only too happy to get out of the ambulance and back to Harry. She hopped up off of the bed and climbed out of the ambulance, and straight to Harry, who wrapped his arms around her protectively.

"Come on, you two," Dumbledore said, gesturing to a place away from all the policemen.

"Where are we going?" Hermione asked Harry as they followed Dumbledore.

"I don't know. I guess he doesn't want to be overheard," Harry said, his arm still around Hermione's shoulders.

"Okay," Dumbledore said, turning around to talk to Harry and Hermione, "now, Miss Granger, Mr. Potter, the current pressing issue is where you are going to stay for the remaining two weeks of summer. I suggest the Leaky Cauldron, but I have owled Molly and Arthur and they have agreed to cut their vacation short if you wish to stay at the Burrow."

"What do you think?" Harry asked Hermione turning to her and taking her hands in his.

"Well, we can't just ask Ron and his family to come home for us," Hermione said, "So, I guess we really have no choice but to stay at the Leaky Cauldron."

"Okay," Harry said, smiling.

"Now, I don't think you would like going back into your house to get your stuff, Miss Granger," Dumbledore said, and Hermione looked horrified at the very thought, "so, if you don't mind, Mr. Potter could go get your things for you."

Hermione didn't want to leave Harry's side again, but she didn't want to go inside her house after a murder had taken place there only a few hours before. Her decision shocked everyone.

"I'll go with you, Harry."

"Hermione, are you sure?" Harry asked, taking her hands in his again and rubbing them soothingly.

"Yes, I'm sure. I have to face my fears eventually. Plus, it's way too much for you to carry all by yourself. I'm coming with you."

"Okay," Harry nodded and turned back to Dumbledore, who gestured to the house, telling them to go get their stuff.

While they were walking toward the house, Hermione was beginning to doubt herself. Harry, sensing her fear, reached over and grabbed her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She looked over at him and smiled.

They paused a little as they went into the kitchen. Harry allowed Hermione to close her eyes and take a deep breath, before he pushed open the screen door. The policemen had left while Harry and Hermione were talking with Dumbledore, so the house was eerily empty.

The kitchen was dark, but they could see the blood spots on the white tile floor. Hermione made sure she didn't look at these.

They made their way up to Hermione's room, where their stuff was scattered around. They spent about five minutes picking up the room. Harry noticed that Hermione made careful sure that she had her sketchbooks. She noticed that he made careful sure that he didn't forget something, but he wouldn't tell her what.

"You'll find out soon enough," he said with a teasing grin.

"Fine. Can we get out of here? This place creeps me out now," Hermione said with a small whimper, glancing around the room where she had spent her life in. Harry just laughed and led the way back outside.

There's chapter 9. It's not very well written, but I needed something to happen between chapters 8 and 10.