While Hermione was out back with Harry, things happened abruptly. First an owl came into the kitchen stating that a man from the ministry was intending on arriving shortly to discuss with Hermione current matters such as cause of death to be known by her muggle relatives, time and place of funeral, and any and all possible security risks for Hermione herself. A few minutes after the owl arrived there was a familiar pop, just out side the door and a ring of the doorbell.

"Ron, if you'll get that," requested Molly Weasley.

When Ron answered the boor a tall man in business robes holding a briefcase stood at the door. He wore a top hat, which he remove when he introduced himself, "Good morning, I am Mr. Turpin, with Muggle relations, I am here to talk with a Miss Hermione Granger. I believe you should have received a letter about my arrival."

"Umm, yeah, come on in," nodded Ron letting Mr. Turpin in.

"John, fancy seeing you here," smiled Mrs. Weasley, "I should have know it was you who was coming, would you care for a spot of tea?"

"Yes thank you, I'm sure you know why I'm here then?" sat Mr. Turpin.

"I do Hermione, is out back right now, she is having a time of it."

"I understand, this is the part of the job I hate the most. Terrible circumstances too."

"I know it," grimaced Mrs. Weasley pouring Mr. Turpin his tea, "I want to give her a few more minutes to come in."

"No rush," assured Mr. Turpin, "As you know from Arthur we like to wait a while on cases like these, but there is no choice seeing as school starts up in a few weeks."

"I know," sighed Mrs. Weasley, "Ron why don't you go out and check on them?"


"You doing better?" asked Harry as he and Hermione finished the last of the toast.

"Better," answered Hermione, brushing a few crumbs off her lap, "I just need to keep busy, help my mind focus on other things."

"Umm, I hate to be a bother but there's a man from the ministry here to see you Hermione," mentioned Ron.

"Why does he want to see me?" asked Hermione.

"He wants to talk to you about recent events."

"Lead the way," sighed Hermione, just when she thought she would have a minute without having to focus on her parents death some one comes in and makes her do it all over again.

When the three entered the house Mr. Turpin stood up, "You must be Hermione Granger," he said offering his hand to her.

Hermione politely took his hand and shook it.

"I do apologize for this bother, normally the ministry waits a few weeks, but seeing as you will be starting classes soon…"

"I understand," sighed Hermione.

"Good," hesitantly smiled Mr. Turpin, "Where would you like most to discuss matter here at the table, in a different room, in the company of friends, in private?"

"Here as is, is fine," answered Hermione.

"Very well then if we can take a seat."

Hermione and Turpin sat across from each other while Ron and Harry sat with Hermione to provide support.

"I need to get to so cleaning, if that is alright with you Hermione."

"That's fine, I think I'll be all right."

"Now," started Mr. Turpin opening his briefcase and putting on some reading glasses, "first order of business, we need to discuss the cause of death."

"Cause of death?" asked Hermione, "I thought it was obvious…"

"It is clear that is was the work of You-Know-Who, but we can't tell that to all your muggle relatives. Does a gas leak seem reasonable?"

"A gas leak?" asked Hermione confused.

"Yes, do any of the appliances in your house run on gas?"

"The heating," answered Hermione still trying to sort things out.

"Hmm, it is sort of a stretch, but it could work. Do you agree to saying the your parents died from a gas leak that ignited to all muggles?"

"A gas leak?"

"Yes, does that sound suitable, to you? Do you agree to stick to that story?"

"I-I guess," agreed Hermione still trying to wrap her head around the concept.

"Good," nodded Mr. Turpin writing down the information, "I'll notify the appropriate department. Next order of business is the time and place of the funeral."

"Could that be handled by one of my relatives?" asked Hermione.

"That can work," nodded Mr. Turpin, "Which relative would you like to have care for it?"

"My Aunt Laura will due," answered Hermione.

"The last order of business is one of great difficulty, and utmost importance."

"What is it?" asked Hermione

"It is a matter of your security, after the attack on your parents your personal safety is in question. It is the wishes of the ministry that you stay at secure locations, said locations are the Burrow, Hogsmead, King's Cross station, Hogwarts express and Hogwarts itself. It is the ministry's wish that you as you travel or when you will be in an unsecure location that you have ministry watch and escort. Such escort is offered to you when you travel to Kings Cross."

"Wow," blinked Hermione taken back by all the information.

"Sorry to become all business like, it is part of my job for one and I find it easiest to say the last part all in one blow."

"I understand,"

"I need to ask, do you agree to those terms?"

"I guess," sighed Hermione suddenly exhausted.

"Are you all right Hermione?" asked Ron seeing Hermione go slightly pale.

"I'm just suddenly tired," admitted Hermione "Is there anything else Mr. Turpin?"

"I just need you to sign here and here."

Hermione signed and then let out a heavy sigh pushing her hair aside.

"Why don't you go up stairs to Ginny's room and get some shut eye," recommended Mrs. Weasley.

Hermione let out a yawn and then headed up the stairs.

"Before I go Molly," mentioned Mr. Turpin, "I need to finish off a few protection charms. Arthur already said the is wouldn't be a problem."

"That's fine, go right ahead," nodded Mrs. Weasley, as she watched Hermione head up the stairs.