Chapter 2

Harry pushed and pulled his trunk until he spotted the knight bus. He let the conductor a new face heave the trunk onto the bus and close the door. Harry sat down and twidled with his thumbs. He yelled when a hand touched his top.

" Really Harry. There's no need to yell , it's only me."

Harry smiled and hugged the girl standing in front him. Hermione smiled and sat down.

" What are you doing here Hermione?"

Hermione frowned and pursed her lips like Mrs Weasly. Professor Dumbledore sent me an owl , telling me that you were leaving the Dursley's house. He told me I could go to the Weaslys if I wanted to , as you would be there. Mrs Weasly sent me an owl later to confirm my arrival. I was angry to hear you had fought with your relatives and taken off."

" Mad. Hermione I asked Dumbledore first. I realise after the Aunt Marge incident , that running off isn't a good idea. You still haven't told me why you are here on the knight bus."

" Well I told my parents that I was going to stay with the Weaslys. I then arrived at their house and arranged with Mr Weasly to call the Knight bus to pick me up to wait for you. I believed you would be upset after walking out like that."

Hermione surveyed Harry.

" So are you upset?"

" No "

" A little tense perhaps."

" No. "

" Sick. "

" No. "

" Dizzyness , hunger , maybe a bit of fatigue."

" No , no and no Hermione. I feel fine. Great even. Yeah I feel great. "

" Then why did you leave Harry? If you feel fine , why did you leave Privet Drive?"

" Well " said Harry coldly. " It's interesting to learn that you want me to suffer all summer there."

" Thats not what I meant Harry and you know that " cried Hermione.

" What did you mean Hermione. What can you possibly tell me that is going to convince me to stay there."

" Nothing Harry , and I didnt come to convince you to go back. I came here to find out why you left and I already know why. Harry I was afraid that you were running away on your own. We already know that Voldermort is the only one who can ...well you know what I mean. I just ...Harry this is going to sound so soppy , but I just didnt want you to be alone especially with Voldermort on the loose. I would die if he ever hurt you or Ron and I wasn't there to prevent it someway. I know to you , the one who has defeated him before , this statement sounds silly , but Harry. You , Ron and I are a team , we have been since the day we met , and Ron and I will not let Voldermort harm you , not before we get involved anyway."

" I dont get you Hermione. You and Ron are always fighting one day , not talking the next , or praising each other for a good deed ten minutes later. It's very confusing."

" Harry this is Ron we are talking about , and I couldn't hate him if I tried. Only dont tell him that , or he'll remind me of it everyday. Ron , you and I are very close Harry. Yes we fight , but all friends do , would you not concider it weird if best friends agreed with each other all the time."

" Like Malfoys crowd " said Harry.

" Exactly " said Hermione. " Harry , Malfoy's friends are frightened of him. They would do anything to please him , just to save their necks."

" Hey " said Harry" where's Ron?"

Hermione crossed her arms and sighed. " Ronald is in bed asleep. I ran upstairs to wake him up , so he could come along to get you. He actually grunted at me saying something that sounded like. Herminnie I'm tryin'n ta Sleep. I of course tried to get him up. Ron , Harry is on the Knight bus , we have to meet him there. He replied in his groggy voice. Herminie , Harry can find his way here , now go away Im trying to sleep. That was followed by a reprisal of loud snores. So I gave up and went myself. Ginny wanted to come but I said no."

" What Hermione , how could you. Maybe I wanted to see Ginny."

Hermione stepped backwards looking slightly hurt. " I'm sorry Harry. It's just that , I thought this business with Voldermort was between you , Ron , and I. I guess once we find true love , friendship takes a sudden sharp turn."

" No Hermione your right. This is between us , and hey I care for Ginny , but I swear on my life. You and Ron are my best friends , no one comes before you two. "

Hermione smiled and cried out stop to the conductor. " Heres our stop Harry."

Harry smiled and stepped put of the bus. He breathed in the fresh country air. " Ah " he said to Hermione. " I love the Burrow."