Entering the Great Hall, Hermione looked down the Griffindor table for Harry and Ron. She found them sitting next to Ginny and Neville at the end closest to the Head Table. Hermione sat between the boys and grinned, as she piled her plate with food.
"Where were you, 'Mione? We stopped by the library on the way down, but we couldn't find you there. Hagrid said he got you a birthday present too, but that he'll give it to you tomorrow… I'm a bit afraid he's going to give you a 'pet,'" Harry said.
Ron said something vaguely like an affirmative around the food in his mouth.
At this, Hermione laughed. "I just went to talk to Dumbledore. I need to get home tonight, and talk to my mother. Grandmother needs to know that I have the Key, and Mum's the only one who knows how to get in touch with her. It's not like she has a telephone or something."
"What does your Grandmother have to do with the Goddess?" Ron said. Hermione realized that she hadn't really explained it to them, but that it would probably be better to tell them tomorrow, when she had the time.
"I'm sorry, you two. I'll explain tomorrow. It's kind of a long story, and I really need to get home. Can you wait that long?"
"Sure, Hermione," Ginny said, "I'm completely in the dark right now, but if you can tell us in the morning before breakfast, we can meet in the common room."
"Ok, Ginny. Is that all right? Harry? Ron?" Hermione asked, receiving nods from both of the boys.
Just then, Dumbledore came up behind her and said, "Miss Granger? I believe it is time for you to floo home, if you are ready?"
"Certainly, Headmaster," Hermione replied. With a quick farewell to her friends, Hermione followed the Headmaster to his office, where she could floo to her parents' home.