A/N: Oh my Merlin. 22 reviews, 29 favorites, and 51 follows all on one chapter... That is amazing. Thank you so much. Without further ado, Chapter 2! (Haha, that rhymed!) andI'm looking for a beta, so let me know if you would like to take on the task.

Thank you to my lovely reviewers Violet Deveraux, Goundry, Akitsufan, Cibbler, nikyta, shamzika, anotherboarduser, Sinfull-Innocence, Nicklley, WarthogHerme, Benji-C, HarryHermioneEdwardBella, KookieSundae, lalyta8, and pawsrule!

Disclaimer: I only wish I owned Harry Potter. But I don't.

Three years later...

(Summer's Setback)

Hermione Granger was having a rather good summer.

Her mother had finally met a guy, and was happier than Hermione had seen in a very long time. Her friend Luna had stayed with her for a week, and Hermione was leaving tomorrow to stay with Luna for a few weeks. She also had finished all of her assignments for Hogwarts, and felt like every ounce of stress she had carried over the school year had been lifted off of her shoulders.

She felt free.

Currently, Hermione was walking around muggle London, heading towards her favorite cafe blocks away from her mother's dentist office. She was humming a little tune in her head and taking in the sights of the muggles going about their everyday life. It was very surreal to her that had it not been for her magic, that she would have led a very similar life.

As Hermione was about to walk through the doors to the cafe, she was suddenly pulled away into the nearest alley. Not being able to scream for help, because of the hand that covered her mouth, she resorted for throwing whatever available limbs she had at her attacker, who was behind her.

"Merlin, Hermione! Stop hitting me!"

No longer having her "attacker" holding her, Hermione turned around to see her best friend glaring down at her. Letting out a sigh of relief, she rolled her eyes.

"Honestly, what would you suspect? Of course I was hitting you, I thought you were trying to kill me!"

"Careful, Hermione, your muggle side is showing."

Hermione stuck her tongue out at him, before retorting back, "Careful, Harry, your murderous side is showing."

Still glaring at her, Harry took a step forwards and put his hand in the inside pocket of her light jacket. Hermione raised her eyebrows and watched as he pulled her wand out, thrusting it in her hand.

"In the future, if someone is attacking you, at least聽try聽to remember you are a witch. Have some tact, Hermione, really."

Hermione pursed her lip, but said nothing, used to Harry's jabs. "Wait," she said, "Were you following me?"

Harry shook his head, "Let me just say that home is not too far from here, and I do enjoy a walk every now and then," he said.

Hermione's eyes widened as she realized what Harry really meant. "Should you really be telling me where you are? You never know, I could be a spy for Voldemort, or Dumbledore," she added the last part in a faux whisper.

"I am completely positive that you would not betray me, Hermione. Also, as I am not secret keeper, you could not know where I lived even if I wanted you to know," he said. "Now, were you not just heading for the cafe? I think some food sounds good right now, don't you?" And Harry being聽Harry, grabbed her arm and pulled her back into the busy footpaths of London and quickly into the less busy cafe.

"So tell me, Hermione, how has your summer been?" Harry asked as they took their seats in a booth.

Hermione shrugged, "A bit dull, actually, this has been the highlight. It sucks we can't send letters to each other because of the Fidelius Charm."

Harry stiffened a bit, and smirked. "About that," he said. "Expect something in the mail sometime soon. As in, your muggle mail."

Hermione, puzzled, was about to ask what Harry was talking about when a waitress came by to take their orders. When they were done, Hermione forgot all about what she was going to ask, so stuck to small talk instead. "Has Professor Lupin been around a lot?" she asked.

"He is not our Professor anymore, no need to call him such," Harry said, "But yes, he comes by maybe three times a week."

"That is so incredible that even after all these years, they are still able to stay great friends," Hermione remarked with a smile. Harry looked at her questioningly, and shrugged, implying that he did not think so. Hermione continued, "And what about his monthly problems?" she asked in more of a whisper.

"Remus and Sirius actually like to refer to that as his "furry little problem". Which have been fine, Sirius goes out with him during the full moons now. He says it is safer that way," Harry said.

Hermione nodded like she understood, which she didn't. Rather than voicing her thoughts and questions aloud, she instead stayed silent. While her ex-Professor was a great man, she was still worried for Harry. She knew that he could easily be put in harms way, but she tried not to dwell on it. Sirius is right- it is safer that he goes out with Remus during full moons.

Soon, their food came and they ate in silence. Hermione had always found comfort in that silence that seemed to always surround them, and Harry had never seemed to mind either.

Hermione watched Harry as he ate, staring into nothingness into his plate. Out of all of her friends, he was definitely the closest one she had, which was odd, given his personality. Whilst he seemed to hate most people, she never hated anyone. Hermione suspected that he could easily be top of the class, but because he knew how much it meant to her, he didn't try his best. He was incredibly smart and it seemed like he didn't even have to try! Also, he never seemed to find humor in anything, and Hermione rarely saw him genuinely smile.

Harry Potter really was an odd one, and not like the heroic savior everyone thought he would be.

Next thing Hermione knows, is that she is looking straight into his emerald eyes. Startled, she looks down at her own plate of food, embarrassed to have been practically been caught examining Harry.

Hermione's eyes caught sight at the time on her watch. "Merlin!" she exclaimed, as she quickly got up. "I was supposed to meet mum back at the office five minutes ago! I'm sorry Harry, I've got to go."

Harry also stood up and watched as Hermione threw some pounds onto the table, next to his. "We will see each other soon," Harry confidently said as the left the cafe. Hermione gave him a questioning look, something he was very familiar with coming from her. She went in for a hug, but remember that Harry wasn't the most affectionate person, retracted her arms. So she was surprised when she felt two warm arms wrap around her, before pulling back so fast it made Hermione question whether or not Harry actually had just hugged her. Thinking nothing of it, besides being another odd thing about him, Hermione smiled before turning and walking away.

Harry watched until Hermione turned at the end of the block, before turning and heading the opposite direction, back to 12 Grimmauld Place.

(More On A Mother's Love)

"You're late."

Hermione was panting from running, "So sorry mum! But look, now I'm here!" Hermione watched as the serious look from her mother's face melted into a smile, and she heard a chuckle.

"Oh, my Hermione, you'll be the death of me," she said as she walked over to her daughter and kissed her on the forehead, and then lightly hitting her upside the head. "But don't be late next time, you really had me worried! You're usually so punctual, I didn-"

"Shhh," Hermione said as she hugged her mother, "I'm okay. I swear. In fact, the reason why I'm so late is because I ran into Harry."

"Oh, and how is Harry?" her mother inquired as she started closing up the office. Hermione joined her.

"Well, he's still Harry, still a teenage boy. A bit odd, angsty, maybe a little horn-"

"Hermione!"

"I'm kidding, mum!"

Hermione's mother shook her head and rolled her eyes, something Hermione often did. "Come on, love, let's go home."

Hermione smiled, "Home sounds wonderful, mum."

(Puppy Love)

"And where have you been, young man?"

"None of your business."

The two dark haired men glared at each other, before the older one cracked a grin. "Yes, it's not like I'm responsible for you now, or anything. Just a crazy, old, serial killer you have as your roommate!"

Harry shrugged, "I would not go so far as to compare you to a serial killer, Sirius, that is offensive to聽them."

Sirius rolled his eyes and turned around, waving Harry off. "This serial killer will be in the study, attempting to clean it, if you need him. Or even better, want to help him!"

Harry shrugged, "Maybe another time," he said. He followed Sirius up the first flight of stairs, seeing as the study was right across the corridor from the library. Walking in, Harry was overcome by the same sensation he had felt every time he had entered the library- overwhelmed. Taking in the numerous shelves full of books of ancient magic and wizarding history, he took a seat in one of the arm chairs. Reaching for his wand that was in his robe, he summoned a plain, black journal to him, as well as a quill and ink.

Harry examined the journal, ever so slightly smirking. At first, when he had found it in the old library, he had thought it to be Tom Riddle's diary. When he wrote in it, he found his words disappeared, but instead of聽something聽responding to him, and another black journal came out of know where and smacked him in the face. As it fell to the ground, he noticed on one of the open pages showed exactly what he had written.

I am Harry Potter.

At the time, Harry was impressed. Quickly, he figured out that whatever was written in one journal, would show on a page in the other one.

How convenient,he had thought. And he had a good idea of exactly what he was going to do with them.

Snapping back to the real world, Harry opened the journal, ready to write. As he dipped his quill into the ink, the doors to the library opened and a sweaty looking Sirius came in.

"Harry, Remus is coming for dinner. Would you please tell that blasted Elf to make something, I'm afraid he responds more positively to you," Sirius said. Harry wanted to roll his eyes. Of course Kreacher listened to him, he didn't treat the House Elf as if he were a waste of space. Instead, Harry just nodded to Sirius who murmured a quick thanks before getting back to his "cleaning".

Now let's try that again,Harry thought as he brought his quill to the parchment.

(Old Fashion Notes)

As Hermione and her mother walked past their reception to their flat, they were stopped.

"Excuse, Mrs. Granger, but I have a parcel addressed to you," the young woman said, reaching under her desk to grab it.

Hermione's mother smiled thankfully at the woman, and grabbed the parcel. As they continued walking to the lifts, Hermione's mother peered down at what was written. "Oh," she exclaimed, "Hermione, this is for you. Were you expecting anything?" she asked.

Hermione shook her head, "N-" she started, but then remembered what Harry had told her earlier. "Y-yes, actually. Harry said to expect something. Thanks mum," she said as her mother handed the parcel to her. Eager to open it, she could barely wait when her mother unlocked the door to their flat. Practically running inside to her room, she jumped on the bed and opened the parcel.

Inside it was a black book. Confused, Hermione turned to the first page, where a separate piece of parchment fell out of.

Hermione,

I have found something even better than letters.

Harry

P.S. Open to the first page at exactly eight pm.

Hermione looked down at her watch to see it was about a quarter past seven. Figuring she could read until then, she walked over to one of the many book shelves she had in her room. Taking a random book off the shelf, she easily became immersed into it until she heard her mother knocking at her door.

"Hermione, I was just going to order a pizza, are you alright with that?" she asked.

"Yeah, mum. Sounds good!" Hermione said to her mum who nodded and started to leave. "Wait, mum!" Hermione said. Setting down her book, she crossed her legs on her bed, and waved her mother over to sit next to her. Hermione's mother gave her daughter an odd look, but sat next to her anyway.

"Mum, I'll be heading off to stay with Luna soon, and practically right after that I'll be heading to Hogwarts, and I was wondering..." Hermione started.

"You were wondering when I would bring Jonathan over to meet you," her mother finished for her. Hermione blushed, but nodded. Her mother sighed. "Hermione, I want you two to meet, I really do. It's just, I want to wait until I think it's been long enough. Christmas, perhaps. I don't want to rush into this one, Hermione, Jonathan- he's different from the rest."

Hermione smiled and slowly nodded. Giving her mother a hug, she whispered, "Okay, mum." Pulling back, Hermione's smile was now a full blown grin. "Now go order us some pizza!" Her mother laughed as she got up, but stopped, eyeing something on Hermione's bed.

"Is that what Harry got you?" she asked.

"Er, yes actually. It's nothing special, really, just a blank journal," Hermione said. Her mother raised her eyebrows and gave a 'huh' before walking out the door.

Hermione looked back down at her watch to see it read 7:58. Reaching over the journal, she opened it to the first page and waited.

She didn't have to wait long before a familiar, messy scrawl appeared on the page.

Hello Hermione.

Puzzled, Hermione watched as the writing disappeared, but reached for the ink and quill on her bedside table. Dipping her quill in the ink, she quickly wrote back.

I'm assuming this is you, Harry.

You would be assuming correctly.

This is brilliant, but what is it?

An old family heirloom.

Sounds dangerous.

Hm. It could be.

What!

I am joking, Hermione.

Which is rare, coming from you Mr-Call-Me-Serious.

Ha. Ha. I am sure Sirius would appreciate that attempt at a joke.

Someone's a bit grouchy.

I am not.

Are too.

Says who?

Me.

Fine. I may be a bit grouchy.

Why, has something happened?

Just Sirius and Remus.

I thought you were on good terms with the both of them? Or at least as good as terms as you could be with someone.

No, not them. They were talking about Dumbledore tonight, and about his affinity for stalking and putting his nose in other people's business.

What did he do to you this time?

Surprisingly, nothing. However, he thinks someone in our year is our secret keeper, and is practically tormenting most of the wizarding families for our whereabouts.

Are you ever going to tell me who is your secret keeper?

No. Maybe. Yes.

You just gave me three answers.

It's complicated, Hermione.

Of course.

I made you mad, didn't I?

No.

Hermione?

Maybe.

Er...

Yes.

...

That was a joke, Harry.

Maybe you should leave those redheaded twins to jokes, Hermione. Stick to what you do best.

And what would that be?

Having a bottomless pit of a brain.

Well I guess it's better than what you do best.

I will not even bother asking, as I am sure you will tell me anyway. So go ahead.

Having a sensitive personality.

I would hardly call me sensitive, of all things.

You don't see it. Most of the world doesn't see it. But I do.

Okay Hermione. I will not fight you on this one.

See? You are just a big old softy!

I think it is time for you to go to bed, you are not making any bit of sense.

Actually, mum ordered pizza, and by the sounds of it I'm guessing it's here.

Alright. Go enjoy your pizza, and then go to bed.

You're not my boss, you can't tell me what to do, Harry.

Would you like to test that, Hermione?

Okay, whatever. I'm going to go enjoy some pizza before you continue to threaten me. And I am a bit tired, so I actually might sleep. Goodnight Harry.

Goodnight Hermione.

Harry chuckled to himself as he closed the journal. She hadn't even notice.

(More On Puppy Love)

The next morning Harry found himself at the kitchen table, coffee in one hand and a muggle local newspaper in the other. He looked up when he saw Sirius entered, and muttered a "good morning" to the marauder. Sirius took a seat at the other end of the table, just as quiet as Harry as he sipped at his tea. He looked contemplative.

Raising an eyebrow at Sirius he asked, "Got something on your mind?" It troubled Harry that Sirius seemed trouble. He was the only family he had left, and Harry didn't take that knowledge lightly.

Sirius shook his head, "Just some new information. No need to bug you about it, chap. Anyway, I have to head out today, the goblins want to see me," he said.

"The goblins? As in the goblins of Gringotts?" Harry asked, surprised.

Sirius nodded, "Aye, something about an untouched fortune. I guess my mother left everything to Regulus and Regulus... left everything to me."

Harry took a second to digest this new piece of information. With the Potter fortune and the small fortune Sirius had saved up before he was committed to Azkaban, the new Black fortune would make the two of them one of the richest, if not the richest wizarding family out there. Yes, that was a lot to take in. Harry briefly wondered if that was why Sirius looked so down, it made sense if it were.

"Right, well I better get going. Remus isn't coming today, and I won't be back until six, so you have this awful place all to yourself. I expect you'll be fine," Sirius got up out of his seat and left the kitchen. "Don't do anything I would do," Harry heard him call out, before he heard the familiar sound of a door opening and shutting.

Now all he had to do was decide how he was going to spend the rest of his day. It was not a hard conclusion to come to, Harry would just go to the library.

(Fairytale Woods)

"Hermione Granger, what a pleasure to see you again, and so soon!"

Hermione chuckled as she accepted the hug from the odd Xenophilus Lovegood. Behind him, Hermione saw Luna and hugged her as well.

"Where's your mother?" Luna asked, looking around Hermione.

"I'm here!" a voice called out, and three people turned to see Hermione's mother hurrying down the alleyway they had me up at. Catching up to them, her mother slowed down, "Tell me again why we have to meet here," she said, wrinkling her nose.

"We wouldn't want muggles to see or hear us apparating, would we?" Xenophilus exclaimed.

Hermione's mother shook her head, a small smile on her face, "No, I suppose not," she said. "Thank you again for letting Hermione stay with you guys. I'm afraid, not having magic, that summers are probably quite boring here compared in the Wizarding World..."

"Oh, mum," Hermione said, "Spending time with you is never boring. Magic or not."

"You could also say it goes the other way around. Imagine how fun a summer without magic would be, and all the things you would learn!" Luna added.

Hermione's mother and Luna's father smiled at their children, both feeling really lucky to have them.

"Ah, well, I will not keep you any longer! Hermione, sweetheart, be safe. I love you, and have fun!" Hermione's mother said.

Hermione gave her mother a peck on the cheek, and a nice hug, "I will, mum. I'll see you very soon!" she said.

Grabbing her trunk, she put her hand on Xenophilus's should, ready to apparate, and took one last glance at her mother. They were gone with a loud 'pop' and the next thing Hermione knew was that she was looking upwards towards the sky.

"Sorry, Ms. Granger apparating has never been something I have ever been good at. I'm hoping Luna will take from her mother, and be better than I. The said blonde smiled fondly at her father as he talked, trying to help Hermione up off of the ground.

"Come," Luna said as Hermione brushed her summer dress off. "Let's go explore." Never mind the fact that Hermione had not even dropped her things off, Luna waved at her father who had a look in his eyes like he knew what they were doing.

Hermione followed Luna to the nearby woods, "Where are we going, Luna?" she asked.

Luna had a dreamy smile on her face. "To the most magical place I know," she said. Hermione figured if she asked more questions, she would just end up more confused.

About twenty minutes into the forest Luna and Hermione came across a willow tree. Luna looked back at Hermione, excitement pouring out her eyes. Walking forward, she parted the leaves of the willow tree, going through it. Hermione did the same, noticing how the leaves tickled her skin. The first thing Hermione saw made her jaw drop.

It was beautiful.

To Hermione's left was a small waterfall that continued on as a creek in front of her, all the way to her right and beyond. Flowers, some she had never even seen before and could not recall, were planted perfectly around the edges of the waterfall and the creek. As she continued looking, Hermione noticed Luna climbing up some rocks that could have been considered boulders. Hermione saw her reach over to the flowers next to her, and when Luna brushed her land over them, she also saw dragonflies and butterflies jump out of the flowers, fluttering all over the place.

With water, crystal blue, grass as green as can be, bright, bloomed flowers, and just as colorful looking dragonflies and butterflies... It was extraordinary, and yes, it was the most magical place Hermione had ever been to.

Plopping down on the lush grass, Hermione laid down on her back, looking up to the sky. "You're right, Luna," she said.

The blonde nodded, "I know," she said.

And the two girls remained peaceful the rest of the time they were there.

(Reeling Redheads)

The girls had spent about an hour there, both thinking about their own things, before deciding it time to go.

"Hermione," Luna started as she squeezed through two thorn bushes, "Would you like to go visit the Weasleys? Ginny owled me saying that it was just her, Ron, and the twins today."

Hermione shrugged, while she didn't know the Weasleys very well, they had always been nice to her. Except for a period of time in First Year when Ron would make fun of her. The last time she had actually spoken to Ginny was in her Second Year, and the twins didn't hang around Hermione too much. "That sounds alright to me."

"If we continue going straight, it will take us back to my home. If we go left, it will take us to the Weasley's house," Luna said, stopping. She turned to face Hermione, "Would you like to go now?" she asked.

"Yes, we might as well, we are already out," Hermione answered. So the girls turned left and headed that way.

"You must of have had a lot of time growing up to get to know these woods so well, Luna," Hermione said about five minutes later as she watched Luna go through the trees and bushes almost flawlessly.

"Like you said, I had a lot of time."

Hermione started chuckling, but was quickly cut off when she felt as her throat was constricting. It last for a couple seconds, but was gone as fast as it had came. Trying to clear her throat out, she was about to ask when Luna answered her.

"It's their wards, it's because it doesn't recognize you. No doubt they will know that whoever just walked through their wards would be you and not a stranger. No need to worry about it."

"I wasn't worried," Hermione said.

Luna just hummed in response. Hermione gave her a curious look when she noticed that they had finally made it out of the woods.

"Is that it?" Hermione asked, pointing towards a very tall home. Luna nodded, and they started picking up their pace when a few red blobs flew fast overhead them.

"Looks like they are playing quidditch," Hermione said, slightly jealous they were able to have so much field to do so.

"Hey Luna, Granger!" One of the red blobs in the air called out. Hermione could tell by the highness of the voice that it was Ginny. Ginny quickly flew down until she was next to them. Reaching over to hug Luna with one arm, she nodded to Hermione. "Nice to see you, let me just go get my moronic brothers. The big pig is inside dealing with the little pig," she told them before flying off.

Hermione was confused, "Pigs?" she asked.

Luna smiled, "She means Ron and her new owl, Pigwidgeon." The girls made their way into the house.

Hermione laughed, "Is that what she named it? That's quite awful, actually."

"Whatever you do- don't tell Ginny that," came a deeper, familiar voice.

"Wouldn't dream of it, I've heard about her charm work," Hermione said. She smiled, "Hello Weasley." She looked down, seeing a small owl in his hands. "And this is Pigwidgeon, I take it?"

"Granger, with a house full of 'Weasleys' you should probably call me Ron," he said. He walked over to the window and opened, tying a letter to Pig's leg, Ron practically threw the owl out the window. "And yes, that was the bloody owl my sister is in love with."

Hermione shrugged, "Call me Hermione then. So, do you hate all owls?"

He turned to face them, resting his hands on the window sill. "Fair enough, Hermione, but no I do not hate all owls... just that one," he said.

They all turned when they heard a loud commotion by the back door.

"Whoops, sorry about that Gin."

"Yeah, didn't see you there munchkin."

"If you both don't stop, then you will have a very irritable munchkin on your hands."

The twins, followed by an annoyed Ginny, were laughing as they walked over to Ron, Luna, and Hermione.

"If it isn't our wacky neighbor-"

"And the biggest bookworm at Hogwarts!"

They both came and engulfed Hermione and Luna in a group hug, lifting them off the ground.

"Oof!" Hermione exhaled when they set them down, feeling slightly awkward.

"What brings both your lovely faces to our less lovely home?" One of them asked.

Raising an eyebrow, Hermione said, "I think you have a great home. It feels so... magical."

"Righttt."

"Hermione, have you been eating the special mushrooms?"

"What- do you live under a rock?"

"Ginny invited us," Luna said.

"Well then," one of the twins said, opening his arms, "Welcome. And take a seat. We are going to play a game."

"What kind of game?" Hermione asked.

"A question game."

"A question game?"

"Yes. Now I will start. Fred, what's your favorite sweet?"

"Easy, Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Bean. Ron- what's your middle name?"

"Fred, you know this-"

"Just answer."

"Er, okay. Bilius. And an awful name at that."

"Not going to disagree with you on that, brother," Fred said. "Now it's your turn to ask someone a question."

"Okay," Ron said, he turned to Hermione, "Hermione."

"Yes?" she asked.

Ron pursed his lips, and waited a second. "Why are you friends with Potter?"

"I'm sorry?"

"It's just, you're you, you know? Smart, hard working, kind, and he's Potter."

"I'm not following," Hermione said.

"He's talking about how Potter's evil," Fred chipped in.

"And how in the world do you figure that?" Hermione asked, annoyed.

"Don't you remember in Second Year when he practically led Ginny to her death?" George added. "He's the Heir of Slytherin, it's a wonder that Dumbledore still allows him to roam the halls.

If only you knew the truth,聽Hermione thought.

(Second Year)

Hermione was horrified when Harry finished recounting the last couple months.

"I don't understand. How did you manage to get to the Chamber, get away from Lockhart, have him lose his memories, and get Ginny back to safety since that book was sucking out her soul!"

"It's all a little more complicated than that, Hermione," Harry grimace, looking away. Hermione knew he was keeping something from her, but she would wait for him to tell her.

"And you don't want anyone to know," she said.

Harry shook his head, "Besides you, Ginny, a couple of the teachers and Dumbledore, no one knows. No onecan聽know, do you understand me?" he asked.

Hermione nodded and bit her lip. Quickly, she reached over and pecked him on the cheek, hugging him. "I am so happy you are alright. Something terrible could have happened to you!"

Harry awkwardly got out of the hug and shifted uncomfortable on the ground. "But nothing did," he said, looking into her eyes. "Nothing to me, anyway. Hermione, you have no idea what it was like to find out your best friend was petrified! I almost," Harry choked, "I almost lost you."

"But you didn't lose me, I'm still here."

(Back To Reeling Redheads)

Hermione snapped out of her thoughts, noticing there was a slight tension in the air.

Ginny opened her mouth. "I've told you guys, it wasn't Harry," she said.

The three boys gave her an exasperated look. "And we've told you that there's no need to protect him, Ginny. We all know what he did!" Ron said.

"No, they're right boys. Harry isn't evil," Luna said.

"He's going to be the next Dark Lord and you know it," Ron said.

Hermione got up and headed towards the door, thoroughly pissed.

"Where are you going?" Ginny called out.

"I don't have to stay and listen to this. I'm leaving," Hermione spat, she turned to Luna, "You ready?"

Luna took one more look at the Weasley boys and shook her head, getting up and softly pushing past Hermione. She looked over Hermione's shoulder to Ginny. "Thanks for inviting us," she said, and then whispered, "Next time maybe you should come to us." Ginny grimaced and nodded, watching Luna and Hermione as they left.

The entire walk home was very, very quiet.

(More On Old Fashion Notes)

Harry?

Hermione. I was wondering if you would be back.

I wasn't sure when, so I just waited until eight, like last night.

Funny, I did the same. Obviously.

Hm.

Is something wrong, Hermione?

No, just something the Weasleys were saying.

Did they insult you?

In a way.

I am confused, Hermione.

They were just talking about you.

Ah. And they still blame me for what happened to their sister?

Pretty much. Oh, why won't you just let us tell them?

Please, Hermione, it is bad enough you told Luna. Have you ever thought it could be more dangerous for people to think I was not the Heir of Slytherin, compared to now?

I am not sure what you are trying to say.

Think about this. If people knew I was not the Heir of Slytherin, then they would start worrying about who is. Also, unwanted questions that we do not have the answers to would start to come up.

...Like why you can talk to snakes.

Exactly.

Hm, you're right.

I usually am.

Do not get arrogant on me, Harry Potter.

Your wish is my command.

Hardly.

I would watch what you say to me, you never know, I could take you to the Chamber of Secrets and suck the life out of you.

That's not funny, Harry.

Hermione, the only way you are going to be able to stop caring about what people say to me, is if you learn how to make the situation lighter. Stop worrying.

You are the second person to tell me to stop worrying today.

I am assuming the other was your psychic, odd friend.

Luna's not psychic.

I beg to differ.

Beg all you want, but Luna is calling for me. I think dinner is ready.

Enjoy.

I'll try. Be back tomorrow at noon?

Maybe, Sirius is taking me to Diagon Alley tomorrow. He says it is for "school shopping," but I think there's something else going on. He had to meet with the goblins today.

About what?

Go to Diagon Alley tomorrow, and I will tell you.

Harry.

You should probably go, Hermione. Your dinner will get cold.

You are impossible.

And according to everyone else, I am a psychotic murderer in the making.

Still not funny.

A/N: Sorry for the disappointing, second chapter. I will probably go back in the future and change it. I just really wanted to get this one out of the way, and I probably rewrote it five times. The next will be a lot better, and a lot longer. (I'm expecting 10,000 words). And a lot more will be explained, with a couple of flashbacks added in. I also really wanted to post this for Harry and Jo's birthday. Happy birthday!

Coming up next in Possession...

"Harry! You're scaring me!" Hermione said, trying to take her wrist back from his grip.

Harry stepped back, letting go of her wrist, eyes wide.

Hermione gulped, "What is going on, Harry?" she said quietly.

He put his head into his hands. "I don't know, I don't know," he muttered. He looked up at Hermione. "I have to go," he said, turning to sprint down the corridor.

"Harry-"

"I have to聽go, Hermione!"