Chapter 5: Recollections of a Lifetime

So sorry for the delay. If you want to kept updated with how my story is going, look at my Xanga homepage on bio. If you want to make me happy, you will read my other story, Arabella Black. Oh and please review!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of this. The wonderful JKR does.

Italics are flashbacks or memories.

'Ginny, are you in there? If you are, can I come in?' It was Ron.

Ginny didn't know what to do so she mumbled a yes, before Hermione could stop her.

Next thing Hermione knew, Ron was opening the door and glancing her way.

'Ginny, Mum needs you to set the table-' Ron stopped as soon as he saw Hermione.

Ginny forced a smile, 'Sure, I'll go right now.' She hurried out the door, leaving Hermione and Ron alone.

'So, you're staying here for the rest of the summer,' Ron sat down on the opposite bed, directing the comment at Hermione, with his eyes cast down.

'Yeah,' Hermione mumbled. She, too, would not look at him.

No one said anything for a while until Ron finally broke the silence. Ever since she disappeared up the stairs last night, he had been confused.

'Why did you run away last night?' Ron now looked directly at her.

'I dunno,' Hermione still would not meet his eyes, though.

'Why, Hermione? Because you were scared to face me after telling me that you loved me? Is that why?' Ron was no longer mumbling.

'I just did, okay?' Hermione was now irritated with Ron. Why did he have to know about what happened last night?

'I know what Dumbledore told you. About being a Princess,' Ron let his eyes fall again.

'Who told you?' Hermione was the one looking up now.

'Mum. She told Ginny too.'

'Oh.'

'But why did you run away after you saw me?'

'I didn't! I just wanted to go to my room! That's all! Nothing else!' Hermione's temper rose.

'Can't you just tell me why? Is it that hard, Hermione?' Ron stood up and walked towards her. He stopped a few paces before her, and placed his hands on her shoulders as he spoke. 'Just tell me Hermione. I'll always love you, no matter what happens.'

'And that's it!' Hermione couldn't take it anymore. She had to get away from Ron. She had to go downstairs.

Ron tried to stop her, though. He grabbed her hand and held onto it. 'Hermione, stop.'

'No, Ron.'

Hermione fled down the stairs and ran into the kitchen. She had expected to only find Molly, Ginny, and maybe a few others, but not the entire Order, who now stood before her.

'What's going on?' Hermione became worried at the sight of their faces. No one was smiling.

'There was another attack,' Dumbledore spoke up. He had been standing in the back, but now he strode forward as the crowd parted.

'Where?' Hermione replied, questionably. 'Was anyone hurt?'

'Our house. They thought we were still there,' Hermione thought that maybe Dumbledore would have been the one to reply, but it was her father who did.

'What did they do, Daddy?' Hermione walked over towards her father, who had his arm around Anne's waist.

'From the outside, you can barely see anything different. But from the inside, you can barely recognise that it is our house,' Eric explained, sadly. It pained him to see the house he had spent so much time on decorating and the house that had provided a roof over their head for many years, was destroyed beyond recognition. However, a house was not important. Anne and Hermione were.

'What does that mean to us?' Hermione asked her father. She wrapped her arms around him and her mother and enveloped them into a tight hug.

'It means that no matter what, you will never be able to return to your house. Except for about an hour tomorrow morning. Hermione, you and your parents will have to travel once again by portkey to your house, accompanied by Tonks and Kingsley.

'You must only gather the important things though, as you will only have an hour to gather it all,' Dumbledore explained to the Grangers.

'Are you suggesting that my parents permanently move in here?' Hermione asked him. It wasn't as if she was against it, she just wanted to know what was going on.

'If they agree to it and want to, then yes. It is the safest place for them. Remus will be living here year round, so they will not be alone. You, Hermione, will of course be going back to Hogwarts.

'But because of your new status, you will no longer live in the Gryffindor Girl's dormitories. You will have your own quarters off the common room,' Dumbledore explained the future arrangements to Hermione and her parents.

Hermione nodded and headed over to where Ginny and Harry were setting the table. The group behind them slowly dispersed as some left, some went upstairs and some stayed to help with the early dinner.

'What happened with Ron?' Ginny whispered to Hermione, as they both placed silverware on the table. Harry was at the other end, placing the placemats at each chair.

'Nothing. We're just no longer speaking,' Hermione stepped away from Ginny. Above anything, she did not want to talk to Ginny about what had just happened. It was between her and Ron.

Ron slowly entered the room, and glanced towards Hermione for a moment, before turning his attention to Harry who wanted to talk to him about Quidditch.

'Hermione, over here,' Dumbledore beckoned her back towards where he was deep in conversation with her parents and Kingsley Shacklebolt.

'Yes?' Hermione walked towards the corner of the kitchen.

'We have some things to talk to you about,' Dumbledore informed Hermione.

'Okay,' Hermione nodded.

'The Magical community will soon find out about you being their princess. Therefore, my idea is that your coronation needs to be as soon as possible. My first choice for the ceremony is September 19,' Dumbledore offered.

'But sir, that is the day I turn 16!' Hermione voiced.

'I know. That is why I chose that day. It would mean that in exactly one year from then you would be legally of age. That day is over a month away, which gives us plenty of time to plan.

'You will have to start your search for a husband very soon after your coronation. I know I originally said that it would be best if you produced an heir as soon as possible to ensure a long line of royals behind you, but I must now eat my own words.

'As of right now, there is no dire need for you to do that. Your life will be strange enough from being a princess, that you don't need a child to care for. I do not want to rob you of your own childhood,' Dumbledore calmly told Hermione as she nodded in response to him.

'Enough of this talk about the future. How about some ravioli!' The twinkle in Dumbledore's eye glimmered as he flashed a grin towards Hermione. She stifled a laugh. Only Dumbledore could go from discussing her future to discussing dinner in a matter of seconds. Only him.

'Dinner's served!' Mrs Weasley chimed back at him. She stood at the end on the table passing out bowls of steaming pasta.

'Mmmmm smells good. I have not had dinner here in awhile. Maybe I should more often,' Dumbledore commented.

'Well, you are a busy man,' Mrs. Weasley replied.

'Quite right you are, my dear. This meal looks splendid! Right up there with the school house-elfs food, maybe even better,' Dumbledore complimented Molly who blushed pink.

Hermione sat up straight at the word 'house-elf' and was about to chortle back with a comment on the welfare of house-elfs, when Ron spoke.

'Don't Hermione. We all know how house-elfs deserve respect and that we shouldn't live off them,' Ron spoke gravely. He barely looked at her when he spoke.

Hermione shut her mouth slowly. She couldn't believe Ron said that. She could deal with him making fun of S.P.E.W. but not him ridiculing her.

'What was that Ronald?' Hermione glared across the table at him.

'I said, we all know that house-elfs deserve respect and that we shouldn't live off them,' Ron repeated, with distinct irritation in his voice.

'No. I was not going to say anything of the sort. I was going to ask about Kreacher. Harry said that he had inherited the role of being his master, but I haven't seen him since I arrived,' Hermione corrected Ron.

'He doesn't come out much anymore,' Harry spoke up from his spot beside Ginny. 'Especially since we removed the picture of Mrs. Black. He wasn't too happy about that.'

'Oh.'

'Don't worry about him escaping as he did last year. I placed charms, with Filius's help, on him. He cannot leave the house without Harry's permission. Kreacher wasn't too happy about that either,' Dumbledore summed up.

Hermione nodded. She was glad that the house-elf would not gang up on her. She had decided to not give a miff about him anymore. She couldn't help every single house-elf. Not all of them were like Dobby, wanting freedom.

Everyone stopped talking then as they started to eat the delicious ravioli prepared by Mrs Weasley. There were all different kinds of toppings to use. There was parmesan cheese, pasta sauce, butter, and even tomato sauce for the brave ones. Hermione reached towards the butter, and cut a little slice off before passing it to Ginny on her right.

The ravioli was hot, but very good. Hermione ate in silence as she listened to other's conversations. Ginny had started talking to Tonks and was asking her to change her appearance. Tonks obliged and was soon sporting grey hair instead of shocking pink.

Hermione muffled a giggle as Tonks mimicked an old granny's speech. 'You kids be quiet!' Tonks spoke without teeth.

Harry was talking with Remus about the house.

'What are we going to with Buckbeak? Keep him here?'

'As he is still charged with attacking Draco Malfoy, it would be better if he was not in the open, so yes. I will try to keep him fed, but I can't promise you anything.'

'That's fine Remus.'

Mundungus was talking to Fred and George, who had decided to grace everyone with their company for dinner. Their shop was booming with sales and they donated a lot of their money to their parents, and gave some back to Harry, in repayment of what he gave them over a year ago.

They had also joined, as everyone had expected, the Order of the Phoenix as soon as they had left school. That left only Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny as the only occupants of 12 Grimmauld Place who were not in the Order, other than Hermione's parents.

Mundungus was offering items to twins that they could only get from him.

'How 'bout 15?' Mundungus mumbled.

'Sickles?' George offered in a whisper.

'That all? Nah, I say we up it to Galleons,' Fred grinned.

'Fine wiv me,' Mundungus exchanged a little package for the fifteen golden coins in Fred's hand.

'Thanks Dung,' Fred muttered and the three turned back to their food.

Kingsley and Mr Weasley were deep in conversation about the matter of Sirius Black.

'Arthur, the search is still on, as the general wizarding public don't know about Sirius's death,' Kingsley explained.

'Don't you think it is time they found out?' Mr Weasley questioned.

'I don't know. Either way, Peter Pettigrew is still innocent. Unless we have some sort of trial,' Kingsley mentioned.

'What do you mean?' Mr Weasley looked at uncertainly.

'We could ask the four eyewitnesses of that night Sirius found Peter.'

'Who are you referring to? Ron, Hermione and Harry?'

'Yes, all three of them, and Remus as well, even he was a werewolf for the last portion of the evening. We all know the truth, but they were there that night.'

'True.'

Dumbledore and Moody were at the furthest end of the table, conversating so quietly that Hermione could not quite hear them. Whatever was their topic, it must have been something relevant to the Order, as Dumbledore rarely stayed for dinner. Hermione decided it must have been because of her. Lately everything was because of her.

Mrs Weasley and Bill were arguing about his hair again. She still believed that he should get it cut.

'Why don't you?' Mrs Weasley sighed.

'Because,' Bill stated matter-of-factly.

'Because why?'

'Because Fleur likes it.'

'Fleur? Fleur Delacour?'

'Yes Mum.'

'How long has this been going on?' Mrs Weasley turned to look at her eldest son.

'Couple of months,' Bill spoke between mouthfuls of ravioli.

'A couple?'

'Yes.'

Hermione became so intent upon the conversation between Bill and Mrs Weasley about Fleur, that she didn't hear Ginny.

'Hermione?' Ginny repeated.

'Huh? What? W-what?' Hermione turned to face Ginny. 'Yes, Gin?'

'Do you want some dessert?' Ginny offered.

'Sure,' Hermione smiled.

Ginny stood up and gathered Hermione's, Ron's, Harry's, Tonks's and her own plate and placed all five in the self-washing sink. Mrs Weasley collected the others with magic.

'There is some apple pie for dessert, if any one would care for some,' Molly chimed.

All the Weasley children spoke up. After growing up in her house, they all knew that Mrs Weasley's apple pie was to die for. In other words, it was scrumptious. Each one placed several spoonfuls of ice cream atop their slices of pie and before long, the pie was missing five slices.

Hermione stood up and served herself a small slice. She too topped hers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The frozen cream cooled the hot pie, allowing Hermione to take a bite.

With that bite, she knew instantly why everyone loved Mrs Weasleys' cooking. It certainly was to die for. The crust was just soft enough. The apples had that crisp taste, but were nice and soft. The taste was not too sweet and sugary, but was just perfect.

'This is wonderful Mrs Weasley,' Hermione complimented Mrs. Weasley as she took another bite.

'It certainly is, Mrs Weasley,' Anne complimented her as well. 'Thank you so much.'

'Call me Molly,' Mrs Weasley smiled as her cheeks tinged pink.

'If you insist. Then you must call me Anne,' Anne grinned.

Hermione too smiled as her mother and her surrogate-witch mother became friends. She also noticed Mr Weasley and her father in another corner of the kitchen that resemble the one she had just heard.

'You must call me Arthur, Dr Granger,' Mr Weasley grinned at Eric as he marvelled at the battery in his hands.

'Well then, I'm Eric,' Eric chuckled, as he too marvelled at what he held in his hands: three Knuts, a Sickle, and a Galleon.

Hermione finished her apple pie à la mode, and set it in the sink with the other dirty plates. She turned around and found the Order members saying goodnight to each other.

'Wotcher Hermione!' Tonks called out right before the tumbled over the coat rack beside the door Kingsley was holding open for her.

'FILTHY MUDBLOOD! MUGGLES! IN MY HOUSE!'

'Oh God! Here we go again,' Mrs Weasley rolled her eyes and stepped out to help Remus, Moody, Tonks, and Kingsley with silencing Mrs Black.

'But I though you had rid the house of that picture?' All of it baffled Hermione.

'Well, we had. Nevertheless, Kreacher managed to snatch a few pieces of the ruined picture. They were the pieces of her face and he put them back together. Somehow, he mounted her face last week onto the wall and this time we can't get it down no matter what. She obviously knows you and your parents are here, Hermione,' Harry sighed in exasperation.

He had been at the Dursley's for the past month. However, because he had been required to write to the Order everyday, he knew of a lot that went on. He and Remus had invented a code that no one could break. Not even Hermione. Not that she hadn't tried.

'Great,' Hermione sarcastically commented about Mrs Black.

Mrs Black was now quiet. Tonks, Kingsley, Moody, Lupin and Mrs Weasley had managed to silence her for now. Tonks and Kingsley left with Moody as Lupin and Mrs Weasley returned to the dim kitchen.

'Hermione, I don't mean to be an old grouch, but I must insist you go to bed soon. You and your parents want to get to your house tomorrow as early as possible,' Dumbledore kindly reminded her.

Hermione didn't want to go to bed as it was still light outside and was only just nine. However, she knew better than to argue with her headmaster.

'Okay Professor,' Hermione cleaned up all of her dishes and bid farewell to everyone, except Ginny who followed her up the stairs.

They did not talk until they reached their room.

'What are you going to get from your house tomorrow?' was the first thing out of Ginny's mouth as she entered the room.

'I dunno Gin. I don't use much in my room, anymore. The stuff I do use is in my trunk for Hogwarts. All the stuff left in my room is memories of my childhood. Some of them good, some of them not so good,' Hermione answered.

'What do you mean?' Ginny was confused. She didn't believe that Hermione had had an upbringing like Harry's.

'It wasn't my parents. They treated me like a princess. When I was little, I had a seriously depleted amount of friends, which was why I turned to books. Later I did get some friends, but never as faithful as you lot. Then there was personality. Did Ron ever tell you what I was like when I first came here? An insufferable know-it-all,' Hermione explained with a little anger in her voice. She was ashamed of her 11-year-old self.

Ginny was about to reply with, 'I though you still were,' but she knew better. This was a serious discussion though it hadn't started that way.

There was a knock on the door and both girls called out come in.

It was Harry, followed closely by Ron. Harry addressed Hermione first.

'We heard what you just said,' Harry looked across at Hermione. He sat down next to Ginny and snaked his arm around her waist.

'What do you mean?' Hermione looked up at Ron who stood by the door uncertain on what to do next.

'About not having any friends. Is it really true?' Harry continued and Hermione switched her gaze back to him.

'Yes at first. We even moved so I could go to another school and did make a few friends, but never for very long. However, it wasn't just me being a bookworm. When I was younger I was a very quiet child who did nothing but read. I read anything I could get my hands on, but especially stuff about magic. The whole thought of it fascinated me. And that was what caused all the problems,' Harry, Ginny, and Ron just waited patiently until Hermione finished her explanation.

'When I was about 5, the first thing happened. My mother was trying to feed me spinach, which I really did not like. She force-fed me, but when it entered my mouth, it tasted like suspiciously like chocolate. I was only five so I dismissed as it being cooked very nicely.

'The next thing, I think it was when I was about 7, was when some girl pulled my busy pigtails and my hair somehow burned her hands. That was when I started to become suspicious. From then, it was a regular occurrence, at school, at home, anywhere. It was because of all this that my life became a living hell,' Hermione didn't notice the others shocked expressions at her using that word as it was true.

'My parents tried to fix it, but nothing worked until we moved into the house we are now. I was finally happy in school and loved it. I was the top student and I even had some friends. I was so happy, in fact, that the magical incidences had pretty much ceased. Until I got my Hogwarts letter,' Hermione finally finished her explanation of her childhood. Then she realized she was not quite done yet.

'When I met Ron and Harry on the train, I never thought in a million years that they would become my two best friends. Growing up, talking to a guy for me was like talking to a celebrity. Never happened. So I don't think I have ever told you how grateful I am that you two came and saved me that Halloween from that troll. Really.'

Harry was the first one to speak. 'It was nothing, Hermione. I'm glad we saved you too.'

Ron nodded. He hadn't said anything yet. He had just pulled up a chair as he listened to Hermione explained her childhood.

This was the first time she had ever told anyone of how she grew up. She had spent many nights tossing and turning thinking about it, but now that finally somebody knew, she wasn't sure what to do or say next. Thankfully, Ginny saved her of that.

Ginny engulfed Hermione in a giant hug as she comforted her friend. She and Ron had been lucky, she realized. No one thought she was weird when she was able to make a plate float or when she was angry with Ron that she was able to turn his face purple when she was only three. On the contrary, every one in her family was elated, with the exception of purple faced four-year-old Ron.

Once Hermione smiled at Ginny letting her know that she was all right, Ginny once again snuggled up to Harry, and then realized that his childhood must have been worse.

Harry was staring off out at the open window, remembering his harsh childhood. Hermione's had sounded horrible, he wouldn't dare say it wasn't. However, his had been worse.

She at least had had parents who loved her, not an aunt and uncle who hated that he even existed. She at least had parents who would move her to different school just so she could be happy, whereas everyone knew he was the weird kid.

But Harry wouldn't say anything. That was just the way he was. He hugged Ginny closer to him, very grateful that they had each other. It had only this summer did he realize how special she was to him. He travelled back and forth between the Burrow almost daily and spent most of his time with her. They didn't do much, other than talked constantly. They had once or twice made out, but not much other than that.

Hermione looked up at Ron, longing to be in his arms. She wanted to be hugged as Ginny was by Harry, but she knew she couldn't. Ron loved her more than anything and she loved him more, but she couldn't have him anymore. She had to find someone who was of high pureblood status to marry. She was the princess who was to do what her country asked her, which was not to marry Ron.

There was another knock on the door and Ginny and Harry spilt apart as some of her brothers weren't so sure on her having a boyfriend. Ron was fine with it as were the twins, but Bill, Charlie, and Percy were another story.

'Hermione?' Anne Granger called out to her only child. 'Sweetie, can I talk to you?'

Hermione nodded to her friends who were unsure on what to do. 'Sure mum.'

Hermione stood up from her bed, walked past Harry and Ginny who were once again snuggling, and didn't notice Ron in his chair looking longingly up at her.

Hermione opened the door to find her mother looking worried. It unravelled Hermione, as it wasn't often that her mother let her feelings convey themselves on her face. Anne was usually so sure of herself and because of that, she could mask her face for conveying her real emotions. This was one of the few times where she was unable to control her emotions.

Hermione stepped out into the hall, closed the door behind her, and fell into her mother's arms.

'Oh Hermione,' was all Anne could mumble.

It was later that night and Hermione couldn't sleep. Tomorrow she would go to her beloved house for the last time. The house where she and her parents had lived for so long. The house that she had returned to each summer, feeling safe. But also the house where Death Eaters had attempted to kill her parents.

The last thought convinced her that she never wanted to return back there to live. Too many bad memories were there. Many good ones too, but the bad ones were so raw there were only ones in her mind.

Hermione rolled over and watched Ginny sleep. Her chest rose up and down as she breathed in and out. A slice of moonlight fell on her face and Hermione noticed a tiny smile spread across her face. Ginny looked so peaceful.

Hermione's eyes switched up to the ceiling and followed the patterns above her. She saw three lines that seemed to appear like a simple face, and another blob that resembled a train. The Hogwarts Express. Hermione smiled. Where it all began.

A single tear slipped out of Hermione's glazed-over brown eyes. Where it all began.

Meeting Harry and Ron on the train, while searching for 'a boy named Neville's frog'. Being sorted into Gryffindor. Having a crush on Ron, from day one. Overhearing Ron and Harry talking to Malfoy about a duel and telling them not to go. Following them when they didn't listen to her. Seeing the three-headed dog. Hating Draco Malfoy so much that it was more than hate.

Loving all of her classes straight away. Upset when Ron called her an 'insufferable know-it-all' after she showed him up in Charms. Running to the girl's bathroom and crying in there for the rest of the day.

A troll wandering and being locked in the room with it. Ron and Harry coming to her rescue and becoming friends forever after. Watching Harry play his first Quidditch game, happy for him when he caught the snitch by swallowing it.

Saving Norbert, the baby dragon. Getting in detention for being caught out of bed with Harry, after coming down from the Astronomy tower. Following Hagrid into the Forbidden Forest. Scared stiff from the creatures around herself.

Finding out all about Nicolas Flamel and the Philosopher's Stone, also known as the elixir of life. Suspecting that Snape was after it, in order to get it for You-Know-Who.

Going down the trapdoor in order to get the Philosopher's Stone and save it from the clutches of evil. Telling Harry that he was a great wizard, not her. Terrified if Harry would ever wake up, as he just laid there in the Hospital Wing for three days, doing nothing but breathing.

Overjoyed when he finally awoke. Loving the grandeur of the Leaving Feast but not the thought of not being able to see Harry and Ron 24/7. Riding the train home, finishing a great year.

Arriving home and feeling lonely without them. The house seeming so very empty compared to the Gryffindor Common Room.

Worried when Harry didn't reply to her letters. Happy when she finally heard from Ron, telling her that Harry had joined them. Meeting up with Ron and Harry in Diagon Alley at Flourish and Botts, where Lockhart was doing a book signing. They were scowling but she was grinning ear-to-ear, so happy to be in the presence of such a great wizard.

Resentment towards Draco Malfoy as he insulted her. Frightened as she watched Mr Weasley and Mr Malfoy spit angrily at each other.

Extremely worried when the two of them did not show up on September 1st. Glad when she found out that they were okay, but angry when shoe found how they had come to Hogwarts this year.

Feeling hurt by Malfoy when he called her a Mudblood but feeling a sense of security when Ron defended her and ended up retching slugs. Sitting beside him until the hex ended. He really needed to get a new wand.

Feeling scared when the Chamber of Secrets opened. The blood writing sending chills up her arms, as she clung to Ron. Seeing Mrs Norris hanging by her tail, petrified.

'Mudbloods beware.'

Asking Professor Binns to tell them about the chamber. Learning that it was a myth, and that there was beast inside the Chamber. That only the Heir of Slytherin could open the chamber. Knowing that no one had ever found it.

Attending the Duelling club. Being paired up with Millicent Bulstrode. Almost being strangled by her. Learning that Harry could talk to snakes, meaning he was aParseltongue. Standing by Harry as he was suspected as being the heir of Slytherin.

Colin Creevy being found petrified, increasing the worry in the school and increasing the rumours of Harry being the Heir.

Deciding to brew the Polyjuice Potion, right under all the teachers' eyes, even stealing ingredients from Snape's office. It was the only way they could find out if Malfoy was the true Heir of Slytherin.

Taking the potion on Christmas, her to take it for Millicent Bulstrode, Harry for Goyle, and Ron for Crabbe. Using the hairs Millicent left on herself for the duelling club.

Drinking the potion, with the added hair, and feeling like almost throwing up. Running into one of the stalls. Waiting for her transformation, and then realising what must have happened.

Telling the boys to go on without her. Sitting, waiting, and crying in the stall for an hour, whilst Myrtle ridiculed her.

She had become a cat. She had a tail and all. The hairs from Millicent were not hers. They were evidently from her cat.

She looked horrible. Moreover, she wasn't sure how she would face Ron and Harry when they returned. She hoped they had found something out about who the Heir of Slytherin was. Or at least had a clue.

Them both seeing her and taking her straight to the Hospital Wing. Staying there for a week, and Ron and Harry bringing her homework to her.

Returning to normal, as normal they could be attending Hogwarts and being best friends with Harry Potter. Scared when she found out that another attack had happened, this time on Justin Finch-Fletchly and Nearly Headless Nick.

Sitting and eating breakfast one morning with Ron and Harry, and as she ate her toast, realising she knew what the monster was.

Running to the library finding the information about the basilisk and telling the first person she saw, who happened to be Penelope Clearwater (Percy's girlfriend), to use a mirror to look around every corner.

Penelope pulling out her small make-up mirror and they both looked around the corner from the library. Seeing those eyes yellow eyes and not remembering anything else.

Waking up weeks later to find that Harry and Ron had saved the day again, and missing the exams – which just happened to be cancelled. Finding out that Ginny had almost died and it was because of Harry that she was even breathing today.

Going home once again and reliving the year, though much of the end was missing, thanks to her being unconscious.

Sending Harry cakes for his birthday from France where she and her parents spent one of their last vacations visiting her grandparents. Receiving her Hogwarts letter, along with a permission slip to attend Hogsmeade on weekends. Her parents signing it straight away and Hermione running to her books to research about it. It sounded wonderful.

Hearing that Harry had blown up his aunt and had run away from the Dursleys. Worried about him. Planning to meet the two of them at the end of the summer.

Meeting up with Harry and Ron in Diagon Alley before Hogwarts started. Purchasing Crookshanks and beginning her on-going argument with Ron about her cat and his rat, Scabbers. Staying the night in the Leaky Cauldron, where had spent the last two weeks.

Going the King's Cross Station with the Weasleys and Harry in long black Ministry cars. Wishing a good farewell the Mr and Mrs Weasley. Finding that the only empty carriage was one that held a sleeping teacher inside it, named L. J. Lupin. Feeling unsettled when the train stopped suddenly. Hearing doors open and someone or something in black cloaks entering the train.

The lights shutting off, and Ginny and Neville stumbling in. The sound of the door opening, and the feeling of cold surrounding her, emptying her soul. Remembering all those years when she had no friends and everyone treated her like a freak.

The sleeping teacher waking up and sending the creature away with a sliver mist. Terrified when the lights came back on, and found that Harry had fainted onto the ground. Finding out from him that the creature was a dementor, a being who sucked all the happiness out of person, leaving only their worst memories. Eating the chocolate he had handed to him, and feeling instantly warm once more.

Riding in the horseless carriages, with Ron, Harry and Ginny, and as they passed the dementors, the feeling came back. Ron sat in his corner, not saying anything. Ginny was curled up in a ball with her eyes shut and was shaking violently. Placing hand on her shoulder, to reassure her. But not sure how to help Harry as he had collapsed again. Waking him up, and giving him the rest of the chocolate.

Exiting the carriages to find Malfoy, instantly making fun of Harry for collapsing. Telling Harry to ignore it. However, she knew he couldn't.

Ducking the rain as it poured down on her. Freezing cold right down to her bones as the rain fell from the skies hard and cold onto her. Ron offering up his jacket to her so she could be warm. Smiling at him and thanking him.

Arriving into the Entrance Hall, having to dodge water balloons being dropped by Peeves, and heading towards the Great Hall, looking forward to a warm meal. Only to be stopped by Professor McGonagall who wanted to talk to her and Harry.

Inviting them into her office. Talking to Harry about the dementors and Madam Pomfrey fussing over him, trying to give him chocolate. Harry saying he already had some, from Professor Lupin. Madam Pomfrey sounded impressed that finally there was a defence teacher who knew his stuff.

Professor McGonagall asking Harry to leave as she spoke to her about her classes. McGonagall had contacted her earlier in the summer about her schedule, saying it was near impossible to be able to do all of her classes she had requested and did she really want to do all of them? She had replied, saying that yes, she did want to do all of them if it was possible.

McGonagall had replied to her reply saying that it was, and that she would talk to her once she arrived at Hogwarts.

The only way she could be in two places at one time, was to be in two places at one time. And the only way to do that was to turn back time.

Receiving the Time Turner, but only after swearing use it for school purposes only - to get from one class to another. Agreeing to the agreement and then stepping back out into the hall to rejoin Harry and to head to the Welcome Feast.

Realising they had missed the Sorting, she being somewhat disappointed and Harry as well as he had never seen another Sorting other than his own.

Starting classes the next day and having Ron goggle at her schedule, wondering how she could be in two classes at one time. Her just smiling at him.

Hating Divination as she viewed Trewaleny being a big fraud. Finding enjoyment as she rolled her eyes everything that escaped the presumed Seer's mouth. However, loving Defence Against the Dark Arts with Lupin as the teacher. Lupin being a very qualified teacher. The first class was so different then what they had ever experienced.

Lupin taking them to the Staff room where a cupboard rattled in front of the 3rd Year Gryffindors. Him asking if anyone knew what was in there, and her, of course, knowing. It was a Bogart, a shape shifter to whatever someone's fear was.

Not going up against it, and wondering why. Still receiving house points, as did Harry whom also did not get a chance.

Feeling terrified when Sirius Black entered the castle and slashed the Fat Lady's painting. Spending the night in sleeping bags in the Great Hall, along with the rest of the school.

Having a new portrait guard the entrance, Sir Cadogen. Being annoyed with his choice of passwords. Fear filling her heart when she heard that Sirius had snuck into Harry and Ron's dormitory and had tried to attack Ron.

Telling McGonagall about Harry's Firebolt and paying dearly for it, even though her suspicion was right. Fighting for Buckbeak's survival, alongside Ron though he still would not talk to her.

Visiting Hagrid that fatal night that then led them to meeting Sirius and finding everything about him, including the secrets about the rat her cat had tried to kill. Seeing the dementors clustered around Sirius and Harry and knowing she couldn't do anything to help either of them. Spilling her secret to Harry and have him look at her flabbergasted.

Saving Sirius by sending him off on Buckbeak, therefore saving Buckbeak's life as well. Riding the train ride home reliving another eventful year, and Ron receiving another pet since Scabbers was not what he had seemed to be.

Being back at her house feeling lonely again. Not being able to spend time with her childhood friends as they were busy by themselves and believed her to go to "boarding school" ten months of the year.

Finally rejoining Ron at the Burrow where Harry then joined them before heading off to the World Cup. Experiencing Quidditch a way she never before experienced it.

Then feeling scared when the Dark Mark appeared above where she, Ron, and Harry stood. Frightened when members of the Ministry suspected her, Harry and Ron of being the culprits and then finding out about Winky.

Trying on dress robes and selected a nice sky blue that fitted her just right. Spending a lot of time with Ginny as they got to know each other. Soon she had another very close friend, Ginny.

Feeling excited finding about the Triwizard Tournament and then looking up about every bit of information she could about the two schools, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang.

Seeing the Goblet of Fire for the first time, not knowing the pain it would bring. Meeting Krum and Fleur for the first time and scoffing, and secretly feeling very jealous, at Ron because of the effect Fleur had on him.

Finding out that Harry was the fourth champion and sitting in the Great Hall with Ron, in silence. Trying to bring Ron and Harry together after Harry found out about him being a champion and Ron blamed him for entering.

Staying up all night helping Harry get ready for the first task. Sitting in the crowd, biting her lip, worrying about whether or not Harry would survive the dragon. Relived that Ron and Harry were friends again. Starting S.P.E.W. because of the treatment Winky had received from Crouch.

Hearing about the Yule Ball and hoping deep down that Ron would come to terms with his feelings and ask her. Instead saying yes to Viktor Krum, as Ron never came around, and having a good time with Viktor. Coming back to the common room and having a huge row with Ron.

Outraged at Rita Skeeter for what she did to Hagrid, and becoming even angrier when Rita attacked her. Going to visit Sirius in a cave above Hogsmeade and reuniting with Buckbeak.

Asked, along with Ron, to go talk to McGonagall, and in the end told that they were chosen to be placed at the bottom of the lake for the second task. Feeling scared of the though of not being rescued, but being reassured by Dumbledore.

Tied next to Ron and Cho, falling asleep into a dreamless sleep, and being carried into the lake. Awaking the next day once Viktor had brought her to the surface.

Working with Ron to help Harry know everything he needed to know for the third task. Wishing him luck before he set foot in that dreaded maze.

Watching him tackle each obstacle and wondered why there was only a few of them in his way when there were many in front of the others. Seeing him attacked by the spider and then him and Cedric taking the cup at the same time, both disappearing.

Grabbing Ron's hand tightly and sprinting all the way down the stadium to find Dumbledore or McGonagall, not thinking of the fact that her hand was attached to Ron's.

Pushing past others in confusion, both scared as to what had happened to Harry. Waiting hours until he finally came back, with the dead body of Cedric in tow.

Yelling out his name but Harry unable to hear her as he talked to Dumbledore and then whisked away by Moody. Still grasping Ron's hand tightly, following McGonagall up to the castle until she shut the doors on them, and telling them that they were not allowed any further.

Finally being allowed in later to join Harry in the Hospital Wing and saw what a mess Harry was in. Listening to Dumbledore explain everything while also being outraged at Fudge. Watching Sirius and Snape reunite, both unhappy about the prospect. After figuring out Rita's secret, catching her on the Hospital Wing windowsill.

Going back home on the train, knowing that Voldemort was back and nothing would ever be the same again.

Spending only a week and a half home, before being asked by Mrs Weasley to join her and her family at the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters. Accepting and then spending the rest of the summer in the company of Ron and Ginny.

Irritated when Dumbledore told her and Ron to tell Harry nothing. Annoyed with not being able to know anything concerning Voldemort. Disgusted with the chores she and the Weasley children had to do in order for the headquarters to be inhabitable. Mad at the way everyone was treating Kreacher and believed he deserved better.

Terrified when she found out that Dementors had attacked Harry. Outraged when Harry started yelling at her and Ron for everything. Scared when Harry when to his trial on whether or not he would be expelled.

Overjoyed when she found out that he 'got off'. Even more overjoyed when she found out that she had been made prefect and flabbergasted when she found out that Ron was her partner.

Unable to believe that it was time to go back to Hogwarts when the time came. Leaving Harry and Ginny to find a compartment without her or Ron. Meeting the Head Boy and Girl and receiving their instructions on being a prefect.

Going back to join Harry and Ginny, who had found a compartment with Neville and Luna, Loony Luna. Full of uncertainty when she found out that Hagrid was not there.

Surprised at the Sorting Hat's new song. Anger at Umbridge about her speech of the new Ministry curriculum. Hatred for Dolores Jane Umbridge, who just had to share her middle name with her, an incompetent teacher who didn't believe in practice of spells, specifically protective ones.

Because of that, expressing an idea of them having their own teacher to Ron. When he asked her who that would be, simply saying Harry.

Ready for all the hard work the teachers began to assign. Wondering where Ron went all the first week and worrying about what Umbridge made Harry do in detention, which was most likely not just "lines".

Found it hard to tell Harry about the idea of him being their teacher of DADA in like a study class, as he would not accept it.

Anger when Percy wrote to Ron telling him that he should not be friends with Harry any more. Curiosity when Percy also said that there would be big news the next morning.

Shocked when Sirius's head popped up in the flames but happy nevertheless.

Hatred for Umbridge building as she became the Hogwarts High Inquisitor. Hate to admit it, but a little enjoyment when Umbridge judged Snape.

Finally getting Harry to say yes to the idea. Mentioned it around to people in Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. All sounded interested in it, so planned a planning meeting on the first Hogsmeade weekend at Hog's Head, as she feared they would be overheard in the Three Broomsticks.

Not very surprised, though Harry was, when 25 people showed up. Very glad when they all agreed to join and especially glad when they all signed the form that she had enchanted so they were unable to tell anyone about the group without being punished, severely.

A feeling of content when she told Ron that Ginny was dating Michael Corner and saw that he reacted exactly the way she believed him to, not very well.

Extremely annoyed with Umbridge when she made her first Educational Decree, banning any clubs, study groups, and even Quidditch teams. Still planning to go ahead with their defensive club.

Once again surprised when Sirius's head popped up, but a little less than last time. Not sure whether her idea was so good now that Sirius backed it, Mrs Weasley advised them not to, and the fact of where they could have meetings.

Frightened when a large hand appeared out of nowhere right where Sirius's head had been and that it looked remarkably like Umbridge's.

Surprise and joy mixed into one when Harry said he found somewhere to have the meetings. Concentration when she thought of what she wanted in the room: somewhere to practice defence and for it to have many books (mostly for her own enjoyment).

Happiness when she saw that the room looked exactly like she thought it would, nice and big, and it even had mounds of cushions and pillows to sit on. Complete happiness when she saw that her idea had been a success and that the club even had a name, Dumbledore's Army or just DA for short. Ginny had thought it up and it was a great idea.

Everyone had worked well together even some people like Zacharias Smith, who she was unsure about having in the group, and Marietta, Cho Chang's friend.

Looking forward to Gryffindor's first game even with Ron being the keeper. Worried what he would do if he saw the badges all the Slytherins bore, a crown with the inscription of 'Weasley is Our King'. Bewilderment about Luna's Lion roar hat.

Unhappiness when she saw how bad Ron really was. Hope that by the end of the game he may have gotten better, but that hope was diminished as he let the song get to him.

Hatred at Malfoy when he stirred Harry, Fred, and George up. Furious when she found out that Harry, George and even Fred, who really did nothing as he had three girls holding him back, all got life-long bans on Quidditch for attacking Draco for saying bad things about their relatives. Even more furious when she found out that they all lost their broomsticks.

Happiness when she pointed out that Hagrid had finally returned after more than two months. It wasn't that she didn't like Grubbly-Plank teaching them their O.W.L.s Care of Magical Creatures class. It was just that she loved Hagrid, even his love of monstrous monster- though it got on her nerves frequently.

Horrified when he placed a green steak on his blackening eye. Even more horrified when he finally told the three of them the tale of his summer to go visit the giants, but leaving out one major detail.

Joy seeing Ginny play seeker in the Quidditch match and her catching it at the last moment, though they lost. Preparing to go skiing with her parents for the winter vacation. Repeatedly trying to explain to Ron what skis were and what you do with them.

Leaving to go on vacation and worrying where Harry and all the Weasley had disappeared. Distraught when she found out that Harry and the Weasley had been rushed to 12 Grimmauld Place as Harry had a dream that he seen Mr Weasley get bitten by a snake and had saved his life by telling McGonagall.

Begging her parents to let her go to them. Sticking her wand arm out as soon as she was ready and took the Knight Bus to Grimmauld Place and waited till no one was nearby until she ventured into the house.

Glad when she finally got in and saw that everyone was all right, even though Mr Weasley was still in critical condition. Deciding to spend Christmas break with them and not with her parents. Seeing joy in Sirius's eyes when he found out that he had company for the break.

Going to visit Mr Weasley and going to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Inquires for the first time. Happy to see that he was not too bad off.

Celebrating Christmas with Sirius, Harry and all of the Weasleys was a happy account. Having a present for Kreacher, but when she went looking for him, finding it strange he was nowhere to be found. Going to St. Mungo's in the late afternoon to see Mr Weasley again.

Ginny, Ron, Harry and herself going walking to get tea and ending up somehow in front of a ward where Gilderoy Lockhart was wondering around in front. He asked them if they wanted autographs and they couldn't say no as the nurse of the ward invited them in as his guests, saying he never had any.

While waiting for the autographs, the four of them noticed someone down the end of the hall that they knew, Neville Longbottom followed by an elderly lady who must have been his grandmother.

Ron and Ginny spurting out, 'Neville?' and she noticed Harry was trying to avoid Neville as if he knew something about this whole thing.

Neville was visiting his parents, Alice and Frank Longbottom who had been tortured by the crucio curse so bad they lost all of their memories. Very surprised to hear all of this.

Harry telling them later, after they had said farewell to Neville and had not collected their autographs, that he had already known about Neville's parents but Dumbledore had sworn him not to tell anyone.

Scared when listening to - with the help of Extendable Ears - Tonks, Mrs Weasley, Mrs Weasley, Kingsley and Moody about the possibility of Harry being possessed by Voldemort.

Harry would not talk to any body for the rest of the day. Finally storming into his room with Ginny and Ron and telling him that they didn't care and that they would always be his friend. Ginny also mentioned that she was the only other one he knew that had been possessed by him and because he was able to remember where he always was, he had not been possessed.

Him finally coming to terms with it and going downstairs. It being almost time return to the castle and everyone could tell that Sirius was not looking forward to that day. Snape coming that afternoon to talk to Harry about Occulmency, the study of the mind.

Riding back to the castle on the Knight Bus, which happened to be the way she came, and it being just as bumpy as the first time.

The workload had really begun to pile up tremendously, and she still managed to make the little hats and scarves for the house-elfs every night, even though it was less now.

Getting an idea on how to tell the rest of the Wizarding World the truth about what happened on the night Voldemort returned. It was to employ the help of her enemy, Rita Skeeter who was still under her yearlong ban from her, and to ask Luna, whose dad was the publisher of The Quibbler, if her dad would print the story. The hardest part though was to get Harry to come to the Three Broomsticks at noon as he was on a date with Cho Chang.

It shouldn't been so hard of Harry to get Cho to come or to let him come, but he must have said it wrong and now there was nothing between them. Nevertheless, Harry did the interview and allowed it to be published.

On the day it was, Harry received piles of mail, some hate and some fan. In addition, even some half 'n' half. Everyone soon knew about the interview and because it was what it was, Umbridge made another Educational Decree, this one banning any one having the magazine, which Hermione though to be good.

It meant that soon everyone had read the interview and even teachers. Though they couldn't talk to the students, thanks to of course Umbridge, they let Harry know in small ways like extra house points.

Umbridge continued her observation of the teachers, and especially on the two teachers she placed on probation: Trewaleny and Hagrid. And eventually one of those fell through. Sibyl Trewaleny was fired and did not take to the matter lightly. Unable to think of what that meant to Hermione, she was just flabbergasted that Umbridge had gone so far to doing that.

Umbridge then threatened to hire a new Divination teacher, but Dumbledore had other ideas. He had hired someone very different to what the students thought they might have received as their new teacher: Firenze the centaur.

Though everyone expected her to be sad that she had given up Divination now or at least jealous, she was neither. Why, she couldn't explain it but her other classes were much more worth her attention.

At the next D.A. meeting, everything going as planned. It was Seamus's first lesson as he had finally come around and they were doing Patronus. Amazement at seeing this little white ghostly otter guardian coming out of her wand.

Then it went all downhill from there. Scared when she saw Dobby stumble in and say that 'the lady' was coming. More scared when Harry told him straight away to go to the kitchens and to deny that had even talked to him. Terrified when Harry yelled, 'RUN!'

Grabbing Ron's hand once more and hurtling out of the Room in Requirement, looking back to check Harry was behind her and then never looking until she finally reached the common room with Ron in tow, out of breath. Mortified to find out that Harry was not in fact behind her and in fact, had been captured by Umbridge's Inquisitorial Squad.

Sitting in the common room waiting for hours with Ron at her side until Harry finally returned, with McGonagall leading him. Hand over her mouth as she gasped when Harry described the events that had taken place in the Headmaster's room. Worry floating through her mind as she thought of the school without Dumbledore. It had happened before, in her 2nd year, but now it was much more important to have their headmaster.

Secretly smiling at the fact that her jinx had worked as Marietta's face was covered in pimples spelling the letters: SNEAK.

Confused at the fact that Harry was no longer continuing Occlumency and guessing the reason was not in fact that he had mastered the art but something else.

Preparing for the O.W.L.s and her career advice meeting with McGonagall. Not sure what to do. Finally deciding to be a healer, along with Ron who wanted to be one as well, but him to specialize in children's healing and her in healing management and women's health.

Hugging Ron tight once realised that all of her nagging had done him well. Him blushing and just saying that she was going to get it later.

Going to see McGonagall during Arithmacy and telling her that her choice was to be a Healer. McGonagall smiling at her and reassuring her that she could do it no problem. Nodding as she was informed of the subjects she had to excel in.

Fred and George leaving, as they had built the enormous swamp and were to be expelled if they didn't do it their way. Summoning their brooms and flying away, not without leaving their last words to Peeves, 'Give her hell from us!' and for once in his life, Peeves listened.

Attending the Quidditch Cup final, hoping that Ron would not do that badly. Surprised when Hagrid asked her and Harry to follow him, and accepting. Going into the Forbidden Forest, unsure now. Going even further in, with Hagrid carrying a bow and arrow.

Frightened of what was to come after Hagrid explain why he was being continually injured and why it took him so long to come especially after Harry had already agreed to help in any shape or form. Frightened of Hagrid's half-brother.

Fear when the 16-foot giant awoke and was labelled Grawp. Terrified when Hagrid asked if Grawp could call her Hermy, a name that she did hate but couldn't think of that then.

Glad when Harry protected her from the creature larger than the troll she had faced in her first year. Finally glad when Hagrid said they could leave, though she certainly was not sure if she would uphold the agreement between Hagrid, Harry and herself.

Joy when she found out the fact that Gryffindor had won the Quidditch Cup, thanks to Ron. Him being upset because they had missed it, but understanding once she and Harry explained why.

Stress building up as she studied non-stop for the O.W.L.s. Unable to do anything other than study. Fear for the beginning of them, scared she would fail. Studying every night and day, going over her answers after the exams, until Ron stopped her.

Doing her practical Astronomy exam at midnight when all hell broke loose on the grounds. Umbridge attacking Hagrid and Fang. Six stunners sent at McGonagall, knocking her out cold.

Unable to finish her exam, as her attention was elsewhere. Worrying about McGonagall and Hagrid, that they were both gone and that only one member of the Order was left at Hogwarts.

Harry collapsing in the History of Magic exam. Worry about him as he left. Catching up with him after the exam and him telling her and Ron what he had seen: Sirius being held captive by Voldemort.

Not sure of what to tell Harry, but thinking that this dream was a hoax and Voldemort was just playing into his 'want to play hero.' Plainly telling him, and Harry rejecting it. Ginny coming along with Neville and Luna saying that they could help.

Ginny and Luna telling everyone not go past Umbridge's office, while Harry snuck into the office. Scared of what would happen if Sirius really was being held captive by Voldemort and what would happen if Umbridge caught them. Finding out the later as the Inquisitorial Squad was soon holding her along with the others hostage.

Convincing Umbridge that Harry was trying to contact Dumbledore about the 'army' and that 'it' was ready. Umbridge letting her and Harry go into the Forest with her following to show her the weapon.

Being assaulted by centaurs and then Grawp coming and calling out, 'Hermy! Where Haggy!' Umbridge being taken away and being all scratched up and bloody. Finding out that Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna had broken free and had come to join them, thanks to Ginny's remarkable Bat Bogey Hex.

The threstrals coming to them because of her and Harry's bloody stench. Harry himself thinking of the idea of riding them to London, but Ron, Ginny and herself not as sure as they could not see them. Neville and Luna could also and helped the others on. Feeling weird riding on something she couldn't see and scared when it took flight.

Landing in London and hoping off the creatures. Being squished next to Ron in the telephone booth. Going down in the elevator. Hurrying after Harry as he ran through the Ministry.

Arriving in front of a long hallway and a black door. Rushing towards the end as Harry sprinted through it. Ending up in a room that was circular and had candles around it. As soon as they all entered the room, it all begun to spin. Trying a door until Harry found what he was looking for, rushing through that as well. Dashing to row 97 and finding a prophecy with Harry's name on it, and Lucious Malfoy turning up.

Fear arising in her as she wondered how they would get out of all of this. Being kicked by Harry to tell her how this would all happen. Him yelling 'RUN!' and fleeing as if her life depended on it, which it did.

Terrified when Donlov approached her and she shouted 'Silencio!' just as he muttered a spell and that was all she could remember.

Waking up the next day only to be told by Ron, who was staying in the Hospital Wing in the bed right next to hers, what exactly had happened after she had lost her consciousness. Snuggling up with him as soon as she had heard that Sirius was dead. Spending the night alone with him in his bed, as she couldn't manage to separate herself from him. Becoming very close to him in the next few days alone with him.

Reading the Daily Prophet a few days later with Ron, Neville, Luna, Ginny and Harry all surrounded around her. Stopping reading out aloud as soon as she came to Harry's name. He was now the hero once again, as was Dumbledore. Harry abruptly leaving, saying he wanted to go talk to Hagrid, as he was back.

Worrying about him, but her ribs hurt so bad she could hardly move. Ron keeping her close and never letting her out of his sight, even once she was out of the Hospital Wing. Never going anywhere without him, she was always at his side.

Going home on the train, thinking that everything was most definitely not the same as the Second War began.

Saying good-bye to Ron but not wanting to leave him. Seeing Harry off along with the Weasley clan, Moody, Tonks, and Lupin. Making sure that the Dursley would not harm him.

Going home and immediately owling Harry and Ron with the owl she had rented from the Post Office in Hogsmeade. Pouring out her soul to Ron, telling how scared she felt and he worry about Harry.

Simply asking Harry was he okay and that he had to know that she loved as friend and would protect him with her life.

Emptiness at the house, thinking of these very events that were going through her mind right now.

Two things had always been constant in her life: Harry and Ron. They both meant the world to her. She couldn't begin to think of what her life would be link now if she hadn't meet them both on the train that day so long ago, let alone not being saved by them from a 10 foot tall mountain troll. Her life revolved around them.

'And homework,' Hermione whispered to nobody in particular. It was time to focus back on her. Especially now that there couldn't be anything between her and Ron. Harry still needed her somewhat, but not that much anymore as he had Ginny.

One of the floorboards outside the room creaked and Hermione swiftly shut her eyes. The door opened and Mrs Weasley stuck her head into the room to check on both girls.

She smiled when she saw that both girls appeared to be sleeping peacefully and she left the room to stumble down the hallway in the dark to Harry and Ron's room to check on them.

Hermione opened her eyes again and noticed the blob that resembled a train. Where it all began.

Moments later, if Mrs Weasley had stepped in again, she would have really seen two girls sleeping peacefully, each with a faint smile on their faces.

'Good morning sleepy head,' Ginny smiled as Hermione entered the kitchen, half-awake.

'How can it be a good morning so early?' Ginny had woken her up at seven, Dumbledore's orders. With being up at three, thinking of the past 5 years, not much sleep had come to the 15 year old.

'Sorry,' Ginny said, not sounding very sorry at all.

'Anyways, why are you up so early?' Hermione asked in a softer, gentler tone.

'Can't sleep in. Family problem, but one Ron certainly does not suffer from,' Ginny explained before she took a gulp of milk.

No one else was up except for the two girls. They talked but mostly enjoyed their breakfasts of toast and marmalade.

Around eight, Mr and Mrs Granger entered the kitchen followed by Ginny's parents. They too sat down to breakfast, each with a mug filled to the brim with coffee.

'How did you two sleep?' Mrs Granger asked in between sips.

'Okay,' Hermione lied.

'Not so good,' Ginny grumbled. She had heard mumbling in the early hours of the morning, but she didn't know that it was Hermione reliving her life.

'Well we have to leave by ten, Hermione, so do you want to go upstairs and get ready?' Mr Granger politely asked his daughter.

'Not really,' Hermione thought to herself but didn't dare say it aloud. She instead nodded and stood up. After placing her dished in the sink, she turned to leave the kitchen and trudge upstairs.

Ginny followed her moments later and came across Hermione walking out of the shower.

'I really don't want to go back,' Hermione simply stated.

'Oh,' was all Ginny could say. She wasn't sure how she would handle this.

'So much has happened since we moved in there six years ago and even since I was last there yesterday. I can't go back,' Hermione broke down into sobs on the side of her bed.

Ginny could only think of one thing to do and that was to comfort her. 'It will all be okay.'

They sat there for a while until Hermione calmed down. She got dressed and prepared herself to leave the house.

'I'm ready, or at least as ready as I will ever be.'

Eric and Anne were ready along with Mr and Mrs Weasley. They stood at the bottom of the stairs, along with Tonks and Kingsley, waiting for Hermione to join them.

She took a deep breath and descended the grand staircase. It was time.

They left not soon after Hermione was ready and travelled by portkey to Granger house.

It was indeed damaged. From the outside, the house looked like no one had laid a finger on it, but once they entered the house, Hermione realised she wasn't ready. She could not bear it.

There were black holes all over the house, scorch marks. The magical family picture that had always been on the mantelpiece was now gone and there was huge red graffiti on the wall, inscribing:

'ALL MUDBLOODS GO TO HELL!'

Hermione fell backwards into her mother's clutch and stayed that way as Anne led her around the house.

The kitchen was gone, as was their lovely living room that had taken four years to furnish completely. The dining room table had a huge black hole in the middle, which made collapse into itself.

The family room was in shambles. The TV also had a huge hole in the middle of it and the couches were horrible. Everything was.

Finally, Hermione dared herself to go upstairs. The stairs were too dangerous to navigate, so Tonks levitated her up there. Her parent's room was bad, but not as bad as the downstairs. It was black, but most things were not broken or anything.

Next was her own room, and she was not sure she wanted to face it. She gingerly took one-step towards it and stopped. She was not ready. Anne and Tonks soon came up and joined her.

'I don't want to face it,' Hermione mumbled as she was engulfed in a hug from her mother.

'It won't be so bad,' Tonks offered.

Hermione half smiled at her. 'Thanks, Tonks.'

She took another step towards the room and didn't stop this time. She reached the doorframe, and silently opened the door. As she did, her eyes widened and her hand went over her mouth as it made a little 'o'.

There was no room.

A/N: There ya go! Please excuse me if I made mistakes on the recollection and feel free to tell me. But please don't hate me for them as I did not have any of the books with me at the time and had to make do with the chapter pictures. Hope u liked all 31 pages of it and sorry again for the delay! Please review!

Manda