Over the next week, Ron and Hermione took the first tentative steps towards building another stage of their relationship. The following Tuesday after the first owl from Harry, everyone was sitting in the front room listening to Hermione read from a long piece of parchment that had been sent that morning from Hogwarts.

Everyone had slightly dazed looks about them, even though the news was expected. They were told that the school was officially closed for the following term. By all means, they could continue their magical training other ways, but were urged to used extreme caution with any choice that was made.

"We're done school," said Fred, squeezing Ginny's shoulder comfortingly, "but to hear the school's closing... It makes what's happening seem so much more real now."

Hermione nodded, placing the letter on the end table next to the arm of the chesterfield. She felt guilty, but she was just a little bit upset she wouldn't be getting the top-notch magical education that she'd been used to for her last year. She knew what was going on at the present time was more important than school, even though it pained her to think so. She had secretly mailed away for all of the books she would have used for seventh year, as she knew it was exceedingly dangerous to be in Diagon Alley to get the books herself. Hermione had admitted this bookish flaw to Ron the day before, and he had just given her an exasperated look.

"Well, of course I'm not surprised," said Mrs. Weasley briskly, standing up and heading for the kitchen. "It's the smartest thing that could be done right now, keeping all the families together in these hard times." Hermione saw Mrs. Weasley's eyes flicker to a scowling picture of Percy that was on the mantle.

"Everything's going to be alright," Hermione assured her, following her to help with dinner. Though deep inside a twinge in her stomach told her otherwise.

A/N: (Sorry this chapter's short, I'm trying to make them a bit longer, due to comments from readers. We'll see what comes up! Thanks.)