AN: Thank you to everyone who reviewed. It really inspired me to get this chapter out a lot sooner than it would've happened otherwise. Please review…whether you like something or don't. Constructive criticism is appreciated.

It was a warm summer night, and most people were in their homes relaxing after a long day. One person however was still outside in the forest enjoying the summer air. This person just happened to be Hermione Carvelle. Although she was only twelve years old, she was used to being out late. She wasn't ever alone, for she was always accompanied by her phoenix familiar, Ena. As Hermione trekked farther into the forest, she reached the place where she first met Ena. As she found the historic spot, she thought back to how her phoenix changed her life for the better.

In the days following Hermione's and Ena's first meeting a strange set of events were set in motion. When Hermione's parents first saw the phoenix they screamed and tried to get their daughter away from the strange fire-bird. When they realized that Hermione was in no danger, and had in fact brought it into their home, they got angry. They yelled at her to get the creature out of their house and that it wasn't welcome. Hermione defended her first friend and cried that she wouldn't leave Ena alone and ran out of the house in tears. She continued to run through her tears into the forest by her house. She fell many times, and cut herself on branches.

When she finally reached a clearing she sat down and watched in wonder as Ena appeared right in front of her in a flash of blue and purple fire. Her phoenix friend started to croon a soothing song, and soon enough Hermione managed to calm down. She looked at her friend and asked her if she could take her somewhere she would be accepted. Somewhere she could find people like her. Ena blinked and flew to Hermione's shoulder. As soon as the phoenix touched her arm, they both disappeared in a flash of flames, only to reappear in an entirely different place.

Hermione looked around in wonder at the sight. There were people bustling around the most exotic looking street she had ever seen. The shops were all brightly colored, and the people were wearing strange clothes and pointy hats. As she wandered around in awe, she came across a store that seemed to call out to her. She walked towards it, and as soon as she touched the handle, the door swung open.

As she walked in with Ena still resting on her shoulder, she looked around to see shelves upon shelves of books. As she stared in awe, she failed to notice a man in about his early thirties walking out from behind a counter. He was tall, about 6'2'' with long blonde hair a warm brown eyes, that seemed to sparkle with hidden mirth and curiosity. As Hermione continued to look around in wonder, the man cleared his throat, clearly amused.

Hermione jumped from the sudden noise. As she fought to control her rapidly beating heart, the man said, "Hello, and who might you be?"

Hermione looked at him timidly and replied, "Umm, my name is Hermione Carvelle sir. " She seemed to argue with herself internally before she asked in rapid succession, "Where am I? Who are you? Why did I feel called to this store?"

Before she was able to continue on with her questioning, the man laughed not unkindly and replied, "You, my dear are in Diagon Alley. My name is Nicolas Flamel and as to why you were called to this store, why that my dear is a mystery."

That first awkward meeting, set Hermione's path on fast forward. Through him she would learn about magic and about true family. He would teach her to be confidant in her abilities and how to properly harness her magic.

Hermione blinked as she was brought out of her memory. As she wondered what disturbed her she noticed an owl looking at her impatiently as it had its foot stuck out with a letter attached to it. She took the letter and apologized to the owl for taking so long. It pecked her hand in irritation and promptly flew away.

As the young girl rubbed her sore hand, she finally decided to look at the letter. She squealed as she noticed that it had the Potter Crest on it. She tore it open to read:

Hey Hermione,

I hope you've been having a good summer so far. Are you busy the rest of the summer? My parents said that I could invite everyone over until we go back to Hogwarts. You better say you can come! It won't be the same without you! I've already gotten replies from Sirius and Peter. They can both come! Remus hasn't answered yet, but he will. Anyways, you ARE coming over even if we have to drag you with us… (Seriously, Sirius is all for kidnapping, the wanker). Anyways I told Bryce (the owl) not to wait for a reply; I figured you'd send one with Ena.

Hope to hear a yes from you soon,

You're best buddy,

James Potter

Hermione smiled with delight as she finished reading the letter. She hastily scribbled a reply on the bottom of the letter and gave it to Ena. She looked on in awe as Ena flashed out to deliver her reply. "I will never get tired of seeing that," Hermione said. She glanced around the forest and smiled slightly to herself. Her summer had just gotten better.