A/N: Thanks for the reveiws!! Sorry this chapter is short, but I will try to update again later this week.

Disclaimer: I own nothing from the Harry Potter series.

Chapter 23 – Mrs. Weasley's Advice

Hermione clambered out of the fireplace in the Weasley's kitchen and was instantly squished is a hug from Mrs. Weasley.

"Oh Hermione, the boys didn't tell me you'd be coming," said Mrs. Weasley as she hurried to summon a dustpan for the potato peels.

"I hope it's not a problem, but they didn't know I was coming. I was going home to surprise my parents and I got trapped in this cottage in the forest," Hermione explained realizing how dumb the story sounded.

"Wait a cottage in the forest?" Mrs. Weasley asked as Hermione nodded, "I remember it, Arthur and I also got trapped in once. At the end of the year, we were worried that no one would find us before summer holiday began. Luckily I missed my last exam because we were trapped or else no one would have came looking."

"Do you know if there have been many people trapped in that cottage?"

"I'm not sure, but it does bring back fond memories. That's when Arthur and I got together," she explained happily as Hermione moved her trunk out of the way and began helping with the food, "I'm so glad he was with me, otherwise I can't imagine how terrified I would have been. I don't know how you did it."

"Oh, I wasn't alone," said Hermione blushing slightly when Mrs. Weasley raised her eyebrows. "I'll tell you, but you must promise not to tell the boys they'll have a fit."

"Now, why is that?"

"Well, I was trapped with Draco Malfoy."

"Oh dear," replied Mrs. Weasley knowingly.

"Actually it wasn't that bad. He even helped me when I sprained my ankle," explained Hermione. They continued working in silence, but Mrs. Weasley recognized the look in the young girl's eyes, so similar to her own after her time in the cottage.

"How long have you liked him?"

"Hm…liked who?"

"The Malfoy boy."

"What? I don't like him!"

"Really, Hermione you can tell me."

"Alright, well I used to like him and we well kissed. But he kept pushing me away, and I didn't understand so I snooped around a bit," said Hermione, "and I found these letters. His father bet on him, he's been betrothed since this thing started and he didn't even tell me." Hermione said giving the mashed potatoes a vigorous stir splashing them down the side of the bowl.

"Don't judge him too quickly, it's not his fault he's betrothed," said Mrs. Weasley as she cleaned up the mess with her wand, "I can't believe Lucius Malfoy would bet on his own son, actually I can. Who's the girl?"

"Madeline Dolohov," said Hermione miserably.

"I bet she isn't half as pretty or smart as you are Hermione," said Mrs. Weasley kindly.

"Thanks Mrs. Weasley, but I've decided it's best to stay away from him. In one of his letters Snape told him to stay away from me because we'd be in danger if the Dolohov's ever found out."

"That's true, you're right better keep to yourself for a bit. In the end everything will turn out fine."

"If you don't mind Mrs. Weasley I'm going to go upstairs and freshen up before dinner."

"Yes, take your time. Just be down by 6pm that's when Arthur gets home."

Hermione levitated her trunk up the stairs to Ginny's room. Then she grabbed the roll away bed and left it on the other side of the room. Deciding to take two minutes to rest Hermione laid down and was soon fast asleep.