In this Chapter: Hermione pays a visit to a muggle family

After Harry and Hermione's talk, they made their way towards the Headmaster's office, hoping to get started on their parts in this very young war.

Hermione feared for the lives of her parents, or rather, her fill in parents. Even if they weren't united by blood, she loved them dearly, and would do anything to protect them.

Harry was thinking along the same lines, only wondering if he even felt the Dursleys were worth protecting. His Aunt he would protect, she was the only link Harry had to his mother. Vernon and Dudley, however, were a different story. By blood, Dudley was his cousin, but Harry was not connected to Vernon in any way, in fact, his uncle tried to kick him out, but hadn't succeeded. Harry was conflicted.

He and Hermione had reached Dumbledore's office and Harry muttered the new candy-themed password. Hermione briefly wondered if Dumbledore had had the same sort of theme going on his entire time as headmaster.

They walked up the stone steps into the headmaster's office and Hermione was immediately ambushed by a mass of red hair.

"Ron!" Came Hermione's muffled voice.

"Hermione!" Ron yelled in her ear, sweeping her straight off of her feet and into his arms, hugging onto her tight. "HermioneHermioneHermioneHermioneHermione! We should have stayed! We should have waited! And what do you mean you have to marry Malfoy and become a deatheater and become a spy and I thought that was Snape's job and Laurens job and Hermione! I'm so glad you're back!" He kissed her soundly on the lips and hugged onto her again, letting his emotions let go completely.

"Ron!" Hermione laughed. "I'm glad I was missed. And don't worry, I wont walk down the isle without your blessing, I promise!"

Ron swung her around a couple more times for good measure, and finally let her down. Now she could properly see who all was in attendance in Dumbledore's office.

Draco was there, looking a bit shocked at Ron's behavior. Ron's twin brothers were standing behind Dumbledore's desk looking quite pleased with themselves. Snape, McGonagall, Dumbledore and Rain were also in attendance, looking on with matching bemused expressions, except in Snape's case. His expression looked more like Ron opened a bottle of bad buterbeer under his nose. Lauren, Jessica, and Jared were all in attendance as well, Jessica not looking the least bit fazed about her boyfriends open display of affection to his friend, they all looked ecstatic to see their friend in once piece. And of course Harry was there, watching Hermione and Ron, and finally joining their hug himself.

"Ahem," Snape cleared his throat. "As touching as this really is turning out to be, we have matters to attend to, Albus I'm sure you'll agree."

Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling and he watched the trio for a couple more moments before clearing his own throat, breaking apart the three friends.

"Yes," Dumbledore said, falling serious. "There are such matters that should be dealt with presently. First of all, Hermione, Harry, I think I should be the one to introduce the newest members of the Order of the Phoenix: Fred and George Weasley.

Fred and George both gave matching overly-zealous bows and Hermione clapped for them. Harry looked like he wanted to protest as to why he couldn't join yet, but Dumbledore beat him to it.

"When you are of age, I will personally invite you to the first meeting." He said to Harry with an air of finality. Harry had no choice but to accept it.

"I do, however," Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling. "Have a task for Miss Granger, but it is a dangerous mission, and I think in this case, not even Harry is up for the challenge."

Everyone was attentive now, looking at the aged headmaster.

"We need to being the Dursleys to Hogwarts."

Hermione's portkey landed her outside Number Four near twilight. Hermione looked up and down the very clean cut street. It reminded her of her own home growing up. Finally she took a deep breath, and walked up the very short and very neat path to the very normal and very ordinary looking door.

Hermione was volunteered for this task because she was compassionate, because she understood muggles, because she knew Harry, and because she could force her will on people with her eyes.

At least those with weak wills, and Harry had wholeheartedly agreed his relations would be pushovers.

Knock Knock.

Hermione heard a general shuffle inside. "Dudley dear! Please answer the door for mummy!" Hermione bit her lip in anticipation. She had never seen Harry's cousin before, but had heard plenty about him to keep her hand tight around the wand in her pocket.

The door opened and Hermione found herself staring at, well, a very large person. Dudley Dursley was every bit as big as Harry had told them, and stood maybe half a foot over Hermione. His initial expression upon answering the door was a hard look, like he was ready to get into a boxing match with whoever was on the other side, but one look at Hermione and his small eyes softened and he looked at her in somewhat awe.

"Yes? What can I do for you?" Dudley said politely. Hermione had to fight the urge to roll her eyes.

"Hi there," She said in what she hoped was a very friendly voice. "You're Dudley Dursley right? My name is Hermione Granger, may I come in?"

Dudley gave Hermione another once over and nodded almost immediately. "Of course, Miss Granger, come right in."

Again, Dudley tested Hermione's self control over her eyes, and she stepped foot into the home that made her best friend miserable for ten straight years.

"Who is it, Diddykins?" Hermione saw a very thin woman appear in the doorway to the living room. She looked around and saw a man built quite like Dudley sitting in an easy chair in the living room, reading a newspaper.

"Mum!" Dudley said, looking embarrassed. Hermione smiled at him and he blushed and cleared his throat. "Mum, dad, this is Hermione Granger."

Vernon looked up from behind his paper. "Granger?" he asked. "Are your parents dentists?"

Hermione looked at him strangely, and then nodded. "Yes, they are, you know of them?"

"Know of them?" Vernon smiled. "I went all the way to Wales to get your father's expertise on my root canal. Best bit of dentistry I've ever seen!"

Hermione smiled back at him. "Thank you sir, I'll be sure to pass the word along, he will appreciate it."

Vernon nodded and continued with his paper. Petunia Dursley sat on the armrest beside her husband as said. "Well, what can we do for you my dear?"

Hermione tensed up for a moment, going over what she had rehearsed to say. Gryffindor courage my arse, she thought.

"Well," she started off somewhat reluctantly. "I-"

"Have a seat?" Dudley offered her a place on the couch across from his parents. She accepted and he settled himself on the other side, looking quite pleased with himself. Now all of the Dursleys had their eyes fixed on her.

"Before I begin," Hermione said calmly. "I beg that you let me finish, and let me tell you everything I have to say, after that you can ask questions, or yell if you prefer."

Now all said eyes were looking quite curious, Hermione continued.

"As you know, my name is Hermione Granger, and my parents are very well known dentists. But…I'm also your nephew Harry's best friend at his school, Hogwarts."

Now all said eyes bugged out of their respective sockets, and before they could throw her out of their home, Hermione held up a hand. Surprisingly enough, they listened.

"Mrs. Dursley, I'm going to speak to you directly, because you here may have somewhat of a grasp on what is happening out there. I'm afraid that the second world war of wizarding standards is upon us, and you are all in very great danger. Being non-magic, you already are at a terrible disadvantage against the Lord Voldemort and his very prejudice followers. But because you are connected to the person that he wants dead the most, you have lost your anonymity. My professors and superiors feel that you three will be targeted, in hopes that Harry will try to rescue you. Do you understand me so far?"

Vernon Dursley looked like an overly ripe eggplant, due to his ever increasing purple color, whereas Dudley kept darting his hand to his behind every so often, a habit Hermione found to be quite odd. Petunia, however, looked terrified as well as indignant.

"That loony old man told us when the boy was left here that we would be safe against dark m-magic," She spat out the last word like it was dirty. "He said that nothing could harm us here!"

"I assume you mean Headmaster Dumbledore," Hermione said. "And he was right…to an extent. Dark magic would have a terrible time touching you or your son, Mrs. Dursley, but what of your husband? He does not share the same blood as your sister, and so the spell will not affect him as potently as it would you or your blood relation. Last summer, however, Voldemort voided that spell. He kidnapped Harry and killed a friend he was with. He then cut Harry up in order to take the power Harry had over him, the power that Lily had given him when she died. Harry managed to escape, something not even fully trained wizards can do, and he came back to tell Dumbledore. Now the blood magic that he had shared with you isn't nearly as potent. And also, just because dark magic cannot happen here, another form could. Voldemort could easily send one of his men to capture you and your family in your sleep, or use a spell that isn't dark magic to transport you to another location where the protection isn't as great. Is that a chance you are willing to take, Mrs. Dursley, the safety of your family just to spite us?"

Petunia just covered her hand over her mouth and gapped at Hermione. And then Vernon regained his voice.

"I don't know who the hell you think you are, young lady, but you have no right to come into my house and threaten my family! I knew I should have thrown that poor excuse for a boy out the second he was dumped on our doorstep! I WON'T HAVE THIS MADNESS IN MY HOUSE!"

Hermione sat on her edge of the couch patently listening to Harry's mad uncle. "This is why human kind still has so many problems," she said, shaking her head sadly. "People are unwilling to forget how to hate, unwilling to let prejudice die. Do you not see that the only thing you are truly mad about is fear, Mr. Dursley? You do not understand magic, and therefore you are afraid of it, and you hate it because you are afraid of it. That is all war is, really. Grown up children fighting things because they are different, because they do not understand. Mrs. Dursley, your sister gave her life to protect the things she believed in, and Harry was one of them. Wouldn't you give your life for your own son as well?"

Petunia looked like a deer in headlights, as the attention focused onto her. She grew alarmed and quickly exclaimed "Of course! What mother wouldn't?"

Hermione seemed pleased. "Then you understand. Mrs. Dursley, your family is in danger and whether you want to admit it or not, your sister's world is very real, and also very deadly. I'm here telling you all this because your nephew cares, and he doesn't want to see his only family hurt."

"OF COURSE HE DOESN'T WANT US HURT!" Vernon thundered. "WE PUT THE CLOTHES ON HIS BACK AND THE FOOD IN HIS MOUTH! HE WOULDN'T SURVIVE WITHOUT US!"

"That's where you're wrong, Mr. Dursley." Hermione replied calmly. "Harry has very vast means to fend for himself. Not only is he an incredibly powerful wizard, but he is also one of the wealthiest."

"Wealthy?!" Vernon exclaimed. "How is he wealthy? He's a sodding orphan!"

"His parents were quite rich," Hermione said with a shrug. "And he received everything. His godfather was also very wealthy, he inherited everything of his, including a large manor in London."

Vernon's eyes looked like they were going to pop out of his head at the prospect of that much money. Hermione hastily turned the subject away from Harry's assets, and decided to try to appeal to the youngest of the family.

"Dudley, do you remember last summer, when you and Harry were out after dark, and you were attacked by the dementors?" Hermione bit her lip and stared intently at the large boy. Dudley nodded somewhat unwillingly.

"Then you remember how they made you feel then, like you would never be happy again. They made you live your worst memories, and they fed on your worst fears. That is how the world will be if we lose this war. Voldemort and his followers will track down every non-magical creature until he has killed, tortured, or sent them all to the dementors. I cannot stress enough how important it is that you all believe me and trust me. I'm a witch, yes, but I also grew up exactly like you, and I know how afraid you are of entering a world you have nothing to do with. We can protect you, we can keep you safe."

Dudley just stared at her and nodded, and looked to his mother, whose lips were pressed ina firm, straight line.

"If we do go," she said slowly. "Where would we stay, how would we live? And what of Vernon's job? He cannot just vanish!"

Hermione smiled. Finally, she was getting somewhere. "Well, I would assume you would have to come back to Hogwarts with me, to meet Professor Dumbledore and see Harry. After that, I think you would be transported to Grimwauld place, Harry's house. You'll be very safe there, there are many spells, and very, very few know where it is. As for your lives here, I can perform a number of spells that would easily confuse your neighbors and co-workers that you never left. A simple confusing charm will do the trick."

Hermione stopped talking and looked at each of the Dursleys in turn. Each of them had a different expression on their respective faces. Vernon looked furious, Petunia looked sad and slightly worried, and Dudley looked scared and kept rubbing his behind.

And then, Petunia spoke up, so quietly Hermione thought that she was just muttering to herself.

"I remember what it was like," She said quietly. "When she came home after she was done with school. She brought home that…that man, that Potter, and they told us what was happening. That's how I learned about dementors, and how everything seemed to be falling apart. They told us then that they would keep our family safe, do spells and what not on our home. They did, and we lived in oblivious fear for two years, not knowing what was going on unless Lily decided to tell us. And then she got married. We went to her wedding; this was before I married Vernon. It was so strange, and quiet, not like a proper wedding. But then they were legally married, and I had a brother in law.

"About three weeks after they were married, I went out to dinner with Vernon. When I came back to my parents home, a strange green mark was hovering over our house, and I went in to find both my mother and father dead. They didn't have a mark on them, but they were dead. I hated my sister after that for what she did to our family. Her…her kind they killed my mother and father. And now you come, and you say that they aren't satisfied, that they want the last things that matter most to me? I will go to any means to protect my family, but you cannot ask me to trust you."

Hermione merely inclined her head to the older woman, but Vernon stood up, shaking a pudgy finger at Hermione.

"I WILL NOT!" he shouted. "I WILL HAVE NONE OF THIS-THIS ABNORMALTY! GET OUT! OUT! LEAVE MY AND MY FAMILY ALONE AND OUT OF YOUR CRAZY SCHEMES!"

Petunia put a firm hand on her husbands arm. "Vernon," she said sadly. "We have to go. Think of Dudley. Think of his future. I won't allow my family to be destroyed again."

"Dudley is capable of protecting himself." Vernon said stubbornly, sitting down. "Look at the mantle! Completely covered in trophies from boxing tourneys, he can take care of a man twice his size."

"That's all very well," Hermione said evenly. "But I'm afraid he has no defense against a twelve inch stick when it is pointed at him. I also don't think Dudley wants me to prove you wrong." Hermione fixed Vernon in a very steely gaze. "You must come with me. I can cover up everything about your life. I can have the neighbors thinking you are on a fabulous vacation that they will be quite jealous of, or going to work everyday like normal. Name it, Mr. Dursley, and I'll see it gets done."

Vernon seemed completely fazed by Hermione's gaze, finally nodding his head, defeated.

Hermione had to work very, very hard to not jump up and do some sort of victory dance. Instead, she gave Dudley and Petunia the same serious look and said, "You can pack whatever you like, anything you like. If you want electronics you'll have to let me charm them, because electricity doesn't work at Hogwarts."

"My computer?" Dudley asked, suddenly worried.

"I can make it work." Hermione said with a kind smile. Just lead the way. Take your time to pack Mr. and Mrs. Dursley; we aren't in a big hurry."

Silently the Dursley family started to split up throughout their house. Vernon went to his and Petunia's bedroom, while his wife went to the kitchen, probably for a comforting cut of tea, and Dudley-

"Will you be able to make my stuff work at- at that place?" He asked cautiously, as if Hermione would curse him for asking.

"Of course," she replied. "What do you need?"

He led her up the stairs to a stretch of bedrooms. The one on the far right was obviously the master bedroom, Vernon was pacing back and forth, an open suitcase open on the bed. The next one was only slightly smaller, Dudley's. It was littered with various electronics and sport magazines and a couple sets of boxing gear. The bedroom next to his, by far the smallest, must have been Harry's.

Hermione felt herself drawn to the smallest bedroom. She walked across the threshold and grinned at the untidiness that was her best friend. There was a certain air of detachment in the room, only small things, and clues, as to what Harry was in contrast to his relations. There was a Gryffindor pennant on the wall, and a muggle picture of her, Ron, and Harry. She remembered that picture well, at was just a day after she had recovered from being petrified.

"That's you?"

Hermione jumped, forgetting about Dudley. He was standing behind her, looking over her shoulder at the old photograph.

"Yes," she answered. "That was taken when we were twelve, the day after I got out of the hospital…" Hermione was reminiscing to herself, forgetting Dudley wouldn't know about Harry's adventures at school.

"Hospital?" Dudley seemed like he wanted to get his messages across with as few words as sanely possible.

"I was petrified solid." Hermione answered simply. "By a great monstrous snake. It was bigger than a house. Your cousin killed it."

Dudley looked at the small girl. Surely she was joking. Snakes as big as houses, and Harry killing it?

Hermione looked back at him and sighed. "You know nothing about Harry, do you?" She asked wearily.

"Well, I know some stuff," Dudley said lamely. "I know his parents are dead and he goes away to some school and mum and dad don't like him much. And he's not very strong unless he has his little stick, and he has nightmares. He yells in his sleep."

"We all have those little sticks," Hermione said, pulling out her wand. "This is where you get most magic from, unless you get overly emotional, or have a special sort of power. Nightmares? I think I can safely say Harry is allowed to have them, he's seen some terrible things for being only 16. Hasn't he ever told you anything? Don't you even care? Harry is a hero. When you get to Hogwarts people are going to think highly of you because you are one of Harry's last blood relations. Harry is as famous in our world as a movie star or athlete, more so, he saved our world, your world, and it boggles my mind how you people let him live in a cupboard for eleven years. It just boggles my mind."

Dudley looked thoughtful for a moment. "Is Harry your boyfriend?" he finally asked.

Hermione sniggered. "No, Harry is my best friend, and I love him. I would do anything for him or Ron." She pointed at the small red head in the picture. "And they would do anything for me," she added.

They stood there for another minute or so, Hermione looked around Harry's room some more. She noticed a loose floorboard near his bed and a bookcase full of regular muggle books.

"Well," she said, looking up at Harry's large cousin. "Let's get packing."

(A/N)

Hey there J

Okay, before anyone lynches me, I'm am NOT so crazy as to turn this (eventual) D/Hr fic into a Dudley/Hermione thing. I PROMISE. Dudley just has no will power, and you remember what Hermione's does to boys with no will power, right? Anyway.

I love tormenting the characters I loathe, and I absolutely hate Dudley and Vernon. After book five I'm seeing Petunia in a new light, but it's not much. I think it's funny that Harry has all this gold, and THEY CANT TAKE IT! muahaha. J

Anyway, next chapter may be short, I'm not sure. Draco and Harry are going to come to an understanding, and a real true plot will actually start to form! And so, until next time!

xoxoariel