This is it. Severus was gone and Snape was back. He was going to kick her out and the fragile stability of Hermione's life was going to be shattered again. He was going to kick her out and the small relationships that she was beginning to form with both Tonks and Severus were going to be lost.

Hermione's brain had gone into overdrive. While all kinds of horrible thoughts were running through her head Tonks took it upon herself to steer her into a seat as she had noticed Hermione creeping towards the door. Hermione was unresponsive over the course of the meal and during the clean up. When they still could not get her attention Severus let off several loud bangs from his wand to snap Hermione back to reality. It was only then Hermione realised she had not been kicked out and that they had yet to talk.

Severus poured tea for the three of them before beginning, "As you know we were summoned to the ministry today for a meeting. During the course of this meeting we were informed of the events of a recent Wizengmont meeting at which Japan revealed the existence of no fewer than twelve children ranging in ages from twelve to seventeen who are magical but whose magic did not register until this year."

Hermione looked at both of them with a quizzical look on her face before saying, "That isn't possible, is it?"

"Apparently their involvement in something called the digital world prevented their magic from being picked up. The problem is that Japan, whilst recognising the need for them to be trained, is refusing to teach them as they are currently unable to deal with such a large group. They have asked the international community for help with this matter."

Hermione started thinking this over and remembered hearing about a group from Japan, she had even helped them fight a monster. The only real question on her mind was the one she voiced, "What does this have to do with us?"

She did not notice the smiles that appeared on both Tonks and Severus faces when she said us, as she had looked down worried.

Tonks decided to continue, "Well our Ministry in its great glory thought it would send a great message if we took them in and taught them. The International community agreed and now the ministry needs someone to catch them up on as much of what they have missed as possible. Professor Dumbledore suggested that Severus would be the best for the job and the ministry agreed and is sending him to Japan to teach them. They are also sending me as a protector for Severus just in case."

Hermione whose heart had been slowly sinking during the conversation did not notice the looks of distaste that had crossed their faces when Professor Dumbledore's name was mentioned. All she had noticed was that she had not been mentioned in all this.

"This leads you to a choice." Snape said. "Dumbledore suggested that you should spend the rest of the summer at the Weasley's house. Tonks and I believe that it would be more beneficial if you came with us. Allowing you to learn more and to help us teach these new students. There was an argument between us, the minister and Dumbledore about what to do. Kingsley Shacklebolt suggested that we ask you what you wish to do. So you have a choice. You can either stay here with the Weasley family or you are more than welcome to join us on ... what we might call our first family holiday. That is if you want to come."

Severus had surprised everybody by calling it a family holiday. He did not know how they felt but he felt he had found a family with Tonks and Hermione. A feeling that had surprised him but also delighted him. He knew now Sarah had been right and he could see from the looks on everyone else's faces that they felt the same.

"So I can go with you, youse aren't going to make me stay?" Hermione asked rather timidly whilst looking at her lap. She was desperate for it to be true. She could not stand the idea of being trapped at the Weasley's for the summer and she did not want to lose Severus or Tonks.

"Of course," Tonks was the one who answered. "However if you prefer to stay we will understand."

Hermione looked at both of them before answering, seeing that this was true she replied, "When do we leave?"

Both Tonks and Severus beamed at her answer before Severus replied "Tomorrow afternoon so you had best go to bed now and we will deal with the packing tomorrow."

With this answer Hermione gave both Severus and Tonks a hug before racing up stairs to bed. Severus was secretly pleased about the hug but had to write the minister a letter to let him know Hermione's decision and was unable to bask in the feeling it gave him.

Sometime after Hermione went to bed Tonks looked at Severus and spoke.

"That was too close. We almost lost her today."

Severus who had been looking at the wall turned to face Tonks. Her face was full of worry over what had almost happened to Hermione, what they had both almost lost.

When he spoke his voice was laced with fear, "Yes but she chose us over them. When the time comes and it will be soon she will trust us and the others that she must. He too is banking on her parent's deaths setting it off early. He just did not know that we would be ready for him."

Tonks had the last word as she headed to the fire place to go home.

"Yes he miscalculated but he will still try later and I hope that when Hermione learns the truth it won't destroy what is left of her."