Chapter 3

The next day Hermione awoke and stretched sleepily. Taking in her surroundings she smiled. It had been a very overwhelming day yesterday and she was looking forward to seeing Luna today. At least Luna was normal. She snorted, well maybe not normal but familiar. Crookshanks was lying next to her on the bed. And glared at her when she tried to pat him. She took back her hand and sighed. At least he hadn't got lost in the huge house.

Getting up she had a nice long shower and changed. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror and patted her hair down….it sprang straight back up as usual. She would have to look in the book Ginny had gotten her. Coming out of the bathroom she saw Hedwig sitting on her desk proudly. She also noticed the letters she wrote were not there and must have been sent off in the night.

"Hey there girl," she cooed going to the owl. "Do you have a letter for me?" The owl extended her leg and Hermione untied two bits of parchment.

Hermione,

Did someone catch you off guard with a confundus charm? What the hell are you on about?

Sorry Mione, Ron's having trouble accepting your new er...everything. He can't wrap his mind around it, you know what he's like. Just give Ron give him a couple days for it to sink in. How are you anyway? It must have come as a real shock! Hell, I'm in shock. But as long as they are nice then I'm happy for you. What's your brother like? Is he a bookworm too? I don't think I could cope with two! I'm only joking, I'm sure if he's anything like you then we will get on fine. ! Let me know about this ball. We will all definitely be there!

Write back when you can Mione.

Love Harry and Ron x

Hermione smiled at the letter and read the next.

Hermione/Alexis,

I bet you are so freaked out. I would be too. What's it like though? How are they? Hope they aren't mean. We will miss you this summer Mione. It really won't be the same. I'm looking forward to your ball, mum said she would buy me a new dress! I'll have to get one that will make all the boys drool…or maybe just one boy in particular =P Let me know what's going on though =]

Love Ginny xxx

She finished Ginny's letter and placed it on her desk with the other, smiling. She loved her friends and was glad that they were being so supportive…except Ron. He was so hot headed. But he would come around…eventually. She wrote back quickly and also wrote a letter to her parents...well the Grangers.

She heard someone knocking on her door. Opening it she saw Thomas.

"Are you ready for breakfast then dear sister? I'll show you the way down if you like?" Thomas smiled.

"Oh yes please." Hermione replied eagerly and followed him out of the room.

They walked in companionable silence down the stairs and along the corridor. It was amazing how comfortable she felt in his presence.

Breakfast was also a quiet affair which suited Hermione fine. It was a change from Ron stuffing his face and trying to speak at the same time.

"The Lovegood's will be round in about 20 minutes Hermione. They will just ask a few questions and write the article, so it's nothing to worry about." Lilliana smiled.

"Yeah that's fine," Hermione agreed. "Should I get changed or…" She trailed off, not knowing if her jeans and v-neck jumper were suitable.

"You look wonderful darling. Aslong as you're comfortable, we want everyone to see the real you." Her mother replied.

Hermione blushed, "Er.. ok then."

They chatted away until Trixie announced visitors. Hermione felt quite nervous. All her school mates would soon be reading about her personal life.

"Luna, how are you?" Hermione exclaimed as her friend appeared in the dining room. She got up and gave her a hug.

"Oh, i'm fine Hermione. But this morning one of my father's reporters informed us that he couldn't find any evidence of the Crumple-Horned Snorkac! But when I finish school next summer I'm going to go and find them myself. But how are you?" Luna said dreamily.

"I'm fine, i guess." She replied.

Hermione's parents looked extremely confused but shrugged and made the introductions to Luna's father.

They all sat around the table.

"So, Hermione. Have you decided what name you will be taking on?" Xenophilius started.

"Well," she started. "I've always been known as Hermione so i would like to keep that. But i think i will take on the Hallow name, the same as my family."

"What about your middle name?" Her mother asked. "Cara, it means beloved."

"Yes," Hermione replied. "Hermione Cara Hallow."

"So, how did you feel when you found out you were adopted?" Xenophilius continued.

Hermione thought about her answer. "Well at first I was a bit distraught. I mean I thought the Grangers were my family and in all respects they still are. But when I found out I had another family, I just felt like everything fell into place I guess. My family have explained their decision and i am happy with it."

The questions continued for a while and Hermione answered them eagerly. Finally they posed for a couple of pictures and it was all done.

"The interview will be in the next issue of the Quibbler. We will of course send you a copy and hope you like it." Xenophilius said.

"Well I guess I will see you at your ball Hermione," Luna told her. She gave her a hug and followed lazily after her father.

Hermione smiled. She thought that the interview had gone rather well and was glad it would be in the quibbler.

x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x

"How about we go and see what your father's up to?" Liliana asked.

"Sure." She replied and followed her mother to James' study.

Liliana opened the door and James looked up from his desk startled. "Oh, er…Hermione dear. I have something…er."

"What's going on?" Hermione finally demanded impatiently.

"I...I.." Her father trailed off.

"James just spit it out," Hermione's mother coaxed.

"Right, well we are going to have a guest until school starts again." He rushed out.

"What's so bad about that?" Hermione enquired confused.

"The guest is someone you know Hermione. His father is still in Azkaban, for how long we are unsure and his mother is severely depressed. His father and i used to be friends years ago until he joined the death eaters. Since then I swore I would have nothing more to do with him. But he seems to have named me godfather to his son. The ministry has given me custody for the remainder of the summer until his mother has recovered."

"Oh, right." She replied. "Who is is?" Hermione asked, already forming conclusions.

"Draco malfoy." Came the reply.