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A/N: Again, its just some minor tweaks ;)

Chapter-2

A sudden change of plans

Moon was shining in all its glory across the courtyard of her bedroom. Her home felt strange to her. She had forgotten the feel of being away from magic world. It was not safe for her to be in the muggle world when war was raging on. But this summer Hermione adamantly refused when Prof. Dumbledore suggested they spent the summer in Grimmauld Place and surprisingly he had agreed. Hermione had told it was due to her parents but the sad twinkle in his eyes made her wonder whether he knew about their affair at all. It would be no surprise. That man knew everything.

Hermione was roused from her musings by a loud tap in the window. She constantly received mails from her friends. Ron was recovering. He was badly injured from the ministry. Bellatrix had used the cruciatus curse on him quite recklessly. But he was getting better. Hermione had become fast friends with Luna. Though the girl seemed a little eccentric, Hermione through her letters have come to appreciate the girl's shrewd intelligence and perceptiveness. After all she IS a Ravenclaw. Neville seemed pretty brainy when it came to Herbology. His letters always contained long narratives on the new plants he had discovered.

Harry was totally another matter. At first when Hermione came out of her grieving, she had chastised herself for being selfish and not thinking how much Sirius's death would have affected Harry. After all he was the only family Harry had. She had sent many letters to Harry from there on. But no reply ever came. Hermione asked Ron and Ginny about it. But they too didn't get any. Mrs Weasley was truly worried. As was other order members who were close to Harry. But Dumbledore told them to give Harry a little space. Hermione agreed with it but she too was worried.

So it came as a fair surprise when she saw Hedwig hooting at her impatiently. She quickly got up from the chair she was sitting, dropped the book she was reading nearby and went to open the window. Hedwig gracefully swept in and rested in Hermione's shoulder. Hermione started stroking her. Then she gingerly took the letter of Hedwig's leg and pried it open.

Mia,

Prof. Dumbledore wants to see us ASAP. He have arranged Remus to take us to Hogwarts. But at first we need to get to Grimmauld Place. It seems apparitition is too risky. So we are going to floo from Grimmauld Place. We both will come to get you tomorrow morning. Be ready.

Harry.

P.S : We are spending rest of holidays at Hogwarts. Pack your trunk.

The hand that stroked Hedwig froze. Hermione stared at the parchment dumbstruck. Just when she was finally happy Harry had sent at least one letter, it came to this. She was just recovering. She didn't want to go there yet. She was not ready. She can't go. To Grimmauld Place.

Instinctively Hermione felt her ring and that one feel made her remember all the things she had tried to subdue. All the things she was sure she will never forget. All those things she positively believed, she would not experience again. Memories assaulted Hermione. She remembered the way her stomach had always flipped when he smiled at her. The way his smile made everything seem much more beautiful. The way his bark-like laughter was music to her ears. The way he leaned forward attentively when she was in lecture mode. The way they had passionately argued over house elves rights. The way her lips had tingled when he kissed her. The way their bodies were perfect for each other. The way his eyes had lit up when she promised forever. But most importantly she remembered the way he had loved her. The way he had broken her outer bossy shell to reveal the light beneath. The way he promised no matter what he would be there for her…

But now? All of it had gone. Only memories of her once wonderful relationship remained. She angrily wiped the tears. No she wouldn't cry. She will remain strong. She knew Sirius wouldn't want her grieving over him like there was no tomorrow. That was one thing he made her promise. Even if he died in the war she should live on. She should help Harry to move on. Harry.

It was then Hermione looked at the letter clearly. It was absolutely un-harryish. There wasn't even a 'dear' . It looked awfully formal. It didn't seem like a letter to a best friend. No. Harry is still grieving. Of course he was. Sirius was the nearest thing he had for a family. They had so little time together. Like us a voice whispered in the back of her mind but Hermione ignored it. It was time for fulfilling Sirius's last wish. To be there for Harry and she will be damned if her fear made her chicken out.

With this in mind, Hermione replied affirmatively to the letter. Then she started the tedious process of cleaning up her room and packing her trunk. It was finally dawn when she finished every thing. Now the most difficult thing. Confront her parents. They had been disapproving when Hermione had mentioned Voldemort was back. They didn't want her to go back. And the subsequent quarrel resulted in Hermione becoming oddly formal with her parents. She now dreaded what they will say if they knew she is going back even before summer hols were over. But before talking to her parents, she needed to have a shower.

After the shower, Hermione caught the sight of her in the bathroom mirror. Even now she couldn't believe how much change had come in her. She was no longer the bushy buck toothed bossy girl of first year. It was amazing what a little confidence could do to ones identity. She had changed and it all started with the Yule ball. Instead of the mousy brown bushy hair Hermione now sported lascivious chocolate brown curls that hung below her waist. In wizarding world most wore their hair short. But not Hermione. Hers was long and thick, something that made other girls reek with jealousy. Her eyes were a deep golden brown that turned to liquid gold when she was overrode with emotion. Her red ruby lips nested in a very innocent looking chiseled heart shape. Her body had undergone sudden growth spurts and she had filled out in all the right places. Gone was the over-excited teenager. Now in her place resided a calm confident woman exuding power. But if one was careful enough to observe, the underlying sorrow, pain and fatigue was palpable.

Hermione putted on a tight fitting jeans and long sleeve white shirts. Then she donned the traditional wizarding robes and started dragging her trunk downstairs.

" Mione, dear, where are you off to? School doesn't start for another four weeks right?"

" Mum, Prof. Dumbledore wants to see me. And before you ask, I don't know why…"

" But….."

" Mum, you know its war out there and you also very well know I'm going to fight no matter what. So please refrain from asking me to say. I will go."

" Go where?" Hugo Granger asked. He had just entered the kitchen.

" I'm going back to Hogwarts dad"

" You mean like now?"

" Yes. Prof. Dumbledore wants to see me and NO, I don't know why"

" But…"

" No buts dad…."

Precisely then, the door bell rang. Hermione went and opened the door and was greeted by the sight of a very tired, a very unkempt Harry.

" Harry what….?" Hermione was speechless. This was not her Harry. It can't be. He positively looked dead. His eyes looked hollow. His hair was long and dirty. His dress was baggy. He had even sprouted a beard.

" Mia, all set?" Even his sound was flat…dead.

Hermione was too shocked to answer. So she just nodded.

" Ok then… we could go." Harry took out a plump red feather that looked suspiciously familiar.

" Harry where is Remus? And what is that?"

" Ah.. There is a slight change of plans. We are not going to Grimmauld Place but directly portkeying to Dumbledore's office. This is Fawke's feather. It will be our portkey." All this was delievered in a single monotone.

Harry held out the feather for Hermione to take. And when she did he went to tap it with his wand. But Hermione stopped him.

"Harry wait….! You….you are alright?"

He looked at her and raised an eyebrow as if to say ' Do I look alright?" but then it was replaced by a mask of indifference.

"Harry, about Sirius, I know how you feel….." Hermione began uncertainly but stopped when she saw the look in his face. The mask of indifference slipped away giving way to raw pain. Then it was replaced by cold fury.

" Do you?" Harry all but spat at her and then without another word tapped the feather with his wand.

A/N : R&R