Even speaking to her parents before their death, she felt numb. Many family members came for her parent's funeral, but none stayed long after the wake.

After a week, she was alone in her family home, flooded with emotions and memories. It was hard to meet her own needs. She hadn't showered, eaten, or even left her bedroom because wallowing was easier. McGonagall came through every day to check on her. Every day, McGonagall found her curled in her bed, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't say anything to get her student to leave her bed.

Hunn couldn't bring herself out of bed, not even for her headmaster when he showed up with Flitwick on the first day of Hogwarts summer vacation.

Dumbledore sat at the edge of her bed.

He waited silently for her to peek her head out from her blanket and acknowledge his presence.

"Hello, dear."

Hunn sat up and wiped her eyes.

"I'm afraid I'm here to bring bad news."

She gave him a look.

"You are not of age yet, and I'm sorry to say you cannot continue to live in your family home alone."

"What can I do?" she squeaked out.

Flitwick said, "You could always have a family member to stay with you. Or you can stay with a friend."

Upon seeing her crestfallen face, Dumbledore patted her hand, "Take a week to make arrangements. If you need anything, let us know."

"Could I stay at the school?" Hunn blurted out before they could leave

He seemed to ponder it and nodded, "I don't see why not. You're a good student, and I don't doubt you'll respect the school while you're there."

"Would you like to leave tonight?" Flitwick asked

"Can I have an hour? To pack?"

"Of course, McGonagall will escort you."

After giving her food to eat, they left and checked the doors and windows to ensure they were locked and spelled.

When Hunn was finally alone, she got out of bed and began to clean, "They wouldn't want you to sit here and weep." She spoke to herself

Tears started to fall, and she sank down to her knees, gasping for breath, her breakdown a moment away, just as there was a persistent tapping at the window.

She focused on the tapping and timed her breathing to it, and after a moment, she began to calm down. The tapping continued, getting louder and louder until she got up, wiping her eyes on the back of her sleeve. She popped open the window, and the fresh air wafted over in.

A crazy little owl at the window flew in, rested on the bedpost, and chirped at her.

It looked like it would fall over exhausted, "Oh, little man, come here." She pulled him into her arms and was careful of the letter tied to his legs. She walked with it down to the kitchen to get him a treat and cool water.

When he began to drink, she pulled the letter from his leg and gave him a soft pat.

It was addressed to Hunny Bunny.

Dear Hunny Bunny,

You have been gone a long time.

McGonagall refused to tell us why you were gone, only that you were dealing with a lot and needed some time.

We've given you time now, and we are done waiting for you to see us. You are now ordered to come to the Burrow and spend the rest of the summer with us until school.

We will not make excuses or any no answers. we have already told our mum that you would be coming, and she is over the moon excited to meet you.

She's already practiced making that muggle dessert you like with the chocolate. It hasn't gone well, but don't tell her that when you eat it.

We can't wait to see you. Please hurry.

Fred and George,

Your devilishly handsome friends

P.S. We've sent Errol out to you once already. He got lost and came back.

P.s.s. Ginny says hello, and she wants you to come as well. Hermione hasn't been to the Burrow yet and wants some girl time.

P.s.s.s. Errol got lost again. we aren't ignoring you. He's just a bloody awful owl.

P.s.s.s.s. Harry will be here as well! He was concerned with you too and wants to know why you haven't written.

P.s.s.s.s.s. We're sending Errol out again. We hope he finds you this time. If he makes it, he's an old one. Please feed him. We don't want him to die.

She laughed and could feel the heavy weight on her chest begin to lighten. Their handwriting was sloppy, and it seemed like they pulled the paper together to write it.

She clutched it to her chest and laid her head on the table.

Errol nuzzled her hand and stood close to her, hooting happily. There was a crack and burn of the fireplace and then silence.

She could hear the footsteps come closer and then stop.

"Mrs. Rose-Singer? Are you alright?" McGonagall asked quietly

Hunn nodded and turned to face her, "Good."

"Alright, I will make you something quickly. Are you ready to come to Hogwarts again? You will stay in your room in Ravenclaw Tower but report to me every morning. We'll make up your missed lessons, and then you will take your Owls.

"Are you packed?" Hunn shook her head no

"I'll take care of that. You eat and shower. You are ripe, my dear, worse than that mountain toll two years ago." She wrinkled her nose and laughed

"Professor McGonagall, I just received a letter from the twins, and I would like to take them up on their offer to spend the summer with them. I think it would be a good change."

"Hmmm, you still need to take your O.W.L.S. Do you think you're ready for them now?"

"Yes. I think I am. Could I take them today?"

"Yes, you can if you truly think you're ready. I will pack your things and send a letter to the Weasleys to let them know you'll be coming soon. Now, eat up and shower. I'll do everything else." She turned away and left Hunn to eat

When she was done eating and showered, It felt good to be clean. It helped her feel new. The pain was still in her heart and throbbed frequently, reminding her of what she had lost, but she was also feeling okay.

McGonagall milled packing for her and rushed them off into the fireplace, shouting the name of her office. When they stepped out of the green flames, she sat Hunn at her desk and placed her wand beside her.

They started the exams immediately.

They went for hours non-stop. Hunn went through the motions, doing everything as asked and writing her essays as told. She struggled a small bit with divination, never knowing exactly what she was doing but just feeling her way through the tea leaves and the planet charts.

When the final exam was done, Hunn sank back in her chair and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

Done, finally done.

"Excellent. You've done so well, Ms. Rose-Singer! You'll sleep here in your room tonight, and tomorrow afternoon, you may go to the Weasley's home and spend the remainder of the summer with them." She smiled widely and walked her to Ravenclaw Tower, but Hunn walked in alone.

She sat on the couch and sank into the soft blue velvet before falling asleep in front of the fire.