Bonds of Family

Hermione didn't know how to respond. She stared vacantly at the open portal, still coming to terms with the fact that Rose's parents were alive. Not only that, but they were standing in front of her. She didn't know what to say, much less do.

"Hermione?"

Hermione jolted out of her trance. Her head darted back and forth, trying to figure out who'd spoken. She didn't recognize the voice, although there were three people whose voices she didn't recognize standing in front of her. Although, the voice sounded American, so didn't that mean it wasn't Sk'lar?

"I'm sorry, what?" she asked.

"It's alright," Rose's dad said. "It's a lot to take in."

Hermione closed her eyes and concentrated on gathering her thoughts, which proved to be more difficult than she'd expected. She was angry, confused, and hurt all at once. Still, gathering her thoughts had always been easy for her, despite whatever emotions she had.

"Why didn't you just tell me the truth?" she asked Rose.

"That's my fault," Sk'lar said. "I told her it'd be easier if the staff weren't trying to track down her parents."

It made sense, in a way. If Rose had told them her parents were alive, then the staff would've just tried sending her back home. If she'd said they were missing, then Professor Dumbledore would've tried to find them, and when he couldn't, it'd make them trust her even less than they already did.

"And of course after that, you didn't want me to know you were lying," Hermione said.

When Rose did nothing more than nod, no talking, Hermione knew she was sorry.

"I'm–"

"Sorry, I know. It's alright, I guess, just…"

"No one likes being lied to, Hermione," Rose's dad said. "Especially after everything you girls have been through. You've depended on Rose to save your life countless times, and right now you're probably wondering what else she's lied to you about."

Hermione realized that was exactly what she was thinking. She slowly nodded her head as she began mentally listing off everything Rose had ever told her.

"This is no reason to stop trusting her. She's the same girl you met when you started here; the same girl that saved you from the troll."

Hermione knew he was right, even if she didn't want to accept it. How could she? She couldn't tell the difference between lies and truth from Rose. If Rose had lied about something so big, how could Hermione trust her again?

"I still don't know," Hermione said.

"Then we'll let you be," Rose's dad said.

"Rose, your brother said some big event happened a few weeks ago," Rose's mum said.

"I found Sirius and Pettigrew, but some traps Pettigrew had set went off when we brought him inside," Rose explained. "They damaged the castle, but we all worked together to get everyone to safety."

"Good work," her dad said.

Rose shook her head, all of her normal enthusiasm gone. "We didn't, though. Atrien, the… one of the workers at the school, died."

Hermione glared at Rose. She'd noticed something off about the way Rose had been acting ever since the incident, but she didn't know what. Now, she had a guess.

"Is that why you've been moping? Just bring her back!"

"But–"

"Sixty seconds, girls," Sk'lar said.

"We don't have the time to explain now," Rose's dad said, "but it's not that simple, even on this side of the gate."

Hermione looked to Rose and saw her friend downcast. For possibly the first time since they'd met, Hermione saw a scared little girl with actual feelings. For a moment, she believed that she could trust Rose again.

"No need to look so sullen, Rosie," her dad said. "You've grown a lot since Thars." He glanced back at Rose's mum, then back at Rose. "Don't focus on the one you didn't save, just on the hundreds you did."

"Thirty seconds," Sk'lar said.

"I don't want you to go," Rose said. Hermione knew she couldn't cry, but it sounded as if she were sobbing. "It feels like you're dead again. Please don't go."

Rose pressed her hand against the portal, which shimmered when her glove touched it.

"It's alright, Rosie," her dad said, crouching down to put himself on eye-level with her. "We're always with you in your heart and your memories. Even that abomination couldn't take us away from you. No one ever can."

Rose nodded, and once again, Hermione could see a real little girl trying hard to be brave for her mum and dad.

"Valignatiejir," Rose said. "We should call him by his real name. If we don't, that just proves he's still winning."

"It makes us all proud to hear you say that," her dad said.

Her mum didn't say anything, but gave a broad smile, not that different the smile Rose gave when she was proud of Hermione.

Rose's dad stood up as the portal began to close.

"We'll talk to you soon, Rosie," her dad said.

"Take care until then," her mum added.

"See you soon," Rose said.

"It was nice meeting you both," Hermione said.

"Likewise," Rose's dad said.

After the portal closed, Rose stared into space for another few minutes.

Hermione had many questions, but she didn't want to bother Rose. It had to feel like she'd just lost her parents again, but of course Hermione didn't know. Rose didn't say a word, and Hermione wasn't going to make her talk.

The girls stood in silence for five minutes before Hermione finally broke it.

"Are you through lying?" Hermione asked. "Are you through keeping secrets?"

Rose lowered her head, and Hermione had her answer.

"Good bye, Rose."

Hermione turned back to the forest. She didn't know the way, but she'd think of something. Failing all else, she was sure she could devise a spell like find the path given enough time.

"I want to be," Rose said, "but I made promises. They're not my secrets."

"You know everything about me, Rose," Hermione said, turning to face Rose. "I don't even know what you've told me is true anymore! How do I tell the difference?!"

Hermione wasn't expecting an answer, but she stayed anyway. She didn't move while Rose continued to stare at the ground. It was unnerving to see Rose distraught, even upset, but Hermione reminded herself that Rose wasn't a hero. Rose got upset just like everyone else, and she lied, just like everyone else.

"Then let me tell you," Rose said, offering her hand to Hermione. "I'll tell you everything, but you've got to let me put mind blank on that ring."

Hermione stood and thought about it for what felt like hours. She didn't know what to think. What if Rose just lied to her again?

Hermione thought back to the troll. The moments she'd stared up at it as it was about to kill her had been the scariest moments of her life. She hated thinking about it, but she remembered how Rose had looked. Standing there, putting herself directly in harm's way to save Hermione. Every time Hermione had needed Rose, she'd come through for her. Even against the Basilisk, in the end it had been Rose's enchantment on the hair clip that had saved Hermione's life.

She deserves one last chance.

"The next time you lie to me will be the last time you talk to me," Hermione said. "Alright?"

"Understood," Rose replied.

Hermione walked over to Rose and held out her hand.

Rose pulled out her thought bottle, and Hermione watched a red wisp fly into it. Rose took Hermione's hand in hers, and they shook on it as Hermione's ring glowed.

"Alright," Rose said, using her thought bottle again. "Let's start from the beginning. I was born on the continent of Luna, which was where my parents happened to be at the time…"

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Sally-Anne asked Harry as they pulled into King's Cross.

"I'll be fine," Harry said. "It's only for a few days, then I'll be with Sirius. Rose said she'll meet me at Privet Drive with… I don't remember his name, one of the knights."

"Alavel," Ron said. "Alavel's going with you, and Taltria's going with Sally-Anne. If I were to guess, next year she'll finish off with sending something with me and something with Neville."

"I'm already sending someone with you," Rose said from across the aisle.

"Who?"

Rose pointed to Ginny.

"Meet your little sister. I also send you with her."

"I feel safer already," Ginny said with a smile on her face.

"Rose, we're not allowed to use magic outside of school," Sally-Anne said. "What if–"

"There must be something for self-defence," Rose said.

That relaxed Sally-Anne. Even in her laws, it was alright to defend yourself. The Magical World was often backwards, but even they had to have a rule about self-defence. She wasn't as close to Ron as she was to Harry, but Ron had taken to asking for her help on anything regarding Hermione. Sally-Anne was happy that her friends were confiding in her, and it made her feel closer to them.

"There's nothing," Hermione said. "First offence is supposed to be a warning, but after that, you'll get expelled, and possibly arrested. Not thrown in Azkaban, but arrested. You can't prove that you fought in self-defence, so I don't know if they'll care. Everyone under 17 gets sent a letter for wanded magic."

"That's ridiculous!" Sally-Anne exclaimed.

"Yes, it is," Hermione said. "It stops us from practicing over the summer, or using harmless aesthetic magic."

"Huh?" Sally-Anne asked.

"Aesthetic is like your looks," Ron said. "She means she can't use magic to make herself look pretty."

Sally-Anne knew Ron didn't mean it the way he said it, but what surprised her was that Hermione seemed to understand that as well. He still received an elbow from his sister, but Hermione remained calm.

"Ow!" Ron whined.

"It's alright, Ginny," Hermione said. "He didn't mean it like that, although for the record, I only want to use magic to deal with my hair. And maybe my teeth."

Rose perked up.

"Can I–"

"Do you know how to deal with teeth?" Hermione asked.

"You of all people should know how Serendipity works," Rose replied. "All I'd have to say would be 'd'so Bryn da neto lo', and you'd be fine."

"What does that mean?" Ginny asked.

"Probably 'I wish Brain's teeth were smaller'," Hermione said. "Rose, I respect your ability to fight, but–"

"Did I or did I not help make your hair look amazing?" Rose asked.

"I still don't understand why you're sending Taltria with me," Sally-Anne said, getting them off the subject when she saw Hermione's distress. "I'll be fine. I can use the Shield Rune if there's an emergency. Why not send her with Neville?"

"Toad can use his sword outside of school," Rose said. "I'm less worried about him than I am about you. Besides, I'm sending Int with him."

"Wouldn't it be better for me to have Taltria to practice with?" Neville asked.

Rose paused, evidently deep in thought.

"I hadn't thought of that," Rose said. "We'll see."

When the last of the students filed out, the group got up and followed them. Waiting outside the train for them was Professor McGonagall, who followed Harry to meet his aunt and uncle.

"Dursley," Professor McGonagall snapped. "Potter will only be staying with you for the next 12 days. After that, he will be living with his godfather. Considering Potter's safety has become a concern, Peta-Lorrum will be meeting you at your house with his new bodyguard. Any problems with this can be taken up with her. Good day."

Professor McGonagall ignored the shouts and screams from Uncle Vernon as she left them alone. Vernon turned to glare at Harry, but Harry stared straight back at him.

"I'm not afraid of you," Harry said. "In 12 days, you'll be a distant memory."

"Why you–" Vernon said as he grabbed Harry's arm.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Harry recognized Sirius's voice, and knew he wasn't alone. Sirius was at his side in an instant, and Sally-Anne and her parents weren't far behind.

"We wouldn't want to make a scene, now would we, Mr. Dursley?" Sally-Anne's mum asked.

Vernon eyed the crowd gathering around them. The Weasleys were now behind him, the Grangers were watching from not far off, Tutela looked like she was getting ready to lunge at them, and even Neville remained fixated on them.

Vernon released his grip on Harry, who rubbed his arm.

"Move it," Vernon growled.

"Why don't you ask nicely?" Sirius said.

For a second, Harry worried that Vernon would punch Sirius, even with everybody watching. Harry wasn't sure he'd ever seen Vernon so angry at anyone.

"Move, please," Vernon said through gritted teeth, his face turning purple.

"Sure," Harry said.

"I'll see you soon, Harry," Sirius said.

Sally-Anne waved to him. "Bye, Harry!"

Harry waved back at her as he followed the Dursleys out of the platform. Dudley shoved him aside when they got in the car, but no one spoke a word the entire drive. Harry stared out the window the entire time, wondering how Alavel was going to handle the Dursleys. Surely they'd freak out when they saw him; he was covered in gold armor, after all.

When they pulled into Privet Drive, Harry saw Rose sitting beside a burly man he'd never seen before. The man looked ordinary compared to Rose, whose only attempt to blend in was shrinking her cloak to a shawl. Except for her hair, Rose looked almost normal. Either that, or Harry had grown so accustomed to seeing Rose that he didn't notice anymore.

Vernon's fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles were white. He climbed out of the car, and Rose opened the door to Number Four Privet Drive.

"Don't want to make a scene," Rose said on her way inside the house.

The moment everyone was inside, Vernon rounded on Rose.

"Look here, girl, I don't care who you are, this is my house! I demand that you take this man and–"

Vernon was silenced by Crimson Thorn unfolding in Rose's hand. The Dursleys all backed away from Rose.

"Dursley Family, meet Alavel," Rose said, motioning to the man beside her. "He doesn't eat or sleep, and his sole purpose here is to ensure Harry's safety and well-being. Treat Harry like a person and neither Alavel nor I will bother you."

Harry watched Vernon get angrier by the minute. His uncle couldn't do anything without risking Rose going after him with Crimson Thorn, and that just made him all the more furious.

"Any questions?" Rose asked.

Harry counted down every second for the next 12 days. He could hardly contain his excitement over living with Sirius.

"Don't build it up too much," Alavel told him. "It'll only make it worse when it's not everything you imagined."

Harry couldn't possibly see how it could be worse than living with the Dursleys. It would be just like Sally-Anne said; a place where he'd be loved and appreciated. There would be someone to tell him more about his mum and dad. It would be everything for which he'd ever hoped.

Harry was glad, in a way, that Rose had sent Alavel with him. He was quiet and didn't do much other than sit with Harry and help with the chores. Still, it was someone with whom Harry could talk about Hogwarts, and one glare from Alavel would stop the Dursleys in their tracks. Those 12 days were the best of Harry's time at Privet Drive.

When the day came for Harry to go with Sirius, he sat on the steps with Alavel, waiting for him to arrive.

"Would you get inside?" hissed Aunt Petunia. "Somebody's going to see you!"

"So what?" Harry snapped. "I'm sure they'll see me when I'm walking down the street with Sirius."

Harry felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Alavel shaking his head.

"We are leaving in a few minutes," Alavel said. "Why not comply for that time?"

Harry glared at the Nimblewright, angry that he would even suggest cooperating with the Dursleys. They'd never done anything for him! He certainly wasn't about to do them any favors.

"Why should I?"

Alavel responded with a sigh, which frustrated Harry even more.

"Don't treat me like a kid."

"Don't act like a kid, Master Scarface, and I won't."

Harry clenched his fists, angered by the nickname Rose had given him. Before he knew what it was, he'd liked his scar. It was unique, something to set him apart from the so-called family that he hated so much. Now it seemed like that was all anyone saw when they looked at him, and Rose was no different.

"I hate that name," he muttered.

"Then earn another one."

Harry spent the next few minutes glowering at the entrance to Privet Drive, willing Sirius to walk into view.

Of course he's late, Harry thought. Everyone's got something better to do than spend time with me.

Alavel sat in silence and stared off into the distance. Harry often wondered what went on inside his bodyguard's head, but this wasn't one of those times. All Harry wanted to know was where Sirius was.

"Where is he?" Harry hissed.

"He'll be here in 12 rounds," Alavel replied.

Harry couldn't remember how much a round was supposed to be, nor did he care. He just wanted Sirius to walk around the corner and be there.

"Get inside!" Uncle Vernon barked. "If you don't, I'll–"

"You'll what?" Alavel asked in his baritone voice. He looked over his shoulder at Uncle Vernon while Harry continued to stare daggers at the street.

Harry could almost hear the smoke coming out of Uncle Vernon's ears as someone assumed authority over him in his own home. Harry tried not to laugh at his uncle, knowing that Alavel would scold him if he did.

According to both Alavel and Rose, Rose enhanced the Nimblewright specifically to accommodate Harry. From what Harry understood, Rose had used the wrong word. Alavel didn't accommodate Harry, he handled him. Like Sally-Anne, Alavel assumed Harry wasn't going to talk, and took to reading his body language instead. When he talked, he was either calm or condescending, the latter of which infuriated Harry. The worst was when Alavel stood up for Harry's aunt and uncle. He also stood up for Harry against the Dursleys, forcing them to give him a share of food equal to Dudley's (who was currently on a diet, although Harry neither knew nor cared if the two were related), or leaving him alone when they started to yell at him.

In fact, it was starting to sound like Rose had instructed Alavel to keep everyone from fighting. This confused Harry because that was unlike Rose in almost every way. Harry always thought that she reveled in fighting, and got bored if there was nothing to challenge her.

"In 24 seconds, Sirius will come around that corner," Alavel said, "and then we'll be gone for nearly a year. That will give you plausible deniability for 12 months if someone happens to see us."

Even as annoying as Alavel could be, he had a way of speaking that made Harry want to listen to him, even if he didn't agree with him. Any condescension would be tuned out, but Alavel picked up on it immediately and spoke to Harry like he was a person. Not famous like students at Hogwarts often did, not a monster like his aunt and uncle, but a normal person, like Sally-Anne did.

"Master Scarface," Alavel said, nodding towards the entrance to Privet Drive.

Harry saw Sirius walking towards them like it was any other day. If not for a quick hand from Alavel, Harry would've rushed off to greet him, but instead waited until Sirius was in the driveway.

"You're here," Harry said, forgetting the time and place. It didn't matter that he was at the Dursleys' or that Sirius was a few minutes late, only that he was there and Harry got to leave. Harry rushed over to greet Sirius, who literally welcomed Harry with open arms.

"Sorry I'm late, Kid," Sirius said. "Got lost on my way here and didn't want to ask directions."

Alavel stood up from his spot on the porch, nodded to the Dursleys, and picked up Harry's pack. Harry called down Headwig, who'd been circling the neighborhood for the past hour.

"Got everything?" Sirius asked.

"Right here," Harry said, taking the pack from Alavel. "It's–"

"Bigger on the inside, I know," Sirius said. "Crookshanks told me when I couldn't find Ron's things at Hogwarts." He stuck his thumb towards the Dursleys. "Wanna say goodbyes?"

Harry shook his head and held back a laugh. "No."

"Alavel, you all set?"

Alavel nodded, silently taking up the rear of their group as they left Privet Drive.

"Come on," Sirius said. "First order of business is buying you some clothes that fit. Never mind, first order of business is getting something to eat. What are you hungry for, Kid?"

"Anything," Harry said, unfazed by the nickname "Kid".

"I'm gonna go outside!" Neville called to his gran.

"What? Why?"

"Fresh air, that sort of thing."

Closing the door behind him, he looked around to confirm that no one was watching him. He was the most boring person in the neighborhood, so no one bothered to spy on him. The Longbottoms never did anything interesting, and everyone knew it.

Neville took a deep breath and drew the Sword of Gryffindor.

Feet apart. Don't lock your knees; you're more mobile that way.

Neville bent his knees, keeping his feet roughly in line with his shoulders.

Be ready to move. You don't have much in the way of Strength, apart from what I gave you, but you can make up for that with speed.

Neville twirled the sword around his hand, a maneuver that had taken him days to get right. Fortunately, Rose had been there to heal him every time he'd cut himself with the blade while practicing what Rose insisted was a vital trick to master.

It's intimidating when they see you handling a sword like that. That's why I always twirl Crimson Thorn when I draw him. Then stab him in the ground so they know I'm not afraid to stab them in the face!

For the past several months, Neville practiced whenever he'd had the chance. He repeated everything Rose had told him in his head until he'd memorized it. Neville worked hard, determined to prove to Rose that she wasn't wasting her time with him.

Hundreds of years ago, this book called the Tome of Battle was discovered in an underground tomb. It described a sort of magic for those that fight rather than use spells. It called it "sword magic". Once word spread and the techniques were no longer kept secret, that was the only way to go if you were serious about fighting.

His heart still sank thinking about "sword magic". Rose insisted that it would help him to learn an equivalent, but he was no good at any magic. For months Neville had tried to get by without using magic during practice, but still Rose insisted.

Neville took a deep breath and ran through the moves Rose had shown him.

"I don't need magic. I can't do magic."

Of course you can! And it's not magic, otherwise Shadow wouldn't have touched it. She hates magic! It's something like concentrating on your inner beatstick and pummeling your opponent senseless. I'll talk with Harold. He'll know.

Neville practiced the same moves until his arm was sore, but still he kept going.

She'll just give up on me if I can't do it. Everyone gives up on me in the end.

Rose wanted him to try wandless magic, not like Hermione, but just a few spells to help him with his swordplay. Using magic with a wand was hard enough for him. Even with Hermione helping him, he couldn't get wandless magic.

"I don't get it," he whispered. "Why can't I do it?"

He practiced for another half hour before calling it a day. The Sword of Gryffindor returned to his glove, and he dragged his feet inside.

"There you are," his gran said from her reading chair. "What were you doing out there?"

"Getting some exercise," he replied, wiping sweat from his forehead.

"You got something from Professor Sprout," she said, handing him a small package.

Neville took the package and tore it open. Inside he found a vial of a clear, orange liquid, a book, and a letter.

Dear Neville,

We never had that chat about your sword, so I'll let you know: The Sword of Gryffindor (Yes, I know what it is) uses goblin magic. That means that not only will you never need to clean it, but it will absorb materials that will strengthen it.

I've sent you some oil from the medallyne plant. This recently discovered plant secretes an oil that has the interesting property of making blood thicker. It has also been discovered that the oil mixes well with metal, often making it stronger. Make sure you wear your gloves if you try to handle it.

My final gift is a book I found some time ago on legendary swords, the Sword of Gryffindor being one of them. There are many bits of information I thought you'd find helpful.

Sincerely,

Professor Sprout

"Well, what does she say?" his gran asked.

"Professor Sprout and me were talking about the Sword of Gryffindor the other day," Neville said. "She found a book about it she thought I'd like."

Before his gran could ask more questions, he took everything to his room to start applying the oil to the sword.

Dear Hermione,

I don't know if you've heard, but they're having the Quidditch World Cup in Britain this year! Dad pulled a lot of strings and got us some seats in the top box. We got enough for the family plus one. Since Harry's already going with Sirius, we were hoping you'd go with us. I know Quidditch isn't your thing, but Ginny and me were both hoping you'd go. Also, I think the Twins like you, so be afraid.

If you want, Mum's also invited you to stay for the month. Oh! It's at the end of August, not long before classes start. We're gonna stay at the campgrounds there, and take a portkey to get there. I don't know if you've ever traveled by portkey, but if you haven't, it feels a lot like when Rose teleports people. I know you go camping, so we wouldn't expect you until after.

Rose is welcome to stay with us too, but we couldn't get another ticket, so she wouldn't be able to go to the match. Mum's staying home. Bill and Charlie will also be there.

Sincerely,

Ron

Hermione stared at the letter, not sure what to say. Of all their friends, she'd been chosen over the others, with the possible exception of Harry. As Ron had mentioned, she didn't much care for Quidditch, but it was still kind of them to think of her.

"What's Cohort say?" Rose asked.

"The Quidditch World Cup's being held in Britain this year, and his family's got an extra ticket," Hermione said.

"So his parents will be there," her dad asked. "Right?"

"His dad will," Hermione said. "It sounds like his dad, all his brothers, and Ginny. It's not til the end of August, but I've been invited to their house to stay the month."

"What about Rose?" her mum asked.

"She can stay with them, but–"

"I decline," Rose said. "I'm already planning on staying with Moon and her dad."

"Wait, what?" Hermione said. "When were you gonna tell me this?"

"After you finished reading your letter," Rose said.

Hermione didn't know how to handle that. It was just so odd not having Rose right there with her. Christmas holiday was strange enough on its own. In past years she'd enjoyed the break from her quirky friend, but lately she'd come to appreciate her. Not having Rose by her side made Hermione a little anxious.

"Hermione?"

Hermione snapped out of her thoughts and looked at her mum.

"Sorry."

"Moon is Luna, right?" Hermione's mum asked her.

"Yeah," Hermione said, turning to Rose. "You did ask her first, right?"

"Yes," Rose replied. "Tutela gave me their answer a few hours ago. Her dad said he'd be happy to have me, so long as I bring something new to show him. He really likes my equipment."

"I can see that," Hermione said, thinking back on what she'd heard about Luna's eccentric father.

"Do you want to go to this match?" her dad asked.

Hermione wasn't sure if she wanted to go, but she was also handling the news that Rose might not be staying with her. It felt odd, and she couldn't tell one from the other. Staying with the Weasleys wouldn't be any different, except she wouldn't have Rose or Sally-Anne there with her. She felt bad about leaving Sally-Anne out of it, especially since they'd faced nearly everything else together since the troll.

"What about Sally-Anne?" Hermione asked. "It wouldn't be the same without her."

"I'm sure she wouldn't want to miss her dad's play," her mum said. "Speaking of, I think it would be fun to all go see it, assuming there's no reunion this year. Why are you being invited for the whole month?"

"I dunno, that's just what it says," Hermione said. "Rose, can you take us to the Burrow later so we can talk with them about this in person?"

"Sure."

"Before we do anything," her dad said, "you need to decide if you actually want to go."

"I think I do," Hermione said. "I think it might be fun to go."

"So long as that's what you want," her dad said.

"You girls also got your Hogwarts supplies lists," her mum said, handing them each a letter.

"That's interesting," Hermione said as she scanned the list. "'A formal gown or robes'. What's happening this year that we've got to have formal attire?"

Hermione glanced over at Rose, who was still reading her letter.

"Rose?"

"They sacked Professor Lupin," Rose said. "I liked him!"

"Didn't you say he was a werewolf?" Hermione's mum asked.

"It doesn't matter anymore," Hermione said. "Rose gave him an amulet that stops him from transforming so long as he wears it. How could they sack him?! He's the best defence professor we've had!"

"They're replacing him with an ex-Auror, Alastor Moody," Rose said. "Yet another professor I've got to keep in line. Although, he was handpicked by Professor Dumbledore, so he's got that going for him."

"Can't you let the staff do that?" Hermione's dad asked.

"Like I let the staff handle the Basilisk or Sirius Black?" Rose asked.

"Point taken." Her dad turned to her. "Speaking of Hogwarts, just so we're clear, I want to run through this again. Mad man escapes prison."

"Yes," Hermione said.

"The Ministry sends demons that literally feed on human souls and happiness."

"Now gone," Rose said.

"These things give everyone nightmares," her mum said, "that ended up with Hermione hallucinating."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Hermione said, feeling small as she always did when the topic of her incident with Ron was discussed.

"It's alright now, Sweetheart," her mum replied, placing her hand on Hermione's.

"Turns out this man is innocent," her dad continued, "and your friend's rat isn't really a rat. After you catch him, the castle comes down on top of you, and most of your friends, yourself included, nearly died."

"Firecracker almost got run over, Toad nearly got crushed, Princess–"

"Thank you, Rose, we don't need a play-by-play," her dad said. "Most of your friends nearly died, and you still want to go back."

"I–" Hermione began. She looked over at Rose for support, but was surprised to find she wasn't going to get any.

"Don't look at me. If it were up to me, I'd send you to Beauxbatons."

"What?"

"Like your dad said, four of our friends almost died. Atrien did die. You saw the house-elves at the funeral. You know how upset they all were?"

"Yeah."

"Imagine if that were you. Your family, apart from your parents, would never know what happened to you. Think about your cousin, what's-her-name."

"Which cousin?" Hermione asked.

"Probably Estelle," her dad said. "Who, according to your Uncle Paul, is rather eager to see you and Rose again."

"Yeah, that one," Rose said. "The funny one. She'd never know what happened to you either. You'd just be gone, poof, and they'd have to lie to their own family every time they saw them."

Hermione paused for a moment, thinking hard about that. It hurt her to lie to her parents. Even the small lie that she'd dropped the condition conch in her fight with Sirius instead of leaving it behind in her room ate away at her. Having been lied to by Rose still stuck in the back of her mind.

She couldn't just give up. She loved it at Hogwarts, loved learning everything there was, and, possibly most of all, loved her friends. Hermione couldn't just leave them and take the easy way out. It felt… wrong.

"A few years ago, maybe I would've taken the chance to leave. If the Dementors had been there our first year, I would've left. I'm surprised more people didn't. But I can hold my own until you get there."

"So long as you don't drop the conch again," her father said with a hint of irritability.

"I've been working on wandless summoning for the conch," Hermione said. "That and my wand. So if I lose them, I can just get them back. Ron always uses summoning at close range, but you don't have to. In theory, so long as I know where something is, I can summon it from the castle if I'm on the grounds."

Her parents looked at her, and she wasn't sure if they didn't understand or didn't believe her.

"I promise, I'll be fine."