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Part One

After the events of fifth year, Hermione seriously needed a vacation from school. She sat outside on the lawn of her suburban home just outside of London and looked at the clouds. She hadn't sent Harry or Ron any letters in the last two weeks and knew they were probably worried. Well, Hermione was more worried about Harry then Harry probably worried about her. She decided to write them letters and tell them that she was alright and everything was fine. As she got up, a horned owl with white speckles came swooping down out of the sky. It dropped a letter into Hermione's hands and flew away. It was obviously too busy to stop and take a break. She looked at the letter in her hand.

Miss Hermione Granger

Outside on the lawn of 18 O'Doyle Drive

Hermione was always amazed at the Wizard's mail system and their uncanny ability to tell where anyone is at. She opened the letter to find a parchment from The Academy of Extraordinary Witches and Wizards. She heard about that school. It was one of the most elite schools in the Wizarding World. But why would they be sending her a letter? She read further into the letter.

To Miss Hermione Granger,

We are pleased to inform you that after numerous searches into Wizarding schools around the country that your outstanding grades and O.W.L scores have exceeded our expectations. We would like to give you a scholarship to go to our school. As you most likely know, we have the best professors and staff on board and-

Hermione didn't care to read the rest. She got accepted into one of the best schools in the country! She smiled brighter than the sun and ran inside to tell her parents.

"Hermione, honey, that's wonderful! We're so proud of you!" her mother said. Her father smiled and congratulated her as well.

"Well, if I'm going to send you to this school, I need to know about it. I've never heard of it," her father said.

"Dad, of course you've never heard of it! You're not a wizard, but that's not the point. It's one of the best schools in the country. Only a limited number of people get to go every year, Dad," Hermione said.

"Lemme' see the letter," Her father said. Hermione handed the letter over to her father. He quickly skimmed through the letter. "And how are you planning on traveling from here to there? Do you know how far away from home that is? Hogwarts is closer to us than this school is," her father argued.

"Dad, distance shouldn't matter. You want me to become something great, right? Well, why not send me to the best school, so I can do the best in life?"

"Honey, we understand that you want to go, and we do want you to become something great. We just aren't comfortable with you being that far from home," her mother said in her maternal tone. Her father put his hand on his chin and Hermione knew he was deep in thought. Then he smiled.

"Marietta, maybe the distance isn't so bad. As Hermione had said, it is one of the best schools. Look at their standards. Besides, the distance from home should build some character and independence. It can't be that bad. When do you have to reply?" Her father said as he turned to Hermione.

"June twenty-eighth," Hermione said. She waited at her father looked at the letter, reading it more closely.

"That's a week from today," her mother stated.

"Well, it can't be bad, and she really wants to go," her father pronounced.

"Yes, I do," Hermione said, establishing that she was still there and did not go anywhere.

"We'll talk it over tonight and we'll tell you in the morning, OK, honey?" her mother said.

"How about I go into my room and you all can talk it over now, so I don't have to wait?" Hermione suggested.

"Whatever works," her father said. She ran up the stairs to her room and closed the door. She liked Hogwarts, but she would always be interested in trying something new. But then she remembered the real reason why she went inside before the letter came. She was going to write letters to Ron and Harry. Then she thought Ron and Harry! Oh God. What will happen to them without ME there? Oh my God, they're gonna' get themselves expelled without me there! Suddenly, she heard the telephone ring.

"Hermione, could you get that?" her mother called. Hermione picked up the telephone.

"Hermione? Is it you? Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and Dudley just left to go out to dinner, leaving me here home alone, as usual," Harry said.

"Yes, Harry, it's me. What's up?" she replied.

"Well, I already told you."

"That's nice. Harry, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Suppose I left Hogwarts. Would you and Ron be able to pass your classes without me and keep yourselves out of trouble?"

Harry hesitated. "Is this a trick question?"

"No. I want you answer honestly."

"Uuuummmm...well why do you ask?" Harry hoped changing the subject would keep him out one of Hermione's traps. If he said yes, she would say, "Good, then this year, you and Ron can do your own work." If he said no, she would think they were completely hopeless, which was the truth, but didn't want her to know about it.

"Why do you have to know?" Hermione asked.

"Just because I wanna' know what's making my friend asking me a question like that. Is that so much to ask?"

"Well...it's just that..."

"What?"

"Well, see Harry, I received this letter today by the Academy of Extraordinary Witches and Wizards. They want me to go to their school."

Hermione didn't hear Harry answer for a long while. Finally, he spoke. "And...do you plan on going?"

"Well...yes, as a matter of fact. I think it's a great opportunity for me to really work on a career that's right for me. Harry, you have to understand that this affects me as much as it does you."

"Hermione...I understand completely. You are a great witch and you're very smart. If this is your choice then I support it, as long as it's what you want. Don't be worried about me and Ron. We'll get by just fine."

"Thanks, Harry. That means a lot."

"Hermione!" her mother called. "Come downstairs! Supper's ready!"

"I got to go," Hermione said to Harry. "Thanks for understanding. Oh, and Harry?"

"Yeah?" he replied.

"Don't tell Ron. I want to tell him personally."

"OK. I'll keep it secret. Talk to you later!"

"'Bye," she said, and hung up. She thought if this was really what she wanted, to leave Hogwarts, her friends, her teachers, Dumbledore, and even her enemies. She went down the stairs to eat and await her parent's decision.

**********************

Hermione sat down at the table, where her mother served the food. When they finished eating, her mother politely swept off any of the food on her mouth and turned towards Hermione.

"Honey, we have decided," her mother announced. Hermione sat straight up, awaiting their decision.

"Yes, we decided that you can go, as long as you keep your grades up in that school and we don't get any bad reports from the teachers," her father said. Hermione let out a high pitched squeal and ran to hug her parents. She was going to the best school in England. She was actually going.

Her parents replied to the letter and sent a packet of information, which stated that there would be a train leaving from her city at 8 o'clock in the morning. That was whole lot earlier than the Hogwart's train. She was disappointed she would not get to see them before she left, but she would surely see them before then.

A week after the letter, the due date for the replies, she got the usual owl from Ron, inviting her to The Burrow to stay before the start of Hogwarts. She wished she could tell Ron that she wasn't going to Hogwarts, but he would be so...disappointed. They had become rather close the last month of Hogwarts before they both left for home. They stayed in the Prefect's compartment on the train ride back and got to really know each other. No, not like that! There were people around and in the same compartment as them! Anyways, she said yes to his invite but told her she had to leave early for family reasons. Ron said it was alright.

The days before Hermione went to The Burrow wisped by faster than a speedy snitch. When Ron, Harry, and Ron's father came to pick her up, they had another surprise with them: Fred and George had come with them as well. "Hey Hermione! Good to see you! How- Oooohhh what's this?" George said as he got distracted by a lava lamp that was bubbling in a fury.

"Fred, don't touch it. It might bite you!" Mr. Weasley scolded.

"I'm George! Gees, you're getting as worse as Mum!" George said.

Mr. Weasly scoffed. "No one can get as worse as your mother. Tell her I said that and you'll get something that really bites!" Ron, George, and Fred did not like the sound of that, even though Ron didn't do anything but stand there.

"C'mon, Hermione. Harry and I will help you get your bags," Ron said. Hermione nodded in response and let Harry and Ron up the staircase. Harry was in his just-follow-Ron-and-no-one-will-think-I'm-not-paying-attention mode, aka his zoned-out mode. When Ron saw how much less baggage she had than usual, he started to wonder. "Hermione, did you not pack?" he said.

"Of course I did. I told you I had to leave early because of family business. Plus, my parents are bringing my trunk when I meet them at the train station. I won't be there for as long as you will be with Harry," Hermione said. Ron looked at Harry whose mouth was agape and his eyes were lifeless as he stood there. Ron snapped his fingers in front of Harry's eyes. Harry was back in the real world. His eyes started exploring Hermione's extravagantly clean room.

"I don't think I can deal with him and his zoning-out modes. They're becoming more frequent," Ron said.

"Just keep him occupied. Make him read a book. I can-" Hermione was interrupted.

"Honestly, Hermione. Him? Read? Please," Ron laughed.

"I guess you're right. Well, just keep playing chess with him. That will get his mind going and out of La-la Land," Hermione suggested.

"Sure, Hermione. Well, lets get your stuff down so we can leave," Ron said and snapped his fingers yet again to tell Harry there was something going on outside his Wonderland. They carried her stuff downstairs and set it at the bottom of the stairs.

"Alright, honey. You be good, alright? We'll come and pick you up from the Weasleys in a couple of weeks. Thank you so much for having Hermione over, Arthur," Hermione's mother said.

"It's no trouble at all, really. Well, c'mon Hermione. We'll put your stuff in the car and be off. Fred, George, stop fighting over the bubble-light," Mr. Weasly said. He picked up Hermione's things and left her home, which reminded her of Hogwarts, the place that used to be her home, but now was moving on. Moving on to bigger and better things, like the future. But little did she know what the future really had in store for her.

*****************************

Hermione arrived at the Burrow after the long drive with Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Fred and George. They were still fighting over the lava lamp and how they could use it in there joke shop.

"Brilliant! A lamp that bites! When you go to turn it on, it gives a little pinch," Fred said.

"We would probably get our tails cut off by the Ministry of Magic for selling 'unfit products to the public'," George argued. "And how much do you mean when you say 'a little pinch'?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just enough to leave a slight flesh wound."

"A flesh wound? Are you mad?"

"Stark raving."

"Would you two come off it? You are not selling bubble-lamps that bite!" Mr. Weasley said.

"Well in that case, I would have to agree to the idea, Fred," George said. Fred gave a mischievous smile in the evil of lamps that bite. Mrs. Weasley then came running out of the house to embrace Hermione in a tight hug. Hermione's face was turning pink.

"Mom, you're choking her!" Ron yelled.

"Oh, sorry, dear. Well, come on inside and have some lunch. I bet you all are hungry. Oh, by the way, Ron, George, Fred, and Ginny, Bill and Charlie are here. Just so you're not surprised when you see them home," Mrs. Weasley explained. Hermione always liked to see Bill, because he was always a good sight to see (^_-). They all walked inside of the Burrow and saw Bill taking sandwich after sandwich on his plate, and Charlie was laid back in his chair with his feet propped on the table. Red, red, red was all Hermione could see, with the exception of Harry, who was once again, zoned-out. They all sat down to the table and had lunch, not before snapping her fingers at Harry. Charlie talked about the latest in his dragons, and Bill talked about his latest treasure hunt. Hermione couldn't take her eyes off of Bill's earring. It always had a way of capturing her and pulling her in. It wasn't like she minded though.

Later after lunch, Hermione talked to Ginny and told her about her acceptance to The Academy of Extraordinary Wizards and Witches. Ginny squealed with happiness for Hermione, but then saddened as she realized she wouldn't be there. "I'll write to you. I promise," Hermione assured Ginny. Ginny sighed.

"But it won't be the same. I mean, how're Ron and Harry going to pass their classes? Harry zones out all the time, and Ron is usually too busy throwing things at Harry to get him to pay attention," Ginny said.

"I don't know how they're going to pull it off, but Harry assured me that he would be able to do it. I believe him."

"Whatever you say, Hermione. When are you going to tell Ron?" Ginny said then whispered, "Poor boy."

"What was that?"

"When are you going to tell Ron?"

"After that."

"I sneezed."

"You usually sneeze a lot louder than that."

"Well it was a little speck of dust. Nothing to fuss over. But when are you going to tell him?"

"Eventually. I don't know how I'm going to tell him."

"You want me to tell him?"

"No, Ginny. He needs to hear it from me and no one else."

"Alright. Well, I have drawn some of pictures over the summer. You fancy seeing them?"

"I'd be delighted." Ginny led Hermione to her room. Hermione wasn't thinking much about the stairs and ended up tripping on one of them.

"Are you alright?" Ginny said.

"I'm alright. Nothing to worry about. Just missed a step," Hermione assured Ginny. They continued up the steps, while Hermione thought about how she would tell Ron, the person she had gotten so close to by the end of the school year.

Days went by, and the days before Hermione left for The Academy were drawing nearer and nearer. She had to tell Ron and very soon. She sat outside on the lawn watching Harry, Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, and Ginny play Quidditch outside on the open greens and blue sky. Ron was inside the house, patching up his pants when Bill pushed him into a thorn bush while playing. He came out a mess and a bit of his clothing was torn off. He stormed into the house scowling, while Bill howled with laughter. "Mother! Ron ripped his pants again!" Bill yelled. Ron gave him a Death-Glare and walked inside the house. Bill couldn't stop laughing.

Ron came out with clean clothes and with still that same scowl on, and sat next to Hermione. "Bloody git," Ron said.

"I'm sure it was an accident," Hermione declared.

"Did you see the way he was laughing at me? That could not have been an accident."

"I'm sure it was. He'll probably say he's sorry soon enough and this will all be a funny memory."

"Funny. Oh yeah. This is hysterical."

"Oh, come off it. All the others we're laughing, too."

"Were you laughing?"

"No, because I thought it was a bit mean." Hermione thought it was best that Ron didn't know she was giggling like a madman along with the others. Then Ron had a new revived vigor that gave him strength.

"Alright, then. I'm going back in the game."

"Before you do, I have something to tell you."

"Alright, then. What is it?"

Hermione took a deep breath before breaking the truth to him. "Ron, I'm not going back to Hogwarts this year." Ron looked at her in complete shock. His mouth dropped at the words. He just stared at her for long moments and didn't make a sound. Hermione wasn't even sure he was breathing. "Ron? Well, say something!" Hermione exclaimed.

"You're...not? Why?!"

"Because I got accepted into The Academy of Extraordinary Wizards and Witches, and I thought this would be a great opportunity for me."

"Well, isn't Hogwarts just as good?"

"Ron, this school is one of the best in the country. They want me to go-Ron, this is a great chance for me to really find out what I'm going to do after school. You have to understand that I do not want to leave my friends there or anyone of that nature. Plus, they offer a more intense curriculum than Hogwarts does and only the best of the best witches and wizards get in. It's a very elite school."

"I still don't understand why you want to leave to be average, when you could go to Hogwarts and stand out among everyone as being the smartest witch in the entire school. Why would you want no one to notice who you are and get nothing for your work? You're better than that."

"I am, and that's why I'm going. Plus, when I apply to work, they will see that I went there and make me more applicable for work. I thought you would understand."

"I understand completely. I just wish you would stay. But if you want to go to this school, then go ahead." Ron picked up his broom and stood up, he looked at the game and then back to Hermione. He sighed. "Don't let me hold you back. I'm just one person. If you want to go, then go. Lot of people are going to miss you, though. You do know that, right?"

"Yes, I do know that. But I'm willing to make that sacrifice. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices in order to get what you most desire."

"Whatever you think is best. I'm going back in the game."

"Have fun." Ron walked back to the empty field where they were playing.

"Back for more pain, little brother?" Bill yelled.

"I think you're going to be the one feeling pain, Bill!" Ron yelled back. He then got on his broom and was back in. Hermione watched and thought what he was going to do without her there. Harry handled it a lot better than Ron did. But Harry was a space-cadet and nothing kept him in the real world unless it was food or juicy bits of gossip or Quidditch. The information probably went through one ear and out the other. No matter though. Ron knows and that's all that matters. But I can't help but think why Ron would be the last person I tell... Hermione mulled over this for quite a while until supper was ready and Mrs. Weasley called them all in. Hermione could use some food. She was awfully hungry and willing to see a good sight (^_-).

Everyone was eating dinner and Ron being the loud-mouth he was, decided to strike up a conversation about school, which would then lead to her confession of her school choice to everyone. He didn't know that he was the last person Hermione told and that everyone else knew for quite some time now. "So, what are your plans for school, Hermione?" Ron asked. Everyone had on a face of horror. Mrs. Weasley looked to Mr. Weasley, Bill looked to Fred, George to Charlie, Ginny to Hermione, and Harry had zoned out again. Oh shit. He knows. Here come the fireworks. Hermione expected the worst. But she just decided to play along, hoping it would surpass anything she expected. "I'm not going back to Hogwarts this year. I'm going to The Academy of Extraordinary Witches and Wizards," Hermione said, looking away, trying her best to act. Nobody in this room was good at performing. Ron knew in an instant that everyone knew before he did. "Wait...you all knew?!" he yelled. "Even the space-cadet knew before I did?!"

"Ron, calm down. I have my reason for letting you know last," Hermione reasoned.

"And what would those reasons be?! Why me?! What did I ever do?!" Ron shouted.

"I was scared of your bad temper, Ron, like you're doing now and how you would deal with it!" Hermione said.

"I do NOT have a bad temper!" Ron bellowed.

"Yes, you do! You're doing it now!" Hermione argued.

"Ron! Hermione! Stop it now, you two! I am very shocked at you all. Ron, this is not your decision to make, so you shouldn't interfere!" Mrs. Weasley said.

"I'm not going to interfere anymore," Ron stood up, wheeled around and stormed out of the room. Everyone glanced at each other. Even Harry was listening.

"I should have seen this coming," Hermione said and put her head in her hand and closed her eyes in frustration. She sighed deeply and excused herself from the table. She thanked Mrs. Weasley for the dinner and went up to Ginny's room, where she was staying.

"We should have seen this coming," Harry said.

"Yeah. They don't deserve to be like this," Ginny said.

"I kind of feel sorry for Ron now," Bill said. "I...should apologize for earlier...." Bill then excused himself to go talk to Ron and left the table. He'd be back. There was still plenty of food.

"I...best see if Hermione's alright," Ginny concerned. Then she was the next to leave and talk to Hermione. The ones left were Charlie, Fred, George, and Harry. Mrs. Weasley left to wash the dishes and such, and Mr. Weasley left to attend some business from work.

"When did she tell you, Harry?" Fred said. "Mum told me,"

"Hermione told me. I believe I was the first," Harry replied.

"You know what that means...." George said.

"What?" Harry questioned.

"It means we all need a good night's sleep before another one of us slips up," Charlie said and ushered them out of the kitchen.

"Heeeeeyyyy!" Fred urged. "We can escort ourselves, thank you. We don't need your help to walk,"

"Well, you weren't moving fast enough, so I thought you were Grandad," Charlie joked.

"Fine, fine, Grandmum," George said. Charlie was about ready to get in a fight with George when Bill came down the stairs and saw all four of them in the hall at the bottom of the stairs. He did not look like the happy treasure hunter he usually was.

"Harry, Ron wants you," Bill said. Once again, Harry was in a sea of red hair, but this time, Hermione wasn't there to keep him company.

"Alright," Harry responded. "I'm just a little scared he's going to attack me."

"No, he got out all his anger on me. He knows I can kick his ass when I want to. He made sure not to push his limits around me," Bill laughed. "I still smell food." Bill walked off into the kitchen, where he obviously saw Charlie eating the last chicken leg. "CHARLIE!! GIMME' THAT CHICKEN BEFORE I CLOBBER YOUR BRAINS OUT!!" Bill shouted.

"YOU'LL NEVER HAVE THIS CHICKEN!! MWAHAHAHAHA!!" Charlie cackled. Harry finally just decided to go upstairs to Ron before he really did decide to attack him and before he got in Charlie and Bill's fight over the last chicken.

********************************

Harry went up the stairs to Ron's room. He might as well try to make peace or he would have to sleep on the ground like he did at the Dursley's. He knocked on the door of Ron's room, which opened and he was lying on his back in the bed.

"Do I really have a short temper?" Ron asked.

"Sometimes you can be like a volcano, some days you're patient. It varies," Harry said, not really paying that much attention to the words he was saying. Ron sighed.

"It's just that..." his eyes were concentrated on Harry. "You know how when you get to know someone more than what you expected and you don't want to loose what you have?"

"Is that why you made that scene downstairs?"

"I just don't want her to leave. It upsets me that I have to sacrifice our friendship."

"Well she does have a good reason. And this is what makes her happy. Don't you want what's best for her?"

"I don't mean to sound selfish, Harry, but I would much rather fancy her being at Hogwarts than that Academy. You and I both know that we need her here."

"Yeah, but this is what she wants, and we have to respect that."

"Yeah, I guess." Ron sighed and continued to stare at the ceiling with great concentration. Then the question he had been burning to ask came up in his mind. "Harry?"

"Yes?"

"How did Hermione tell you?"

"I called her on the phone, because Uncle Vernon and that lot went out and left me there. I was bored and had nothing to do."

"Wait, you called her?"

"Yeah..."

"And she told you right then?"

"No, I had to interrogate her to get it out. She didn't tell me immediately."

"Ah...."

"She was concerned about telling you though. I really didn't understand why."

"Hm. Must be the hair..." Ron cracked a smile. He hadn't been happy all day, and it was nice to see Ron actually smiling despite today's events. Harry smiled as well. He didn't want to ruin the happy moment. "What time is it anyways?"

"Close to nine."

"Charlie and Bill are fighting over the last piece of food, then."

"Are you joking? They were doing that when I went up here."

"Who won?"

"I don't know."

"Let's go see. I bet 1 galleon it was Bill."

"No, Charlie was on the verge of insanity."

"Oh he does that all the time. I wouldn't worry. Besides, Charlie wouldn't want Bill to kick his ass."

"Oh c'mon. Charlie and Bill are about the same size. Charlie could kick Bill if he wanted to."

"Why don't we just go down and see?" Harry nodded at Ron's request and opened the door. They didn't hear anything and Fred and George were hiding behind the wall at the top step of the stairs, covered in gravy. "Fred..." Ron asked suspiciously.

"SSSSHHH!! SHUT UP!!" Fred whispered sternly. Ron was in silence.

"What happened to you two?" Harry asked.

"Would you two SHUT UP?!" George mumbled.

"FRED!! GEORGE!! BILL!! CHARLIE!!" A shrill voice had ringed through the house like an angry spirit.

"Don't tell me you guys did it again..." Ron said in annoyance and put his hand in his head.

"Run to Ron's!" George said. Bill, Charlie, Fred and George all ran into Ron's room. Harry and Ron followed. All four of them were covered in the golden gravy that had been put on their chicken for dinner. "Lock the door!" Bill ran to the door and immediately locked it, keeping the angry spirit away from them. The Gravy Four fell to the ground and started to laugh like madmen in St. Mungo's. Harry and Ron were utterly confused as they stared at each other with shrugs and puzzlement. "Oi, Fred! You got some in your hair!" Fred stuck a finger in his hair and pulled some of the golden liquid and rubbed it in between his thumb and forefinger as he started at it with a huge smile.

"Mum's gonna' kill us for that," Fred said.

"Ron, if Mum comes in here, just say that you don't know where we went and that you can't open the door because you're changing and can't find your pants," Charlie said. "Damnit, Bill! Look at my pants! My beautiful pants!"

"You can get new ones. Stop acting like Ginny," Bill commented.

"What happened, you four?" Ron asked.

All four broke out laughing and said in accord, "Gravy Fight,"

"Again?! How did Fred and George get involved in this? It's usually only you two," Ron said and looked to Bill and Charlie.

"He started it!" George said and pointed a sharp finger towards Bill, who looked completely innocent.

"Moi?" Bill placed a hand to his chest. "I'm afraid I do not know what you speak of," Bill spoke in a sarcastic guiltless tone.

"You're the one who can't bloody aim!" George argued.

"Just tell me what happened," Ron insisted.

"First explain to me what a Gravy Fight is," Harry said.

"It's just something that Bill and I do every year since I was fifteen and gets Mum really pissed off. We throw gravy at each other until Mum catches us or until we run out and run for our lives. We never tell when it's gonna' be because we don't know ourselves. We just start throwing gravy at each other one day we're here. But somehow Fred and George got involved in it this year..." Charlie stated.

"You threw the gravy at me, you bloody git!" George said and pointed at Bill.

"Correction: A miscalculation in my aiming procedure to hit Charlie. You just happened to be there at the wrong time," Bill said. Then there was a knock at the door. Bill ran into Ron's closet, Fred and George under the bed, and Charlie hid underneath Ron's desk for cover.

"Who is it?" Ron asked and looked down at the ground for concentration.

"It's just Ginny and Hermione. Can we come in?" Ginny's voice said.

"Why do you want to come in?" Ron asked.

"We heard something going on and wondered if you had anything to do with it," Ginny said. Ron stood there before the old wooden door, deep in thought.

"Should we let them in?" Ron whispered to the other five after a while of thinking, and not coming to a conclusion.
Bill shook his head. "Ginny can't keep a secret." With that the other four decided no, on account of the shape of the room and themselves as well.

"I'm afraid I can't let you in. I'm changing and I can't find my pants," Ron said, and put his hand on his face again, registering what he just declared. "I can't believe I just said that,"

"It's alright! Keep it up!" George whispered. All six of them heard nothing for a while from the other side until the lock unlocked and the door knob started to turn. Ron had on a face of horror. He grabbed at the door handle to keep the two from coming in. "Oh, crap."

"What do I do?!" Ron asked worried.

"Just keep them there! We'll jump out your window!" Fred replied as he opened up the window and signaled the others to come.

"What about the gravy?! What do you expect me to do about that?!" Ron demanded, more worried about the scene on his floor than that his brothers were going to kill themselves by jumping out of his window.

"Good God, I don't know!" George replied sarcastically. "You're smart. You'll think of something." George then jumped out of the window and heard a giant "PHWOOMP" then a bump.
"What the bloody hell?" he asked to himself. Then Bill jumped out, then Fred, then Charlie. All sounding off the giant "PHWOOMP" then the bump which signaled they hit the ground softly. "Harry! You're not going to go, are you?!" Ron asked desperately.

"Sorry, mate. You're on your own," Harry said as he walked over the window. Then he smiled at Ron and replied, "I'm joking. I wouldn't do that. Hold on. I think I remember a spell to clean this up."

"Well use it- NO WAIT!!" Ron said. But it was too late. Harry only turned the golden gravy into strawberry jam.

"Whoops," Harry said as he saw what he did.

"WHOOPS?! WHOOPS?! IS THAT ALL YOU CAN BLOODY SAY?!" Ron fumed. Finally the door gave way and in waltzed Hermione and Ginny. They both gave a startled gasp as they saw what Ron's room was covered in.

"What happened?!" Ginny asked. Ron pointed to Harry with his head tilted to the ground, surrounded in strawberry jam. Ginny did not need anything more to be said. "Ah," she thought aloud.

"How did this happen?! It looks like a bloody murder took place!" Hermione asked as she closed the door behind her to make sure Mrs. Weasly didn't see that she had anything to do with this catastrophe. Once again, Ron pointed to Harry, stiffer than a stick with rage. "Yes, I know that but how? What did he do?"

"He was trying to turn my bed sheets into a book when he mistook the wrong transfiguration spell for another," Ron lied. But as he talked, his head remained to the ground, remembering his outburst earlier in the evening. Hermione saw it in his face, but did not want to admit it in front of Harry and Ron's own little sister.

"Well, never fear. I know how to fix this," Hermione said, and with a quick swish of her wand and a few words, the room was spotless. Not a trace of anything was left... except for a bit of gravy near the opened window. Hermione immediately became suspicious upon seeing the window. She walked over to it and saw the golden gravy handprints stuck on the window. "Ron... Harry...." she said observing the handprints.

"Yes?" they replied in accord. Ron looked at Harry in surprise. Harry looked at Ron and shrugged.

"Why is there gravy on the window?" Hermione asked charily.

"Good question!" Ron replied.

"Harry?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know," Harry replied.

"Wrong person to ask. Where are Bill, Charlie, and the twins?" Hermione interrogated. She was starting to sound like an investigator. Harry zoned out and Ron looked worried.

"I don't know," Harry replied aimlessly with one eye closed. Ron responded exactly, but with a nervous smile. Hermione now got really suspicious. Then Mrs. Weasley busted through the door in a huff.

"Where are they?" she hissed. Everyone shrugged. "When I find them, they won't ever do this ever again!" She stormed out, looking like she was going to kill whoever was responsible for the gravy fight. Ron let out a sigh, which was probably the biggest mistake to make in front of an interrogator. Hermione looked at him.

"What?" he replied.

"You know, don't you?" she said.

"Who?" Ron asked.

"You know who, Ron," Hermione continued.

"Actually I wouldn't know that unless Harry's scar was hurting him like mad,"

"That's not what I'm talking about."

"Oh really?"

"Yes."

"Oh. Then what are you talking about?"

"Never mind. I suppose you don't want to answer to someone who you previously just exploded at." Harry snapped out of his zone and immediately interrupted Hermione.

"Oh, well what do you know, it's time for us to sleep! My how time flies when you're having... well, in this case no, but that's alright," Harry said, pretending to look at a watch he didn't have and started to shove Hermione and Ginny out of the room. "Love to talk some more, maybe in the morning, over our tea and crumpets! Well, we shall see you later! Have a nice sleep and don't let your dreams bog you down!" Harry slammed the door and locked it, then shoved the bookshelf in Ron's room in front of it. "I don't think Hermione knows any spells to counteract that!" Harry said, looking mighty proud of himself.

"I guess," Ron replied.

"You guess?! That thing is weighs a ton!" Harry said.

"Let's just sleep. Hermione leaves tomorrow. But what I can't figure out is why she chose to tell me last."

"I wouldn't know, but sleep does sound good right now."

"Yeah, I'd have to agree. It does sound good. But why would she-"

"Ron, let's just sleep."

"Yeah, okay. Good night, Harry."

******************************

"Harry! Ron! Get up!" Mrs. Weasley yelled from the other side of the door. "Hermione's leaving in half an hour! If you want to say good-bye and eat, then get up NOW!" Ron groaned as he woke up and rubbed his eyes. Harry got up and put on his glasses which reflected the bit of sun that filtered through the old worn shutters of the ancient house.

"We best be getting up," Harry replied as he rose out of bed and stretched his arms.

"I don't want to," Ron said as he rolled over and turned his back to Harry.

"Why? Don't you want to say good-bye?" Ron lied silent, the night still ringing in his ears. "C'mon, Ron. You're still letting last night get to you? C'mon. Do I really need to jump in there after you?" With that, Ron rose and sat on the edge of the bed. He rubbed his face and didn't even stop to look or even greet Harry. He went to his drawers and picked out some clothes. "Ron...."

"What, Harry?" Ron said monotonously.

"Are you alright?" Ron did not bother to answer except in a whisper.

"It ended too soon."

"What was that?" Ron shook his head.

"Nothing.... Nothing at all," he said, only looking at the ground as he got dressed.

Afterwards, they went downstairs to see Hermione eating with Ginny. They did not see any trace of the Gravy Escapades around the kitchen or anywhere at all. Harry and Ron wondered if they even returned last night.

Harry greeted Hermione and Ginny warmly and sat down at the table while Mrs. Weasley served some toast. Ron did not give a glance to either of them, only once for them to pass the milk. Harry observed them both and gave a look to Ginny that they should leave and come back later, just so the two could make amends. After Harry and Ginny left the room, Hermione opened her mouth to speak.

"Why do you have to be like this?" she asked.

"I'm not the one leaving everybody behind. I'm not the one trampling over everyone's feelings," Ron retorted.

"Trampling over feelings? Everyone seems fine with it except you! I don't understand why you just can't accept the fact that I'm leaving! Sometimes you have to compromise things to get what you truly desire."

"And what do you truly desire? If it was indeed the best career, you would have gone to that Academy years ago!"

"Well, a good career is now what I want, and the past does not matter anymore. I don't want to be living on the streets when I get older!"

"And you think going there is going to make all the difference? You think Hogwarts is going to get you in the gutter?"

"No, but-"

"Then why the bloody hell are you LEAVING?!"

"BECAUSE I WANT TO!" Hermione sighed as she let the steam cool down from her system. "If you want me to say I'm sorry, then fine. You have my apologies. I hope you're bloody happy." With that, she picked up her plate and set it in the enchanted sink, which was washing some pots and pans from this morning Mrs. Weasley used. She then walked out of the room right as they heard a knock from the door. "Are you going to get that, or am I going to be trampling on your feelings?" Ron scowled at her and got up to answer the door. It was Mr. and Mrs. Granger.

"Hello, Ron! We have come to pick up Hermione. Today's the big day! Oh, I know you're going to be missing her, Ron, but don't worry! She'll be back for the holidays! C'mon, honey. Get your things and we'll be off," Mrs. Granger said to Hermione. She walked up the stairs to say her good-byes to Ginny and Harry and everyone else, and also to get her things.

"Well, Ron, are you going to help me?" Hermione replied halfway up the stairs. Ron scoffed.

"Yes, I'm coming," he said dully as he dragged his feet up the stairs. Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked to one another with uncertainty, about whether Hermione was making a good choice to go. But after Ron and Harry helped bring down her things, the whole Weasley family gathered around to say good-bye. Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George all surprisingly walked through the open door, dirty as pigs in a pile of filth. They all smiled at their mother nervously, knowing that after the Grangers were gone, she would have a fit about their "little" incident. Mr. and Mrs. Granger giggled slightly. Boys will be boys... even if they are grown men.

All the boys, including Mr. Weasly, shook her hand, except Ron. George made the last handshake they had memorable. When Hermione went to shake his, George gathered a mischievous grin across his face and said, "Oh, 'Mione. We're much too close to still be doing this...." then he turned to her parents, whose eyes were wide with surprise at him and said, "Kidding! Just kidding!" Mrs. Weasley glared at him while the other boys were trying to hide their smirks. When she went to Ron, she looked at him with the most formal appeal and went to shake his hand. Ron imitated her. They said nothing but a proper good-bye and that was that. Ron wanted nothing further from her. Harry had zoned out again, dreaming about... something. Hermione said her last farewells to everyone and closed the door behind her. She looked back at the place which held so many of her memories. She did not realize until then how much she would miss them. She remembered the summers she had at that place, the joys she felt, the fun they had. She thought about it all as it ran hurriedly through her mind. She let a tear stroll down her face as the memories overwhelmed her. Just one more day... one more day. Her thoughts were then disturbed by her parents, who were eager to be moving. Hermione turned away and put her things in the trunk of her parents car.

"Come on, honey. We have a long drive ahead of us," her mother said.

"Indeed we do, mother. Indeed we do," Hermione whispered as she took one last look of the place which had brought her friends closer together. She was so sad it ended too soon.