The new face of evil - 8 years out

Hermione leaned down to check Kevin's face and felt him pull her close so he could whisper something, "Get the team as close together as possible, and make sure they're holding hands." Hermione flinched in shock and looked at Kevin's face. He looked back straight into her eyes, showing no effect from the curse and winked at her. Hermione was dumbstruck. There was only one person she knew who could do that and how could this be him? She slowly let Kevin back down and pulled the other team together trying to not be obvious.

"So, I guess it was too late for him," the lead wizard joked. "If only you had found the cure." Suddenly, Hermione felt a huge surge of power and Kevin disappeared only to appear standing up on the other side of the wizards. Instantly, she saw the familiar shimmer of a shield charm surround the team and Kevin started casting spells, quickly taking down four of the wizards before anyone noticed him standing there. Everything seemed to be happening faster than she could focus and within what seemed like seconds, all of the hooded wizards and Dr. Stonham were unconscious. A spell flew by Kevin's head and he turned to see more wizards coming down the corridor. He quickly got the door closed and cast a powerful locking charm on it.

Kevin ran to the group and said, "Make sure you're all holding hands, we've got to get out of here."

One of the men said, "How, we can't Apparate from here."

Kevin just replied, "How can you be such a good researcher when everything is can't? Now hold hands." They all did what he said. Kevin turned to Hermione and winked before he grabbed their hands and they all disappeared. In the next instant, they were in another office building with four other wizards around. Hermione instantly recognized Sirius.

"Any problems?" Sirius asked while the other wizards went to work.

"Like clockwork. How long do I have?" Kevin asked.

"Three minutes tops," Sirius replied.

"Ok, don't do her. Tell her the story and we'll give her a choice," Kevin said.

"That's not a good idea," Sirius argued.

"I don't have time to argue. I trust her, if she accepts the choice and gives us her word, I believe her. Make sure she knows how serious we are," Kevin said and disappeared again.

Sirius turned to Hermione who started to say something. "Don't say anything, just listen." Sirius explained the story that his team had concocted to explain the break in. They were modifying the memories of the other researchers to fit this. Hermione turned and saw the real Kevin sitting unconscious in a chair against the wall but continued to listen to Sirius. When Sirius was done with the explanation, he said, "Now Harry wants to give you a choice, but I don't. If you accept keeping your memories of this and you ever break his trust, it will become very unpleasant. A lot of people are counting on us to remain in the shadows and I don't like risking that. So, think carefully before you answer him."

Just then Kevin reappeared. "Everything's taken care of, are they all ready?" Sirius nodded toward Hermione and Kevin walked to her.

"I suppose you've figured out that I'm not Kevin. Man you're hard to work for, busting my chops the past couple weeks." Kevin kind of smiled but Hermione still had the look of total bewilderment. "Now Sirius told you the story we've planted in the other's heads. Do give me your word that you will stick to that story, or would you rather have your memory wiped of this and the story implanted? Make sure what you really want."

Hermione jumped up and hugged Kevin tightly but didn't say anything. "Mione, we can't wait, I have to get you back before the authorities get there. Please choose."

She pulled back and said, "I want to remember and I'll stick to the story."

"I knew you would," Kevin said before taking her to the others who were stunned and hand their hands bound to each other. They quickly disappeared and re-appeared back near the vault.

"Harry what happened here?" Hermione said noticing the other group of wizards now unconscious on the floor.

"They decided not to listen to me," Harry said with a smirk.

Hermione hugged him tightly again. "Hermione. We'll talk later. I don't want you to go to your place alone; they've probably already been there as well. I'll meet you once the authorities finish questioning you."

She started to argue but they heard the sounds of people coming. "I have to stun you, get with the others. I'll see you later." Hermione sat down and Harry quickly stunned her and left.

About three hours later, Hermione left the building and walked a bit down the sidewalk when she heard, "They finally let you out."

She jumped and didn't see anyone when she turned. "Harry, are you wearing your cloak?"

"I don't need a cloak to be invisible Hermione. Where have you been?" Harry said. "Now, I want you to Apparate into some back room of your place and since I don't know what the inside layout is I need you to do something. I'm going to take your hand and when you start to Apparate, concentrate very hard on the destination."

"I can't Apparate with someone," Hermione protested.

"Trust me Hermione. I'll follow if I'm touching you when you go. Also, be prepared, I'm sure they've been there."

Hermione felt very nervous and concentrated hard before Apparating. The next thing she knew, both she and Harry were standing in a small bathroom in the rear of her apartment. Harry immediately became visible and got in front of her with his wand out. When they stepped out, she saw that Harry was right, her apartment had been gone through and everything was thrown about. Harry quickly went from room to room and made sure no one was there. "They've already gone and I placed a locking charm on the door."

Hermione threw herself at him and gave him a huge hug before breaking down into tears. "It's ok Hermione. You're safe." She was still crying freely. "It's ok, let it out. I'm here; nothing's going to happen to you."

"How did this happen? My dream job ended up creating a drug that they were going to kill us for. They were really going to kill us." Hermione sobbed.

"But they didn't. We stopped them before they hurt anyone and they didn't get the formula. If they can't create any more of the potion, it will all go away."

Hermione composed herself and asked, "Did you hear what that wizard said his boss told him to do? Did you hear the words?" Hermione only knew one person who had ever called her that.

Harry sighed deeply and said, "I heard and yes, he's behind this. We can't prove it yet, but we're working on it." Harry hesitated and said, "I think you should gather some of your stuff and come back with me. I doubt they'll come back here, but by tomorrow, the press will start hounding you. It will be out in the open that Stonham Research was behind that drug and it won't be fun."

"I don't want to be a bother, I'll just go somewhere," Hermione said sniffling.

"You're never a bother. If you don't feel comfortable staying with me, I can leave the castle for a while and you'll have it to yourself."

"Why are you so nice to me? After what I did and threw away all my friends for this company."

"I'd do anything for you Hermione, even if it had been a month after you left, I would have still done anything. Now, let's go and we'll figure out the living arrangements back at home."

Hermione slowly started putting things together to take. She wasn't saying anything and was moving as if in a daze. "Only take things that are sentimental, we'll get you new stuff," Harry said.

"But, my job?" Hermione asked.

"That company is history. When the press gets the story of how he was going to give the formula to terrorists, it's all over. You know that."

Hermione looked very dejected and Harry tried helping her find things to pack. In the end, she didn't take that much. It didn't seem like more than you'd take on a short trip. They were about to leave when she looked around. Harry spoke up. "Don't look at it. You don't want to remember it like this. Try to think about the good times here."

She looked at him seriously and said, "There weren't any good times."

Harry hugged her and took them to his place. She stepped back and looked around. "I know it's late, but you should either call your parents or owl them. The press may call them looking for you and they'll be worried if they can't find you."

Winky suddenly appeared. "Miss Granger. Winky is happy to see you again. May Winky get you anything?"

Hermione slightly smiled at the elf and said, "Hello Winky. May I have some tea please?"

Almost instantly, the elf came back with a glass of tea.

Harry took her bags upstairs while she wrote a note to her parents. It didn't take her that long to finish and she gave the parchment to Hedwig to deliver. Hedwig affectionately nipped her fingers and flew away.

When Harry came down, Hermione was sitting on the couch, just staring at the fire. Harry sat next to her and said, "You know, you are really hard to work for. Two weeks and I was ready to quit." He tried to smile.

"I can't believe that was you. You were so annoying. I bet you did that on purpose," she said smiling a bit.

"Well maybe a little. I'm surprised you came to me when I was on the floor. I half expected you to tell them to go ahead and do it again."

Hermione hit his arm. "I didn't know what to think when he...you whispered to me. Then you winked and I just couldn't believe you were there. I just knew it would be ok after that."

"It's not going to be easy for a while. The press will want to connect you to Stonham and the authorities may want to question you more. I'd like you to not talk to the authorities without a lawyer. Marauders' has a very good one that can help. Just don't worry about anything; we can handle whatever comes up. This will pass and then everything will be fine."

Hermione looked at him and then started crying hard. He held her and just let her get it all out. After a long time, he walked her up to her room. "Remember, you're safe here. I'll be right across the hall if you need anything and Winky is just a call away."

"Thank you Harry. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'd be fine; you were for almost four years," he said with a quick hug.

She stepped back quickly and almost yelled. "No I wouldn't! Look what I got myself into on my own. I would be dead right now along with the rest of the team."

Harry pulled her back into a hug and said, "Ok, this time things didn't work out. I feel some of it's my fault since I introduced you to that scum bag."

"Oh no you don't. You can't take any of the blame for this. If I hadn't left like I did, you would have been around and probably seen it earlier. This was all my doing by being so blinded by my career."

"Whatever it was, it's in the past. Go to sleep now and we'll start figuring things out tomorrow." Harry hesitated. "I don't mean to imply that I'm going to tell you what to do or anything. I meant to say you'll start figuring things out and I'll be there to provide any help you'll let me," he said trying to smile.

She looked up to him. "No, we'll figure things out. I really want your help."

"Good, but remember that I'll support you in whatever you want to do," Harry said and gave her a little push into her room.

She went in and had one of the best nights sleep she had in a long time. She slept very late the next morning and instantly felt comfortable in her surroundings. She threw on a robe and walked to the kitchen where she was surprised to find another friend. "Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed and gave her a very big hug. Hermione was a little ashamed for needing to be here. "It's so good to see you. Are you ok? Harry didn't tell me anything other than that there was an incident at your office and you may be staying for a while."

Hermione felt instant gratitude to Harry for not telling Ginny the story without her being around. "Oh Ginny. I can't believe how bad I let things get." Hermione started crying again and Ginny just hugged her.

"We can talk about it if you want Hermione. I took the day off."

"You don't have to do that. But, I would like to talk about it. Is Harry around?"

"He said he was going to the office. What happened? I haven't seen him for a couple weeks," Ginny asked.

Hermione tried to tell Ginny everything she remembered and ended up breaking down and crying a few times during the story. Describing what happened when Harry stopped the wizards and got the team out made Hermione even more amazed that it had happened. At the end, the first thing Ginny said was, "Harry was actually your assistant for two weeks and you didn't know it?"

"Ginny. Doesn't the things he did surprise you at all?" Hermione asked not believing Ginny could just accept the things Harry could do.

"Honestly; not really. Nothing magical he does really surprises me anymore. But, him working as your assistant does."

Hermione actually smiled. "Oh, he was annoying and I was so mean to him. I can't believe he put up with that for two weeks to protect me."

"I believe it. He'd do anything for you and you should know that," Ginny said seriously.

"Yeah, I guess he would." She looked around. "Have you seen the Daily Prophet? I want to see if there's anything about the company."

Ginny got a guilty look. "Um...Harry took it. He said he wanted to be here when you read it."

"Oh. Must be bad." Hermione thought for a minute. "Do you think this is the kind of stuff he does when he goes away for weeks?"

Ginny sighed. "Yes, it is. I've known for a while. Harry won't talk about it of course, but I've overheard mum and dad. I can tell when they're worried about Harry. Dad won't tell me anything but we do have a little code so I can tell how worried he is. He gives me a number between one and ten with ten being the most worried."

"So, what was the number for this one?" Hermione asked.

"This was a four. Dad knew Harry could handle this one," Ginny said.

Hermione shook her head that what she had just witnessed was only a four. "Have there been any tens?"

Ginny really looked sad. "A couple. We don't even have the family meals when they're really worried. Dad just mumbles 'If it wasn't so darn important, or he shouldn't have to do this.'"

It was late afternoon when Harry came home. "Sorry I wasn't here when you got up, but there was a bunch of paperwork and stuff like that." A second later there was a pop and two big boxes appeared next to him. "Oh, I went and got as much stuff of yours as I could. If you want to move back, I'll haul it for you; I just couldn't stand to leave the apartment in such a wreck."

Ginny came and gave him a big hug and kiss. Hermione was right behind him and gave him a tight hug. "Thanks again. It almost seems like a nightmare."

Harry looked between the two. "How much did you tell Ginny?"

Hermione quickly said, "Everything."

Harry sighed. "I'm sorry I can't talk about my job Ginny. I'm really not trying to keep things from you; it's just safer for everyone I work with."

Ginny smiled. "I know. I've kind of known for a while what you do, so it's not a surprise. The worst part must have been working for Hermione."

Harry laughed. "Oh yeah. I'm glad I won't have to do that again." Hermione hit him and Harry said, "If you think of anything I didn't bring back, tell me and I can go get it. The press was waiting outside, but they didn't see me."

Hermione quickly said, "I don't ever want to go back there. If I never see Venice again, it will be too soon." She hesitated and then said, "I suppose I'll have to go get rid of the apartment."

Harry spoke up, "Not if you don't want to. We know people who can handle that for you." Harry studied his friend and then said, "I suppose you want to see the paper." Hermione gave a pleading look and Harry handed it to her.

Hermione looked very depressed reading the article. It talked about the company being behind the illegal potions and Muggle drugs and then mentioned that former Hogwarts graduate Dr. Hermione Granger was the lead researcher who had discovered the formula. At the end it mentioned gratitude for the Italian Ministry Special Forces who stopped the theft."

"Special Forces? Is it always like that? You do all the dirty work and they get the credit?" Ginny asked angrily.

"It's really better that way. Are you ok Hermione?" Harry asked.

"I'll never be able to get another job. They will think I created that drug," she said sounding very unhappy.

"Not everyone will think that. None of your friends will. I'm sure you will quickly convince any company that it wasn't intentional," Harry said.

"Harry. I wouldn't hire someone if I had seen their name in this article."

"It'll pass Hermione, I know it will," Harry said trying to be as comforting as he could.

"You don't know. You have no idea what it's like. Everybody loves you," Hermione snapped.

"Don't you talk to him like that. He risked his life for you and you go and yell at him," Ginny spat.

"Do you think bad of Sirius?" Harry asked calmly.

Hermione looked confused, so Harry continued, "Sirius was the most hated man in the wizarding world for a while. Guess what, he became the chief of police for a while."

"He was proven innocent," Hermione responded.

"And you will too. Listen, we know that you didn't intend to make that stuff and you thought it had been destroyed. The press is just trying to stir things up. It will die down and everyone will know you're innocent. I saw how much it hurt Sirius, but he fought back. You can too. It won't be easy for a while, but we'll be here to help any way we can."

Hermione looked at Harry and jumped up to hug him and started crying. "I'm sorry I said that to you. I didn't mean it." She hugged Ginny next, but Ginny didn't return it quite as warmly.

Harry wanted to change the subject. "Now, I have a serious question." Both girls looked at him. "What about living situations?" Harry paused and saw the girls start to think. "I would feel better if Hermione stays here. It's private and safe. But, if you don't feel comfortable being my roommate or if Ginny doesn't feel comfortable with you living here, I can move out."

Everyone was silent for a moment and then Hermione said, "I don't know. You've done enough for me already. I can go find a place."

"As soon as you find a place in your name, the press will hound you. If you're not comfortable being my roommate, I can move out. I do have other places to stay."

"I'd be comfortable being your roommate, that's not it." She hesitated.

"I think you should stay here," Ginny stated. "Things may get complicated for a while and it's safe here."

"Would you rather me move out?" Harry asked his girlfriend. "I'll do it."

"I know you would, but I don't want that. It would be better if you were here as well," Ginny said and then turned to Hermione. "I wish you'd think about what you're saying before you start yelling at him."

"I will, I didn't mean it. Are you sure you won't mind?" Hermione asked.

"Not at all. I trust Harry completely. Besides, maybe I can get him to stay over more often," Ginny said with a smile.

"Ok then. If it gets weird, we'll figure something else out," Harry said.

They were sitting around in the kitchen talking later when they heard someone Apparate. "Harry! Did you see the paper? Did you know Hermione's company was making drugs?" Ron was saying loudly but stopped when he saw the three of them. "Oh. Hello Hermione. Is everything ok?"

Hermione looked down and said, "Yes Ron, everything's fine. I found out my company was making drugs, evil wizards were going to kill my research team and me until Harry came and saved everyone."

Ron kind of took this in stride. "Man, when do I ever get to have any fun?" Hermione looked up very relieved. "So, what are you doing over here?" Ron asked.

"The company will probably shut down, so I moved back here until things settle down," Hermione said.

Ron looked between Harry and Ginny and then said, "And, that's ok with everyone?" Harry and Ginny both nodded. "If you two made up so quickly, why couldn't you have done it years ago? It would have made things so much easier."

"Almost like old times," Harry said. "Now if I could only convince Ginny to move in."

Ron looked like he would explode but Harry continued, "Kidding Ron... Kidding." Ron didn't quite go back to his normal happy self. "Did you leave Parvati at home with the kids?"

"She's gone to her mum's, so I'm off for the night," Ron said smiling.

"Well then let's open some wine, sit around and do nothing but talk," Ginny suggested and that's just what they did. There was much laughing and many stories being told. All in all, it was one of the best nights Hermione had in a long, long time. Ron didn't even get upset when Ginny would snuggle into Harry's side and give him little kisses.

Finally, after a few bottles of wine, Ron announced that he should go home. "You'll be going before long, won't you Ginny?" Ron asked.

"Don't ask questions you might not like the answer to Ron," Ginny said. Ron just shook his head and left.

"Thanks you two. This has been one of the best nights I've had in years," Hermione said, sounding a bit drunk. "I'm going up to bed," she announced and Ginny and Harry stood up. Hermione gave Harry a big hug. "Thanks for saving my life even after everything I've done."

"Don't think about it. Just try to pretend we didn't get so weirded out about it. Let's just forget those three years happened."

Hermione hugged Ginny. "Thanks for being such a good friend."

"We love you Hermione. I'm glad you're here," Ginny said honestly. They watched almost giggling as Hermione had trouble going up the stairs.

Harry turned and gave Ginny a big kiss. "I've wanted to do that all night."

"Then you should have done it. I don't care if anyone sees," Ginny said pulling him into another kiss.

"So, want to stay over?" Harry said lifting his eyebrows.

"There was no way I was leaving. I hope you know some good silencing charms to put on your room," Ginny joked grabbing his hand and pulling him upstairs. Fortunately Ginny knew a good silencing charm and it was put to the test that night. The two hadn't been together since the trip to Monaco and Ginny was very relieved that Harry wasn't hurt saving Hermione. As soon as the couple entered the bedroom, Ginny quickly cast the silencing charm and turned to see Harry right in front of her.

Harry pulled her into a very deep, very passionate kiss that nearly buckled her knees. When the two finally broke apart, Ginny gathered her senses and said, "I missed you so much."

Harry smiled and said, "I've been gone longer than that before."

"That was before you corrupted me," Ginny replied faking a concerned look.

"Who corrupted who? You're the one who said we were going too slowly."

"Well, no sense bringing that up again," the redhead said pushing Harry back. "We're past that point and I really have missed you." Ginny started unbuttoning Harry's shirt while Harry leaned in for another kiss. By the time the kiss was over, Ginny was pushing Harry's shirt off of his shoulders. He quickly helped with removing it the rest of the way. Harry saw the girl get a large smile. Without hesitation, she reached for his belt and quickly undid it. Not taking her eyes off of Harry's face the unzipped his pants and while pushing them down, she again gave Harry a passionate kiss. Harry had stepped out of the pants and after this kiss, he was clad only boxers. Ginny stepped back and looked him up and down.

Harry, not feeling embarrassed by this at all asked, "Do I pass?"

Ginny didn't answer for a moment but then said, "You don't know what you do to me."

Harry chuckled and said, "Well obviously you can tell what you do to me."

Ginny laughed knowing exactly what he meant. "Well, let me see if we can do something about it." She came forward and carefully removed his boxers and actually made a deep throaty sound. She kissed her way back up his chest and after another amazing kiss, she felt Harry start to unbutton her shirt. Quickly Ginny backed up and smiled at Harry's confused look. "Let me do it," she offered.

Harry smiled and propped a pillow against his headboard and lay down ready to watch his girlfriend. Ginny gave a slow, very suggestive strip tease leaving any inhibition far behind. After removing her panties in a very slow, deliberate manner, she heard Harry groan as she ran her hands over her breasts. Ginny suddenly felt very powerful when she saw the look in Harry's eyes; she had never been looked at like this before. For the next couple minutes, she stared directly into his eyes and let her hands roam to places that no one had ever seen her touch before.

She had been slowly moving toward the bed and when she got close enough, Harry, who hadn't said anything during her show suddenly grabbed her and pulled her onto him. Feeling the warmth of his naked body against hers, as well as feeling how excited Harry was gave her so much pride and happiness that she could affect him this way. After a kiss where Ginny could feel the desire from Harry, she had planned on doing things the way she wanted, but quickly found out Harry had other ideas.

Harry quickly rolled them over and then turned Ginny back so she was face down. She started to object, remembering the last time he did this, he gave her a back massage and she fell asleep. But, she quickly felt the weight of his body on her back. Harry started kissing the back of her neck and began sliding down her back, kissing lightly as he went. After what seemed to be an excruciating long time, she felt Harry lightly nipping at her rear. Ginny felt him kiss down the back of her left leg and then back up her right. When he approached her rear again, she felt him grab her hips and raise her up a bit. Not knowing what was coming next added to her excitement.

She gasped as she felt him enter her easily. She had never actually made love in this position before and was stunned to feel how deep Harry felt in her. With long, slow strokes, Ginny knew it wouldn't be long before she felt great. When she felt the wonderful feeling start, she was again shocked to feel Harry's hand come around and firmly rub circles around her most pleasurable place to be touched. That did it for her and suddenly, she was moaning and calling out his name. The feeling seemed to last for an amazingly long time before she began to relax.

After relaxing for a moment, Ginny gave a disappointed groan when she felt Harry get up. He turned her around, sat on the bed and pulled her into him, maneuvering her legs on either side. Ginny pulled tightly into his lap. Harry looked into her eyes and said, "You are so beautiful."

She felt herself melt when he said this. Quickly she reached between them and guided him into her and watched his eyes roll up when he slid completely in. Harry pulled her into a deep kiss and she began moving her hips. Harry was stroking her back and occasionally grabbing her rear, pulling her into him even tighter. The two of them never broke their kissing and within a few minutes, they were both breathing very deeply. They broke the kiss and each could hear the other loudly calling out their lover's name. Just when Ginny didn't think she could take any more and knew what was about to happen, Harry surprised her again by standing up and laying her on her back and begin to move very quickly and deeply into her. This was all it took for both of them and with much noise and pulling to get closer to each other, they finally collapsed.

Ginny couldn't believe how much pleasure he had just given her and hoped he felt somewhere close. She loved the feeling of Harry on top of her, she just felt totally complete and safe. "I can't believe how you make me feel," she said softly into his ear.

Harry pushed himself up, looked deep into her eyes and said, "I can't believe how amazing you are. You are so gorgeous. You know of course that I'm going to be begging for you to do strip-teases for me quite often."

Ginny smiled broadly knowing that Harry liked her performance and suddenly blushed thinking how unlike her it was to be so bold. "If what we just did comes after, I'll do them for you anytime."

"I can't wait. Do you know this was the first time we did this in a real bed?"

"It's just as good in bed as it was in the shower," Ginny said giving Harry a kiss.

The two got comfortable with Harry spooned behind Ginny and quickly fell asleep. After waking up the next morning Ginny said, "Now it's going to be even harder to sleep alone. I could really get used to this."

"You know so could I," Harry replied thinking it seemed perfect waking up next to Ginny. The couple took a shower together spending a bit longer than they needed washing each other. After getting ready, they went down, surprised at how late it was.

"I was beginning to wonder about you two." They heard Hermione say causing them both to blush. "Do either of you want some potion? I felt bad from all the wine and made some?"

The couple looked at each other and Ginny said, "No thanks, I really feel fine." Harry agreed. Any uncomfortable feelings quickly left and the three had a nice breakfast.

"Hermione, have you given any thought to what you want to do?" Harry asked.

Hermione sighed and said, "Not really, it still hasn't sunk in."

"You're welcome to stay here until it passes. Take your time, read, spend time in the Muggle world, anything you want. I wouldn't suggest you go into the wizarding world for a while," Harry said.

Hermione looked at her friends sadly. "I don't want to be a bother to either of you."

Ginny spoke up quickly, "You won't be. That will give me an excuse to leave the studio early, so we can spend time together."

"How long do you think it will take before there's a trial or anything?" Hermione asked.

"You'll probably see the magistrate within a month. If it goes to trial, it could be six months or so," Harry informed her.

"Six months! I need to stay in hiding for that long?" Hermione exclaimed.

"You don't have to stay in hiding. I just think it would be easier on you if you did, and I think it's best. Our lawyer is pretty good and he's going to do everything he can to get it over with soon, so it should be much less than that, but I want to tell you the truth," Harry said.

Hermione sighed. "I know and appreciate that." Hermione gave Harry an appraising look and said, "When did you get so responsible? You just seem to know how to handle the situation."

"I guess the past few years have been," Harry paused, contemplating the next words, "enlightening." After a long pause he asked, "What are you going to do today?"

Hermione answered, "I suppose I should go talk to my parents to let them know I'm ok and what may happen."

"Do you want me to go with you?" Ginny asked.

"Would you mind? I don't think this is going to go well," Hermione said.

"I'm going to the office so I'll see you two later," Harry said and then gave Ginny a kiss and left.

The two girls talked for a while before leaving to visit Hermione's parents. Since her parents weren't on the floo network, the girls had to walk to the end of the lane before Apparating. As soon as they arrived, Mrs. Granger ran to her daughter. "Oh Hermione! What have you gotten yourself into?" Mrs. Granger hugged her daughter. "Your father and I are so worried."

Hermione pulled back and said, "I didn't do anything mom, it's not like the paper said."

Just then Mrs. Granger noticed Ginny. "Oh, hello Ginny. Let's go sit down and you can tell me what's going on." The three women went to the kitchen table.

"Oh mom, it's actually worse than what was in the paper. Dr. Stonham was behind the drug, and he tried to sell the formula to criminals," Hermione said, tearing up.

"Well, that's what was in the paper, but it made it sound like you helped develop the drug," her mom said.

"It was a potion that was mixed wrong and he said he sent it to be destroyed," Hermione said sadly.

"What's going to happen now? And, why are you staying with Harry?"

Hermione and Ginny went on to explain what they think will happen next and ended up spending almost all day at the Grangers. Her father was understanding, but also told her that she shouldn't have poured so much into her job in the first place. By the time the two women left, Hermione was actually feeling worse about everything that happened. Ginny tried to do everything she could to cheer up her friend. The two arrived back at the castle and sat around talking for the rest of the night.