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Author: KEDme Story: Home Alone: Shadow Rising Rating: Teens Setting: Pre-HBP Status: Completed Reviews: 13 Words: 85,731
Ginny Weasley had been staying with the Grangers for the past week working on a summer project for her Muggle Studies class. As was her custom, the older girl had eagerly volunteered to help her complete it as soon as Ginny had told her about it. She promptly invited Ginny to stay over at the earliest possible opportunity. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had readily consented to allow Ginny to go, considering the recent turn of events in the Wizarding world. They felt it would do their only daughter some good to get away from the daily reports of Dark Wizard sightings and the innuendo surrounding the events at the Department of Mysteries. For her part, Ginny was very glad that Hermione had agreed to help her with the Muggle Studies project. Ginny herself had very little experience with Muggles, despite the fact that her father worked in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office at the Ministry of Magic and was thoroughly obsessed with them. Having been raised in a Wizarding family (and a poor Wizarding family at that) she had very little opportunity to mix with Muggles. Characteristic of Hermione, she had thrown herself into her role of tutor. Secretly, she wondered whether or not Hermione was compensating for the letdown of the completion of O.W.L.s and needed something to occupy her time. The thought that Hermione was trying to distract herself from the mounting tension in the Wizarding world and Harry's problems also crossed Ginny's mind on more than one occasion. Ginny stretched under the covers like a cat waking up from a long, satisfying nap. Thankfully, she had not dreamed the dream last night and she felt better rested than usual after a full night's sleep. She wished she could return to her glorious slumber. The delicious smell from the kitchen began to drift into Hermione's uncharacteristically girlish room and she felt her stomach lurch with longing. Opening one tired eye, Ginny smiled at the memory of seeing this room for the first time a week ago. Hermione had seemed somewhat embarrassed by the floral prints, pink carpet, and pouffy frills. Ginny was shocked at first how feminine the room was. First impressions weren't everything, though. It wasn't long before Ginny spotted the numerous books, quills, and parchments scattered throughout the room, as well as the massive thing in the corner Ginny was told was a computer (a kind of Muggle tool used for research and getting information quickly). It was situated on a large, antique mahogany desk and accompanied by an ornate, but comfortable, matching chair. It was, without a doubt, the prettiest room Ginny had ever seen. Even Hogwarts and its Old-World charm had not appealed to Ginny in quite the same way this room did. Hermione's worries soon evaporated when Ginny declared the room, "Brilliant!" Looking around, Ginny surveyed the bedroom and concluded that it was definitely Hermione - a mixture of sophistication, intelligence, and a dash of the unexpected. Ginny laughed to herself at the thought of what Ron's reaction to Hermione's bedroom might be if he were to see it. Maybe then he would open his eyes and see his best friend for the girl - No, Ginny mused silently, not girl… the young woman - that she was. If only others could see that I'm growing up too… she thought ruefully. I promised myself I wouldn't do that anymore, she chided herself. Ginny chuckled at the sight of Crookshanks, Hermione's cat. Crookshanks had taken up residence over the night in a squashy chair tucked in another corner of the room. He often claimed this chair as his own and tended to give anyone who dared even think of disturbing him the "evil-eye," as Ginny had dubbed it. He gave her a knowing look as if telling her he knew exactly who she was thinking about. "Oh, shut up!" she whispered fondly. At the sound of Ginny's voice Hermione stirred in the bed across from her. "What?" she asked in a confused, sleepy voice. She sat up rubbing her eyes, stretching, and yawning loudly, her brown bushy hair wild as ever. "Nothing," she said innocently. Attempting to shift the attention off herself and her unwanted thoughts of Harry, she said, "I think your Mum's cooking breakfast," Ginny told her instead of answering her question. "Maybe we'd better get up." Hermione nodded affirmatively, sighed, and left the comforts of her own bed. "That does smell good," she agreed. Mrs. Granger was, at the moment, cooking up a proper English breakfast to sustain them on their latest jaunt out into the community. This week, in honour of Ginny's visit, the Grangers had thought it a wonderful opportunity to take time off from work at the dental clinic and show the two girls a good time, properly. They had arranged for several outings to various museums, fine restaurants, and theatres. Ginny had very few proper Muggle clothes and Hermione had grown out of most of the things they had bought her last summer so today Mrs. Granger was taking them shopping. This was not entirely unselfish of her, as she and her husband had a very important function that evening with some business associates and she needed a new dress. The Grangers had immediately taken a liking to the youngest Weasley. Hermione did not, as a rule, have many female friends and this friendship pleased them greatly. It was nice to see their serious sixteen-year-old acting her age, giggling, and talking about clothes and boys. Ginny had a keen sense of humour and she brought out a side of their daughter they had rarely seen. When Hermione had broached the subject of having a fellow Witch come and stay over the summer they were more than willing to agree. For some time now they had wanted to become more involved in their daughter's life. Over the years Mrs. Granger, in particular, had felt Hermione growing apart from them ever so subtly, confiding in them less and volunteering less and less information. She was growing up, there was no doubt about that - but there was more to it, they felt sure. Hermione was strangely quiet with regard to events this past year and - come to think of it - the year before, as well. The Grangers were aware that Hermione's close friend, Harry Potter, had lost his Godfather a few weeks ago. She had explained to them before that he was an orphan being raised by horrid non-magic relatives. The man, Sirius, had apparently been the boy's only link to his long-dead parents. It was clear that both girls were very worried about the serious, black-haired youth with the strange lightning bolt scar they had met on occasion at the train station and in Diagon Alley. Yes, but it seems more than that… Mrs. Granger mused, as she stirred the bacon. Hermione was not forthcoming with answers and could not be persuaded to give more details on the subject. In fact, she was rather vague about many things lately dealing with the Wizarding world which was very puzzling, considering how much she had talked about all the new things she was learning her first three years at Hogwarts. Having Ginny Weasley come was just the thing they needed in order to glean some information about what, exactly, was going on with their clever daughter. Thus far, Ginny's trip had not yielded much useful information. Ginny was also close-mouthed about last school term. The little information they had got out of the girls concerned a certain teacher and interim Headmistress whom Ginny and Hermione had absolutely despised, owing to the fact that she was horrid and a terrible teacher to boot. They had also found out, quite by accident, that Hermione and Ginny's brother, Ron, had spent some time in the hospital wing at the end of term following a nasty accident - the circumstances all, again, being vague and dodgy. Frustrating as it was to be so out of tune with one's only offspring, Mrs. Granger had to admit that having Hermione home these past few weeks had been very enjoyable, especially since she had spent most of the past year away, including much of last summer and Christmas holiday. The first few weeks of summer holiday were spent catching up and getting in a routine. With Ginny's visit, the Grangers all seemed more at ease and they could see the tension begin to leave the faces of the two girls over the course of the week. Mrs. Granger had reasoned that Hermione had been under a great deal of stress about her exams… extremely important exams, she had been told. But Ginny was a year younger and had not had to deal with those particular exams, yet she looked just as haggard and worried as her daughter. As she silently pondered all this, Mr. Granger took that moment to make his appearance in the kitchen. He was a handsome man in his early forties with brown hair that would be bushy if he let it grow. His hair was sprinkled with grey and his hazel eyes were adorned with stylish spectacles that emphasised his intelligent appearance. Hermione was a strange mixture of her parents. Mr. Granger had a love for books that was only surpassed by his daughter. Unlike Hermione, however, he was very laid-back. It was Mrs. Granger, with her perfect chestnut hair, perfectly pressed clothes, and deep brown eyes, who could easily be called a Type-A personality. She always needed, even in her youth, to be the best at everything. It was she who had passed the curse of over-achievement on to her daughter. "Morning, love," he said pleasantly. "Breakfast smells divine!" "Sit down, sit down," his wife said, smiling. "It's almost finished. I was just going to call you and the girls... Oh, here they are now!" she exclaimed, hearing the two teenagers make their way down the stairs. "Morning, Mum," Hermione said, kissing her mother's cheek, "morning, Dad," she said, moving across the kitchen to kiss her father on the cheek as well. "Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Granger," Ginny said politely, seating herself at the table. Ginny looked at Mrs. Granger with a mixture of envy and respect. At first, she had been shy around Hermione's sophisticated and stylish mother, but she soon warmed up once she realised how open and sincere Mrs. Granger was. Mr. Granger, on the other hand was very relaxed and jovial, a combination that Ginny was used to in her family. "Good morning, girls," they both greeted them pleasantly. "Are you up for a day of shopping and pampering girls?" Mrs. Granger asked them. "You're dad and I are going out for the evening, Hermione. I need a new dress and I've made an appointment for the three of us at the salon this morning." "Er," Hermione stalled, sounding very much like Harry and causing Ginny to giggle. She grumpily pulled a face, making it clear that this latest idea of her mother's was not her favourite. "I'd rather go with Dad to the bookshop today," she said, looking hopefully at her father. "There's a new book out on chemistry theorems that I was hoping to pick up this summer. You know, potions and chemistry are very much related and if you…." but her voice trailed off as she caught the disappointed look that passed between Ginny and her mother. She knew that Ginny did not have many opportunities to pamper herself - much less experience the joys of Muggle beauty secrets compliments of her mother. "Oh, all right," she conceded, sighing. "What time are we leaving?" she asked. "Around nine, as soon as we have a proper breakfast," her mother said, visibly brightening. Hermione shot her father an exasperated look. He reached over to pat her hand. "Don't worry," he said sympathetically. "I'll see what I can do about that book. I think I know just the one you mean." Hermione smiled gratefully at her Dad as she bit into a slice of toast. He always knew just what to say to make her feel better. Around three o'clock in the afternoon the females of the house returned, looking vastly different than when they had left. Hermione's hair was, if not exactly straight, better-behaved. Ginny's long locks had been transformed so that they fell in soft waves, framing her face in a complimentary way. Both girls had well-groomed nails - tastefully done - and had been treated to a pedicure as well. The final touch was the makeup. Neither girl was wild about the idea of make-up. Hermione rarely bothered and Ginny had no experience with the application of Muggle concealment charms. She was pleasantly surprised to find that the make-up consultant had performed magic on her. Her freckles, a curse of the Weasley family for generations, magically disappeared when covered with something called foundation - a creamy, skin-coloured substance applied to the face. After a light dusting of powder, some eyeliner, mascara, blush, a neutral shade of eye-shadow, and a soft pink lipstick applied to her lips, Ginny hardly recognised the woman staring out at her from the silent Muggle mirror. Ginny was sure that, had she been home, her mirror would have a definite compliment or two for her. Even her six brothers would have to see now that she was no longer a little girl. She was a young woman, with the curves to prove it! Likewise, Hermione was pleased with the outcome of her make-over. Her mother had insisted on a hair-relaxant, and Hermione had to admit the effect was becoming. She still had a very full head of hair, but the relaxant had helped smooth it out and make it more manageable. Hermione had used something similar prior to the Yule Ball fourth year, but that was a potion and good for only one day. This treatment was supposed to be somewhat permanent and was guaranteed to last several months. Hermione snorted softly as she too appraised herself in the mirror. She'd give it about a month before the bushiness took over once again! Hermione was equally as pleased with her makeup but knew, much to her mother's disappointment, that it was temporary. She would not bother with it tomorrow. Still, it's nice to look so grown-up, she mused. If only Ron could see… Maybe I'll have Dad take a picture of the two of us and send it to him… Out loud, she said to her red-headed friend, "My mum can go over-board, sometimes. Still… she means well. Not bad, though, huh?" "I think it's brilliant!" Ginny exclaimed, shaking her head of curls and grinning from ear to ear. At times like these Hermione was strongly reminded of just who her friend was related to and how much she missed him. "I wonder what Ron is getting up to without you around this week," she said, betraying her thoughts. Ginny smiled the same knowing smile that Hermione had given her early that morning. "We could owl him and ask…" she offered. Hermione's mother and father had purchased a family owl on their last trip to Diagon Alley in order to keep in touch better with their daughter. Owls were the preferred method of communication in the Wizarding world and Hermione always had access to school owls, Hedwig, or Pigwidgeon. But if they ever wanted to get in touch with her, her parents were at a disadvantage. Muggle post was not delivered daily to the school. Instead, it was sent to an address near the school where it was picked up at specific intervals by a witch or wizard employed with the Wizarding postal service. Several times a month it was gathered and delivered to the school, sometimes by owl and sometimes by Floo. Thus, Harvey, a brown barn owl had entered the service of their family, making post much more convenient and quicker. Mrs. Granger was not especially fond of the bird, as he liked to bring his nightly hunt into the kitchen and plonk himself down on the nearest perch to devour it. Harvey could, however, carry a letter to Hogwarts in a day or two while the Muggle method took at least a fortnight to reach her. The efficiency of owl post pleased Mrs. Granger greatly and made Harvey's presence in the house more tolerable. Mr. Granger, on the other hand, was very fond of the owl and they had become great friends. "No," Hermione said, shaking her head. "I sent Harvey off to Diagon Alley with an order for Harry's birthday. He's not back yet." "Yes," Ginny said carefully in what she hoped was a casual, non-concerned voice. "Harry's birthday… It's at the end of July, isn't it?" Hermione laughed. "You know very well, Ginny Weasley, that Harry's birthday is the 31st of July!" she said, putting her hands on her hips and giving her a shrewd look. Ginny plopped down on the bed. "Wonder how he's doing…" Harry was never far from her thoughts. Ginny may have given up on him ages ago and moved on, but she found it difficult not to think of him. She rarely mentioned him anymore, though, unless the topic was brought up by someone else. Hermione had avoided it thus far in an effort to bring normalcy to the week. "I wish I knew," Hermione said, sighing. She sat down on the edge of her bed, opposite Ginny. "I got a letter from him last week. Just a quick response to a two page letter I sent him. Here, I'll show it to you." She got up and crossed the bedroom quickly, pulling a short piece of parchment from the drawer of the mahogany desk. Handing it to Ginny, Hermione's voice was laced with a hint of disgust mixed with fondness. "Doesn't say much, but it's typical Harry and if you read between the lines it's easy to see how he's doing." Ginny looked at the parchment. In Harry's messy scrawl, the note read: Dear Hermione, Thanks for the letter. It's nice to know that your summer is going so well. Don't worry about me. I'm fine. The Dursleys are the same as ever. Looking forward to the end of summer. I'll write more soon. Love, Harry "Ginny, I'm really worried about him," Hermione said anxiously. Ginny snorted loudly. "Yeah, typical Harry," she agreed. "'I'm fine. Don't concern yourself about me. My life is falling apart and I'm with people who could care less - but I hope you're doing well…,'" she paraphrased sarcastically. "Ron got something similar last week as well. He didn't show it to me but I sneaked into his room when he was washing up after dinner and read it." "I don't know why you'd need to go to all that trouble," Hermione said reasonably. "I don't think Ron would mind sharing it. It's not like there's anything personal in Harry's letters," she said, grinning. "I've known him for five years and not once has he written anything personal to me. Unless you count 'Dudley is a stupid git' personal." Ginny smiled. Yep, that sounded like Harry, but she wouldn't change him for the world. "I know…" Ginny said thoughtfully. "I guess I just didn't want to draw attention to the fact that I even wanted to know what Harry had to say. You remember what a prat Ron was after I broke it off with Michael. Honestly, I think he wants me to get together with Harry. I don't know why, though. It's not like Harry even thinks of me at all, and if he does it's as Ron's little sister. I might as well be invisible for all he cares!" she said with exasperation. "Maybe if Harry saw you looking like this he might think about you in a different way…" Hermione said slyly, indicating the recent makeover and the new clothes. "I do look damn good," Ginny admitted. "And maybe if Ron saw you looking like this, he would open his stupid, bloody eyes and see you for the girl that you are," she shot back wickedly. "One can only hope for miracles," Hermione said, sighing. At that moment, Pigwidgeon, Ron's tiny owl, came zooming in excitedly through the open window towards Hermione. "Pig!" Ginny exclaimed. "Speaking of my bloody stupid brother, it looks as if you have a letter," Ginny laughed. "Talk about timing!" Hermione laughed along with her, moving quickly to catch the over-excited owl and retrieve the letter. Ginny watched her open it and read. Suddenly her face went pale. "Ginny," she said quietly. "Harry's in trouble…." [A/N: Thanks, Arnel, for your comments and encouragement. You're a wonderful beta and I appreciate you taking the time to read through my stuff! Next chapter: Ron's perspective. Just what was in that letter, anyway?]
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