Welcome to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Relationship.

There is only one rule in posting a reply:-

Don't bother me if you are against Harry and Hermione having a relationship.

Thats it!!

Chapter One

There was a sleepy silence at Privet Drive. All the inhabitants of every perfectly manicured house were settling into their beds, exchanging good-nights, reading stories to their children and turning off the lights. All that is except one. The residents of Number Four were still very much awake. However of course, the neighbours had no idea since Vernon Dursley had had his house soundproofed.

Harry was standing in the kitchen, with a scrunched up letter in his hand. His eyes were usually sparkling green, but now they were narrowed in anger. Vernon was standing next to the brand new top of the range dishwasher shooting stunned looks between Petunia and Harry. Petunia was sitting on the lounge in the living room looking perfectly content with the world. Although, there was a slight shake in the hand holding the glass of whiskey she was clutching and a slight tremble in her voice. Earlier Dudley had been sent to his room to protect him from the unnaturalness that was Harry and Petunia.

"So you mean to say after the 18 years we have been married you never told me a word." said Vernon. "Not even a half truth."
"No." said Petunia firmly. "How could I? All the security measures Dumbledore and I had implemented would've been absolutely useless."
"Do not mention that stupid old fools name under my roof!" shouted Vernon.
"Don't you dare talk about him like that." Harry shouted equally as angry. "You have no idea."
"I know that I don't. Considering that my own wife never told me that she was a witch."

Harry was home once again for the summer. However, this summer has been completely different from what he was used too. Normally he would spend his summers cleaning his Uncle Vernons large and shiny company cars, manuring the rose beds, hiding from neighbours, or writing to Sirius. Even the thought of Sirius filled Harry with a range of emotions. He felt a very deep sadness, mixed with guilt and shame. Only a couple of months ago and it had changed Harry's life more than ever. Dumbledore had told Harry at the end of last term not to feel guilt about Sirius' death. But the guilt remained.

This summer was completely different. Every couple of days he used Floo Powder in the Dursleys fireplace (It never recovered from the Weasleys exploits inside it.) to contact members of the order. So far he had talked to Ron and Hermione, Lupin, Dumbledore himself, and somewhat to his suprise Professor Snape. Professor Snape had been very pleasant with Harry and it seemed as though Snape was going to finally forgive Harry for the terrible exploits his father and Sirius inflicted upon him in their time at school.

As a matter of fact if Harry had never met him before Harry would almost say that Professor Snape was one the nicest teachers at Hogwarts (besides Professor Lupin). Harry was allowed to do basically what he wanted for once. Mostly he sat in his bedroom. (He now had the old guests room, which was as big as Dudleys)

Pulling his thoughts away from Sirius he turned his mind back to the present scene in the kitchen.

Tonight the complete truth had been revealed. Giving Harry, Vernon and Dudley a rather nasty suprise. It seemed that Petunia Dursley had always been a witch. Professor Dumbledore had requested to her that she reprise her role as Harry's godmother to settle down with a muggle and have a child that would roughly be Harry's age. She had complained bitterley, but with the fate of the wizarding world resting on her decision she complied and allied herself with the most Muggly person that she could find. That was 18 years ago and now as Sybill Trelawney (one of her old friends) had prophecised Harry was living with them and approaching the final battle with Voldemort. Voldemort had been what pushed her to her decision. It had been him that killed her parents, as well as James's parents trying to have an easier path to Harry. She had believed that she could be next.

Upstairs there was a smash and a tinkling of glass. Petunia and Vernon looked at each other horrified and raced upstairs. Petunia being light and fast got there first. Harry looked at the letter in his hand. The letter that had completely changed his perception of Petunia. The letter was from Lupin. It was very brief and looked like it had been written in a hurry. Petunia. We are picking you and Harry up at midnight tonight. Tell anything to the Muggles. Love Remus.

Harry went upstairs and found that Dudley had chucked his computer out his window. Hardly surprised Harry skirted around Dudleys bedroom and went to his own. Hedwig had been sent to live with Ron. It was too risky to use owls for communicating. Their messages can easily be intercepted as Harry had found out last year to his own cost. He began to pick up his textbooks, but decided that they could wait. It was only 8 pm. He turned on his lamp and laid down on his bed picking the note out of his jeans pocket. The note sent many questions through his head. Since when had Petunia and Lupin been on first name terms? And since when had it been "love Remus"? Harry had decided not to question Petunia about this. He would try to find out later.

Petunia poked her head into the door. "Best be packing dear, we umm might have to leave in a hurry."
"Ok" said Harry his mouth drying out. Harry resumed packing. He packed all his textbooks. his much favoured invisibility cloak that he had inherited from his father, the Marauders Map and with a pang of sadness his Firebolt that Sirius had given him. There was such an anguish coursing through his body with everything that Sirius had touched or talked about. That he could hardly live with it. Even the thought of returning back to Hogwarts in a couple of months did nothing to dispell his intense grief. He remembered when Sirius had sent him letters with those brightly coloured birds. He had never asked where they came from. Never really knew where Sirius was hiding until he took up the cave near Hogsmeade. Pushing away once again his thoughts about Sirius he turned his mind to Ron and Hermione. They were his only real friends. Did they sleep well not knowing the contents of the prophecy? Harry knew and that knowledge haunted him at night. Sometimes he longed for one of Mrs. Weasleys hugs. They were the only thing apart from Sirius that comforted him at the thought of Voldemort. He also had shockingly vivid dreams of Bellatrix Lestrange. The woman that pushed Alice and Neville Longbottom to insanity, and murdered Sirius. Her voice constantly reverberated through his mind. Her evil sadistic laugh punctuated the moment when the jet of green light of the unblockable killing curse had penetrated his chest.

When Vernon had finally boarded up Dudleys bedroom window. Petunia went and got her suitcase. She packed it with magic. Much more impressive than what Tonks had managed last year. Vernon looked at her from his bed in horror.
"Well, Vernon. You won't see me but, you will hear from me."
Harry gave her a slight glance but her face was stony and revealed nothing.
"Oh and by the way Dursley. We were never married. I never signed the certificate. Come on Harry time to go."
Petunia and Harry lugged their suitcases to the stairs.
"Hmmmm. This won't do." Petunia commented. She withdrew her wand from her pocket and waved it slightly and said Mobilarbus like Hermione had done that day in the Three Broomsticks. The trunks levitated and walked themselves down the stairs. They walked in silence until they reached the corner. They stopped then. Petunia screwed up her face with enourmous effort and in a blink she looked a mirror image to Lily when Harry had seen her in Professor Snapes pensieve.
"Aunt Petunia," Harry asked tentatively.
"Don't call me Aunt any more Harry. Just Petunia."
"Well, umm in that letter Petunia. You and Remus?" Harry had not meant for it to sound a question. But it just came out that way. To his relief Petunia gave a smile.
"Yes, Remus and I had a little thing going before I was asked to marry Vernon. I am looking forward to seeing him again." Her voice as she spoke of the request to marry Vernon spoke of bitterness and sensing this Harry asked no more questions. But there was one that remained.
"Petunia, Are you a metamorphmagus?"
"Yes, Harry. I think you may be too. Close your eyes really tight and think of what you want to look like."
Harry closed his eyes and thought about Ron. Fairly soon he found himself looking exactly like his best friend. Fairly soon he found himself modelling everyone he knew. The only people he strayed away from imitating was Dudley and Sirius. He didn't know Petunia's feeling towards Dudley and that could be a little insensitive. Harry closed his eyes and thought about himself. He raised his hand and felt around for his scar.
"Wicked" he said. He couldn't help himelf but imitate Ron.
He couldn't see in the darkness but he thought that he saw Petunia smile.

Chapter Two.

Petunia and Harry waited. Then with a flash of light Lupin and about six other members of the order appeared. Lupin looked closely at Harry. Lupin held his hand out and shook Harry's hand pulling him into a rough hug which was unexpected but welcome just the same.
"Welcome back Harry. Welcome back.." Harry looked past as Lupin released him and saw to his delight. Fred and George Weasley looking just as mischevous as ever. He heard Lupin talking quietly to Petunia. But respecting their privacy he didn't listen to their conversation. Smiling at the Weasley twins he also saw Professor Snape give him a slight smile. Then he saw one of the most powerful people in his mind. Dumbledore. There were three people that he didn't recognise to his left.
"Come on Harry. It is time to leave." He indicated to Harry to stand next to him. Dumbledore took a rusty old horseshoe out of his pocket and muttered Portus.

Harry felt the very familiar hook feeling behind his navel. It was time to go to where he belonged. He spun around holding onto his glasses, felt the spinning subside and opened his eyes. What he saw he could not have welcomed him more. He saw the ugly elf heads on the wall of Grimmauld Place and thought to himself. This is home.
Ron and Hermione stood on the staircase beaming at him. Harry thought briefly of telling them about the prophecy. He had been bursting all holidays to talk to them about it and hear what they had to say on the topic. But the happy smiles on their faces melted all Harry's resolve to discuss the topic. Harry smiled to himself closed his eyes and thought about Professor Umbridge. He felt his face melt into the ugly toads and pretended to attack himself with an umbrella in the trolls foot umbrella stand. He heard Ron and Hermione laugh and changed quickly back into himself.
"Like my new party trick?" Harry asked laughing.
"It's wicked." said Ron predictably.
"Like to show Harry his room, Ron?" said Hermione suggestively.
"He knows what his room.. ouch. Yes Harry lets have a look at your room....."
Harry, Ron and Hermione climbed the stairs into the bedroom he shared with Ron. He went inside and saw that nothing had changed except the place where Phineas used to stand had been moved.
"Where's Phineas?" Harry asked.
"Gone downstairs." said Hermione.
"What's been happening?"
"Nothing really.. Just the usual..No one seems to tell us much.. Snape's being nicer."
"Yeah I know.. He's almost human now."
"Why is your Aunt Petunia here?"
"She's a witch"
"No way.." said Hermione "She couldn't be.."
"Well, She is I suppose."
"How are you Harry?" asked Hermione tentatively.
"Well, ok I suppose. I really wish Sirius was here." said Harry heavily.
"I miss him too." said Hermione with a tremble in her voice. Harry looked over to Hermione and was startled to find her in tears. He moved over towards her, whilst Ron patted her shoulder uncomfortably. Harry put his arms around her and hugged he like he'd always wanted to be hugged.
"Ron, come and do your washing. It's getting ridiculous again." Mrs. Weasleys voice filtered up the stairs. Ron shrugged his shoulders and walked slowly downstairs closing the door behind him.
"Hermione, I don't know how much I can say sorry for what happened in the Department of Mysteries. I should have listened to you...." Harry's words were cut off by Hermione kissing him. After a while Harry began to kiss her back. Then as the door opened and light was cast over them they broke away and looked at the newcomers. It was none other than Fred and George.
"Oh no George we walked in on a bit of action." said Fred mischevously.
"Yes, hey hey. Harry and Hermione."
"Just don't tell Ron." Hermione pleaded.
"Why?" asked Fred feigning innocence.
"Well. He won't take it well." said Harry.
"Oh no. I'm not falling for this one." said George looking as though he'd been given a million Galleons.
"George..." Harry began in a warning tone.
"Don't worry Harry. We have better things to do than comment on your love life."
"Like, making money.."
"The shop opens at 7am. "
"You're going to Diagon Alley today."
"Come visit us."
"Or you'll pay..." Fred and George exited closing the door behind them.
Harry looked into Hermione's eyes. She looked back. Harry felt his stomach do that weird little back flip that used to happen when he saw Cho. Just at that stage. Ron opened the door and sauntered in.
"Would you believe it? She's making me do all the washing. There are times when little snotrags like Kreacher should be earning their keep.."
"Ron." said Hermione warningly "Don't talk about Kreacher like that." Harry cleared his throat and moistened his lips. It was then he realised that Hermione had been wearing some sort of lip gloss. It was nice.
"Look, there's something that I wanted to tell you.." Harry began. "I know that the prophecy was smashed but, I heard it again in Dumbledores office."
"Really Harry?"
"What did it say?" inquired Hermione.
"It said that I either have to kill Voldemort or Voldemort has to kill me. And I am the only one that can kill him." Hermione sank down onto Harry's bed. Ron sat on the only chair in the room pale faced.
"I'm so sorry Harry, I never knew." said Hermione weakly with tears shining in her eyes. Harry went and sat next to her where she had laid on his bed. He surreptitiously began stroking her hand. Ron looked up and opened his mouth to say something but closed mid-word. Just then the door opened again and Lupin appeared in the doorway.
"Breakfast is ready Harry, Ron and Hermione."
Ron got up.
"I'm so hungry." he commented looking towards the door. "I hope that she hasn't made cornflakes again. I hate cornflakes."
Harry stood up, held out his hand which Hermione took gratefully and pulled her up.
"Hurry up" complained Ron. "I'm starving" They made their way downstairs.

They sat down near where Petunia and Lupin sat. Harry noticed that Petunia was a little red in the eyes but made no comment. There were a lot more people sitting there than he could ever remember of course there was one person not sitting there that would never be here again. But Harry forced that out of his mind as he said "Good Morning." to everyone.

"Congratulations everyone you have your owl results back!!" Mrs Weasley said brightly handing Harry, Ron and Hermoine an envelope with their names on it.
"Good Luck" Lupin said quietly whilst squeezing Petunias hand.

Harry stared at his envelope whilst Hermione and Ron tore at theirs.

I'm going to leave you guessing for this next part. I've written a few more chapters but I have a few little worms in But hopefully I will have them solved

Chapter three

Dear Mr Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted for further study at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Here are your O.W.L.S results:

Yours Sincerely

Minerva McGonnagall

Deputy Headmistress

Astronomy ~ Acceptable
Care Of Magical Creatures ~Outstanding
Charms ~ Exceeds Expectations
Defence Against The Dark Arts ~Outstanding
Divination ~ Dreadful
Herbology ~ Exceeds Expectations
History Of Magic ~ Dreadful
Potions ~ Acceptable
Transfiguration ~ Exceeds Expectations

Harry felt defeated.
"There's no way Professor Snape will let me do potions when I only got acceptable!" He said angrily. "Now I will never become an Auror!" Harry checked through his booklist and found a small box. He opened it and his mouth fell open. "Prefect?" he exclaimed. No one heard him. Hermione was jumping up and down smiling.
"Harry I got twelve owls!!!" she screamed.
"Thats excellent!!" Harry said. "Guess What Hermione? I'm a prefect!!!"
"Thats wonderful!!" squealed Hermione and she pulled him in and gave him a tight hug. Harry felt his stomach do a pleasurable squirm.
For a while no one did anything but congratulate Harry and Hermione. Then they all sat down and ate breakfast. Luckily for Ron there were no cornflakes.

This chapter is a little small. But there was a lot to tell and I couldn't really have made it longer. The next chapter should be up by sunday. Those silly little sequences!!! Why is Grimmauld Place so big?

Chapter Four

Harry, Ron and Hermione were left at home whilst Mrs. Weasley went and did their school shopping. She appeared deaf to their protests and only saying that Dumbledore didn't think for it to be safe at this moment. No sooner had she gone than Harry had one visitor which deep down in his heart he was concerned about seeing. Professor Snape.
"Harry, a word if you please?" said Snape.
"Yes, thats fine. Here Hermione stand in for me. The secret to beating him is to use you Queen. That will set you right."
"Now If you please Harry." said Snape impatiently. Snape lead Harry down into the kitchen and sealed the door by magic. Lupin was sitting there reading "The Daily Prophet" Harry sat down not exactly knowing what this was about. Lupin put back his paper and stared over to Snape who nodded slightly.
"Harry, it is time to tell you a few things." said Lupin gazing nonchalantly at the ceiling.
"Ok" said Harry cautiously
"Harry, I must ask if there is anything going on between you and Hermione."
"What?" said Harry clearly thrown off balance by the topic of conversation. "No, there is nothing going on between us. Just friends." Harry found it hard lying when Snapes eyes were staring into his.
"Well, you clearly haven't learnt occlumency." said Professor Snape lightly. "How long has it been going on for?" he asked. Rembering that eye contact was crucial to Legilimency Harry cursed under his breath.
"Since last night. It was an accident." said Harry in his own defence. "We were talking about Sirius and she was crying. I comforted her. Thats all"
"Well, I must ask you to end it." said Snape soberly.
"Why?" Harry said angrily.
"Because Voldemort has been asking for someone close to your heart, like a girlfriend to capture. He wants to do what he had done to the Longbottoms." said Snape sadly.
"So, thats why you can't fall in love."
"But he wouldn't know. How can he see what I am doing?"
"He is still sharing your thoughts, Harry"
"You now have Occlumency lessons with Professor Dumbledore every Tuesday and Friday nights in his office."
"Professor McGonnagall told me that you intend to become an Auror. Is that right?" said Snape.
"Yes, I suppose. But my marks weren't good enough." said Harry sadly.
"Well I say they are." said Snape. "But there is one little catch."
"What?" said Harry getting excited. Although he usually felt agressive to Snape. Snape's unusual kindness and the warning to Hermione's sanity had softened him.
"You will have to take private lessons. I can't have the Malfoys knowing that I favour you for obvious reasons."
"Ok, thats fair." said Harry. "How often will we meet?"
"Every Sunday. Hopefully away from such smarmy gits like Malfoy you might actually concentrate and learn something. Now if you don't mind staying with Professor Lupin he has a few more things to brief you on." Snape turned around and left the room pausing only to unlock the door and with a nod to Lupin he was gone.
"Harry, it must be tough for you to be going through what you are. However, there is one more little thing that I must teach you. It has become Dumbledore's wish that you master the 'Unforgiveable Curses' he has provided a signed decree saying that you and you only are allowed to use them and practise magic outside of school. So it is my unpleasant duty to teach you how to use them and use them well."
"Professor, I think I know how to do them."
"Really? I wouldn't think that you would've had that much experience with them."
"It was something that Bellatrix Lestrange said, 'you have to really mean what you are doing and relish in their pain and suffering' "
"Well, then if you understand that you have the basics."
"Should I try it?"
"Yes, Try out Avada Kedavra . Thats the one that you'll need."
"Avada Kedavra" Harry looked at the large black spider scuttling along the container and wished for it to die. There was a large flash of green light and the spider rolled over onto its back. Unmistakeably dead.
"Well," said Lupin visibly shocked. "If you can do that there's no need to try out the others..." There was a slight pause in which Harry glanced at the Daily Prophet. The front page seemed to be filled with a picture of Fudge gesticulating wildly with the headline "Minister in disgrace"
"Harry I know how you are feeling at the moment and I want for you to know that I feel the same way. However I had the lucky experience of knowing your parents and Sirius and I wan't you to know that none of it is your fault."
"Thanks" said Harry tonelessly.
"I know that you are still upset and so am I"
"I'm sorry, I forgot. Its very easy to think that you are the only one in pain." Harry said wisely. "What's happening with Petunia?"
"ummm, Harry I know you might take this the wrong way but soon I will be your Uncle Remus." said Lupin seriously.
"Congratulations, Remus." said Harry brightly. Lupin's face broke into a wide smile.
"Thanks mate," he said "I knew that you would be alright with it."
"Remus?"
"Yes Harry?"
"Well-" There was a crashing noise and Mrs Weasley knocked on the door.
"Remus?" she inquired.
"Yes Molly?" Lupin pointed his wand at the door and magiacally unlocked it. Harry took his leave from Mrs Weasley and Remus then went upstairs to look for Ron and Hermione.

He found them still playing the same game of Wizards Chess and to his surprise Hermione was winning.
"What did he say?" asked Hermione "I've been so worried"
"Basically, just I have Potions every Sunday with Snape. On Tuesday and Friday nights I have Occlumency with Dumbledore. umm. I am allowed to use magic outside of school. And Lupin taught me how to use the Unforgivable curses." Hermione shuddered at the mention of the Unforgivable curses. Ron just looked awfully uncomfortable.
"Harry, Ron, Hermione it's time for Dinner." yelled Mrs. Weasley up the stairs. That night dinner was fantastic. All of the Weasleys (except Percy. His apologies were only grudgingly accepted by Mrs Weasley so he had stayed away.) were present as well as Aunt Petunia and his Uncle to be Remus. Tonks, Professor's Snape and McGonnagall, with Dumbedore sitting at the head of the table. They all talked quite happily. Only marred by a moment when all the adults had turned to look at Harry. Harry felt distinctly uncomfortable at this and excused himself from the table. It was a long time since he had felt he was in a zoo. But in all the time since this was the closest feeling. Harry stopped on the staircase and tried to work out why they all looked at him like that. Did he have something in his teeth? Harry heard movements downstairs and quickly walked into his and Rons' bedroom. Who, he saw in there was even more of a surprise. -Kreacher even better he was doing the cleaning.
"Hello, Kreacher." said Harry cautiously
"Mr Potter returned from the Department of Mysteries when his nasty traitor of a godfather did not. That makes Mr Potter a much more powerful wizard." Kreacher bowed so deeply that his knobbly nose only just touched the ground.
"Thanks Kreacher" said Harry interested at the elf's bizarre change of opinion.
"Kreacher would like Mr Potter as his master." he said bowing once more.
"I'm sorry Kreacher. I don't need a house-elf you are wanted here." said Harry thinking fast. Kreacher's facial expression towards Harry swiftly changed from one of obvious admiration to last summers of hate and resentment.
"Potter is much like his Godfather. Potter would have broken his mothers heart. But my master prevented that. Oh yes he did." speaking reverently towards Voldemort.
"Go downstairs Kreacher."

Ok Now here's the problem.. I'm not sure that it makes too much sense because it has been edited extensively... So I need everyone that is reading it to tell me because if I read it anymore I will be forced to start again.... I'm crazy

aww thanks. I feel so much better now!!

Chapter Five

Harry woke up to Ron leaning over him.
"Dumbledore is downstairs and he wants to talk to you."
"Oh alright." Harry got up. Tapped himself on the head and found himself wearing his Hogwarts robes.
"Blimey!" Ron exclaimed. Harry ran downstairs and found himself face-to-face with Dumbledore.
"Good Morning." he said quietly. "You won't be taking the Hogwarts Express this morning. You will all be using a portkey. You will not be attending the Welcoming Feast. You will be arriving to Hogwarts after." He pointed to a few odds and ends scattered around the hallway.
For the rest of the day they checked and re-checked their suitcases and talked over the decision not to go to the Welcoming Feast. Harry had privately decided not to tell them about Kreachers actions it was something that he felt that it had to do with Sirius so it was his problem and he'd try to tell Dumbledore about this later. At their last dinner at Grimmauld Place there was a lot of sobriety at the occasion. Mr and Mrs Weasley looked tired and anxious. Eventually Dumbledore appeared pulled Harry over to the side of that hall and said quietly.
"Hermione and Ron have their usual start of Term jobs that all prefects do. You won't be attending them. I have excused you from them. There are somethings that I must talk to you about in my office. I will be there in five mintues. Portus" he muttered tapping a mouldy old silver photo frame. Harry felt the familiar feeling around his navel. A few seconds later he landed in Dumbledores office. He walked over to the now familiar seat in front of Dumbledore's desk. A few minutes later Dumbledore appeared in the fireplace.
"Professor Snape will have told you already that you are to be recieving occlumency lessons with me on a Tuesday and Friday night. You will also be aware of the dangers of a relationship between your fellow student Miss Granger. But, this isn't what I wanted to talk about. Before Sirius died he left a will. He said that he wanted for you to have Grimmauld Place to live at or if you would prefer, to sell. His gold he left to share between the Weasleys and Remus Lupin."
"Ok," said Harry cautiously. "But sir, with Hermione..." Dumbledore held up his hand as if to silence him.
"I think it was perhaps wrong to suggest to break off the relatinoship entirely as a matter if fact 'the man who is told wine is bad for him only drinks more wine' So I suppose that it is only natural." Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and put his hands together. "Harry, Remus told me that you were capable of producing the Unforgiveables. If you would like to demonstrate please." Dumbledore placed a container of three mice onto the table. Harry pointed his wand at one and said Avada Kedavra wishing the mouse dead he produced a flash of green light striking the mouse dead in the chest. He then turned on another: Imperio and he wished the mouse nothing rather than to stand on its hind legs rather like a rabbit. A flash of white light and the mouse complied. Now Harry was up to the curse he dreaded the most. Crucio he said wishing the mouse nothing but agony. With a flash of orange red light the mouse rolled over and was twitching. Harry lowered his wand and began to run around in circles. Dumbledore muttered something and the mice disappeared.
"Well, Harry you will find that your possesions have already been taken to your dormitory. Good Evening"
"Professor. Last night Kreacher offered to be my servant. But when I refused he went all strange. It was weird. He's not working for Voldemort still is he?"
"I can only give you my suspicions." said Dumbledore gravely
"Thankyou Sir" Harry got up off his chair and walked out of Dumbledores office. Whilst waiting for the revolving staircase to take him downstairs Harry was deep in thought. Did that mean..? What did that mean?. Why was Dumbledore so hesitant answering questions? Didn't he think that Harry could cope with their answers? He walked through the doorway and found himself facing Hermione.

The same applies to this chapter as the last one... It might not make perfect sense. If it doesn't feel free to post where I have made a mistake and I will happily edit it for you!

Here is something that deep down in our hearts all of us have wanted to do to the annoyances in Harry's life.... (I wisk I could've madi it happen to more but it didn't work out.) So onto chapter six. If I have done something wrong just post it up and then I can fix it. If you don't post about it it doesn't get fixed....

Chapter Six

"Hi," Harry said automatically. But he noticed that his voice was more deep and pleasant sounding.
"Hi." said Hermione.
"ummm, Do you know where Hedwig is? Is she in the owlery or still at Ron's?"
"I think she's in the owlery. We'll go and have a look."
"Where's Ron?"
"He was scrubbing ink off his face when I left. He had a rather nasty experience with one of his gobstones" They both laughed.
"What subjects are you taking this year?" Harry inquired.
"Basically what I was taking last year, except Astronomy and Ancient Runes. They both were immensly boring. you know" she said. "How about you Harry?"
"Well, I have Potions, Transfiguration, Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts of course." They were walking past Umbridge's old office and found themselves looking at the most unexpected person. Aunt Petunia. Petunia was emptying the suitcase that Harry saw her pack that night long ago in Privet Drive. He signalled to Hermione and they both sneaked into the secret passegway hidden by a taperstry with a large witch with pale blue hair.
"What was all that about?" Harry mouthed. Hermione shook her head.

"Perhaps she's new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher?"
"Come on Hermione, she hasn't performed any magic in years. Professor Evans? I don't think so."
"I still think that you underestimate her too much Harry."
"No, she can't be." said Harry vehemently
"How do we know that she isn't powerful. You saw what your Mum was capable of." said Hermione quietly.
"No I didn't." Harry reminded her soberly.
"Well, you know what I mean." said Hermione. "Sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned it." Harry looked at his feet wishing that the awkwardness over his parents would go away. "Harry. Where are you going? The common rooms here!" Harry looked up and found that he had walked straight past the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Sorry" he said feeling immensly stupid.
"Hello Harry," said the Fat Lady kindly. "The new password is - Actually, what is the password? I had to let all the other students in without a password. You know that it is against the rules." she asked staring at Hermione quizzically.
"umm rosepowder." suggested Hermione. The Fat Lady sniggered loudly.
"Rosepowder? I have never heard anything more hilarious!" She began to laugh loudly causing the other portraits to stare at her.
"Well, you pick a better one!" said Hermione defencively.
"Polkiwrathle" said the Fat Lady proudly.
"Fine, Polkiwrathle." said Hermione angrily and pushed the portrait open.

Once they reached the common room saw Ron minding the comfortable seats near the fire.
"What was that about?" asked Harry puzzled.
"I have no idea." said Hermione blankly.
As they walked into the Common Room Hermione announced "The new password is: 'Polkiwrathle'" she said giving the Fat Lady a look of deep disgust.
The voices were making Harry steadily more irritable as they took their seats and began to babble on about absolute rubbish.
"Harry are you alright?" asked Ron anxiously.
"Nothing's wrong" said Harry testily.
"Guess what Harry? Guess who is the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher?"
"I know, it's Petunia."
"Blimey." said Ron in awe.
"Ron, we saw her." said Hermione sharply.
"Oh look! It's Harry Potter." an excited group of first years were approaching them. All talking loudly and openly about Harry's life. All Harry wanted was some peace and quiet and the comfort of his four poster bed waiting for him. Hermione glared at them but still they moved closer until they were just over a metre away. That was enough for Hermione she withdrew her wand from the inside pocket of her robes and pointed it directly at a yellowy haired girl with large pigtails who was still pointing avidly at Harry's scar.
"If you all don't leave him alone right this minute. I will make sure you leave him alone. He didn't ask for all this attention and you are just making it worse for him." she snarled. They all stared avidly at her until the girl with the pigtails answered back.
"Prefects aren't allowed to use magic on other students" she said in a really high pitched voice.
"So? That doesn't matter. Once I have done it I assure you that I won't need to do it again." said Hermione incensed. "Come on, lets go to bed. We might actually get some peace there" she said scathingly. They all got up from their seats and headed towards the boys dormitory. As soon as Hermione's foot touched the first step.
"That's where the boys sleep." The pigtailed girl said matter of factly.
"So?" snarled Hermione. "Are you telling ME what to do?"
"Yes," she answered back "I think that I am." Hermione drew out her wand again.
"Actually." Harry said winking at Hermione and spotting a large moth circling the ceiling "I know a bit of magic that doesn't touch you. But I think that you will get the message. Imperio" He muttered not exactly wanting the whole of Gryffindor knowing that he could perform the Unforgivables. Harry had the whole of Gryffindor house watching him some looking apprehensive, others entertained. Harry was reminded deeply of his father when he did it but. He pointed his wand at the moth willing for it to go into the girl's goblet of pumpkin juice. There was a blinding flash of light and the moth soared then glided right on target.
"I think that's good enough Hermione." he said satisfied.
"Yes Harry." and continued up the stairs. The second they got up to the sixth year dormitory they couldn't contain their laughter.
"Harry, that has to be the funniest thing that you have ever done." said Ron tripping over his robes in hysterics.
Harry, couldn't help it. But he grinned too.

Umm excuse me i'd prefer it if you kept your responses to my fanfic and not little bickerings. Anyway here is chapter seven:----

Chapter Seven

As soon as Harry woke up that morning he didn't realise why he felt so miserable. Talking very quietly about this to Ron and Hermione they entered the Great Hall for breakfast. Harry did expect some backlash for his actions but that was mainly through the younger section of Gryffindor House and it was half hearted to say the least.
"Timetable's" said Ginny brightly passing them a pile of Fifth year timetables. Just as she did that there was a mass of wonderment circling throughout the first years. Harry looked up upon a daily occurance of the last five years. There were hundreds of Owls circling the rooftop looking for their owners. Harry spotted Hedwig's white amongst a general tawny brown colour circling the rooftop.
"You know?" said Ron. "Don't you sometimes long for the times when everything here is new to you?" The answer to this question was lost in Hedwig landing. Attatched to her legs were three packages all adressed to Harry, Ron and Hermione respectively. They all tore at their packages eagerley and out of them came lots of sweets and what appeared to be a few devices to magical mischief making.
"Trust Fred and George." said Hermione disbelievingly. Ron however was looking at a few sweets with a look of pure ecstasy on his face.
"It looks like they have perfected snackboxes. I'll look forward to using these." Deep inside their little goody bags there were notes for each of them.
Dear Harry,

I hope you and Hermione find these useful. Angelina and I used them when we were going out.

Good Luck Mate!

Fred.

Hermione glanced over at Harry who nodded slightly and tucked the note surreptitiously into his robe pocket.
"Come on everyone" Hermione implored. "We'll be late for Petunia's first class." Ron looked lovingly at his half eaten toast but when looking at the expression on Hermione's face he soon complied.
As late as Hermione had maintained there was no one there when they arrived. Harry took a glance inside and what he saw soon dispelled his doubts about Petunia's abilities as a witch. She was wearing dark bottle green robes and was pouring over a dusty old book which strongly reminded him of Hermione.
"Come in Harry" she said happily. "From what Remus told me you seem to have covered the basics. Dark Creatures, Illegal curses" Her eyes flickered "and from that stupid old toad definately enough theory. Today and until most of the time leading up to Christmas we will be revising over what you already know. After the holidays however we will study more Dark Creatures, Jinxes, Counter Jinxes, perhaps the odd Curse and maybe a few hexes. However, nothing as impressive as your father used on Professor Snape that time that you saw him in the Pensieve" At that Hermione glanced at Harry who shook his head slightly. "Anyway.." Aunt Petunia began but the ringing of the bell drowned out the rest of her words. Harry, Hermione and Ron took their seats in the middle and waited for the other students to arrive. Soon enough everyone was in their seats. At least everyone except Neville who somehow mangaged to set his robes on fire with the tip of his wand. Professor Evans gave him an encouraging smile and sent a jet of water towards him out of her wand.
"There you are Mr. Longbottom." she said kindly. "So, you have all decided to further your education in Defence Against the Dark Arts. This year is mainly a year of revision for your N.E.W.T.'s but we will be doing some new content. Just because we aren't learning much new doesn't mean that you should expect to have an easy lesson. By Christmas you will be able to recite everything that Professors Lupin, Moody and Quirrell taught you. With the knowledge that Professors Lockhart and Umbridge didn't teach you." The class exchanged gleeful looks at this comment. For the rest of the lesson they took notes on the compostition of a defencive spell and they ways to use them. At the end of the lesson Professor Evans made an announcement that was old news to Harry, Ron and Hermione but was in Harry's belief influential to the classes acceptance of her.
"There is another thing that you will be able to recite by Christmas. My new name will be Professor Lupin. Yes, thats right. I am getting married to your ex-Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher on November the First." she said brightly. At the end of her announcement the end of lesson bell rang out and as everyone was packing up she called out "Harry, I'd like a word." Harry slung his satchel over his shoulder and made his way over.
"Yes Professor?" he asked.
"Your Occlumency lessons with Dumbledore. Very important. 8 pm his office. The new password is 'Chocolate Frogs' "
"Thankyou Professor," Harry said politely.
"See you on Wednesday Harry."
"Good Afternoon Professor Lupin." Harry heard Petunia giggle and he hurried off to find the others.

Later that evening as Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting in their usual armchairs near the fire finishing their Defence Against the Dark Arts homework. The yellowy blond haired girl was complaining in an annoyingly loud voice. At the beginning she complained about the food. Which caused a lot of angry glares in her direction from Hermione. It seemed her passion for House Elves had only increased. Then she went so far underneath Harry's skin that he could feel the anger surging through his body.
"That new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is a bit odd." she said conversationaly whilst making sure that her voice carried over to where Harry was sitting pulsing with rage.
"I mean, if I knew she wasn't going to teach us curses then I wouldn't have bothered coming." she said her voice getting louder and sounding more outspoken. Harry stood up throwing his unfinished homework aside.
"Have you lived with her for the last fifteen years?" Harry said in a raised tone attempting to keep his voice calm. "Oh no wait a second. You aren't even fifteen." He said angrily.
"Are you trying to tell me that you have lived with her?" she asked sarcastically. Their confrontation had the whole of Gryffindor watching in anticipation.
"Actually yes." said Harry. "After Voldemort killed my parents she was my ONLY living relative as he had murdered every other person in my family. Yeah that is right. She is my Aunt." Hermione and Ron stood up expecting the worst.
"You know." Harry continued. "You have to be at a school for more than 48 hours to begin criticising the way things are run around here." The first year still looked defiant.
"What's your name?" said Ron aggressively
"Jemima Poole" She said proudly.
"Well Jemima." Harry began even angrier. "If you had only one family member would you mind if I criticised them?"
"But she's marrying a werewolf for goodness sake." Harry heard Dean and Seamus groan loudly.
"You know" said in a voice of determined calm. "That werewolf and my Aunt Petunia are the basically the only parents that I have ever had." He now found himself yelling "Voldemort killed anyone who was too close to me. My Godfather-"
"The Mass Murderer?" she asked scornfully.
"The same one. Unfortunately he didn't get to murder as many people as he should of" Harry said staring pointedly at her. "Voldemort killed my parents. He killed my Grandparents and you want to know more? He wants to kill my girlfriend. As a matter of fact. I might as well let him kill me. I've had it. I'm leaving." He tore his prefect badge off his robes chucked it and his Defence Against the Dark Arts homework into the fire and stormed up to his dormitory leaving the whole of Gryffindor House startled behind him.

So I will leave you here in suspense. Will Harry leave Hogwarts? You'll find out. hehehehe

Because I am sadistic and enjoy pain and suffering..

Chapter Eight

Harry had no intention of leaving school though. He went to his trunk kicked it open and pulled out his invisibility cloak. What he really wanted to do was talk to his Aunt Petunia. Whether he was going to mention the slight against her he was unsure. He got a piece of parchment out of his satchel and scrawled 'I'm a ghost. Signed Harry.' to drop as he exited the common room and another saying. As he creeped down the circular stone staircase he noticed that the common room was unusually quiet. It seemed Jemima and her stupid friends had gone to bed. Feeling immensly thankful for that he walked over to the portrait hole and made sure to drop his note in a prominent position. As he walked out of the portrait hole he heard one someone ask who was there. Hopefully they would spot his note. He walked slowly towards Aunt Petunia's office. Even though he had no idea where the teachers slept he decided to check her office. If she wasn't there. Well, if that happened he would think of someone else to go to. Or go back and get the Marauders Map to find her then.

He reached her office and knocked twice gently, took off his cloak and waited for Petunia to answer. Eventually much to Harry's relief she answered.
"Harry" she said sounding very pleased. "I just made a pot of tea. Come in." she lead Harry into her office only pausing to light the torches with a wave of her wand. "So Harry, Whats wrong?" in the torchlight Harry's obvious distress showed. He told her the whole story pausing only at the end to sip some of the tea that Petunia had passed him.
"Hmmm." said Aunt Petunia thoughtfully passing Harry a ginger newt. "What's her name?"
"Jemima Poole.." said Harry. "Something like that."
"I had thought that she could be a problem. Her parents were avid supporters of Professor Umbridge. But of course at the old toads downfall they came back very sorry indeed." she paused thinking deeply. "Well. Harry, this has gone on long enough. Come on Harry, we are going to Professor Dumbledore about this. Right this minute." This was certainly not what Harry had had in mind. But, he silently complied not exactly wanting to return to Gryffindor Tower. Petunia put her day robe over her nightgown and lead him to Dumbledore's office. Harry still carrying his invisibility cloak. The second Dumbledore answered Petunia's knocks wearing a Periwinkle blue cloak with silver moons and stars his eyes widened in surprise.
"Ah," he said staring into Harry's eyes.
"Professor," Petunia began. "It has gone too far. Harry can't even be in his common room without being pointed at or openly discussed."
"Ah, yes. I was worried that this would happen" he said now looking thoroughly concerned. "Who was it?" he asked surveying Petunia.
"Jemima Poole" Petunia said giving Dumbledore a sharp look. "Professor, I know that it is almost beyond our control what is said but we need somewhere to have a 'solution'. " she said meaningfully. Harry took this opportunity to go and see Fawkes. The scarlet feathered phoenix was quietly grooming itself but when it sensed Harry he looked up. Harry started stroking him no longer listening to what Petunia and Dumbledore were saying no longer really caring. When Dumbledore adressed him he jumped like someone had poked him sharply.
"Harry, near the Astronomy Tower - which you will know well after your various exploits in first year-" at this Petunia turned to look at Harry, but on further refelection decided that she didn't want to know. " there were little rooms built for the teachers. Now the teachers prefer to sleep in private rooms near their classrooms. I would like you to take one up and live in it. Dobby." he clicked his fingers and the elf appeared looking excited at seeing Harry. "I would like you to remove all Harry's posessions from Gryffindor and retrieve a prefect badge from the common room fire. Dobby, your new master will be Harry." Harry was shocked at this but could see the sense in it all the same. As Dobby disappeared Dumbledore said gently "You can't burn a prefect badge." he said smiling faintly.
"Goodnight Harry." Petunia excused herself to go to bed.
"Harry, if you ever need to talk about anything feel free you know."
"It's ok Professor Dumbledore. I think.. I think I understand."
"You understand?"
"I believe Jemima has been sent by Dolores Umbridge to make my life ....uncomfortable." Harry had been on the verge of saying 'more uncomfortable but drew himself back at the last second.
"Yes." said Dumbledore wearily. "Madam Umbridge refuses to accept that her time at Hogwarts has been and gone. Anyway Harry there will be better times to talk about this. If you go one floor below the astronomy level and keep going to your right you will find the nicest one."
"Goodnight Professor Dumbledore"
"Goodnight Harry."
Harry made his way up the stairs wondering what the rest of the Gryffindors thought about him. He followed Dumbledore's instructions and found himself in what Muggles would call an apartment. It had a small kitchen. A lounge room with a large fireplace. A smallish but beautiful bathroom reminding him strongly of the Prefects Bathroom and when Harry saw the bedroom he decided that it would be worth becoming a teacher just to have such a wonderful bed. Then he saw no more.

He was asleep.

So there you go! I was tricking! No way could Harry leave Hogwarts... hmmm good idea though..

aww thanks!

Chapter nine

On Tuesday Harry woke up hoping that today would have to be better. It was when he opened his eyes and realised where he was that the full effect of yesterday. He sat up and put his glasses on. Next to where his glasses were there lay his prefect badge which was shimmering in the early morning sunlight.
When he arrived at the breakfast table that day all of Gryffindor ~ except Ron and Hermione who said 'Good Morning' as usual were surprised to find him cheerful. As Harry took his seat there were renewed mutterings from the first years. But Harry didn't care. He glanced up to the high table and saw Dumbledore and Petunia gazing at him deep in conversation both talking animatedly.
"What have we got first?" asked Harry
"Charms" said Ron gloomily.
"First Hogsmeade weekend" said Hermione brightly passing the leaflets around.
"When?" asked Harry.
"November the second."
"Good" said Ron happily. "I'd run out of stink pellets." Hermione shot him a disgusted look and said through gritted teeth.
"Ron you are a prefect" she snarled.
"Oh, umm yeah." This wasn't the first time that Ron had strayed away from his responsibility as a prefect and perhaps that is what irritated Hermione but throughout Charms she didn't speak to him at all. That Ron thought quietly was a bonus but as Harry seemed to like Hermione so much he bit back from what he was longing to say to her.

Harry still had no wish to return to Gryffindor Tower. But it was still fairly lonely at his upstairs room. He had a late dinner away from the usual raucous noise. When he had finished Harry made his solitary way towards Dumbledore's office with a feeling of foreboding.
"Chocolate Frog" he said gloomily. The revolving staircase began to move. Harry checked his watch. It was exactly 8pm. He knocked twice gently. Dumbledore answered wearing robes of bottle green with a matching hat.
"Well Harry," he said gently. "It is now time to teach you Occlumency. Professor Snape attempted to teach you, but until recently he had been unable to supress his anger towards your father and Sirius." he said quietly. "Harry, Occlumency is one of the most complex branches of magic. Your mind is the most complex things there is." Harry blinked and looked up at him from where he was staring at Dumbledores silver spindly instruments.
"There is no given rule to being a superb Occlumens. It takes time, perciverance and of course a natural ability in Defence. As I sift through your thoughts I will try to keep away from your most sensitive moments." Dumbledore said glancing at Harry.
"Yes sir."
"All right. On the count of three. One...Two... Three... Legilimens."
Harry closed his eyes and tried to push Dumbledore out of his mind. All his past was flashing past him at remarkable speed. Professor Quirrell. The Dementors and Sirius. Hermione looking dead lying on the floor in the Department of Mysteries. With an enourmous effort Harry blocked all his thoughts and concentrated on blocking his mind. Finally it all stopped.
"Bravo Harry." said Dumbledore triumphantly. "I knew that you could do it," Harry smiled relieved that he really could do it. "Well the next part is easier. All we do is...'Say you were lying to a teacher about your homework catching on fire. Really you just haven't got around to doing it yet. Or perhaps." He said smiling faintly "you were telling Professor Umbridge that you enjoyed her lessons.' All you do is think what you want them to see."
"Alright" said Harry concentrating intently.
"We'll start with the homework."
Harry concentrated on Professor McGonnagall and then thought about his homework catching on fire in the Gryffindor Common Room. Dumbledore lowered his wand and surveyed Harry thoughtfully out of his half-moon glasses.
"Well, Harry. Not entirely plausible but it's a start. Good night Harry. See you on Friday."

As Harry walked upstairs to his rooms his mind was ticking over the last few days. The fight between the elder years and the younger years had seemed to split Gryffindor in two well at least according to Hermione the elder side was winning. He didn't care about the younger years. There were ways to avoid them all. They were no worse than Dudley's gang. At least with magic Harry could fight back. Harry was climbing the fourth floor stairs carefully watching for the trip stair when he bumped into someone.
"Harry," said Hermione sharply. Harry looked up and saw Hermione standing one stair above him looking slightly upset.
"Hullo Hermione." said Harry sounding glum.
"Harry. I've been looking everywhere for you!"
"Why? What's wrong?" said Harry concerned. "Was it Jemima?" He asked sharply.
"No. I just fancied a chat." At Hermione's words Harry was reminded of himself last year talking to Sirius about his father.
"Well, Ok. Do you want to come up and see my room? The view is fantastic!"
"Yes thats good" she said sounding immensly relieved. Perhaps it was because Harry took her seriously. They walked quietly up the stairs stopping once to aviod Peeves who was rattling suits of armour. When they finally made it to Harry's room Hermione sank down onto the settee.
"Would you like a drink?" he asked Hermione. She nodded.
"Tea if you've got it." she said gratefully.
"Dobby," said Harry. Dobby walked into the lounge area wearing the strangest assortment of clothes. Dobby it seemes had taken up sewing. He had a bright green dinner suit with his usual tea cosy poking out underneath. Harry's old socks were poking out underneath his pointy elf shoes.
"Could you get Hermione a cup of tea please?" Dobby nodded and walked into the kitchen. "It's ok. Hermione. I pay him one galleon a month. He is allowed to use magic. Wear whatever he wants and talk to whoever he wants."
"Well at least someone paid attention to S.P.E.W. Anyway Harry, that's not what I wanted to talk to you about. Last night you said Voldemort was after your Girlfriend-" Snape told me after we well, we kissed that Voldemort was after someone that I loved to torture. He wanted to do a repeat of what happened to the Nevilles parents." Harry never expected Hermione to take the news well. But, then again he never really planned upon telling her.
"All Voldemort wants to do is spark a confrontation to kill me." he said quietly. "Hermione, I would never let him hurt you. I am sorry for the whole Department of Mysteries debacle. You could go as far as blame Snape for that. But I didn't know. I really like you and I never want to see you hurt. " He said putting a comforting arm around her.
"Dobby has your tea sir." said Dobby happily pushing a tray in the room. "Sir, do you mind if Dobby visits Winky?" asked Dobby hopefully.
"Sure Dobby. Have fun" said Harry giving him a wink.
"Harry, I am so sorry for all the trouble I caused you," she said sipping her tea with a shaking hand.
"Hermione you have never caused me any trouble. Only happiness." said Harry sincerely.

It had been brewing for a long time but it was from here that Harry and Hermione as a couple really started.

Yes I know that this chapter is a little soppy. But it had to happen for some reasons...........

Chapter Ten

The rest of the week was uneventful but as Harry, Ron and Hermione walked down towards Hagrids hut on Saturday morning they realised that someone had been missing from their daily routine of taunts. ~Malfoy. It was only when Ron suggested that he was violently ill that he turned up with Crabbe and Goyle flanking his sides.
"Hey Look! It's Prefect Potter." he said trying and failing not to sound jealous.
"Just because your got taken away for joining supporting Umbridge" said Hermione glaring at Malfoy.
At that stage Hagrid turned up and putting an end to further confrontations. To Harry, Ron and Hermione's delight and Malfoy's disgust they were revising Hippogriffs in preparation for their lessons on Phoenix's, Chimaera's and Hagrids favourite Dragons. To justify this Hagrid explained.
"Like a Phoenix, Hippogriffs are proud" He said glaring at Malfoy. "Like a Chimaera and a Dragon you can never be too sure that you have them properly trained." he said nodding sanctamoniusly at Hermione.

At the end of the lesson when Harry, Ron and Hermione made to stay back to talk to Hagrid. Hagrid had other plans. They waited outside his hut whilst he changed. When he finally appeared he was wearing the same suit that he had worn to Buckbeaks hearing.
"How do I look?" he asked proudly turning a circle.
"Great!" said Hermione proudly ignoring the pain in her foot where Harry had stood on it.
"Where are you going Hagrid?" asked Harry trying to change the subject but interested all the same. Harry knew Hagrid well enough to know that Hagrid only got dressed up at VERY special occasions.
"You'll find out soon enough.." said Hagrid mysteriously.

Later that night at dinner they were discussing Hagrids clothing.
"I had to lie" said Hermione reasonably.
"Yeah Ron. What were we going to say? 'Hagrid you look positively ridiculous?' " Harry argued. At that argument Ron contented himself with giving them disbelieving looks.
"Great." said Harry gloomily. "Potions tomorrow"
"Well look at the bright side." said Hermione squeezing his hand reassuringly "At least you can get the marks to become an Auror. Anyway Snape's being loads nicer." Harry yawned and stretched his stomach feeling pleasurably warm. He fel pleasurably content with himself.
"I'm going up to bed now." he said sleepily.
As Harry reached his room twenty minutes later he was greeted by Dobby and Winky sitting in the living chamber on little chairs with Butterbeers in their little hands. At Harry's appearance they began packing up.
"Why are you packing up?" asked Harry confused. He turned to where Winky was paused looking at Dobby. "Winky. I order you to stay here. Enjoy yourselves." he said nodding slightly at Dobby.
Harry felt straight asleep and into a very strange dream. His mind kept flittering towards who he liked most in the world. Realising what was happening Harry channeled his love towards his mother ~at least Voldemort couldn't hurt her anymore he reasoned. When he woke it was with a throbbing headache. Looking at his watch he saw it was only 12:42. He knew that it would be dangerous to go back to sleep he got up and worked on his latest Transfiguration Essay. 'Explain the process of becoming an Animagi and why every wizard isn't one.' which he found quite interesting. He continued doing his homework right up until he realised that for the first time in a long time that he actually had no homework left. He relaxed back in his chair. His eyes feeling much like sandpaper. He tapped himself on the head with his wand and was dressed. He decided to go to the kitchen and make himself a cup of tea.

What Harry saw on his way he found quite interesting it was Winky. She was curled up in the armchair perfectly at peace with the world. Harry saw Dobby looking at him fearfully. He nodded to Dobby and led him into his bedroom chamber. He sat Dobby down on the end of the bed.
"Dobby, when will you realise that I don't mind that you are going out with Winky." Dobby just looked at him, eyes wide staring unbelievingly. "Now you go out there and have some fun."
"Yes sir." said Dobby happily skipping out to the lounge room.

On his way downstairs Harry decided not to trouble Dumbledore about it he knew that Dumbledore would be interested but he would tell him later. Perhaps he would tell Snape today in Potions. He felt obliged to tell Hermione ~It was for her own safety but that would make her cautious to go out with him and that wouldn't be good. Eventually as he walked down the grand staircase towards the Great Hall he decided to keep this latest invasion of privacy to himself. As he saw her pretty smiling face when he sat down next to her it just hardened his resolve not to tell her. She squeezed his hand and transferred a small piece of parchment into his hand. When Ron was talking spiritedly about the impending Quidditch season to Dean he opened the note.

Harry,

Meet me by the lake at 1pm.

Love Hermione.

At the word 'love' Harry's stomach did a pleasant backflip. He glanced over to her and nodded slightly.
"Well, I had better not delay it any longer." said Harry positively dispirited at the thought of another private lesson with Snape. It was not the thought of Snape that upset him it was his abysmal lack of potion-making skills. He threw down his fork and picked up his satchel and slung it over his back - he knew better than to turn up to one of Snape's lessons unprepared.
"Good Luck Harry." said Hermione smiling at him. Harry's heart rose. Snape can't be too bad he reasoned. He walked along thinking deeply and was surprised to find that his musings had carried him downstairs into the Dungeons right in front of the potions class. He raised his hand to knock.
"Come on Mr Potter" said Snape lazily. As Harry walked inside Professor Snape indicated to the front desk where a cauldron was already set up. "the ingredients are on the board." he said waving his wand to the board where a piece of chalk started to write out the ingredients.
"Before we start Professor. Last night Voldemort tried to access my thoughts ummm. I thought you should know."
"Really?" said Snape interested. "I will make sure that Dumbledore knows. Here are the ingredients" he said waving his wand and the ingredients appeared. "I am going to find out what makes you more deplorable at potions."
"Yes Sir." said Harry his mouth drying out.
"You may begin." Harry felt that away from everyone else mixed with the usual threats and taunts that he should do reasonably well.

After two hours of adding, chopping, slicing, grounding and stirring the ingredients all under Snape's watchful eye. Harry was beyond caring for how the potion turned out. As he added the last ingredient the potion turned from a pale turquoise to a dazzling acid green. Then finally Snape spoke.
"Well Mr Potter. this is meant to be a shrinking solution. Lets see shall we?" He pulled a small jar out of his robes which contained a rather large and rather ugly spider. He took a drop of potion with an eyedropper and placed it gently on the spiders back. Harry saw with a thrill of foreboding and a rush of anxiety the spider turned with a pop into a minuscule egg.
"Excellent," said Professor Snape. "I needed one of these to make the Wolfsbane Potion for Remus." he said carefully putting the jar on one of the shelves. "Well Harry, I am very surprised. Perhaps I underestimated you too much. Take this book to read. You may go." he passed Harry a book with a heavily gilded cover.
"Thankyou Professor." said Harry thankful that he really wasn't all too bad at potions.
"Good Afternoon Harry. Remember if you have any 'dreams' make sure that you wake up" Harry nodded once to show that he understood and walked quickly upstairs hoping he may be able to put his books in his house before he met her. Up one flight across a hallway, up one hidden staircase, down the next and finally he threw open the door and saw Dobby.
"Here Dobby. Put these away for me." he said snatching his wand out of his other robes. He ran out of his room and ran down the stairs taking a few shortcuts that he hadn't remembered on the way up. A few minutes later and he was at the door to the Great Hall. It was five minutes to one. He muttered mintificus and his mouth felt pleasantly minty. Trying and failing to flatten his hair he walked out the door pretending to be unhurried he spotted Hermione and made his way over to where she was sitting alone staring at some of the more brave students playing with the Giant Squid. He sat down next to her on the grass.
"Hermione." he said his voice sounding deep and pleasant.
"Harry," she said abandoning her usual tone of cleverness. They sat there for a while so content in their company that they hardly needed to talk. After a while they got up and decided to walk around the lake. Eventually they had walked so far around the lake that they could hardly see Hogwarts. Harry and Hermione turned and stared into each others eyes. They were roughly the same height ~ if anything Harry was taller. They held hands and slowly kissed. It was the second time that Harry had kissed Hermione and by far the best. Indeed they were reluctant when the time came to break away. They stood there just looking at each other. Harry noticed how beautiful she looked in her Hogwarts robes. Hermione was noticing how his hair stuck up at the back and how startingly green his eyes were....

They walked back towards Hogwarts with their hands and fingers intertwined not really caring what anyone else thought. They walked quietly upstairs to Harry's room pretending not to notice Jemima gazing at them openly. When they reached Harry's rooms it appeared that Dobby wasn't there but Hedwig was. The letter was from Lupin.

Dear Harry,

Petunia and I are happy to announce our wedding on November the 1st. Dumbledore has allowed you, Ron and Hermione to leave school on October the 29th to take part in the celebrations. Make sure you learn Occlumency Harry. There's nothing more important than that. Talk Soon.

Best Wishes

Remus

Harry passed the note to Hermione who read it quietly and put it on Harry's bedroom dresser.
"I think that it makes sense for them to get married." said Harry "What do you think Hermione?"
"Yes..." said Hermione staring out the window deep in thought.
"I mean after all the suffering that they have done for me..." said Harry glumly. "Petunia marrying Dursley. Remus losing his friends because they died protecting me..." Harry said sadly.
"Harry, this isn't your fault." said Hermione patting Harry on the back.
"I know but I sometimes wonder...." Hermione kissed him on the cheek and hugged him tightly. "I think that we'd all love it if Sirius was here." she said still embracing him. "But you know the sort of person he was... He wouldn't want you to be sad Harry.."
"Yeah I know." said Harry "just being stupid."
"Not stupid." corrected Hermione. "You lost someone that you loved like a father. Personally I think that you have been very mature in the way you handled it."
"I really enjoyed today." Harry said smiling. ~"And I still am.." he added thoughtfully. Hermione smiled nervously
"I would love to do it again sometime..." she said still smiling.
"How about now?" asked Harry smiling.
"Why not?" said Hermione giggling.

Later that night Ron asked a question that neither Hermione nor Harry really wanted to answer.
"Where did you two go today?"
"Why?" asked Harry determinedly not looking at Hermione.
"Oh nothing. I went up to see you and Dobby said that you came back and rushed off again."
"I went for a walk around the lake." said Harry half-truthfully.
"What about you Hermione?" Harry asked tapping her on the foot slightly.
"Nothing really. Talked to Lavender mostly stayed in the dormitory doing homework. I made a little elf hat for Dobby to wear. I''ll visit tomorrow and give it to him."
"Oh ok." said Ron satisfied.
Harry then changed the topic to the wedding holidays. He didn't feel like telling Ron of his love for Hermione. Not yet.

You will have to wait I am doing my final exams and that could be scary... but... watch this space...

Chapter Eleven

It seemed to Harry that his and Ron's friendship had come to a halt. Neither seemed to enjoy making conversation or even really being with her. There were no fights it was just the end of a very long road. He and Ron would still be friends no matter what but for obvious reasons he sat with Hermione and Ron with Neville, Seamus and Dean. However, Harry was getting used to his upstairs room. He liked Dobby cleaning for him but fairly soon he tired of having all his chores done he told Dobby many times but all Dobby did was give him a weird look like he was deluded or something. Meanwhile Professor Evan's informed he class of her impending wedding holidays ~That caused a lot of friction between the elder and younger years of Gryffindor which Harry ignored. It seemed that Professor Grubbly-Plank would be filling in for her. Ginny and some other 5th years looked close to the point of exhaustion as they skipped breakfast in order to get a few more minutes revision time. Harry knew the feeling all too well and was relieved that for him the time was over for now. In the meantime his relationship with Hermione was flourishing. Soon they decided would be time to tell Ron of their being together.. for now at least they enjoyed their together-ness in private meetings of which hopefully Ron knew nothing about it. Eventually after quite a few more lessons Harry had mastered Occlumency. Dumbledore announced that Harry had mastered the basics but told Harry to continue and perhaps later on learn Legilimency. Professor Snape announced too that Harry might make an exemplary potions student.

In the next Occlumency lesson Harry was able to remove Dumbledore from his thoughts completely.
"Harry, Professor Snape said that Voldemort had been attempting to read your thoughts again."
"Yes Sir." It was true Harry had mentioned in his last potions lesson that he had still been persecuted by Voldemort in his dreams.
"Harry your dreams are no longer safe." he said grimly " Also I have a tiny bit of homework for you." he glanced at Harry's facial expression and smiled. "No need to worry Harry ~I just wanted you to keep a dream diary. I need you to tell me what you are dreaming." He glanced yet again at Harry's expression. "I know that Professor Trelawney set you one last year and I hope that your dreams aren't as made up."
"Yes Sir."
"You, Ron and Hermione please meet me in the Entrance Hall at 8pm on the 29th"
"Thankyou. Goodnight Sir." Harry walked upstairs wondering why Dumbledore was so interested in his dreams. Well there was of course the obvious reason but he told Dumbledore exactly when he detected Voldemort. He'd better do it he reasoned. He didn't want to get in trouble or wreck something so important.

In his last potions lesson before the holidays Harry was to prepare a strengthening solution ~The potion that Harry had totally failed in his fifth year because he had been too busy eavesdropping on Umbridge and Snape at one of the inspections. He thought it through twice before he added ingredients until he reached the time where it had to be stewed for a while before the next ingredients were added. Harry began to write down the instructions for the next lesson.
"Come back on Tuesday at 2:30 pm" he said surveying Harry "But so far so good." Harry's heart rose. It made him feel better that he wasn't terrible at potions."Congratulations Harry" he said warmly "I have never seen a student improve more in a short space of time."
"Thanks Sir." said Harry happily
"You may go." said Snape giving Harry a small smile. It did not last long nor was it very wide but Harry appreciated it all the same.

On Monday afternoon after Petunia's Defence Against the Dark Arts class Harry and Hermione had managed to be left out of prefect duties. ~Ron was stuck in the library patrolling for misbehaving students. Harry and Hermione were walking upstairs talking about Harry's new found abilities for potions when they reached Harry's room they saw a sunset so complete so beautiful that they couldn't help but express each others love. It was when they heard footsteps that they hurriedly broke away but it was too late. Ron had seen them.
"Oh so what have we here?" Harry and Hermione looked at each other highly embarassed but didn't say anything. It seemed Ron was as embarassed as they were. He turned around and stormed out of the room slamming the door behind him. Leaving Harry and Hermione in each others arms stunned standing there.

In Charms the next morning Ron sat away from them in a three seater with Dean and Seamus.
I think he's angry. Harry scrawled to Hermione on a spare piece of parchment.
Yeah I know. I thought that he might be. she wrote.
Why? wrote Harry confused.
I don't know. Maybe he is upset that we lied to him. She wrote in her neat style. It seemed Ron was really angry he didn't even look at them once during Charms or lunchtime. This suited Harry and Hermione though it meant that during their small holidays they could make their relationship public. They were reluctant to take their school relationship too far because Malfoy would tell Voldemort everything as quickly as his little legs would carry him. Or at least make sure Voldemort found out.

Later that night at Potions Harry was very pleased to find out that he had procured a perfect strengthening solution.
"If this were at O.W.L. level I would have to give you a 10/10." said Snape proudly "We really will make a potions master out of you." he said smiling. "See you at the wedding Harry."
At 8pm Harry, Hermione and Ron were gathered in the Entrance Hall with their luggage. They weren't exactly surprised to find that Ron wasn't talking to them but it still had them both a little upset. Soon enough Dumbledore was walking serenely downstairs he passed them a dirty old sneaker and Harry found himself with the familiar pulling feeling around his navel. He closed his eyes and ended up with a thump on the hard ground. Harry opened his eyes and saw that they were in the foyer at Grimmauld Place. Harry got quickly up and helped Hermione get up from where she was tangled in her books he bent over and put them carefully back in her bag.
"Thanks Harry." she said breathlessly fixing her hair. At that Ron rolled his eyes and magicked his trunk upstairs. As Hermione made way for Harry go into his old room Harry shook his head and they kept walking Harry deciding on the room that must have been that of Sirius. It had a framed portrait of himself on it. Just that sight alone brought him close to tears.
"Harry are you alright?" asked Hermione concerned.
"He used to keep a photo of me beside his bed." Harry said through his tears. At this even Hermione looked upset.
"Oh Harry." she said and ran over to comfort him. Things could not have gotten any worse but it did. Ron walked in.
"Why are you in here?" he asked perplexed.
"Because..."
"Because why?" asked Ron confrontationaly.
"Because it is my house." said Harry equally as confrontationaly
"Oh alright."
"Harry, Ron, Hermione. Come here please" shouted Mrs Weasley upstairs. Ron hurried evidently not wanting to linger.
"Is it really your house?" asked Hermione in wonderment.
"Yeah Sirius left it to me." said Harry soberley. They walked downstairs and saw Mr and Mrs Weasley, Fred, George. Bill with the soon to be Mr and Mrs Lupin at the head of the table.
"Hello Harry, Hello Hermione Remus said surveying them from the head of the table. They both sat down and helped themselves to a cup of tea and some cauldron cakes.

Later that night as Harry was lying down on Sirius' bed an inexplicable wave of sadness overwhelmed him. Blinking back tears he looked over to where Sirius had kept his portrait which was smiling and blinking slowly.
"Harry are you alright?" asked Hermione anxiously from the doorway. "Oh here." she muttered "Colloportus" and the door shut and magically locked. "Lumos" Her wand tip lit and she came and sat on the bed next to Harry and ran her fingers through his hair. For a while they sat there in silence with quiet tears running down Harry's face. Hermione lay down next to him and as soon as she did Harry's breathing became deeper and his arm around her relaxed. He was asleep.
"Nox" she whispered as fell to sleep next to him.

I'm sorry I won't be writing this one but without feedback it seems fairly useless to post more. I am working on other fanfics which invole all three characters because I feel bad for excluding Ron from this one. I am doing a cover for HBP at the moment for school so..that might make it here... then again might not... I wish I would make up my mind...

Well, here you are. I have done anything and everything for inspiration. ~I mean everything~ (including making mum drive me to the airport so I could watch planes!)

So here it is! The long awaited Chapter Twelve!

Chapter Twelve.

When Harry woke up in the early morning he was surprised to figure that Hermione was lying next to him. Her breathing was slow and even, so he guessed that she was sleeping. His arm had the familiar pins and needles that one might expect if someone has been laying on your arm all night. He looked up at the ceiling remembering all the tears of last night. He closed his eyes trying to escape from his own skin. He felt so embarassed to have behaved like that. He dissolved into pleasant dreams containing he and Hermione visiting the Three Broomsticks in the cold winter snow...
When he awoke next he was alone; Hermione had evidently gotten up and it seemed that everyone else was awake and causing a good deal of fuss. He tapped himself with his wand and hurried out to find the cause of the commotion. He met Hermione in the hallway. Her usually pretty face was tearstained and she looked stressed and anxious.
"Hermione, whats wrong?" he asked her wrapping his arm around her waist.
"Oh Harry, it's terrible," she moaned nestling herself into his shoulder. Harry's body began to tingle. She was close. Much too close. She was now sobbing onto his shoulder.
"What happened?" he asked urgently planting a small kiss on her forehead.
"A member of the Order has been murdered" she said clearly distraught. "A group of Death Eaters..." she broke off not needing to say anymore.
"Who?" asked Harry anxious.
"They aren't saying anything. But...but if..they said anything about the Order or ...here..then..." she left the sentance hanging. Harry placed a comforting arm around her and guided her into the kitchen of Grimmauld Place.

Everyone was sitting at the table. Mrs Weasley had dark rings around her eyes which were bloodshot. Mr Weasley had his arm in a bandage and was holding a block of ice to his head. Professor Dumbledore was sitting at the head of the table. He did not look upset, but he had his look of ancient fury which Harry had seen few times before and had always hoped not to see, preferring to think of Dumbledore as a vulnerable old man. Harry sat and poured he and Hermione a cup of tea. Harry noticed Remus and Petunia talking quietly to each other in the corner. Finally after what seemed like hours Remus stood and made a grave announcement.
"Petunia and I have decided, that in light of the recent events to cancel our wedding preparations for November the second. We are happy though to announce our marriage on the 18th of December as our Best Man and Bridesmaid as well of course as the Bride will be on school holidays." he said nodding to each of the people mentioned in turn.
"Harry, Ron and Hermione," said Dumbledore standing up suddenly. "It is my wish that you return to Hogwarts," Harry walked over to Remus and shook his hand soberley.
"I'm sorry Remus," he said.
"Sorry?" Remus asked embracing Harry gruffly, "You have nothing to be sorry for, just be good now. I have no wish to be the recipient of bad behaviour notes,:" he said smiling.
"Nah, Remus I'll just make sure that I don't get caught." said Harry smiling back.
"Marauders forever," said Lupin smirking and glancing at Lily.
"Portus," muttered Dumbledore holding out a pair of fire tongs. "Your luggage will be brought back later." he said. "One, two, three," Harry felt the familiar hook feeling at his navel and prepared himself to return to Hogwarts...

At Hogwarts, where Harry presumed would be somewhere in Scotland it was snowing softly. Harry and Hermione spent most of the day upstairs doing their potions homework. Ron however, was in the Gryffindor Common Room being very..err.. 'busy' with Lavender Brown who was a fellow sixth year. He now understood the look of exhileration that Harry wore after being with Hermione. He walked up to Harry's rooms deciding that now was the time to bury the hatchet.

Harry and Hermione were being served tea and biscuits by a very happy Dobby when who should walk in but Ron.
"Hey," said Harry. "Sit down," said indicating to a nearby armchair. Ron sat; but not hiding his intense excitement quick enough. Hermione walked over from her desk, smiling.
"Alright then, who was it?" she said smirking. "Well, I suppose, who is it?" she corrected herself. Harry stared at her evidently confused. Ron was startled by her promptness. He was so stunned that he answered the question without the slightest trace of embarassment.
"Lavender," Harry whooped out aloud causing Hedwig to hoot loudly flying out the open window and heading off towards the owlery. Hermione giggled.
"Was it good?"
"Yeah, Is Harry good?"
"I'd have to say he's the best," she replied smirking.
"Well, this is excellent," said Harry perfectly content. "We can go on dates now," he smiled at Hermione's facial expression. It was a mix of disbelief and disproval.
"As long as those dates are legal now Mr Potter, I shudder to think what Remus would say."
"Who cares?" said Ron flippantly. "I mean, it's not like he didn't get into trouble when he was at school," Harry privately agreed but said nothing.
"Fair enough," Hermione said which surprised Harry greatly. "Only for you Mr Potter," she smirked and Harry's heart rose.
"Do you think that Lavender would be up for it?" Hermione asked Ron.
"umm, there's a chance, I suppose. Where are we going anyway?" he asked interestedly
"I know that my parent's went to the Shrieking Shack. ~Provided that it wasn't the full moon."
"The Shrieking Shack?" asked Ron skeptically. "But isn't it all destroyed?" he asked. "From when Remus was transformed?"
"Well, umm, my Mum and Dad built a special room. I think you'll find that Remus never managed to wreck those."
"How do you know about that?" asked Hermione interestedly.
"umm, Lupin," Harry lied. He had really found out that information early last year when he was exploring.
"Well, it's settled then. I'll go ask Lavender and send Pig up to tell you" said Ron getting up with a look of boyish amusement on his face.
"Oh yeah, and Ron," Harry said getting up and opening the cloakroom. "Here's the invisibility cloak, I figure you won't get caught out with it and it might bring you closer," he smirked throwing the cloak to Ron. Ron gave him a dirty look and exited.
"So, Mr Potter," said Hermione draping her arms around Harry's neck.
"Yes, Miss Granger?" Harry said smiling up at her face.
"I think Mr Potter needs some rest because Miss Granger will keep him up all night. Or do Marauders have a strong resistance?" she said playfully toying with his buttons.
"I think that they do," he said planting a kiss on her hands. She giggled and collapsed on the lounge next to him...

10 Minutes later...

There was a tap at the window and Harry broke away from Hermione and meandered over to let Pig, inside. Harry carefully took the note and read it smiling.

Lavender and I will be at the Great Hall by 7. We figure that if we leave early there's less chance that we'll get sprung.

See you there..

Ron.
"Well, that's alright," said Harry folding the note and placing it on the desk. "Oh here," he said giving Pig an Owl treat.
"What is it Mr Potter?" asked Hermione playfully.
"We're meeting Ron in the Great Hall at seven,"
"Good. So what is this..well..room is like?"
"Well, I'm going to leave it as a surprise." he said unhelpfully.
"Oh Mr Potter, you always surprise me," she said messing up his hair.
"So do you," he said smirking up at her.
"How?" she asked interestedly.
"Well," he said thoughtfully. "You are a much better snog for a start." Hermione giggled and blushed. "You have a better sense of humour.."
"Alright, I get the idea. Lets go downstairs Mr Potter. I think that dinner awaits us." she said holding her hand out to Harry. He smiled, took her hand and led her out the door.
"Very well, Miss Granger."

At 7pm and after a very enjoyable dinner. Harry and Hermione were joined by a nervous Ron and a very excited Lavender. They quietly made their way downstairs and outside of the castle, skirting the Forbidden Forest to aviod Hagrid who was stoking a fire near his hut. When they reached the Whomping Willow, Harry proceeded forwards with a long stick. Lavender squealed and Ron put a comforting arm around her and told her quietly that there was no danger. Harry pressed the knot and crawled into the tunnel being followed closely by Hermione. He could hear Ron and Lavender following.
"Are you sure that this is a good idea?" asked Hermione nervously as they made their way up the tunnel wad tips lit.
"Of course it is," said Harry shortly not really sure of himself.
Eventually the tunnel narrowed and began to rise and Harry opened the trapdoor as they reached the end. Harry walked up to a wall. Found the all important crack and said:
"I solemly swear that I am up to no good." The wall constricted and a door squeezed itself into place. It had a silver handle and Harry turned around to look at everyone.
"See? It is a good idea," he said smiling brightly.
"I'm guessing that it was your Dad's work,"
"Sort of, it took him, Sirius and Lily three whole days to work it out. Remus refused to have a part in it, but," he said smiling. "He still used it occasionaly with Petunia when they preferred some solitude."
Harry took a deep breath and opened the door...

TO BE CONTINUED... Not in chapter thirteen. I'm incredibly superstitious so the next chaper happens to be *Dramatic music* Chapter Fourteen *suspense*

Well, because I'm in the writing mood and have nothing better to do here's chapter fourteen..

Chapter Fourteen.

Harry did expect to be surprised upon entering the secret room. But what he saw literally blew his mind away. There were two four poster beds and there were bedside tables completely filled with vases of lillies. The torches that lined the walls had streams of hearts spilling out of them which scattered on the floor before fluttering back up to the torch. Harry walked over to one of the beds. There was a note beside the table which Harry picked up interestedly and read.
"Oh, Harry! It's beautiful!" Hermione gushed jumping onto the bed which Harry was standing next to.
Dear Harry,
One day, like us Marauders did you will 'experience' taking a girl here. Don't waste the experience and spoil the girl rotten. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. DO NOT TELL LILY THAT YOU ARE DOING THIS!!!
Have Fun!
James and Sirius
P.S. You and your friends are now proud Marauders! Go tell Madam Rosemerta at the Three Broomsticks and introduce yourselves to Honeydukes.
Harry smiled at the note and turned it over; on the back there were security charms listed. Harry showed them to Hermione and passed it over to Ron. Hermione lay back on the covers of the bed and smiled happily.
"Well, Mr Potter? Are you going to stand there looking like a dead fish?" she said smiling. "No need to worry about them," she said glancing over to where Ron and Lavender were. "We'll have to catch them up,"
"Well, Miss Granger I just suppose I will have to." Harry said quietly pulling her over to a smaller door which had just appeared.
"What are we doing?" Hermione whispered.
"Just wait," They sneaked through the door and found themselves near the Hogwarts lake.
"It's beautiful," Hermione said in awe. Harry conjured the handful of flames which he learnt off Remus in the fourth year.
"I just thought that being Ron's first time and all that we should give them some privacy,"
"Yes Mr Potter," she smiled, but her look was instantly replaced by one of anxiety. "But won't anyone see us?" she asked anxiously.
"No, it has all sorts of enchantments placed on it," Harry said wondering if his words were true. He waved his wand and produced a blanket and a few pillows.
"But won't the ground be hard?"
"Let me surprise you," said Harry sitting down.
"Uh, alright," said Hermione doubtfully. Harry held up his hand and pulled her down.
"Come on Hermione," he said. "I won't hurt you,"
"I know that Mr Potter," she said sitting down and kissing him slowly. The ground was soft and comfortable. Harry scooped the fire from his hands and put it down. "So, Mr Potter," said Hermione playing for time. She didn't want to get that close to him. In that way. But she felt it was inevitable, but not tonight.
"So, Miss Granger," said Harry running his fingers through her hair. All of a sudden Hermione got a rush of confidence that only a girl could get through being with someone that she loved.
"Are you scared of sharing a bed with me? I warn you that I will keep you awake,"
"Speaking from experience?" asked Harry smirking knowing full well the answer, he put an arm around her waist. He was close, much too close... Hermione giggled, trying to diffuse the situation. Harry lifted his head and stared into Hermione's eyes. It was too dark to see them properly but he knew how pretty they were and what a rich, chocolate brown they are. He spoke the words which he'd been longing to say for a long time.
"I love you Hermione," he said. At his words Hermione melted.
"I love you too Mr Potter."

After a while when the moon had risen, Harry and Hermione were sharing their blanket and looking up at the stars. It was still snowing slightly but Hermione performed a rather tricky spell to build in invisible canopy over them. It was warm and cosy, Hermione was snuggled near Harry, he held his arm around her tightly. Harry was thinking deeply about the events of the morning. Earlier in the year or late last year Harry would've been distraught about the death of a member of the Order, but the death of Sirius had taught him that death was inevitable, it was always coming, it just depended on how it occurred. He was apprehensive at the thought of Voldemort but the Prophecy had taught him that he was to fight Voldemort, it was just how well prepared he was to fight it.
"What is your favourite constellation?" asked Hermione quietly.
"I thought that would've been obvious, Sirius, the dog-star," said Harry. "And yours?"
"Leo, because of Gryffindor," she said pointing up to a group of stars.
"They're beautiful," said Harry reflectively.
"So are you," Hermione commented hugging him.
"and you," he said affectionately.
Hermione rested back onto Harry's shoulder sighing deeply. Everything was so perfect. She had Harry, Ron was happy for once, the only thing that tarnished her contentness was the cloud of death which surrounded the Order of the Phoenix. But Harry didn't seem overly concerned, he was still as serious as he normally was. If anything the last few days had loosened him considerably; which she was happy for. She had always wanted to have fun but never been brave enough too risk her neck. But, there was something about being with a marauder that made her confident. She knew that Harry would always stick up for her and always love her..forever...

When they awoke the sun had just risen. The snow was glistening softly. They packed up their stuff and sneaked back into the secret room.
"Where have you been?" Ron whispered. Lavender was asleep on his shoulder and they were looking cosy. Very cosy. Harry pointed at the invisibility cloak and picked up the Marauders Map. He waved to Ron and took Hermione out of the room. Harry and Hermione entered the tunnel.
"I solemly swear that I am up to no good," Harry muttered tapping the map with his wand.
"Lumos," Hermione whispered holding her wand to the map. Harry quickly scanned the grounds for signs of life. He found them. Standing at the end of the very tunnel he and Hermione were in was a small dot. Harry squinted and read it. He dropped his wand in surprise. Severus Snape was waiting... waiting for them...

Nice little surprise.. a little danger... *suspenseful music*

Chapter 15

Harry dragged Hermione back into the Shrieking Shack and upstairs into a bedroom. There was nothing to be said their looks of horror told each other that no words needed to be said...
"What do we do?" she asked breathlessly. She looked scared and was pale.
"Honeydukes?" said Harry smirking.
"Haha," said Hermione anxiously.
"Wait a second," said Harry bursting into a bout of anxiety. "Ron doesn't know!"
"Is there anyway to tell him?" she asked anxiously running her hand through her hair.
"No, not until he is in the tunnel and it is likely that Snape would here," he checked the map to see if Snape had gotten any closer. Harry spotted some dots near the main doors and breathed a sigh of relief. The dots labelled 'Ronald Weasley' and 'Lavender Brown' had just walked into the Entrance Hall.
"How on earth did they get there?" he exclaimed loudly.
"shhh," reprimanded Hermione sharply. "What is it?"
"Ron and Lavender are in the Entrance Hall," Hermione breathed a loud sigh of relief.

"Come on Hermione, let's get out of here," Harry said.
"Where are we going?" questioned Hermione skeptically.
"Well, as you know there is more than one way into Hogwarts," he said slowly hatching a plan. "I think it's time to use them."
"But Harry isn't it in the cellar of Honeydukes? It won't be crowded. They'd spot us easily."
"Yeah, but my parents and the other marauders were friends with the owner."
"Things change Harry," she said quietly.
"I know, but anything's better than Snape finding us here,"
"Fair enough." she said getting off the bed. They crept out the front door and slowly made their way up High Street.
"How on earth did they do that?" Hermione questioned. Harry sighed deep in thought.
"I honestly don't know, maybe they saw Snape and ran?" he answered feebly.
"hmmm, but wouldn't they have seen us. It only took them like three minutes to go through the tunnel and make it to the Entrance Hall."
"That's impossible. Especially with an invisibility cloak!"
"I know,"
"Well, if we survive we'll be able to find out," he said grinning evily.
"Yeah, if we survive.."

They walked into Honeydukes nervously anticipating the reaction of its proprietors. The door bell jingled causing Hermione to jump slightly. A man came through the doorway and smiled kindly at Harry and Hermione.
"Ah, Mr Potter I suppose you want to use our trapdoor?" he questioned. Harry was dumbfounded that the man was so abrupt.
"Well, yes.. If you don't mind.."
"No, not at all. Come downstairs." he said leading them down a small flight of stairs. Hermione gave Harry a nervous glance. Harry shook his head slightly. The man tapped the trapdoor and it vanished with a small puff of smoke.
"Here you go. I won't tell anyone."
"Thankyou,"
"Now you and your pretty friend go back to Hogwarts and pretend that you were always there." The doorbell rang upstairs and the man excused himeslf shaking Harry's hand.
"I solemly swear that I am up to no good." Harry tapped the Marauders Map and was relieved to see there was no one beside the statue of the hump backed witch. Professor Snape was still at the Whomping Willow. Harry pointed this out to Hermione who nodded whilst lighting her wand tip. Harry did the same and led the way through the cold stone tunnel. Every twenty minutes Harry would check the map for Snape and to try and work out how long they had left.
"How much longer?" Hermione panted.
"Not much, " Harry said trying to sound reassuring. By now it was about 10 am and there was definately no chance of breakfast. Harry was thankful it was a Saturday morning. Theoretically, they could use the secret room any night...but if Snape was hanging around well then they would have to rethink. They snuck out of the statue and hurried to put as much distance between them and the third floor.

Once in Harry's rooms they sank gratefully onto the lounge. To Harry's surprise Hermione burst out laughing.
"What's up?"
"Oh Harry," she giggled. "That's the closest it's been in ages.." Harry laughed to himself. 'Hermione enjoying trouble?'
"Since when did you enjoy trouble?" he asked surveying her quizzically.
"Oh I don't know, it just feels right." she said laughing still. Harry stared at the Marauders Map. Professor Snape was still at the Whomping Willow. 'Why on earth would he be there?' he thought to himself. But there was no point ruining Hermione's fun. If she was having fun, that's what really mattered.

"I wonder how Ron and Lavender got out so quick?" Hermione giggled feebly.
"hehe, it was just like magic,"
"Hermione, are you alright?"
"Yeah?"
"No, I'm serious.
"So am I,"
"No really, are you ok?"
"Yeah, just feeling a little rebellious," she said grinning evilly. "I had fun."
"So did I," Not exactly reassured Harry stared back at the Marauders Map. Professor Snape was no longer at the Whomping Willow. He was on the seventh floor and moving fast. "Quick Hermione, Snape's coming." Hermione jumped up cursing.
"Alright, what do I do?"
"Go into my bedroom," he intoned pushing her slightly into his sleeping chamber and closing the sliding doors. Harry sat down at his desk pretending to be doing some homework. He spotted the dream diary and realised he had hardly even started it yet. Dumbledore would want to see it tonight in his Occlumency lesson. He opened his book to Thursday and tried desperately to remember what happened. It was the night he spent in Grimmauld Place with Hermione. He cast his mind around desperately for a dream which would mean nothing to Dumbldedore. Rumpling his hair he wrote about dreaming of Number Four Privet Drive and remembering Aunt Petunia's visit. He hadn't dreamed of such a thing but it would feel awful to say the truth of dreaming nothing. There was a sharp tapping at the door. Flattening his hair nervously he answered the door with a thrill of foreboding...

Enter old Snivellus yet again...

So, Chapter Sixteen...

"Good morning Professor," said Harry courteously motioning for Professor Snape to move inside.
"Morning Potter," he said moving inside and sitting in an armchair close to the window.
"Would you like a cup of tea?" Harry asked trying to stay calm.
"Yes please, perhaps it would be best."
"Dobby," Harry called. "Could you please get us some tea?" he asked. "So, Professor, you came to see me?"
"Yes, and Miss Granger if she's here,:" Professor Snape said relaxing back in his armchair and thanking Dobby who was serving him tea. Harry opened his bedroom door. Snape's eyes flashed dangerously looking wild in comparison to his sallow skin.
"She just had to go to the bathroom," Harry explained. "Something girly about doing her hair." he said praying that she would put some special clip in her hair at his words. Snape's eyes were double-taking the lounge room. He spotted Hermione's make-up bag on Harry's desk, her robes on the coat hook and her wand carelessly placed on the coffee table. 'Any more furniture and she might as well move in,' Snape thought angrily, but jealously at the same time, he'd never had a real girlfriend.
"Hermione?"
"Yes, Harry?" she called softly.
"Professor Snape is here he would like to talk to us,"
"Oh, how nice, I'll be out there in a second."
"So Potter," said Professor Snape placing down his tea. "Miss Granger," he added as Hermione walked through the door. Hermione had some sort of complicated twisty, turny plait in her hair and did Harry's lie admirable justice. "It's difficult to know where to begin," he said uncomfortably.
"How about from the beginning?" asked Hermione reasonably.
"Ok, well, Voldemort as you know has always used emotions as one of his biggest weapons, as you and I now know, it seems he does not need painful curses or deadly spells to cause deep pain. It is this pain that he relishes in. One would probably say that that is what he lives for." he paused drinking some more tea. "Here we come to the warning that Remus gave you, Harry earlier in the year."
"Yes," said Harry cautiously realising that Snape wasn't here to tell them off just to make sure they knew the dangers. "We both know the dangers, but these dangers will be present until his defeat will they not?"
"I suppose you could see it that way," said Professor Snape considering Harry's opinion.
"I will always be fighting against Voldemort," said Hermione realising what this was all about. "There would be no more danger, just I suppose my name gets another cross, as well as being a muggleborn," she said considering Professor Snape's reaction to her loyalty to Harry.
"Well then, next time you want to go to Hogsmeade at least do it the legal way." he said smiling softly. "Thankyou for the tea."
"Thankyou Professor."

Later that afternoon in Dumbledore's office.

"Albus, I tried," said Snape tiredly. "But, if you saw. All her stuff is there and they are really close."
"What can we do?"
"Nothing, we have warned them enough, you would think that they would listen."
"How close is really close?"
"Oh, arms intertwined, loyalty, all that sort of thing,"
"I have Harry for Occlumency tonight, perhaps you should go and have a chat?"
"How? Break into the Gryffindor Common Room?"
"Oh Severus," said Dumbldedore clearly exasperated. "You know where she'll be."

Hermione lay back onto the lounge. Harry had gone to his Occlumency lesson and she was enjoying the quieter time. There was a tap at the door. Crookshanks hissed angrily.
"Quiet Crookshanks," Hermione intoned hiding where she'd been reading Harry's diary and answering the door. "Ah, come in." Professor Snape walked inside the door looking more grim than ever. "Good evening Professor,"
"Miss Granger," he said sitting on the same armchair as this morning, he still looked terribly uncomfortable.
"What's wrong?" she questioned wondering what Snape had in store for her now.
"Hermione, before term started. "Remus and I had a little talk with Harry."
"I know,"
"You do?"
"Yes,"
"All of it?"
"I think so, he's a bad liar," she said smiling reflectively.
"Well?"
"Well what? I know the dangers,"
"You might know them but I do doubt you understand then,"
"I do."
"Well then, wouldn't the best thing to do be to stay away?"
"No," said Hermione firmly. "What good would that be? To give Voldemort the impression that we are scared?"
"Admirable sentiments," said Snape with the slightest trace of a sneer.
"Professor, I am going to be rude. But GET TO YOUR POINT!" she said sharply.
"Fine," he snarled. "My point is that it has to stop between you and Potter," he snarled more viciously getting up and leaving Hermione sitting there with an expression of confusion on her face. Hermione picked up the diary and read the next entry.

I spent all of yesterday with Hermione. I really like her. I would love to give her my Mum's ring, but I'm not sure how she'd respond. I'm falling for her too quick. The feeling that I get with her is like I could jump off a cliff and not fall because she keeps me safe. I try not to think about the warning that Remus gave me. But she knows and doesn't look too worried. I suppose if a Professor asked we'd stop. But at the moment it feels like we are on a never ending rollercoaster, I just hope that it never ends. No, stuff whatever the Professor's have to say, it just feels too right...

Hermione read the diary entry with tears misting her eyes. She carefully put it back in it's hiding place and lay back on the lounge with tears swimming in her eyes trying desperately to clear the thoughts coursing through her mind...

Meanwhile in Dumbledore's office...

Occlumency, was no more of a lesson, more of a meeting to tell Harry of the movements of rogue Death Eaters and probably more important Fudge and his recent round of propaganda. Harry was anticipant in his attitude for todays meeting as he expected a reprimand for his actions pertaining to his very public relationship with Hermione at Grimmauld Place. Harry knew to expect no information on the dead Order member. Dumbledore whilst keeping Harry well informed was known to leave some details secret and no doubt this would be another one to his tally. There were so many secrets remaining, what is the Order doing? and generally the whole idea on Fudges actions. No doubt, like the matter with Snape this was a personal matter between them.
"Come in Harry," called Dumbledore wearily, knowing that this conversation was going to be either difficult of pleasant. It all depended on Harry's attitude. Harry traipsed gloomily inside, Dumbledore evidently had something important and time consuming on his mind. Harry had learnt enough Legilimency to work that out. He sat down staring into Dumbledore's periwinkle blue eyes feeling the familiar X-ray action but resisting it staring back with his pure green eyes strictly concentrating.
"So Harry," Dumbledore said walking over to the pensieve. "On Thursday, we lost another member of the Order,"
"Who?" asked Harry not expecting an answer.
"Hestia Jones," Harry had heard the name before but couldn't put a name to the face.
"But Harry, it was the way that she was taken was the more dangerous," he said prodding the silver mass inside the pensive with his wand. "Hestia was doing her shopping in Diagon Alley when she was abducted."
"Abducted?" questioned Harry concerned.
"Yes," he sighed deeply. "This shows us that we aren't safe anywhere, indeed for a while we believed for Diagon Alley to be unsafe, but, unfortunately it took a death to prove it,"
Harry was about to retort about Dumbledore's nonchalance regarding the death of Sirius who died in battle, compared with some witch that was doing her shopping not even risking her neck, but he bit back. He was enjoying Dumbledore telling him actual information, rather than the usual rubbish.
"Are we safe anywhere?"
"Grimmauld Place and Hogwarts are probably the safest there is. But even, unfortunately they could be invaded. Until recently, the Department of Mysteries was thought to be the safest place from him," he smiled softly. "Even you got past all the security measures that they had imposed." Dumbledore picked up his wand and pointed it at Harry. Harry steeled himself for another intrusion on his mind...

******
Naughty Naughty. Now don't you go of to school and get in ridiculous amounts of trouble to read my story.. Even though I write most of it at school and lie my way out of trouble every ten seconds... Glad to see that people actually like it!

Yeah... you guessed right I suppose.. Unfortunately I can't leave a cliffhanger so.. Here is the chapter that I hated writing and you'll probably not like reading.. It's a bit too young...

Chapter Seventeen

Hermione lay still on the lounge blinded by tears. She loved Harry, and life is so cruel. Hermione knew that she belonged with Harry. But, common sense had to prevail. She found herself sitting at his desk with a quill in her hands poised to write.
"God help me for saying this, it's for the best isn't it?" she prayed before she started to write. Eventually, when she had finished she picked up her stuff her tears still stinging and angry thoughts towards Snape circulating wildly.

"Hermione?" Harry called walking in the doorway. "Hermione?" he repeated scanning the room for signs of life. After what Dumbledore had said about Hogwarts security Harry was very worried for Hermione's safety. He knew that he was being a little stupid. But the thoughts dragged at his mind oblivious to his common sense.
"Hermione, where are you?" All her stuff was gone and there was a letter for him..

Harry,

Courage is not standing in the face of fire, courage is facing the next day and the rest of your life without the ones you love. Love cannot occur without tremendous pain; pain that I cannot take anymore. I don't want anything to happen to either of us and for one to live without the other forever. You might wonder why I am saying this, but it is for the best, I will remember the special time that we had forever but I must leave now for your own sake.
Yours forever... Perhaps when the war is over we may become one again.. but for now it has been decided for us...

Love Hermione xx

Harry read through it again, and again. Finally the message seemed to sink in he grabbed the Marauders Map and bounded downstairs to the Gryffindor Common Room on the seventh floor.

Thoroughly dispirited Hermione made her way to the Gryffindor Common Room with her night bag carelessly slung over her shoulder.
"Lover boy dumped you did he?" called a voice snidely from near the fire. The Common Room went deadly quiet anticipating Hermione's response.
"No," she said trying to stay calm. "Just coming back from a sleep over," she said smiling sweetly at Jemima Poole who she had come to detest with a certain degree of animosity.
"Sleepover's aren't allowed." she said smartly. "The rules strictly forbid visiting other houses, especially, their sleeping dormitories."
"I didn't go to another house," Hermione answered honestly.
"Yeah, where is Potter sleeping?"
"Why? Are you going to stalk him or something?"
"No, but if he's getting special treatment..."
"What are you going to do? Tell your friend Dolores Umbridge?" she said adding a little spark to the very public disagreement. At her words everyone from second year to seventh year took in their breath sharply and gave Jemima a death stare.
"Well, if he gets a private room, I want one,"
"Do you think that maybe he deserves one?"
"No, but it's wrong if he is,"
"He pays rent," she lied sharply. Jemima changed tack with lightening speed which Hermione had only seen before in her arguments with Ron.
"So when's the wedding?"
"When's what wedding?" asked Harry casually walking through the portrait hole.
"Your wedding Potter," she snarled viciously.
"Well, I suppose whenever Hermione gets around to it," he said reasonably. "There's a lot to organise, food, decorations, guests," he commented walking over and placing a casual arm around Hermione's waist. Jemima was in shock. "Also too, Hermione. There's an excellent shop. Just opened. The dresses there are beautiful. I hope you like them. I've got Fred and George onto the entertainment."
"Where's the engagement ring?" she asked spying Hermione's empty fingers.
"Well, she's seen the ring, but we are waiting for the right time,"
"It's beautiful," gushed Hermione excitedly even surprising Harry with her genuinity. At this everyone went back to their conversations. It was a clear verdict. Harry and Hermione had won.
"Ron, do you still have the cloak?" Ron nodded and made his way upstairs two at a time his mind reeling over Harry and Hermione's performance. "Hermione, fancy going out for a few minutes?" Harry whispered into her ear.
"Yeah," she replied sensing his need to talk.
"Here," said Ron passing him the cloak.
"That's an invisibility cloak," Jemima exclaimed angrily pointing to it.
"Yeah," said Harry casually.
"Where did you get that from?"
"It's mine," Harry said dodging the question.
"I'm not sure Dumbledore would be too happy if he knew you had it,"
"Dumbledore happens to trust me," Harry raised his voice angrily. "Come on Hermione, It's time to do what we should've done long ago," he muttered the last few words and led her out of the common room.
"Long ago?" questioned Hermione.
"Yes," He said leading her upstairs. Hermione gave him anxious glances but he said nothing. Soon it appeared that they weren't going to Harry's rooms, however, more closer to the Astronomy tower. He made a few sharp turns and walked upstairs and through a trap-door. They were on top of the sister tower to the Astronomy tower. It was slightly smaller, but more rounded. "Colloportus," Harry muttered tapping the trap-door sharply with his wand. It would keep Filch away at least.
"Ok Hermione, what is all this about," he asked pulling out the letter.
"I thought it was for the best." she said nervously.
"Well, it's not for my best," he said digging deep into his robes, it was true. There was something that he should've done done long ago.. Something that couldn't wait...
"Really?"
"There really is something that I have to do,"
"What?"

Last year at Grimmauld Place..

"Harry," Sirius said leading him into the pantry and locked it magically. Sirius pulled out of his pocket a small blue velvet box. Harry wondered what on earth it had to do with him. "This ring was your mothers," he passed Harry the box who opened it with an expression of deep shock on his face. "It has been passed down through the Potter family for generations."
"It's beautiful," Harry gushed over the ring. It was a soft rose gold and had a pink diamond heart enclosed in a gold frame. It was completely beautiful. It was perfect.
"Yes, use it well," he said walking out with a trace of a smile touching his face. He walked out pretending that nothing had happened, as well as trying to avoid Weasleys Wildfire Whizzbangs that were now circulating the house.

Harry returned back to the present where Hermione was wearing an expression of concern and apprehension. Harry's fingers closed upon the velvet box. Harry conjured up some candles, he steeled himself to do it. He had to.
"Hermione Jane Granger," he said kneeling down and staring up to her. At his facial expression she melted. Whatever he said she'd do. Even if it were to jump off this very tower. She wouldn't question those green eyes... She couldn't.
"Will you marry me?" Hermione opened her mouth in shock, her mind was numb with the hopeful look in his eyes.
"Yes," she said. "Yes," more firmly. "Harry, it's beautiful!" She grabbed Harry in her arms and hugged him tightly. Harry placed the ring on her finger. It sparkled softly for a few seconds and glowed brightly.
"Come on," he whispered into her ear. "Come home,"

See? It has a really sucky ending.. but anyway..

The sucky things are a bit well..sucky but that doesn't matter...

Chapter Eighteen

The next morning at breakfast..

Hermione lost no time in showing off her new ring. There wasn't a Gryffindor that didn't know of it or hadn't admired her new ring (perhaps Jemima and her first year group). Harry knew that what they were doing was directly disobeying Professor Snape but.. It was inexplicable the way that they felt. Today, Harry didn't have potions as it was their visit to Hogsmeade. He, Ron, Hermione and Lavender were all going together. They invited Ginny and Neville but they said that they preferred to be on their own. Harry suggested the coffee shop that he and Cho had visited hoping that Ginny and Neville would be happier. It was to be their last free weekend before Christmas. They had definately noticed a drop in the allowed visits. But, that just gave them an excuse for going there illegally. They visited all the shops, Honeydukes, Dervish and Banges, Zonko's and the Post Shop to buy gifts. In the early afternoon, they paid a visit to the Three Broomsticks, full but thirsty from all the Honeydukes sweets. As it was an important visit, it seemed that the students under third year had been permitted to visit too. It was noisy and crowded as usual but it was even more crowded in the middle where Harry spotted some Gryffindor first years his heart sinking horribly. Before Jemima could stop him he grabbed one of the leaftlets which read 'Stop the favouritism'
"How interesting," he commented dryly passing the note to Hermione who passed it on wearing a frown. Her ring sparkled brightly in the candlelight. Jemima scowled deeply.
"Watch out," said Ron waspishly. "The wind might change. It could manage to make you uglier,"
"Impossible," said Lavender lightly holding onto his hand. They sat down still surveying the leaflet in disgust and ordered butterbeers.
"Harry, that degree that Umbridge passed..Remember last year?" Hermione asked glaring at Jemima.
"How could I forget? The one about groups which nearly got me expelled?"
"Yeah, do you think that it is still working?"
"Working?"
"Well, enforceable.."
"Not sure.. Worth a try."
"Hullo Harry," said Hagrid taking a seat next to him.
"Hey Hagrid,"
"Why haven't you been to see me?" he chuckled dryly. "Forgotten where I live?"
"No, just been busy,"
"Well, I want to see you more often, alright?"
"Alright, How about Thursday afternoon?"
"Yes, that'd be beautiful. Anyway, I got a creatures for us to study. They're a little basic, but useful and make beautiful companians,"
"Don't tell me," said Hermione closing her eyes. "You haven't got us a chimaera?" Hagrid's pets were usually large monsters that had too many claws and the unfortunate habit of foaming at the mouth.
"Is everything I own a nasty monster?"
"Yes," said Harry laughing.
"Anyway, must go. It's time for their feed." Hagrid shook Harry's hand and left knocking chairs over as he went.
"Oh what has Hagrid got this time?" Hermione groaned loudly.
"I'll bet you a galleon that it has Fluffy well marked." said Ron hopefully.
"Keep dreaming." Harry relaxed back enjoying the flow of conversation around him. He enjoyed the passionate glances between Ron and Lavender, the way that Hermione's hand was held in his, the finger with the ring on it was soft on his skin. He knew that soon he should concentrate more on school. But for today, he was on holiday, celebrating of course with a spirited snow fight outside of Honeydukes.
Soon, after a couple of hours of mixed fighting they slowly made their way back to Hogwarts and of course to the land of school work. But, he would remember this day for the rest of his life...

By the next morning Harry made up his mind. Monday morning after Defence Against the Dark Arts, Harry was going to ask for permission to view the library's restricted section on Dark Magic. That sort of magic was never taught at Hogwarts, however, on the rare occasions that Harry had been in there it seemed disused almost useless. It unnerved Harry, the need to learn such magic. But, he had no choice, he needed to learn how to fight.
"Now, do I make this out to the Potter's or one Potter and a Granger?" she asked smiling kindly at them.
"Whatever, Professor Lupin," Harry smiled back.
"You know what you are doing?"
"Yes, I think so,"
"Well, here you go Granger and one Potter," she smiled at Harry and Hermione happily.
"Thankyou Professor Lupin,"
At lunch there was a gigantic fight at the Gryffindor table. It was the first years against everyone else. Harry was relieved because he didn't say a word, just kept straight out of it like he should've always done. That didn't stop his and Hermione's name mentioned every ten seconds. Professor McGonnagal pulled the warring students apart and called a house meeting in the Common Room at 8pm. Harry and Hermione had the afternoon off so they decided to explore their new found freedom in the library. Madam Pince even gave Harry his own key and permission to borrow the books. Hermione immediately pulled a book from the shelves and sat down cross-legged, beginning to read, the book which had very dark bloodstains over it soon proved to be very grisly. Harry meanwhile stared at the books on the shelves, fascinated by some of the titles; 'How to hex the hexable', 'How to pickle your neighbours', 'A wizards guide to befriending and befuddling', and probably his least favourite, '101 ways to murder'.
"These books are horribly morbid," Hermione said from the convenient fold down study table she had discovered. Harry read out some of the titles and sat down with a pile of books and began to read.
"These look interesting," he commented pointing to a diagram of a silvery shield, "but very complicated,"
"What about this one?" Hermione said excitedly. It was a dirty, rotted page which looked like someone had vomited all over it, but was a whole page devoted to opponent energy draining.
"That looks useful," he was staring at the page immensly interested.
"Harry, how on earth can we practise these? You can't mess around with energy draining. It's immensly complicated and if it goes wrong..."
"We could practise on bugs and stuff," said Harry fondly remembering the wasp that he had used a stunning charm on whilst preparing for the Triwizard Tournament.
"Hmm, here are some good ones," she pointed to a whole section on defensive spells.
"Good. Let's borrow some and take them back," They gathered all the books and took them to the desk. They were rotted, dusty, bloodstained and had a strong smell of cat hanging around them.
"You want to check these out?"
"Yes please,"
"Name: Harry Potter--"
"Ewww! Is that blood?" exclaimed someone close behind Harry pointing at the books, her hand near his head.
"Yeah," said Harry offhandedly.
"Disgusting," Jemima flounced off.
"What a rude little girl!" Madam Pince exclaimed to Harry and Hermione. "How on earth did she make Gryffindor?"
"We don't know," Hermione answered.
"But we wish we did,"

"Excluding the Marauders, Never ever have I seen such abysmal behaviour from first years." shouted Professor McGonnagal. "What on earth is wrong with you?"
Nobody answered. Then again she didn't expect one. "I mean, at least the Marauders were funny, transfiguring Mr Filch into a teacup. I can't remember when I have laughed more,"
"It's Jemima Professor, " a second year spoke up timidly.
"Yes Timothy?" asked McGonnagal kindly.
"She's mean to all of us," he said glancing nervously at Jemima who was giving him dark looks.
"How is she mean?"
"Stop the Favouritism?" suggested Harry blandly. The second year nodded reverently at his words.
"Stop the Favouritism? What is this rubbish?"
"It is a group," said Jemima strongly. "To prevent favouritism between the teachers and the students." she said proudly giving Harry a pointed look.
"Have you got formal permission for this group?"
"No."
"Well you need it or it is our duty to enforce it and it's penalties. You surely must know the educational degrees your dear friend Madam Umbridge forced on us?"
"Do I have permission?"
"No,"
"Why?"
"Because it creates division in the houses,"
"And favouritism doesn't?" Professor McGonnagal ignored her words and turned to address the rest of the house.
"This is a warning for everyone, if you fight you will get a detention. Miss Poole, you have a detention with me from todays Transfiguration lesson, I am sending a letter home to your parents about the instability that you have created. It astounds me that you made Gryffindor. Good evening everyone," she said straightening her hat and walking out of the common room.
"How did she make Gryffindor?" Ron whispered loudly and coherantly. Jemima gave him a dark look and stormed up to her dormitory.

Get ready for chapter nineteen...

Chapter Nineteen

1977

There was snow falling softly outside of the castle. As soon as it would fall however, a pair of hands woud cup it together and hurl it at an unsuspecting victim. Two people were standing apart from the fray, a very pretty girl with long orange hair and sparkling green eyes standing next to a dashingly handsome boy with long dark brown hair and velvety hazel eyes, a Ravenclaw she noted with approval.
"So Felix," she said making a brave attempt at conversation. "What was Beauxbaton's like?"
"Nothing compared to this," he said waving a hand expressively around the castle. It is very pretty, but that is about it." French people being renowned for talking with their hands and Felix was no exception. "What are you doing later?"
"N-n-nothing," she stuttered fearing the worst.
"Do you want to do something?" he asked hopefully.
"Felix, I'm sorry. I'm going out with James." she said sadly. "James Potter,"
"Oh well, I'll see you later," he said retreating back to the castle.
"I'm sorry," she called after him. She looked over to where James, Sirius and the other Marauders were still fighting. James waved happily to her. Sirius taking advantage of his pause hit him with a large snowball to the head. They resumed their fighting like four year olds. They were nearly eighteen. Hadn't they grown up yet?
"And I don't know why I am," she said quietly to herself.

Later that day in the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Aww, come on Lil'," whined James quietly. The others had gone to get cleaned up and James was trying to get Lily to go out to a quiet dinner with him.
"James, what happens if we get caught?" she said dubiously knowing that there was a reason behind it. He'd never pushed her this much.
"We won't get caught. I promise," Lily chuckled softly. 'Him promising anything?' but another voice in her head knew that James wouldn't get caught doing anything. He was much too clever for that.
"Fine, but we get caught James Potter and you get two letters home,"
"Brilliant," he said kissing her affectionately on the cheek.
"Mind you, don't get your parents thinking that I've led you astray,"
"No need for that, they know I've always been a troublemaker."
"Yeah, and how many letters have you had sent home?"
"237," he said without the slightest trace of embarassment.
"How do you know?"
"My parents have taken to collecting them, I believe they keep them in the attic."
"I'd love to see them, especially the one about Transfiguring Mr Filch into a teacup."
"That was an accident," he exploded feigning anger.
"And the times that you pushed Snivellus into the vanishing cabinet?"
"It was funny," he chuckled reminiscently.
"Maybe the first time.."
"The first time?" James said in a voice of moch surprise. "It's always funny!" Lily chuckled dryly. Teaching James the difference between amusing and indecent was impossible. She'd tried and given up.
"Yeah and last year? The time that you broke into the Transfiguration department and let all the animals loose?"
"That was sad," he said seriously. "Animal cruelty wasn't just an excuse to get into trouble. 2 months worth of detention. If I clean up after another botched third years attempt at transfiguring a kneazle into an iguana I will seriously consider murder." They continued reminiscing about the numerous times that James had gotten into trouble until it was time for them to get ready.
"I'm going for a shower," Lily announced.
"Can I come?"
"In your dreams,"
'How did you know?" he said feigning shock. She poked him playfully inside and disappeared up the staircase. James pulled a small pale blue box out of his pocket and stared at it remembering his fathers words.

"You take it and give it to Lily," he said passing the box to his seventeen year old son.
"But father, she is a muggleborn," said James clearly confused by his fathers change in opinion.
"I don't care. I was talking to her at the interview and she seems like a good young lass. Blood, what does it matter?" he scoffed staring at James with an amused look in his eyes. "Don't you worry about blood," he said seriously. "Blood doesn't matter, you saw what happened to the Blacks, they became obsessed by it. Poor Sirius. Anyway, if we didn't marry muggleborns we'd have died out."
"Yes sir,"
"Anyway, she's better at magic than most pureblood wizards, why, if I didn't know I would say that she was as pure as they came."
"Thankyou,"
"I want you two to come over to dinner. I'll arrange it with Dumbledore," he said smiling at his son. "Don't worry, I'll go easy on her,"
James nodded and walked back into the hallway his heart pounding. The ring was beautiful, but would Lily seriously consider marrying him?

"Ready!" Lily proclaimed walking downstairs. She was dressed in her pale lavender dress robes which off-set her hair beautifully.
"Wow!" said James hardly believing his luck.
"Now, I'm warning you James Potter," she said surveying him from where she was standing. "You give these robes any damage and you are in serious trouble!"
"And how could I damage them?" feigning innocence. He had dragged Lily through numerous tunnels after dates in Hogsmeade. "Come on," he said taking her hand and kissing her softly on the lips.
"James," she giggled. "There are first years around!"
"Ewww, that's disgusting!"
"5 Points from Gryffindor," called James to the out-spoken Gryffindor. "And if you persist to question my judgement Ms Poole. I warn you that it will be 50." he said giving her a dirty look.
"James," Lily muttered threatingingly.
"Yeah, Carly," called someone else. "I heard your sister was going out with Larry Umbridge! Now that is disgusting!" James chuckled appreciatively waving to the person that had called out. Once they were out of earshot Lily started on James.
"James don't tell me you spread that rumour."
"It isn't a rumour and I didn't spread it," he insisted.
"Yeah right, where's your proof?" she asked sarcastically.
"There," he pointed at a staircase where a Hufflepuff and a Slytherin were very involved...
"Oh,"
"See, I'm not always lying."
"Not always? Where are we going?"
"To a small coffee shop," said James mysteriously.
"But won't we get caught?"
"No, don't worry, I have it all planned," he said pecking her on the cheek. They were down at the Entrance Hall and out the doors. Lily obediently went towards the whomping willow tunnel but he pulled her back. "Don't worry Lily we can go out the main gates,"
"I'm sure," They walked out and into the grounds Lily checking nervously around as she went...

Chapter twenty is timewarp too. I wanted to show err certain similarities between them..

Happy Birthday flea! Ok, back on topic. I have decided as they are quite importantly connected to post Chapter Twenty. I should've posted it yesterday..but I'm lazy

So here goes...

Chapter Twenty

1977

Soon, after a short while Lily found herself standing outside of Madame Puddifoots teashop. She had been there once before but had found the masses of kissing couples very oppressive, and way too romantic. She was a fan of romance but also knew when it was too much. James slipped a casual arm around her waist and led her inside making sure her eyes were covered.
"Surprise!" he whispered in her ear. She opened her eyes and saw a table set for two in the middle of the room. She was surrounded by decorations and stared around the room in amazement. There were all sorts of banners with the letters J&L intertwined upon them circled with hearts. There were pictures of themselves cuddling from a Hogsmeade visit not long ago. The table was set with large red candles flickering madly upon them. It was just perfect.
"James! Why did you go to all this effort?" she gushed kissing him happily. "It's perfect!" she exclaimed letting him seat her.
"Well, you'll see," he said sitting down across from her.
"Oh come on! All it usually is is a butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks and even then I have to perform some countercurse after Madam Rosmerta hex's you,"
"You'd prefer that?" he asked anxiously his eyebrows frowning slightly.
"No, it's perfect!" she said leaning over the small table and kissing his forehead.
"Good," he said happily. "It has to be perfect,"
"Why?" she asked curiously he certainly had gone to a lot of effort for a seemingly useless occasion unless the day that Remus had spoken about to her a little while ago. It was in the library and they were revising their potions at N.E.W.T level. She thought back a little while...

Lily bent over the potions book studying intently Remus was talking to her and whilst she loved talking to him, but, she really needed to do this revision before her detention with Professor Sprout.
"He's talking about marrying you," said Remus quietly from the bookshelf.
"Marrying me?" she said absentmindedly looking up an ingredient.
"Yes, he's talking quite seriously especially with the threat that Voldemort is imposing upon us, and after the last attack who is to blame him?" Remus commented checking her reaction. "I think his last attack on Hogwarts has shown us all.." he paused there feeling the tears sting his face. 'Stop it' he thought to himself. 'It's over now,'
"Are you alright Remus?" she asked sensitive to his loss. It was only two months the Petunia had to leave and he still must have been feeling the pain.
"Yes and well no." he said wiping his eyes. "I still can't believe it." he said quietly. Lily went over and embraced him tightly.
"It's alright Remus," she said soothingly. "She'll be back soon enough. Dumbledore was confident of that. You heard him. Voldemort can't touch her there she's safe. I'm sure that you will be soon. You heard the prophecy that Sybill Trelawney made? The one about the two people that must differ their paths to be reunited at the end?" she said quietly making sure no one else could hear. "I am absolutely certain it is about you. Dumbledore said so and I believe him." She kissed him softly on the cheek and passed him a handkerchief. "I have to go to that detention for Professor Sprout. Alright? I'll see you later in the common room." Lily put her books away and paused as she walked out. "And Remus, If you ever need to talk come to me, I'm here for you and I can understand why you wouldn't talk about it to the others." Remus smiled briefly through his tears.
"Thanks,"

"Lily,"
"Yeah?" she said blinking slowly and staring up at him.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh nothing,"
"Sure looks like nothing," he said sounding concerned rather than disappointed at her lack of manners.
"Fine." she said resignedly staring determinedly into his hazel eyes. "I was thinking about Remus and how everyone has been so insensitive towards him," she said watching the emotions on James' face change rapidly.
"Oh," he said trying to flatten his hair.
"He's been talking to me quite a few times, crying. He really misses Petunia, and whilst you mightn't" she said flashing him a dirty look.
"Hey," he said defencively. "She was the one that called me an arrogant little bullying snotrag"
"No Prongs, that was me and I stick by it. But you've grown a bit since then." she said smiling serenely.
"Yeah, I think so,"
"I know," he said giving up the battle with his hair.
"What I'm saying is that you should be a little less hard on him. I know that at the end of the day you are still really good friends just take it down a couple of notches alright?" she said giving him a sexy smile as their feet touched under the table.
"Alright,"
"I want to hear some more favourable stories in the future." Food appeared magically in front of them. They ate talking happily with the usual sort of conversation that only people who share a connection can really make. They finished and the dishes faded replaced by two plates of their favourite treacle tart. 'Come on Prong's ' he thought desperately as they finished their desserts. He felt his pocket and his fingers closed reassuringly on the powder blue box.
"The attack brought me to a conclusion," he said slowly carefully choosing his words so he didn't upset her. "It had been something that long ago my father approved of and I knew that I definately wanted to do."
"Yes James," she said still remembering her conversation with Remus.
"Well," he began feeling uncomfortable still. "The attack and the departure of Petunia to live with the Muggles, it was all very sudden, and it shocked me. It showed me how unsafe the whole situation really is." he continued. "It made me wonder if somehow you might be taken off me with only moments notice and I don't want that." Lily was staring at him unable to comprehend the completely perceptive words that were coming out of his mouth. 'He really has grown up,' she thought to herself. "I really don't want that and I want to make sure that it never happens," he stood up and knelt down next to her. "Lily Evans, would you like to become Lily Potter?" Lily smiled brightly.
"Of course I will. Yes," she said smiling happily as he fumbled with the catch on the powder blue box. He finally opened it and showed her a beautiful ring. "It's beautiful!" she exclaimed as he put it proudly on her finger. "And are you" she said kissing him happily.
"And are you," his voice came muffled from where she'd hugged him.

Lily and James from that moment on were inseperable... and Remus wept and he wept for those that he lost and eventually a few years later he wept for more losses and Petunia being shackled down for over ten years of waiting.. It looked like Trelawney was wrong, could she be wrong about other prophecies? he dispelled the thought as tears began to form...

You might have guessed that Felix wasn't just a random name. It is undoubtably my spin on who I think that Felix Felicis is...

Posting highly important chapter... Yay! Not saying anything else. I have told you I have warned you.. Let the reading now begin!

Chapter Twenty One

For the next few weeks Harry felt as though he was living on air. He attended his Potions and Occlumency lessons with Professor's Snape and Dumbledore saying nothing about Hermione but sometimes he saw a flash in their eyes. He wasn't sure if it was a flash born of resentment in Professor Snape's eyes or one of triumph, but they were growing, along with Harry's stubble.
"You don't mind Mrs Potter?" he asked coyly smiling at her.
"Unless you do, however if it gets to the stage where we need hedge trimmers to control it I warn you that it will have to go,"
"Fair enough,"
Harry's normal lessons were going exceptionally well, now they were marked to N.E.W.T standard and Harry was pleasantly surprised to find he had scored an 'E' in Transfiguration (he privately thought Professor McGonnagal was surprised too.) Ron and Lavender were closer than ever; especially after a few more visits to the Shrieking Shack. Hagrid's pets were supposedly going along very well and were going to be introduced to their Care of Magical Creatures class after the Christmas holidays. It was 5 more days until the holidays started and only seven more days until Remus and Petunia were to be married. Harry was still sifting through the advanced Dark Arts books finally perfecting the energy draining spell on a snail. Either that or the snail was just really slow... Everything in Harry's mind was going well. I mean, there was the constant threat of Voldemort but he'd lived with that knowingly and un-knowingly for all of his life. Even before he was born he'd lived with that threat.

It was Tuesday night and time for Occlumency and as Harry dried his hair he just hoped that it would be easy tonight.
Today he was so tired from everything for some in-explicable reason and he hadn't been eating well. It wasn't surprising really. The house-elves of Hogwarts all wanted paying now and were only doing sub-standard efforts as a sort of protest. At these actions Hermione was proud at the elves but could also see why Dumbledore couldn't pay them. The idea was impossibly expensive. She even said to Harry in passing that she regretted the S.P.E.W movement and wished she could take it all back. But she couldn't and no matter how many times she went down to the kitchens and pleaded with them to stop they wouldn't.
"Come on Harry, I want to try one more time and I think that if you went it might add some weight to my argument," she pleaded.
"I don't know how much weight I might add to your arguments but yeah, I'll come."
"Excellent," she said brightly pulling out a roll of parchment from her bag. "Now here's a list of things Dumbledore has put down for us to achieve, He agrees that we should be doing something for them but also knows his limitations." she said appraisingly.
"Yeah, well I can't go now, I have Occlumency,"
"I knew that, how about Thursday? It could be a long meeting." she said wearily pulling at stray curls.
"Yeah, that sounds good," he said kissing her affectionately on the cheek. Harry put on his good cloak and made his way downstairs to Dumbledore's office. Tonight, he had a strange feeling about his lesson, as though something special was going to happen, special or heartbreaking, it depended how positive you are in the whole situation. Something that was important, perhaps not desperately so, but still enough where something special could occur.

"Come in Harry," called Dumbledore gently through the door. Harry walked in the door and took his usual seat opposite Dumbledore. "Good evening Harry," he said opening a silvery box. It unfolded and set itself up into a spindly instrument which Harry had only seen once before last year.
"What's that?" asked Harry curiously. Dumbledore smiled softly whilst adjusting a leg slightly.
"Well, it's an instrument to help me teach you Legilimency," he said gently wondering whether Harry really wanted to learn Legilimency.
"How does it work?"
"Well, it casts a thought, it could be anything from a rat to a pumpkin and then you have to try and work it out."
"Casts a thought?"
"Hmm, that was a rather bad way to explain it. It is more like when I teach you Occlumency, I search around in your mind for thoughts."
"Yes," said Harry confused.
"It is just like a wizard channel of thoughts. It is exactly the same as you practising on me."
"Oh," said Harry in understanding.
"Ok, so here's the incantation. Legilimens" he said. "Now as you say it you have to concentrate fully on the person or instrument you want to explore. That is the hardest part. Then you have to filter through their thoughts. I know that you won't get it the first time and I would be greatly surprised if you did it at all by the start of the holidays. Are you ready Harry?"
"Yes sir," said Harry his throat drying nervously. He really wanted to impress Dumbledore but knew that this would be immensly difficult. Especially for a wizard his age.
"Alright, One, two three."
"Legilimens" said Harry concentrating on the machine. At first nothing happened but after around twenty seconds his mind was enveloped with a silvery swirly mist. It drained his energy, he concentrated as much as he could. He was struggling to stand up straight. Then everything dissolved into darkness. He had fainted.

Or at least that is what they thought....

Ok, leaving the rest for a while.. Next chapter is.. Chapter Twenty One and a half! Got to leave you in suspense. Muahahahaha

Ok. I'm up to writing chapter twenty eight! There's a new character coming in to stir the pot a little bit too.. So down to business..

Chapter Twenty One (and a half)

Dumbledore bent over Harry his face alight with confusion. No one had ever fainted from trying to learn legilimency, he checked Harry's pulse and found that it was immensly sluggish probably only about thirty five beats per minute. Dumbledore checked Harry's eyes and was surprised to find the membranes were a ghostly white and his eyes had rolled back. There was something about Harry's lifeless form that deeply concerned him.
"Dilys," he called out to a portrait. "Could you please inform St Mungo's that I will be arriving shortly with an ill student?"
"Certainly Professor," said the ageing wizard walking out of his portrait. Dumbledore went over to Fawkes and stroked him for a second before the Phoenix burst into a jet of flames and disappeared. Professor Dumbledore held Harry's wrist lightly and disappeared with a wave of his wand.

Minerva McGonnagal relaxed back into her armchair sipping on a tot of Firewhisky whilst marking sixth year transfiguration homework. She groaned out aloud when she saw Neville Longbottom's name causing Professor Snape who was sitting nearby to jump in surprise.
"What is it Minerva?" he asked concernedly pouring himself a drink from the tall bottle.
"Oh nothing, having to mark Longbottom's homework. Why does he bother?" she said irritably sorting through the parchment to find a worthy one.
"Well, I suppose I'm lucky he's long gone from my classes and not before time let me tell you," he said chuckling dryly.
"Oh come on now, he's not that bad," said Professor Evans fairly from the corner.
"Yes he is," said Professor McGonnagal sharply. "In his O.W.L paper he tried to tell me that an animagus was someone that couldn't control their transformation but could choose what sort of animal they wanted to be. Neither of course is true," she said still shuffling through her papers. "Ah, here's an interesting read. Mr Potters assignment. I tell you ever since he's been with Granger the standard of his work has improved incredibly."
"Not surprising," said Snape "She'll always be the best in the school,"
"Not at Transfiguration, I am thinking about recommending him for an animagus,"
"Really? It must run in the family." At Professor Snape's words there was a bright lick of flame that extended to the ceiling causing Petunia to shriek in shock. Minerva picked up the piece of parchment that Fawkes had delivered and began to read it out aloud.

Minerva,

I am taking Harry to St Mungo's. Something happened when I was teaching him Legilimency. Could you bring Hermione, Ron and Lavender here immediately? The welcomewitch will tell you where to go. Fawkes will tell everyone from the Order after he gives you this letter. Keep it quiet.

Love Albus xx

Minerva neglected to read the last line and held the parchment close to her chest for a few moments before she ran out of the staffroom leaving Petunia and Severus startled in her wake.

Hermione checked her watch anxiously. It was nearly 10 o'clock. Harry had never been this long at Occlumency before then again. He was due to start on Legilimency today and that may take extra time. She poured herself a goblet of water and lay down on the lounge waiting for him. For a while she sat there before getting up and resuming her pacing.

Professor McGonnagal burst into Gryffindor common room scattering stacks of parchment as she went.
"Ron and Lavender," she said shakily pointing a finger at them where they were sitting at the fire. "Come with me please," Ron and Lavender followed her out in complete shock. Ron's instant prediction was that someone had died, he just hoped that he was wrong. Lavender was staring at Professor McGonnagal with a mixture of disbelief and wondering for the sanity of the elderly Professor.
"What's wrong?" asked Ron as soon as they were out of earshot.
"Harry's ill," she said shortly. "We have to get Ms Granger, or should I say Mrs Potter?" she said allowing her lips a little less thin.

Hermione was still pacing the room when she heard footsteps that weren't hers.
"Harry?" she called out anxiously. "Oh. Good evening Professor McGonnagal, Ron and Lavender," she said slightly embarassed at calling them Harry. "What's wrong?" she asked catching their concerned expressions and their faces taught with worry.
"It's Harry," said Ron his voice all croaky.
"What is it?"
"Mr Potter has been taken to St Mungo's hospital, he's taken ill."
"What's wrong with him?"
"We don't know as yet, but we must get there immediately," she said walking over towards the fireplace.

Ok! So here goes.

Chapter Twenty Two

Dumbledore got Harry admitted into a private ward and sat by him to wait for a healer. It was true when he said that he didn't really know what was wrong with Harry it was inexplicable. He knew that Harry was desprately ill just by looking at him but Dumbledore could honestly say he knew not what caused it. It troubled him that there were still more surprises for him in the wizarding world. His first assumption was that Harry had had some sort of nervous breakdown; he couldn't be blamed for it if that assumption was true. The stresses that he had one could hardly imagine. But time would tell...

Hermione, Ron and Lavender walked quickly up the stairs to the welcomewitch's desk.
"Could you please tell me which bed Mr Harry Potter is in?" she asked with tears still stinging her eyes. The welcomewitch sorted through the stacks of parchment before she found the right one, she took a sip of some coffee and said:-
"Fourth Floor, second door to the left and then the seventh door on the right."
"Thankyou," Hermione replied in true Hermione style; staying respectful even in times of stress. She ran off up the stairs dodging incumbent visitors and patients and causing a few rather belated portraits to call after her in anger that she should run in a place like this. Ron glanced over to Dilys' portrait and waved slightly. He smiled reassuringly and motioned for Ron to follow after Hermione.
"Come on," he said grabbing Lavenders arm and pulling her slightly. The welcomewitch stared after them still sipping coffee. The hot black liquid dripping slowly down her front as her mouth opened widely.

Harry was in a world of his own. He knew not of where he was but he didn't really care. The swirling silvery mist was oddly comforting and it helped him breathe...

Remus Lupin was sitting contentedly eating his evening cheese-on-toast whilst reading the 'Evening Prophet'. Soon, when he reached Hogwarts he would have to wean himself out of this habit. 'Old habits die hard' he thought pouring some tea. Suddenly there was a flash of orange flame causing him to swear angrily and spill his tea. A letter and a vividly orange feather dropped on the table. He grabbed the note whilst blotting his newspaper cursing Dumbledore and his unusual methods of communication.
"Why can't he just use owls like the rest of us?" he ranted. But the angry frown that appeared on his brows was replaced by a strain of anxiety.

Remus,

I am taking Harry to St Mungo's. Something happened when I was teaching him Legilimency. Fawkes will tell everyone from the Order after he gives you this letter. Keep it quiet. I want you to stay at Grimmauld Place. I am organising a meeting. Tell you more later.

Albus

Remus put the letter down not exactly comprehending the meaning of the letter. Remus could tell that there was a lot more to the story than what he'd been told, but he'd find out later. A wave of helplessness enveloped Remus. Sirius would've known how to handle this and Remus had no idea, which is what made him a more powerful wizard. Hadn't his father reminded him of this enough? He sat down drinking his tea knowing that his first instict was to go to St Mungo's but if Dumbledore had said no and Dumbledore usually knows best. Remus spared a thought for Hermione and what must be going through her mind. It was terrible, the whole thing was awful. This would mean the wedding would be cancelled again. Was he ever to marry? He shook his head and helped himself to more tea.

Hermione tapped softly on the door before walking in quietly. She heard the others settle down on a bench near the door. Hermione felt that that was for the best. Then she turned her attention to Harry. Above his bed there were flashing blue words, taking blood pressure and measuring pulse. She read them trying desperately to remember what was normal and what was abnormal. Hermione looked down to Harry. He looked deathly pale and there was a pretty female healer dripping a violent blue potion into his mouth. Dumbledore stood up from his chair beside the bed, walked over and placed an arm on her shoulder and stared into her pretty hazel eyes. Hermione looked up at him her face alight with tears.
"Harry will be here for a long time. I don't quite know what is wrong with him, he needs peace and quiet. I'm sure we'll find out what's wrong shortly. I must see Ron and Lavender." he patted her comfortingly before leaving the room.
Hermione walked over to Harry, sitting down next to him, holding his hand tightly and kissing him softly on the forehead. The Healer had finished and nodded shortly to Hermione.
"Talk to him," she said smiling slightly. "It's a way of comforting him."
"Can he? Can he hear me?" she asked quietly staring at Harry.
"Yes and no, but I'm sure that it'll help." she exited with a reassuring smile.
"Hey it's me," she said quietly squeezing his hand slightly. "Well, I only saw you a couple of hours ago so there's not really much to say, but I love you Harry and everything's..." she paused trying to keep her voice cheerful. "Everything's going to be okay. Ron and Lavender are here and I'm sure they'll come in soon." she continued trying to sort through happy memories to recount.

Ron and Lavender sat down on the bench allowing Hermione to go in and see Harry alone. Lavender buried her face on Ron's shoulder and hugged him tightly. He softly hugged her and kissed her on the forehead wishing desperately for Harry to recover. They didn't even know what was wrong with him, but it was evidently something serious. The door opened and Dumbledore appeared out of it wearing a grim expression but on seeing Ron and Lavender the expression lessened.
"Professor, how is he?"
"I'm sure he'll be fine," said Professor Dumbledore wearily. "But, we hardly know what is wrong with him so," he held his hands in the air.
"How did it happen?" Ron asked anxiously still.
"I was teaching Harry legilimency and he collapsed. I really don't know what happened." It seemed at that moment Professor Dumbledore was at a loss for words. "I must leave for Grimmauld Place," A Healer walked out of the room, Dumbledore nodded to Ron and Lavender. "Ah, Leïla, could you please.."

"Remember the time that we went to the Shrieking Shack and into the secret room? and Ron and Lavender were so involved that we went out into the courtyard? It was beautiful out there and I remember. It was the first time that you said you loved me, and it made me feel so special that I thought the moment would last forever. Or, the time that we were kissing in Grimmauld Place and Fred and George walked in on us? We never did get to Diagon Alley did we?" she smiled reminiscently wiping the tears away and even managed a small chuckle at the memory. "How Snape guarded the entrance to the Whomping Willow tunnel and we had to go through Honeydukes? I remember all of it." she paused stroking his face. "How about the time when you met me by the lake and we..we walked around the lake."

Harry could hear voices around him but couldn't say anything himself. The effort it took to concentrate, to try and conjugate the words so they made sentances. But the effort drained him. He fell into a dark, dreamless sleep where the only voices were his own...

Hmm about the sluggish thing. Because he's still young (ish) His average heart beat would still be at around 110 beats per minute.. At least thats what my health teacher reckons. I'll ask him tomorrow and see what he says. Not sure. You're probably right though.

Only just feeling sorry for her?

Thanks for the heartbeat thing. When I get around to it I'll change it. Probably not tonight as there are big nasty storms with hail forecast

And so to business...

Chapter Twenty Three

Four weeks later...

Hermione shifted in her sleep. There was something coming towards her, she was sweating, shaking and trying desperately not to scream. It was a dementor and it was gliding towards her. A wave of intense cold swept over her. A voice screamed 'Harry' and she woke up. Panting and shaking she lit the candle she kept beside her bed, it was nearly midnight. Hermione checked over in the next bed. Harry was still as pale as ever and hadn't woken up since that fateful day the eleventh of December. It was now January, the snow was as cold as ever. Not like Hermione had been outside to feel it but she saw it from her window when she felt strong enought to look out of it. It was four long weeks since Professor McGonagall had taken Hermione to St Mungo's and she had not left since. On her bedside table were smiling photos of Remus and Petunia at their quiet country wedding. They decided to go ahead with it saying that Harry would've preferred it to go ahead. Which was true. They had held a small wedding without the usual best-man and bridesmaid just themselves a few guests and the priest. At this stage they were on their Honeymoon but had promised if anything happened Harry wise that they would return immediately. The fact that they were on Honeymoon relieved Hermione greatly as it was easier having them away from her. They meant well, but she would've preferred them not to talk about it. Hermione got up and stared pointlessly out of the window. She saw Muggle London. At this stage it was empty as it was the middle of the night. The generic lamp-posts reminded Hermione of her parents visit last week...

Hermione was in her usual position beside Harry's bed stroking his face and telling him stories. These stories were never made up, they were just funny things that had happened in their time at Hogwarts. Something Neville had done or even the fake-wand fights that Harry and Ron had had.
"Hermione?" called a very familiar female voice.
"Mother?" said Hermione getting up hastily. There was so much that she hadn't told them. Like her engagement to Harry. Even the plain accepted fact that they were going out would still be a shock to them. She held her left hand behind her back. Not wanting to hide her engagement, she was proud of it but, nevertheless...
Hermione opened the door for them and led them inside the closed ward. She closed the door with a slight click behind her parents fearing their reaction.
"Hello Hermione, it's been so long." said her father embracing her tightly.
"So, this is Harry? How's he doing?" asked her mother indicating to where Harry was lying apparently asleep on his bed.
"Yes," said Hermione looking at the ground knowing that it was now or never. "Look there's something I should tell you,"
"You're pregnant?" asked Mr Granger jokingly. Hermione and Mrs Granger gave him a sharp glance. "It was just a joke," he said defending himself.
"Yeah, well it wasn't very funny," said Mrs Granger with a sliver of ice interspersed in her voice. "Continue Hermione,"
"Well, as I was saying. I would've preferred to tell you at a nicer occasion. But, Harry and I are getting married." she looked pleadingly at her mother who stared back uncomprehendingly.
"M-m-married?" asked Mrs Granger.
"Look, I would've told you at a nicer occasion but we were waiting for the right time." she walked over to Harry's bedside and stroked his face and muttered nice things to him.
"No, it's alright," said Mr Granger, "I'm just shocked to find I have a son-in-law," he muttered to himself. "What do his parent's do?" Hermione stared at him and then to her mother who wore a blank 'I don't understand,' expression.
"It's Harry Potter," she said icily. "Think," she said if possibly icier.
"Oh," he said blankly. "I've heard the name,"
"Voldemort," she said trying to jog their memories.
"Oh dear! Now I remember," said her mother quickly. "How could I have forgotten? Congratulations! Can I see the ring?" But it was too late. Their forgetting of even who Harry was just made Hermione recklessly angry but she held her temper in typical Hermione style. She shoved her hand in Mrs Grangers face and kept the rest of their conversation to the bare minimals.
"Do they know what's wrong with him yet?"
"No," lied Hermione; the truth would reveal more about Harry than what she cared to tell them. "Only that he'll get better."
"Oh, do you want to go to the coffee shop?" asked Mrs Granger excited.
"Yes, that'd be wonderful. I haven't been out of here in three weeks. Let me write him a letter in case he wakes," she saw her parent's exchange a glance and added hurriedly. "Unlikely I know but that's what the Healer told me to do. Just in case."
"Healer?"
"Like a doctor," she said absentmindedly writing quickly. She finished the letter and left it in his hand so he'd find it.

In the coffee shop.

Hermione ordered and paid for the Grangers who looked very out of place amongst all the witches and wizards and they positively jumped when their latte magically appeared in front of them. Mrs Granger who was very interested in the field of health asked Hermione more questions about Harry which she tried to answer.
"Well, so was there any warning of what was going to happen?" she asked sipping her drink and burning her tongue.
"Wait a second, poke your tongue out." Hermione pulled out her wand and forced her mothers mouth open and performed a freezing charm and then she waved her wand around the coffee making it a few degrees colder. "There you are. It shouldn't burn anymore."
"Thanks," said her mother sipping it. "That's better,"
"Now, that I think about it. There were warnings. For a while before the accident he'd been muttering in his sleep-"
"You've slept with him?" asked Mr Granger incredulously.
"Umm yes," she said uncomfortably.
"Oh,"
"Anyway, so how has school been?" questioned Mrs Granger changing the subject with cleverness.
"Perfect thankyou." they drank the rest of their coffees in silence only commenting about how cold it had been.

Soon after the Grangers left on the provision that Hermione owl them if anything happened to Harry and Hermione made her way back downstairs and to where Harry was.

Nah, I haven't shown it to JK Rowling. For obvious reasons.

Ok, now because I'm in a really happy mood and schools finished for a magical six weeks and I'll have plenty of time to write more I am going to post two chapters. Also, I know that you don't want to hear it but I am writing chapter Thirty Two, which means that the ending is nigh.

Chapter Twenty Four

"Hermione, term started yesterday. Your parents and I think that it's advisable for you to return to the castle for your lessons."
"But Headmaster-"
"No buts Hermione. You can't wait beside his bed forever. I don't know how long it will take for him to get the strength to wake."
"What about Muggle remedies?"
"He has too much magic in his blood for that to work. He's getting better. You know that. He'll be fine."
"But I don't want him to wake and for me not to be there." she pleaded with him.
"We will know when he wakes and you can be here within minutes. But sitting beside his bed won't teach you anything. Except perhaps how many stripes are in the wallpaper. I'm sure you'd prefer to know something more useful?"
"Well yes Headmaster. I'm scared." she had finally said the words that her dreams had been telling her since the accident. She really was scared.
"I would consider you a fool if you weren't." he said unsticking two sherbert lemons. "Look whether you like it or not you have to come back to school."
"Yes Headmaster," she said resignedly. That night she wrote a letter to Harry for him to read. She went to the flower shop and bought him a large bunch of carnations (he'd mentioned once in passing that they were his favourite flower) Hermione placed them and the letter beside his bed and kissed him on the forehead before she left with Professor Dumbledore. "Goodnight Harry," she said quietly as she closed the door behind her.

The next morning...

Hermione woke up early at five am with her quill tangled through her curly hair and her face green with the ink she'd been writing with imprinted on it. Last night had been her worst night at attempting to sleep. She had eventually fallen asleep writing and that was the cause of her messiness. Once she had cleaned herself up however she walked down with her bags to the Gryffindor common room to try and meet up with Ron before breakfast.
"Polkiwrathle," she muttered resentfully to the fat lady as she walked in. She had no luck finding Ron and sat down to wait for him by the fire. There was a pot of Floo powder on the mantlepiece. No doubt, this was meant for you to communicate with your parents but she had better ideas. She took a pinch of the glittering powder and said very clearly. "St Mungo's" and in a spinning rush of emerald green flame she was gone. The next time that she opened her eyes she was in the entrance hall of St Mungo's. Hermione walked quickly and automatically up to Harry's room, where she knocked softly before walking in and sat beside him.
"Harry, everyone misses you." she began slowly.

The mist had lessened slightly. Harry found he could almost make out the words. Someone was crying, he wanted to help them. To be strong for them. He began to make out words but they were jumbled. They made no sense. His mind relaxed letting the words rush past him. The silvery mist was slowing...

"Life seems so empty, so cold, cruel and unforgiving without you by my side. Soon, I have to leave for school. Dumbledore's making me go. If you wake up and I'm not here I just want you to know that I love you and I can be by your side straight away." she continued on trying to fill him in on everything.

The mist was gone. Harry knew who he was and who was next to him. But he was powerless. He couldn't sit up or talk. He felt trapped, he was exhausted by his adventure. He slipped into the land of real sleep and of course dreams.

"Harry, I have to go now. Lessons start in twenty minutes and Dumbledore doesn't know that I've come here. I'll be back as soon as I can," she leant forward and kissed him softly on the forehead. His skin definately had a new warmth to it. That was a good sign. She smiled slightly to herself before she turned and walked back downstairs and then went back to Hogwarts...
***

There's no news on Harry yet, but you'd know that. Lavender's fine. I gave her the jumper you sent, she loved it. Yes, I have been looking after Ginny. Everything's okay over here. Make sure you and Dad stay safe. Tell you more when I see you.

Love Ron.

Ron finished the letter to his mother and gave it to Pigwidgeon who flew away twittering excitedly. Lavender walked downstairs into the common room and draped her arms around Ron who was staring after Pigwidgeon with a vacant expression. (hey it's Ron what else is new?)
"Hey sweetie," he said looking up to her.
"Hello, have you seen Hermione yet?" as she spoke an emerald green flame rose up out of the fireplace and Hermione slid out onto the floor.
"I think I have now,"
"Good morning everyone," said Hermione brightly. "We have Charms first. Ready?" she picked up her satchel and dusted herself off. "What?" she asked looking embarassed as they stared at her openly.
"You aren't allowed to use Floo Powder for transportation," said a voice from the stairway.
"Oh get stuffed Jemima," said Hermione angrily pointing her wand at Jemima. But she wasn't the only one. Ron and Lavender had both pulled their wands out too.
"Can you just shut up for more than ten seconds?" asked Ron angrily.
"I mean honestly," said Hermione. "I don't know why you do it."
"Just leave us alone."
"I swear we know better hexes than you do," Ron proclaimed. Jemima opened her mouth to retort.
"And, we aren't afraid to use them," added Hermione.
"Come on everyone," said Lavender leading them out of the common room.

"I swear if she makes one more crack about Harry or takes another dig at me I really will hex her," Hermione ranted as they made their way to Charms.
"Hermione calm down, everyone knows she's a nasty little liar," Lavender tried desperately to calm her before her lessons. Ron shook his head slightly. The last time he'd seen Hermione this angry she had walked out on teachers and hit Malfoy.

Hermione tried her best during charms at pretending that nothing was wrong. She concentrated deeply on her work trying not to think that Harry could possibly be needing her right at that moment. But it was no use. The lesson itself was boring. They were just doing cooling and heating charms at advanced level. It was the most boring thing that she'd ever even thought about in magic, that included History of Magic. Her classmates stared very pointedly at the vacant seat beside her, she just gave them smouldering glances causing them to think that her and Harry had broken up. Part of Dumbledore's scheme was to keep Harry's illness quiet and she'd followed that right to the letter. Her mind wandered to Harry and all of the fun thing's that they had done. She looked at the clouded sky outside and wondered if the sky could ever be blue again...
***

Meanwhile, Harry was still asleep. He felt like he'd pulled an all nighter on his homework like he and Ron had been forced to do last year in their O.W.L revision. The blankets were soft and he was peacefully warm, the person that had been crying must've left. For now, he'd sleep.
***

Chapter Twenty Five

Hermione felt the sand sift through her toes. It felt dirty, unclean. The beach itself was covered in rubbish. There were syringes, chip packets, cigarette butts and other miscellaneous bits of waste. Hermione had paid a visit to a muggle beach. It was unusual for her to go to muggle places. She normally tended to avoid places where Muggles were, but she felt the need to be alone and in the peace and quiet. She had remembered countless summers ago after her parents would fight and how she would run out of the house, tears blinding her eyes, going to the beach to find comfort. Eventually one of her parents would follow after her and tell her how sorry they were and that it would never happen again. But it always did. She heard a pitiful groan from something beside her, Hermione pulled out her wand surreptitiously and put the poor bird out of it's misery. There were lots of dead birds on the beach. There always were. Every morning the lifeguards would come along and pick up the dead. Hermione filed away her early memories of childhood and thought about Harry. It was always Harry. Poor Harry. The Healer said that she'd get better soon. He was definately on the mend. His cheeks were becoming flushed with colour and his body was regaining some warmth. That was a good sign. Soon, she would catch a taxi to Purge and Dowse Ltd. from where she would return to Hogwarts.
***

Ron and Lavender walked anxiously upstairs the words from Professor McGonagall ringing through their ears.

"Ron and Lavender can I see you after lunch please? In my office." she had asked them as they ate their lunch. Hermione had gone early insisting that she would get something from the coffee shop for lunch. They didn't exactly believe her about this, but she had been moody, withdrawn and agressive all morning so, they felt that they would be better off without her.
"Don't tell her anything about Hermione going to St Mungo's this morning. If she know's lets just be pleasantly surprised alright?" asked Ron on his way upstairs to Professor McGonagall's office.
"Yeah, she'd do her nut,"
"Or maybe she already knows." he said hopefully. "Then we wouldn't have to lie,"
"Or maybe she's wondering why you didn't tell her in the first place," said a voice from up above them.
"Ah,"
"Professor McGonagall," said Lavender quickly going into damage control.
"We were just coming to see you," said Ron as usual speaking the obvious.
"I guessed as much. You were saying. Miss Granger went to St Mungo's this morning?"
"Uh yes, she did." said Lavender timidly.
"Against all the warnings?"
"We couldn't stop her. We only saw her return." defended Ron.
"It is not my duty to punish you, I will not tell Miss Granger that I know. Heaven knows if I were her.. Anyway that doesn't matter. I still need to see you in my office." Ron and Lavender followed Professor McGonagall into her office, where they sat, nervously across from her. "Have a biscuit," she said indicating to a circular tartan biscuit tin.
"Uh, no thanks," said Ron perplexed at her offering.
"Well, Mr Weasley, Miss Brown. I brought you here just to give you some advice to handle Miss Granger in the next few weeks as well as I suppose Mr Potter when he wakes eventually."
"Will he wake?"
"Yes, the Healers estimate that yes sometime next week he'll be ready."
"How do they know?"
"They're Healers. It's their job." she paused slightly before continuing in a slightly more placid tone. "What, I'm trying to say is that she will need special care and attention as well as Harry. Once he wakes up he will go into observation for about a week or so and then he'll be back here and under strict watch. Hermione however," she paused again searching for the right words. "Will need a lot of sensitivity in the next few weeks. But, try and act fairly normally. She's clever and will know the difference."
"Yeah,"
"Well, I want your word, that you will try and keep them safe from everything."
"Of course we will," this was from Lavender who'd been quiet through the conversation. "Professor, you seem to have the impression that Ron and I," she paused at the expression on Professor McGonagalls face. "Well that we are completely insensitive to both of them. That's wrong. Frequently Hermione comes to me and we chat. She's scared for Harry, we all are."
"What Lavender's trying to say is," Ron interjected, as Professor McGonagall glasses were flashing dangerously. "That we all have a good relationship."
"I was aware of that Weasley. I was just making sure."
***

Hermione watched some young children splash and play in the water.
"It'd be freezing," she muttered to herself. "It's only January." She shivered slightly as a cool breeze sliced through her clothes. It was getting darker and the childrens mother began to snap angrily and chastise them for being in the water. She heard someone walking down the beach, the sand squeaking as only sand can. A stray piece of rubbish floated across her path and Hermione found herself wondering how to hex it the best.
"I know who you are," said a voice from behind her. Hermione didn't recognise the voice and found herself hoping fervently it was a case of mistaken identity.
"Yeah," she said sarcastically. "Who am I?"
"You," he said stressing the words. "Are Hermione Granger."
"And?" she asked quietly. "There aren't many people in our world that don't know my name."
"Your world? Is that some sort of new club?" he asked confused. Hermione turned to face him. She found herself staring into the bright blue eyes of her ex-boyfriend.
"Erm. No." she said "I thought you were someone else."
"Are you disappointed?"
"No, just didn't expect to see you here." she lied. Really she wished that he would disappear or she could hex him and not get into trouble.
"Oh, so what school do you go to now?"
"It's a boarding school in Scotland," she said truthfully.
"Did you miss me?" 'No' she thought vehemently.
"Yes of course. So how's life?" she said changing the topic with cleverness. How deeply she hated him for what he'd put her through. Last year in the summer holidays she had a brief relationship with him. Only problem was, he didn't see it that way.
"Not bad and you?" he asked slipping his hand casually on her waist.
"I'm sorry Marc, but I'm engaged." she said showing him her ring.
"Engaged at your age?"
"I'm sorry," she said feebly.
"Sorry? No don't be," he lied feeling his heart break in two at that very moment. "Who is he?" he asked. "And why is he letting someone as pretty as you wander the beach at night? It's not safe you know,"
"Harry's in hospital, he doesn't know I'm here or he'd do his nut." she said smiling at the thought.
"I'm sorry,"
"No, he'll be alright,"
"Well come on, let's get you home" he said putting his jacket around her. She pushed it back towards him.
"No thanks," she said walking quickly away.
"Why? It's not safe anymore."
"I am perfectly capable of looking after myself," she said angrily.
"Fine, I'll write. I want to stay in touch." 'I don't,' she thought to herself. Hermione nodded slightly.
"Good, that's nice," she lied.
"Err, what's that?" he asked pointing to her wand that was sticking out of her pocket. Hermione tried to dodge his prying hand but she was too slow. "Umm is that what I think it is?" he questioned looking at her skeptically.
"What do you think it is?" Hermione tried to keep her voice steady.
"It's a magical wand. I knew that you were a witch," he said excitedly. "You go to Hogwarts too!"
"What?"

muahahaha!! I'm going to leave it here for now! You will al just have to wait!

Umm, what can I say. Marc is a real person. Looks nothing like this character but they share certain, umm personality traits.

Err, Harry might wake up this chapter.. not sure.. Maybe not.. ah heck, lets just post two chapters again..

Chapter Twenty Six.

Remus sat beside Harry with his head in his hands. If only Harry had someone to talk to it was likely that this wouldn't have happened. The problem was that for the first time he had spent more time one himself than others. For most of this year, he had spent it grieving for Sirius, he had forgotten really how close Harry had been to Sirius and that Harry was feeling the loss too. As well as organising a wedding for he and Petunia after all those years that he thought he had lost her. He was also very busy with the Order and preparations for the next war.
After a few hours the moon was fully up and Remus stood. He looked down at Harry's face. His eyes had taken a haunted look, his face looked older than his years. Harry's lips were pointed and chapped. Harry's cheekbones were thin and drawn. His hair was visibly oily and messy as it had always been. But, altogether, it was missing something. Harry was missing his innocence. The war had taken it off him.
"I'm sorry," The words were heavily spoken. Not nearly representing the insatiable feeling of guilt. "See you soon Harry" he said ruffling Harry's hair softly.
***

"It could've been worse," Ron comforted Lavender once they reached the relative silence of the common room.
"How?"
"We could've gotten in trouble for lying." he said reasonably.
"No, I'm talking about the whole fiasco. It's terrible."
"I know." he said quietly rubbing her shoulder.
"I wish there was something we could do about it. Harry's still sick, Hermione's breaking god knows how many rules to see him every day and I'm not just talking about school ones. She's all upset, schools more boring than ever and that old bat is giving us tips on relationships." she confided.
"I know, it's bang out of order."
After dinner that night they stayed awake waiting for Hermione to return..

***
"What?"
"I am or was a wizard. I'm a half wizard really."
"You do magic by correspondence? In that program that Professor Dumbledore set up a few years ago?" she said hardly believing her luck.
"Yes, and I'm guessing that it's Harry Potter,"
"Umm yeah," she said uncomfortably.
"Is he in St Mungo's?"
"Sort of," she lied. Dumbledore had said not to tell anyone outside of the order and she didn't really want to break her word. "It's difficult,"
"I'm sure it is," he said understandingly.
"Really?" she said staring up at him.
"Yes, I can understand. You don't want to wrong people to find out do you?"
"Well no. But look Marc. It was nice meeting you again and knowing who you truly are. I would like to see you, perhaps at the Three Broomsticks?" she asked trying to escape. She felt scared that he had already lied to her. It made her suspicious of him. 'But hey, you lied to him too,' her mind argued, 'Yes, but that was important,' she thought. Marc could see the thoughts flashing through her eyes. He smiled reassuringly.
"Yes, of course we'll meet again,"
"Thanks Marc," she leant over and kissed him on the cheek.
"Now you stay safe,"
"As always,"
"Not after what I've read in the prophet," She laughed down at him and hailed a taxi. "Are you taking a taxi?" he asked chasing after her.
"Yes, I have to get to Purge and Dowse. Do you know where that is?" she began to give the driver instructions.
"Can I come?" he asked. 'No' she thought.
"If you want." she said resignedly. Marc was giving her the 'lost sad puppy' look which had completely stolen her heart last year.
"Great," he jumped into the car next to her. He opened his mouth again to talk but Hermione signalled frantically at the driver and he closed it softly. Hermione sat down thinking deeply. She looked over at Marc and smiled slightly. She saw his face. The face she had grown to love even if the love had been lost it would be nice to feel it again. Marc certainly had none of the sunken, ashen, dark contours that Harry's face had grown to wear. It also didn't have a permanent 'Go away' look on his face that Harry had perfected sometimes making her wonder if even she was welcome. 'Don't you dare think that Hermione Granger,' she thought angrily as visions of kissing Marc again flashed through her mind.
"Purge and Dowse," said the driver proudly pulling up in front of the establishment. "Not sure why you want to go there, but to each his own." Marc pulled out his wand.
"Obliviate," he said as a bright flash of light errupted. He pulled Hermione out of the taxi and walked hurriedly up the street.
"What on earth did you do that for?" she muttered.
"Well, I wasn't going to make you pay," he said watching the taxi drive back up the street. "How do you think I got to the beach?" Hermione stared up at him. On real land he was an inch or so taller than her.
"I'm sorry. I will see you later,"
"Goodnight Hermione," she walked up to the glass whispered to the dummy and walked stealthily inside. Once there she turned to wave at Marc. But he was gone.
***

Harry opened his eyes slightly. He had a pounding headache and the bright light from the candle blinded him slightly. He looked around and saw that he was in a ward similar to Mr Weasleys last year. He must be in St Mungo's. He closed his eyes when he heard footseps and fell into deep sleep again.

***

Remus, Petunia, Arthur and Molly were sitting at the kitchen table of Grimmauld Place talking deeply.
"Well, I say that he should go back to school as soon as he can," said Mrs Weasley firmly.
"I don't." Remus was usually very polite around Molly, even if he didn't agree with what she was saying. A downfall, as Sirius had said. Of being related to her. But to flatly disagree with her was slightly out of character for a usually placid and easy going person. "I think that Harry won't be ready to return to school after he wakes. Think about what he's been through, he hardly wants or needs the pressures of school work."
"But, he needs to be trained. I couldn't bear to have an undertrained wizard facing Voldemort and have a hope that he would vanquish him." Mrs Weasley argued. Remus looked at her hardly able to believe she had said Voldemort. Normally whenever his name was mentioned she'd flinch horribly.
"You seem to forget Molly?" his voice had a lick of coolness to it that stunned Mrs Weasley and froze her arguments.
"I don't forget," she said sharply. Just because Remus had never finished sixth year didn't mean that it made her feel any worse. Just because he himself had faced Voldemort many times shouldn't make any difference.
"It seems you do. I'm not saying that Harry should quit school. I was merely suggesting that he have a brief holiday before returning to Hogwarts."
"I think the sooner you put him back to school the better. I'm not having him moping around here"
"I think that after suffering what he has and now the nervous breakdown. I think that he desperately needs one. The breakdown was his body telling him to slow down. Anyway, he knows more magic than you do anyway," He had struck a nerve. He saw Mrs Weasley blanch slightly before reaching into her pocket.
"Molly," said Arthur sharply holding her arm back. "How about we let Harry decide?"
"Oh and you know what his answer will be," she said vehemently.
"Yes but at least it is his decision and he'll be responsible for it. We'll see what Dumbledore says,"
"Fine," she shot Remus a smouldering look before getting up and walking sharply out. Arthur gave Remus a slightly sympathetic look before following his wife.
"She wasn't in the order last time, she definately does not have any idea," he muttered before starting the cleaning.

Chapter Twenty Seven

Harry opened his eyes and blinked owlishly at the ceiling. He knew he was in St Mungo's and he didn't really remember why. He tested his limbs and found them in working order. The headache he'd had earlier had dissipated. He looked for his watch and found it wasn't there. Everything was blurry. Harry sat up and reached for his glasses. There. Everything was better now. His eyes strayed to the piles of cards on his bedside and a large bunch of carnations taking up most of the space. Harry smiled softly to himself, No doubt that would've been Hermione's efforts, he thought. He felt a stinging on his arm and saw that there was a little band attatched to it.
***

Professor Dumbledore resumed pacing his study after feeding Fawkes, his pet Phoenix. The little box on his table would tell him when Harry awoke. If Harry awoke. He'd just made himself a cup of tea when the box began to glow. It started as a dull gleam but a few seconds later it exploded into a burst of light.
"Fawkes," he said kindly looking at his phoenix. "Would you go tell Miss Granger that Mr Potter has woken. She may visit St Mungo's immediately if she wishes." Fawkes stared at him for a moment. His eyes full of a reproachful gleam. "I'm sorry." he said petting his scarlet coloured bird.
***

Hermione lay back onto the lounge wishing that the day would finally end. It had been immensly long enough without anything else happening. First there was her secret visit to St Mungo's and returning back to Hogwarts for a desperately dull charms lesson. Then, there was the way Ron and Lavender were treating her as a highly explosive bomb which annoyed her greatly. Her appointment with Healer Strout, who had told her on no uncertain terms to be nice to Harry in the next six months no matter what his misgivings were. Marc and then Marc... He had always been a bunch of surprises and now there were certainly more by the day. 'Anything seems capable with him,' she thought before trying to empty her mind of him. She sighed deeply and called Dobby to get her a cup of tea. Hermione began to write. At first it seemed free writing, then she knew who and what she was directing it to.

Dear Marc,

She began writing before she realised that she couldn't tell him all this. He wasn't even a member of the order. She needed someone mature, who knew the situation and someone who she could trust.

Dear Remus,

She began writing quietly. Sipping some of the tea Dobby had brought her.
***

There was a bright flash of flame, causing Hermione to spill ink over her nearly complete letter. She cursed angrily scrunching it up and throwing it towards the bin. A small note appeared followed by a scarlet feather.
"This must be how Dumbledore contacts members of the order," she muttered absentmindedly breaking the crimson orange seal of a phoenix. She read it with an unusual expression on her face. Instantly she waved her wand causing her robes to clean and her hair to straighten. "St Mungo's!" she exclaimed sprinkling Floo Powder into the fire. She felt the coolness of the emerald flames and closed her eyes, smiling happily and prepared herself for the ride. The next second her eyes opened and she saw the now familiar entranceway to St Mungo's. Hermione glanced over to where Dilys' portrait was and waved slightly to it's occupant. He waved back and strolled out of his portrait. No doubt he was keeping a watch on her.
***

Ron and Lavender were sitting opposite each other in a very heated chess match. Lavender was slightly ahead. But she knew that he was letting her win, there was no doubt as to whether he was a good chess player.
"Want to go down to the shack tonight?" he asked her, leaning forward under the pretence of moving a piece.
"But, what happens-" she said moving her white piece.
"Don't worry, lets just go," Ron moved his King two steps to the right. "Checkmate,"
"Just let me get ready," she smiled slightly making her way up to the girls dormitories.
***

"Hermione?" Harry enquired sitting up in his bed and trying to make his hair lie flat.
"Harry?" Hermione walked slowly over and sat down next to him trying desperately to hide her excitement. "How are you?" she asked anxiously checking his temperature.
"I'm alright, you?" he smiled slightly showing a glimpse of who the true Harry was.
"Me? I'm fine." she said. "But what about you? Everyone was really worried. You look pale," she looked at him, her hazel eyes full of concern.
"I'm better I suppose. What happened?" Hermione looked nervously at him and told the story from beginning to end.
"Over a month?"
"Nearly two actually," Harry jumped up quickly. "Harry, calm down," she said kissing him on the forehead. "As long as you are okay that's all that matters. Harry lay back, knowing better than to disagree with her, and anyway, he was still really tired.
"What about Petunia and Remus?"
"They got married,'
"Oh," Harry knew the reasoning behind this and after what problems the war had caused he was really happy for them. Healer Strout had appeared at the doorway and motioned for Hermione to go out.
"Mr Potter, I need to take your blood pressure," she said waving her wand. Instantly the electric blue words flashed above him. Hermione and the Healer left. Harry took advantage of this peace to collect his thoughts. But there was nothing to collect. He felt exactly how he had nearly two months ago, if anything a bit more tired.
***

There we go.. I knew Harry would wake up eventually..

Ok, I'm not sure if this makes any sense, because I changed what I wanted to do in the middle of it. So it sort of just trails away..

Chapter Twenty Eight

Marc walked listlessly through his front door and searched through to fridge.
"Mum," he called. "Is there anything in the fridge?" His mother appeared carrying a basket of washing.
"Well, of course there is," she said absentmindedly.
"Right. I'll rephrase my question. Mum is there anything that's edible in the fridge?" he asked pulling out his wand.
"Yes, there's some jiggly fruits on the left side. What have you got that out for?" she asked staring at the wand terrified.
"This," Marc muttered something and the clothes disappeared.
"Where have you sent them?"
"To where they should be," he said casually opening the lolly packet.
"Listen young man." she said angrily. "You listen to me. I will not tolerate you using that thing under my roof," she swelled up like a bullfrog and was about to begin an angry rage when Marc picked up his jacket and slung it over his back.
"I'm going to Dad's," he announced walking back out the door and onto the crowded street below.

Once he had gone he realised he had no choice but to visit his father. He hailed a taxi longingly thinking of Hermione and burning with jealousy over Harry.

***

Hermione wrote a hurried letter to her parents telling them that Harry was better and leased an owl to make the journey.
"Here," she said fastening the letter to it's scaly leg, she placed three knuts safely in the pouch and set the owl out the window. She watched it disappear wondering what life would be like if she wasn't a witch. Right now, she'd be at a Muggle school and she'd probably still be going out with Marc. "What I'd give for a peaceful life," she muttered absentmindedly.
"What was that?" asked a voice sounding immensly pleased with itself.
"Harry! What are you doing out of bed?" she asked walking over to him.
"Just making sure you were alright."
"I can look after myself," she flashed him a look which quite plainly meant. 'I've had to before.'
"I know, just making sure." They slowly returned to Harrys suite and Hermione began filling him in on everything that had happened. Everything that was except her mysterious discovery about Marc...

***

Fred and George sat at their table counting the days takings.
"117,"
"118,"
"119,"
"120, You know George, this is boring,"
"What do you mean boring?"
"Well, I thought having a joke shop would be exciting,"
"It is exciting, did you see what happened with the puking pastilles this morning?"
"Yeah, I feel that we should be doing something worthwhile,"
"Fred! We have made over 120 Galleons today!" George exclaimed holding the piles of gold with a look of pure ecstacy on his face.
"I know, but we should be helping the Order more,"
"If you want to go and get killed that's fine by me," said George a touch angry at Fred for not seeing their work in good light.
"Can you manage without me tomorrow?"
"Y-y-yes,"
"Good,"
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to see if we can help."
***

There was a general hush echoing through the kitchen of Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Everyone turned instinctively towards the head of the table where Dumbledore was sitting reading through some reports. Remus finally fought his inner battle and spoke up.
"Well Albus?" he asked speaking the rush of unanswered questions.
"Well what Remus?" Remus stared back at Dumbledore with an air of shock. It was the first and only time that Dumbledore had ever been so, well, rude to him.
"I was under the impression that you called us here for a reason."
"There is a reason,"
"I'm guessing that it isn't to sit around a table?"
"You guessed right," Albus Dumbledore waved his wand at a quill which lifted itself over a piece of parchment ready to write. "Severus?"
"Well Severus?"
"Voldemort has moved his headquarters," said Severus smugly.
"Where to?"
"I'm not sure if you have heard of it, I don't remember you taking Ancient History as a child,"
"Try me,"
"Dinas Brenin*, the Kings Fort,"
"He dares risk the Kings Fort? After all the blood spilt there? Where Merlin himself was? He dares put himself in Merlins category?"
"Evidently so,"
"But, won't Muggles find out. They run tours through there?" asked Tonks curiously.
"Do the Muggles notice anything?"
"No. But they'll be expecting to see things like that. Making him more obvious than ever."
"Nah, they're just dumb Muggles," Tonks knew that she wouldn't be able to fight that, so she satisfied herself by shaking her head when his back was turned.

It was morning and Ron woke to Pigwidgeon pecking him impatiently.
"Go away you silly bird,"
"That was nice," said Lavender abandoning her attempts to wake him up.
"No," he said hurriedly "I meant Pig,"
"Yeah right," Ron tugged at the letter, which fell open at his feet.

Dear Ron and Lavender if you're there,

Harry is alright, he woke up yesterday. We'll be at St Mungo's. You can visit whenever you want. I'll see you soon.

Hermione

Ron and Lavender made their way up to the castle quietly dodging students enjoying an early morning walk. They slipped inconspicuously into the Great Hall for breakfast when someone called out quietly to them. Ron and Lavender walked over to the Ravenclaw sixth year puzzled by his sudden interest in them.
"Is Hermione here?" he asked quietly making sure that no one else could here.
"No she isn't, she's with Harry," said Lavender ventured to the unknown sixth year. "We're going to visit her soon. Do you want us to pass on a message?"
"No, ah, yes," he stammered. "Just tell her that.. that Marc's at Hogwarts and he'll be here for a while,"
"Ok," said Ron cautiously. There was something that he didn't like about this person. "Why don't you send her an owl?"
"Yes," he nodded. "I'll do that. Thankyou,"
"Alright, see you soon," Ron waited until they were out of earshot before he told Lavender.
"What on earth was that about?"
"I have no idea."
"Do you think.." he lowered his voice. "that he could be an ex-boyfriend?"
"Hermione? I don't think so. But I haven't seen him around before. Something is definately going on. Do you think it could be something to do with the Order?"
"Nah, no one even really knows about the Order. Just us,"

*Dinas Brenin, Vortigern the wrongful king of britain set up a strong fort called 'King's Fort'. The fort had perfect vision from the hilltop it was positioned on. But as Vortigern built the outside walls he was surprised to find they wouldn't stand. He called for what he called his 'magicians' who firmly told him to seek out a man who never had a father and sacrifice him on the foundations. He found one. Merlin the bard. Merlin prophecised that Vortigern was to die and the Red Dragon of Ambrosius would triumph. Eventually that happened at Doward around 400 AD. No one is sure if the story is real. Of course Ambrosius was the forerunner of the supposed King Arthur. All legends have some basis in fact according to Hermione so I suppose some of it has to be true.
***

Marc studies magic part-time at Hogwarts. It's a concept that I haven't really thought about. It's sort of like when you live in the country you can do distance ed. So he learns magic at home. It gets explained better later..

Ok, with the new release date set, I can safely say that I have finished writing this story. I really have!

Chapter Twenty Nine

Muggles Notice Strange Happenings at Dinas Brenin

By Rita Skeeter
Daily Prophet Reporter

Rumoured to be dark activity from You-know-who and his band of followers the bright flashes and screams have aroused Muggle interest in the Dinas Brenin region of Britain. Around Five Thirty yesterday Muggles reported a strange noise coming from one of the Dark Towers that King Vortigern of Britain built 1600 years ago. Disgraced Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge irritably defended his informing the British Prime Minister of the situation. 'I had to tell him. What happens if he sends people into the Tower?' He also re-affirmed his statement three years ago that no one would believe the Prime Minister if he broke the secrecy. His Personal Assitant, Percy Weasley also commented that: 'If the Prime Minister even thinks about telling the truth he'll be very sorry.' When asked if that was breaking the Decree of Magic against Non Magical subjects Mr Weasley refused to comment.
Dinas Brenin is traditionally famous as being the birthplace of Merlin the enchanter. (see reports page 5)
Arthur Weasley the Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts office has informed us that whilst the Tower was a Muggle artefact he was powerless to act on the claims. Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts will no doubt be informing Harry Potter (see reports page 8) of the situation. For now the magical community must calm themselves and hope for the best.
Certainly, there will be need for an investigation into the Dark Activity, but will the disgraced minister be able to quell the storm?

For more on the Dark Activities see page 2,5,8.

Hermione paid the post owl and hid the newspaper under a cushion. She walked back into the kitchen, her hands shaking and prepared herself a cup of tea.
"You alright?" Harry's voice carried through from the bedroom where he'd been having a lie in.
"Yeah," Hermione said quelling Harry's concern. 'Dark activity?' she thought to herself. Her immediate response was not to tell Harry and ask Professor Dumbledore for instructions. An owl spiralled down the chimney and dropped a letter in her tea before streaming out the open window, Hermione mopped up the tea before opening the letter.

Hermione,

I do hope Harry is alright. I'm going to be at Hogwarts for the next few months. Professor Dumbledore summoned me yesterday. You might not know but there's a Hogsmeade visit next weekend. How about you meet me there for a butterbeer? There are some things about me that you need to know.

Tell me about Hogsmeade as soon as you can,

Marc.

Hermione balled the letter into her fists. Typical Marc, always turning the attention back onto him. She vanished it with her wand before making Harry a cup of tea.

***

Remus Lupin looked out at the familiar view from the Defence Against the Dark Arts office that now belonged to Petunia. The Whomping Willow, towering in the distance. The great lake with the familiar white mass of the Giant Squid. Hagrid's Hut with some soft smoke billowing from the chimney. Everything was so normal. But everything was so abnormal. Nothing was going right.
"I'll teach Snivelly," he said aloud, knowing deep down who he was talking to. "Don't you worry. We'll get him, don't you worry Padfoot. We'll get him for you." In the background, Petunia watched him. She knew it was wrong to be spying on her husband but he was so interesting. She liked the way he'd sneak off to the kitchens and place orders for his favourite cheese on toast. Just like when they were young. She snuck off knowing that he didn't want intrusion on his already scattered thoughts.

***

"Did you hear about Dinas Brenin?" Hermione gestured desperately at Ron from behind Harry. Ron opened his mouth stupidly trying to unspeak his words.
"Dinas Brenin?" asked Harry curiously. "What about it? I heard it was where Merlin was born, but wizards don't go there. There's too many muggles about."
"Er, nothing," lied Ron his face flushing a deep red.
"Ronald Weasley, you are lying to me!" said Harry strongly, surprising even Hermione with the strength.
"I know," he admitted feebly.
"Well what happened at Dinas Brenin?" Harry pressed Ron for the answer.
"Erm, that's where Voldemort is stationed. Professor Dumbledore thinks that he might be there to stage an attack on Hogwarts." said Ron hurriedly hoping that the faster he said it the less repercussions that the statement would have.
"Uh?"
"Try speaking slower Ronald," Hermione said testily.
"Err, well. Voldemort has stationed himself at Dinas Brenin, and Dumbledore thinks that it could be to attack Hogwarts." he said awkwardly although a little slower.
"Why didn't you tell me this?" Harry rounded on Hermione who looked at him, visibly upset.
"I didn't want to upset you,"
"Well, if it's about the safety of Hogwarts I think that I have the right to know," said Harry irately getting out of his bed.
"Harry lie down," said Hermione sharply pushing Harry down.
"No," Harry who was stronger than her pushed himself forwards and up off the bed.
"Harry relax,"
"I have relaxed enough, I have to be doing something, having you waiting beside me every day. It's driving me nuts," Harry got dressed into his robes, straightened his glasses and walked quickly out of the room.
"Harry?" Hermione called after him. "Nice one Ronald," she said spitefully chasing after him.

***

Albus Dumbledore relaxed back on his recliner smoking a muggle cigarette. It was Marlboro and quite aesthetically pleasing to watch the smoke curling around the ceiling. He was not particularly concerned at the thought of Voldemorts iminent attack on the school. His only priority was to keep Harry safe, until such a time where Harry could face Voldemort. The dusty creme box was still on his desk. It would tell him if anything happened with Harry. Unlikely as that was. Especially with his girlfriend hanging around him. As for her becoming his wife, he thought it was an uncertain bet. If it were a horse he wouldn't bet on it. No doubt, like James he would take his time choosing the right person. Fawkes fluttered over and landed on his lap. Ever since the other night, Fawkes had been distant with his master, but they shared a special bond. There was no doubt about that. Petting Fawkes Albus Dumbledore checked through the papers. The papers of Marc Prewett. The boy didn't know it, but he was certainly related to the Prewett family who were ruthlessly murdered by Voldemort in the last war. As a matter of fact. They were his parents. Marc, he had his secrets. That was why he only attended Hogwarts part-time.

There was a bright flash of light and the box exploded with a soft tinkle of glass but with such a noise that it caused Fawkes to dig in his talons and several portraits to comment loudly.
"Oh I say," from Phineas. Albus Dumbledore jumped up with the energy of a man younger than his impressive 150 years. He began issuing instructions to portraits and animals alike before grabbing his wand and another cigarette and disapparating.

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very good chapter.
Harry becomed his strenght pretty fast back. gosh what append to him?

keep it op:d

He sort of had a muggle illness (like a nervous breakdown, or Ptsd I'm trying to work out which) but because he was so much a wizard it didn't affect him greatly.

Chapter Thirty

Marc walked into his common room, dodging the glances of his fellow classmates. Mostly, they ignored him and he them. He set out his homework sighing deeply. He hoped Hermione would get back to him soon. She was the only reason that he was at Hogwarts. He pulled out his auto answer quill and set it to work, running his hands through his hair as he did.
"Hello," said a voice dreamily at his side.
"Hi," he said unfamiliar with conversation. "What's your name?" he asked checking his answers.
"I'm Luna Lovegood." she announced. "5th year, and you." she surveyed him for a moment. "You are Marc Hutchings. A seventh year."
"So I am," he affirmed, wondering how on gods green earth she knew that.
"Yes, you are." Conversation stopped there until Marc realised that he had heard his father talking about the Lovegoods once.
"Your father. He runs the Quibbler doesn't he?"
"Yes he does," she said proudly gazing in a dreamlike trance at the ceiling.
"A fine publication, "he lied marvelling at how she could be proud about that.
"Thankyou. That's an Auto Answer Quill,"
"I know,"
"They're rare. Rarer than a crumple horned snorlack and everyone thinks that they don't exist." Marc digested that piece of information before deciding that it would be rude to tell her that they didn't exist.
"Ok, nice to meet you Luna. I'm sure I'll see you around. I'm going up to bed."
"Good night," Marc walked up to his dormitory, not entirely certain about Miss Lovegood. He thought about a few puns on her name, but decided that she was unpopular enough without him teasing her.

***

"Harry, wait up." Hermione hurried after his retreating shadow.
"No," he protested. "I've had enough."
"Fine, where are you going? I'll send them around to collect your body," the pure scathing tone of her voice made him turn sharply.
"Look, give me back the ring. I'll die a bachelor. That might save you the trouble of pretending to be sad as Marc comforts you." Hermione cursed loudly causing people from wards nearby to come to the doors and stare.
"Look Harry, you don't understand,"
"I understand better than you think." he pulled out a scrunched up letter from his robes. It was the letter from the morning with Marc's invitation to Hogsmeade enclosed.
"How did you get that?" she asked curiously.
"Evanesco, the charm you attempted to destroy the letter. Well it has a very close brother. Evanesca. The charm to transfer items." She stared into his sunken face horrified. "You aren't as clever as you think. Now, the ring!" Hermione took off her ring with tears shining in her face.
"But Harry,"
"No buts Hermione. I'm going to Dinas Brenin. Use the gold in vault 798 for the undertaker. You can buy a cheap one and keep the rest of the money. No one will mourn the tragic little hero that is a little deluded and colluding in the opression of his own pitiful fame." Tears stinging in her eyes, Hermione placed the ring in his hand.
"There," she said tonelessly. Harry said nothing, he turned on his heel and strode up the corridor leaving Hermione staring after him.

***
Albus Dumbledore apparated into the foyer of St Mungo's nearly causing the witch with the food trolley to have a seizure. He straightened his sat glancing swiftly at Dilys who shook his head. Dumbledore walked up the stairs performing a special tracking charm. Good. Harry was on the second floor making towards the exit. Dumbledore waited patiently and was soon rewarded with the presence of a short, sickly, dark haired teenager who along with his glasses was wearing an angry frown.
"What do you want?" Harry asked agressively trying to push past his headmaster.
"I want you to understand." said Dumbledore seriously. He grabbed Harry by the shoulders and stared into the sunken green eyes that once had sparkled but now only managed a dull glow.
"Understand what?" he questioned breaking free of the elder mans grasp.
"That the fate of the wizarding world rests on your behaviour tonight."
"Is that all I am, a tool?" he was emitting such an energy that the Professor had to break his eye contact.
"No, you aren't a tool."
"That's how you act. All my life, that's all I've been. I've had it."
"So you are going to Dinas Brenin,"
"Yes,"
"If you let Voldemort kill you, everyone will die."
"I don't care. I'll be dead. I'll be where I belong, with Sirius and my parents." Patients and their visitors where watching from the doorway to the wards. "Remember when you said that there were worse things than dying? I know now what you mean. Presently if you will excuse me, I have business to attend to." Harry pushed past Dumbledore hating everything about the elderly Professor, from his hair, boots or the way he had a Muggle cigarette hanging out of his pocket.
"It does not pay to dwell on dreams, Harry. They are dead and I'm sorry." he called after the retreating figure.

***

Hermione watched as Harry disappeared down the stairs before turning and walking back to Ron and Lavender.
"He's gone," she said in the same toneless voice sitting down on the bed. "Right," she snapped. "I want you go to Hogwarts and collect every member of the DA that you can find. I mean everyone. Including Loony Lovegood." Ron and Lavender hurried out of the room not wanting for her to yell at them again. Hermione lay back staring at her empty ring finger. 'Forgive him, no matter what his misgivings are,' the Healers words were played through her head. Well, this would take a lot of forgiving.

***

The staff room at Hogwarts buzzed with activity. Marking test papers, homework assignments and preparing lessons made up a large portion of the afternoons activity. Much, to their surprise, Sybill Trelawney had joined them today and was sitting in a quiet corner polishing her crystal balls, apparently her third year class was due to start on them at the beginning of this term. There was a bright flash of flame, everybody was so used to it that there was no surprise. After all it was a nearly daily occurance. Everybody, that was but Sybill who dropped her crystal ball with a resounding 'thunk' An envelope appeared in front of Professors McGonnagall, Lupin, Snape and Remus.
"Ah Sybill, the fates evidently didn't inform you this time?" asked Minerva tartly. Sybill clutched the crystal ball to her chest before stalking out of the staffroom amid hearty chuckles. Minerva stared after her disapprovingly before breaking open the red wax phoenix seal. She read it her expressions changing rapidly. She began issuing instructions that the staff dared not ignore.

Also, I'd like to announce that I am in the process of posting a second fanfiction.

Briefly.. It is about Lucius Malfoy donating heaps of money to the Ministry after he is released from Azkaban. Harry completely blows up about it and gets expelled from Hogwarts...

Alright, yes I will finish this story however bad it gets. Never give up is the old motto... Ok, no more blue, here goes!

Chapter Thirty One

As Harry raced down the stairs, he formulated a plan. He sprinted into the muggle street scattering an old lady and her groceries. He spotted a parked car and walked inconspicuously towards it. Ignoring the old woman who was screaming something about weirdo's in cloaks. Harry tapped the handle and opened the door casually. Harry jumped in and used his wand to start the engine. Altogether it was a brilliant idea, with only one major drawback. Harry had never driven before. He pressed the accelerator whilst putting the car in gear, it jumped forwards making odd little coughing noises. Harry was sure if he had a video camera he would be able to send it into "Funniest Home Videos". The car jerked forwards. He pressed the accelerator again and sped up the street fishtailing wildly, narrowly missing a fruit store and a parked car. After many near accidents, Harry soon learnt how to control the car, as he followed the convenient in-car tracking system to Dinas Brenin.

***

Albus Dumbledore stood in the corridor at St Mungo's smoking his cigarette reflectively. He heard mutterings from the neighbouring wards. He stubbed out his cigarette with a tinge of disappointment. He was getting quite addicted to them. That could be dangerous. Albus sighed and disapparated with a crack.
"What was that about?" came a voice from nearby. It was Healer Strout. No one answered her as the sipped at their potions whilst she clicked her tongue disapprovingly.

***

Hermione assembled the DA in the Great Hall. It was afternoon. They had better hurry up.
"Right," she muttered to herself. "Ok everyone follow me," she said in a strained voice. Her throat was dry. Her eyes had given up producing tears. No doubt, if she could've, the tears would flow freely. There were twenty two members here. All under her instruction. If one of them were to die...
"No one is going to die," said Cho quietly at her side, as they walked down the stone stairs.
"What happens if they do? It'll be all my fault." complained Hermione.
"Everyone is here Hermione, because they want to be. If we were cowards or didn't care for protecting Harry. I assure you I would be studying. God knows what Mum'll say," said Ginny Weasley from behind her.
"Thanks Ginny," said Hermione with a strangled sob.
"How are we going to get there?" asked Ron bemusedly. "There won't be enough Thestrals."
"No, we won't need Thestrals, I see that Professor Dumbledore has arranged transport." said Hermione indicating towards the sky where an orange glittering mass was heading towards them.
"Fawkes?" Cho said brightly. "What a brilliant idea!" Fawkes landed in Hermione's arms.
"I'm guessing this works similar to a portkey?" Hermione asked Fawkes. He blinked a reply. "That means yes?" Fawkes blinked again. "Ok, everyone. I need for all of you to be touching Fawkes here. It only has to be a feather. Also, I would like to give you a warning. I can't be responsible for all of you. If one of you gets injured I can't protect you. We all know what Voldemort is capable of."
"We'll do it," said Ginny bravely touching one of Fawkes' feathers. Gradually everyone positioned themselves around the phoenix. Once assured everyone was touching him Hermione nodded to Fawkes. There was a bright flash of flame and they were gone.

***

Harry narrowly missed a truck before regaining control of the car, speeding up the motorway, he weaved in and out of traffic like he'd seen in one of Dudleys video games. But, this wasn't a video game. Far from being in a video game. How Harry hadn't crashed yet was a mystery to him. All he did was check his navigation. He had only another half an hours driving left according to the computer. He could do it faster. Harry turned right onto the tourist drive and sped off into the sunset.

***

Hermione opened her eyes and saw that she was staring around at a large dilapidated tower. The courtyard was empty but Hermione could see where people had been. Stray chip packets and Pepsi bottles were sweeping along the ground with the violent gusts of wind that were surging through the Ghost Town making windows whistle in the wind.
"Ah Miss Granger," Dumbledore came walking behind a building and indicated for them all to join him. They all trooped behind the building, Dumbledore counting them as they went. "Ok, So here's the situation. Harry hasn't arrived yet. He's stolen a car and is driving at a very fast pace here. He should be here any minute." Hermione sank down onto the ground leaning up against the wall. "I don't want him to know that we are here. It's just easier that way." Ginny sat down next to Hermione and comforted her like only girls can manage. "Professor McGonagall is coming presently with the Reserve Guard. I'm assuming you don't know much about them but you will find out presently. Remus and the other members of the Order will be arriving, as a matter of fact I can send the signal now." he raised his wand into the sky and made a golden arch with his wand. It must have been glowing but, no one except Dumbledore could see the star shining brightly above them.
"Professor, I don't think it worked properly," said Ginny helpfully.
"It did Miss Weasley," said Dumbledore checking the signal. "It is a star that only members of the Order of the Phoenix can see."
"Oh, Professor, who are the Reserve Guard?" questioned Hermione interested in why she'd never heard of them.
"You'll find out." said Dumbledore unhelpfully. "They are select students that were formed a few years ago by Professor McGonagall, called the reserve guard. If I'm not mistaken this is them now."
But, for the first and only time in his life, Albus Dumbledore was mistaken...

***

"Calm down everyone!" Remus called out to the many Order members assembled in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place. "We will be going to Dinas Brenin as soon as the signal is ready."
"But, when will the signal be ready?" asked Tonks brightly.
"When the DA get to Dinas Brenin. We're more a guard for them than for Harry. He can look after himself. Evidently Dumbledore thinks so," he added bitterly.
"The reserve guard?" asked Petunia curiously.
"They're with Minerva," he answered her with a small smile. There was a golden sparkle eminating through the sky. The rays filtered through the window. "Ok, it's time." his mouth dried out, and he began to sweat a little. Petunia gave him a fleeting smile before they all disapparated. They all appeared behind a building and sneaked up to where the orange star was coming from. They heard Albus' voice.
"If I'm not mistaken this is them now," Remus hurried and went around the corner.
"Albus,"
"Remus,"
"Has Harry arrived yet?"
"No, but any minute now."
"Good, the Reserve?"
"Not yet," Remus said nothing to that just looked out upon the valley from his hilltop. It was approaching dusk and a tinge of pink was interspersed with the dark blue colours of night. It was windy and there was rubbish littering the ground, it was being swept along with the wind, plastic bags spinning in the air.

***

Harry parked his car in the parking lot, before deciding that he might as well use it for as long as he could. He reversed it out and then powered towards the gates of the tower.

"There he is!" called Dumbledore pointing to a silver Lamborghini that was speeding carelessly along the grass.
"Christ!" blashphemised Tonks in awe. "He certainly wasn't stupid. I would die for a ride in one of those! They're worth more than £100,000!"
"That makes it even worse," commented Remus dryly.

Harry jumped out of the car, locking it as he went. Hermione had had enough, she broke away from where Mrs Weasley had been clutching her and sprinted out to Harry.
"Hermione no!" shouted Dumbledore. Hermione turned back.
"You don't know what it's like!" she shouted back equally as angry.
"Yes I do. Come back."
"You don't!" Harry turned around and saw the whole situation. How Hermione was in the process of running towards him, Dumbledore was standing away from the hiding spot with his wand raised. Even from Harry's distance he could see that Dumbledore was incensed.
"Hermione," he called. Hermione spun around to face him. Her face stained with tears.
"Harry! Don't go in there, for it would surely be your death." She called out desperately trying to discourage him in the half light. Hermione sprinted towards him and clutched onto his arms.

Around twenty figures in dark black robes were walking towards them. Harry stood there transfixed staring at the leader of the group. Eyes like red-slits, pale skin glowing. Lord Voldemort had arrived.

Alright, down to some more business, as usual I don't know how much it makes sense.. too lazy..

Chapter Thirty Two

"Ah, Mr Potter, how nice of you to visit," Voldemort said spitefully.
"Yes Master, he is as easily to lure as his useless godfather." added Bellatrix. To this stage Harry had not said anything. He just grabbed onto Hermione. She could feel him shaking. She looked up to him, his faced revealed nothing.
"Ah, look he's even brought his girlfriend," she said maliciously. "I will enjoy this. Crucio," A jet of red light pulsed out of her wand.
"Protego," Harry yelled deflecting the spell.
"Baby Potter know's how to play." she said grinning evilly. "But, he must be good. Musn't he?" Hermione shivered slightly. Harry squeezed her hand.
"So, Mr Potter, what brings you here today?" asked Voldemort casually.
"I bet you it wasn't to look at the scenery," Voldemort laughed. His pale skin constricted with mirth. It was a horrible sound. "What you say we get this over and done with?" asked Bellatrix.
"Yes, Bella. Good idea. Avada Kedavra!" A jet of green light eminated from his wand just as Harry performed an energy draining spell. The gold of his spell embraced the jet of green light, causing it to dissipate. Dumbledore drew in his breath loudly causing members of the order to look at him enquiringly.
"Very good Potter. I knew you would be difficult." Hermione and Bellatrix were duelling now. No sooner would Bellatrix cast anything before Hermione had disarmed it.
"She's good for a mudblood!" said Bellatrix spitefully casting a killing curse. Hermione stared at it. It was racing towards her. Casting a flickering green shadow over the darkened sky. She was going to die. She closed her eyes waiting for the rush of speeding death. There was a song playing. It was a beautiful song. 'This must be what heaven is like' thought Hermione waiting. Waiting to die. There was a bright burst of flame and the curse was stopped as well as the singing. Fawkes was on the ground. Wrinkled, flightless, songless and defenceless.
"Accio Phoenix," she muttered grabbing him and pulling him towards her. Bellatrix was no longer duelling her. It seemed everyone was now fighting. She noticed members of the Order. Dumbledore himself duelling with who appeared to be McNair. Buckbeaks would be killer. She put the baby Fawkes in her pocket, whirled around and duelled with a black masked Death Eater who after pushing away Professor Lupin had turned on Remus.

Harry duelled with Voldemort straining to remember the hexes he'd learnt. Voldemort's wand was twisting and turning with alarming speed. Harry was sweating, there was a large gash on his face and his robes were torn.
"You'll never get me Potter!" Voldemorts voice filled with arrogance was resounding through Harry's head. "You are as worthless as your parents," he said in between spell casting. "You're father was a fool and you're mother was a mudblood." Harry blocked the words from his mind and concentrated surpremely on the duel. It was intense. Harry's hands were sweaty.
"Avada Kedavra" Harry yelled concentrating on it completely. Voldemort yelled something back. Harry didn't catch what it was. But he didn't like the sound of it.

"Crucio," yelled Bellatrix, focusing her wand on Hermione. The streaks of red light struck Hermione causing her to shriek with pain. It felt like her nerves were on fire. She'd have been in less pain if she'd swallowed a flagon of hydrochloric acid. Remus, who had a large swelling on the side of his head, was blinded with pain. He yelled out the words he'd been longing to say, since that evil little cow had murdered her cousin.
"AVADA KEDAVRA" the jet of green light arced through the air and struck her in the chest. Hermione felt the pain stop. She lay there dazed before turning around to see why it had stopped. Bellatrix Lestrange lay across from her. Her eyes wide open unseeing. She was dead. A bright white light streaked over the ground blinding Hermione. she stood up, her knees shaking the earth span. It made her dizzy.
"Hermione are you alright?" asked Ron helping her stand straight.
"Yes," she said croakily.
"Where's Voldemort?"
"He's there," said Ron pointing to the source of the bright light.
"Bellatrix is DEAD!" she yelled trying to get Voldemorts attention. "Where's Dumbledore?"
"He's captured a few and taken them off to Azkaban."
"Already?"
"Yeah, he want's for Voldemort to think that they're dead."
"Oh, great." she said bitterly. "Is that Marc?" she asked confused thinking that she was dreaming.
"Yeah, he must be in that reserve guard Dumbledore was talking about."

"Prewett, you have no chance." yelled Lucius Malfoy. Marc stared over his shoulder to see who Malfoy was addressing. "Don't you know? You really don't know? I suspected this. You're real mother is a Prewett. I had the delicious pleasure of murdering her. She was no loss. A lamentable potionmaker and a Muggle lover to boot."
"You lie," yelled Marc attempting to stun him.
"I do not lie. Malfoy's don't lie. Perhaps Dumbledore hasn't told you, along with the other secrets he keeps."
"I trust Dumbledore and I definately don't trust you." he said dodging his own stunning spell that had rebounded.

"Marc is a Prewett?" asked Ron curiously staring over at him. "That's unbelieveable."
"Why?" asked Hermione staring at Marc.
"Because that means that he's my cousin."
"WHAT??" spluttered Hermione.
"Yeah, my Mum was originally a Prewett."
"And I went out with him?" muttered Hermione to herself.

"I shouldn't have done that," panted Remus collapsing onto the ground as a wave of fatigue swept over him.
"Don't worry," said Petunia comfortingly. "She deserved it."
"There'll be hell to pay with the ministry. There always is." Remus conjured a glass of water and gulped at it hungrily.

Voldemort heard some shouting, but he was too busy concentrating with Harry to listen.
"Did you hear her?" asked Harry in between spells still.
"What did she say?" asked Voldemort deciding to play along with him.
"Bella is dead," said Harry laughing sardonically.
"No she isn't,"
"She is," But Voldemort already knew. He could feel the stinging on his Dark Mark. Bella was undoubtably dead, 'So' he thought glancing around the battlefield. 'Are many more,' It seemed that the battle field was empty of his followers. He saw a Weasley and the Mudblood watching and sent a stunning spell towards them.

"Watch it Hermione," yelled Ron grabbing her and pushing her downwards. They lay on the ground still watching.
"That was a close one." said Hermione breathlessly.
"Yeah,"

Dumbledore returned to Dinas Brenin hoping for the best. He saw Harry and Voldemort fighting viciously, neither gaining upon each other. The few remaining Death Eaters were conducting half hearted battles with Tonks and Kingsley. He nodded to them and they cast the rare anti-apparition jinxes Dumbledore had taught them. Albus stolled calmly towards where Harry and Voldemort were still duelling. Priori incantatem had occurred but both wizards were ignoring the effects, rendering it useless.
"Tom," he said loudly. "Your race has run," Voldemort turned to face him, still blindly casting spells at Harry.
"My race has run?"
"Yes Tom. If you care to look around you will notice that none of your followers are here." Voldemort looked around. Indeed there wasn't a Death Eater in sight.
"So they are gone, Indeed Bella was a loss." he continued to duel Harry his wand tip sparking furiously. "But the others. They were of little loss." he said casting his wand around impressively. "Very well Potter, we'll meet again." he said and disapparated.

A wave of tiredness and fatigue enveloped Harry. He glanced around, losing the will to support himself. He fainted and lay on the deserted battleground as everyone gathered around him. He smelt the dew on the grass and heard the words of Hermione beside him. He clutched onto her hand, remembering the soft feel of her skin.

Chapter Thirty Three

"Come on Harry," Hermione's voice softly entered his mind. "It's time to get you to Grimmauld Place," Harry groaned and rolled over and away from Hermione. She lifted him up, quaking slightly under his weight.
"Here," said Remus helping her carry him.
"Are you alright Remus?" asked Hermione gently as they carried him.
"Yes," said Remus blankly.
"I saw what you did," said Hermione. "And I thank you for it," she spoke formally, knowing how much Remus was missing Sirius and how he hated Bellatrix for everything that she'd done. "You won't get in trouble off the ministry for it will you?"
"If I wasn't already, I probably will be. It was worth it though. It's what Sirius would've wanted." he said a tone of bitterness when he spoke of the ministry. Hermione walked along quietly, suddenly conscious of a sharp pain in her leg. It swayed slightly every time that she put her weight onto it. "Your leg," he said sharply. "Is it injured?"
"It doesn't matter," she limped along carrying Harry still.
"Here we are," he said finally, after they'd walked into a forest. "I didn't want anyone to disapparate in the open, in case Muggles saw," He waved his wand and they all disapparated. Hermione blinked and found herself in the foyer of Grimmauld Place. Remus was carrying Harry upstairs, Hermione watched him go with a sense of disbelief. It had all happened so fast...

"Come on Harry," said a motherly voice pulling him up slightly.
"Mrs Weasley?" asked Harry blindly.
"Yes, that's me," she sat him up. Harry opened his eyes and saw the blurry outline of Mrs Weasley.
"I shouldn't have done it," Harry muttered to himself. "I should never have said those things to Hermione," he groaned as Mrs Weasley poured him a goblet of a smoking liquid.
"Now, Harry don't think about it," she said stoppering the bottle. "She loves you a lot. A real lot. I don't know what you've said to her, but she'll forgive you for whatever it was. We always do,"
"Thanks," Harry muttered groaning as his scar burned sharply.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes," although Mrs Weasley wasn't convinced. Harry felt tears dripping down his face and he convulsed with embarassment.
"There," she passed him the goblet. "I need you to drink this," she got a soft cloth and dabbed his face. Harry fell back onto the sheets without comment. Mrs Weasley stood watching him for a moment before treating her actual children who she was coming to regard as second best to Harry.

"Hermione," Hermione opened her eyes slightly and found Mrs Weasley standing over her. Hermione sat up feeling embarassed. "Go on," she said. "Go upstairs. I have a bed ready for you,"
"Thanks," Hermione said raising herself off the lounge and limping upstairs. She walked into the bedroom with Mrs Weasley following her and lay on the bed that had been prepared for her next to Harry. Harry had his covers pulled up to his neck and on the bedside table next to him was a silver goblet. It was still smoking.
"Come on Hermione," she sat Hermione up and pressed a hand to the wound. Hermione gasped as Mrs Weasley pulled up her robes, revealing a large black cut. It was oozing blood and there were red rings circling it. But worst of all was the bruising. It extended from her shin, where the cut was all the way up past her knee and to the start of her hip joint.
"It's a nasty one," commented Mrs Weasley opening a small purple bottle. "I can't do anything now, but I can give you a potion for dreamless sleep. We'll get some bandages on it whilst you are asleep."
"Thankyou," said Hermione before drinking at the goblet. She was asleep before it had hardly touched her lips.

Mrs Weasley sidled into the kitchen/meeting room of Grimmauld Place trying not to interrupt the meeting.
"Ah Molly," Dumbledore had stood up. His ancient face creased with worry looked older than ever. "The children?"
"Harry and Hermione are upstairs asleep. They took their potion."
"Your own?"
"I have Charlie and Tonks looking after them,"
"The Reserve Guard?" he was now addressing Minerva McGonagall.
"Prewett's in St Mungo's," she said her nostrils flaring.
"Will he be alright?"
"Collapsed lung. We've got the best looking after him." she spoke in a choked voice.
"The rest of the DA?" he asked Remus.
"Back at Hogwarts. I think that Lovegood and Longbottom are with Madame Pomfrey,"
"Good, so that's everyone taken care of. Now, back to business. Remus, I have spoken with the Minister and you have been granted a pardon for Bellatrix. Mr Fudge," he added bitterly. "Is very smug about our removal of Voldemort from Dinas Brenin," he paused and looked around at the Order. "The Death Eaters have been placed into the Department of Mysteries in the time capsule," he held up his hand for silence as members began to question his judgement. "I worked there for over twenty years, I know the time capsule well. It is the only place that Voldemort cannot penetrate. I have quite a few members of his sect in there. Malfoy, Dolohov, Rookwood, Macnair, Goyle. It is the best place for them."
"Very well," said Severus. "I must get back to Hogwarts." he nodded to Dumbledore and disapparated.
"On my orders Professor Snape will become Headmaster of Hogwarts for a brief period. Minerva will take the executive decisions. But on paper he is Headmaster."
"What will you do Albus?" asked Remus curiously.
"I am going to advise Fudge. I am organising meetings with the Muggle Prime Minister. I also have some other business." But what that other business was Dumbledore never got around to telling. Neither did Minerva get to ask.
"Mundungus! How many times have I told you not to light that thing in here," Mrs Weasley said visibly outraged.
"I'm sorry, Molly. I jus' celebratin'," he said sending murky plumes of green smoke from his pipe into the air.
"Celebrating what precisely?"
"Skooz me?" he asked with his pipe still in his mouth.
"What are you celebrating Mundungus?" she asked swelling up like a bullfrog.
"The very fine hitalian car tha' Harre' stole,"
"What about the car?"
"Well, I'm keepin' it see?" he held his pipe up high and said airily. "The spoils o' war," Mrs Weasley turned to complain to Dumbledore, but saw him smile sadly and disapparate with a crack. The rest of the room was empty.
"Bloody hell,"

Marc sat up in his bed, he instantly felt an obstruction in his throat. He began to cough unrestrainably until the only thing that he could see was blood. It was softly trickling down his face from a cut he couldn't even feel.
"You're awake are you?" Healer Strout marched into the room carrying a basket of linen.
"Yes madam," he spluttered trying to be polite.
"You gave us a right scare you did," she said impersonally cleaning up his blood.
"Wh-h-at did -- I d-do?" he asked in between coughing fits.
"What haven't you done?" she asked herself absentmindedly checking his pulse. Marc remembered in Muggle hospitals how his name always appeared over his head with the medical details of his condition. It read

Marc Prewett,
Collapsed Lung, Haematoma.

"Excuse me," he asked the Healer as she walked out muttering to herself. "My name isn't Prewett,"
"Yes it is," she said scornfully. "What did you think it is? Must of been something good in that potion," she chuckled softly. "Don't worry kiddo, you're memory will come back eventually."
"Memory?" he asked after her. "But my real name is Hutchings, Marc Hutchings,"
"Yeah," she called back to him. "And my name is Griselda Marchbanks."
"Really?"
Her laughing haunted him all along the corridor...

Chapter Thirty Five

Healer Pye stood over Hermione's bed and sighed distastefully. The deep cut on her leg was definately going to leave a scar, that was, if it healed at all.
"Hermione," he said softly. "I'm going to try and fix it."
"Will she be alright?" asked Mr Granger anxiously.
"She'll be alright. But she won't be walking for a while." Mr Granger swore softly and said bitterly to his wife.
"All this happened for ridiculous magic. Why? Why did she have to be a witch? Why did we let her go?" Augustus Pye looked at him thoughtfully before making his own comment. He didn't trust Mrs Granger to stick up for herself. She was shaking and very fragile looking.
"A lot of people would die to be where she is. There's not a person in our world that doesn't know her name. She's the cleverest witch to have been taught at Hogwarts for over a century and with the secrecy and the survival of the wizarding world resting on her fiance's shoulders I couldn't think of a better person to have beside him." Mr Granger didn't look too convinced so he added some more. "It is natural to go through a war and recieve a few scars, some heal, some won't."
"E..Ever..y one knows her name?" he stammered. Augustus smiled reassuringly.
"You ought to read the papers more," he passed Mr Granger the morning edition of the Daily Prophet.

Harry Potter and friends save the Wizarding World again!
By Rita Skeeter, Daily Prophet Reporter.

Mr Harry Potter and his fiancee, Hermione Granger (see photo left) teamed together with students and teachers of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he currently is studying, to launch an attack on the Muggle fortification of Dinas Brenin, where you-know-who was residing.
Yesterday afternoon at dusk Harry Potter and followers drove Voldemort from his hide-out of the enchanted castle. It was a long and weary battle culminating in the capture of several Voldemorts followers (known as "Death Eaters") and the death of murderer, Bellatrix Lestrange. Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry said early yesterday that. "Harry and Hermione are in a satisfactory condition," when asked further questions he refused to comment. One known fact is that whilst the Muggle Prime Minister has fully kept his word, it has been a close thing. "Yes, yes, Mr Blair does have a rather loose tongue," said the Ministers Personal Assistant Percy Weasley. "But, he knows his restrictions," he commented smugly. All the magical community can do for the time being is to remain calm and wish good health to all our protectors. Turn to pages 2,3,4,5,6,7 for more information.

Mr Granger turned to the next page a colour rising in his face. He turned to the next page where he was confronted with a smiling picture of his daughter and Harry arm-in-arm with each other.

Hermione Granger: Witch of great intellect and the subject of much jealousy.

Hermione Granger is no doubt one of the most famous witches of our time. Not only is she supremely intelligent but she is dating (and rumoured to be engaged) our worlds greatest hero, Mr Harry Potter. Hermione is one of the cleverest witches to pass through Hogwarts in at least a century surpassing the record of eleven owls set by her deceased mother-in-law-to-be Lily Potter. Hermione is a muggleborn and has dispelled beliefs that you have to be a pureblood to be talented. Hermione in the past few years has found herself in many dangerous life threatening situations. Including rescuing the Philosophers stone from You-know-who, a Basilisk attack, rescued Sirius Black (who was wrongfully convicted for murder) and battled You-know-who twice. "But don't go telling my parents any of this, I haven't. They wouldn't believe me," she said displaying her stunning smile. Whilst not much is known about Hermione, there is no doubt that she has talent and is worthy of Mr Harry Potter.

"She.. she.. What's a Basilisk?" asked Mr Granger baffled.
"A Basilisk. Is a giant serpent, over five hundred feet long, It's stare can kill a person and if that fails to kill you it has the strongest venom that has ever been known to exist." explained Augustus as he wrapped Hermione's leg. Mrs Granger fainted at that, Augustus muttered resignedly before reviving her with his wand. Mr Granger's eyes travelled to the next page where a black and white picture of Harry was smiling cheekily across at his daughter. The picture saw Mr Granger and stopped with a small cough. Mr Granger read the article, his face now blotched with red and slightly unhealthy looking.
"He has evaded You-know-who six times now," he read out to his wife, who was sipping at a glass of water Augustus had poured for her. "Stopped you-know-who from returning four times and protected the Ministy of Magic from an attack by You-know-who in the same year that he recieved several owls... What are owls?"
"O.W.L.S are Ordinary Wizarding Levels," explained Augustus. Mr Granger blanched.
"Well she certainly went for the best," he commented folding up the paper.

A few days later Harry was tidying up his bedroom at Grimmauld Place and preparing for bed.
"Here you are Harry," said Mrs Weasley kindly putting a warm cup of cocoa on his bedside table.
"Thankyou Mrs Weasley,"
"That's alright Harry," she said smiling at him. "Hermione gets here tonight, she's out of St Mungo's"
"Really?" asked Harry blankly. "B..b.ut" he stammered.
"Don't worry Harry," she said pleasantly.
"But,.. well. How long is she staying?" he asked anxiously.
"About a week, until Dumbledore can address the school." she said playing with a crease in his bedspread.
"What about me?" he questioned her.
"You can leave whenever you want. But, I think it would be best to return after Dumbledore has addressed the students." her plump face alight with sincerety that Harry himself couldn't mistake.
"Thankyou Mrs Weasley. Goodnight,"
"Goodnight Harry. If you need anything just ask me," she exited leaving a very confused Harry behind.

Hermione opened the door of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place with a heavy heart. She closed it behind her with a small 'tap' and set her suitcase in the hall.
"Ah Hermione," said Remus quietly. "Come through, I don't want anything to wake up, especially not Harry."
"Ok," she answered softly. They walked up the hallway and downstairs into the kitchen.
"Here have some tea," he said tapping the kettle with his wand. "How was the Knight Bus?" he asked smirking.
"Never again. Twenty one autographs later." she smiled wearily sipping her tea.
"You counted?" he questioned still smirking.
"Nothing better to do,"
"Hermione," he said suddenly serious. "I need you to promise me that you will keep an eye on Harry at Hogwarts,"
"Yes, sure." she said a little surprised at his question.
"Good, we've all got to watch over him. Make sure that he stays safe."
They talked for a little while longer until Remus excused himself to go to bed and Hermione realised how sleepy she was, Hermione went into the bathroom and changed into her nightgown and walked upstairs checking the bedrooms for hers as she went.
"Oh dear," she whispered as she found Harry's. He was in bed, not yet asleep. Just staring out the window. She stayed there watching him. Occasionaly he would scratch his head or wipe his face, but apart from that nothing. He was just staring into space.

Hermione stood there, unable to move in case she made a noise. Then Harry would know that she was watching him. But, at any moment Harry could turn around and spot her. She would just have to wait...

Chapter Thirty Six

Harry stared out the window and into Muggle London. It was nearly midnight and there wasn't really any movement. He could tell that many floors down below the Muggle house was listening to raucous music and there were policemen outside trying desperately to restore peace. Harry sighed, he lay back in his bed and pulled the covers up, before he knew it he was asleep.

Hermione stood in the doorway watching Harry, she heard him sigh and lay back onto his bed and waited for a shout of recognition, but soon, he was asleep. Hermione knew that this was the prime moment to escape and get to her own bed, which she was pining for, but there was something that was so calming about watching Harry sleep. Indeed, at Hogwarts it was one of her favourite pastimes. It was a four poster bed, could she do it? She tiptoed into the room, cringing as one of the floor-boards creaked. Harry stirred slightly but made no movement. Hermione slid into bed next to him, not really sure what she was doing or why.

Harry was in the forest, he heard a creaking sound somewhere and he heard a voice, it was Voldemorts voice, callous and unnerving. Something moved next to him. It was Hermione, she was on her back, her eyes wide open and unseeing. Unmistakably dead. Harry clung to her, desperate for her to be alive, hoping for a moment to say his final goodbye.
"Hermione," he whispered to himself, "I love you,"

Hermione was drifting off to sleep when she felt one of Harry's arm drift around her. 'I guess I'm forgiven,' she thought settling down. She heard Harry mutter something and she put an arm around him trying to comfort him.

Hermione was the first person to wake up, early that morning. Harry was snuggled up close to her his breathing slow and even. She wondered how he would react when he awoke with her next to him...

Harry opened his eyes sleepily staring around at who he was embracing, he could see little without his glasses. But, there was only one person that it could be. Hermione.
"Hermione?" he asked blearily sitting up and rubbing his eyes.
"Yes Harry?" she replied nervously.
"Err, what are you doing here?" he asked not really knowing what to feel.
"Well, I.." she didn't know what to say. "Well, actually I missed you," Harry felt the heat rise in his cheeks.
"Yes, well, I missed you too, but that doesn't mean that I go into your bed," he said tensely putting his glasses on. Harry saw Hermione properly now, she had a mixture of emotions coursing through her face, sadness, anxiety and nervousness just to name a few.
"I'm sorry," she said with tears dripping down her face. "Not just for this, but for everything. I'll see you at breakfast Harry." and with that she was gone. Harry sat up and pulled his clothes on angrily. He could tell she was sorry, but all he wanted was some time alone, after everything that had happened with Voldemort and everyone. It was simply becoming too much to handle. Harry walked gloomily down to breakfast ten minutes later where Hermione was already buttering her toast, Mrs Weasley gave him a reproachful stare and suddenly Harry didn't feel all too hungry. He poured himself a cup of tea and escaped the stares by walking into the Drawing Room of Grimmauld Place. He sat on the lounge and looked around feeling completely miserable. He loved her, why did he have to say it?

"Hermione," he said softly walking up to her.
"Yes Harry?"
"Umm, I fancied a chat," he mumbled cursing his nervousness.
"Sure," she said. "Err, shall we go upstairs?"
"Yes," Harry led Hermione upstairs and into his bedroom.
"What did you want to talk about?" she asked knowing the answer.
"Well, us," he said sitting on the bed.
"I'm sorry," they both said synchronously. Hermione began to laugh and soon Harry joined in ...

THE END

Here you go, the last installment.. ah, the splendors of actually finishing something.. The was going to be a sequel, but then I got a job in a Toy Shop and I have to work roughly 8 hours a day.. So thats it.. Too busy to do anything like that.. Anyway.. Harry-Ginny is my favourite ship now, this one's a little old..


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