Chapter Four
Harry made his way back to the Gryffindor Common Room and managed to sneak past Ron into Hermione's study.
"Hey, I've brought your clothes back!" He shouted through to the bedroom. He then blushed when Lavender rather than Hermione emerged from the room.
He stuttered.
"And what might you be doing with Hermione's clothes?" Lavender said with a teasing grin.
"Would it explain why she's wearing a Quidditch shirt with the name Potter emblazoned on the back?" Lavender said, but before Harry could even think of an answer, Hermione entered the study, towelling her hair dry, still in Harry's clothes.
"Leave it alone Lavender. I already told you what happened, and if you tell ANYONE I'll tell Ron about you-know-what." Hermione threatened her friend while shooting an apologetic glance in Harry's direction. Lavender just laughed and headed back to find her boyfriend in the Common Room.
"What was that about?" Harry asked curiously, handing Hermione the bundle of clothes with the book on top.
"A little blackmail I've collected from living in the same dorm for six years." Hermione laughed. "Only to be used as a last resort as she's got just as much on me, as does Parvati, but I'd rather keep this story a private one." She said with a wink. Harry grinned, surprised that she was taking it so well.
"So the bath was relaxing before Myrtle had a tantrum?" He asked with a smile.
"Yes thankfully. How did you explain running off to Ron?" She asked flopping down on the sofa. Harry blushed.
"Oops. I didn't, I just took off running." He said guiltily.
Hermione smiled to herself.
"Anyway, Thanks Harry. Think I'll get changed before dinner. See you in the Common Room at six?" She asked him as she stood and made her way to her room.
^See you then.^ Harry replied as he headed out to try and explain his disappearance to Ron, but soon saw that an explanation wasn't really necessary as Ron and Lavender were curled up together in an armchair, heads together, talking softly. Harry smiled at them, happy to see them together finally, and apparently getting on well.
Harry, seeing he had some time to himself, grabbed his wand and headed off to Dumbledore's Office for a chat with the Headmaster.
"Ah Harry come on in. Any reason for this visit?" Albus Dumbledore greeted his favourite student.
"Not really, nothing bad anyway. Any news I should hear about?" Harry asked, casually checking for news from The Order as he took a seat opposite the Headmaster.
"Little change Harry. We must bide our time, it's only been two months since the last attack, and he tends to wait three." Harry nodded in agreement.
Since the events of Harry's Fifth year at Hogwarts Dumbledore had been more open with him, and they discussed most matters so that Harry wouldn't feel compelled to act without Dumbledore's advice. They sat and discussed potential targets, and what measures could be taken to prevent casualties.
"Professor, I know there are basic wards around Hermione's home, but are the Granger's protected properly? I know Hermione's worried about them. They would be prime targets to get to me through her…"
Dumbledore looked at Harry over the top of his glasses.
"There are several charms in place, they are protected at level three."
"Do we have the resources to push their protection up to level two? Hermione would never say anything but I know she's thought about it, and I think the Granger's would be receptive to a guard of some kind. As long as Hermione was clear that the guard wasn't due to a specific threat - she'd panic if she didn't know all the details." Harry said thoughtfully.
"I believe you're right Harry. In fact I have a specific guard in mind. You know Tonk's is still recovering and out of direct action? Well she's driving Remus mad being stuck in Headquarters; perhaps a little duty would help them out. You know she's an incredibly capable auror despite her injuries."
"I think she'd be great, and I think Hermione's parents would really get a kick out of her." He grinned, and saw Dumbledore's eyes twinkle in acknowledgement.
"Harry, may I ask why you're suddenly so concerned about Miss. Granger?"
Harry looked at the Headmaster intently for a moment.
"We can hear each others thoughts." He said simply.
"It's been going on for a few weeks now, we learnt to control it pretty quickly so that we only listen when we deliberately contact each other, but when she's really worried, or stressed…then I can hear a lot of her thoughts…and she can hear mine. I've managed to learn the Arithmancy she was chanting in her head for three days last week before a test, but more often she worries about her parents. She doesn't want to say anything, or distract anyone from their work for the Order. I haven't spoken to her about it, but if she knows that the Order is looking out for them she might start sleeping better…"
Dumbledore looked at him appraisingly.
"You can hear one another's thoughts?" He smiled knowingly.
"I shall speak to Tonks this afternoon and let Miss. Granger know after dinner this evening. Now Harry, I trust you will behave responsibly with this newfound gift. It is no trivial matter to hear another's thoughts."
"I know Professor. Don't worry, Hermione would never let me abuse these powers." Dumbledore nodded and they shared a smile.
Dumbledore watched as Harry left his office. He sat in his chair for a moment before turning to address a painting on the wall.
"Just like his Father." Dumbledore nodded in agreement.