Unofficial Portkey Archive

A/N: I'm slightly upset at the moment. My reviews for the chapters have been going down. I love getting input from all of you, so I really don't know what to do. Also, this story will be a crossover. Some of you might have guessed it, but it won't be until the next book (I'm attempting three, six year, seventh year summer, and seventh year). Now I'm revealing what type of crossover it is, but I've placed some subtle and not so sublte hints with the chapters up to date. This chapter there are a great deal of hints, so that's all I've got to say about that.

Also, if there are any or all suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you and read and review.

Chapter Nine:

Beginning to Understand

"Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities. Truth isn't" Mark Twain

Hermione lead Harry back to their room in silence. She did not know what to say to him, or know how to respond to a question of his. Harry must have felt the same way; once they were in their room Harry went to their dresser and grabbed a change of cloths for the night. He lay on the bed, facing the ceiling as he waited for Hermione to change as well. She lay down on his chest and he wrapped his arm around her, bring her close. They lay in silence for a long time, neither moving nor falling asleep. Harry broke the silence.

"Mione, do you want to know my demons?" Harry asked. She looked up at his face. It had not moved its gaze from the ceiling. She wished she could see his eyes. Those eyes hid nothing from her.

"Yes please," Hermione whispered into his chest. She was afraid of what he was going to say. She knew his fears about Voldemort, and not being loved, what else was there?

"I told you that I couldn't go back to the Dursleys, remember?" Harry said. He spoke in a monotone voice, not letting his emotion betray him until it was too late. He needed to get this out. His Mione had promised to take care of him, and he knew she kept her promises.

Hermione nodded into his chest. A lump of fear began to grow inside of her. She knew of one thing more that if it happened to him, it would be difficult for him to talk about. One thing, the one thing she did not want to happen to him.

"The Dursleys, they, sometimes would hit me if I did something magical or screwed up," Harry said. "I don't remember much of my childhood. Only glimpses." Hermione felt the tears rolling down his cheeks as she reached up to stroke his cheek. She knew her tears were falling as well. "The first time I remember would have been after I was given a hair cut. My aunt cut my hair, and the next day it had grown back…." There was a hitch in his voice as he prepared himself to say what came next. "My uncle took a hair brush and hit me with it several times. He then took me onto his knee and spanked me with it. I was thrown into my cupboard for a week for that……"

"Oh Harry," Hermione said, wrapping her arms around his neck. She positioned herself so she was above him and positioned him so he was lying on her chest. She wanted him to hear her heartbeat, to know that everything there was real, and everything in that beat was for him.

"There are other times that I remember," Harry said, tears falling freely now. "I remember being beaten with a belt, and then a wrench. There are times when Dudley would use me a punching bag or something like that. I had `accidents' frequently in the home, but no one came to check them out, Mione. I thought if it happened so frequently, that someone, anyone would want to know why. They just told the people at the hospital that I was clumsy, because I kept breaking my glasses and they could not afford a new pair. I don't understand Mione, was I that hated that no one cared if I got hurt?" Hermione kissed his head and brought him closer.

"I care, I've always cared," Hermione whispered to him. "The Weasleys's care for you too Harry. You remember how Mrs. Weasley was after the third task?" He nodded, but did not say anything. "Hagrid cares for you, greatly I might add. Dumbledore, in his odd way, cares for you as well. You can see it in everything they've done." He nodded once more. "Harry, I love you, and you are my world."

"No Mione, this is your world, and I'm just living in it," Harry whispered, leaning out of her embrace slightly. "I'll do anything for you. I'm not going to kill Voldemort for Dumbledore or the Wizarding World, I'm going to go after him so we, you and I, can live together quietly on some remote island away from everyone who tries to get a piece of Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived." He pulled her closer once more.

"I can't go back there Mione, I can't," he whispered into her chest. She knew of the compromising position she was in, but also knew Harry would no take advantage of her.

"You won't, I promise you, you won't," Hermione said. She wrapped her arms around her, kissing his forehead. She knew now why he looked the way he did when he came to Hogwarts: skinny and malnourished. But he was with her now, and all that pain, was going to end. She would not let him return to the Dursleys alone, never again.

* * * * *

Hermione wore first, and looked at Harry's sleeping form. She could see the child he hid inside himself at times. Playing with his hair, she noticed he had not moved out of her arms since she wrapped them around her. Harry however did wrap his arms around her. She loved it that Harry had finally admitted that he could not do everything by himself. He may not have said it in those words, but he did. What surprised her though was his confession that he needed her the most, out of everyone else in the world. She knew he relied on her, but it came as a surprised that she was his source of strength.

Harry began to stir in her arms. She looked down at him again, kissing his forehead once as he stretched in her arms. He mumbled a small thank you as he tried to push back.

"Harry, you can't push me away," Hermione said, pulling him closer.

"Mione, I need to use the facilities," Harry said, choking back his laughter. He knew what she was saying was true; he just had to go at the moment. He also knew she blushed as she loosened her grip. "Thank you," he moved up and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Now, just point me in the direction of the bathroom and I'll be fine." He heard her giggle as she sat up, helping him move to the side of the room.

"Yes Potter," Hermione said as she picked up his hand and made him stand up. "It's straight ahead." She giggled once again as he stood up, and walked slowly to the door.

It wasn't that he did not trust her; it was that he did not put it past her to point him in the direction of the main door. Harry found the door knob and turned it. Walking into it, he put his hand to the left, on top of the tile counter. Sighing with relief, Harry closed the door behind him and got to business.

Hermione sighed as Harry entered their bathroom. She wanted to see his eyes again, but knew that if they took off that bandage before lunch, he may not see again. She just wanted those emerald orbs to give her the comforting looks he could without saying a word. She grabbed the medical book she had been reading before and started to read it again. She felt it was necessary for Harry to have someone there that could take care of him, in everyway possible. She wanted him to be the husband of her children and be the father he never could have had to them.

A blush rose across her face as Harry walked out of the bedroom and back to their bed. He lay back down, facing the ceiling as Hermione began to read. He seemed in deep thought as he lay there. Although Hermione wanted to know what he was thinking about, she was not going to push him unless it was absolute necessary. This was not one of those times.

Harry went over the conversation he had with Guile at dinner. The man seemed to have insight into something that was beyond most people. This theory of multiverse and two souls connected was beyond him. He thought about telling Hermione about it, but he needed to understand his own theories first. He had to know if he and Hermione were meant to be soul mates.

"Harry?" Hermione asked looking up at him. She could not explain it, but she felt something stir inside her, an emotion of worthlessness and full of insecurities. It did not come from her thoughts, though.

"What Mione?" He did not move his gaze from the ceiling.

"What's wrong?"

"Am I really worth it?" Hermione looked over him in shock. Before she could say anything, he spoke again. "Why are you still here, if I'm to die at the hands of a madman anyway?"

"You're not going to die," Hermione said forcefully, wrapping him in a hug once more. "You're going to live a long happy life with me. I'm sure of it." She turned his head to look at her and placed as chastised kiss on his lips. "We're meant to meet, Harry, and we're meant to get together." She kissed him once more letting the passion she felt flow into him. She felt him melt underneath the kiss, and the tears falling down his face once more. Once the kiss was over, he embraced her tightly and would not let her go. "I'm here, Harry, I'm here."

"Don't leave me, just don't leave me," Harry repeated over and over again. He needed a constant in his life, one that would not buckle under pressure. His Hermione was that constant.

"I'm sitting by you today, whether you like it or not," Hermione said into his ear. "You're also not leaving my sight until I feel like you're ready to."

"What about training?" Harry asked, as she tightened the embrace.

"It will have to wait or we can work something out," Hermione said, with a smile. She would take care of everything and let everyone else who needed him do what they could. "Harry, I have to owl someone, do you mind?" He shook his head as he loosened his embrace. Hermione slide out of the bed, and quickly began to write a letter to one man she knew Harry would love to see again.

After sending the letter, Hermione climbed back into bed, and relaxed with Harry some more. She began to whisper comforting words to him, trying to coax him back into a sleep. When she first had gotten out of the bed, it was not even dawn yet, now it was mid-morning. She knew they had missed breakfast, and it would be only a few more long hours before he could see again. She hoped her plan would work. She had been told Professor Lupin would be returning in the afternoon and she hoped her guest could be here by then. After the night's and morning's talks she had with Harry, he needed more than her. She knew he could not rely on only her for the remainder of his life; she would not be his crutch. But now that his childhood demons are surfacing, she will help fight them with him, she would be his hero. But he was always hers.

"Harry? Hermione?" Dumbledore's voice called. Hermione looked over at Harry, sleeping on his side, his hand wrapped in hers.

"One moment," Hermione said, grabbing a robe from the hook on her bedside, and attempted to remove Harry's hand. He whimpered slightly. "Oh hush up, I'll be right back." She whispered forcefully. His grip loosened, but there was a slight crease in his brow. She kissed his forehead softly before getting out of the bed. Slipping on the robe, she walked to the open and opened it. "Good morning sir."

"Good morning, Hermione," Dumbledore said with a sad smile. "I heard about your conversation with Mister Weasley. How is he?" He motioned toward Harry's sleeping form.

"Physical he's fine, sir, but he can't go back to them" Hermione said, glancing at Harry. She turned around and began to plead with the professor. "He can't. They beat him, abuse him. He needs someone, now more than ever, who will constantly be there for him. He can't go back there, sir." Dumbledore nodded, his face not showing the emotion, but his eyes showed the shook.

"Then my news will not be taken well," Dumbledore said with a sigh. "He needs to return to place of his mother's blood at the day of his birth in order to strengthen the protection enough for the remainder of the year." He held a sad gaze upon Hermione as she took this in. She shook her head in disbelief.

"Well, we'll just have to find another way to protect him," Hermione stated. "He is not going back there. Never again."

"I'm afraid that we have no choice, his birthday is within a few days and he needs to spend the majority of the day in the presence of that house," Dumbledore said.

"I'll go with him then," Hermione said, looking back at Harry once more. "He won't be alone there anymore, and if I have to use magic to stop them from hurting, I'll risk expulsion."

"That may be a plausible idea," Dumbledore said after a few moments of thinking. "If my grandson returns in time, he will join you." Hermione gave him a questioning look. "I have no doubts in your skills, Hermione, but it would seem more intimidating to say that ex-convict would be looking out for you two." A smile grew on his face. "He has always spoken about meeting the caretakers of a child brought up like that."

"Why do you say that?" Hermione asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Well, my grandson is what you could say, a champion among the orphans, especially within United States," Dumbledore said with a smile. "He donates a great deal of money every year, and he also prosecuted the owners of one orphanage for their care of the children."

"Dad saved me," Grace said, coming out from behind Dumbledore. She was dressed in a set of pajamas and was holding a teddy bear to her chest. Hermione figured it was similar to the Pooh Bear stuffed animal. She had one of those back in her room at her house. "He made sure those evil people would stop touching us and beating us. He promised me that as long as I have faith in him, he could do anything. He also promised to always come home." Dumbledore leaned down and with strength beyond his age, picked up the young girl.

"How are you sleepyhead?" Dumbledore asked.

"Fine," she said. She looked over at Hermione for a moment. "Can we play the games today?"

"That's what I said?" Hermione said with a smile. "Would you be able to conjure them?" She asked Dumbledore after a moment of thinking. She knew she did not have them, and it would disappoint her if they did not have them.

"I believe I could handle that," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Now, I receive a letter from Hagrid and your Grandmother today." Hermione flushed slightly; she had almost forgotten that McGonagall was her grandmother. "Both will be joining us for dinner. I suspect that our training will officially begin tomorrow, if it suits you." Hermione flushed once more. Dumbledore seemed to understand her concern for Harry. "How is he?" He asked again.

"His demons run deep, sir, and I don't know what he will do when you tell he has to return," Hermione said, looking back at Harry once more. "Although he won't admit it sure, I think it might be a good idea to return and face them, and finally beat the demons, and his fear of them."

"Well, I believe that some fears run deeper than expected," Dumbledore said, looking at Harry as well. Hermione turned and gave him a questioning look. "Fears can not always be beaten alone, and although a person may think of themselves as a crutch not needed, it is best not to remove the crutch until the foot is healed. Lunch may be served in your room if you like, but we will be awaiting you in the library in the afternoon. I believe Harry would enjoy it as well."

"Thank you sir," Hermione said as the headmaster walked away. It would be good to talk with her grandmother. She always knew she had a special bond with Professor McGonagall that none of the students had. Now, she hoped that bond would grow. She walked back over to the bed, and sat up once more. She pulled Harry's head into her lap and picked up her book.

"What are you doing?" Hermione nearly jumped at the sound of Harry's voice.

"Harry, you scared me," Hermione said, putting a hand to her heart. "When did you wake up?"

"Few minutes ago," Harry said, turning so the back of his head was resting in her lap. "Where are we going?' Hermione sighed, knowing he would be asking this, but still dreading the question.

"We have to return to the Dursley's," Hermione said. Harry bolted upright and turned to look at her.

"What?" Harry said, visibly shaking. He had left without so much as a note, like they would notice, but to go back unannounced, he knew he'd be hurt for sure. "I can't go back there Mione, you promised me I wouldn't have to…" his voice trailed off as the tears began to flow once again.

"I know, Harry, I know," Hermione said, wrapping him in a hug. "I know I promised, but you need this, you need to fight your demons, Harry. You can't spend your whole life afraid of them.

"I've already spent a great deal of it," he mumbled. He knew he was receiving a glare from her, but he did not really care at the moment. They both knew it was true.

"And you will spend no more there if I can help it," Hermione said to him. He had wrapped his arms around her now, and she took his head in her hands. "But you need ever extra edge you can get over Voldemort, and this is one edge that I can not help you with Harry. It is also the only edge that has proven steady and useful. But I will go with you, Harry."

"Thank you Mione," he said, lying back down. "Could we possible get some breakfast or lunch?" Hermione giggled as she began to play with his hair.

"Sure, after that, we'll look for Guile to have him remove the bandages so you can look at my beautiful face again," Hermione said. She said this jokingly, but Harry just smiled at her.

"And your other wonderful assets," Harry remarked, getting a playful tap on his head. "Ow, what was that for?" he asked as he began to rub it. Hermione pushed his hands away and began to play with his hair again.

"For being so cute," Hermione said, trying to hold back a blush. "Dobby can bring something to us."

"Are you sure that's okay?" Harry joked. "I mean, do you know if he is getting paid?"

"He's getting paid Harry," Hermione said playing with his hair. "And doing a fine job as well. I might have to knit him something. Wanna join me?" She hoped he would. It hurt her slightly last year that he did not take interest in the new hobby of hers; she just found it relaxing and maybe he would too. He needed to relax.

"Why not?" Harry said with a laugh. He sat up and she bounded to her trunk and pulled out a ball of yarn and her knitting supplies. She hurried back to his side and nearly jumped onto of the bed. The bed rocked slightly as she landed.

"This is going to be fun," Hermione said, opening the book she had on knitting. She sat cross-legged from Harry, reading him aloud everything she knew he would need to know.

"How am I going to do this?" Harry asked as she handed him two needles and an end of the yarn. Hermione sat looking at him for a moment, thinking about their current problem.

"I got it," she said, crawling across the bed. "Move your hands," she said as she positioned herself in his lap. "Now, I'm going to teach your fingers how to do the simplest knitting, alright?" She asked, shifting so she was comfortable in his lap. She looked over her left shoulder as she did not get a conformation, only to bump noses with him. She began to blush and turned away, concentrating on the work at hand.

Harry stifled a laugh. He knew she was embarrassed; that was part of the beauty of her. This simple closeness was still new to both of them, but he enjoyed knowing someone loved him enough to be this close, and he believed he would never get embarrassed because of it.

Hermione placed her hands over Harry's and began to guide his to creating the simple patterns. His bigger hands looked awkward doing this, but he never complained, not when he was halfway done and had messed up. Not when he was almost done and messed it up again. And not even when she told him it had not turned out how it was supposed to be. He remained calm through out the entire process and did not even protest when she wanted to help him even more. Not that he would complain, she figured he enjoyed her sitting in his lap. She enjoyed being this close to him.

Harry let his hands works as his other sense took in Hermione. Although he could not see, he could still smell the combination of vanilla and lavender from her hair. Her skin was a soft touch to his calloused hands. He placed his head on her shoulder to keep her close. He would not have minded knitting for the remainder of the day had his stomach not spoken.

"Mione, can we get some lunch?" Harry asked, feeling a rumbling in his stomach. Hermione giggled as she took her hands off of his.

"You continue, and I'll get us some lunch," Hermione said, leaving his arms. She giggled again at the face he made. "You're not getting lunch until I see some improvement." She was trying to be stern with him, but knew it was not going to work.

Harry still had the yarn in his hands. He had done this for Hermione; he might as well finish it. Moving so he was leaning against the board, he began to attempt what Hermione had attempted to teach him. He really did not know what to do, just let his fingers work with the yarn. Although he would not admit it to her or anyone else, his body began to relax slightly. Maybe it was because of the activity, or maybe because as he did this, he felt as if Hermione was sitting in his lap again, guiding his fingers along. He voted for the latter.

Hermione watched Harry from the doorway, waiting for Dobby. She had already yelled for him, but did it in the hallway; she did not want to interrupt Harry while he did this. He sat, looking ahead as he worked, but it was his hands that interested her the most. She watched as his hands began to go through all of the motions she had showed him; he looked like he was doing his best not to mess up, but when he did mess up, she watched as he fixed himself and continued on like nothing happened.

"Lunch for Harry Potter and Harry's misses," Dobby said, handing her a tray filled with two sandwiches, a pitcher of pumpkin juice, and two glasses as well as assorted fruits and such. "Dobby's also talked to Master Guile. Guile says he'd be up soon."

"Thank you Dobby," Hermione said, trying to hold back a blush. "Tell Guile we would like to speak to him at one or so." Dobby bowed and disappeared with a pop. Hermione turned around with the tray in hand and walked into the room.

"That lunch love?" Harry asked, putting down the knitting. He had gotten as far as Hermione had shown him, so he could not finish it.

"Yes," Hermione said, sitting on the bed. "I'm going to hand you your plate, and tell me when you want to drink." He held his hand out waiting for the plate, but he heard a gasp from Hermione. "You make this?" Hermione asked. She picked up the small square of knitting Harry had finished. "I didn't do this good my first time."

"Well, I just had a good teacher," Harry said, causing her to blush." Lunch please." He held out his hand once more.

"Boys," she sighed, handing him his plate. He took it, smiling at her for a moment or two.

"You're going to eat right?" Harry placed his plate in his lap and waited for a reply. He knew unless he forced her to, she would not eat. "Right?"

"Right Harry," Hermione said, picking up a plate. She really wanted to read a little more of the healing book before tomorrow, but Harry would not let her. As she began to eat, she explained what they were going to do for the day. "After Guile removed the bandages, we're going to play a Muggle game with Dumbledore and Grace. Then I've arranged for you to talk with someone, don't worry, he's not a therapist. Just someone that you'd probably want to talk to. After that, we'll see where the day takes us." She smiled even though he could not see her.

"Fine by me," Harry agreed. "As long as I don't have to do my homework." He laughed as a pillow hit his head. "Hey."

"You will have to do some homework," Hermione said. "They most likely going to be giving us nightly assignment for everything that we can't cover in the training." Harry groaned at this. He really did not want to do homework. Hermione giggled at his reaction; she did not know if they were of if they were not going to give them assignments, but it was funny to edge him on like that. "Don't worry Harry, I'll help you. Now are you finished so we can go find Guile?" Harry handed her the plate back and held his hand out. She took the plate and gave him a glass of pumpkin juice. He quickly drank it, and crawled over to the edge of the bed.

"Coming?" Harry asked as he slid off and stood. "I want to stare at you for a while before we play a game or two." Hermione could not help but blush at his statement. She turned to pick up the tray, but with a audible pop, it was gone.

"Alright," Hermione said as she jumped off the bed and went to Harry's side. He picked up her hand in his own and kissed it gently.

"Thank you," he whispered. She stood in shock.

"For what?"

"For being you," Harry said. "Now let's find Guile." He wrapped his arm around her waist and the two of them began to walk out of the room.

Hermione felt a calm surround her body as they walked. She did not need Harry to worry about her; she was not going to tell him her fears. She could not get over the fact that her parents and sister may be dead at the moment, and she did not get to tell them that she loved them. The last conversation she had with her parents was about dating, and they had not ended on good terms. She then yelled at her little sister for something menial, causing her to cry. The last memories of her parents were not happy ones, and that made the pain even worse.

Hermione felt Harry stop and found herself being enveloped in his embrace. "Let it out angel, let it out," his voice whispered. "I'm here for you. I'm here for you." She wrapped her arms around his waist and held onto him tightly. No tears would fall; she was too scared and felt guilty at the moment to cry. "Serge will get them back, Mione. If not him, then me. I already told you, that this war ends for you. Not Dumbledore, not the wizards of the world. For you. I will get you the moon on a leash," Harry said, pulling back slightly, and put one hand behind his back. "Or a beautiful flowerfor a beautiful lady." He pulled his hand back into view. A forget-me-not freshly bloomed was in his hand. She let out a gasp as he pushed back some of her hair and placed it behind her ear.

"How did you do that?" Hermione finally managed.

"Sssh, magic," Harry whispered, giving her a gentle kiss. "I meant what I said. This war is fought so we can have children some day, Mione." Hermione began to blush as he loosened his arms, but kept on around her waist. "Now, come on, I want to see you with that flower in your hair." Hermione began to blush again as they walked down the stairs.

Hermione found herself sneaking glimpses of Harry, despite the fact that he could not see her. She still wasn't used to someone treating her so special. She knew she was not the most beautiful person in Hogwarts, but when Harry was around, that never matter. He made her the princess from her dreams. All she needed now was the pendant from her dreams and her wishes would be answered.

They found Guile in the library, seating in a chair by the coffee table, which was filled with books. He said he was searching for something, but did not know what he was looking for. Hermione noticed most of the books had to do with history of the world and particularly the history of magic.

"So you want to remove the bandages?" Guile asked, putting the papers he was writing on into the book. Hermione nodded. "Take a seat." He motioned toward the chair across from him. Hermione lead Harry there. "Now I'm going to unwrap the bandages slowly. Although everything should be fixed, there is no point in taking a chance. Hermione will be here for you. In fact…" His voice trailed off as he began to push some books around and off the table, allowing Hermione to sit down on it. "She's going to be the first thing you see alright. Now, I'm beginning."

Harry nodded and heard some shuffling. He felt the bandages being unwound from around his head. The light began to grow brighter and brighter. His heart jumped at the thought of seeing Hermione again. Seeing his angel again. A smile grew on his face as the layers became less and less and less.

"Last one," Guile said. "It's going to be really bright, so don't think there is anything wrong." Harry nodded as the final wrapping was removed. He brought his hand up quickly to block some of the light and he squinted his eyes. Slowly, his eyes opened and stared ahead.

"My God," Harry whispered as he put his hand down. "I've died and gone to heaven." Hermione, he knew it was her even without his glasses, had an ethereal glow around her; it gave her the most beautiful look in the world. "Mione."

"Harry," Hermione said, letting the tears fall. "They're back, they're back." She said into the crock of his neck as her arms surrounded him.

"What's back?" Harry asked, confused at her statement.

"Your emeralds, your wonderful emeralds," Hermione said holding onto even tighter. "I thought I'd never see them again."

"Well, I would have to tell you that they're here to stay," Harry said with a smile. "I just need a new pair of glasses."

"Here you go," Guile said. Hermione took the pair from his outreached hand and put them on Harry.

"Much better," Hermione said, kissing his cheek. "Now your charm's complete."

"My charm, you like my glasses?" Harry asked, slightly awed. Hermione began to blush as she nodded.

"They give you a sense of distinguished knowledge," Hermione said suppressing giggles. "That and they bring a focus to your eyes." She said that part with a straight face and stared directly into his eyes. "I love you Harry, every little thing about you. From your messy hair to your wonderful eyes."

"You certainly like my eyes don't you?" Harry said causing Hermione to blush. He chuckled lightly as he pulled her into his lap. "Since we are naming things we like about the other, then I have to say I love your eyes. They remind me of honey or chocolate depending on your mood. But they always remain sweet and caring, and hopeful. I love your hair; the ringlets it has turned into are amazing; it's so soft and silky. I love it and I love you." He gave her a small kiss, not a deep one, but one he knew that would get his message across. "Let's go play a few games, shall we?" Harry said with a smile that could get him anything from her if he only asked.

"Sure," Hermione said, blushing from his smile. How could he do that? One warm look from his eyes and that smile was going to get her in trouble one of these days. He motioned for Hermione stand; she got of his lap and he hopped out of the chair, a smile plastered on his face.

"Dumbledore said you would be playing in the dinning room," Guile said, moving back to his seat and picking up the book he had been reading before they came in. "Now if you would both leave, there is so much that I must look up and I'm afraid that I will not be prepared as I should be." He sighed and looked up at them. "Get to getting." He said, shooing them out of the room. Harry turned around, glancing at the man with purple hair for a moment, thinking that he was floating above the chair with his legs crossed. Blinking, he found Guile staring at him. Not knowing what to think, Harry walked out of the room and headed toward his waiting angel.

* * * * *

Harry could not remember when he had a better time doing something Muggle. He had spent the better part of a hour playing Monopoly with the Headmaster, Grace, and Hermione. Hermione was the only one who knew how to play, and she was the banker. He chose to be the miniature car, Dumbledore the thimble, and Grace chose the little dog. Hermione was the top hat. And although he had a rough start, not rolling well, he was rolling in it now. He had managed to get both Boardwalk and Park Place on his first time around, then much to his amusement Hermione landed on both her next time around. Then he managed to land on all open areas, keeping his money, and getting both utilities. An hour later of bartering and trading, Harry had managed to surmount a small fortune, while taking parts of Hermione's and Dumbledore's. He had built up hotels on both Boardwalk and Park Place, only to have Hermione land on Boardwalk.

"Fine, take it all," Hermione said with a sigh of defeat as she handed him her remaining money and mortgaged places. She glared at Harry, who just laughed. As much as she did not like him at the moment for his uncanny luck, she could not help but feel a sense of pride build up inside because she helped get him laughing like a kid again. She looked over at Dumbledore who gave her a knowing smile. He too had ended giving all of his money to Grace. Now they were the only one's left.

"It does the body well to laugh," Dumbledore said to Hermione. Grace and Harry exchanged laughter between them as easily as they exchanged the paper money. Hermione began to smile again; it was nice to see Harry so relaxed and happy. Dumbledore seemed just as happy that Grace was like that. "Grace has not experienced it as long as Harry has so it has been easier for her to become happy again. Harry's seen a lot more and a lot worse of human nature. I believe my grandson was able to get Grace out before any of that happened."

"I win," Grace said, jumping up and down. Harry let out a slight groan, but held a smile on his face. Hermione looked over at Harry, and saw him mouth a `thank you,' once again causing her to blush.

"Well, it seems our guests are here," Dumbledore said, standing up from the chair he was in. Almost on queue, the large oak doors opened and Hagrid came walking into the room. Behind him came McGonagall.

"Hagrid," Harry said, jumping out of his seat. "It's good to see you again."

"Its good ter see yeh," Hagrid said, wrapping the young man in a bear hug. "Yeh look happier sense I saw yeh last."

"I am," Harry said, pulling out of the hug. "Hagrid, I would like to introduce you to my girlfriend Hermione Granger." Hermione blushed and took Harry's outstretched hand. Hagrid took them both into a strong hug.

"I knew it, I knew it," Hagrid said. "Just like yer mum and dad Harry. Yeh make a wonderful couple." Hermione began to blush again as Hagrid let her go. "Now, let me talk ter Dumbledore"

"That's alright Hagrid, please, tell us what you've learned," Dumbledore said walking over to them with McGonagall.

"Yes, sir," Hagrid said. "The forests have grown restless, sir. I don't understand, but the animals are growin' angry, and agitated. They've attacked Gawp once or twice, and he's still learnin' ter speak and told me that there is a trouble a brewin'."

"Thank you Hagrid," Dumbledore said with a smile. "You're invited to say for dinner." Both Hagrid and Harry beamed. "Harry, you and Hagrid may wish to go talk in the library or some place else. There is something that we must discuss with Hermione." Harry looked over at Hermione, then to Dumbledore. "You will be told as well, but we have to tell Hermione first, and she can help you understand." Harry nodded and kissed Hermione's forehead.

"You better, sir, I don't want you to keep anything from me this year," Harry said gravely. Dumbledore simply nodded as Hagrid and Harry left to discuss heaven knows what.

"I have a question," Hermione said as Harry left. She felt uncomfortable in the room with two of the greatest wizards and witches in the world. She just wanted her Harry back. "What do I call you Professor McGonagall? I mean, you're my mother's mothers, making you my grandmother and I never had one of those before, so I really don't know what is appropriate and I'm slightly frightened that I might upset you if I call you something that you don't like." She said that all in one breath and had to stop herself before she rambled on.

"I didn't know how you would take it," McGonagall said, looking at the young woman. Hermione stared at her for a moment, before rushing to her side and surrounding her in a hug. "Oh my."

"Grandmamma," Hermione said softly, hugging her tightly. She had grandparents now, her family was complete. She smiled at McGonagall, who returned it as Hermione let her go.

"Please, take a seat," Dumbledore motioned toward the seats they had just been in. "Grace, do you mind if we talk in private?" The little girl shook her head.

"Can I talk to the giant?" Grace said eagerness in her voice. Dumbledore chuckled lightly and nodded. Grace raced out of the room, and head in the direction of Harry and Hagrid.

"There is something that you need to know, Hermione," Dumbledore said as they sat down. "It is about our family."

"What happen to my parents?" Hermione asked the strain in her voice as she fought her tears. Dumbledore and McGonagall shared looks before he continued.

"We are still unsure of their current state, Hermione. Serge is doing his best, but we've lost contact with him," Dumbledore said.

"We're hoping that he will return in a few days at the most," McGonagall added. Hermione nodded and held back her tears. "But what we have to tell you does concern your parents as well as you."

"What?" Hermione asked, confused.

"Ever since I defeated Grindelwald, parties of evil forces have made it apparent that my family will not be safe," Dumbledore said. "I did my best to protect them, but my wife was killed shortly after the downfall of Grindelwald. She was spending some time relaxing in the Pacific, when she was attacked. For all the power I had, Hermione, you have no idea how much I would give up just to have my wife back." Hermione saw the twinkle in his eyes, but she could tell they were because of the tears in his eyes. McGonagall wrapped an arm around Dumbledore. He continued on though, unfazed. "She's survived through our two children. One is your grandmother, Hermione; the other is Serge's mother, Mary Kate Thornton. She married and had two children, one of which is Serge; the other was named Sean Jr. after his father. They moved to America out of this very home to another one that has been in my family for many years.

"I married a Muggle police officer, and when I was pregnant with my first child, he was ambushed by a group of dark forces," McGonagall said. Tears were rolling down her face as she spoke. "Although no one knew I was Albus's daughter, my husband was good friends with my father, and therefore a target to get at him. It was more successful than any of them thought though. I promised myself that I would not let my child grow up with this around her, and sent her to English orphanage as much as it pained me. I half expected the child to become a witch, but she never did. I kept track of her and wasn't surprised to see that she had a child, you, and that child became a witch."

"Why are you telling me all of this?" Hermione asked, still confused and still attempting to keep tears at bay.

"Our family is in constant danger because of who my father is, who your great-grandfather is," McGonagall said.

"In simpler terms, someone knows that you're my great-granddaughter and that someone told Voldemort," Dumbledore said, losing his smile. "We do not know of anyone that would do that, or that was there when we told you, or in fact discussed it before the memorial service. But because of this, you are open to a great deal more danger than you thought. "

"Why were my parents targeted though?" Hermione asked, trying to remain calm. She could tell all of this to Harry later, and break down in his comforting arms, and let him explode at Dumbledore, but right now she needed to remain calm.

"Because of your friendship with Harry, dear," McGonagall said. "The Weasleys are now being constantly watched. Mrs. Weasley is not happy about this, but agrees it is necessary. Now being here in itself has its own protections for you. Harry on the other hand, we're taking a chance."

"What do you mean?" Hermione realized she was asking a lot of questions but really did not care.

"He has absolutely no protection here," McGonagall said. "He would be better off at the-" Hermione stood up abruptly surprising them all.

"If you say Dursley's I'm walking out of this room and nevercoming back," Hermione said icily. "He's not going back there unless I can help it. And when he does return, I'm going with him. I'll hex them to hell if they so much as threaten him again. Those creatures, those monsters don't deserve the air they breathe for hurting him." She spoke quietly, but her icy tone came across. "I love him, and I will not see him hurt again, because of some protection that is supposed to be helping him. Its not helping him, its hurting him." She screamed the last part and collapsed in tears on the seat. "This is his final year there, whether you say so or not. I'm not letting him stay there any more. He'll come live with me or we'll work out something, but he is not going back there."

"Hermione, I understand that you care for him but he needs to return there," McGonagall said, before she could continue though Dumbledore spoke.

"Maybe you're right, he may not have to return there next year," Dumbledore said, looking like he was getting lost in thought. "I'll have to look it up, but I believe it won't be a problem. He also will not have to return until his birthday, and even then it will be only for a day." Hermione nodded, calming herself down. "After that he is your to do with what you wish." She began to blush at his comment. "Well, I assume you will wish to discuss this with Harry?" Hermione nodded, blushing even more. "Then by all means," Dumbledore said with a smile. "And send Professor Snape in please, he should be waiting right outside. Once you talk with Harry, I wish to speak with both of you again." Hermione nodded once more and stood up from her chair. She left without making a sound and did indeed find Snape outside, pacing.

"About time," Snape said, pushing past Hermione. He slammed the door, but it opened up again. The curiosity getting the better of her, Hermione moved to listen in the on the conversation.

"He's taken them," Snape said, out of breath. "The bloody Death Eaters are guarding that place like it's a fortress and he just waltzes in and takes them. We had a plan set up and they were safe."

"Plans change Severus," Dumbledore said calmly. "But I can guarantee that they are still safe." Hermione nearly jumped for joy and ran to find Harry to tell him the good news.

Harry and Hagrid were discussing the animals and creatures in Hagrid's with Grace, who seemed to be in awe of it all. Hermione came bounding over and landed in Harry's lap. "They're safe, they're safe." She squealed, wrapping him in a tight hug.

"Who?" Harry said, surprised as the sudden mass of brown hair in his field of vision

"My family, they're safe," Hermione said, hugging him tightly. "You're the one who told Dumbledore to send someone. I can't thank you enough."

"Hermione, the only reason I didn't go myself was because I figured you would get mad at me if I did," Harry said honestly.

"You'd have gone?" Hermione asked, surprised at his response.

"Hermione I told you, I'd do anything for you, save your parents, save the world," Harry said, putting his hand behind his back and pulling it out to show a bundle of forget-me-nots, "or give you a bouquet of flowers."

"How did you…." Her voice trailed off as he handed her the flowers.

"Just something I was told during lunch yesterday," Harry said with a smile. "A simple conjuring spell."

"But conjuring seventh year," Hermione said, surprised at him. "And you're doing it wandless."

"I know," Harry said, kissing her lightly on the lips. "Now, I share my secrets if you share yours." Hagrid's laugh filled the room.

"So much like yer parents, Harry," Hagrid said with a smile and tear in his eye. Harry and Hermione both looked at the gentle giant, attempting to hide their blushes. "yer father used ter tell yer mum that he give her a secret for every secret she told him. She must've managed ter get everythin' out of him. But as soon as they started datin' nothin' was hidden from each other. Much like yeh two." Hagrid laughed again, wiping his eye with a tablecloth. "Well, why not see what the rest of the world is up to?" Hagrid said, getting out of his seat. Grace nodded, hopping out of her seat and nearly running to keep up with Hagrid.

Before Harry could start however, Guile, whose back had been to them, jumped up from his seat. "I found it. It all makes sense, everything makes sense now." He began to mumble as he read over the paper he held in his hands. "Yes, it's all there, everything. It all makes sense."

"What makes sense?" Hermione asked, snapping Guile out of his reading. Guile look at her, and Harry could have sworn he shrunk an inch or two, but only smiled.

"Are you ready for your head to spin?" Guile asked, walking over to Hagrid's empty chair. Hermione nodded, moving in Harry's lap to look at the man. "Well, let me tell you a short recall of everything I told Harry at dinner. That'll save both of you some trouble, because I doubt Harry could understand all of that anyway." Harry nodded, letting Guile begin.

Hermione sat quickly while Guile talked. Serge had already attempted to explain that she was a blue innate, as Guile pointed out again. He told her of the six innates, which she understood as well. But as he began to explain the idea of souls and innates, she became enraptured with the idea. If he was right then Harry and she were always meant to be together. They were soul mates. She felt her face flush at this thought, and would have to wait to tell Harry later.

"Now, Serge told me that when you first got your weapon, it changed correct?" Guile asked.

"Yes, what does that got to do with this?" Harry said, looking confused.

"Be patient," Guile said. "You used the red orbs, ruby-like, indicating you're a red innate correct?" Harry nodded again. "But we both know that your specialty is with Lightning. Professor Dumbledore told me that your speed greatly increased. This increase was because of the magic flowing through your veins." The book in Guile's hands spun so they could read it. "It says here that Godric Gryffindor was a lightning specialist as well. Now, Harry, it may no be apparent until later, but I want you to keep the possibilities open that you are Gryffindor's heir, understand?" All Harry could do was nod this time. He knew he exemplified the qualities of a Gryffindor, but did that make him the heir? "Now if you make the leap of faith, which at this point I believe is required, you will also understand that Gryffindor was a red innate such as yourself. Brave, strong of heart and mind, caring, and a leader. But if this is true, then how would one explain the documented evidence that he was a lightning specialist, if a red innate is associated with fire?"

"What?" Hermione asked, surprised at the statement. "If Godric Gryffindor was a red innate, as you say, his specialty should be fire. Right?"

"You'd think that, but Serge had asked me to do some research on it, that was why I'm here, fraulein" Guile said, pointing to the book. It was a picture, Harry assumed, of Godric and Rowena fighting some creature that looked like a giant porcupine. Godric had black hair, and brown eyes, while Rowena had brown hair and green eyes. A charm that appeared coming from Rowena's finger that was pointed toward Godric's sword. Godric himself was coming down upon the porcupine like monster with his sword. The sword seemed to be covered in fire it appeared to be. The charm seemed to make the fire larger. "Look at that picture, fire around the sword correct?" Both of them nodded as Guile turned the pages. "He definitely is not a fire specialist." The new picture showed only Godric this time. He was floating above the ground, his hands held close together. Harry watched as a small lightning burst grew from underneath him, filling the entire picture.

"They're magical," Hermione said, watching as the picture repeated the process.

"Of course," Guile said. "Why wouldn't the pictures be, fraulein?" Hermione shrugged as they flipped the pages. She did not expect the pictures to be enchanted, that would only explain the length of charm. Another man this time had jumped into the air with his sword, and Godric had summoned a bolt of lightning to charge the sword at point of impact on a creature she could not see. "Anyway, see the magical attributes of Godric that is a lightning specialist. This is only a hypothesis, but I believe that the specialties come through blood, and the innates are directly linked to your soul. This would explain the magic abilities of wizards and witches as well. See the magic must be contained somewhere, and I believe the answer lies within our DNA, but that is still a new concept to Muggles, let alone the Wizarding world. So what I figure is that the magic is passed in something through DNA, but the soul defines the DNA from the beginning of time. Because the soul is split, magic is split between two. Meaning-"

"Meaning if one person had a complete soul, then the magic may be too much for one being to handle," Hermione said.

"Is that what Voldemort is trying to do?" Harry asked, finally partaking in the conversation. "I mean trying to combine his soul with its counterpart." Guile sat back in his chair, and a smile came onto his face.

"That is a wonderful hypothesis," Guile said, turning the book to look at him once more. "I believe that in order to unite two souls, love must exist first. The reason you've survived so long is because of love, and the power that he know not. Voldemort is too dark to attempt to use his other half in these dark activities. I believe there are times that fate feels she is better than us, and entertains herself with manipulation and such of souls. There are some universally recognized evil souls that will appear to be evil no matter what, but upbringing and heritage play a large role in who we become. I believe fate has, for her entertainment, made Voldemort into a pawn for her."

"Tom Riddle," Harry said, causing both of them to look at him. "Call him Tom Riddle; he does not deserve the name, or anything that comes with it. And Tom is going to lose."

"Very well," Guile said, standing up from his chair. "I've got some more research to do, so if you would leave me." Hermione stood up automatically from Harry's lap, blushing as Harry stood.

"If you want to use me as a seat, by all means go ahead," Harry whispered into her ear, causing her to blush even more. He picked up her hand, leading her from the room. He looked back, and watched as Guile floated to his other chair effortlessly and sat cross-legged above the table, reading out of several books, which were also floating. He would ask when the time was right, and now did not seem like a good time, especially with Hermione's pleading look on her face. Sighing, Harry closed the door to the library, and led Hermione up to their room, ready to teach her what he had taught himself only hours before.

Document created with wvWare/wvWare version 1.0.0

-->