Night before the final battle by heaven85

Rating: G
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 18/06/2004
Last Updated: 08/01/2005
Status: In Progress

The story is set at the end of Harry’s 7th year at Hogwarts and Harry was contemplating whether
or not he should give the letter he wrote regarding his feelings for her. Its nearing the end of my
fic. Includes what I think happend between Viktor and HErmione. Please review since it’s my first
fic and help me figure out a few details for my last chapter. Thanks I just uploaded Chapter 1
again after it has been edited. Hopefully it makes more sense to some people




1. Night Before the Final Battle
--------------------------------

**Night Before the Final** **Battle** **(H/Hr)**

**Author: Heaven85**

**Spoiler: Books 1-5**

**Summary: The story is set at the end of Harry's 7th year at Hogwarts and Harry
is contemplating whether or not he should give her the letter he wrote regarding his feelings for
her. This is a one shot fic. Please review since it's my first fic.**

**Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter characters or affiliated with Warner
Brothers or J. K. Rowling. This fic is for entertainment purposes only.**

**A/N: If this type of storyline has been done before then I'm sorry and if this is similar
to another storyline I just wanted you guys to know that it was never meant to be like it. I would
like to thank Another for betaing the story for me.**

Harry Potter was sitting in his desk in his Head Boy room holding a letter in his hand, trying
to figure out whether or not to give it to Hermione Granger. Hermione was one of his best friends
and he was in love with her. The problem was that she had recently begun dating Harry's other
best friend, Ron Weasley. He didn't want to hurt Ron in any way but he couldn't help how he
felt about her. Harry had thought about telling her many times but had chickened out, thinking she
couldn't love him back. It had taken him a long time to realize that he loved Hermione. He
couldn't believe that he was so stupid and blind and not had seen it earlier.

(Flashback.)

It all started out in the summer before 6th year started. He had been miserable since
his godfather Sirius died and when Hermione had almost died. He didn't know why but he had
thought of Hermione a lot during the summer. When 6th year started he had resolved to
keep Ron and Hermione out of harm's way so that they wouldn't get hurt. But he also found
himself wanting to spend more and more time with Hermione. He found himself heading to the library
more often than usual where he would just watch her while they studied with just the two of them.
Of course Hermione made sure he studied too. He just told himself that he wanted to make sure she
was safe and to protect her.

Everything was going fine until Ron and Hermione started dating around the middle of
6th year. Harry felt this strange pang in his gut every time he saw them together. He
just thought that it was because he would have to be alone more this year and had convinced himself
that this was just what he wanted. They would be safer this way. But these feelings just got worse
later on and he found himself avoiding them because he just didn't know how to act around them
anymore. He tried to be happy for them but he just couldn't. He still found himself wandering
in the library trying to see if Hermione was there by herself. As the year wore on he realized that
he needed Ron and Hermione to help him fight Voldemort, and they were more than supportive; they
said they realized that they needed him too.

Things turned for the worst when Voldemort captured Hermione and was threatening to kill her in
front of his face if he didn't go with him. That was the moment when he realized he was in love
with her, that he would do anything for her just to make sure she was safe. If he could give up his
life for her, he would do it. He knew that he couldn't live with himself if anything happened
to her and that he didn’t want to live life without her. As long as she was safe, that was all that
mattered. With help from the order he was able to save Hermione but Voldemort still escaped. Harry
knew that he should have told her that he loved her then, but when he tried, he saw Ron there and
just couldn't ,manage it.

After this event Harry became more and more determined to defeat Voldemort and kill him for all
the rotten things that he had done to his parents and Hermione. He knew that no matter what
happened to him he would make sure that he died before he did to keep all those he cared about
safe.

(End Flashback.)

Sighing, Harry took a deep breath and walked out the hallway and started to walk to the
Hermione's Head Girl room. When he got there he saw that the lights were out.

‘Good, she won't read this ‘til morning,’ Harry thought as he shoved the letter under the
door and headed back to his room to rest before his big day tomorrow.

******

Hermione had in fact not gone to bed yet since she couldn't sleep. She couldn't help but
worry about what was going to happen tomorrow. She was scared for Harry. She didn't know what
was going to happen to him and that scared her even more. She didn't know what she would do if
anything happened to him. She never wanted the morning to come. She began thinking about everything
she went through these last 7 years with Ron and Harry. She thought back to 3rd year
when both Harry and Ron were mad at her, at first she could kind of handle Ron being mad at her but
when it was both of them she just couldn't handle it and spent a lot of that time crying.
Things were a lot better when Harry came around and apologized. She just sat thinking about how
confused she felt. She had started dating Ron and he really was a good guy, a bit annoying and
totally infuriating but a good guy otherwise. She really did have feelings for him and liked him a
lot. But if she had to be truthful to herself she knew that he wasn't the one for her. She
always knew that she had feelings for Harry. Later she realized that she loved him but Harry never
seemed to think of her that way so she had decided to get over him and move on. She had thought
that she could grow to love Ron and could just forget about Harry but she just couldn't. She
just didn't love Ron. Every time she saw a sad look in his eyes she just wanted to throw her
arms around him and make him feel better. She had been seeing that sad look a lot lately and she
didn't know what the cause of it was. She had tried to ask him about it, but he always said
that it was nothing. It also didn't help that lately Harry has been spending a lot more time
with her especially in the library. He doesn't know it but having him there was just
distracting her from studying. Every so often she would look up and look stare at him so peaceful
and concentrating on his work. ` After everything that happened during 6th year when
Voldemort kidnapped and threatened to kill me. He had said if he didn't want me to die he would
have to go with him somewhere. In that moment all I could think of was how much I loved him and how
much I wished I had told him earlier. I saw the look in Harry's eyes and it just made me cry. I
didn't want him to feel this pain to make this decision. When Harry took his offer I just
wanted to scream don't do it Harry. I'd rather die than to see him die. Luckily members of
the order came in and saved us. After that I wanted to tell Harry how I felt but I felt really
tired and went to sleep. After awhile Harry never mentioned anything about how he felt that I just
thought he just didn't love me back so I decided to give it another shot with Ron. Ron
didn't really know that I thought about breaking if off with him though. At first things
between us were pretty good and I thought that it could work but lately I don't think so
anymore so I've asked him to give me some time to sort things out.” Hermione thought to
herself. She got up and walked over to the bed. There saw Crookshanks standing on something. She
went to look and saw a letter with her name on it. “It's in Harry's handwriting.” Hermione
said and went to her desk to read it.

Dear Hermione,

There is so much that I want to tell you but haven't had the courage to tell you to your
face so I decided to write this all in a letter. First of all, I want you to know that I appreciate
everything you have done for me and for always looking out for my best interests. I know that I
don't always tell you that but I do. I really did understand why you took my Firebolt and
holding me back when I tried to save Sirius. Deep down I knew that you were doing this for my own
good and I want you to know that I do understand even if I never acted like I did. But I hope you
understood that even if Sirius had a small chance of being kidnapped that I would go and try to
save him because I couldn't stand losing him. I already lost my parents and I was just a baby
and couldn't do anything about it but knowing that it was possible I had to do something or I
know that I would have regretted it. I know that I was acting like a prat and I shouldn't have
yelled at you. You just didn't want me to get hurt and you even offered to go there with me
when you didn't have to, even when you were sure it was a trap. That meant a lot to me. It was
the mark of a true friendship and loyalty and I really want to thank you for it. I'm really
sorry about all of the yelling I did in the summer before 5th year. I know it's not
your fault but I was upset and I took it out on you and Ron during the year. That said, I want you
to know how much it means to me that you're still friends with me and best friends at that when
I'm not an easy person to be around and that I do get in a lot of trouble and drag you in it.
Even after all the things that happened to me and you knowing that Voldemort was trying to kill me
you still were there to help me through all of it. I don't know what I would have done if the
two of you weren't my friends. I wouldn't be who I am today without you. I also wanted you
to know how much it meant to me when you were still there for me in 4th year when
everyone including Ron turned their back on me. There is no way I could ever thank you enough for
being there for me when I really needed it. If it wasn't for you looking out for me and
thinking rationally I might not be here right now.

Now I'm getting to the point that I'm reluctant to tell you but I realize that if I
don't I might regret later. Hermione, I love you. I always have and always will. I want you to
know that. I love more than anything in this world and you're the most important person in the
world to me. I wanted to tell you this near the end of 6th year but I couldn't. I
got scared. I realized then how much I loved you and how I'd do anything in the world to keep
you safe and to protect you. If I could trade my life for yours I would do it in a second. Now
saying all of this doesn't mean I expect anything from you in return. I just wanted to let you
know how I feel that's all. Don't feel obligated to say anything to me if you don't
want to. I know that you can't force love. It either happens or not. All I want is for you to
be happy and safe. As long as you're happy I'll be happy too. I want you to find someone
that will love you and make you as happy as they make you. I wish that you find all the happiness
in the world and that all your dreams come true. I know that they will for you are such a
brilliant, courageous person. I know that you can do anything that you put your mind to. If Ron is
the one then I wish the two of you all the best and all the happiness in the world. If not then I
want you to find someone who will. You're the most amazing women and person I have ever met you
will make some guy very happy one day. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow but I
do know that I will make sure Voldemort dies before I do so that he can't hurt anyone else
again. That's all I wanted to say.

Love you with all of my heart,

Harry Potter

“Oh Harry,” Hermione said with tears in her eyes. “How can you not know how I feel about you?”
she whispered as she got up and quickly grabbed some clothes so that she could talk to Harry before
tomorrow and let him know how much she loved him.

Hermione quickly ran out of her room and knocked on the Harry's door. There was no answer so
she knocked once again. When there was no reply she started getting worried and tried the door. It
was unlocked so she walked in.

She saw Harry sleeping in bed so she whispered, “Harry, wake up.” And she shook him. A few
minutes later Harry woke up a little drowsy and looked really surprised to see her.

“Hermione,” he said with a whisper and grabbed his glasses.

“How did you know it was me?” Hermione asked.

“I could just feel your presence,” Harry answered with a smile

Hermione blushed and said, “I read the letter, Harry.”

“Hermione, I. . . .” Harry started as he stiffened.

“Don't say another word. Let me do the talking,” Hermione said as she placed a finger on his
lips.

“Harry, everything that you said was so beautiful and there were things that you said that I
knew and things that I didn't. And Harry, the fact that you're friends with me means a lot
to me too. And although you yelled a lot at me, it was okay because I knew that you were hurting
and I wanted so much to tell you everything but I promised and couldn't so I don't blame
you at all.”

“But I still shouldn't have yelled. I mean I knew that you were upset and it really
wasn't your fault. I'm really sorry,” Harry replied.

“It's okay, Harry, I understand and . . . Harry, do you really love me?” Hermione asked in a
whisper.

“Yes. I love you, Hermione. I love you so much,” Harry said lifting Hermione’s head up and
staring directly into her eyes.

“Harry, I. . . .” Hermione burst into tears.

“What's wrong Hermione? I'm sorry, I shouldn't have told you this,” Harry said with
a sad expression in his face.

“Harry. I love you too,” Hermione responded, looking up.

“What?” Harry asked, looking surprised.

“You're such a stupid git. How can you not know how much I love you?” Hermione asked with
tears in her eyes, still smiling.

“Well, for one thing you're dating Ron. So I obviously thought that you liked him,” Harry
answered.

“I do like Ron a lot. He's a really good guy but I really liked you. That was the problem.
But you never seemed to feel the same way about me. So I decided to go out with Ron because I
thought that you would never like me as more than a friend, and I did sort of liked him,” Hermione
answered, blushing.

“Okay then. But what about after what happened last year?” Harry inquired.

“At that time I realized that I still loved you as much as I ever did, maybe even more. But you
didn't say anything either. I thought that meant that you didn't feel the same way I did so
I decided to give it another try with Ron. I thought that I could forget the way I felt about you.
I really did and it was going really great for awhile. I thought that I could grow to love him but
I didn't. But later I realized that I couldn't forget you and I didn't know what to do
anymore so I asked Ron to give me some space so that I could sort things out,” Hermione
replied.

“Hermione, I realized at that moment that I loved you more than anything in this world, and I
was going to tell you but then I saw you and Ron and I just couldn't.” he explained.

“Is that why you've been sad all this time?” Hermione asked.

“Yeah,” Harry replied.

`Then how come when I asked you what's wrong you couldn't answer? It really hurt that
you couldn't tell me what's going on. After all we were still best friends. What hurt even
more was that I couldn't do anything to help you.” Hermione answered

“I couldn't do that to you or Ron. I honestly never thought that you could love me back ,and
I didn't want to jeopardize my friendship with either of you . . . especially you. What if you
never wanted to speak to me again? I couldn't stand to lose you,” Harry responded

“So you're sure that you love me?” Hermione asked.

“Yes. This is the one thing in my life that I'm absolutely sure about. I love you. I always
have and it has just grown over the years,” Harry confessed.

Hermione just threw her arms around him and relished in the touch that was now so familiar to
her.

Harry pulled away and looked deeply into her eyes and leaned in until his lips touched her and
kissed her, softly at first and then more deeply.

‘This feels so right.’ she thought to herself when they pulled apart.

“Hermione, can you promise me something?” Harry asked seriously.

“Of course,” Hermione answered quickly.

“Promise me that no matter what happens that you'll go after your dreams and find someone
that will make you happy and that you love and loves you back,” he said.

“Harry, nothing's going to happen to you. You'll be back,” she answered as tears started
flowing out of her eyes.

“I know but please just promise me. Please,” he pleaded.

“Okay, I promise, but Harry, don't talk like that. I love you and only you. I don't know
what you think is going to happen . . . ,.” Hermione said, bursting into tears.

“Hermione, I’m sorry, don't cry. I didn't mean that, I definitely won't make it but
I just wanted to make sure that you'd be taken care of if anything did happen,” Harry said
soothingly, taking Hermione in his arms.

“I know that we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, but Harry, please let me be
there so I can do anything I can to help you,.” Hermione asked in between sobs.

“Hermione, you will be there to help us out with his followers and death-eaters but like the
prophecy says, it'll be me against Voldemort. You can't be there. I don't think I could
stand it if anything happened to you,” he answered.

“I know what the prophecy said but I can't just sit and wait to hear what happens to you.”
Hermione answered.

“But you will be with me. Your spirit has always been with you protecting me and warning me but
please you can't be there. Promise me you won't?” Harry asked.

“Harry. It's just not fair why do you have to take the burden for everything. But I promise
you,” she replied, burying her head into Harry's chest.

“Why don't we just forget about tomorrow and just try not to think about it okay?” Harry
said with a smile.

“Okay,” Hermione said with a smile.

“So when did you first start to like me?” Harry asked.

“I don't know, it's been coming on very slowly but I think probably third year. I
didn't actually realize it until near the end of 4th year. How about you?” she
asked.

“I have definitely liked you for a while but I didn't realize it until summer before
6th year. But I think that it started around third year too. I always somehow knew that
you were special,” he answered.

“Really? I didn't think you liked me much when we first met,” she asked curiously.

“Well, when we first met on the Hogwarts express I thought that you were kind of bossy. But I
did think that there was something different about you, like I wanted to know you but since you
were a girl and all I didn't know how to approach you. The fact that you were so smart yet
hadn't know you were a witch earlier kind of scared me but I still thought that you were
special,” Harry responded.

“You did? I remember reading some books before school started and I came across stuff about you,
Harry, and I thought that it would be so cool if I could meet you after all you'd been through.
When I was helping Neville find his toad and came across you, I just couldn't help but
introduce myself but I didn't think you liked me very much or wanted to be friends with me.
Call me crazy, but I still wanted to be friends with you,” Hermione added.

“I'm glad that you did,” Harry answered with a smile.

“My life wouldn't be as good as it is without you. I want you to know that you are just as
important to me as Ron is, probably more,” Harry told her.

“Neither would mine; I can't imagine the last few years of my life without you” Hermione
answered.

Harry leaned in and kissed her once more with even more passion than before. They only broke
apart due to the need of air.

“I love you Harry, don't leave me,” she said, lying in his arms.

“I love you too Hermione, more than you'll ever know,” Harry answered back.

“I do know because I feel the same way,” Hermione whispered, locking her fingers with his.

“I know,” he said, smiling.

After a moment, Hermione got off the bed and turned to Harry and said, “I believe in you, Harry.
I know that you can defeat Voldemort.”

“I'm glad you have so much faith in me,” Harry answered with a lopsided grin.

“No Harry, remember after first year, before you left to find the Philosopher's stone and we
had that little talk?” Hermione asked

“Of course,.” Harry replied.

“Well, I meant what I said then and I mean it even more when I say it now. You are a great
wizard,” Hermione added.

“I'm still not as good as you,” Harry said, remembering having had this conservation
before.

“Only in terms of books and I have some cleverness but not when it counts. You know what to do
in emergencies and you're very resourceful. That's what makes you a great wizard. You know
what the important things in life are. Things like friendship, bravery and love,” Hermione
replied.

“Is that what you were going to say to me before?” Harry asked.

“Maybe,” she answered, blushing.

“Thanks for believing in me,” he said, tilting her face up.

“Just be careful, alright?” Hermione told him.

“Always,” Harry promised, taking her into his arms and holding her tight.

They both laid there in each others arms talking until they both fell asleep, all the while
trying not to think about what would happen the next day. They were strong enough jus to
concentrate on how happy they were to be together right now.



2. Fire between the final battle
--------------------------------



A/N: Due to all the reviewers that suggested that I continue with this story I have decided to
continue it for a couple of chapters. I would like to thank everyone for all their nice comments
and I hope that you keep on reviewing.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry potter or any of the other characters. They belong to J.K.Rowling
and Warner brothers. I am in no way affiliated with them and this story is for entertainment
purposes only.

Author: heaven85

Spoiler: Books 1-5

Chapter 2:

Ron was tossing and turning in his sleep and then jolted up. He had a nightmare about when they
were fighting all the Death Eaters. The battles were hard on everyone and continue to haunt him
especially since the final battle between Harry and “You know who” was approaching.

Ron couldn't help but worry about his best friend Harry Potter of seven years. Sure Harry
has become such a powerful and really amazing wizard over the last few years. But was he good
enough to survive fighting him?

Ron hoped and believed that Harry would win after he has escaped him so many times. But this
time it was different. It would lead to an end. He didn't know who would survive but either way
this was it and one way or another it will all end.

Then Ron's thoughts directed towards his girlfriend Hermione Granger. He thought with a
laugh that she would probably be up being worried about Harry. She seemed to be worried about him a
lot lately. In this case Ron couldn't really blame her after all this really was a really big
deal but sometimes she seemed too concerned and it bugged him just a little. He couldn't help
but feel that it would be nice if she worried about him. Ron bit his lip and thought to be really
fair since it wasn't like Hermione wasn't concerned about his safety. It's just that
she seemed a little more concerned for Harry than for him.

Ron knew that Hermione was worried about how distant Harry seemed to be with them. They knew
that something was wrong but he wouldn't tell him what it was when he asked Harry about it. He
was a little hurt by it but he knew that Harry needed some space but Hermione seemed really hurt by
it. He could see it in her eyes when she looked at Harry.

Ron knew that Harry and Hermione were closer then Ron and Hermione were and always had been but
Ron had to admit that he was a little jealous because even if he was dating Hermione that she still
seemed to be a little closer to Harry then to him. There had been so many times in which it seemed
as they were on the same page and he was an outsider. They talked as if they had some language that
he didn't understand and he didn't really know what they were talking about and that made
him feel a little left out.

Ron didn't know why but Hermione also seemed not to be all there at times, he noticed that
she shot glances at Harry when she thought he wasn't looking. Ron frowned then thought, in fact
things between him and Hermione were going great for awhile and then, for some reason he felt that
something had changed between them and that was when Hermione asked for some time to sort through
some things. He sometimes wondered if this had something to do with Harry. If maybe she had
feelings for him and that maybe Harry felt the same way. But he shook off that thought because he
didn't believe that his friend would do that to him.

One thing for sure is that Ron knows that he still loves Hermione very much and hope that things
would work out for them. He was wondering if he should go over to talk and be there for Hermione
because talking really does help and they could worry about Harry together. But he didn't want
to seem like he was pushing her for an answer or anything.

Ron decided to head over to the head boy and head girl dorm where Harry and Hermione were
staying this year. It felt kind of strange for him that since he was prefect that Harry would be
Head boy. It kind of made him wonder if he really was meant to be prefect after all. It made him
feel a little bit more inferior to Harry than he already felt but just a little bit after all he
was happy for Harry.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry woke up and smiled and looked at the sleeping Hermione next to him. He couldn't help
but smile as he thought about their talk and was happy that he had the love of such an amazing
girl. A nagging voice in his head asked “What about Ron?”

“What about Ron?” he answered the voice back.

“Hermione is his girlfriend.” The nagging voice responded.

“I know.” Harry answered back.

“You're stabbing your other best friend in the back.” The voice answered back.

“That's not what I'm doing.” He answered.

“Then what do you call it?” the voice asked.

“I don't know.” He whispered.

He felt some movement and turned to see that Hermione had started shifting and was muttering
something.

Harry leaned in to hear what she was muttering.

“Leave Harry alone. Don't take him.” Hermione said quietly at first.

Then she sat up and screamed, “NO Harry.”

“Come on Hermione. I'm here.” Harry sat looking at her concerned.

“Harry. You're okay.” Hermione said grabbing on to him and holding on.

“It's okay. It was just a dream.” Harry said holding on and stroking her back.

“I know. You're safe right now.” Hermione answered quietly.

“Yes I am, I'm good. Don't worry about me.” Harry replied quickly.

“You think I can?” Hermione replied with a smile.

“Well you can try.” Harry replied back with a smile.

“I can't stop thinking about tomorrow.” Hermione asked quietly.

“Me either.” Harry replied.

“Can you promise me that my dream will only just be a dream?” Hermione asked with hope in her
eyes.

“You know I can't.” Harry answered looking down.

“I know. Don't look so sad. It's beyond your control.” Hermione answered lifting up his
head.

“I wish I could you know.” Harry said looking into her eyes.

“I know. It's just that I love you so much.” Hermione replied back.

“I love you too.” Harry said kissing her quickly on the lips before taking her back in his
arms.

“I can't believe you two!” Ron yelled.

Harry turned around and saw Ron who looked incredibly angry and his face looked really red.

“Ron?” Hermione said looking really surprised.

“How long have you been here?” Harry asked.

“Enough to know that my two best friends have just stabbed me in the back.” Ron shouted.

“It's not like that.” Hermione said walking over to him.

“Well what is it then? I hear you telling him that you love him and he loves you and I see the
two of you kissing. What is it then? Huh? What excuse do you have for me now Hermione?” Ron shouted
angrily.

Hermione stared back at him with tears brimming from her eyes but Ron refused to back away.

He grabbed Hermione's arm and shook her, “Tell me!”

“It's not what you think. We haven't gone out behind your back. What happened between me
and Harry just happened.” Hermione pleaded.

Ron let go of Hermione's arm and turned around staring violently at the floor.

“Ron, please…” Hermione said quietly.

Ron spun around. “Yeah right! I've seen the way you look at him. You can't tell me that
you haven't been in love with him for a long time.” Ron asked her looking at her angrily.

“Ron. It's true. We haven't gone out behind your back but yes I do love Hermione and
I'm really sorry.” Harry told Ron.

“How can you do this to me Harry? You knew how I felt about her. You think that you can take
everything don't you? You already have so much, why did you have to take her away from me?” Ron
shouted getting angrier and angrier.

“Look, Ron I'm really sorry. The last thing that we wanted to do was to hurt you.” Harry
answered.

“ Yeah like the two of you getting together wouldn't hurt me.” Ron said with a hollow
laugh.

“You know what we mean. Ron we never planned this, honestly we didn't.” Harry replied
back.

“Ron, I'm sorry.” Hermione pleaded with tears in her eyes as she touched his arm.

Ron pulled back as if her touch hurt him, “Don't Hermione. You know, I always felt a little
bit inferior to Harry but I thought that you'd never see that way but I was wrong. You probably
only went out with me until Harry decided not to huh?” Ron shouted bitterly.

“It's not like that Ron. I never thought about you like that. I went out with you because
you were such a great guy and I wanted to.” Hermione replied pleadingly.

“In fact you were probably thinking because Harry doesn't like me hey, I'll go out with
Ron. He likes me.” Ron spat out harshly.

“That's not fair Ron.” Hermione replied.

“And now that it's like. Harry likes me so I'll go with him. Who cares if I'm dating
Ron?” Ron shouted out.

“Ron I do care. Ron I really do.” Hermione answered crying.

“If you're mad at me take it out on me. Don't talk like that about Hermione.” Harry
replied.

“You don't have the right to talk. In fact this is entirely your fault. So don't tell me
what I can and can't say.” Ron shouted.

“Ron please calm down.” Hermione responded.

“ Yes Ron please listen to us.” Harry said walking closer to Ron.

“I'll calm down all right. In fact I don't have to listen to all of your lies.” Ron
replied abruptly and stormed out.

Harry walked toward Hermione and wrapped his arms around Hermione.

“That didn't turn out well did it.” Harry said weakly.

“Understatement of the century.” Hermione replied with a small smile.

“What are we going to do with him?” Harry asked.

“Ron will understand eventually. I know he will.” Hermione answered.

“You okay?” Harry asked moving back and taking a good look at her.

“I will be.” Hermione replied with a smile.

“I'm sorry about that. If I hadn't…” Harry started before Hermione place her hand on his
mouth.

“Harry, If I had to do it all over again. I wouldn't have changed anything that happened.”
Hermione answered.

“Nothing?” Harry whispered.

“Nothing. I cherish what happened with us earlier. In fact, honestly, I would be unhappier if I
had never known how you felt. How about you? Do you want to change anything? ” Hermione asked.

“No. I have never felt happier in my life than when you told me you loved me.” Harry answered
giving her another hug.

“Never.” Hermione asked with a smile.

“Never.” Harry said softly and kissed her softly.

“Come on. I'm tired. I'm going to sleep.” Hermione said

Harry started to leave until Hermione grabbed him and kissed him hard on the lips before saying,
“Where do you think you're going?”

“Back to my room.” Harry answered with a smile.

“No Harry. I like sleeping next to you. Please stay.” Hermione said with a pout.

“How can I resist that?” Harry replied with a grin.

Then they lay next to each other content in the others presence and drifted off to sleep.

*~*~*~*~*~

Meanwhile Ron was pacing off in his dorm room trying to walk off all the anger and sadness he
felt as he thought back to what he saw.

`How could they do that to him? Did Hermione like him at all?' Ron thought with anger and
sadness.

In the midst of his anger, he heard a voice say “ You don't deserve this. Your best friends
shouldn't have stabbed you in the back. Who needs them?”

“Yeah, I don't deserve this.” Ron thought to himself.

“You don't. You need to find better friends that will treat you with the respect that you
deserve.” The voice responded

“I do. I don't need them.” Ron said

“Just listen to me and you'll find what you want.” The voice continued

Ron got up and walked out of his dorm and walked towards the hallway into the darkness…

-->



3. Revlelations
---------------



A/N: Sorry for taking so long at first I had writers block and then I was incredibly busy with
school and

work. Sorry if there are grammar mistakes and all but my beta's been really busy and I
don't know how

long it'll be before she has time to do it so I decided to post it up right now but if I do
get it back I'll post

this back up with the corrections if necessary. Thanks for sticking in there and please
review!!!

Part 3

Harry had woken up in the middle of the night and smiled at the sight of the beautiful girl
laying

next to him. He closed his eyes for a second to gather up his thoughts. He was still
contemplating whether

or not he should do what he knows he must do. In the end he realized he really had no choice. He
turned and watched Hermione carefully to make sure she really was still asleep. Then he carefully
got off the bed carefully being careful not to make any sound. He quickly grabbed some parchment
and scribbled down a quick note for her. As he walked out the door he saw Dumbledore outside.

Harry closed to door and Dumbledore asked him , “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“I'm positive.” Harry nodded.

“You do know that what you are about to do is a very advanced protection spell and that once she
wakes up she will be furious with you?” Dumbledore asked.

“I do know that but I can't risk putting her in danger. The fact that it is a very advance
protection spell is why I wanted you here to watch me do it.” Harry replied.

“If you're sure then let's proceed.” Dumbledore answered.

Harry then closed his eyes to focus on the incantation that Dumbledore had showed him being very
cautious of the fact that it was very important to do it correctly.

“Now Harry, it's really important that you concentrate really hard on what exactly you want
to protect Hermione from and how much you want to protect her. The strength of the spell comes from
whomever casts it.” Dumbledore advised him.

Harry then pictured in his mind Hermione's face, her smile, and everything he loved about
her and how desperately he wanted to keep her safe and away from harm and Voldemort. He then opened
his eyes and concentrated on that thought and held up his wand and spoke the incantation “ Candium
mos incantardo proteccio” and he felt this light of power come from within him and it formed a
invisible barrier behind the door and saw it float inside her room.

Harry knew from his research on the spell that it would form a protection or barrier around
Hermione. He then put it wand back inside his robe and asked, “Is there a way to break through this
barrier?”

“As I have told you before that it is a very powerful and ancient spell that you have just cast
and it can not be broken easily so she should be safe in that regard but there is one way that it
can be broken.” Dumbledore answered.

“How?” Harry asked.

“By Hermione herself. If Hermione really wanted to break through the barrier she could. As long
as you want to protect her, the spell will be in place but it won't keep her from walking out
this door. It won't be easy to break it but she will be able to and I'm sure you know why.”
Dumbledore spoke.

“If she loved me enough.” Harry answered.

“Love is an important part of the spell that you just cast.” Dumbledore added.

“Well I know that Hermione's smart but I'm pretty sure that it will hold her for a long
enough for me to do what I have to.” Harry replied gravelly.

“Are you ready for this Harry?” Dumbledore asked seriously.

“As ready as I'll ever be. It'll be all over one way or another.” Harry replied
seriously.

“Harry I want you to know that I am very proud of how much you have accomplished and how you
have survived everything that you have been through to become the great man that you are today is
very miraculous indeed.” Dumbledore told him quietly.

Harry smiled slightly as it gave him pleasure to hear these words coming from a man whom he
admired and respected and thought of as his mentor, friend and family. He then walked away to try
to find Ron and try to see if he had cooled down enough to listen to him explain.

Harry walked down the dorm room that Ron stayed in. Harry opened the door quietly so he
wouldn't wake up the others and noticed that Ron wasn't there.

Not seeing Ron there worried him just a little because when Ron was mad he usually walked and
stomped around a lot which made him somewhat hungry so he decided to see if he could find him
around the kitchen eating. So Harry decided to walk to the kitchen to see if he could find him
there but when he got there he was no where to be found.

This made Harry really nervous as a horrible thought entered his head, ` What if Voldemort took
him or set a trap for him and he fell for it?'

`No, Ron wouldn't fall for anything like that. The only thing would be that he was captured
but please let me be wrong.' Harry thought desperately.

Harry looked at his watch and realized that it was time to go. Time to meet him and he truly
hoped that he had trained well and hard enough to defeat him and protect all those around him and
those people that he cared about.

As Harry started to walk over to where he would meet his fate, the prophecy kept on popping up
in his head and he couldn't help thinking that `the one that might not survive' could be
him. He tried to banish that thought from his head.

Harry gave himself a quick pep talk as he walked towards the woods, as he knew that having
confidence in himself would be really important in being able to defeat Voldemort.

When he got there, he saw a figure walking in the shadows and Harry braced himself for seeing
some Death Eaters. Although it was supposed to be one on one, he knew he couldn't really trust
Voldemort's words since he was evil.

However what he saw there was no way to be prepared for. He saw Ron but not really Ron. He
looked like Ron but something about him was different.

*~*~*~*~

Hermione woke up from a nice comfortable dream with a huge smile on her face. Despite what
happened with Ron, she thought last night was perfect. She was perfectly happy about admitting her
feelings to Harry and vice versa. At first she had been a little scared but now she was sure that
she did the right thing.

Hermione turned and saw that Harry had left and got up and stretched and yawned. She figured
that Harry must have gone back to his room because they didn't want to get caught. She walked
down to the desk and there found a note in Harry's familiar scrawl. She read it, *`Didn't
want to wake you up, you look so peaceful sleeping there. I love you more than I could possibly
imagine loving someone. Don't forget that. Harry.'*

Hermione put it down with a smile while shaking her head. There was on way that she could ever
forget that he loved her because that was exactly the same way she felt about him. Why would he
need to tell her that? She went into her bathroom to take a quick shower and brush her teeth before
heading over to see Harry before he went to meet him. She still felt really scared and nervous for
him and she wanted to do everything she could do to help him. She had spent most of the past year
reading up on skills and spells that she thought would help Harry defeat Voldemort.

She still shudders at the mention of his name but saying his name gave her more of a sense of
accomplishment and was a strange victory in itself. But she knew that wouldn't help Harry face
him and truly hoped that Harry was powerful enough to defeat him. She knew that this was a
difficult question to answer and the outcome was one that nobody could really predict. She felt
tears come to her eyes but she shook them off. She knew that she would have to be strong so that
she could show him that he didn't need to worry about her.

She walked to the door to open it but strangely found to be stuck. She tried to pull harder but
that didn't work. Then she took out her wand and said, `Alohomora'. That still didn't
work so she tried some other spells but those also didn't work.

`What was going on?' Hermione wondered with fright.

`Stay calm.' Hermione told herself. `There has to be a logical explanation for this after
all Hogwarts was one of the safest places to be in.' She took a deep breath and tried the door
again. The door was locked but something was blocking it from opening. She went back to her desk to
look at some of the numerous books in her bookcase to see if she could find a spell that would be
able to unblock the door.

As she quickly flipped through some of her books her eyes fell onto Harry's note once again.
As she read it once more, the thought that had been bugging her came back and she couldn't
shake the feeling that she was missing something in that note that could be somehow connected to
the situation at hand.

`Don't forget that' the note had read. There was something strange about that comment
but she couldn't really put her finger on it. Then it suddenly hit her `Maybe Harry locked you
in.'

That thought somehow came as a relief to her because then it would mean that it wasn't
Voldemort but she couldn't believe why Harry would lock her in here. `He wouldn't' She
thought but a nagging voice said, “He would to protect you and make sure you were safe.”

She went to her door and began hitting hard while crying, “Harry, let me out of here. You
can't keep me here. You have to let me help you. How dare you make my decisions for me? Harry
if you don't let me out right now, I'll hate you forever.”

There was no response as she continued to hit the door. She slumped down on the floor as she
continued to tap on the door both with tears in her eyes as well as feelings of anger towards what
Harry had done.

“There's no use Miss Granger. Mr. Potter has already left” a familiar voice responded
outside the door.

“Professor Dumbledore.” Hermione exclaimed.

“Yes Miss Granger.” Dumbledore responded.

“Can you do anything about this? What kind of spell did Harry put on here?” Hermione asked.

“There's nothing I can do about this and Harry used a pretty powerful ancient protect spell
that is not easily broken.” Dumbledore answered.

“Then nothing can be done about it?” Hermione asked.

“The spell can be broken but only by you alone.” Dumbledore answered.

“But how?” Hermione asked.

“You'll know. There is something else I think you should know” Dumbledore responded.

“What?” Hermione asked.

“There was another prophecy made regarding tonight's situation.” Dumbledore added.

“There was?” Hermione asked surprised.

“Yes there was and I think you should hear this.” Dumbledore answered.

“Okay.” Hermione stood waiting….

*~*~*~*~*~

“Hello Harry.” Ron replied with a slight hint of a sneer.

“Ron. What are you doing here?” Harry asked both shocked and somewhat a little scared.

“I came here to see you.” Ron replied with a grin.

Harry just looked at him and thought, ` This is pretty strange. It looks and sounds like Ron but
there was definitely something wrong with him.'

“Did they do anything to you?” Harry asked.

“Of course not. Who are you talking about?” Ron asked.

“You know who? The death eaters and Voldemort.” Harry replied quickly.

“They wouldn't do anything to me. They're not really that bad Harry.” Ron answered with
an evil grin.

“Ron, whatever they said to you, don't believe a word they say. Look what they did to
Hermione.” Harry replied.

“Oh that was just a misunderstanding unlike what you did to me.” Ron said with a lot of
anger.

“What on earth did they say to you? They almost killed her.” Harry protested.

“It was because of you though. It's always because of you.” Ron spat out.

“Okay maybe it had to do with me but I didn't want it to happen to her.” Harry answered.

“You never want anybody to get hurt but they do. Not only did you almost get Hermione killed but
you also stole her away from me and stabbed me in the back. You stabbed one of your best friends in
the back.” Ron added.

“We never planned any of it. The last thing that we wanted to do was hurt you. You have to
believe me.” Harry said cautiously.

“You know what. I don't need to hear you say anything else. Just because you're famous
and all that you think that you can just take whatever you want no matter who gets hurt in the
process.” Ron shouted and pulled out his wand.

“Calm down now.” Harry responded.

“I don't have to listen to you anymore. In fact I just figured it out. If you weren't
around, the world would have been a better place.” Ron answered with an evil grin.

“I know you don't mean that.” Harry said feeling the sting of those words from one of his
best friends.

“I assure you I do. I know exactly what I'm saying.” Ron replied and pointed his wand at
Harry and continued, “Put your wand up now and now let's get going.”

“I don't want to hurt you Ron.” Harry responded staring straight at him.

“You already did. Now it's payback.” Ron responded and turned his head into the shadows.

Harry took this moment and knocked the wand out of Ron's hand.

“Bravo Harry.” A familiar evil voice spoke.

Harry turned and saw the cloaked figure walking out of the shadows and he had a sinking feeling
about who he was and he was right. It was Voldemort. Then he saw something much worse he saw Ron
bowing down to him.

“What have they done to him?” Harry thought desperately.

-->



4. Prophecies, family and foes
------------------------------



A/N: Sorry for taking so long for the update. Been really busy with school and work. I hope you
like this chapter and remember to REVIEW. The more you guys review the faster I will update. Thanks
in advance. I'm also looking for a new beta to finish up this story as well as for my next fic.
If you're interested please

e-mail me at heaven85hk@yahoo.com.hk. Now on with
the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry potter or any of the characters. They belong to J.K Rowling.
This fic is for entertainment purposed only.

Part 4: Prophecies, friends and foes

Harry was shocked to see the sight of his best friend bowing down to their arch nemesis of
almost 7 years. They have worked so hard to get ready to defeat Voldemort the last couple of years
and now Ron was treating him as his savior.

“They must have placed some sort of Imperius curse on him. Ron would never willing go with him.”
Harry thought hopefully to himself.

“Hope you had a pleasant chat with my new lieutenant?” Voldemort asked delighted to inflict pain
on Harry in any way, shape or form.

“Lieutenant?” Harry asked surprised and horrified that Ron would ever do his bidding.

“What? You think I'm not good enough to be lieutenant?” Ron asked haughtily.

“No. Just didn't think that anything like this could ever happen.” Harry responded after
awhile.

“What do you mean by that? That I'll see the truth and realize that I've been backing
the losing team or that I've become more independent and don't follow you around any more?”
Ron asked.

“Is that what you believe I think about you?” Harry asked incredulously.

“ Well isn't that the way it really is? I mean you tell Hermione and I to stay behind while
you go off in the end all by yourself so that you can get all the credit for what we all did
together?” Ron asked raising his eyebrow.

“ That's not the way it is and you know it. It wasn't about any of that. I didn't
want to put you in any more danger and sometimes things just happened that didn't allow you to
come. Even if you weren't there to the end didn't mean that you weren't an important
part of what happened.” Harry responded.

“ Well that doesn't even matter anymore. It's not important to me anymore. It's all
in the past. Now I get to be part of something that is big and I will be there in the front line.”
Ron answered with an eerily calm voice.

“Ron is extremely talented and deserves this position. I'm glad that he came to join us.”
Voldemort responded.

Harry could see that Ron was very pleased with that remark.

“What did you do to him?” Harry asked angrily.

“I did absolutely nothing. He came to us.” Voldemort answered with an evil grin.

*~*~*~*~

“So what's this prophecy?” Hermione asked curiously.

“This prophecy was made a very long time ago near the time the one about Harry was made. If I
remember accurately it was stated as follows: *A girl will be born in the time of great darkness
who possesses a gift of knowledge and resources to bring about the power needed to aid the destined
one to meet the dark lord to the end.*” Dumbledore spoke.

“And you think that might have something to do with me?” Hermione asked slowly and carefully as
questions started to quickly flow through her mind.

“We always had a bit of a suspicion that it was you. Since we are now positive that Harry is the
one that will meet the dark lord, it does seem very likely that the girl that the prophecy referred
to would be you since you are very bright and knowledgeable and have helped Harry along these last
7 years.” Dumbledore asked.

`*Wow, I always knew there were many prophecies being made but never thought that there could
have been one about me? But what does other part of the prophecy mean? What resources and how am I
supposed to help him?*' Hermione thought to herself desperately.

“I'm sure that you have a lot of questions that you want answered Ms. Granger. What is it
that you want answered first?” Dumbledore spoke.

Hermione thought carefully before saying anything, “ Professor Dumbledore, do you have any idea
how I am supposed to help him?”

“That is something I think you will know the answer to when the time comes. You have been
helping Harry prepare by looking up many different types of magic haven't you?” Dumbledore
asked.

“Yes I have. I have gone through many books on spells, curses, rituals in order to find
something that might help Harry face him.” Hermione answered.

“Then I believe you will be as ready as you can possibly be.” Dumbledore spoke and then took a
breath and continued, “I believe that something might be troubling you my dear isn't it?”

“What if this isn't enough? What if the time comes and there's nothing that I can do?
What if I can't help him?” Hermione asked her voice wavering.

*~*~*~*~

“He came to us.” Harry thought to himself as this thought kept on echoing inside his head. This
thought was really strange concept for Harry. `*Ron would never willing come to find him. He
couldn't have possibly known where he was. They had to have set a trap for him to find them. I
have to stay focused and calm so that I don't fall into their trap'* Harry reminded
himself which of courses was easier said than done.

“What happened cat got you tongue?” Ron asked with a sneer.

This brought Harry back to the presence and tried to refrain himself from retorting back. He
responded by saying, “ Nothing like that happened Ron. I just needed a moment to collect my
thoughts.”

“Harry, I forgot to ask how Ms. Granger was doing?” Voldemort asked with a grin.

Harry felt his skin begin to boil at the thought of what he had done to Hermione before. “
Don't you dare ever come near her again!” Harry responded his green eyes flashing with
anger.

“Don't you dare speak to my Lord like that!” Ron spoke taking out his wand.

“How can you even defend him after what he did to Hermione?” Harry shouted angrily.

“It was all because of you that's how.” Ron spoke with anger.

“Boys there's not need for any verbal arguments now. Ron put your wand down.” Voldemort
commanded.

Ron immediately dropped down his wand and placed his head back down and stepped back.

“Now Harry, I have already explained this to you. It was all an accident. It wasn't really
meant for her and it really doesn't matter any more. You saved her didn't you and right now
I just want you.” Voldemort spoke in that sinister voice of his.

“If it's just me that you want then why don't you just let Ron go?” Harry asked his
green eyes flashing but his voice was surpisingly calm and demanding.

“Well that isn't up to you now is it? It's up to my lieutenant Ron.” Voldemort replied
beckoning to Ron to join him.

“Yes my Lord?” Ron asked.

“Would you like to leave?” Voldemort asked his voice in a loud whisper.

“No my lord. I would like to stay here and serve you.” Ron answered bowing his head.

“Now you see Mr. Potter, Ron wants to stay on his own free will.” Voldemort responded with an
evil knowing grin.

*`Of course he wants to stay you'll controlling his mind.'* Harry thought to
himself and tried to speak to Ron to see if there was anything he could say to bring him back.

“Ron, you really should go back to the school. Pretty soon people will start looking for you and
Hermione will be so happy to see you back. You remember her don't you?” Harry asked.

“Of course I do.” Ron answered and for a moment Harry thought he saw his best friend back.

“But that also reminds me of what the two of you did to me.” Ron added in a cold menacing
tone.

“I'm here now. What do you want Voldemort?” Harry asked turning his attention back to his
arch nemesis.

“I want to kill you.” Voldemort answered in a very frightening commanding tone of voice.

*~*~*~*~

“ I can't answer that one for you Ms. Granger. I also cannot say that could never happen. In
times that we are living in, anything can happen but I want you to know that I do believe that you
can do this and that Harry can do this.” Dumbledore answered.

“Thanks. It does make me feel better when you say however.” Hermione replied with a slight
smile.

“Now is there anything else you would like to ask me?” Dumbledore asked.

“I was wondering what exactly does this prophecy tell me that will help me break the spell on
the door?” Hermione asked with frustration.

“All you have do to is clear your mind and things will become less murky.” Dumbledore
replied.

Hermione took a deep breath and closed her eyes and tried to clear her mind. She decided just to
focus on Harry and try not to think about anything related to what was happening right now.

“Is your mind clear now?” Dumbledore asked.

It took Hermione a moment but she was able to clear her mind and nodded.

“Now just focus on your task at hand and what you need to do and the knowledge shall come to
you.” Dumbledore spoke.

Hermione tried to do what Professor Dumbledore said and it took her a while to get the answer
she needed.

“It's about love isn't it?” Hermione asked softly.

Dumbledore nodded. “Love as you know is a very powerful force that can be used to create
powerful spells.”

“So I think what you mean is that in order to break this spell I will somehow have to tap into
this power and use it to reverse it.” Hermione answered slowly.

“Precisely.” Dumbledore answered with a nod.

“Okay so I think that used the fact that he wanted to keep me safe no matter what to protect me
right?” Hermione asked.

“I believe that was his intent.” Dumbledore replied.

Hermione took a deep breath and wracked her brain for a book that might be of use and came up
with an idea and went back to her bookcase to look up a spell on counter charms in an ancient book
of spells. She quickly looked at the index to find out what she needed and searched for what she
was looking for.

“Yes.” Hermione said out loud.

“I can see that you have found the spell?” Dumbledore asked.

“I'm not 100% sure that this will work but it's the closest thing that I can think
of.

Hermione took a deep breath stepped back and took her wand out and pointed to the door.

*~*~*~

“What else is new?” Harry asked raising his eyebrows to show that he did not fear him.

“It isn't new but this time I will be successful. You won't be able to stop me this
time.” Voldemort answered in a spine numbing voice etched in evil.

“Don't be so sure about that.” Harry spoke with authority.

“Gotten a little full of yourself I see.” Voldemort spoke with mock amusement. He then added,
“Well let's see what you can actually do.” He motioned one his Death Eaters to come forth.

Harry took a moment to collect himself and then lifted his wand up getting ready to use it when
necessary. The Death Eater shouted `Expelliarmus”

Harry leapt out of the way just in time and just tripped. Harry the shouted `STUBEFY' and
pointed his wand at the Death Eater. Just a few seconds later a couple more Death Eaters came up
and shouted, `IMPEDIMENTA'

Harry shouted `PROTEGO' which had effectively blocked the worst and the spell. A few seconds
later he shouted `RICTUSEMPRA' causing the Death Eater to fall over.

Out of no where a voice called out `Expelliarmus' knocking the wand out of Harry's
hand.

Lucius Malfoy came out and spoke “Now what are you going to do now?”

“Why don't you come here and found out?” Harry responded in a threatening tone of voice and
stood up.

Lucius Malfoy looked surprised for a second but came over with a bemused look on his face. When
he approached Harry he pointed his wand toward him and spoke `Impedimenta' knocking Harry far
away down the floor.

All of the sudden came a loud noise that sounded like a large rock hitting the ground that
caused Lucius to look away. This was the opportunity that Harry was looking for and kicked him hard
in the shin and went to pick up his wand.

As Lucius turned to look at him Harry took the opportunity to yell, `PETRIFICUS TOTALUS'
causing his legs to snap and stick together and he fell onto the ground with a thump.

“Not bad Potter.” Voldemort said in that eerie voice of his.

*~*~*~

Hermione closed her eyes and concentrated on remembering the spell she had just learned when she
was sure she remembered the incantation she spoke, `Guardium de proteccio'. She then began to
glow and continued to speak in a voice that was not her own `Relieva patronoma de amour totali
incantum ben forcia de portalis'. A beam of light flowed from Hermione's wand forcing the
door open and forming an entry way for Hermione to walk through it. A flow of light surrounded
Hermione as if protecting her from harm.

When she got out Hermione stopped glowing and she began to look much more herself. Hermione felt
weak in the knees. Dumbledore seemed to have knew that this was to occur as he was at her side in
less than a second and steadied her.

“Are you alright?” Dumbledore asked.

“Yes, I'm fine just a little winded.” Hermione answered with a slight smile.

“Hermione I want you to know that I believe that you would have done anything you could to help
Harry and protect him. I just need to ask you if you're sure that this is what you want to do?”
Dumbledore asked.

“Yes, I'm sure that this is what I want to and need to do. I know that I wouldn't be
able to live with myself if I didn't at least help him all that I could. Besides I'm also
doing this for me. I need to show him that I'm not afraid of him and I want to punish him for
what he did to me. I also need to do this for everyone else that I know. He has caused so much pain
and suffering to everyone around us. His reign of terror needs to end.” Hermione answered.

“Well if you're sure then I don't suppose that there is anything that I could do to stop
you is there?” Dumbledore asked with a twinkle in his eye.

“No.” Hermione replied with a glimmer of a smile. She then hugged him and said, “Thanks for
everything you have done for all of us and especially for being there and caring for Harry.”

“There's no need to say this. I was happy to do so.” Dumbledore answered. He then pulled
something out of his pocket and placed it into Hermione's hand.

“What's this?” Hermione asked looking down and saw that it was a round jeweled object on a
gold chain.

“Consider it a gift. Use it wisely.” Dumbledore answered and turned away.

Hermione took a deep breath and turned to look back at Dumbledore and Hogwarts and proceeded to
hurry off to the woods where she knew she would find Harry hoping that she was not to late.
`*Harry you better hold on. Please make sure that I'm not too late.'*

*~*~*~

Voldemort was standing a few feet away from him and gave him his usual twisted smile and
beckoned someone to come forth. “Now let's see how well you do against my Lietenant.”

Ron came out carrying a nasty grin on his face. “It's time to see who really is better
now?”

Harry thought, `*I had this bad feeling that this was going to happen. He knew that Voldemort
was capable of this but why did Ron have to look so happy about it? It kind of scared him to think
that Ron wanted to do this wanted to prove that he was better than him. Why Ron? I don't want
to have to hurt him at all but I will defend myself if I have to.'*

“Ron are you sure there's no other way to settle this?” Harry pleaded with his eyes.

“What are you scared that I'm going to hurt you and prove to everyone that I'm better
than you?” Ron asked mockingly.

“No. I just didn't want things to have to be like this between us. You're my best mate.”
Harry tried.

“You were my best mate until you proved yourself to be untrustworthy.” Ron spoke with anger.

Harry winced. Those words cut into him like a knife at his heart. “I don't want to hurt
you.”

“Save it for someone who cares.” Ron responded coldly and pointed his wand directly at
Harry.

Harry sighed and braced himself with his wand.

“It's time to rumble.” Ron said with a smirk.

-->



5. Inner Demons
---------------



A/N: Thanks so much to all those who reviewed and for your wonderful comments. I love getting
feedback and hope that you all will continue reviewing. So sorry for taking so long to update, busy
with school and because I sent in too close to the holidays I haven't got a response back from
my beta but I decided to post it anyways so sorry if there are a lot of mistakes. Not to sound too
redundant but please REVIEW. There are also a lot of spells in this chapter that are mine and are
not from any books or movies. Thanks so much.

I disclaim as in first part of the story.

Part 5: Inner Demons

Ron was holding his wand up, ready to strike Harry at any moment.

Harry was bracing himself for anything that Ron might throw at him but unwilling to make the
first move.

Ron watched Harry's movements carefully trying to read into his mind and decipher his next
move. When he saw movement in Harry's direction he spoke `Expelliarmus'

Harry jumped and just barely passed the spell. Harry was looking around to see if there was
anything that he could use to block Ron's spell.

Ron yelled `STUPEFY' and Harry yelled `PROTEGO' just in time to block the spell although
it did slightly stun his leg.

Harry was limping slightly as he quickly stood back up and saw that there were quite a few of
rocks lying around which gave him an idea and with a wave of his wand a couple of rocks flew to
him. He spoke quietly, `Windium pierca' causing the rocks to fly quickly and hitting Ron in the
leg with just enough force to cause him to stumble. With quick speed and agility he came near a few
trees and cried, `Collapsa' and within a few seconds all the trees came crashing down forming a
container like structure around Ron. Then before Ron could try anything he said, ` Sealamente'
which caused the rocks to surround Ron and seal up the space between the trees and air.

At first there was no movement or sound coming from Ron but after a couple of minutes a blast of
magic came through the space between the rocks and trees and a hole formed and Ron came walking
out.

`*That was great Ron, didn't know you had it in you. I mean of course he could perform
quite a bit of magic but this was pretty powerful stuff that he just performed.'* Harry
thought with both pride and worry because he didn't know what was going on with his friend.

Ron said, “ Is that all you got? Come on now, you're the great Harry potter. Do something.
Don't just stand there doing nothing.”

“I told you that I didn't want to hurt you.” Harry responded as he shifted his gaze to the
surroundings. He didn't really see much of anything but trees.

“I told you that I didn't want you to spare me in any way.” Ron answered shaking his
head.

“I'm not. I don't feel like fighting you.” Harry answered.

“Well then, let's see if there is anything I can do about that.” Ron replied in a taunting
voice.

`Tarantallegra' Ron said in a low time and a grin on his face.

This caught Harry by surprise and caused Harry's feet to start dancing crazily.

“Now that is more like it.” Ron said with a laugh.

Harry held his breath and forced himself to try to stand while his legs were flying in all
directions. He looked around for something he could hold on to. He knew that if he pushed hard
enough he could regain control of his legs. As he was watching Ron's face he saw that he seemed
very amused by the sight and that made him shake his head and tried to think of a spell that might
be able to reverse or overthrow the one that Ron placed on him.

“Okay Ron, you asked for it.” Harry told himself as he dragged himself over to a nearby tree.
Using his upper arm strength he pushed himself up and quickly muttered `Finite' while tapping
his leg.

“Where did you learn that?” Ron asked with a scowl.

“You know that I read up on a lot of magic to prepare for this day and I saw Professor Lupin use
it.” Harry answered and he began to feel his legs slowly stop moving about.

“But I don't recall you learn this counter spell.” Ron replied.

“It's all about the application.” Harry answered.

“Quit stalling Harry. What are you going to do?” Ron asked.

“Well..” Harry started before he was hit with the sound of `Impedimenta' and he felt a sharp
pain and he fell over backwards and traveled a few feet away.

“Who was that?” Ron asked angrily.

“It was me.” came a very familiar sinister voice that Harry recognized.

Bellatrix Lestrange came out with a grin.

“Why did you interfere?” Ron asked in a dangerous voice.

“I was getting bored watching you work.” She replied in her awful mocking tone of voice.

“He is mine, don't interfere again or else.” Ron answered with a menacing look on his
face.

“Emotional now aren't we? I won't interfere as long as you do your job.” Bellatrix
answered with a sneer.

“I will, I just don't want to rush it.” Ron replied.

“If I didn't know any better I'd think that you didn't want to fight Harry.”
Bellatrix added.

“What are you trying to imply?” Ron asked angrily.

“I just call what I see.” Bellatrix answered.

“What exactly do you see?” Ron asked.

“A young boy trying to prove that he's a man and not a coward but yet can't do a grown
mans work.” Bellatrix replied with a mocking tone

“I'll show you what this coward can do.” Ron spoke in a menacing tone and directly swung his
wand in her face.

Harry stood there kind of in awe at this side in Ron but scared in a weird way because he hardly
ever saw Ron this way before.

“Prove it. Kill him.” Bellatrix replied pointing her wand at Harry.

“I don't have to listen to you. I'd rather do something to you.” Ron replied without
moving his wand.

“Do it then.” Bellatrix responded with a smile.

`Crucio' Ron spoke with a grin and a quick wave of his wand.

Bellatrix was fast but Ron was quicker and the spell hit her leg and she fell over and screamed
but was quickly back on her feet. `Stubefy' Bellatrix responded quickly.

Ron was somehow ready for her and his shield charm blocked off most of her spell and it make
only a slight cut on his knee and cause him to limp.

Ron responded with `Expelliarmus' with a wave of his wand.

This time Bellatrix was ready for him and ducked in time and spoke with an evil grin,
“You've got to better than that.”

During this time Harry decided it was time for him to see how he would get to Voldemort and
started to walk away but a wand stood in his way and a gruff voice said, “Where do you think
you're going?”

Harry turned and saw that it was another Death Eater.

The Deatheater shook his head and placed a firm grip on Harry and send a stunning spell towards
Ron and Bellatrix.

They both turned towards whoever hit them and the Deatheater smiled and spoke, “Now is not the
time. We have business to attend to don't we master?”

Voldemort came from beyond the shadows and spoke in a commanding eerily voice, “It's not
time now to play. Bellatrix stand back and let Ron do his job. Ron, deal with Harry.”

“Yes master.” Bellatrix spoke and stepped back.

Ron nodded and once again turned toward Harry with a scowl.

“Now look what you have done.” Ron spoke while shaking his head and quickly pointed his wand to
Harry and said, “Impendimenta”

This time Harry couldn't move because he was held down and it hit him down onto the ground.
Harry felt pain but dared not to show it and just grimaced.

“Step away.” Ron ordered and the Death Eater walked away leaving Harry on his own.

“I'd much rather see you mobile.” Ron added as he walked closer towards Harry.

Ron offered his hand towards Harry with what Harry could swear was a smile but he didn't
take it and got up by himself.

“Ron, I know you're still in there somewhere, don't do this.” Harry pleaded one last
time.

“You never learn do you? This is me, a better and stronger Ron.” Ron answered with an evil
grin.

Harry just shook his head and within a few seconds his wand flew from his hand as Ron spoke
`Expelliarmus'

Ron just shook his head and said, `Accio wand' and threw it back to him. “You can do better
than that.” Ron replied.

“What are you doing Ron? Torture him.” Voldemort voice called out.

“Yes master.” Ron replied quickly and just before he moved his wand towards Harry, Harry thought
he saw a sign of pain and sadness in his face for just a few seconds.

Ron spoke, `Crucio' as he waved his wand toward Harry.

Harry eyes widened and the spell hit him causing him to double boil and scream at the feeling of
pain thorough his entire body.

*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione had thought that she heard a couple of familiar voices and walked on over and the sight
that lay in front of her was too shocking for words. A took her a few seconds to realize that what
she saw was real and not a dream. Seeing Ron there with the evil look on his face holding a Ron
right above Harry was shocking enough but to see him torture Harry like that was the most shocking
thing in the world.

*`That can't be Ron can it? The Ron I know isn't like that. It's not possible. The
Ron she knew was annoying but really sweet and attentive. She really did care about him a lot, not
like the way she feels about Harry but still it really hurt to see him like this. Could this all be
my fault? Could he be like this because of me? I can't stand to be the reason that Ron and
Harry are like this. They were the best of friends, they still are I hope.'* Hermione
thought to herself and proceed to rush over to see Harry.

But before she could get there a few Death Eaters stood on out aiming stunning spells at her.
Hermione ducked as much as she could and said, `Protego' a few times which blocked away most of
the spells and she broke back with an `Expelliarmus' and a couple of stunning spells.

“Harry!” Hermione exclaimed and rushed over to his side.

“Hermione? I thought that…” Harry started.

“I know what you thought. I'll deal with that later but first of all are you okay?” Hermione
asked concerned.

“As fine as I can be at this moment in time.” Harry answered with a slight smile.

Hermione smiled a little to see that Harry could still smile at this moment and turned to face
Ron and saw a hit of sadness but then that face twisted into one of anger that she had never seen
before.

“Please Ron, don't do this! We're all friends, the three of us. Whatever it is we can
work through it.” Hermione pleaded with her eyes.

“What is there to work through? You betrayed me and that's all there is to it and you
obviously think that Harry is better than me.” Ron answered.

“Ron it isn't like that at all. You're both different people. I never thought that you
were second rate, you just have different things that you are better at than Harry at. Ron you are
a great person, sweet, loyal, a little annoying and an amazing boyfriend.” Hermione responded.

“If I'm so great why are you with him?” Ron asked in a mocking tone.

“Because I love him Ron.” Hermione answered quietly.

“That just shows that you are a horrible person and a scarlet woman.” Ron spat out.

“Watch your mouth.” Harry said angrily moving forward but Hermione pushed him back.

“If it makes you feel better then just let it out.” Hermione responded.

“Let what out? I'm fine, never better.” Ron answered with a grin.

“Ron…” Hermione started.

“I don't have time for this. Move on over. Harry and I have something that we need to
finish.” Ron spoke gruffly.

“I'm not moving. In order to get to Harry you have to go through me.” Hermione firmly
stated.

“Hermione, leave this has nothing to do with you.” Harry asked her gently.

`I can't leave you here by yourself, you don't know how crazy I'll go just waiting
to see what happened and I can't leave Ron here knowing he's like this.” Hermione replied
shaking her head firmly.

“Well if you won't move then I'll just have to move you.” Ron sad as he snapped his
fingers and told two Death Eaters, “Take her away.”

Out of nowhere two Death Eaters came near Harry pushed him out of the way and took hold of
Hermione and dragged her away while Hermione was screaming and putting up quite a fight with
kicking of the feet and kicking one of them in the shins. “You little…” one of them said and sent
off a stunning spell after her as she was getting away.

Hermione gave a slight yelp and that got her quite angry and she said, `Stubefy' knocking
one of them off their feet and onto the floor.

Hermione felt a hand wrapping itself around her neck and whispered in a menacing tone, “Move one
step and you're dead.” Hermione stopped moving and her brain was moving quickly trying to
figure a way of getting away.

Her gaze then shifted toward Harry and Ron and she saw that they were kind of getting nasty as
both of them were grabbing onto their arms and saw both grimacing with pain but trying hard not to
show it.

She then saw a dark figure approaching Harry from behind and she shouted, “Harry look behind
you.”

Harry turned around quickly with his wand but was not quick enough and was quickly knocked down
to the ground.

“Harry…” Hermione started before with a wave of wand her voice became nonexistant.

“That's better.” The Death Eater said with a grin.

*`What am I going to do? I can't do the counter spell because I have no voice and I
can't warn Harry!'* Hermione thought desperately to herself.

*~*~*~*~

Harry quickly tried to stand up but failed at first, he then summoned his strength and said,
“Ron let's finish this.”

“Ah… Finally what I was waiting to here.” Ron replied with a smirk.

`Rictusempra' Harry stated quickly.

Ron jumped over it quickly and countered quickly with `Stubefy'

Harry ducked just in time to avoid the spell. “You've got to do better than that Ron” Harry
replied.

Ron then just smiled wickedly and spoke, `Writhia' which caused a twisting through his limbs
and caused him to fall to the ground yelling in pain.

“How do you like that?” Ron asked.

Harry just glared and him and with all the strength he could muster he tried to stand up but
still could feel the pain in his muscles and looked him squarely in the face and said, `Allantois
lacia' which caused to feel like something was causing a cut through his skin.

`Crucio' Ron said once again causing Harry once again to double over and Ron came closer to
him and said, “How about we try something different.”

“Kill him now Ron.” Voldemort commanded.

Harry once again saw something in his face that showed that he did not want to do it but he the
saw him nod as if he came to a realization.

`Instigia Reposa' Ron said quickly causing everything to go black for Harry and cause him to
sleep.

“Why did you do that?” Voldemort hissed angrily.

“I didn't want to derive you the pleasure of killing Harry master. I know that you have been
waiting for this day for many years but if I'm wrong please allow me another chance to prove
myself to you.' Ron said while kneeling in from of Voldemort.

Hermione once again looked at Ron in shock yet was confused as to why Ron didn't want to
kill Harry. *
` What is really going on Ron?'* She thought curiously.

-->



6. The Secret's out
-------------------



A/N: Thanks so much to the people who are still reviewing this fic and I hope you enjoy it. This
is one of my favorite chapters since it does include some things from the books. Now I have decided
to wait to update until I get more reviews and you will see why later.

The reason for this is because I need your feedback on how this will continue. I have the main
ideas but I wanted to know if people wanted me to do one really long chapter or two shorter
chapters? I am nearing the end of the fic. So the next chapter or two will be the last. And the
epilogue will come after.

And I also am toying on whether you guys want to know more about what will happen with Draco? If
people want to know then I will include that in the story and if so would you like him to never be
redeemable or would you like him to have some nice bones in his body? Hopefully you guys will help
me out and review. Maybe people will review more if there is more participation and any review will
do good or bad. Constructive criticism is good and will help me write better in the future. Thanks.
Also I was hoping if any of you thought that it was good enough that you could recommend it to
others it would be great. Thanks again. Hope I don't sound too whiny.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry potter or any other characters. They belong to J.K.
Rowling.

PS. I also used some lines from the books to tie into my story.

Part 6: The secret's out.

“Are you trying to tell me what to do?” Voldemort asked in a hiss.

“Of course not master. I'm just trying to do what I think you would want.” Ron replied
without looking up.

“Is that what you're really trying to do?” Voldemort spoke.

“Yes.” Ron answered still bowing.

“Then look at me or are you lying and scared that I'll see right through you?” Voldemort
hissed.

“I remain loyal to you.” Ron said looking up and stared at Voldemort straight in the eye.

“Let's hope for your sake you are. For now I'll just let it go because I have bigger
matters to deal with and you're going to have an opportunity to prove your loyalty to me really
soon.” Voldemort replied with a slight sneer.

“Thank you master, thank you.” Ron answered as he pulled away from Voldemort.

Voldemort then turned away from Ron and started to look in the direction of Hermione who was
desperately trying to escape.

“What do we have here?” Voldemort asked then spoke, “Cat got your tongue?”

Hermione just spit in his eye was he came near her.

“Feisty now aren't we?” Voldemort replied in a low voice and performed an anti silencing
spell.

“Now what did you want to say?” Voldemort asked.

“I just think you're a disgusting cretin who vouches for purity when you're only a
halfblood yourself.” Hermione said in a commanding tone of voice.

“How dare you call him that you filthy little mudblood” came a new voice that Hermione
recognized with disdain.

Draco appeared with a grin on his face and a steely look in his eyes.

“You.” Hermione growled and glared at him.

“What? Spit it out.” Draco replied.

“I should have made you pay a long time ago.” Hermione replied angrily.

“What's stopping you now?” Draco asked and laughed.

“Stop laughing or I'll..” Hermione started before Draco interupted.

“Or what?” Draco replied walking closer to her.

“Silence.” Voldemort commanded.

Draco hung his head down and silence filled the air.

Hermione could feel a chill coming and she could sense fear in all those around her as Voldemort
stared at each of them with disgust.

“I will not stand for this disorder. You all will do as I say and obey my command.” Voldemort
stated in that chilling tone of his. “You understand?” Voldemort said directly to Draco.

“Yes my lord.” Draco replied with a look of fear in his eyes.

“Flattery will only get you so far.” Voldemort added looking over to Lucius with
disappointment.

Voldemort then turned back to Hermione and gave her a now familiar scowl and said, “You say it
like it is a bad thing. You have no right to say it.” He then turned and with a wave of his arm the
Death Eaters holding Hermione followed him to a secluded area and with a wave of a wand tied her to
a tree with an invisible rope.

“Let's see what Harry does now when we play our little game.” Voldemort said leaning close
to Hermione.

“It won't work whatever it is.” Hermione answered back.

“We'll see now won't we?” Voldemort responded and in an instant he was gone and Hermione
was alone.

It was only now that Hermione was able to let her true emotions and worry about how scared she
really was but wasn't compared to how worried she was about Harry and what Voldemort was going
to do to him. If anything happened to him she would never want to be the cause of it. The tears
were coming down her face now as she thought about how Harry must be feeling to have Ron betray
them like this. Truthfully though she really wasn't sure what to think about Ron's position
because in her heart of hearts she knew he would never knowingly do any of this but sometimes
jealousy causes people to do the most horrible things. But there was something about Ron that
really puzzled her because she saw glimpses of sadness in his eyes that only lasted like a second
which lead her to believe that things might not be what they seem. Actually now she was worried
about Ron because if he was deceiving Voldemort he would be in really terrible danger.

A few minutes later of silence a figure appeared right in front of her. As the figure turned she
could tell that it was man and she began to feel some sense of dread as she did not know what was
going to happen next. But to her surprise she saw Viktor Krum.

“What are you doing here?” Hermione asked.

“I'm here to help you.” Viktor responded.

*Flashback to 5th year*

“Who're you writing the novel to, anyway?” Ron asked Hermione, trying to read the bit of the
parchment now trailing on the floor. Hermione hitched it up of sight.

`Viktor' she replied (from OOTP CDN edition) and continued writing:

*Viktor, could you help me with something? I was wondering if you could help me out with
something. I need to know everything I can find out on reversal of curses and what things that can
substitute for certain curses that have similar results such as the Imperius curse and ways to fake
the Veritaserum truth serum. After everything that has happened to Harry, I'm so worried about
him and the more I know the better. I know that I kind find a lot of this stuff in a book but
sometimes people know things that are not written in a book and come from knowledge. Thanks so much
for your help, I really appreciate being able to talk to you about things like this when I
can't talk to Ron about this and of especially Harry. He would think that I was just being
paranoid.*

*Your good friend*

*Hermione*

***** End of flashback *

“Does it have something to do with what we talked about?” Hermione asked quickly.

* Flashback to a few months ago *

*Hermione,*

*From what you wrote in your last letter, things seem to be getting worse and I can see it
here too. Big things are going to happen soon. People are finally starting to see that the war that
has already begun is just going to get worse and people are starting to panic. I haven't seen
much movement on my end but there have been signs. I know that we definitely need a plan and the
one that you have suggested seems to be a good one but it does seem a little risky though. I'm
not sure you should follow it through. You are a really smart witch Hermione and it definitely not
because I think that you can't pull it off because I know you can. Are you sure I t is worth it
Hermione? I know that if it involves Harry you would think that it was. You would always say that
if you can protect him then that is all that matters. I know that Harry's a good guy but you
should also look out for yourself as well, I know that he would have wanted you to as well. If I
can help you in any way just let me know. And Hermione I really think you should tell him how you
feel, I'm sure that he feels the same way. Remember when I told you at the end of triwizard
tournament in your fourth year?*

*Memory:*

`Could I have a vord?' Viktor Krum asked

`Oh … yes… all right,' said Hermione, looking slightly flustered, and following Krum through
the crowd and out of sight. (pg 629 CDN edition GOF)

`I just vanted you to know if you didn't vant to go visit me in Bulgaria over the summer. I
understand vhy.' Krum spoke.

`Viktor I….' Hermione started.

`Hermy-own-ninny, I know that you haff feelings for Harry. I can see it in your eyes.' Krum
explained.

`Harry and I are just friends. That's all Viktor really….' Hermione started.

`I vos votching him very closely. I think he feels the same way.' Krum added.

`You think what? That's not possible. He couldn't…' Hermione responded stunned.

`Why not Hermy-own-ninny? You are smart, pretty and an amazing person. Don't ever forget
that.' Krum spoke after a moment.

`Thanks Viktor. You're a really great person yourself and I like you, I really do.'
Hermione replied.

`I respect him. If there vos anyone else that I would be okay losing to it would be him. I hope
we can be alvays be good friends.' Krum asked.

“Always.” Hermione responded with a smile and began shaking her head and said, `We should get
going soon.'

Krum nodded and they head back.

*I believed it then and I still believe it now. He loves you too.*

*Your good friend,*

*Viktor Krum*

* end of flashback *

“It does. I vos doing some thinking and I vonted to help you and Harry in any way I can.” Viktor
said quietly looking around.

“But didn't you say it was dangerous?” Hermione asked.

“I did but your plans are pretty good I think. I changed a few things but otherwise it is the
same. Don't you trust your plan?” Viktor asked.

“I did but it something happened to you because of this then I don't know what I would do.
It has risks but when it was my own life it was my choice and I wasn't endangering anyone
else.” Hermione admitted.

“Hermy-own-ninny, this is my choice too. I vont to do this. I vont to help. Don't be sad.
I'll be okay. Just vonted you to know not to vorry too much about Ron. I haff to go or they
will notice I am gone.” Viktor said quickly and quietly.

“Be careful okay?” Hermione whispered.

“I will.” Viktor answered with a slight smile and was gone.

Hermione really hoped that everything would be all right. She never would have thought that
Viktor would do this and it showed that he really was a good friend to her and she prayed that he
would be okay but what he said made her feel a little bit better and glad someone would be able to
help Ron. She wondered how much of Ron's situation did he know.

*~*~*~*~

Ron was looking around to see if he could find Krum. After a little while he saw someone appear
near by and he went to look and surly enough he saw that it was Krum.

* Flashback *

As if out of a daze Ron looked around in surprise and when he saw who was beside him, “Krum,
what are you doing here?” He asked.

“I'm here to save you.” Krum replied simply holding a vile.

“What happened?” Ron asked quickly.

“You were put under a trance and some things happened. I'm not sure about the details but I
think they vont to enhance your abilities and use you to get to Harry.” Krum explained.

“I remember hearing a voice telling me to follow it, I was just so angry and Hermione and Harry
that it sounded very inviting so I followed it but I don't really remember anything else.” Ron
said trying to remember was happened.

“That sounds right. Come and drink this.” Krum instructed.

“Why should I trust you? What are you doing here?” Ron asked quickly.

“I'm the only one you can. I vos trying to help Hermy-own-ninny with her plan to help Harry.
Vot I haff is not dangerous. I vos supposed to giff you this kind of mind altering drink but from
vot I learned this will impose the same effect but will allow you to think.” Krum explained.

“Hermione told you this?” Ron asked unsure what to think.

“You know we are pen-pals. She asked me to look up vot some of this stuff vos and I did.” Krum
explained.

“If Hermione thinks it's alright then I guess it is safe but why not use the Imperius curse
on me?” Ron asked.

“It vos a way to really get to Harry because there are other ways of convincing you to help them
but they vont it to look like it was all on your vot the say “free will”.” Krum added.

“Okay. What is going to happen next and what is the plan?” Ron asked.

“I don't know if they trust me totally so if they test you in any way do it and if they give
you the truth potion eat this.” Krum said handing Ron a small herb.

“This will allow me not to completely submit to the effects?” Ron asked.

“Yes but just to be safe think of yourself as someone else. Put yourself as someone else so you
think vot you say is the truth and you are not lying.” Krum told him quickly.

*end of flashback *

“Where were you?” Ron hissed quietly.

“I went to see Hermy-own-ninny and make sure she vos okay.” Krum replied quietly so nobody else
heard.

“Is she?” Ron asked.

“Physically she vos okay but I could tell she vos very worried about you and Harry.” Krum
answered.

“Then we better put this plan in action quickly.” Ron said determined.

“Right now I believe he does not trust you.” Krum answered.

“Yes so before that happens do something to gain his trust.” Ron replied determinedly.

“That vould mean I might haff to hurt or turn you in.” Krum replied looking down.

“I understand that you might have to do that so don't worry about that. I knew this might
happen right when I decided I wanted to be a part of something like this.” Ron answered.

*Flashback to 5 months ago *

“In order to defeat Voldemort we need to know more about what is going on. It would be nice to
have someone down in his group but that would be hard to find someone he could trust.” Harry
explained to Ron as some of his ideas on what he wanted to do next to win the war.

“I would do it.” Ron piped up.

“Ron, I could never ask you to do that. It's too dangerous and I wasn't really planning
on implementing it.” Harry explained.

“Harry it is a very good idea and you are right he is dangerous and having someone on your side
can only help in.” Ron replied.

“But that would be putting you in too much danger, I wouldn't want anything to happen to you
and besides, what about Hermione? What would she do if anything happened to you?” Harry
demanded.

“Hermione is a strong person and will be okay and she has you. I know that you wouldn't let
anything happen to her.” Ron answered.

“But I don't even know if I will live.” Harry said quietly.

“I know you will Harry. I have faith in you and that is why I have to do this Harry in order to
give you a better chance in winning. Hermione is really worried about you and I'm worried what
would happen to her if something did happen to you. I'm also hoping that you would be able to
save me as well.” Ron added impishly.

“I will do my very best.” Harry answered.

“Best mates forever?” Ron asked.

“Forever.” Harry said slapping him in the arm.

* end of flashback *

“I know that Harry never really would have wanted me to do this but that day I had already made
up my mind to do this and I'm not giving up.” Ron answered.

“I'm glad because now there is no way out.” Krum said pointing to all the Death Eaters
around them.

“I know. Just try to not get me killed.” Ron asked nervously.

“I will, just remember to do as you are told. Buy us more time.” Krum added.

“So we must start our final stage of the plan now.” Ron asked.

Krum just nodded grimly.

*~*~*~*~

Harry was blasted awake. As he stood up he felt a sudden feeling of being refreshed and looked
around. He was not locked anywhere and he saw that there was nobody around. It felt really eerily
calm and he sensed that something was wrong. It came rushing back to him. Ron fighting him and
Hermione. Where was she? Harry pondered feeling worried. He began walking around but as he tried to
walk through he got hit by a force field and he fell back on his bum.

“Hermione, where are you?” Harry called out hoping she could hear him.

“She's not here.” Came a high cold voice.

Harry recognized the owner of the voice immediately. It was Voldemort.

“What did you do to her?” Harry demanded anger taking him.

“Nothing yet but I guess that would depend on you.” Voldemort answered grinning evilly.

“What does that mean?” Harry asked suspiciously. He knew that he could never trust him to be
fair in any way possible.

“It would depend if you're going to play this little game.” Voldemort answered.

“What kind of game?” Harry asked firmly. He was surprised at how confident he sounded even if he
felt like jelly on the inside.

“I'd like to see just how powerful a wizard you have become. I keep hearing about how far
you've come and I would like to see just that for myself.” Voldemort answered as he clasped his
finger together.

“How are we playing?” Harry asked.

“This game has about three challenges and if you win you save your friends from certain fates.
If you lose unpleasant things could happen like they could die.” Voldemort responded.

“Fine I'll play.” Harry answered knowing that he had no other choice.

“Great.” Voldemort waving his arm and within a few seconds several Death eaters appeared holding
up a beaten up Neville.

“I'll this first one easier on you. If you can defeat Draco malfoy here then Neville here
won't suffer a fate that his parents did.” Voldemort explained.

Draco stood up and walked up pulling away his hood to reveal his face. “I've been waiting
for this day for a long time Potter.” He snarled.

“I have too. I can't wait to defeat you one more time.” Harry responded with equal
confidence.

“But I'm stronger now Potter and you're only slightly better than me.” Draco answered
waving up his wand.

“Let's get on with it.” Harry replied quickly eager to get this over with so he could find
out what happened to Hermione.

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