Harry Potter and the Heir of Merlin by hermionestar14

Rating: PG
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 4
Published: 22/06/2004
Last Updated: 29/05/2005
Status: In Progress

As Harry begins his fifth year at Hogwarts, Dumbledore reaveals some news to him and his best
friend Hermione. He keeps this close to his heart and begins training with she who he holds
dear.Lots of H/Hr, but also another major plot...




1. Owl Arrival
--------------




It was a hot and lazy day at Privet Drive, and even the bees seemed to be going in slow motion.
A fourteen year old boy named Harry Potter was slaving away over his Aunt Petunia's flower bed,
spreading manure around the charming, colorful plants. He straightened up and his back gave a loud
crack. He glanced longingly at the orange popsicle his fat cousin Dudley was slurping up, and
wished he could take it and shove it up the lardy pig's behind. But he knew that if he did
anything of the sort, he'd be thrown out of Dudley's second bedroom and locked in his
cupboard with bread and water for the rest of the summer.

Harry's beautiful, emerald eyes scanned the backyard and something strange caught his eye.
An extremely small owl was out in broad daylight, struggling with an extremely large parcel.Owl
post. Traditional for wizards...and Harry was a wizard...maybe one of the greatest of all time...at
least in his future he could be.

The suffering bird came to a rest on the sill of Harry's open window.

"Harry Potter! Get back to work you filthy, little mongrel!" his aunt screamed.
"Dudley, would you like another lemon pop?" Obviously, Dudley had gone off his diet,
Harry thought.

Harry rolled his eyes and went back to work. He knew he'd have to wait to get up to his room
to see who the parcel was from. While Dudley's mother got him another lemon pop, and cooed and
fawned over him, Harry thought about the past 14 years with the Dursley's.

They had not been easy. Harry's parents had been killed when he was just one year old, by
the most infamous and powerful wizards in the books... Lord Voldemort. And somehow miraculously,
Harry had escaped him, but with a souvenir of Voldemort's curse...a lightning bolt scar on his
forehead. Ever since Harry had gotten his letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry, he had four adventure packed years behind him, where he had encountered Voldemort once
each time and come out alive. His most recent year, his fourth year, Harry had played an unwilling
role in bringing Voldemort back to his form.

Although Harry was a hero at his school and in the wizarding world, here, at 4 Privet Drive, the
Vernon, Petunia and Dudley Dursley, his closest relatives, treated him like no more than dirt. When
Harry stumbled into the house, covered in sweat, dirt and manure, he did not receive a pat on the
back, nor an offering of ice cold lemonade, but a shrill cry from his aunt and a reprimand from his
beefy Uncle Vernon to stop tracking dirt into the house. And Harry wished that he didn't have
kin like the Dursleys.

Harry tiptoed up the steps of the house, so as not to receive another rebuke from his uncle and
quicly took a cool shower and changed into a horrible neon orange and mustard yellow checked
sweater that reminded him painfully of his friend Hagrid and Hagrid's horrible hairy suit and
tie. He would have even taken some of his old friend's rock cakes right now, just to fatten him
up a bit, he thought, as he rolled the edges of the sleeves over six times and fastened a leather
strap aroung the huge brown pants to hold them up. Not that anyone would see how far down my pants
hang, he thought, since the sweater almost touches my knees.

Suddenly, Harry remembered the owl in his room, and dashed in. The owl was sitting in a
dignified position on his bedspread. Harry quickly released the letter from the owl's leg and
sent the owl off on his next journey.

Harry quickly unfolded the letter and glanced at the bottom of the letter and grinned so widely,
he thought his face would crack.



2. The Invitation
-----------------

Disclaimer: I do not own anything having to do with Harry Potter, although I love the books with
all my heart!

A/N: I've gotten 4 reviews so far...I'm glad you all like it! I wasn't sure if it
would go over well...but I guess it did!




Chapter 2- The Invitation




It was from Hermione. Harry eagerly read the neatly written letter.

Dear Harry,

How is your summer holiday so far? Mine is all very well and good, and I just received a
letter from Ron saying that Charlie has invited him to Romania for the rest of the summer and that
Charlie would take him straight to Hogwarts. I expect that you'll receive a letter from him
soon.




As if on cue, Ron's featherball owl, Pigwidgeon, more lovingly called Pig, shot into
Harry's room, managing to knock against Hedwig's cage and caused her to screech loudly.

"Harry Potter! You shut that bloody bird up this second or I'll have your head!"
Uncle Vernon bellowed.

"Now you've done it," Harry whispered soothingly to the bird. He opened the door
to the cage to let Pig in and prodded a few Owl Treats through the bars. He continued reading.




Seeing as I assume it will be your "birthday eve" by the time you get this letter,
I thought that it would be nice if you actually got your present from me in person...and had a
birthday with one of your friends.

So I asked my parents and checked with Professor Dumbledore, and seeing as we've made
all the arrangements and necessary precautions, would you like to come and stay at my house for the
rest of the summer? Dumbledore himself has protected my house with the same magic surrounding the
Dursley's, so you would be perfectly safe from You-Know-Who... well all right,
Voldemort.

If your answer is yes, the send Hedwig back with your answer and summon the Knight Bus
tonight. My parents and I will wait for your arrival. Our address is 3 Avon Road, in London. I hope
to see you very soon.

Love,

Hermione




Harry had never felt so happy. He read Ron's letter which said exactly what Hermione had
told him it would and he eagerly responded to both letters, telling Ron where he'd be for the
rest of the summer and informing Hermione that he would indeed take the bus to her house.

Then he flung open his trunk and began to pack.

Harry actually had two reasons for wanting so badly to go to Hermione's that summer. One, he
really wanted to have a birthday with someone other than the Dursley's. And two, ever since
Hermione had kissed him on the cheek, before he left with his relatives, he'd begun to think
about her in a different light. Ron had noticed that she was a girl just the year before, and
he'd noticed a change in Ron. Suddenly he'd begun to look self conscious in Hermione's
presence. But Harry had cast that off as being an unfriendly feeling towards her since she had
begun seeing Viktor Krum. Then he realized that Ron had a crush on Hermione.

And now, Harry had begun to think of Hermione in that way too. He couldn't wait to see her
and spend more time with her. In fact, he couldn't think of anyone he'd rather spend his
birthday with, than sweet, caring Hermione. His best friend.

Right then, he realized that he was done packing and he began to scour his room for extra things
lying in corners. When he was done, he lay down on his bed and began to think of his wonderful
birthday and the rest of his summer that lay before him.

* * * *

He waited until nightfall, and then lugging his trunk behind him, he quietly snuck out of the
dreadful Dursley's house and to the corner of Privet Drive. He raised his wand arm, and
prepared himself for the rest of his wonderful summer.










3. Trip on the Knight Bus
-------------------------

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of J.K. Rowling's ideas. All I own is this
storyline and anything new in it.

A/N: Hello all! Just to let you know.... I have already written this story all the way to
halfway through the 26th chapter! The chapters do indeed get longer...the first few were
experimental....they will get longer! And do you want to know how to get them faster??? Well,
y'all are smart....you can guess. The next few chapters are purely fluff! Then it should get
meatier. By the way, I absolutely refuse to nickname her 'Mione.... it irks me to no end!
Anyways please enjoy!

Chapter 3: Trip on the Knight Bus

Almost immediately after Harry raised his wand, the purple, triple-decker Knight Bus appeared.
The doors opened and Harry was face to face with dorky, pimply-faced Stan Shunpike.

"'Arry Potter! What are you doin' 'ere?"Stan shouted, simultaneously
slapping Harry jovially on the back and spraying him with spit, "Oi, Ern! Look 'oo's
on the bus!'Arry Potter!"

Ern's face appeared at the top of the steps, grinning down at Harry.

"Hello Stan. Hi Ern," Harry responded, "Her's 14 Sickles, Stan. I'm very
tired. Could you show me to my bed?"

"Well sure, 'Arry! I'd be delighted to!" declared Stan.

Stan began to amble up the aisle of the bus, managing to trip when Ern began to drive again.
Harry caught his arm and they continued their trek. When Harry and Stan reached the second floor,
Harry saw a bushel of black hair and a beard that looked awfully familiar...

"HAGRID?" Harry said, dumbfounded. The enormous man turned around, and to Harry's
great delight it was indeed his very first friend, Hagrid.

"Harry! It's good to see yeh my boy!" bellowed Hagrid, enveloping Harry in a
bone-crushing bear hug.

"Well," Stan piped up after a few seconds, "I'll be leaving now. There's
your bed 'Arry. Have a good night."

Harry placed his belongings at the foot of his bed with the help of Hagrid.

"Well, Harry, where're yeh headed?"asked Hagrid.

"I'm going to Hermione's for the rest of the summer. The Weasleys were going to
have me but then Ron got invited to Romania to spend his holiday with Charlie. And seeing as my
birthday's tomorrow, and Hermione invited me, I decided to go to her house," Harry
answered, "Where are you off to, Hagrid?"

"Well Harry, tha's official business. I canna tell ev'ryone. But I will tell yeh
that I'm off to seek the help of Olympe... well, Madame Maxime, to you," Hagrid countered
.

"Oh, sending envoys to the giants?"Harry inquired. After Voldemort's return,
Dumbledore had asked Hagrid, and Madame Maxime, headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy to ask the
giants for help to get the powerful creatures for help.

"Yes,"said Hagrid, hastily changing the subject. He wanted to get off the subject of
school before he blurted out anything that he shouldn't. "Well, seeing as it's yer
birthday and all, I had been going to send you an owl with your present, but here it is for you
now." Out of Hagrid's overcoat, came a tiny box. He handed it to Harry. He quickly untied
the bow, and opened the box. A pretty, glass cube tumbled out.

"Open it with your wand," Hagrid spoke up, "It won't be counted as underage
magic."

Harry took out his wand and tapped the box. It sprang open, revealing a three small mirrors.
Harry looked questioningly at Hagrid.

"They're called Compact Callers. They're kinda like those Muggle things... what
d'you call 'em? Cell phones? You can pull them out of your pocket and call your friends
with them wherever they or you are. There's one for you, Ron and Hermione. They have an
Unbreakable Charm on them. Now you all can communicate over the holidays with the mirrors and those
darn Dursley's'll never know. Whenever someone is calling yeh, they'll flash and you
tap them with your wand ter answer,"Hagrid explained.

"Cool," Harry said, breathless with excitement, " How do I call them?"

"Simple. Jus' take yer wand, tap the back o' the mirror, and say the person's
name."

"Wow! Thanks, Hagrid," said Harry.

"No problem. It's yer birthday after all. Now, you better get some sleep. You've
got a big day ahead of yeh tomorrow... with Hermione." Hagrid grinned.

Harry missed the sly smile that crept over Hagrid's face. He crawled into bed, surprised at
how tired he was. Hagrid bent over to pat Harry on the head as he removed his glasses, and pulled
the covers over himself.

"Goodnight Hagrid."

"Goodnight Harry." Almost as soon as Harry's head touched the pillow he was
asleep.

As Hagrid climbed into his own bunk, managing to crack his head on the bed frame, he wondered
how Harry, Hermione and Ron would take the news when they got back to school.

* * *

A/N: Sorry this chapter was short... as I said...they will get longer. I'm kinda sick and
it's summer so I was updating in my long, lonely days. I get tired easily, but I don't want
to lose my train of thought... so please, no flames about the length of the chapter.



4. The Best Birthday
--------------------

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. But I do own this story, so please don't steal
it!

A/N: Thanks for the reviews! They've been great! A few answers to:

Eschiva: I'll keep the vegetarian thing in mind. And the mirror things....I actually wrote
that chapter before the fifth book came out, interestingly enough...it kinda freaked me out!

Meresger: Oh you judge too quickly... :D And I hope that what I do with the summer doesn't
bore you too much. I think it's a little cliche too. But parts of it come up later.

Please keep in mind that I did write these chapters before OoTP came out. I will not switch it
to sixth year. I am going through the chapters and changing a few things before I post them....so I
hope it'll be a bit more like the actual books when I have fixed what I wanted to. Please
enjoy!

Chapter 4

The Best Birthday

"'Arry! 'Arry! Your stop is next!" Stan's grating voice pushed its way
through Harry's dreamless sleep.

Harry sat bolt upright in his bed. Fumbling for his glasses on his bedside table, he realized
that he had forgotten to change out of his clothes last night. He quickly got out of bed and pushed
open his trunk. He pulled out a green T-shirt and pulled it on. He nervously tried to flatten his
hair. 'Why am I so nervous about what I look like? Hermione's seen me looking worse.'
he thought. He pushed those thoughts out of his head and focused on his unruly hair. Suddenly
remembering that Hagrid was there and that he wanted to say goodbye, he swivelled around from the
cracked glass mirror. But Hagrid was gone!

"'Arry! Your stop!" Stan thundered up the steps.

"Stan, where did Hagrid go? And how do you know where my stop is? I don't remember
telling you."

"'Agrid did. 'E told me last nigh'. Said you was goin' to some girl's
'ouse. 'Oo is she, 'Arry? Your girlfriend? Eh?" Stan chuckled to himself.

"But where is Hagrid?" Harry asked pointedly, purposely ignoring the question,
although his cheeks began turning red.

"Aw, 'Arry, 'e 'ad to leave. 'E told me to tell you goodbye and 'appy
birthday for him, cuz 'e dinna want to wake you up."

With that Stan began pushing Harry's trunk down the steps, with Harry following behind with
Hedwig's cage. When Harry stepped off the bus, He was blinded by the light, but his eyes
quickly adjusted. In front of him stood an attractive brick house with green shutters. It was two-
stories, with a freshly cut lawn and roses lining the stone path that led to the front door. Harry
turned around to thank Stan, but the bus had already gone, leaving Harry and his trunk on the
sidewalk. Two wheels had somehow appeared on the bottom of his trunk, so that he was able to quite
easily roll it along the sidewalk, and up to the front door. Harry reached out a finger and pressed
the doorbell. About two seconds passed, when Harry panicked and started wondering if he had gotten
the wrong house, but his fears were quickly pushed aside, when a pretty fourteen year old girl,
with brown hair and chocolatey eyes threw open the door. Her grin was unmistakable, and Harry felt
that his face might break, his smile was so big. The screen door was quickly unlatched and Hermione
ran out and jumped on Harry. Being considerably taller than her, Harry picked her up and swung her
around all over the lawn. When he finally put her down, she said,

"Harry, I'm so glad to see you! Come inside and meet my parents!" With that she
gave him another tight hug, in which he caught a whiff of her shampoo, and he thought that it was
the best smell he had ever....well, smelled. She had done quite a bit of growing, and she was
looking more and more sophisticated, as she grew into her once overlarge teeth and her bushy hair,
although bushy as ever, made him think that she almost wouldn't look like Hermione without it.
She was wearing a red tank top and denim shorts. Hermione grabbed his hand and together they
dragged Harry's trunk inside the door.

Her parents were waiting for them inside.

"Harry this is my mother, Susan Granger and my father, Frank Granger. Mummy, Dad, this is
my best friend, Harry Potter." Hermione said this all very fast.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Granger, Mr. Granger," Harry said nervously.

"It's very nice to meet you too, dear. You may call me Susan," Hermione's
mother responded jovially.

Mr. Granger was looking suspiciously at Harry. "We've heard a lot about you,
son."

"Daddy!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Oh, Frank, don't embarrass the poor boy!" Susan said to her husband. To Harry,
she said, "Hermione will show you your room. And I understand today is your birthday, so
we're going to take you to breakfast!" Harry felt that this would be his best birthday
ever, until he realized...

"But, Mrs. Granger, I don't have any Muggle money. All I have is....."

"Oh, don't worry about that! It's our treat!" Susan said. Harry looked at
Hermione in awe and then back at her parents. He couldn't remember the last time someone had
treated him to a meal out.

"Th-thank you..." he sputtered.

"Come on, Harry! We'll be down in a minute, Mum," Hermione said impatiently,
grabbing Harry's hand. Harry pulled his trunk up the stairs, following Hermione, who had
grabbed Hedwig's cage. As they went through the house and up the stairs, Hermione gave him a
quick tour. When they got to the top step, Hermione turned to the right down a small hallway.

"Here's your room. It has a bathroom connected and everything. My room is just down the
hall. I must say that Daddy wasn't too happy that you were sleeping so close to me, but
it's the only guest bedroom," she told him, grinning at the last part.

"So how are you, Hermione? How's Krum?" Harry asked, as they deposited his trunk
and began to walk back to the hallway where her parents were.

Hermione scowled. "Oh, him? I found out what a jerk he was. All he talked about was
Quidditch, and how much better he was than anyone else on the team. He seemed so sweet last year. I
could only stand a week with him. He just did not appeal to me anymore. And now Daddy's
convinced that you're going to be just like him." She sighed. "Oh well, don't
mind him anyways."

By then, they were back in the entryway, and together they greeted her parents. They all walked
out to the car and drove off.

* * *

When they arrived at Pretty Polly's Pagoda of Pancakes, they all got out of the car and
Harry noticed a woman dressed all in green, sitting in her car, watching Hermione. She looked a
little like his neighbor at the Dursley's, Mrs. Figg, but from so far away he couldn't
really tell. He blinked, shook his head to clear it and quickly led Hermione inside, keeping close
to her parents. A smiling waitress led them to a booth in a corner of the restaurant. He and
Hermione slid into the back of the booth while her parents squeezed in across from them. After they
all had ordered, they settled back to wait for their food.

"So, Harry. Hermione tells us you are quite the wizard.... Defeating that what was his
name, Voldemort?" Susan asked.

"Er, yes... but that was a long time ago. Hermione's a lot better at magic than I
am," Harry said. He noticed that Hermione blushed and her father frowned at her.

* * *

As the Grangers continued to question Harry until their food came, Hermione wondered who that
man in the brown was that was watching Harry. He was sitting across the aisle and down a few rows
from them. He would watch him for a little bit then write something down. When the man looked up
and saw Hermione watching him, he quickly got up and walked swiftly towards the door. Hermione
elbowed Harry in the side and nodded at the strange man. Her parents were busy talking to the
waitress and didn't notice. Harry looked puzzled and Hermione mouthed, 'I'll explain
later", and took a sip of her orange juice.

* * *

When they were done eating breakfast, the Grangers told Harry and Hermione that they would drop
the two of them off at the cinema for a movie. Then they would come home for a birthday dinner at
the house. Harry grinned and thanked them.

* * *

At the cinema, Harry and Hermione bought a large tub of buttered popcorn to share. When they got
inside the cool dark room where the movie would be shown, Hermione started to shiver, and Harry
pulled off his jacket an put it around her shoulders. She turned and smiled at him. They chatted
for awhile to catch up and when the movie started, Hermione spoke up.

"I have to admit that this is a scary movie, and they spook me out," she confessed,
"I know it's silly since I've faced a lot more frightening things in real life.

"It's okay. I understand," he reassured her.

As the movie began to play, Harry looked over at Hermione. With the light from the screen
playing on her face, her chocolate eyes and her almost regal profile stood out in sharper view. He
grinned and turned back to the screen. A few times during the course of the movie, they both
reached for popcorn at the same time, and their hands brushed. Harry felt a tingle go up his arm.
He and Hermione looked at each other and their arms drew away. At one point, when the actress in
the movie got confronted with the monster, Hermione let out a squeak and clutched his arm. Then she
looked up, embarrassed.

"Sorry,"she whispered.

"It's okay," he whispered back and he truly meant it.

* * *

Meanwhile the man in brown and the woman in green were watching together from above, and each of
them chuckled to themselves.

* * *

When the movie was over, and the two friends were back at home, eating the delicious birthday
dinner that Hermione's parents had concocted, Harry thought that this was one of his best
birthdays since he was 11 and had spent it with Hagrid. After dinner, Susan and Mr. Granger,
presented Harry with a book about Quidditch, that they had obviously gotten in Diagon Alley. Harry
thanked them profusely. When Hermione delivered her gift in his lap, he was surprised to see that
it's size and shape did not at all resemble a book. Harry tore off the wrapping, and found a
thin, velvet box. He opened it and inside, glittering on the plush, inky-black velvet was a
necklace. It was a silver chain, with a locket on the end. In the center, was a green emerald.

"I thought it matched your eyes," Hermione said shyly, "Open it."

It folded out three times. Inside were three pictures. One was of Harry, one of Hermione and one
of Ron. They were surrounded by three rings of emeralds.

"Wow, Hermione! Thanks!"

"It's a magical locket. The ring around each picture glows red when the person in the
picture is sad or in trouble. You know when to look at it when the front emerald glows really
brightly. When that emerald glows red, something big is about to happen," explained Hermione,
"It's called the Amulet of Augury."

"That's really great, Hermione. Thank you all so much; this has been the best birthday
ever!" Harry exclaimed.

He stood up and shook Frank and Susan's hands, and gave Hermione a hug.

Then the Grangers disappeared, and Harry leaned over to Hermione and whispered, "You are
such a good friend, Hermione. Thanks." And with that, he pulled her in for a hug.

She looked pleasantly surprised at his uncharacteristic show of affection and just then her
parents walked back in. He smiled amiably as the other three people sang "Happy Birthday"
to him. Then he and Hermione ate as much cake as they possibly could.

When all of them were content and full, Harry and Hermione bid her parents goodnight and headed
up to bed.

"I had a really great day today, Harry," Hermione said, and smiled a pretty smile that
made Harry realize how attractive she was.

"Me, too, Hermione," he replied. Just as he turned to go into his room, Hermione
grabbed his arm, and pulled him toward her. In a split second she brought her face close to his and
whispered,

"Happy 15th birthday, Harry Potter." And with that she hugged him tightly
and kissed him on the cheek before turning away and going into her room.

Harry turned a slowly walked into his room, and getting dressed for bed he thought about how he
had had the most perfect day in all his life.

* * *

A/N: For those of you who don't know what "augury" means, it means prediction.
Took me awhile to come up with the right name for that gift! And if you can see one of the
storylines of this fic already, then you're pretty darn smart!!!!!


















5. The Next Morning
-------------------

A/N: This chapter will probably change POV's a lot so bear with me! Also when I say guy
shorts, I mean the kind that go past their knees a little, not short, girly shorts. And here's
the next chapter....

Dumbeldave: I just have to say this... I love your username!

PhoenixFirebolt: I really love your story and I greatly respect your writing skills....so
it's high praise to me for you to read this and like it!

Chapter 5: The Next Morning

The next morning when Hermione woke up, she realized that she had dreamed all night about the
day before and how wonderful it was to spend the day with Harry. Today, all she could think about
was looking especially nice that day for a reason that she couldn't put her finger on, and so
she spent a lot longer in the bathroom, trying on different clothes and hairstyles. Finally
deciding on a practical army camouflage tank and drawstring cargos, she to take a leaf out of
Lavender and Parvati's book, and experiment with makeup. After carefully looking at a
"Witch Weekly" magazine, she applied some light makeup. And then to tackle her biggest
appearance flaw... her hair. She hated her hair. She couldn't ever do anything with it, because
it was so bushy. And she didn't have any Sleekeazy's now, like she did for the Yule Ball
last year. Then she got an idea.

She knew that her parents were already gone, so she tiptoed down the stairs, into their
bathroom, opened a drawer and snatched something out. Quickly, she pranced like a deer back into
her bathroom, and set to work. When she finished fifteen minutes later, she smiled and then
chuckled. "That took way too much work to do every day," she said to herself.

***

When sunlight flooded in through Harry's window, he wondered why Aunt Petunia had let him
sleep so late and then he remembered that he was at his best friend Hermione's house for the
rest of the summer. He jumped out of bed, grabbed his glasses and flung open his door, only to find
that he'd come face-to-face with...

"Hermione? Why are you up so early?" he inquired, only too aware of his messy hair and
pyjamas. She looked....well, not like regular Hermione. Clad in cargos and a form fitting
camouflage shirt, he wondered why it had taken Ron three years to figure out that she was indeed a
girl. And her hair was beautiful. She had straightened it and it was down so that its length was
incredible, cascading down her back in a brown waterfall. He realized that his charming female
friend was turning out to be avery striking young lady.

***

Hermione surveyed his flannel pyjama pants, rumpled T-shirt and messy black hair with surprising
appreciation. When she realized that he probably thought she was weird for gawking at him, fully
covered in messy pyjamas, she blushed and looked up at him.

Aloud she said, "Oh, I was just going downstairs to make us some breakast... do you like
chocolate chip pancakes?"

To her dismay, he chuckled.

"Okay, am I stark, raving mad for liking chocolate chip pancakes, Harry?" she asked
nervously.

"No," he replied quickly, " I just can't remember the last time that someone
asked me what I would like to eat, that's all."

"Okay, just checking. Shall I go make them?" she said uncertainly.

"Of course. I'll just go change and I'll be right down."

"Right then." She turned casually away and sauntered down the stairs. Harry quickly
turned on his heel and dashed into his room.

***

He grabbed a pair of khaki guy shorts and a black shirt, and pulled them on. He took off his
glasses and polished them. Looking in his bathroom mirror, he tried with no avail to fix his
rumpled hair, and bounded downstairs to the kitchen where, wrapped in a white apron, she was lining
up ingredients for pancakes. Harry walked over and reached for the bag of chocolate chips. Hermione
tried to grab them away from him but didn't manage to grab them away before he'd had a
chance to steal a handful.

"Harry Potter...." she growled playfully.

"Hermione Granger..." he mimicked back. Laughing he said, "Close your eyes and
open your mouth."

"Why?" she asked suspiciously.

"Just do it already!" he said impatiently.

Obediently, she closed her eyes and opened her mouth. Harry grabbed the bottle of maple syrup
off the counter and poured it into her mouth. Eyes open wide and spluttering, she quickly looked up
and grabbed a handful of flour out of the open bag and threw it at him, showering him with white
dots. They both paused for a second and then at the same moment they acted. Picking up ingredients
off the counter and chucking them at each other, the floor and walls quickly began to ooze with a
mixture of flour, chocolate chips and maple syrup. Ten minutes later, floor slick with food and the
two teenagers doubled over with laughter, both reached for the last ingredient on the counter...
the buttermilk. With the combined effort of trying to get there first and the slippery floor, both
of them skidded and crashed together, feet flying out beneath them. Landing painfully on their
rears, side by side, they clutched their stomachs and chuckled until they had no more energy left.
They glanced at each other and sighed, and looked up at the ceiling.

"Granger, what are we going to do about this kitchen?" Harry asked.

"Wait here," she said, slipping and sliding to get up. Harry watched her retreating
back and slowly sat up. A few seconds later she returned with her wand.

"Hermione... thats underage magic.." Harry warned.

"I know... but I have a clean record," she replied, smiling mischievously. Nodding,
Harry stepped back and watched her wave her wand and the kitchen became spotless again.She pointed
her wand at herself and she too returned to her clean state. Then she began to walk back upstairs,
wand in her hand.

"Um, Hermione, what about me?" Harry asked, nervously.

"Oh yes," she said, raising her wand. And then she lowered it. "Actually,
I'll just leave you like that." And with that she turned on her heel.

"Hermione!" he called despairingly.

"All right, all right!" She turned back giggling to herself, and swish and flick!
Harry was returned to the clean person he usually was.

"Although," she said, wafting by, so that he caught the fresh scent of her recent
shower, "You looked kinda cute with flour in your hair." She reached up and tousled his
hair a bit. 'What has gotten in to me?' she thought. Harry grinned.

"So, where should we go eat?" she said, turning around.

***

TBC...




A/N: I know it didn't really do anything meaningful, but I thought that we needed some H/Hr
action, because they will end up together anyhow... oops, did I just say that? ;) Well, please
start reviewing again, it really makes me want to keep going... I'll try to post more soon....
I'm changing the story around a bit from the one that I posted on ff.net. I want to make it
what I hope is a less cliche story and make it more my own! See ya next chapter!



6. August 1st
-------------

A/N: Hi you guys! I'm gonna speed up the summer a bit, but I'm planning to finish August
1st (the day after) first! So, here goes!

Eschiva: I love chocolate chip pancakes too!

Davaca: Ah you judge too soon! Why would good old Hermione break the rules so flagrantly AND
knowingly? You'll see!

BaileyBoo010: Wow, what a compliment!

Chapter 6: August 1st

As the two friends walked in silence to a nearby diner for breakfast, they stole glances at one
another, although the other didn't notice. Finally Harry spoke up.

"Hermione, how come we haven't gotten an owl from the Ministry yet about the
Restriction on Underage Magic?" he inquired.

Smiling mischievously, Hermione replied, "Dumbledore had it lifted for the two of us... in
case something came up where we'd have to protect ourselves from... well, you know."

Harry grinned back and told her, "You know the possibilities of this, right?"

"Harry, that's against the rules..." Hermione reprimanded under her breath,
"It's abusing our privilege..."

"Aw, c'mon Hermione, live a little! They'll never know!" he said back.

"Well..." she said hesitantly.

"Come on, time's a wastin'!" he yelled and grabbed her hand, and began to run.
Tripping along behind she laughed and he'd slow a little for her to catch up. Eventually he
stopped running, right outside the diner, and waited while, out of breath, Hermione massaged a
stitch in her side.

"Honestly, how do you run so fast, Harry?"

"A gift of the knobby kneed folk.... okay, okay... Quidditch, I suppose," he
replied.

As they walked into the diner and Harry put their names on the list with the hostess, Hermione
gazed up at the back of his head, and realized that he was about half a foot taller than her and
his arms were powerful looking. 'Quidditch again,' she thought.

As they walked to a table in the middle of the room, Harry noticed the woman watching them who
was dressed in green and at the same time, Hermione saw the man dressed in brown on the opposite
side of the room watching Harry as well. Every once and awhile the two people would glance at each
other and and write something down. Both Hermione and Harry glanced at each other, to see if they
had seen the strange person. When each of them had decided not to worry the other about the starnge
people, Harry walked over to the table, and pulled out a chair, motioning for Hermione to sit. When
she was settled, he walked to the other side of the table and sat down. They talked of school and
what they wanted to do after they graduated, and keeping in touch and things like that. And then
Harry was reminded of something.

"Hermione, Hagrid gave me a present for my birthday, and part of it was for you," he
said quietly. Reaching into his pocket, he drew out the the small drawstring bag containing the
Compact Callers. "They're called Compact Callers. They're a bit like Mug- I mean
cellular phones..." a he handed hers to her and he continued to explain them. "And you
pull out your, um, well just tap the back with your- you-know--- wand... and speaking of them, do
you still have yours with you? Because I do..." he whispered mischievously, tapping her knee
with it under the table.

"Harry!" Hermione hissed, "You shouldn't have brought that!"

"Watch." She followed his gaze to where a tough looking guy was reaching for the salt.
"Unsurri satcha," he muttered, and as soon as he did the fellow turned the salt shaker
upside down. The lid came off and salt poured all over his food. The man looked up and all around
to see if anyone had spotted his blunder. Hermione turned her face away and buried her face in her
arm to suppress her giggles, and Harry turned away chuckling himself. When she finally looked up,
he reached over the table and gave her a high-five. The rest of the meal was spent playing magical
pranks on the Muggles around them. When they finally got up to leave, Hermione eyes were bright
with tears from giggling so much and Harry's face was red as a cherry.

As soon as they got out of the restaurant and walked home, about halfway there it began to rain.
Walking in the door, half soaked, Hermione suggested that they watch a movie, so when they popped
in her all-time favorite romantic comedy, "Notting Hill" (Harry didn't see very many
movies) they conjured up some Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, a fire in the hearth and
settled down on the couch. Harry felt his eyes begin to droop after about 30 minutes and soon, if
one looked in the Granger's sitting room window, they could see a messy haired boy sleeping
with his head propped up on one arm and a pretty brown haired girl curled up next to him with her
head in his lap, both sound asleep, to the steady beat of the falling rain outside.

***

A/N: So did you like it? I'll fast forward the summer a bit now. And I'm fixing this
around so that a story line is a bit different, to incroporate something else in! See ya next
chapter, and remember, I love reviews!



7. A Prefect Morning
--------------------

Disclaimer: I hope that you get the gist by now that I don't own anything having to do with
Harry Potter except for any new characters and the plotline.

A/N: Wowzas! Thanx for reviewing guys! Thank you to my faithful readers! I love the reviews!
Here we go!




Chapter 7: A Prefect Morning

The next four weeks passed in much of the same manner. Harry had never felt so happy in all his
life! To be spending the summer with one of his best friends and doing whatever they wanted was
pure paradise for him. Then one morning, Harry was just waking up and he saw something flashing on
his bedside table. Slowly he opened his bleary eyes and realized that his Compact Caller was
flashing. He sat up and rubbed his eyes. Reaching for his wand and the mirror, he tapped the back
of his wand. Hermione's face materialized on the mirror. She looked like she was walking
through the house and up the stairs.

"Good morning, sleepyhead! Just wanted to warn you that I was coming up to your room, so
you better hide anything that you don't want me to see!" she said playfully.

"Okay, what's so urgent?" he asked groggily.

"You'll see," she replied, anxiously. Right then, the knob on the door to his room
turned. Hermione burst in, tucking the mirror into her pocket. Harry quickly set his down, and ran
his fingers through his hair. She thrust a piece of paper at him. It felt oddly familiar and thick.
He extended his hand to grab his glasses, and slipped them on. It was a letter from Hogwarts.

"Hermione what's so exciting? It's just a letter from Hogwarts," he said,
confused.

"Turn it over!" Following her directions, Harry flipped the envelope over and saw that
instead of the usual wax seal, it bore a shiny silver one, with a large letter P on it. Harry's
eyes widened and he looked at Hermione.

"Oh Harry! We're prefects!" Hermione shrieked happily. She threw her arms around
him and he picked her up and swung her around. When he set her down, she didn't release her
grip on his neck, nor he his on her waist. They stared at each other for a moment and then when
they heard footsteps on the stairs, they quickly released their grip and looked towards the door.
Frank Granger appeared.

"What's all the commotion?" he demanded, looking from face to face.

"Daddy! Harry and I are prefects!" Hermione cried, excitedly.

"That's wonderful, dear. I'll tell your mother when I go to work. You might want to
get some things packed. We're going to Diagon Alley tomorrow. You all have the day free. Have
fun and be careful," Mr. Granger said calmly.Then he sauntered out of the room. Each teenager
ripped open their letter and read the usual letter, list of supplies and moved on to a fresh sheet
of paper, that they had never seen before.

We are pleased to inform you that you have been made a school prefect. Altough the regular
school year starts on September first, we ask that all prefects arrive two weeks prior to the start
of term. You will need to arrive at Platform 9 3/4 by 11:00 on August 14. We await your
owl.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster

"That's the day after tomorrow!" Harry exclaimed.

"Harry, we've got to owl Ron and tell him! I'm sure he'll have made one
too!" Hermione said quickly.

Harry gave her a confused look. "Hermione, they only pick two prefects per
year...."




"No they changed it last year, remember? Four prefects? Two boys, two girls per
house..."

"Right."

They walked across the hall into her room. She brought out a piece of parchment and a quill and
Harry quickly wrote,

Dear Ron,

Hermione and I both made prefects. Hope you did too. We are leaving for Diagon Alley
tomorrow and probably won't be back to Hermione's house this summer. Just send your owl to
Hogwarts and we'll see you then.

-Harry and Hermione

After tying it to Hedwig's leg, and sending her off, each of them scrawled a hasty note to
Dumbledore and sent them off with the school's messenger owl.

"So, let's start packing and then we can go celebrate, okay?" Hermione said.

"Alright. I can't wait to dock points from Malfoy!"Harry said.

"Well for one thing, Hary, prefects can't dock points, and for another, Malfoy will
probably be a prefect too. And somehow, the pyjamas and messy hair say to me that you don't
have very much authority!" Hermione taunted laughingly.

"Well...I'll just have to take it out on those ickle firsties.... I've always
thought they needed a good beating!" Harry said, puffing out his chest and drawing himself up
to his full height.

"Oh Harry, that's terrible!"

Harry lunged for her and tickled her until both of them were laughing so hard that their sides
hurt.

"And that's how you deal with 'em!" he said, breathlessly.

"Yeah, just hope they're not from Slytherin!" she replied swatting at him. And
both best friends got up quickly and started to pack for their upcoming schoolyear.




TBC.

A/N: How was that? A little Ooc and fluffy but let me know what you think! See ya next
chapter



8. Tears
--------

A/N: Hi everyone. In your reviews, I haven't gotten very much constructive criticism, and it
would help me if you wrote some. Although I like the good ones a lot :)! Well here we go!

Chapter 8: Tears

The next day, when they were packed and ready to go, the teens waited for the Grangers to finish
getting ready in the sitting room downstairs.Harry walked around the room, apparently pondering
something. Hermione sat on the couch apparently thinking too.

'He's so wonderful for a boy who's had so many hardships in his life. I don't
know if I could ever do that. He just seems to take everything in stride, but I know he must hurt.
I wish I could be a bigger part of his life.I wish that maybe, we could be more than
friends....wait...whoa....'

Meanwhile Harry was wondering some things too.

'She's so smart, and sensitive. And to be friends with two boys has to be hard too. She
is a great friend and she has never once left my side, even last year when my name came out of the
goblet. I never thanked her for that. She seems like such a strong person to be able to deal with
me and Ron... we don't really give her enough credit. I wish that we could be closer, more than
friends...um, wait...what?!?'

"Hermione?" Harry spoke up jerking her out of her reverie.

"Yes?"

"I just wanted to say well... Would you... er- well thanks for sticking by me all last
year, even when Ron didn't. I never thanked you for that." Harry breathed in deeply.

"Oh. You're welcome," she replied. She looked a little disappointed.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked.

"It's just that...never mind," she replied, as her parents walked into the room.
She looked so confused that he decided not to press it.

***

As they loaded their trunks and animal carriers in to the trunk of the car, the two remained
totally silent. When they got in the car, they were silent, unlike they had been for the past few
weeks. Hermione's parents watched them from the front seat as the two teenage friends sat on
the furthest opposite ends of the back seat staring out at the sky. Every once in awhile one of
them would look at the other and open their mouth to say something, then close it and continue
looking out the window. Hermione's mother watched this with great amusement in the rearview,
while Frank observed them with dismay. The uncomfortable silence in the car was broken when Harry
saw Hedwig flying along steadily with the car.

"Hermione! It's Hedwig!" he said eagerly, shaking her shoulder.

"Huh? Oh! Mum, pull over, Mum!" Hermione cried. Shifting the steering wheel over to
the side of the road, Harry and Hermione eagerly eached out and plucked Hedwig from the air. Harry
slammed the door behind them and they continued on their way. Hemione eagerly pulled the letter off
of the snowy owl's leg. The bird hooted and nipped her finger affectionately before tucking her
head under her wing to take a nap. Hermione quickly unfolded the letter and the two leaned in to
read it. One glance at the bottom told them that it was from Ron.

Dear Harry and Hermione,

I hope you two are having fun. I am although I miss you both. Unfortunately, I can't be
there for the two weeks before the start of school. But even if I wasn't in Romania, I
wouldn't come anyway. That's right. I didn't make prefect. Mum and Dad aren't too
happy. Well, I'll see you two at school.

Ron

"Oh no. He must be so disappointed,"Hermione remarked.

"I know," Harry replied. Just then they turned their heads at exactly the same time
towards each other so they were nose to nose. They held each others gaze until...

"We're here, kids," Frank Granger called gruffly. They broke their gaze. Harry
hastily folded the letter and tucked it in his pocket. Both of them retrieved their trunks from the
back. Grangers and Harry in tow, Hermione marched straight to the brick wall and tapped the bricks
with her wand. And Diagon Alley appeared before their eyes.

Making their way towards the quarters at the Leaky Cauldron, Harry grinned at all the
fascinating shops that lined the streets.

'I love his smile...' thought Hermione. She had been thinking of him the whole ride
there. He himself had seemed preoccupied.

"Here's our stop!"said Susan cheerfully. They headed up the stairs and she pulled
out two keys and handed one to each of them.

"We can't stay with you both, so Tom will look after you. Have a good year, and owl us
soon! Bye dear!" she said kissing Hermione affectionately, and turning to Harry and hugging
him.

"You all watch out for each other and be careful," Frank said, kissing Hermione and
shaking Harry's hand, "Goodbye."

After all was said and done, the Grangers gone, and after they had deposited their trunks in
their rooms, Hermione grabbed Harry's hand, and they ran off to shop. After making the quick
stop at Gringott's, they bought all their needed school supplies and replaced some things.
Harry had grown out of his robes again and Hermione was running low on her Potions supplies, so she
bought refills, Harry grinning while Hermione protested that she had been practicing them for the
O.W.L's. After dinner at the Three Broomsticks and ice cream at Florean Fortescue's, both
teenagers, sleepy and full, headed back to their rooms. On the way there they heard someone calling
their names.

"Harry! Hermione!" Both of them turned around. Lavender Brown was scurrying towards
them, waving. She looked different too. The summer had obviously changed her in many ways. Hermione
looked sideways at Harry, who was gaping openly at Lavender. She felt a twinge of jealousy.

"Hi! Guess what? I made prefect!" she squealed.

"Really? We did too! Right Harry?" Hermione replied nudging Harry in the ribs.

"Er- yeah, right! Prefects," he said still goggling Lavender.

"Okay, well- see you on the train tomorrow," said Lavender, "Sleep
tight."

As Harry and Hermione walked away from Lavender, Harry's gaze followed her.

"Well the summer hasn't been bad for Lavender has it?" he said
matter-of-factly.

"No, I- I guess it hasn't," Hermione said, lip trembling.

When they finally go back to the hallway separating their rooms, Harry called goodnight behind
him drifting into his room and shutting the door. Hermione stood there staring at the shut door and
turned dejectedly towards her own room.

***

As soon as Harry changed and got into bed he fell right asleep. He had removed his glasses or he
would have seen his amulet glowing. Had he looked inside, one of the occupants of the pictures
would have a glowing ring encircling a tear streaked face. And it wasn't either of the
boys.

***

So did you like it? Don't worry about what happened, everything will be put right. Please
review! One thing--- I know you guys want the chapters longer....does that mean that you want more
detail or just more of what's happening? Because I didn't feel like there was much detail
in this last one...please tell me in your reviews! I love hearing from you guys! I hope to put up
the next chapter tomorrow...but right now...I wait for 10-15 reviews before I post. I hope in the
future to get more reviews per chapter!



9. Really?
----------

Disclaimer: I do not own HP nor any of Shakespeare's works!

A/N:A whole bunch of you got really mad at Harry! I didn't expect that! Remember, he is just
a guy, and all will be put right! Also, the 10-15 reviews thing was experimental, I wanted to see
if you guys really cared enough...and it looks like you did. Please continue to respond...it's
really the only reason I updated so soon. My show opens tomorrow...wish me luck!

***

Chapter 9: Really?

The next morning, when Harry woke up and put on his glasses, he noticed his amulet glowing.
Quickly he picked it up and flipped it open. The ring around Hermione's photo was gleaming. Not
knowing if she was in trouble, or sad, he swiftly opened his door, crossed the hall and knocked on
Hermione's door. A few seconds later, she flung open the door with a tear-streaked face. Her
eyes got as big as saucers and she quickly slammed the door in Harry's face. He stood there
blinking for a second, before the door opened again and Hermione was quickly wiping at her
eyes.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" he asked worriedly, "The ring around your face in
my amulet was glowing."

"Oh--- I--uh, was--..." she stuttered.

***

"I was reading," she finished lamely. 'Boy, he must think I really am a
dork."

"Oh what?" he asked.

"Uh, "Romeo and Juliet"," she replied, "It's so sad at the end.
They die and I felt so horrible and I just started to cry, thinking about what if it happened to
one of us and..."

"Oh, Hermione, that'll never happen," Harry replied soothingly and he pulled her
into a hug. He rubbed her back and she felt herself fold into his arms. It was as if her troubles
and worries just simply dissolved away, about Harry and Lavender, the O.W.L's and her
relationship with Harry, sitting there with his arms around her. Her tears stopped flowing and she
knew that although everything had not turned out all right for the star- crossed lovers of
Shakespeare's famous play, she would be okay. She gazed back up at him dazed, their eyes
locked. Unfortunately, Lavender Brown chose that moment to come popping into Hermione's room
with a big hi and hello there, stopping in the middle of the sentence seeing Harry in
Hermione's room. She stood gaping from one to the other, and then it dawned on her and a smile
spread across her face.

"Hey you two. It's 9:00. You better get dressed so you can get some breakfast before
you leave."

"Okay, I'll be leaving now," Harry stated, exiting the room.

"Meet you downstairs at ten!" Hermione called after him.

"All right!" he yelled back.

Lavender grinned at Hermione's looking at Harry's retreating back. Hermione noticed this
and gave her a questioning look, before tossing her towel over her shoulder and heading towards the
bathroom. As she showered, and washed up, Lavender sat in the bathroom and the two girls chatted
while Hermione dressed. While she applied makeup, Lavender smiled a wondered why the studious girl
had taken to the habit. When Hermione pulled out a hair straightener, Lavender's convictions
were confirmed.

"Dressing to impress?" Lavender asked.

"Not particularly, why?" Hermione replied.Even under her foundation, Lavender could
see the traces of a blush.

"Not even Harry?"

"Why would I try to impress Harry? He's my friend. He's seen me in worse conditions
than this."

"Oh, come off it, Hermione. I've seen you two look at each other and you like him. And
he likes you too! I can tell!"

A glimmer of hope flashed in Hermione's eyes. "Really?" she asked, but quickly
shook the notion saying, "But we're just friends!"

"Uh-huh. Sure. But if both of them like you, you'll have trouble!"

"Both of who?"

"Oh my gosh, can you really be this clueless? Ron likes you too! Ever since last year,
everyone could tell! You are going to to have one heck of a time getting yourself out of this
one."

Hermione frowned and shook her head. "I think you are imagining things
Lavender..."

"Why? Isn't it possible for you to be attractive?"

"Well....no. No one ever has before,"Hermione said, tucking the straightener back in
the drawer, abandoning any hope of actually straightening her hair successfully. "Let's
head downstairs," she said, wanting to end the conversation as soon as possible, as she pushed
a headband into her hair and the two girls headed off.

***

After meeting Harry downstairs, the three teens had a leisurely breakfast, before getting their
trunks and hailing a taxi to King's Cross. As all three got on the platform, Lavender saw a
girl from another House, called a hasty goodbye and ran to join her friend. Harry and Hermione
boarded the train and took their trunks to an empty compartment.

"I'm gonna go look to see who the other prefect is for Gryffindor," Harry said.
Hermione nodded and pulled out a book. Sgrinning and shaking his head, Harry headed out and soon
found Dean Thomas.

"Hey Harry, where's Ron?" Dean asked.

"Romania. But he didn't make prefect anyway. He was disappointed," Harry
replied.

"That stinks. I bet Hermione made it though, d'you know?"

"Yeah, she did, I've been at her house for the past few weeks."

"Oh, really now?"

"Yeah," Harry replied, puzzled, "Why?"

"Well, then Lavender was telling the truth. So do you like her?"

"Who, Lavender?" Dean shook their heads. "Hermione?" They nodded.
"Er--" Harry could feel a flush rising in his cheeks. In truth he didn't really
know.

"You do, don't you? Hey everyone, Harry li--" Harry clapped his hand over
Dean's mouth.

"Look I don't know if I do or not. She's my best friend. Maybe it's just a new
stage in out relationship..." Harry told him quietly.

"But, why? You all like each other!"

"I never said that and how would you know if she liked me or not?" Harry whispered.
Dean burst out laughing.

"Are you serious? Of course she does! Everyone knows that!" Dean said.

"Really?" Harry replied.

"Of course," Dean said, "You should tell her."

"Maybe I will, but I'll have to see for myself. In the meantime, not a word to anyone,
not even Ron because he likes her too. I'm going back to my compartment, we're about to
leave."

"Okay," the other boys replied in unison.

"Have fun in there! No monkey business!" Dean called and his laughs followed Harry
down the hall, while Harry shook his head and grinned.

***

When he opened the door to the compartment, he saw Hermione lying, fast asleep on a cushioned
seat, her copy of "Romeo and Juliet" dangling out of her hand. Her long hair was fanned
across the seat behind her and a look of great contentment, had spread across her face. Harry
smiled. Pulling out his wand, he conjured a fluffy blanket and tucked it around her. Picking up her
book, he sat down next to her. For the next few hours, he sat there, peacefully stroking
Hermione's ever-bushy hair and reading the tragic (and slightly boring) story of Juliet and her
Romeo. He felt as though he had never been more content.

***

A/N: Well I hope that was longer for you. We should be moving on to more meaty storylines in the
next few chapters, although I do enjoy this love thing going on. It will continue to flow
throughout the story. :) And I know that Romeo and Juliet is really cliche and I hate it, but it
doesn't matter really in the long run, so deal with it, because I didn't have time to
change it!



10. The Heirs
-------------

A/N: Hope you like it although it is a bit short although longer than the original one...tell me
what you think! Enjoy!

Chapter 10: The Heirs

Almost as soon as Harry finished the 3rd Act, the train stopped with a jolt. The book
went flying and Hermione woke up. Harry looked down and said, "We're here."

"I figured that," she replied, straightening up and self- conciously smoothing her
hair. Harry stood and grabbed her hand, to lead her out of the compartment. They picked up their
belongings on their way. As they were leaving, he snatched up the play book and handed it to
her.

"I was reading it," he said sheepishly.

"Really? What'd you think?" Hermione asked.

"It really--" he started, but then he was cut off by Dean running up to them.

"Harry, Hermione, Dumbledore wants to see you in his office-- right away!" Deansaid
breathlessly.

"Now? What'd we do, we just got here!" Hermione replied anxiously.

"I dunno, he just said it was urgent."

Harry and Hermione looked at each other questioningly, then headed off to Dumbledore's
office. When they reached the entrance, they began guessing at passwords, knowing that they were
usually sweets, and finally hit upon the right one (Fizzing Whizbees) and they stepped onto the
stairs. Dumbledore was waiting for them when they finally reached the doorway.

"Please have a seat," he said, cordially. When both of the friends were seated,
Dumbledore himself sat down behind his desk and folded his hands. "How has your summer been? I
trust that Ms. Granger took good care of you, Mr. Potter, since you are here in one
piece."

"Yes Professor. She did," Harry replied, grinning at Hermione. She She returned it
with a faint half-smile, then looked anxiously back to Dumbledore. He, however, took no notice and
was apparently trying to get a rather large Chocolate frog out of it's box.

"Would either of you care for one?" Harry stretched out his hand to take one, and
thanked him. However, Hermione shook her head and continued to stare at Dumbledore apparently
anxious as to the reason that they were called there. When he made no move to explain, she spoke
up.

"Please, Professor, why are Harry and I here? Have we done something wrong?" He
finished off the candy , and as he savored the last few bits, he pressed the tips of his long
fingers together and regarded the two teenagers over them.

"I have something of importance to discuss with you both, for each piece of news has to do
with you both," he began.

"Wait, Professor, before you begin, may I ask you something?" Hermione asked. When he
nodded, "Forgive me if this question is inappropriate, but has this anything to do with why
Ron didn't make prefect?"

"I take no offense Miss Granger, and no it doesn't, but since you ask, it might be a
good way to begin what I am to tell you. Mr. Weasley was not chosen because, one, he has an
infamous short temper and we feared he might resort to drastic measures on some of the students
such as what he did in his second year with the slug incident. Second is, he had a more important
job this year... He has quite a bit to be getting on with. As do you two,"

"But Professor, why would we be in danger?" Hermione asked.

"Let me begin with the end of last school year. As we feared, Voldemort has indeed returned
although none of his usual crimes have been committed over the summer...we fear he is planning
something big. But each of you has something that he needs. Both of you have powers that some can
only dream of and go back to ancient magical times. But these powers go hand in hand and one
without the other, all is lost." Harry and Hermione looked at each other confused, but
continued to listen.

"When this school first began 1,000 years ago there were four founders, as you both know.
Although many know of Salazar Slytherin's heir, Tom Riddle, few know of a more powerful heir.
Godric Gryffindor's. His blood can be traced through generations, though some of his relatives
have been Squibs and Muggleborns. Even with the witches and wizards linked to Gryffindor, not one
has been as powerful until now, due to another prophecy made about the wizard living now.
Gryffindor took pride in many things, qualities he himself had. Courage, strength, will, comradery
and the ability to see through to a person's soul, to the kind of person they were. The skills
that flowed through his veins, though natural, had to be trained. Just as his heir must be trained
now, in the wizarding world's hour of need. Harry, this person is you. Your ability to defeat
the almost undefeatable began to show at a very young age. Now after five years of watching you
grow, it is time you learned to hone your skills, for full grown wizards' powers can only go so
far to defeat Voldemort and his followers."

All through this speech, Harry's knuckles were white from clinging to the chair, and
Hermione had become rigid in her seat.

"But, Harry, this power can only go so far to help us. Around the same time as Gryffindor
was alive so was another great wizard, known in the Muggle world and our world... Merlin. These two
met while slaying a troublesome Chinese Fireball, that not even the most expert dragon tamers could
make safe. Afterwards, they became close friends. No one dared to cross their paths when they were
together because of the incredible powers that could be unleashed at any moment. In fact by many
accounts, they said that one could almost feel an energy emitted from them in a room. Merlin prided
himself on keeping a cool head in a pressured situation. He had a mind like a steel trap. His
knowledge helped him out of many situations. Those two were his main traits, although his ability
in any branch of magic was unrivaled. He and Godric shared many good qualities, such as those, so
when they were together these perfect balances of intelligence and courage defeated many a Dark
wizard. Such a blend of virtues has not been seen again, at the same time, before now. And as
Gryffindor did, Merlin has an heir as well."

"Who, Professor?" Harry asked, with a sinking feeling in his stomach, although he
thought he already knew the answer. He looked over at Hermione, pale and trembling with fright,
tears streaming down her face.

"Me," she whispered, and Dumbledore nodded gravely.



11. The Order of the Phoenix
----------------------------

A/N: I am so sorry that I haven't updated in so long! I have all the way to chapter 26
written and I haven't posted since June....I enjoy this so much that it's idiotic not to
write for so long. If I don't appear for awhile just send a review to give me a kick i the butt
to get going again! Please enjoy....hope you had a happy Christmas or whatever you celebrate. I got
the third HP DVD! And lots of other stuff, but since you all are obviously interested in HP I
thought, well....I'll just stop now and let you get on with the story.

Chapter 11- The Order of the Phoenix

"Hermione is Merlin's heir?" Harry asked disbelievingly. Dumbledore nodded.
"And I'm Gryffindor's?" Again he nodded and Harry sank back in his chair, head in
his hands. He felt Hermione's hand touch his arm. He looked up and took a hold of it. Her
fingers were like ice, laced tightly with his. He looked up at her and saw that her eyes were full
of fear. 'Hermione's never had to deal with this kind of pressure. Now we're in the
same boat, with Voldemort after us..." he thought and squeezed back. Both of them looked back
at Dumbledore, though their fingers remained interlocked.

"This knowledge of both of your abilities to fight the Dark Arts and keep a cool head, and
of your ancestry, has persuaded the Council to ask you to join the most prestigious order against
the Dark Arts... the Order of the Phoenix. These people need your skills to help in this beginning
war against Voldemort. I understand that this is a most difficult decision, and I urge you to sleep
on it, for we need your decision soon, and I would request that you refrain from speaking of it to
anyone else, including Mr. Weasley. We must use caution now that the war has begun... we can't
trust anyone. So I suggest that you both go down to the feast and then to bed to get a good
night's sleep. I will owl for you in the morning."

Harry slowly rose out of his chair and reached down to pull Hermione up.

"If it's okay Professor, I think we both would rather go to the dormitory. I can make
us something to eat up there," Harry said.

"Very well. Here is a list of the things I am announcing tonight. You may read over them
this evening and report to the Great Hall by 9:00 tomorrow morning," Dumbledore replied
kindly.

"Thank you, Professor," Harry replied. He took the sheet and led Hermione out. She
seemed to be in a total state of shock.

***

When they reached the dormitory, they collapsed side-by-side on the couch. Hermione stared
straight ahead, white as a sheet. Harry touched her arm and it was a block of ice.

"Hermione? Are you okay?" he asked.

"Oh, Harry! Nothing like this is supposed to happen to me! It only happens to you! I'm
so scared," she whispered. She leaned her head onto his shoulder as slow tears trickled down
her cheek. In a daring moment for Harry, he slid his arm around her waist andpulled her into his
space to comfort her. His head leaned down onto hers and before they knew it, they were asleep,
Hermione's head on his shoulder, curled up close and Harry with his arm protectively around
her.

***

A few hours later, laughing and talking, the four other Gryffindor prefects returned to the
tower. Dean entered first, then turned around to shush Lavender, Parvati and Seamus. Quietly each
of them giggled, murmured goodnights and drifted upstairs to their warm comforting beds. About
thirty minutes later, Harry woke with a start and looked down at Hermione. Her cheeks had returned
to their normal rosy color and she was even smiling a bit. Her tears had long since dried up and
evaporated away, forgotten in the safety of their closeness and friendship. He sat there stroking
her hair and thinking about her, when she suddenly stirred and her eyes flew open.

***

'Where am I?' Hermione thought. She blinked and looked up. Harry's bright, emerald
eyes held her chocolate brown ones. She hated to seem weak in front of him, but memories of the
past day flooded her mind and in spite of herself, a tear began a fresh course down her cheek.
Gently, Harry brushed it away and she pulled out of his arms. She kept her arm linked with his and
stared straight ahead as she spoke.

"Harry, I'm scared," she confided.

"I know," he said. "I'm a little surprised myself...and frightened. But we
need to do this, because without us, the effort will fail and our world will be lost to Voldemort.
It can't be just one of us...it has to be both, like Dumbledore said."

They were quiet for a long time, both thinking to fill the silence that threatened to envelope
their heads. Finally Hermione spoke.

"I hate this, Harry. I know you're right and I can't be selfish like this.
But..." she sighed, "I'm used to helping you with your brushes with the Dark side,
not having them myself." They were quiet for a little longer, and Harry, having already made
his decision, watched Hermione for hers. When she finally spoke again, having watched the
resolution take over her face, he knew what the outcome would be.

"I'll do it. You're going to have to help me, but I'll do it."

"No problem. We'll get each other through it,"he said. "So we're joining
the Order?"

"Yes," Hermione replied firmly...a little shakily, but with conviction nonetheless.
She leaned into him again and hugged him tight, as if to seal their deal. And the discussion was
over.

"Well, I guess we should go to bed now... oh wait, Dumbledore said to read this."

"I'm so tired. Can't it wait til tomorrow?" she implored.

"No. We should read it now, like Dumbledore said... wait, aren't you the one who's
usually saying this to me?" Harry replied playfully. He ducked her swat.

"Well, I don't feel like reading... will you read it to me?" she asked. He smiled
and they settled back down to read it. She curled up close to him, as if the closer she got would
remove the weight of fear sitting on her chest. As he read, she leaned her head on his shoulder,
and watched his mouth move, listening to his voice. She loved the sound of it and she felt some of
the fear she had melt away.

***

"Bloody hell, she's so close. Wow, she smells good. Is my breath okay?' Harry
thought as Hermione leaned in close. As he continued to read, he became aware of how her breathing
became even. As soon as he finished reading and looked over at her, she was deep asleep. He put the
parchment down, placed her arms around his neck and scooped her up into his strong arms. Her face
set in a peaceful state, he walked slowly and evenly.

He liked how she folded right into his arms so perfectly. She settled there as one would in a
hammock, and Harry looked down at her. An urge to be even closer to her overpowered him as he
entered her room and placed her in an empty bed. He drew the sheets and comforter around her, and
then bent down and kissed the spot where her single tear had fallen. He drew the four poster's
hangings shut around her and quietly exited the room trying not to waken the other girls.

Little did he know, when the hangings were shut and a quiet click of the door could be heard, a
girl with once bushy brown hair, opened her chocolate eyes and smiled happily.

***

Please review. Thank you.... I hope to update atmost twice a week, but maybe more, if I get back
into the rhythym of this story again. Happy New Year's! Please review!



12. Chapter 12
--------------

A/N: Hello all. I'm trying to revise as quickly as possible. Have a comment and a
question..... About the mix up on my part about the number of prefects, I'm sorry. I just cam
back to this story and forgot to re-check the changes I made from the original story. If I get a
chance I'll go back and fix it...

And my question is, what is this Portkey Awards thing? How can I be nominated or nominate others
myself?

Well, please answer review and have a happy new year!

P.S. Sorry, no title for this chapter, couldn't think of a good one!

Chapter 12

The next morning, when Harry awoke he knew who he had dreamed about, but he wasn't ready to
admit it to himself yet. Instead, he dressed quickly and headed down to breakfast. When he entered
the Great Hall, he saw Hermione at the other end of the table, a book propped up in front of her,
reading intently. He grinned and headed over. On his way there, he noticed that two empty chairs
had been placed at the Head Table. He wondered who would be taking Moody's place, remembering
that he had said he'd only be there for a year. As he sat down, he realized that the other
empty chair had been added there, and wondered who would be added to the staff.

"Morning," he replied, reaching for the orange juice. No reply. "Hello? Earth to
Hermione?" Harry called, waving his hand in front of her face.

"Oh!" Hermione cried, jumping away, "Oh, hello Harry! I've just been reading
this fascinating--"

"--- Book, yeah I can see that. What's it about?" he asked, taking a bite of
cereal.

She looked to make sure no one was around. "Merlin. I'm going to trace my roots, to see
if I really am related to him,"she whispered furtively. "I got you one about
Gryffindor."

"Hermione, if Dumbledore says you're related then you most likely a--" Harry was
cut off by Dumbledore standing from his chair and clapping his hands.

"Prefects, attention please. Two notices before we begin the day. Our Defense Against the
Dark Arts Teacher position will be filled by Arabella Figg. "Harry's mouth dropped as he
recognized his next door neighbor walking up to her chair and waving, amidst applause.
"Hermione, she's the Dursley's next door neighbor!" Hermione looked puzzled, for
she had seen the same lady at the restaurant where she and Harry had gone for breakfast the morning
of their food fight. Dumbledore continued.

"And, with much regret," he said with a twinkle in his eye, "our Divination
teacher, Sybill Trelawney has left us for a position at an American school. So." He paused
amidst the yelling, cheering and applause that this statement brought. "We have hired Samuel
Blackwell, who has a background in those arts to fill her shoes." And in walked Professor
Blackwell. Harry and Hermione both looked at each other, not wanting to tell each other that this
man had been at some of the places where they had gone that summer. And now that Harry had gotten a
bit of a closer look, there was an oddly familiar air to the new professor, but he couldn't
quite put his finger on it. "Now please finish your breakfast and head off in your pairs to
you're House Heads, who will give you further instructions on your tasks today. That is
all." As Dumbledore swept down the aisle of the Hall, he murmured to Harry and Hermione to
meet him outside the room in 5 minutes. They looked again at each other, confused, but Hermione
closed her book, and they both gobbled down breakfast. Tucking her book under her arm, Hermione
walked around to the other side of the table. Harry took her hand, and led her out into the
corridor.

***

"Good, you're here," Dumbledore said, "May I introduce you to Samuel
Blackwell and Arabella Figg? You may have seen them when you were out and about this summer. With
Harry at your house, Hermione, I figured they could come look out for you both. Arabella usually
watches over Harry when he's at the Dursley's. So I figured this way, they could keep watch
for the Order and take notes on your behavior. They've been observing you both this whole time.
And they're not just here to teach. The Order must have you both protected, and I thought there
couldn't be any better solution than have them here."

"Mrs. Figg? You're a witch?"Harry asked incredulously.

"Yes, I am. Don't tell the Dursley's that I'm actually a witch. They might move
and then where would we be?" Professor Figg replied. Harry nodded unbelievingly.

"Harry, Hermione, I don't want to be pushy, but have you made your decision?"
Dumbledore asked gently but firmly.

Harry peeked at Hermione, and a look of resolution was on her face.

"Yes, Professor, we accept,"Hermione said, answering for both of them. The three
professors looked relieved.

"Very well then,"Dumbledore said, "You may go to Professor McGonagall now to get
your instructions for the day."

Hermione turned on her heel and began to walk away, grabbing Harry's hand behind her, and
dragging him away. As Harry turned to look behind him, he saw Professor Blackwell look back as well
and give him a familiar grin...slightly wolfish...

"Hermione!" he cried when they were out of earshot, "Why didn't you give me a
chance to speak for myself?"

"Because if I didn't answer right then, I would've backed out!" she
replied.

"Well, I guess it would've been the same to come from my mouth. So you're
forgiven." He smiled a lop-sided grin, and Hermione felt her knees go weak. She smiled
back.

"Let's go find McGonagall. I wonder what we have to do."

***

When they finally found her, she had already started giving instructions.

"Potter, Granger, I'm glad you have decided to join us,"she said and then
continued. "As you all know, prefects are not usually called this early, but we felt that in
light of the Dark events at the end of last year, it would be prudent to call you here two weeks
prior to the start of the term. We need to protect the grounds against -- well, the Dark
Forces."

"You mean, Voldemort?" Harry asked and everyone but Hermione flinched, " Fear of
the name only increases fear of the thing itself."

"Harry's right," Hermione added, "It's not that hard to say the name...
Voldemort!" They all flinched. Harry and Hermione both shook their heads. McGonagall
continued.

"Well, anyways, I want you, Thomas to go to all the entrances in the school and put Dark
wizard penetrators on them. Only students, teachers and authorized people can get in." She
explained how to perform the charm and sent him on his way. "Brown, kindly go to the
boundaries of the grounds and perform the same charm. Go!" Lavender scurried off. Hermione
noticed that Harry's gaze lingered on Lavender's retreating back. She felt like the bottom
of her stomach had given out. "Potter, Granger, seeing as you two probably know where all the
secret passageways are, please go seal them off. Use the Purseelius Charm... only those with good
intentions may enter." After explaining the charm, she added, "I am pleased to hear that
you both will be joining the Order with us." And with that she turned on her heel and headed
off.

"How do you think she--"

"No clue."

***

As they made their rounds to the various passageways they knew about, Harry noticed
Hermione's forlorn face. When he asked her about it, she denied any problem. He wondered what
was wrong, and he was so caught up in thinking about it, that he tripped over a folded over edge of
a rug. As he went down, his ankle twisted with a hideous wrench. Howling with pain, he fell to the
ground and Hermione's face instantly became the epitome of worry.

"Harry! Are you alright?"she asked anxiously.

"Um, I don't think so. I can't move it."

"We need to get you to Madam Pomfrey. Here let me help you," she said. The she added,
"I would carry you, but I think I would drop you." Helping him to his feet, she put her
arm around his shoulder and they began a slow trek down the hall to the hospital wing. After about
twenty minutes of struggling, they had only managed to get to the other end of the hall. They
stopped, each trying to catch their breath from laughing so hard.

"How are we ever going to make it to the hospital wing?" Harry gasped, trying to catch
his breath.

"I have no idea-- wait, actually I do. Give me your hand," Hermione replied. When he
did so, she grasped it firmly and bent over pulling him onto her back. Giggling at the startled
noise Harry made, she took off down the hall and in no time at all, they were in the hospital wing,
and Hermione was dropping him onto a bed and calling for Madam Pomfrey.

"Where'd you learn that?" he asked admiringly.

"Red Cross training," she replied.

When Madam Pomfrey told him he'd have to stay the night there, Hermione said that she'd
go finish performing the charms and them she'd be back.

"Thanks Hermione," Harry said, squeezing her hand. Then he pulled her down and hugged
her. She smiled and went off.

***

A few hours later, Hermione returned with a tray of Harry's favorite foods only to find that
he was asleep. She smiled and set the tray down next to the bed, and performed an Ever-Warm Charm.
Telling Madam Pomfrey that it was there for him to eat when he woke up, she returned to his side
and squeezed his hand. For a few minutes, she admired how handsome he was when he slept...how his
eyelashes stood out against his skin and his mouth was slightly open. Then she bent down, removed
his glasses and planted a kiss on his forehead.

"I wish you didn't have a crush on Lavender," she muttered and walked out of the
room.

Just then a very happy (until just a minute ago) boy with messy black hair sat up in his bed.
"Lavender?" he said to himself, and then fell back against the scratchy white pillows of
the hospital bed, and stroked the spot she had kissed.

***

TBC....Kind of fluffy and yes I know Figg is a Squib but I wrote this before OoTP so you have to
forget about it! Please review!



13. The School Arrives
----------------------

Chapter 13: The School Arrives

The next day, when Harry reappeared in the Great Hall, after finally persuading Madam Pomfrey
that he was fine, he saw Hermione absentmindedly eating her breakfast at one end of the table all
alone. He stood there, looking at her, not really knowing why but doing it anyways. And he wondered
why oin the world she said that crazy thing last night about Lavender Brown. All of a sudden she
caught his eye and waved. He waved back and began walking towards her.

At that moment, Dean stepped into stride with him, muttering, "Harry, just tell her that
you like her and be done with it!"

Embarrassed, Harry said, " Who?"

"Hermione, you prat! I saw you gawking at her!" Dean replied.

"I don't. Hermione and I have been friends since first year." Harry said.

"I'm sure it would make her happy that you said it first! Everyone knows you like each
other! Anyone who has eyes anyways!"

At that moment, Hermione ran up to them.

"Harry, I need to talk to you," she said, grabbing his hand and pulling him away.

"Have fun, lover-boy!" Dean whispered. Harry glared at him, but that didn't stop
Hermione from turning around and asking Harry what Dean said. Harry flushed and waved it off as
something crazy.

"Now what is so important, Hermione?" Harry inquired.

"While I was tracing my family, I found out that I was related to Circe and the Lady of the
Lake! Isn't that awesome?"

"Is that it? That's cool and all, but it sounded so important I thought you might have
invented a self-spelling wand!"

"Yeah that's it. But I did one for you too and you're related to Hengist of
Woodcroft and even a Muggle, Queen Elizabeth the First! I bet that's where you mum got her red
hair! Oh and yes we are related to Merlin and Gryffindor," she replied.

"Were you in doubt? Why would Dumbledore tell us we were if we weren't?. I wonder what
we're supposed to do now for the Order.

"Just sit and wait I guess," Hermione said.

The next week or so carried on much the same... putting barriers on the grounds... Dean and
Seamus trying to convince Harry to tell Hermione, and Lavender (who had filled Parvati in) and
Parvati trying to get Hermione to tell Harry, although both adamantly insisted that nothing was
going on. Although Lavender and Parvati protested at the very thought when Hermione expressed her
impression that Harry liked Lavender, Hermione still had thoughts that he might. Dumbledore
didn't mention the Order again, so the two friends were still left in the dark. And then, they
were all caught up in a rush when the rest of the school arrived. The Head Boy and Girl were in a
frenzy, trying to organize passwords to all the House dormitories, Prefect rooms and offices. Then
came the day when they all arrived.

***

This was the third Sorting that Harry had been to in his five years. He and Hermione anxiously
awaited Ron's arrival, and then along with the other stream of fifth years they saw his red
head, bobbing above everyone else's.

"Ron!" they both cried. They waved furiously and finally his long arm reached up and
waved back. If possible, it seemed as though he had grown even taller, if possible over the summer.
Although a flicker of a frown passed across his face when he saw them sitting so close together, it
melted away when Hermione and Harry jumped up to greet him. Hermione hugged him and he grinned
happily. They pulled apart and Harry shook hands with him. Harry and Hermione took their seats
again, and looking disappointed that he wasn't sitting next to Hermione he crossed to the other
side and plunked down in the seat there.

"Did you have fun in Romania, Ron?" Harry asked.

"Yeah! Did you learn a lot?" Hermione asked.

"Well, actually I did about that Chinese Fireball drag--" Ron started, but he was cut
off by the line of first years filing in to be Sorted.

***

After the Sorting was complete, Ron and Harry became too engrossed in the food on their plates
than discussing educational things. When the plates were cleared and the new teachers announced to
the rest of the school, they began filing off to their respective dorms. Waving to Ron, Harry and
Hermione headed to the front of the crowd to lead the first years to the common room. After most of
the Gryffindors were settled, the other two prefects besides Harry and Hermione looked very tired,
so the two friends offered to stay up to direct any stragglers to the correct dorm rooms. When they
finally agreed, Harry and Hermione settled on the couch. Hermione looked tired as well, but she
wouldn't leave Harry there by himself. They sat on the couch side by side as Harry listened to
Hermione chatter on and on about her study schedule for O.W.L.s and the ones she had drawn up for
them. She waved her wand to illustrate them into the air for him. He felt a little nauseous just
looking at it. After a while, when the lecture came to an end, Hermione settled back on the couch
with a pleased look on her face.They sat in a comfortable silence and after about thirty minutes of
no one coming in (Hermione had fallen asleep about ten minutes before that), Harry decided to wake
her and the could go to bed.

"Hermione?" he whispered. He touched her shoulder and immediately he saw her chocolate
brown orbs open and glow spectacularly.

"Yes?" she said.

"It's time to go to bed."

"Okay, thanks." As he pulled her to her feet, and they stood there for a moment.

"Good night," he said, breaking the awkward gaze, and slowly walked up the stairs.

Hermione looked up after him and slowly walked to her own dormitory.

A/N: This definitely isn't my favorite chapter, but please bear with me, I'm revising my
old one as I go.



14. The Fight
-------------

A/N: Again, a really short chapter....I may update again tonight. Please enjoy. I hope none of
you ever have fights with your good friends. I just did and I know exactly how Ron feels.... except
I feel worse.

Chapter 14: The Fight

The next morning, Harry and Ron woke up, dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. On the way
to their regular seats, they picked up their schedules off the end of the table and headed towards
the other end.

"Herbology with the Ravenclaws first thing today," Harry said, sitting down and
pouring himself some cereal. As Harry began to eat, he noticed Ron hadn't touched his food.

"Ron, what's wrong?" he asked. Ron was always eating!

"Nothing... well, actually something. Do you like--" He was interrupted by Hermione
who was five feet away.

"Good morning!" Hermione said cheerfully as she slid into the seat next to Harry and
reached for a biscuit.

"Hey," they both said in unison. Harry smiled at her and she smiled back as she
slathered butter and jam over the biscuit. She looked up at Ron and grinned. His smile seemed
forced a bit. When he took a sip of his orange juice, Harry noticed that his knuckles were white.
Hermione obviously noticed too and gave him a strange look. The three of them finished their
breakfasts in silence, until the post came. Hermione received her Daily Prophet subscription and
Hedwig also delivered a letter to Harry as well. Hermione skimmed the headlines, decided to read it
later and tucked it into her bag. Harry however had begun to read his letter with increasing
interest.

"Who's it from?" Ron asked.

"Snuffles," Harry replied in a low tone. Hermione and Ron waited impatiently while
Harry read it. When he was done, he looked up nonchalantly and motioned for Hermione to read it as
well. It said:

Harry,

Burn this as soon as you and Hermione read this. This is for your eyes only. I haven't been
too detailed in everything. You will understand soon. Please meet me in front of the fire in the
room behind the portrait of Dreg the Dragon Driver on September 7. It's right next to your
common room entrance. Password is 'walloping whip'. You will receive your introduction into
the Order then. Until that time, please don't do anything stupid and protect each other.
Buckbeak and I are living outside of London. Don't worry though, I got a Secret Keeper. He can
be trusted; of this I am sure. It would be wise not to let Ron read this. Burn this now!

Snuffles

"Incendio!" Hermione muttered and flames shot out of her wand immediately, and headed
towards the paper. For fear of being burned, Harry dropped the paper, but the flames caught it
midair and by the time it hit the table, it was ashes.

"What'd you do that for?" Ron said indignantly.

"Er... it was private,"Harry stammered.

"Well then why did SHE read it?"he asked.

"Er..."

"Fine! Never mind! I don't care!" Ron stormed out of the Great Hall, heads turning
as he stalked down the aisles. His two best friends gaped at his retreating back.

"What was that all about?" Hermione asked.

"I have no-- wait. I think I might actually know. See you in Herbology," he called as
he ran after Ron.

***

A few minutes later when he reached Ron, he staggered along beside him, clutching his chest. Ron
kept walking briskly.

"Ron-- stop-- I can't-- breathe," he gasped.

"What?" Ron stopped so abruptly, Harry was a few steps ahead of Ron before he realized
Ron had stopped. He went back.

"Ron, what's wrong?" Harry asked after he had caught his breath.

"What do you think is wrong?" Ron yelled, and then he brought his voice down to a
whisper, "You know I like Hermione! First, you spend practically the whole summer with her and
when I come back, you're all buddy-buddy with her. You all completely left me out. Then today I
get down there to eat my breakfast and I thought that since you guys hadn't seen me in awhile,
you might try talking to me. And then, you two sit there exchanging little knowing glances, with me
left in the dark! Then when you get a letter from SIRIUS which you don't let me read, but let
her! And then when she does read it, you all are so close together that she's almost sitting on
your lap!"

"Ron, you don't understand, it's just--"

"I think I understand fine, Harry.You've always gotten everything, so you expect
everything." With that he turned on his heel, and stormed away just as the rest of the school
flooded out of the doors and headed to class. Hermione hurried up to Harry and gave him a worried
look. She opened her mouth to speak, but he cut her off.

"Don't ask," he said flatly. And then they walked out to the greenhouses.

***



15. Meeting Sirius
------------------

A/N: Here's more...enjoy and review!

Chapter 15: Meeting Sirius

For the next week, Harry and Hermione stuck together. Ron ignored them for the most part, but
he'd throw a nasty look in Harry's direction every once in a while. He noticed during
Herbology the day of his falling out with Ron that his amulet was glowing. It hadn't stopped
since. Harry told Hermione that Ron was angry because of the letter, which made her angry because
Ron was angry over something so trivial. Harry figured that Ron would get over Hermione soon enough
and would start talking to them again. Then he would tell Hermione the real reason why Ron was
acting like such a prat.

Both teenagers anxiously awaited their meeting with Sirius on the seventh. Until then, they
struggled along with their subjects. Arabella Figg was a good Defense Against the Dark Arts
teacher, but they wished for Remus Lupin, the teacher from their third year, to return. And
although Harry had thought that he didn't like Divination because of Professor Trelawney, he
was much mistaken when he didn't even like the lessons that Samuel Blackwell gave-- even though
he didn't mind not being told every 10 minutes that he would die a horrible death. He wished
miserably that he had followed his gut instinct earlier that summer to drop the couse and take
something else like Arithmancy.....with Hermione.

Hermione. That was another thing that had been on Harry's mind for the past few days. He
sometimes would let his mind wander off onto the most random thoughts and they would come around to
her. He didn't know what to do. Harry definitely hadn't felt like this before-- not even
with Cho. Could they just be becoming better friends? He also knew that if anyone said anything,
Ron would never speak to him again and he would be short a best friend and on bumpy ground with the
one that was left. He was torn.

As the weekend approached, they looked forward to a break to do homework and to seeing
Sirius.

***

Saturday, September 7th dawned cold and gray. Harry met Hermione down in the common
room and they went to breakfast together. They quietly discussed whether or not they thought
McGonagall would let Harry switch courses so late. When Ron entered the Great Hall, both averted
their eyes quickly so as not to cause any trouble. To their complete and utter surprise, the first
thing that made them look up was Ron.

"Harry, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked quietly.

"Sure," Harry said warily. Ron eyed Hermione.

"In private, please?"

Harry looked at Hermione and shrugged. With a last look at Ron and a great 'huff', she
stood up and walked over to Lavender and Parvati and sat down.

"What?" Harry asked curiously.

"Okay, look. Last year I realized that I really liked Hermione. But now I realized what I
was feeling. It was a confusion of my emotions. I'm going to say it. I love Hermione. Yes,
love. But not love like you think I mean it. Love like I love Ginny. Siblings, friends, best pals.
I would never want anything to happen to her or anyone to hurt her. So now that I have my feelings
sorted out, can we be friends again? Am I forgiven?"

Harry stared gape faced at Ron. He had no idea that he was this sensitive.

"Yes, I forgive you. I don't know if Hermione will. She thinks you're upset about
us burning that letter from Snuffles and a real prat at that."

"Yeah I did overreact about that. What was in that letter anyhow?" Ron asked. At
Harry's look, he finished, "Wait-- never mind. I don't wanna know."

"I do have one question-- how did you figure out all those feelings things?" Harry
queried.

"Lavender. Besides, I didn't want to interfere with fate..." he said dramatically,
" I think you and Hermione would be perfect for each other." Harry shook his head.

"Please don't start up. I already get enough from Dean and Seamus." The two boys
laughed and stood up. After they shook hands, they motioned for Hermione to come over.

"So, have you finally decided to speak to us again?" she sniffed.

"Yes, I have," he replied nervously.

"Good, I'm glad." She threw her arms around him and gave him a hug. He patted her
back and released her. They sat down and ate breakfast together. Just as they were about to leave,
Dumbledore clapped his hands to make an announcement.

"Next weekend, on Saturday, third years and above will be permitted to go to Hogsmeade
village."

Cheers went up from each table. Hogsmeade was one of the only all-wizarding villages in England.
It had all these great shops such as Zonko's Joke Shop and Honeydukes, which sold hundreds of
different kinds of candy. And the Shrieking Shack was thought to be one of the most severely
haunted buildings-- Harry, Hermione and Ron knew better than that. So everyone was excited about
it.

When the three friends exited the Hall, they wandered about the school for about thirty minutes
and then at Hermione's insistance, they headed back to the common room to finish their
homework.

"Can we stop by the kitchen first? I'm starving!" Ron complained.

"Ron, we just ate breakfast half an hour ago!" Hermione exclaimed, astonished.

"That's a long time! Come on, let's go!" Ron headed down towards the kitchen.
They reached the hallway with the paintings of food.

"Hurry! I'm famished!" Ron said eagerly, as he reached up to tickle the pear.

***

A few minutes later, they entered the common room, Ron eating his way through creams and tarts
and pies that he had convinced them to help him carry. They began to work on their homework. After
they were done, Hermione began to study for O.W.L.'s, ("But they're months away!"
Ron protested) and Harry and Ron played about five rounds of chess, all of which Ron beat
Harry's pieces to a pulp. Then lunch came.

"Great, I'm ravenous!" Ron said. Harry and Hermione were a few steps behind him
and they both looked at each other and cracked up.

***

Later that evening, when everyone had gone to bed, Harry and Hermione slipped out under the
Invisibility Cloak.

"Who's there?" the Fat Lady called.

Harry stifled a laugh and the two forged ahead.

When they reached the portrait of Dreg the Dragon Driver, Hermione whispered the password and it
swung open. They stepped in quickly and shut the door. Tossing the cloak on a nearby chair, they
collapsed side by side to wait for Sirius to appear.

The room was beautifully furnished. The upholstery on all the furniture was a brilliant emerald
green and it beautifully complemented the woodworkings, which were as silky and smooth looking as
chocolate. So absorbed were they in looking around the room that neither of them noticed him until
he spoke.

"Hello, Harry, Hermione," Sirius said. His head wasn't sitting in the fire but he
himself was there, looking worn down and ragged.

"Hello, Sirius," they both replied.

"As you know I have come to give you instructions, and I don't have a lot of time. So
here we go. This room is for your private use whenever you need to practice what you have been
taught. No one but you and Dumbledore know of this room. And me of course. This is also where you
will receive training. Every other day at 8:00 pm you will come and be taught by Arabella Figg to
hone your skills. Every once in awhile, after you have been taught the basics, you will be called
upon by the Order to help us with your knowledge, for our powers can only go so far to save us
fromVoldemort. That's about as far as I'm supposed to go with this. Arabella-- Professor
Figg to you-- will tell you more about your ancestry in your first lesson. Are there any
questions?"

"Yes. What exactly makes us so powerful? Harry's only fifteen and I will be in a few
days. How can we be more powerful than you if we've only had five years of training?"
Hermione asked.

"I can't tell you exactly about the powers you possess, mostly because I don't
understand them fully myself. But, I can tell you this. Being powerful doesn't only come from
training. It comes from the mind and soul of the wizard. Not very many people have as special minds
and souls as both of you kids do. The Order has been researching the powers that you possess...
Dumbledore will probably call upon you shortly with more information. Now I must leave. And
Hermione, here's a present from me for your fifteenth birthday. Harry make sure she doesn't
open it till next week."

"Okay, Sirius," Harry replied, taking the gift from Hermione and tucking it into his
robes. He and Hermione hugged him and he waved, touched a bookcase and then was gone.

"I thought you said no one could Disapparate inside the grounds, Hermione."

"I thought so too." With that they put the cloak over themselves and went back to the
common room.

***

When they got there, Harry folded the cloak and they stood there for a minute.

"It's been a good day," Hermione said.

"Yeah," he said.

"Well, good night."

"Good night," he called as she headed up the stairs.

He climbed the stairs, deposited the cloak and her gift in his trunk and went to sleep.

***



16. Nightmares, Smirks and Owls
-------------------------------

A/N:I don't really like this chapter... I hope you feel differently. It just feels weak.
Next one will be better I hope. I kind of was struggling with what to do in this one although this
one sets up some stuff for later chapters




Chapter 16- Nightmares, Smirks and Owls

That night, Harry had a nightmare... one of the first he'd had since the few that followed
Voldemort's return since June.

A Dementor closed in on Harry, Ron and Hermione as they backed into a stone wall. He vaguely
realized that they were in the dungeons under the school, though they were further back in them
than they usually traveled. He raised his wand to perform the Patronus charm, Hermione and Ron
following suit. As clouds of fog penetrated his mind and distant screams began to fill his ear, he
attempted to find a happy thought. Before he managed to though, his mind had been wiped blank,
recognizably the Imperius Curse. More Dementors began to close in around them. And then Lord
Voldemort appeared. Harry's scar seared with pain.

"Ah, young Potter," he drawled in a cold, cruel voice, "We meet again."

'Put down your wand' said a voice inside his head. Harry struggled to fight back and
realized he couldn't. His wand clattered to the floor.

"My original plan was to kill you, but my faithful companions here had a better
idea..."

Harry watched in horror as three Dementors glided closer to him, Ron and Hermione. They lowered
their hoods to reveal hideously scabbed, glistening gray skin. Harry's stomach turned and the
pain in his scar intensified. Obviously Ron had felt sick when he saw the Dementors, and a few
moments later, Harry's convictions were confirmed as the contents of Ron's stomach were
displayed on the floor. Hermione had turned a sick pale grey, eyes wide with fear as she turned to
look at Harry. She grabbed his hand and held tightly, locking her chocolate eyes with his emerald
ones as the Dementors reached them and bent down as if they might kiss them....

Harry woke with a start, sitting straight up in bed. His pyjamas were soaked with a cold sweat.
He reached a clammy trembling hand up to his forehead to brush aside his sweaty bangs and he felt a
painful twinge in his scar. Grunting, he pushed himself out of bed and across the floor to the
water pitcher next to Dean's bed. After pouring himself a drink, he gulped it down quickly.
After sitting down on the edge of his bed, he realized that he would never be able to go back to
sleep. He quietly went to his trunk and and pulled out a T-shirt and jeans. He tugged these on and
went down to the Common Room, after grabbing his copy of The Standard Book of Spells Level 5 by
Miranda Goshawk.

'Oh well,' he thought, ' might as well start studying for the O.W.Ls now. Then
Hermione can't say I didn't try."

As he sat in the chair and began to read, his scar was still prickling relentlessly.

***

A few hours later on a bright Sunday morning, Gryffindors began to filter downstairs to meet
their friends to go to breakfast. Harry trudged wearily back upstairs to put away his book and wake
up Ron.

"Ron hurry up! I'm hungry and breakfast is ready downstairs."

Ron just rolled over and groaned.

"Harry go away it's still the weekend!"

"Oh well. I'll just have to tell Lavender that you didn't want to eat breakfast
with her this morning." With that, Ron jumped out of bed and began throwing clothes on. Harry
chuckled.

"Thought that would get you up. You really fancy her don't you?" Harry said,
"You might as well know, that she isn't actually waiting for you, I just told you that to
get you out of bed...."

Ron looked at him and his ears turned red. "Really?"

"Yeah. Sorry. So you really fancy her do you?"

"I dunno. I've never dated a girl before," Ron replied, sheepishly. The flush in
his ears spread down to his cheeks and turned an even deeper shade of red.

"Well then maybe you should ask her out..."

"I dunno. What if she laughs at me?"

"Well, you'll never know unless you try. Maybe you should ask Hermione what she
thinks."

"Maybe."

Harry got up when Ron had finished dressing and they headed downstairs. Hermione was waiting for
them at the foot of the stairs.

"What took you so long?" she said impatiently to them both.

"Good morning to you too, Hermione," Ron replied.

"I had to wake up Ron. And he's having girl troubles," Harry said.

"Oh well, what's the problem?"

After Ron explained reluctantly, Hermione smiled knowingly.

"I think you should go for it," she said. "You never know what could
happen." She smirked.

"Hermione do you know something that you haven't told Ron?" Harry inquired.

"No," she replied, although her mouth was twitching slightly at the corners.

"Hurry up you guys! I'm starving!" Ron moaned.

"Oh NOW you want to go downstairs..." Harry said. Ron grinned and ran ahead of them,
massaging his stomach. Harry looked at Hermione and they both laughed.

***

After breakfast, Hermione insisted that they go study for their O.W.L's. Harry grudgingly
agreed, but Ron turned red.

"Er, I need to-- well, I have to- er-- I have to go talk to McGonagall about last
class," he said finally. And he ran off down the corridor.

"Well shall we?" Hermione said, and they walked back up to their dormitories.




After about three hours of studying, Harry was practically falling asleep over his Potions text.
The only reason he had managed to keep awake this long was Hermione's constant prod when his
eyelids began to droop. A sharp tapping at the window perked him up. It was a school owl. He
trudged across the room and opened the window. Suprisingly the letter was addressed to Hermione. He
untied the piece of parchment from the owl and it set off again into the night. He walked across
the room to her and handed it over. She hastily ripped it open. She skimmed it and looked up.

"Dumbledore wants us to go to the practice room for our first lesson," she said. Her
eyes glowed with excitement.

"Now?" She nodded. "Well then let's go!"

"I wonder where Ron is," Hermione mused, "He's been gone a long
time."

"Dunno," Harry said dully.

When they finally reached the portrait of Dreg and had whispered the password, they slipped in
quickly. Only this time there were people waiting for them.



17. Explanations and Lessons
----------------------------

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, although their positions have changed from
how she made them in the 5th book, it belongs to J.K. Rowling. Of course I own the
plotline and everything though for this story. Just thought I should refresh your memory!

A/N: Sorry that you all waited so long for the last chapter. I didn't realize how much time
had passed.




Chapter 17- Explanations and Lessons

Professor Figg and Dumbledore were sitting there, surveying the two in front of them.

"Yes I see it now that I look more closely, Albus. They both have it,"said Professor
Figg.

"I have seen the possibilities growing ever since they became friends. They showed the
signs," he replied.

It irritated Harry that they were talking about him and Hermione like they weren't even
there. He glanced at her.

"We're right here you know," she snapped. Harry was taken aback. He had never
heard Hermione speak to a professor like that before.

"My apologies, Miss Granger. Please have a seat," said Dumbledore.

"Thank you," she said. Now that Harry had actually stepped into the room, he saw that
it had changed a bit. There was a long table in the middle of the room with four chairs around it.
It had the usual emerald green upholstery and chocolate brown wood workings. He and Hermione took
seats at one side of the table and the teachers sat at the other side.

"Now that we know more about your ancestors we can see that we were correct in thinking
that you two were the heirs of Merlin and Gryffindor," said Dumbledore. "Harry's
powers from Gryffindor are shown definitely through one of his physical traits. So are yours,
Hermione. The heir of Merlin has the power to see the soul of a person, no matter what a face they
put up. They can see through disguises and lies. The heir of Gryffindor has the abilities to defeat
evil. These powers can be seen through something that some of your ancestors before you
had."

"What is it, Professor?" Harry inquired. "What's the trait?"

"Your eyes. Your mother had emerald green eyes as you well know, Harry. Green eyes with
that special spark behind them. Yet also there was a kind and giving person with a good heart as
well. Something your mother gave which lives on in you. A loving heart. Something which evil cannot
bear. So the Killing Curse rebounded upon Voldemort.

"And Hermione's has a rarer one. Her eyes are a brown color-- deep brown. Besides being
this lovely chocolate brown color--"

"Thank you, Professor..." Hermione blushed.

"You're welcome, dear. But besides that, when someone looks deeper into them, they can
see a sensible person, one who thinks things through...truly logical. One doesn't see it very
often and I believe that you are about the fourth to have had the abilities of Merlin. Because as
we all know Merlin is one of the greatest and most famous wizards of all time. Gryffindor's
renown, though great in the wizarding world is only known to few Muggles.... not that it makes him
any less distinguished.

"We began to recognize the implications of your friendship towards the end of your first
year here. What with Hermione solving a very complicated riddle that takes an immense amount of
logical thinking and Harry defeating Voldemort yet again, we began to monitor you. Harry managed to
defeat the Dark Lord twice more and a third time escape his wrath. Most unfortunately you Miss
Granger were Petrified in your second year, although you do show another amazing amount of
intelligence in figuring out the beast that lurked within the school. Third year you and Harry
managed another difficult task.... saving two lives at once. And you Miss Granger have always shown
an aptitude for learning and magic.... the top in you grade.

"So around your fourth year, we took the signs more seriously and began to monitor you more
closely, finally by realizing the rare colors of your eyes, that we had a match of powers. The
combination is extremely rare and the two involved have to have a strong bond of friendship and
loyalty to one another, a bond so strong that it is one that cannot be forced on them. In history
there have been those who had the opportunity to be the matched pair, but could not develop the
bond needed.... and sometimes in extremely inopportune cases the two missed the ability to be
friends by a few years. Your mother, for instance Harry, with those same fiery green eyes of yours,
missed the opportunity. There was a child a few years behind her in school who showed the signs.
Brown eyes and extremely logical. Those powers of hers that you possess came in handy to the Order.
Unfortunately, they did not save her from an extremely untimely death as she had no one else with
her to strengthen them."

Feeling that the explanation had been fulfilled to the best of his abilities, Dumbledore sat
back his chair, laced his fingers together and surveyed them over them top of his half-moon
glasses.

"Do you have any questions?" he asked.

"No," they replied in unison.

"Good. One more thing. I want you to have a Secret- Keeper to keep this secret safe from
the Dark Lord. I don't want him to know that we have a weapon. Who do you trust most besides
each other?"

Harry and Hermione looked at each other and shared a silent word. They looked up.

"Ron," they said together.

"Ah. I had a feeling and I agree that he is trustworthy. Please send him to my office at
the same time you leave for your lesson on Tuesday. We will probably drop in later to discuss. The
actual placing of the charm will not occur right then. Now I will take my leave and give you over
to Professor Figg."

They both stood as he left and Professor Figg did as well. Before they had a chance to sit back
down, she had cleared away the table and chairs with a flick of her wand.

"Now, I know Mr. Potter is well equipped in Defense spells. But I would ask your assistance
Potter in aiding Miss Granger to catch up," she began.

"All right. But it won't take her very long to catch up. She's good at this sort of
stuff," he replied with a smile at Hermione. She kept her eyes downcast, and she flushed a
bit, and a smile played at her lips.

"Very well then. Let's begin with 'Expelliarmus'. I know it's simple but
it's good to know and be able to do well. After we learn this we will move on to a very
advanced type of magic...one that they don't teach here at Hogwarts."

Hermione looked anxious yet excited. Harry grinned at her and then turned back to Figg.

"So, expelliarmus......." said Figg as she went into a speech about how it is
performed and such.

Much of the lesson was talking and when they emerged, they had a list of spells to practice
until their lesson on Tuesday at eight o'clock.

***

When they arrived back at the common room, it was empty and they arranged then to work on the
spells the following evening and then bid each other good night. As they headed to their respective
sides of the dormitory, Harry snuck a look at Hermione as she went over to her dormitory and was
surprised to see her looking at him as well. He quickly averted his eyes, and raced up the rest of
the stairs.



18. Another Lesson and The First Flight
---------------------------------------

A/N: This chapter isn't as long as I set out for it to be. This mostly is interactions
between H/Hr and moving it along. I'm sorry the last few chapters have been boring. I make a
rough outline of what will happen as I write each chapter. I think this will get better as I go
along. Please bear with me! But everything will pick up soon, prolly in the next
chapter.....hehe...hehe..(begins to laugh maniacally!!!) But I felt like I didn't give you
enough last chapter so, here's more for you. Here's Chapter 18!

Chapter 18- Another Lesson and The First Flight

The next day during classes, the teachers seemed to think that their softness on the fifth years
the week before needed to be short-lived. Even though they only had three classes on Mondays, they
got back to the common room bags and notebooks bursting with notes and scribbled assignments. It
seemed as though it could only get worse.

That night, after finishing only one article of their homework (a 12 inch long essay on
Confundus Charms for Flitwick), Harry and Hermione went to their special room to practice the list
of spells Professor Figg had given them. Hermione showed an aptitude for them and was speeding
through them quite rapidly. After rehearsing Expelliarmus, Impediment Jinxes, and some other hexes
and jinxes, she managed to hit Harry with a well placed stunning spell that had him out cold for
ten minutes before her increasingly anxious reviving charms managed to break through and he woke
up.

"I think you're getting the hang of this Hermione," Harry said a little shakily
after accepting some chocolate that Hermione had conjured up.

"Thanks I try. They are difficult though, I don't know how you managed to learn them
all so quickly for the third task last year...." And her voice drifted off into oblivion as
Harry was taken back to the most horrific night in his young life.

He saw a boy named Cedric Diggory's face, split-second fear tearing across his handsome
features, and then he fell to the ground, and was no more. He saw himself dueling with an evil
wizard named Voldemort who had been newly restored to his body, encased in a golden web of light,
his mother's echo floating around him, with whispered instructions on how to escape, Cedric,
asking him to take his body back....

Suddenly, Hermione's face came floating back into his vision and a horror struck look marred
her pretty face.

"Harry, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to bring back anything troublesome. You've had
such a hard time since Cedric died and.... oh Harry, I'm sorry!"

The tears Harry was trying to hold back escaped. Hermione put her cool palms on his cheeks and
brought his face close to hers. She leaned her forehead against his and looked at him.

"Harry look at me," she said and he brought his beautiful emerald eyes up to meet
hers. "What happened to Cedric was not your fault. And it wasn't his fault. It was a
mistake that neither of you could control. Voldemort is very powerful and there was nothing you
could do to stop him. So you can't beat yourself up about this for the rest of your life. Do
you understand?" She reached up and wiped away the tear that had fallen down his cheek. She
hugged him and they pulled away.

"Thanks Hermione." He rubbed his eyes furiously with the back of his sleeve. He shook
his head and said, "Wow. I'm really turning into a sap."

Hermione giggled and they got up to leave.

"Let's go finish some more homework," Hermione suggested. For once Harry did not
argue.

"Alright," he said. As they pushed the portrait open, Harry stepped down first and
turned around to offer Hermione a hand down. When they were both safely out of the portrait hole
and it was closed, they walked slowly down the hallway. Hermione looked down at the floor and
noticed that he was still clutching her hand. Their fingers were laced together and as she looked
at their interwoven fingers, she realized she could not tell which fingers were hers and which were
his. She glanced up at him and a smile began to creep up her face, before she quickly returned her
eyes to the floor, the corners of her mouth still itching to grin.

***

The next morning, Harry, Ron and Hermione could barely stay awake over their cereal bowls,
having stayed up the previous night doing homework. Angelina Johnson came zipping over to Harry the
second she walked in the Hall.

"Harry, we're practicing tomorrow afternoon. We don't have a Keeper yet so
we're just going to have to practice without one. Try-outs are Saturday. Anyway, tomorrow
evening. Four to six. Got it? Good." And with that she began to walk away.

"Wait!" Ron called, "Who died and made you Captain?"

"Uh, Oliver graduated the year before last, Ron," Hermione whispered urgently as
Angelina looked at him skeptically.

The tips of Ron's ears reddened."Oh, well, right then," he said. With a
'humph', Angelina turned on her heel and sauntered away haughtily. Harry and Hermione
turned to look at him and burst out laughing.

"Well how was I supposed to know she was captain?" he asked, ears becoming crimson
now.

"Oliver did graduate two years ago Ron and we didn't have Quidditch last year because
of the Triwiz-- well, I think we best be off to class then shall we?" Hermione finished
hastily, at the sight of Harry's suddenly gloomy face.

"Yes we had," Ron said quickly to cover Hermione's blunder, "Rats, am I
tired! And to top off my luck we have Binns class first thing today!"

The three of them got up quickly and walked out of the Hall and to their first class.

***

And yet again, the Hogwarts professors piled homework on the fifth years, so that they had twice
as much as the night before and most had not even finished the previous night's. Still around
7:45, Harry and Hermione got up to leave the common room. However, they did not go unnoticed.

"Hey where are you two going?" Fred Weasley called.

"Off for some private business, eh?" his twin called. Suddenly the whole room exploded
in catcalls and cheers. Harry felt a flush rising in his cheeks and glanced over to Hermione whose
face was as bright red as a fire engine.

"Well, we-- uh--" Harry began.

"Yeah we get it, Harry,"Seamus said, winking at him.

"Seamus, Harry and I are going to go see Professor McGonagall about me trying out for the
Quidditch team, that's all," Hermione said firmly. Fred, George and Seamus all looked
egually surprised. Then the twins faces changed, and split into identical mischievous grins.

"Really Hermione? Well I can't wait to see you at tryouts....unless you chicken
out," George teased.

"Oh, don't worry! I won't!" she said. With that she turned on her heel and
headed out the portrait hole, grabbing Harry's arm and dragging him out behind her.

When they were outside, he said,

"But Hermione you can't fly! I've never even seen you on a broomstick!"

"Yes of course, but then again, my best friend was the youngest House Team player in a
century, so I have a great teacher," she replied matter-of-factly.

"Hermione, Quidditch try-outs are on Saturday! And besides, how am I supposed to go to our
lessons, do homework, play Quidditch AND teach you to fly all in the space of the next THREE days?
That's practically no time for breathing, let alone sleeping and ea--"

"Oh Harry we forgot to send Ron to Dumbledore!" she interrupted, "Would you go
back and get him please?"

Harry sighed. "Alright. Stay here." He ran back to the common room and told Ron to
head for Dumbledore's office. Ron walked with him back to Hermione and when he saw them
together, he smirked but didn't say anything. When the two of them stopped in front of the
portrait he looked at it curiously but shrugged and headed on his own way.

***

"That was a good lesson, Hermione. Keep up the good work, and we may progess to Patronuses
on Thursday," Professor Figg said. " Harry, keep working with her and we shall make fast
work of these basic trainings."

As the two exited the classroom with a list of more spells, Hermione's face glowed,
remembering the praise that she had just received. Harry grinned at her.

"She's right you know. You are doing wonderfully."

"Thanks. I was a bit worried that I wouldn't catch up to you as quickly as they wanted
me to, but I suppose I'm doing okay," she replied.

"Like I said, you're doing great! Don't be so hard on yourself!" Harry
pressed.

"Thanks," she repeated, flushing a bit.

Just then Ron came walking up, Dumbledore in tow.He looked very pale. Dumbledore was smiling
amusedly, with his eye twinkling characteristically.

"He's just told me," Ron said disbelieveingly, "Of all the people to choose
as friends, I just had to pick YOU guys."

"Your friend has indeed agreed to become your Secret Keeper. He has also agreed to learn
the study of Occlumency- the closing of one's mind to people who wish to look into
it."

"Ooh, I've read about it in lots of books...." Hermione continued to talk as Ron
leaned over to Harry and said in an audible stage whisper,

"Doesn't she ever shut up?"

"Hey I heard that!" Hermione said and smacked Ron upside the head. He yelled in pain,
and rubbing the back of his head he and Hermione began arguing.

"Are they like this all the time?" Dumbledore said to Harry, chuckling.

"Yes, all the time," he replied. Dumbledore shook his head, still chortling, then
cleared his throat, so that the other two ceased their argument and looked up expectantly. He
said,

"Well I must be going. Arabella and I will be performing the spell on Thursday after your
lesson. Good evening." And with that he walked away.

The three returned to an empty common room quietly. There (after much nagging from Hermione)
they completed all of their homework, except for the star chart for Astronomy they had to complete
and a Divination dream diary. Then (after much nagging from Harry and Ron) Hermione checked their
papers, and after slow good nights the three friends separated off into their respective
dormitories to go to sleep.

***

Wednesday morning came too quickly for Harry and Ron. Only after Neville had come in to shake
them vigorously for the third time and ten minutes before class started, did they wake up. After 5
minutes of groaning and stretching, both boys realized that they had Snape's class that morning
and they would surely be expelled if they were late. So they dressed quickly and scrubbed their
teeth furiously before grabbing their books and dashing to the dungeons and skidding in next to
Hermione and Lavender. Two seconds after they arrived, Snape began the lesson.

"Where were you?" Hermione hissed, "I waited forever for you and finally came
down with Lavender!"

"Uhhh.... overslept," Harry replied quickly. He became all too aware of his messier
than usual hair and haphazard robes (only later that night as he was undressing for bed would he
realize that he was actually wearing the socks Dobby had given him last Christmas.) He flushed
around the ears as Hermione gave him a stern look. Then she saw that he was embarrassed and her
look softened and she squeezed his hand under the table, grinning at him reassuringly. They both
turned their attention back to Snape.

***

Later as their Tongue-Twisting Potions were brewing, Harry scribbled a note to Hermione.

'You want me to teach you to fly tonight?'

'Well, I have to learn all those spells for our lessons... so I don't know...'

'Come on Hermione! We could practice those for twenty minutes and you'd have them down
pat! Now come on...what do you say?'

'Okay.After dinner we can practice the spells and then go flying'

With that they turned back to their potions.

***

Out on the Quidditch field that night after they had practiced Hermione's spells for awhile,
Harry was exhausted from his earlier Qudditch practice, homework and having Hermione practicing
jinxes on him. Still, he had put on a cheery face and was teaching her how to get her broom off the
ground. He patiently showed her again and again, demonstrating with his own Firebolt, while her
Comet Two-Sixty (a loaner from the school) rolled over and over on the ground, just as it had in
their first year. Her cries of "Up!" became increasingly more frustrated, until after her
twentieth attempt, she burst into tears.

"Oh I, hate being rubbish at something!" she cried angrily, wiping furiously at her
eyes.

"You're not rubbish, you're just too nervous. Try and relax," Harry said
patiently, "You want to learn to fly right?"

"I don't know. I guess I'm a bit frightened."

Harry appeared to be pondering something for a moment and then he jerked out of his reverie and
spoke.

"Why don't we just go easy tonight and get you used to the feeling of it?" Harry
suggested.

"I don't know......" she said skeptically and then seeing th disappointed look on
Harry's face, she quickly changed her mind. "All right then. Let's go." Harry
grinned widely. He clambered aboard his broom.

"Here, you can get on behind me," he said, beckoning. She climbed on. Harry kicked
gently at the ground and they flew up about 5 feet into the air. Harry could feel Hermione stiffen
behind him and he slowed it down a bit and swerved around the pitch for a few minutes. Hermione
began to relax and enjoy herself.

"Harry?" she inquired hesitantly. He glanced back at her. "Can we go higher? This
is fun!" He grinned and pulled his broom up higher.

Hermione squealed and her hands tightened their hold on Harry's torso. He laughed and then
they did some loops, much to the delight of Hermione, who shrieked a bit, then giggled happily.
They soared around for about 15 more minutes. Harry gently brought the broom to a halt and stepped
down, before reaching up and helping her off as well. They deposited the school broom back in the
broom shed and headed back to the castle.

"Harry?" Hermione whispered. He looked over to her. "Thanks for teaching me to
fly. Same time tomorrow?"

Harry grinned and replied, "Sure."

***



19. Unlucky Things Happen on Friday the 13th
--------------------------------------------

Disclaimer: I do not own the original Harry Potter characters and things just the new things in
this story and the plot (which will hopefully thicken soon...)

A/N: This is a terribly short chapter and I'm sorry... I hope you like it just the same! I
certainly enjoyed writing this one a lot! A lot of this is in Hermione's POV, which I
hadn't originally intended to happen in the story. Hermione's Patronus in this the same as
the one in OotP, so if it would be a big disappointment for you to know what it is before you read
the book, then I suggest you wait to read this chapter until you've read the fifth
book.It's really not that important in the 5th book, just thought you might like to
know.

Chapter 19: Unlucky Things Happen on Friday the 13th

"Very good, Hermione! Most witches your age cannot perfect a Patronus so quickly!"
Professor Figg exclaimed, after Hermione's fifth attempt and success at the Patronus.

"I told you she was good at this sort of stuff Professor," Harry said, grinning
proudly at Hermione. "I didn't learn it nearly as fast..."

"Yes, but you were practicing on a Boggart.... I'm just summoning it up," Hermione
said modestly.

"Well, you and Harry have done some of the best spellwork I've seen in a long time.
Keep it up!" Professor Figg said exuberantly. She quickly checked her watch. "I think we
have time for a few more tries. Go on then...."

Hermione took a deep breath and barely a millisecond after she began to think about a happy
thought did she realize that one was standing right next to her. She summoned a thought of when
Harry and Ron had come charging into the girls' lavatory to save her from the troll and the
immense relief she felt when she realized that someone cared about her enough to battle the 12-
foot monster. Smiling at the memory, she readied her wand and cried, "Expecto
Patronum!"

A silver otter dove out of her wand and began capering about her as she smiled down at it
happily.

"Good!" Professor Figg announced. "Again."

Hermione knelt down to touch it and a few seconds later it disappeared. She stood and recalled
another lovely thought. She remembered back in her third year, whe she and Harry had saved Sirius
on Buckbeak's back and how free and safe she'd felt, soaring up there on the
hippogriff's back and clinging to Harry's waist. A few moments and an incantation later,
her shimmering otter was frolicking about her feet. She smiled pleasantly down at it.

***

Ten minutes later, she and Harry were walking along the hallway. Hermione was feeling a bit
dizzy and clammy. She had never realized how much energy they took the conjure. Harry must have
noticed this because he reached out to squeeze her hand and pulled something from his pocket. He
handed it to her.

"I thought you might be needing this by the end of the lesson," he explained.

It was a Chocolate Frog. "Thanks Harry," she said and quietly tore it open. She
munched on the Frog and felt the familiar warmth spread all over her body. She glanced at the card.
"Hey look it's Merlin!" she exclaimed.

"Weird. I get spooked by coincidences do you?" Harry replied.

"Sometimes," she said. They walked for a few moments in silence.

"I think your's is very pretty," Harry piped up.

"My what?" she asked, confused.

"Your Patronus. It's an otter."

"Yes, I quite like it. Your's is a stag, right?" He nodded. "To each his own,
I suppose. Or her's..." They grinned. They reached the portrait hole and opened it. Ron
was sitting in an armchair by the fire. He looked worn out. Earlier before their lesson had begun,
Dumbledore and them had concealed their secret inside Ron. They could both understand why he was
tired. The headmaster had placed many charms and spells on him and all of them hitting him over and
over had to be taxing.

"I'm bushed," Ron said heavily.

"I can understand that," Hermione said.

"At least, we did the ceremony today instead of tomorrow," he added.

"Why?" asked Harry.

"Tomorrow's Friday the thirteenth. The most unlucky day of the year!"

"Oh Ron that's a silly old superstition. Surely you don't believe that?"
Hermione exclaimed.

"Why shouldn't I? Remember my Uncle Bilius who saw the Grim and died? That was on a
13th Friday! And what about--"

"Please Ron, spare us. Why don't you go up to bed and get some sleep?" Harry
suggested.

"Actually I was thinking of getting a house-elf to bring me some hot chocolate first,"
he said. Hermione pursed her lips disapprovingly. Harry chuckled.

"You know Ron, you'd think that after a year of that S.P.E.W. tosh, you'd learn to
keep your mouth shut about house elves around Hermione here," Harry said.

"Oh c'mon Hermione you're not STILL on about this spew stuff are you?" Ron
asked exasperatedly.

"It was not 'spew', it was S.P.E.W. At least Harry has the decency to say it
properly. Although I still think the deserve proper wages and vactions, I can see that they might
actually be happy working at this stuff. I just wish SOME people-- who shall remain nameless--
would not treat them so terribly."

"Well as long as I don't have to wear a dumb badge that says spew on it..."

"RON!"

A few seconds passed and they all began to laugh. With a collective sigh, they got up, hugged
and said their goodnights, and headed upstairs.

***

The next morning when Harry woke up, Ron was carefully tiptoeing around putting on his clothes
cautiously as though he expected something to fly out of them.

"Really Ron, this whole Friday the thirteenth stuff is rubbish. Really, be sensible!"
Harry said disdainfully.

"I just don't want to take any chances!" Ron replied.

"But Ron--" Harry stopped. If Ron wanted to make a fool of himself all day, that was
his problem.

Half an hour later, they met Hermione in the common room to go down to breakfast with them. As
they strolled down the corridor, Ron was walking in a peculiar manner, swerving from side to side
on his tiptoes, looking a bit drunk. But instead of his eyes being glazed over, they were fastened
on the ground intently. Harry and Hermione looked at each other, then looked back at him.

"Ron, what on earth are you doing?" Hermione asked, suppressing a giggle.

"It's Friday the thirteenth, and you can't step on any cracks," he replied
calmly as though his were walking like a normal person by their side. Harry and Hermione looked at
each other and looked away for fear of bursting out laughing. They had almost made it to the Great
Hall, when Hermione let out a huge sneeze. Ron jumped a mile and landed square on a crack and
didn't notice. He stared at her with a look of horror.

"Ron, what is wrong with you today?" she asked irritably.

"You sneezed," he answered simply.

"Yeah, that sometimes happens when dust or something goes up your nose..."

"But it's Friday the thirteenth! You can't sneeze on Friday the thirteenth!
It's bad luck!"

"Oh Ron! From everything you've said today, there's nothing you can do save
breathing that's not unlucky!"

"Suit yourself. Maybe bad luck for you is a 9/10 on your homework."

Hermione rolled her eyes and they went into the Hall. As they walked to their usual spot, Ron
began his odd little dance around the cracks on the floor. People looked at him oddly, some even
pointing. But the threesome walked on, two of them aware of the stares, and the other oblivious.
When they got to their regular spot, who should be there but Malfoy, leaning over a the food that
had already been sent up. He was looking more smug than usual.

"What in the world is Weasley doing? Some sort of weasel mating ritual?"

"What are you doing here Malfoy? You're not welcome at the Gryffindor table,"
Harry said coldly.

"And that Mudblood shouldn't be welcomed at this school," Malfoy replied
smoothly.

Ron, forgetting about the cracks, lunged for Malfoy, but Harry being quicker, grabbed his collar
and pulled him back.

Malfoy laughed. "Good thing Potty's here to keep you in line Weasel. Catch you
around." He sauntered off.

"Ron, you shouldn't let Malfoy get to you like that. It's not good for you,"
Hermione said calmly, sitting down opposite Ron and Harry. "I'm just starved today! How
about you guys?"

"Sure, I am. Why do you even need to ask Ron?" Harry replied. He piled eggs and toast
and kippers onto his plate. He picked up a piece of bacon with his fingers. He was about to eat a
bit whe he smelled something funny coming off of it. "Does the bacon smell a bit off to you or
is it just me?" Ron sniffed at Harry's.

"Yeah I think so too. I wouldn't eat any, it might be spoiled."

But Hermione was already devouring it. "Tastes alright to me," she said. They all
continues their breakfast without any odd occurences.

***

While they were in Potions, Hermione was starting to look a bit pale.

"Hermione, are you feeling all right?" Harry asked.

"Yes Harry I'm fine."

But over the course of the class, she began looking a bit paler, and sweaty too.

"Is it cold in here to you guys?"

"No," Ron replied, wiping the beads of sweat off his forehead. He stirred his
Pepper-Up Potion more feverishly. "How could you be cold when we're making this
potion?"

"Maybe it's that bacon you ate. I thought it smelled a bit funny.," Harry
said.

"I don't know," she replied, stirring her potion a bit haphazardly, "I just
feel kind of funny, a bit dizzy..." At that moment she trailed off. Her eyes rolled up into
her head and she fell to the floor. Her head thudded nastily on the ground.

"HERMIONE!" both boys yelled, kneeling down next to her, potions forgotten. Professor
Snape walked over and did a double take. He collected himself and said silkily,

"What, may I ask, is going on here?"

"She's fainted sir. She said she was feeling a bit dizzy," Ron replied
promptly.

"She's burning up!" Harry exclaimed, feeling her forehead.

"Potter! Take Granger to the hospital wing," Snape said, flicking his wand at Harry
and Hermione's potion. They disappeared. "You and she will share Mr. Weasley's marks.
Just hope they're good. GO!"

Harry bent down to scoop up Hermione easily in his arms. As he lifted her, her head fell back,
revealing a something greenish creeping up her neck slowly. Snape had apparently seen it too.

"Get her up to Madam Pomfrey quickly, Potter. It seems to me to be worse than being a bit
sick. Go!" Harry ran off, leaving Snape muttering behind him. "How could she have eaten
some...must have been planted in her breakfast..But how?"

Harry quickly dismissed these mutterings, and hurried on. Blood from the back of her head was
trickling slowly down his arm.

When he finally made it to the hospital, Madam Pomfrey hurried out from her office. By then the
green rash was creeping up to her chin as well. He laid her gently on a bed. Madam Pomfrey
said,

"What's happened?"

"She's fainted in class, and she hit her head hard. She's burning up. And she has
this weird green rash on her neck, too," he explained. Madam Pomfrey looked up sharply at this
last comment.

"A green rash?" Harry pointed it out, and she suddenly looked grave.

"Oh dear, how could that have happened?"

"How could what have happened?" he asked confused.

"Get out boy. I need to see where else the rash is." With that a white curtain
appeared around the bed, and Madam Pomfrey pushed him out.

'What on earth could all that mean? How'd she get sick so quickly?' he wondered.
Then he remembered. That dumb superstition of Ron's. She had sneezed. 'And unlucky things
happen on Friday the thirteenth,' he thought glumly.



20. Mackled Malaclaw
--------------------

A/N: I had planned on this chapter being a lot longer than it turned out to be. So here is
chapter 20..sorry it isn't longer....I will update again ASAP!!!!!!

Chapter 20- Mackled Malaclaw

Lunch passed. Afternoon classes passed. Harry didn't care. He still paced outside the
curtain. Ron joined him after Potions and he had left for lunch and offered to bring Harry
something back. The offer was refused. After dinner had passed, (and Ron was still absent) Harry
was starting to wonder if he would ever know what happened to Hermione, when Madam Pomfrey emerged
from the curtains. When she saw him, she looked surprised.

"Are you still here? Have you been here all this time? Oh, Dumbledore'll have my head
for sure, you being out of class."

Harry remained silent for a few moments. Then he said, "What's happened to
her?"

"Well, I don't know if you should know--"

"Please Madam Pomfrey! I've been waiting all day!"

"All right then. If you must know..." she looked at him skeptically for a moment, then
continued.

"It seems Miss Granger has come into contact with-- well eaten actually-- a specimen called
Mackled Malaclaw."

"What's that?" Harry asked.

"Well according to 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them', the Mackled Malaclaw
slightly resembles a lobster. It is grey and has green spots. It's bite will give you up to a
week of unluckiness, but eating it is much worse."

"You mean Hermione ate some?"

"Well, that is my guess. When it's flesh is eaten, the eater suffers from a terrible
green rash and an extraordinarily high fever. In Miss Granger's case, unfortunately, she has
also suffered a mild concussion from when she fell. Now I must go back. The dressings on her head
have to be changed every few hours. She lost a lot of blood."

"Please Madam Pomfrey, may I help?"

"Yes! Go downstairs and eat something!"

"No, I mean something to help Hermione! Could I help change the bandages on her
head?"

"Potter, she's still unconcious and unfortunately, the rash has spread. It's not
contagious, but she looks a sight."

"That's okay. I just want to help her to get better more quickly."

Madam Pomfrey hesitated. "Well.... I suppose. But you must be very careful!" She led
him behind the curtain, and what he saw made his heart freeze for his friend. She would have a long
recovery. Although she seemed to be restingpeacefully, her usually peachy skin was now covered in a
terrible acid green rash that slightly resembled the texture of moss. She shivered and he reached
out and tucked the blanket more snugly around her.

"I would've expected you to want to leave when you saw it. She must be important to
you," said Madam Pomfrey.

"She is," Harry said. "Ever since Cedric died..." He felt the mediwitch
stiffen at the sound of Cedric's name, so he stopped abruptly. What he had been going to say
was that ever since Cedric had died, he had been clinging to his friends a lot more, in case...
well, he hadn't wanted to think about it until now.

"Will she be okay?" he asked.




"I hope so. This is, unfortunately, the worst case I've seen in years. I have a feeling
the meat may have been rotten. Tell me, what did she eat today? Here, you go over there and hold
her head up while I unwrap this bandage from her head." as he followed her instructions, he
thought about what she had eaten at breakfast.

"She had a biscuit, jam, eggs and bacon.... the bacon! I remember that it smelled funny and
Ron thought so too, but she didn't listen and ate a whole bunch! Could that have been
it?"

"It might have but the house elves couldn't have done it, they don't hold grudges
against anyone...well except Peeves perhaps. Besides they never leave Hogwarts, where could they
have gotten any?"

A hot, burning anger filled Harry to the throat. "Malfoy," he said quietly.

"What did you say Potter?"

"It was Malfoy. He was standing next to our table at breakfast. He was leaning over a dish
and then pulled away when we came up. He did this, I'm sure of it."

"Surely not. A student? No..."

"But he hates Hermione. He would do anything to get her out of here. And besides, you know
who Hermione is right? She's Merl--"

"Yes Potter I know. I will have this checked out immediately by Albus. There might be some
truth in what you say. I'm going to go get more antiseptic. Unfortunately, this head injury
can't be cured by magic."

"What about the rash?"

"It takes a while to heal, even with magic. And in Hermione's case, it might take
longer. Like I said, her's is the worse case I've seen in years. Her fever is close to 105.
We just have to wait for it to break and hope for the best. Now I want you to go back to Gryffindor
tower. Goodness knows you could use some sleep!"

"I'll just stay until you get back with the medicine, alright?"

"Potter--" she began, then relented. "Alright, but then you must go back to your
dormitory, understood?"

"Understood," he replied glumly. She turned her back and swished around the white
curtain. He turned around to sit on the edge of Hermione's bed. He took her hand in his and
brushed beads of cold sweat away from her forehead. Her face looked calm, and he reached out to
touch her once peachy colored skin that was marred terribly by the dreadful green rash. Madam
Pomfrey came back in quietly, and looked sadly at the teenager hunched mournfully over his fallen
friend. When he didn't look up, she left again as quietly as she had come.

***

Half an hour later, Ron came noisily in and stopped short when he saw Harry.

"Harry, you look terrible. Don't you think we should get back to the dormitories?"
Harry looked up at him and shrugged.

"I guess,"he replied, and stood slowly. Ron came over and stroked Hermione's
hair.

"We'll be back tomorrow, Hermione," Harry said. He bent down and lightly kissed
her disfigured face. Ron grinned at Harry, then quickly wiped it off his face as he straightened
up. As they left, Ron said,"D'you really think she can hear you?"

"I dunno. Maybe," Harry replied. Ron, having nothing to say didn't press on. He
sensed that Harry didn't feel like talking.

When they reached the common room, Harry and Ron pulled out their books to get to work on their
mound of homework. Ron caught Harry up on what he had missed and Harry wrote the day and all of the
homework from each class on it for Hermione. He knew she'd be frantic if....when she woke up.
Since the two boys didn't talk very much, they both finished surprisingly quickly and headed to
bed. Although Harry heard Ron's snores almost immediately when they dropped into bed, he stayed
awake for awhile and when he did drift off, his sleep was filled with nightmares. He kept dreaming
of a dark place where he was wandering in what seemed like a maze, calling, calling for someone. He
woke up drenched in a cold sweat. He settled back onto his pillows and attempted to sleep, but his
head was filled with worries of Hermione.

Finally realizing that he would never get back to sleep, he pushed back his comforter and got
out of bed. After slipping into his Invisibility Cloak, he walked out of the dormitories and snuck
into the hall. He had only wanted to walk around a bit to clear his head, but he found that his
feet carried him to the hospital wing. After popping his head in to see if Madam Pomfrey was about,
he slipped in and darted to Hermione's bed. The Invisibility Cloak slithered to the floor.
After sitting on the edge of the bed, he reached out a hand to hold hers.



21. The Awakening and a Plan
----------------------------

Chapter 21: The Awakening and a Plan

That morning, although Harry was supposed to go to Quidditch, he instead spent the whole day
with Hermione. He even brought his books with him to study some. But mostly he sat there, watching
her and willing her to get better.

He did the same on Sunday and was planning to skip class on Monday, but Ron talked him out of
it. Madam Pomfrey wouldn't have allowed him to stay anyway, he reasoned later. In his free time
he went and sat with her, holding her hand.

Those times were agonizing for he and Ron-- waiting. Tuesday night they left with heavy hearts,
as Madam Pomfrey shook her head and informed them that Hermione wasn't improving. In fact her
tempurature had not even gone down from when she had first become ill. Harry spent a restless
night, with his nightmare of the corridors and calling out for someone that he desperately needed
to find.

***

The next day, Wednesday, began like any other day. However Harry and Ron never got to visit
Hermione before class or during lunch....Snape kept them late to clean up Malfoy's Springfresh
Potion which they had supposedly knocked over on purpose. It had obviously been them, Snape
reasoned, as they had been on the opposite side of the room at the time. Still, they cleaned it
quickly, and bolted down some lunch before racing to their next class.

***

As they sat listening to Professor Figg talk about the latest scientific discovery-- a cure for
werewolf bites-- Minerva McGonagall raced in, zipping up the aisles to Figg and whispered in her
ear.

"Harry, Ron, please go with Professor McGonagall to the hospital wing," Professor Figg
called out.

Ron and Harry looked at each other worriedly, then stood and made to leave.

"Bring your things. You won't come back today," McGonagall said to them.
"Quickly now, move along."

They grabbed their bags, stuffed their quills and notes in and they were off.

"What's going on, Professor?" Ron asked.

"Is something wrong with Hermione?" Harry said.

"Yes-- well, no. It seems that her fever has broken and she's coming to," she
said. Harry and Ron looked at each other, they doubled their already quick pace. Soon Harry broke
into a run and Ron began jogging behind, attempting to stay with McGonagall and reach Hermione at
the same time. Soon Harry was bursting into the hospital wing, pushing past the curtain and coming
to Hermione's side just as her eyelashes fluttered and once more Harry was able to see her
chocolatey brown eyes gazing up at him. Madam Pomfrey was standing there and quickly left to get
her thermometer.

"Harry?" Hermione rasped out. She cleared her throat. "Where am I? Where's
Ron?"

"You're in the hospital wing. Ron's coming. I just got here." He smoothed her
hair down with his hand.

"What happened?" she asked, just as Ron burst through clutching a stitch in his
side.

"You ate this stuff, and then you fainted and fell and then you hit your head.... and well
it's a really long story," Harry tried to explain, "and well, we're just really
glad you're awake. You've been asleep for awhile." She sat up and Harry leaned over to
give her a hug. When he pulled away, she pecked his cheek. He felt his cheeks burning and Ron
smirked at him.

"It's okay. You can explain later," Hermione replied. Ron reached over and gave
her a hug.

"Right now, could one of you do something for me?" she asked.

"Of course!" both boys said, jumping to their feet at once.

Hermione laughed. "Well, I'm kind of hungry, so do you think--"

"One step ahead of you Hermione," Ron said, pushing the curtain aside, and stepping
out before Harry could do anything. Harry could have sworn that the redhead had given him an
impudent wink before swishing out. Although a bit confused, he shook his head and turned back to
Hermione.

***

Late that night, when Harry and Ron returned to Gryffindor Tower, having received an excused
absence from their next morning class-- Potions-- and getting makeup work from that afternoon's
classes, Harry voiced an idea that had been brewing in the back of his mind all day.

"Ron, tomorrow is Hermione's fifteenth birthday. I've already gotten her present
for her and well, I was thinking, maybe we could you know, throw a surprise birthday party for her,
in the hospital wing."

"Harry what a brilliant idea! I've gotten her a present as well. Now we can spend
tomorrow morning getting everything ready. We have the day off Friday for some inspection the Fudge
is doing so we have all night to party," Ron exclaimed.

Harry grinned and the boys continued planning as they changed into pajamas and didn't stop
talking until they drifted off to sleep, ready to begin their plan of the best present to give
their friend.

***



22. Hermione's Best Birthday
----------------------------

Another update....nice and long....

Chapter 22: Hermione's Best Birthday

Harry and Ron were up early the next morning.... for them at least. Eight o'clock saw them
eating breakfast in the Great Hall. After they finished, they bolted upstairs to say hello to
Hermione. They had agreed earlier that they would not even mention that it was her birthday. When
they had spent awhile with her, they decided that they had best be off to plan and wrap their
presents before their afternoon class. After a hug goodbye they left. They didn't see the
disappointed face of the girl they had left behind.

***

As Hermione watched Harry and Ron go through the curtain, letting it swish shut behind them, a
tear rolled down her cheek. 'I can't believe they didn't remember my birthday. I
don't really expect Ron to, but I thought Harry was a little more sensitive.' She sat back
against her pillows and sighed.

Then almost as suddenly as he had left, Harry stormed back in and put his arms around her. As
shocked as she was, she put her arms around his neck and waited for him to explain himself. Even as
astounded as she was, she was aware of her heart picking up speed. She inhaled deeply.
'Mmmmm... he smells good.' As soon as she began to be comfortable, he pulled away, a slight
flush in his cheeks.

"What's upsetting you, Hermione?"he asked.

She gave a nervous laugh. "Why would I be upset, Harry?"

"Well I dunno. That's why I was asking you."

"Why would you think that?"

"Well for one thing the ring around your picture is glowing in my necklace," he said,
reaching down and opening the trifold locket. Hermione silently cursed herself for having given it
to him.

"I guess I am. I should have listened to you when you told me not to eat that stuff and
now.... well......and.....now I have all this makeup work," she finished hastily.

"Hermione, you only have about two days to make up...how hard could it be?" Harry
asked.

"I don't know......you know me, I guess."

"Okay well, as long as you're okay now.... do you need anything?" Harry asked.

'You to kiss me!' her head screamed. 'Kiss me? He's my best friend! No
that's too weird...' "Just a hug," she said aloud. He grinned. She leaned forward
and he gave her a tight squeeze. As he pulled away, she leaned over and kissed his cheek.... a bit
closer to his mouth than she intended. 'Oops,' she thought.

His face looked shocked, but he leaned back over and kissed as she had him, right next to her
mouth. He pulled back a red flush creeping up his cheeks.

"See you later," he said, and left with a smile. Hermione beamed. Then her smile faded
as she remembered that it was her birthday....and that no one would remember.

***

The first thing Ron noticed when Harry walked back out to the hall was the dreamy expression on
his face.He decided not to say anything until they got back to their rooms to wrap their
presents.

"So Harry, does she feel better?" Ron said slyly.

"Well I tried, but my amulet is still glowing. She thinks we've forgotten her
birthday," Harry replied glumly.

"So why didn't you tell her that you're madly in love with her? That would have
perked her right up-- been the best birthday present she ever got, don't you think?"

"RON!!! I am not 'madly in love' with Hermione!" Harry retorted.

"But you like her a bit, don't you?" Ron replied with a grin.

"She's my best friend!"

"It keeps coming back to that doesn't it? I'm almost positive she feels the same
way!" Ron said, exasperated.

"Ron, will you please let it rest?" Harry countered, just as exasperated. He reached
into his pocket and pulled out the key to his trunk.

"Fine," Ron said. "But I'm telling you--"

"RON!!!" Harry proceeded to unlock his trunk and find its most secret pocket, and
produce a small velvet covered box.

"Oh so you aren't just going to tell her you like her, but you're going to
propose?" Ron remarked sarcastically.

"Shut up. Look." He opened the box. Inside, on the plush, inky black velvet lay a
perfectly cut green stone.

"You BOUGHT her an EMERALD?" Ron yelled.

"No you prat! It's like those....what d'you call them..... mood rings that Muggles
have. Except this one works. See look."

He slipped it onto the end of his finger and waited. It was much too small to fit on his larger,
rougher hand, but it still worked for him. It turned a sort of murky brownish-blue.

"Well that's a wonky cross now isn't it? What mood are you in, because it looks
sort of like you're ill or something..." Ron said.

"You idiot. I'll show you." Harry picked up his wand, tapped the ring once and
said, " Ringum technimortellus!" Out of the tip of his wand flew the murky brownish blue
color of the ring, whose stone had turned white at the tap of his wand. It wove itself into the
word, 'Excited' then vanished and wrote out, 'Confused'.

'Well not that we needed to ask that ring what mood you're in, but I'd say it works
fairly well. Let's get a move on planning this thing eh?" Ron clapped Harry on the back,
and they set off to work on the party.

***

"All right now, she's asleep, Ron... let's work fast. Everyone wait here. And be
QUIET!" Harry said, while he ran out of the hospital wing. "Oh and I just wanted to tell
you... don't say anything about her skin. It's still a bit green from that stuff so
don't be weird when you see it? Alright?"

Everyone nodded. Harry nodded to Ron and they slipped quietly into Hermione's area. Soon
streamers were flying out of the tip of Harry's wand and balloons were filling with air out of
Ron's wand. Soon it was decorated and Ron ran out to get their friends while Harry turned round
to wake Hermione as the boys and girls crowded around her bed.

They had not had many people come to their side when they announced in the common room that they
were having a party, but they had everyone who mattered. Harry and Ron, of course, and then also,
Neville, Ginny, Dean, Seamus, and even Lavender came. There were also a few of Hermione's
roommates there, as well as a girl with long auburn hair and green eyes... one of Ginny's
friends from Ravenclaw.

As they assembled, Harry barely touched Hermione before she woke up. He looked straight in her
eyes and said, "Surprise!"

She looked around and gasped. The friends standing around her bed held out the bottles of
butterbeer and pumpkin juice, candy and tarts. Ron appeared at the foot with a large chocolate
baked by Dobby. Blue and yellow frosting socks danced across the top and down the sides. They
cheered and the party began. Presents poured down from all sides. And soon her bed was littered
with torn paper and gifts.

They celebrated for hours. Dumbledore even popped by for a moment to give her a gift-- a book of
spells for healing all sorts of magical ailments. Lavender and Ginny, draped her in the jewelry
they had given her and soon Ginny's friend, Rachel, spun her wand around and around to form a
beautifully intricate tiara, and placed it on Hermione's head. At Hermione's questioning
look, she said, "Don't worry, it'll disappear in a few hours." She smiled.
Hermione smiled back.

"Like Cinderella,"Harry said. She turned and grinned at him instead. Their eyes
locked.

"Cake time!" Ron called, breaking their gaze. Everyone had seen that look, then turned
to their friends and smirked. They pushed Harry in next to her as Ron set the cake on her lap.
Harry reached out to steady it.

"Make a wish," Dean said. She squeezed her eyes tight, then opened them and blew out
the candles in one breath. Everyone cheered again. As Ron handed out cake to everyone, Harry turned
to Hermione and said, "Now it will definitely come true...you blew them out in one
breath." She giggled....nervously... he was so close to her again.

"Want some cake?" he asked with a smile.

"Sure," she replied. He left.

***

Soon after, everyone left. After the boys tidied up, Ron held up the remains of the enormous
cake.

"I think Dobby and Winky would enjoy this, what do you think?"

"I agree," Harry and Hermione said at the same time. They laughed and then Ron left
after saying goodbye to Hermione.

"Ro said this was all your idea Harry. Thank you so much.... I thought you both had
forgotten my birthday!"

"Never," said Harry, smoothing her hair down. Hermione twiddled the tiara, which
hadn't disappeared yet in her hands. Then she reached up and placed it on Harry's head. She
giggled again.

"It looks good, Harry. Leave it," she said, still laughing as he reached up to take it
off. He stopped, then adjusted it and posed for her.

"Do you really think so? I always thought Quidditch was for me but I guess maybe I could be
a model." She laughed.

"Look Hermione... I didn't give you a present at the party...here it is." He
produced the box and held it out. "For you."

She opened it and gasped. "Oh Harry! It's so pretty!" She slipped it on. He smiled
and explained how it worked. She threw her arms around him.

"Thank you for the best birthday ever, Harry!" He flushed.

"Oh!" she said, startled.

"What?" he said.

"The tiara's gone."

"I guess that's my cue to leave then..." Harry stood.

"No, don't go!" Hermione said pleadingly. "Just stay until I fall asleep,
okay? It's so lonely in here. Even the smallest shadows can become your worst nightmare in
here." She stopped and they looked at each other. Then they burst out laughing.

"That was really corny Hermione!"

"I know," she giggled. As she came to a stop, she finished, "But it's
true."

"Alright," Harry said, rather pleased that she didn't want him to go. She scooted
over and he sat on her bed. In a daring moment, he put his arm around her and to his surprise she
huddled right into his embrace.

"Hermione? What did you wish for?"

She looked up at him. "I can't tell. Then it won't come true."

He grinned. "Fine. Be that way."

"Don't worry. I will." Soon after when her breathing became even and she stopped
moving, he gently moved her over. He tucked the blankets gently around her, and leaned in
close.

"Happy birthday, Hermione," he whispered, then he leaned in, kissed her cheek softly
and left silently.

The only patient in the hospital wing was still awake however, pondering how her birthday wish
could ever come true unless she told her best friend what it was.








23. Rachel and Roscoe Semoris
-----------------------------

A/N: Rachel's turning out differently than I meant her to. I hope you are continuing to read
alhtough my updates are sporadic. It's been a two years since I started this story...wow. And
almost exactly one year since I uploaded this chapter originally....I was about to turn 16 and now
I'm about to turn 17. Craziness... Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 23: Rachel and Roscoe Semoris

The next day saw Ron and Harry with nothing to do but visit Hermione and maybe play a bit of
Quidditch. Cornelius Fudge was coming to inspect Hogwarts to see if it needed any changes or
renovations made, so Dumbledore had cancelled classes for the day to allow the teachers to meet
with Fudge in conferences and such.

After waking up fairly early for them on a day off from classes, Harry and Ron went to grab a
bit of breakfast from Dobby, which consisted of the remains of Hermione's large birthday cake
and butterbeer. Full of cake and such, they went upstairs to the hospital wing to visit Hermione,
who unfortunately for them was still fast asleep. At Harry's insistence, they scribbled a note
to her telling that they'd been there and would be back later to visit. Then, at Ron's
insistence, he and Harry went back to the dorms and grabbed their broomsticks to get in some
Quidditch practice. Ron was going out for the team. Try-outs had been cancelled when Hermione had
fallen ill and Harry couldn't be there to help decide on replacements.

When the boys reached the Quidditch pitch, they found Ginny and her friend from Ravenclaw,
Rachel, already up in the air practicing.

"Ginny, you're going to have to be more alert if you want to be a Keeper...Gryffindor
won't win a single game if you don't keep on top of things!" Rachel called, after
Ginny had missed a particularly easy shot.

"I'm just so nervous, I can hardly keep my broom steady...try-outs are tomorrow!"
Ginny fretted.

"Then don't be nervous," Harry advised, as he and Ron mounted their brooms and
swooped towards the girls.

"Oh hello, Harry, Ron. You've met Rachel, right? She was at Hermione's party last
night. Rachel-- Rachel," she nudged her friend, who was looking with open interest at Ron, who
was turning red to the ears from her obvious attention. "This is Harry, and this is my
brother, Ron. They're both fifth years."

"So, this is Ron? I've heard so much about you from Ginny. It's a pleasure to
finally meet you," she said, without taking her eyes off of him.

Harry looked at Ginny incredulously, and then they both turned away from each other afraid that
they would burst out laughing at Ron's red face.

"And Harry Potter....a pleasure to meet you officially. I've heard you are excellent on
the Quidditch pitch. Maybe you should give Ginny here a few pointers....she's too nervous about
the try-outs honestly!" Rachel added, extending her hand for Harry to shake. Then she turned
back to look at Ron.

"Harry, I am bit nervous! Could you coach me a bit?" Ginny said with a nod and a wink
towards the two teenagers back staring at each other.

"Sure. Rachel do you think you could help Ron practice? He trying out as well and--"
Harry was cut off by Rachel.

"Say no more Harry. It would be my pleasure!" And with that, she sped off down to the
other side of the pitch, calling Ron to follow. Ron turned to look at Harry and Ginny, flashed them
a grin and said, "Thanks guys!", before speeding off after Rachel.

Harry and Ginny slapped a high-five and went off to practice.

***

About two hours later, after Harry bid Ginny goodbye and dragged Ron away from Rachel, he and
Ron were heading back to the dormitories to change so they could go to lunch and visit Hermione. As
they were about to round a corner, Ron babbling on about Rachel and such, when Harry threw out an
arm, catching Ron in the chest.

"What the hell was that--" Ron began, but was silenced immediately by Harry shushing
him. Harry cocked his ear towards the corner, where both boys heard three voices arguing. Ron
peered around the corner and pulled back quickly.

"It's Dumbledore, Fudge and some other guy, but--"Ron whispered, but cut off yet
again by Harry. They listened intently.

"I don't see why you believe Professor Sprout incapable of performing her duties as
Herbology teacher. She seems to teach it quite well and all the students love her. I believe your
proposal to dismiss her is completely unfounded," Dumbledore's voice said.

"Be that as it may, Headmaster, Cornelius here thinks it is for the best, don't you
sir?" an especially oily voice said. The man's voice seemed to slither around his
words.

"Yes Roscoe, I do," the minister said. But he didn't sound like himself. His voice
sounded, hollow, almost haunted.

"The minister also thinks that there are a few other changes to be made around here-- in
the staff, the rules. You can be sure that we will be visiting again soon," said the slithery
voice.

"Hogwarts will be ready, Mr. Semoris. I also look forward to having a private conference
with Cornelius upon seeing him at our next visit," said Dumbledore's voice calmly.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible, Dumbledore. Ever since the events of last
summer, with the Death Eaters' appearance at the Quidditch World Cup, the minister isn't
allowed anywhere without an escort. Security measures, I'm sure you understand. Good day,
Headmaster," the oily voice said again.

"Good day Cornelius, Mr. Semoris." With that the boys heard Dumbledore's footsteps
approaching and they quickly backed away and began strolling as though they were just coming around
the bend.

"Good afternoon, Professor," Ron said as they passed.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore replied.

As they turned the corner, Roscoe Semoris and Cornelius Fudge were coming towards them, Fudge a
step or two behind Semoris.

"Good afternoon Minister," Harry said jovially to the rotund little man. But Fudge,
who usually was friendly, almost fatherly towards Harry, passed by him without a glimmer of
recgonition in his eyes. His face was wan and tired looking, and he carried himself differently
than Harry remembered....almost mechanically, as if he were just going throuh the motions of
living. Just then Harry caught Roscoe Semoris's eye, and a hot, sharp pain flared in his
scar.

"Ow!" he cried, slapping his hand against his forehead. "It's my scar.
It's burning..."

Ron was still looking concernedly over his shoulder. "Who's Roscoe Semoris?"

"Dunno," replied Harry, still rubbing his scar.

"Well, what do you think is wrong with Fudge?" Ron asked.

"Roscoe Semoris," Harry said gravely.

***

Reviews would be nice for my birthday.....




















24. I Should Have Listened
--------------------------

A/N: Quite a long chapter, with much dialogue and really not helping more than one plotline of
the story. Please enjoy anyways. I'll be 17 tomorrow!!! Agh!

Chapter 24: I Should Have Listened

"He just walked right by us, Hermione! Like he didn't even know who we were!"
Harry exclaimed a few minutes later. He and Ron had gone to the hospital wing immediately after to
report the strange incident.

"Harry-- he doesn't know who I am.... he only knows you," Ron replied.

"I get what you're saying Harry," Hermione said. Harry smiled appreciatively.

"Yeah, he must be getting to used to people almost wetting their pants when they see
him," Ron said sarcastically.

"Ron, you know I hate it when--"

"Of course I do," Ron interrupted, "I was only joking."

"Who's Roscoe Semoris?" Hermione asked.

"Dunno," the boys said simultaneously.

"But really creepy....if I didn't know any better, I'd say he was Snape's
brother for all he was so greasy and oily-looking," Ron said.

"But you know how Fudge is always so....arrogant?" Hermione and Ron nodded. "He
wasn't today. He just stood there, agreeing with everything Semoris said."

"Usually he just says what he wants and that's the end of it," Ron commented.
"He was so un-Fudge-like today."

"Well, now that you've finished your lovely story, would you mind going and taking a
shower? You two smell awful! What have you two been doing?" Hermione interjected.

"Playing Quidditch with Ginny and Rachel," Ron said, "Well Harry helped Ginny and
I--"

"You planned with Rachel where your next make-out session would be!" Harry teased.

"I did not!" said Ron indignantly, cheeks flaming.

"Ooh who's Rachel?" Hermione asked.

"Just one of Ginny's friends," Harry said. "She was at your party last night.
Long brown hair, freckles--"

"And green, green eyes...like two emeralds...." Ron trailed off.

"Like Harry's?" she asked. Ron nodded dreamily. Harry and Hermione looked at each
other and then at Ron and burst out laughing.

"What's going on?" Ron demanded, snapping back to reality.

"It doesn't matter," Harry said.

"Are you two going to change anytime soon?" Hermione inquired. "The smell is
suffocating me!"

"Yeah, yeah we're leaving. See you later Hermione,"Ron said grumpily, dragging
Harry off by the neck of his robes.

"Bye! We'll be back later!" Harry called after him, struggling to stay upright and
unlatch Ron's hand from his robe's neck.

***

Later that afternoon, Harry returned to the hospital wing alone. Ron had gone off, muttering
something about going to meet some new friends for a game of Gobstones or some such nonsense. Harry
figured he was having a secret rendezvous with Rachel in the gardens or something.

When Harry entered Hermione's curtained off area, she was fast asleep...again. Although he
hated to wake her, he didn't want to leave without a visit since he had promised to come again
later. He stepped up to her bedside and leaned down to wake her.

"Hermione," he whispered, pusing her bushy brown hair back from hair still slightly
discolored face. Her eyelashes fluttered open.

"Hmmm?" she mumbled, still half-asleep.

"It's Harry. I just wanted to see if you wanted to visit right now. If you're not
up to it, I'll just leave and go back upstairs."

"No, no. I'm awake, I'm awake,"she said, sitting up abruptly shaking the fog
of sleep out of her head.

"You sure are sleeping a lot. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah. It's the medicine Madam Pomfrey is giving me to help my skin go back to normal
and to keep my fever down. It just makes me a little drowsy."

"Oh."

They sat in silence for a few moments.

"I have some schoolwork to do--" Hermione began.

"Alright I'll leave then--" he interrupted, but was cut off by her.

"Actually I was wondering if you would help me a bit," she asked.

"Me, help you?"

"Yeah why not?"

"I'm just so used to being the helped, not the helper."

"I just need some stuff explained, that I probably missed in class."

"Alright let's see it," Harry directed her. She pulled a book from her bedside
table.

"Do you want to sit down?" she said, scooting over to make room beside her.

"Are you sure?"

"Harry, I don't have cooties and you don't smell anymore... you smell good
now."

He grinned. "Alright then. Show me what you need help on."

Hermione began explaining. After two seconds, when he realized that she knew exactly what she
was talking about and was probably being overly conscientious of what to write, he tuned out. He
watched her hands as they deftly flicked the through the pages, and pointed to things. She turned
her head to him to ask him a question, to which he nodded absent-mindedly. She looked back at the
pages and he continued watching her as she studied the words on the page and the question at hand.
He watched her lips moving as she spoke and her lashes flicking open and closed.

She began to be aware of him staring at her. A tear rolled down her cheek. Since he was watching
her, he saw it and immediately noticed that she had stopped speaking and sat there staring at the
book as more tears spilled down her cheeks.

"What's wrong Hermione?"

"My skin isn't that bad is it? I'm afraid that it'll never go away....I hate
being so vain, but it's awful when your best friend can't even help staring at it...it
looks all moldy doesn't it..."

"No, no Hermione. I wasn't looking at that. Come here." He put his arms around her
and folded her into a tight embrace. "You're not vain. And no it doesn't look moldy!
You can barely see it...it's almost gone!"

"I should have listened to you when you said the bacon smelled funny. Then I wouldn't
be in this mess!"

"Don't worry about it. You'll be fine. Don't cry any more. You're beautiful
Hermione," he said. He wiped away her tears with his thumb.

"You really think so?" she said, her chocolatey eyes gazing up at him.

"Of course. You're the most beautiful person I know, inside and out."

"Thanks Harry."

"I think I should leave. Would you like anything before I do?" Harry asked.

"No. I'll be fine. I think I'll play with my mood ring for awhile," she
chuckled.

"Don't work too hard. Just...read or something. I'll come in tomorrow after
Quidditch try-outs. Ron and Ginny are going to be there. Hey....wait here a second!" he dashed
out.

"Where do you think I'm gonna go?" she muttered. She lightly touched the bandage
still on her head and ran her fingers over her mottled skin. She heard raised voices in Madam
Pomfrey's office. A few seconds later, Harry strode back through the curtains.

"You're coming out to the Quidditch pitch with me tomorrow. Somehow I convinced her
that the fresh air would do you good," he stated proudly.

"Oh Harry, you're the best! I'm beginning to get cabin fever! Thank you so much
Harry!" She reached up and threw her arms around him.

"It's the least I could do after making you feel so bad. I'll be here to pick you
up at nine o'clock then?"

She disentangled herself from him. "But I thought try-outs started at 11...."

"They do. I have a surprise waiting for you.... I already checked it with Madam Pomfrey.
She said it was fine with her.... but I'll let you wait to see it in the morning! Nine
o'clock! Don't be late!" He leaned down and gave her a squeeze before stepping back
and leaving.

"What is he planning?" she muttered to herself. She picked up her wand, pointed it at
her quill and transfigured it into an alarm clock. She set it for seven, placed it back on her
dresser and turned out the light. She promptly fell asleep.

***