Harry Potter and the Power he Knows Not

DISCLAIMER - Okay I own nothing and I am making no money what so ever. If u recognise it ain't mine if u don't then it either mine or you haven't read the books it from. K house cleaning taken care of now :)

Hmmm, this start just after Harry gets to HQ. He was only at the Dursleys for two weeks and no charges were pressed for the dementors. Basically Harry knows something is different with him and after talking with Hermione they talk to Dumbles. Lots of secrets in here, as well as a few twists I add in later (some of them go against the HP story line.) To see what happens keep reading.

BTW Ron and Hermione have been dating since the yule ball but that is only mentioned briefly and they break un almost instantly, but I had to have it as a way of forming a rift between Harry and Ron. (even when they arte together there is more H/H the R/H anyway)

Oh and please please review as this is my first HP fanfic. Flames are welcome as long as they help me improve.

Pi Girl - OOOOH someone reviewed yah you get chocolate *gives out big block of honeydukes chocolate* grrr, I was so sure I had fixed all the weird gaps, but they came back when I saved it as a new format. Oh well all fixed now. Glad you like character rambling. It took a few edits to get that right cause I have a habit of trying to get right to the point which ruins convo's between characters cause they say stuff with no interaction. Hope to see you again soon

Chapter One - Feelings

*****

Harry was sitting with Buckbeak, silently running his hands through his feathers.

"Hey. Did you miss me?" he asked.

Seemingly in response to Harry's question, Buckbeak tilted his head and looked into Harry's startling emerald eyes.

Remembering what Hagrid had said in third year about not trusting people who blinked too much, Harry strained his eyes. After what felt like hours, Buckbeak slowly closed his eyes and looked away.

"I missed you too."

A small sigh escaped Harry's lips as he continued, "For so long I wanted to be out of that place. Now that wish is granted and I feel no different."

Tears prickled Harry's eyes as he remembered what the last few days had been like.

"I kinda wish I was back there. When people I love look at me the same way the Dursleys look at me I feel disgusted with my self. Like everything that they have ever told me is true."

"When they look at me, I don't feel anything. When people around here look at me like they do, it makes me feel terrible, like I shouldn't even be here. The one place where I should be accepted and I feel more out of place then I ever felt there."

He scoffed, "To have people you love stop talking when you enter the room, be forcibly nice to you, give you sideway glances out of the corners of their eyes when you think they won't notice. I feel so out of place. I've defeated Voldemort four times BY MYSELF. Don't I deserve to know what is happening out there? He's already made it clear he's after me and I don't even know why. No one will talk to me about it. And that's when they even talk to me not about me!"

Numbly, Harry remembered the way Dumbledore had avoided even saying hello since he had arrived. Harry dropped into a seat and was surprised when Buckbeak's wing brushed his arm as he arranged himself next to the seat. They sat there in silence for what seemed like ages. Buckbeak watching as Harry's head raised and his face lifted at a realisation.

Harry made his way to the door and just as he was reaching for the handle, the door swung.

"Hi, Harry. I thought I might find you here."

Harry felt his gut turn as Hermione gave him a small smile.

"You were looking for me?" he asked, slightly puzzled as he moved aside and allowed her entrance to the spacious room.

"Course. Why wouldn't I be?" she smiled shyly at him, as her hazel eyes glanced at his face for a brief moment.

As Hermione's eyes rested on his emerald orbs, Harry felt a brief tingle along his spine. As if afraid she would fall into their dark depths, Hermione quickly turned her gaze elsewhere.

"Well, from the way everyone has been acting, I thought I had some disease or something." Harry forced a smile on his face as he half-heartedly attempted to lighten the mood.

"Harry what's wrong? " Hermione asked as she moved closer to him.

Harry stared at her for a moment as if contemplating if the truth was worth it.

"I..." he began but stopped when he looked into her eyes, unable to hold her gaze for more then a moment.

Harry quickly diverted his eyes onto an extremely appealing patch of floor hoping she hadn't noticed.

"Sit down," he told her, his voice had suddenly taking on a hint of defeat compared to his earlier tone.

Hermione wasn't quite sure if he had requested or ordered her to sit. But before she could really contemplate saying no, he found her gaze and this time was determined to hold it regardless of the way his body tingled when he did.

"Please," he begged.

Unable to resist the broken look in her friend's eyes, Hermione Granger felt her feet carry her to a comfortable looking chair.

Harry positioned himself into the chair beside her. Dimly she heard the door close.

"Harry please talk to me. I've see how you've been acting lately it's as if something is eating you from the inside." Hermione begged trying to find his eyes with her own. "Look at me Harry."

Slowly Harry found his head rising against his will meet her eyes.

"Please talk to me, I may not understand but I want to try I want the glow back in your eyes I don't want to look at you and be consumed by sadness. For once I want to look at you and see you're truly happy like you used to be."

Harry was shocked he didn't think anyone had noticed how dull his eyes had become lately, after a long pause he nodded, "To tell you the truth I don't know."

He paused staring into the fire for a moment, preparing him self to bear his heart to his best friend.

As he found Hermione's eyes studying him he realized that he could tell her everything. She had always been there for him even when others ridiculed him, even more so then Ron who was easily awed and overwhelmed by the "Harry Potter" to just see Harry.

"Since I was a baby, Voldemort has been after me. He's tried to kill me but for some reason he can't. I survived the killing curse twice, Hermione. It's shouldn't be possible yet I've done it. I survived Voldemort four times defeated him three of those times. It's not normal; I'm not normal, he's defeated greater wizards then me yet I'm still here. There has to be a reason for it."

"Something inside me is yelling at me that I'm different. All my life I've felt different from everybody, separated by some force. When I came to Hogwarts, I thought that would change that; that's what was missing that was the big secret. But the more time I spend there the more I know there is something more than that, more to me. Even the one place I feel at home I still feel alienated."

Harry hadn't paused or even moved his glance from the fire since he started. He was afraid that if he even so much as looked at the hazel-haired young woman who was his best friend, he would lose all control and nothing would be able to stop him. Now, at last he stopped and looked into her eyes for a second, as if coming to a silent realisation. When Harry's eyes met her own Hermione felt as if time itself had stopped.

When at last he broke the silence, Harry's voice had taken on an intensity and his eyes seemed to glow with power.

"I feel like there's something missing; I know there's something missing. I can feel it under my skin, in my veins. Every time I cast a spell it's as if there's all this power in my body just waiting to be used. Whenever I faced Voldemort, I could feel the power seep though my skin as if it wanted to be used, as if it wanted to protect me. I felt... I can't really explain it.

"Whenever I use a spell, I feel like there's this power there waiting for me, as if there's something I can do... it's to hard to explain, you have to experience it... to fully understand what it's like." While Harry was explaining this, his eyes had begun to sparkle as if he was glowing.

"I think I understand... to a small extent anyway. How it feels to somehow know there is something there that you can't quite grasp. It's as though you know it's there and you know it's meant for you but you don't know how to use it. Sometimes you get this feeling like you're being consumed by power and when that happens you know exactly what to do, it makes you feel alive as nothing has before. When you do any magic you can feel the power but the second you focus on it, it disappears"

As Harry watched Hermione put into words exactly how he felt, he saw her eyes change, her normally chestnut eyes looking as though flames were consuming them. Though the flames weren't dreadful or even unnerving, they seemed to be rejoicing that they had finally found someone to which they could relate to someone who would understand. Harry always though he could read Hermione through her eyes and now he understood why.

"I never though someone else could understand." they both said at the same time, joy filling their hearts while their voices filled the room.

"You always though like it was just your imagination," Harry smiled at her.

"Or the happiness of being able to do something you used to think was

impossible," Hermione added know that finally someone would be able to

understand her.

"Or just the need to feel," Harry whispered, suddenly consumed by the urge to take Hermione in his arms and kiss her. He started to move towards her but Hermione beat him to it by throwing her arms around her neck and hugging him before returning to her seat smiling.

Harry had no idea how long they sat there both overwhelmed by the fact that they were no longer alone. The silence was strangely comfortable as they waited. They knew they were waiting but neither had any idea for what.

"What were you about to do before I came looking for you?" Hermione asked casually after a long time in silence.

"I was about to write to Dumbledore. I know he knows what this feeling is, something inside screams at me that he's always known about it."

Harry didn't need to say anything else. Hermione knew what the feeling he was talking about was, it was the same thing she experienced when she was about to answer a question then something screamed at her to write something else instead. It was the feeling she got when something was wrong or when she just knew that Harry was in danger.

"It sounds like a plan." she smiled, overwhelmed by the fact that Harry understood, "I'll go get some parchment." Just as she was about to move, Harry's hand did a strange sort of flick and to the surprise of both of them a roll of parchment and a quill appeared in his hand.

Neither bothered to comment, knowing that soon enough they would have answers. They looked at each other as if asking what to write; they didn't want to put too much in writing in case the letter found it's way into the wrong hands.

Finally they agreed on one of the several attempts at a letter and reading it over once more in his head Harry led to way out of the room in search for Hedwig.

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Pumpkin_Pie_Lover - thankies for the review. Yah you like how I write characters. Well ATM you do anyway. I never thought Mcgongal could be so hard to write (but that is for latter. Hope to see you again

Chapter 2 - Interruptions and their Consequences

********

That night Harry slept lightly, expecting Dumbledore to appear at any moment and explain everything but he didn't appear that night or the next. In fact they didn't hear from Dumbledore for the next three days. Instead Harry and Hermione spent their
time with Buckbeak, trying to discover some new aspect to the power they could feel, or else just enjoying the others presence and talking like they never had before. During those days Harry found out more about Hermione they he ever thought he would know. They learnt more about each other in those few days then they ever thought possible, everything from music, book and teachers to people school and life.

Two days after they had sent Hedwig to the headmaster of Hogwarts Harry and Hermione were staring into the fire, the flames flickering on their faces as Buckbeak rearranged himself next to Harrys seat. While neither had said anything, they were both wondering why Dumbledore had failed to contact them.

“Do you think he got the letter?” asked Harry absently.

“I think so,” Hermione replied.

The fire was starting to dance in her vision, calling to her. She wondered if it would burn, if it would tickle. The more Hermione studied the fire, the more she thought she could touch it, she knew it wouldn't hurt her. She knew that the fire was her friend. Some part of her called to the fire as it was home. Before Harry could even think of stopping her she held out her hand, the image of the fire the only thing her mind could see.

Harry nearly fell out of his chair as a thin line of fire hesitantly left the flame and reached towards Hermione. Without thinking, he thrust out his hand as if to protect her and was just as surprised when a circle of white light formed on his palm and flew towards the flame holding it back.

Hermione looked at Harry. Then, as if a wave of air followed her hand, she blew the shield away and once again called the flame to her. It hesitated at first, slightly disheartened by its last attempt but slowly it reached out and caressed her fingers in greeting. A warm tingle spread through her body originating where the flame touched her skin. Slowly, the flame crawled into her hand to create a small ball of happy flames. Shocked but not disturbed, Hermione looked first at the flame then at Harry.

“It doesn't burn,” she whispered, “It tickles, it beckons to me… its my friend.”

Shocked by the sudden use of their powers, they both fell silent intrigued by the flame. Just as Hermione was trying to manipulate the flame, it jumped back to the fire and the door swung open to reveal Ronald Weasley. Smiling Grimly Ron failed to realize how his presence had disturbed anything.

“Hi.” Harry said, looking up forcing a smile onto his face.

“Hi. I'm not interrupting anything, am I?” Ron asked, casting curious glances, first at Hermione and then Harry. It dimly occurred to Harry that his gaze seemed to linger on their best female friend a lot longer then was necessary. As his eyes darted around the room it occurred to Harry and Hermione that he looked slightly out of place and uncomfortable in their sanctuary.

“Not at all!” Hermione reassured him smiling softly at his face.

Harry smiled, leave it to Hermione to make Ron feel at ease even while her mind was yelling at him for ruining one of the best things to ever happen in her life.

“K.” Ron fidgeted slightly, his ears slowing reddening with embarrassment, “So what have you to been doing up here?”

Harry and Hermione glanced at each other, silently coming to an agreement.

“Talking” Harry said quickly, trying to cover the silence. He wasn't exactly lying, just not telling the whole truth.

Looking slightly confused with the situation Ron couldn't keep the hit sarcasm out of his voice, “And that requires you to lock yourselves up here all day by your selves?”

“Sorry, Ron. But we needed a place where we could talk without anyone hearing.” Hermione tried to explain in a calming manner.

“In other words a place where I wouldn't interrupt you.” Ron snapped, “I'm sure you two were cozy as can be. Up here by yourselves for three days and all! Sure you did a lot of talking.” Ron's ears were now red with anger. “If you don't want to talk to me then why don't you just tell me, rather then leave me out.” he finished, turning on his heel before storming out the room.

Harry stood up to go after him but before he could move, Hermione's hand
shot out to stop him, “Let me go.” she whispered.

Resentfully Harry resumed his chair and watched Hermione walk out the room.

***##***##***##***

Hermione followed Ron out of the room until he came to a stop on the second
floor, “Why are you following me?” he snapped turning around, “Won't your precious Harry miss you?” he scoffed his voice full of disgust.

“Ron stop this! Harry is trying to deal with what happened last year. School had finished before he felt comfortable talking to us about it and when he finally could talk, he was stuck with the Dursleys,” her tone was surprisingly calm as she neared him.taking his hands in her own.

“He's been alone for two weeks, Ron, and he's trying to deal with what happened. As for why he didn't talk to you, maybe it's because you have trouble dealing with the fact that everything always happens to him.”

Her voice softened from its earlier snappiness. “He felt that talking to you would just reopen the fight you guys had last year, as much as you hate to admit it sometimes you have problems seeing past `Harry Potter' and just seeing `Harry'. When He fought... Voldemort...”

Ron cringed at the name.

“Things happened, things that Harry doesn't understand and Dumbledore isn't talking to him when he is the only one who might have any idea what is happening. I'm trying Ron. But when you barge in and start-saying things like that I don't think we'll get far... Why did you say those things anyway?”

“It's just that the last two weeks I've had you to myself, Harry's been here for four days and I've hardly seen you lately.” Ron stepped up to Hermione, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist, “What can I say when my girlfriend spends more time withmy best friend then me I get a bit jealous."

“Ron!” Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck, “Harry's my best friend as well. He's the best friend I've ever had, he understands me, he understands what it's like to be misjudged bur most of all he dosen't judge me or hold me lower because of the things I believe in.” Stepping out of his arms she began walking away, pausing for a moment to throw one final statement over her shoulder.

“If you're going to hold that against us then I don't know why we're together.”

With that she walked back to Harry, leaving Ron to wonder how long he was going to play second fiddle to his best friend.

“I love you Mione I truly do. I just don't know if that's enough to keep you when your heart always will belong to someone else. Funny isn't it… Krum was right… hell even Skeeter was right I just whish I had of seen it before I lost my heart to you” he whispered after her, slowly returning to his room

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Hermione - I am so sorry. I went to reply to your review but I accidentally deleted it. I swear I didn't mean to, I am so very sorry. So here you go this chapter is up to show you how sorry I am.

Okay I know this is short but I really wanted the whole Dumbls chapter to be by itself, (which means next chap will be long - bout 6 pages long.)

Once again please please please reiew as I love reviews (they make me want to post, hehe)

This chapter is for Hermione to show how sorry I am.

Chapter 3 - An End to the Waiting

*******

Once again Harry and Hermione were sitting by the fire, Buckbeak resting at their feet. As a change they were talking adamantly about the upcoming year or, more to the point, Hermione was trying to talk Harry into dropping Divination and taking up Arithmancy.

“Come on Harry, you know that old bat is a fraud.” Hermione stated for the thousandth time.

“I know, but it's easy and I've got so much on this year.” Harry argued.

Hermione wasn't about to be defeated, “You have not. I'm doing twice as many subjects as you and you'll be in my class so I can help you. I promise I will.”

Harry stared into her eyes as once again fire consumed them and a harsh breeze began to pick up, “Okay if I say I'll think about it will you leave me alone?” he questioned.

Slowly the wind died down as Hermione considered this option, “Maybe,” she pouted, as she looked into his emerald eyes, consumed in their depths.

Harry felt his body stiffen as an uncontrollable urge to kiss her overcame him. She was just sitting there with the light of the fire dancing on her skin, her hair moving with unseen breezes, her hazel eyes boring into his soul. Harry was suddenly hit with how beautiful she really was. No matter what she reckoned, he had noticed that she was a girl the very first time he had laid eyes on her. Although she chose to hide it, believing that a guy should like a girl for herself not her looks. He knew she was beautiful beyond imagination, though she hid it well, being too consumed in her work to care about petty things such as nail polish and such.

Leaning forward in his seat slightly he studied his prize intently. Painstakingly slow, the distance between them closed as he neared his goal. Just when Harry was about to
intercept Hermione in a searing kiss, he heard a door handle creak and flung himself as far into his seat as humanly possible just in time to see a tall redhead walk in the door.

“Dumbledore's here,” Ron mumbled, his passive voice giving off no hint that
he was in the slightest bit aware of what he had interrupted, “He's in the
study. He'd like to see the both of you.”

“Thanks.” Hermione greeted him, her voice only slightly betraying her excitement, as Harry just nodded. For some reason Ron had seemed distant over the last few days.

Ron however gave a slight nod of his head before walking out the room, just catching the sight of Harry and Hermione embrace each other. It was then that he realised that no matter what he wanted he always would be second to his best friend.

As Harry pulled away from Hermione he realized that he had lost his chance so instead he placed a friendly kiss on her forehead and pulled her from the room and headed down to the study, “Come on!” he whispered urgently, “He's here!”

As much as Harry wanted to convince himself he was excited because he was finally getting answers a small part of him couldn't let go of the kiss that he and Hermione nearly shared, and he wasn't sure he wanted to.

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Nothing much to say just please please review.

Dumbles speech is really a take on what he said in OotP

Chapter 3 - Revelations

******

Dumbledore turned from his study of an ancient looking orb as Harry and Hermione burst into the room panting slightly from their run down the three sets of stairs - though their lack of breath was greatly due to the fact that they could hardly breathe from excitement.

“Harry, Miss Granger,” He greeted them with a smile though Harry could hardly fail to notice that the customary sparkle in his eye was missing.

Expecting Dumbledore to say something else, Harry slowly walked into the room, pulling Hermione with him her hand still firmly trapped in his. When he had moved a good four feet into the room and Dumbledore still hadn't said anything, Harry mumbled a quick hello.

“So Harry. What can I do for you?” he asked, walking to the centre of the room where there were two comfortable armchairs and a sofa situated around an expensive cooking coffee table. Pausing for a second he chose the chair closest to the fire and opposite the sofa, “After all, the letter I received was quite vague.” Smiling ruefully for a second, he turned his attention back to them, “Please take a seat. I have a feeling that this will be a long conversation.” He gestured to the chairs around him indicating for them to relax.

Harry stayed firmly where he was.

“Well lets see…” he started, trying to contain his temper, “How about you answer a few questions for me! Like… lets see… why don't we start with the most obvious. Why is Voldemort trying to kill me? How come I survived the killing curse twice? What does this bloddy scar mean?” Harry flicked his eyes to the lightning shaped scar that made him famous and took a deep breath, “Why for the last four years have I faced Voldemort at least once since I came to Hogwarts? How did I survive him when greater wizards then me have perished?” Harry felt him self pause for effect, “HrrHHmmm… oh and why can I do this?” Harry finished, and with a small flick of his wrist, the orb that Dumbledore had been intent on a few minutes before appeared in his hand.

Dumbledore smiled at him as if realizing that something had finally happened, “Ah…Yes.” he murmured before turning away for a moment, “Harry please have a seat.” This time it was no request.

“Oh, and I believe that Miss Granger would like control of her hand back.” he added as a last minute thought.

Harry was too wound up to be embarrassed at Dumbledore's comment and after a moment's thought he led Hermione to the sofa releasing her hand at the last moment before taking a seat.

Dumbledore leaned forward templeing his fingers together in thought.

“Harry, it's time for me to tell you what I should have told you years ago, I'm going to tell you everything. I pray that you will let me finish before interrupting me.”

He took a deep breath and let it out peering at Harry over his half moon spectacles.

“Four years ago you came to Hogwarts. You weren't quite as cared for as I would have hoped but you were alive. That was the important thing. You see Harry, there is a good reason why you had to live with people who despised anything that was magical. Hence they despised you. After Voldemort's demise, I knew you were in danger, whether it be from his supporters or Voldemort himself. For I knew the extent to which he went to stop death, and I knew that in time he would rise again.”

"So I thought of how I could protect you, I know Voldemort has studied magic intensely and that eventually even my strongest charms would fail. And so I turned to the ancient magic, magic that Voldemort can never understand, magic that he despises and thus will underestimate until the end of his days. I'm talking of the fact that when your mother died to save you, she gave you a protection of blood. And so I trusted in that, I trusted in your mother's blood, your blood Harry. I took you to her only living relative, your aunt.”

Dumbledore could see Harry was about to comment and held up his hand to stop him.

“It didn't matter if she didn't love you; all that mattered was that she took you. And when she did the blood bond sealed itself. Voldemort couldn't harm you while you still called your mother's blood home, although I believe that protection was broken when he used your blood to create himself a new body, hence the reason you left your aunts so early this year.”

"So for eleven years of your life you were hated and scorned with no idea why until you arrived here. Four years ago you came to Hogwarts you were healthy and as normal a boy as I could hope for. I watched as you struggled to understand what happened to you, what this gift you had was, along with all the other children that had never know of magic before.”

"Then you were forced to fight Voldemort, much sooner then you should have. And you emerged…” Harry could not help but notice the pause that Dumbledore left before he continued.

“Victorious. Still worn from your fight, you lay in the infirmary and asked me why you had that scar on your head, as you will remember I chose not to answer that, I told you that you were too young. I told myself that eleven was far too young an age for such a burden.”

"Then you returned again for your second year and fought Tom Riddle for the second time although I might say that this time you managed to show your cunning as well as instinct. I knew you were growing into a remarkable man and I feared that once again you would ask me about your scar but you didn't. You left my presence blood-stained and disturbed. I should have known then that I was beginning to care for you not for what you had to do. But I ignored it and instead told myself that you were still too young.”

"When you entered your third year and proved yourself yet again, should I have told you then… maybe… but you were still joyous at freeing Sirius, having one more link to your parents. I should have told you, you were no longer a child but I didn't, after all who was I to ruin such happiness. Alas I was running out of excuses, you were no longer a child. You had proved yourself three times in circumstances that most grown wizards could not face. And then just this summer, after you had escaped Voldmort's clutches once again at horrific odds as well as the trials of the tournament, I still didn't tell you. Why, you might ask? Because I cared too much for you, Harry, and had forgotten the reason why.” Dumbledore stopped here as if finished.

“This is all well and good sir but why did Voldemort try to kill me?” Harry asked relieved that Dumbledore had finished reliving the circumstances that had added to his fame at Hogwarts.

“Harry, that is a secret that, although I can tell you, you would be better off hearing for yourself. You too, Miss Granger,”

He beckoned them to the now burning fire place.

"It's time for you to visit the Department of Mysteries.” he said, smiling at Harry who was still trying to make sense of everything he had been told.

***##***##***##***

Albus Dumbledore, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter were once again seated
in their seats at number 12 Grimmauld Place. This time, however, there was
an air of foreboding about the room, as Harry studied the small glowing sphere in his hand.

Dumbledore cast a glance at Hermione, “Harry if you would like we can leave you alone for this,” he suggested, still looking at Hermione.

Harry caught his meaning immediately, he was asking if he would like Hermione to leave.

“With all due respect sir, Hermione is my best friend. She's always been there for me and always helped me to do what is needed. She's stood by me and always believed me when no one else would.”

He reached over and squeezed her hand, unconsciously forgetting to let go.

“There is no one I would rather have with me right now.” he finished, dark emerald eyes looking at her intently.

“Very well then, Harry. When you're ready, you may open it.”

Harry nodded and letting go of Hermione's hand, he looked down at the sphere in front of him. For five minutes he sat like that, just looking, comprehending that his life was about to change. He was startled when Hermione squeezed his hand in assurance, giving him a small weak smile. Harry returned her affectionate touch then slowly worked the stopper free of its restraint. When at last the stopper was free, a mist floated into the room, taking the appearance of a bug while a harsh voice Harry remembered clearly from his third year filled the room.

“The one with the power to vanquish the dark lord approaches… born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies… and the dark lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have a power the dark lord knows not… and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives… the one with the power to vanquish the dark lord will be born as the seventh month dies”

The shadowy figure of Professor Trelawney faded from view as her words echoed around the room.

Harry sat there, staring at the spot where the figure had been a moment before.

“So now you know, Harry. The reason why Voldemort has been trying to kill you. The reason why you alone bear that mark.”

“Are you sure that it's me?” he asked, trying to deny the facts that seemed so horrid.

“Yes. Though there was a small chance it could have been another, unfortunately she and her mother died during childbirth.”

“Who?” Harry asked eager to know who else it could have been.

“I'm sorry, Harry. That is not my story to tell you, though I wish I could. I believe some else in this house is more suited to the position. Although that mark you carry causes no doubt to be raised, it is Voldemort's mark, the final feature of the prophesied child.”

Harry nodded his head for once he didn't ask questions, still trying to comprehend the situation before him.

“Harry I know this is a lot to take in. That is the reason why I didn't want to tell you sooner. And while soon I must attend a meeting of the Order on an important matter, I will be here to talk to afterwards. I believe there is one more thing you wanted to ask me. And while this would not be an ideal time to tell you, at least I can put your mind at rest over one thing. The reason you can do this,” Dumbledore said while smiling at Harry as the orb the young man had called to him appeared in his hand, “is because Harry, you're a sorcerer. More then likely the most powerful to ever exist.”

Dumbledore let that sink in and turned to Hermione, “And you, my dear, are a mage, to be more precise, an elemental mage.”

“What!?” Harry and Hermione yelled together.

“Hermione, You are a mage, this type of magic is rare. You see you have the ability to control the five elements as they and any subsequent power they produce are. There are many different types of mages some more powerful then others. The type of magic you posses is complicated and hard to master, there are people who can help you and thankfully you can continue your teachings at Hogwarts, though this would require you to take more subjects this year.” he grinned, “from your devotion in third year I doubt that will be a problem.”

Hermione beamed, pleased that Dumbledore thought so highly of her.

“Harry, you are a sorcerer, possible one of the most powerful ever seen. Not only can you do wandless magic with nothing more then a thought, you can cast advanced and complicated spells easily, you can summon things, change the makeup of a spell effectively changing the effects, you can reflect spells back to the caster, you can modify the strength of a spell, making it more powerful or you could reduce a spell like the Cruciatus Curse to a mild tickling spell. There are other aspects to your powers too, ones that you will discover with time and training. Those abilities will be almost exclusively unique to you as each power moulds itself to the wizard or witch to which it belongs.”

All Harry could do was nod his head. His mind felt like it would burst with everything that was running through it. Hermione, on the other hand, was nearly jumping up and down in her seat. In an attempt to stop her, Harry reached out for her hand. But, due to her movements, he missed and instead his hand came into contact with her leg. At once Hermione froze, disturbed by the tingle running through her body by his intimate touch. Harry's hand quickly jerked away when he realized where it was and the warmth that was spreading form his finger tips to the every fibre in his body.

“If the both of you agree, you can return to Hogwarts the day after next. There you will start your training. For the remainder of the holidays, your classes will be constant and full on. When school starts up again, the classes will soften out a bit, though both of you will be required to take a few different classes.”

Dumbledore glanced a look at the clock on the wall, “Now, if you will excuse me, I need to prepare for the meeting. But I will talk to both of you again before I leave, as I would like your decision by then.” With that he rose and walked out the door.

**********

BTW the more reviews I get the sooner I will update again seeing as I have the next three chapters all ready to go

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Okay thankyou to everyone who reviewed I love then all. That last chapter had a few hints as to what is to come later on. Good luck on finding them ALL. Most of you found the major one but there is another little one that probably won’t mean anything until a while into the story.

Once again thankyou reviewers. As for lurkers please delurk cause is u do I PROMISE to update even sooner.

Please keep reviewing cause they make me so happy. Now on to the story.

Sorry this took so long but I couldn’t get it to save in the right format to upload.

Chapter 5 – Dealing with Stuff.

******

Long after Dumbledore left both Harry and Hermione were still sitting it the study. Harry couldn’t talk, his mind was buzzing with everything he had been told.

After four hours of silence Harry finally mumbled something so quietly that Hermione couldn’t hear a word he said.

“Uh Harry, can you repeat what you just said?” she asked tentatively.

“I’m going to Hogwarts… tomorrow. It’s up to you if you come with me or not. I understand if you want to stay here, but this is something I have to do. It’s too hard to stay here at the moment anyway. I need some… time. I need to be alone to think about the prophecy, about this magic thing, and about everything.”

‘Especially about what I’m starting to feel’ he thought to himself.

Taking a deep breath, Harry looked at Hermione and moved closer to her, taking both of her small hands in his, “It would mean a lot to me if you would consider coming with me. I need a true friend at the moment, and if you’re not one, then I won’t ever have one.”

Hermione smiled up at him, her eyes meeting his, and she was amazed at what she saw in their depths.

“Harry of course I’m going, but I need a few days here, I’ll join you in the next day or so, but I need to fix some things. I made a real mess of something, something that I never should have let happen in the first place. I can only hope that I can fix it before it ruins everything.”

Hermione released Harry’s hands and made to stand up but he kept a firm hold of them pulling her down.

“Mione, what’s wrong? Please talk to me. You always take my problems so let me take yours for once.”

Hermione froze for a moment at Harry’s use of the nickname that Ron had made for her. She felt sick at the thought of her boyfriend. How could she be so close to Harry, get so caught up that she wanted nothing more to kiss him, and why when she dreamt about Ron where his eyes always a deep emerald green. She couldn’t do that to Ron it was unfair.

“Harry, please. You have to understand that I can’t tell you just yet. Trust me I will I promise you I’ll tell you everything when we’re back at Hogwarts. There are… things I need to sort out… people I need to talk to.” With that she left the room leaving Harry alone and more confused then he had ever felt.

***##***##***##***

Later that night, Harry was standing in the room that he and Ron shared. He looked around at the dull dreariness of it. Everything about the room seemed dark, even the empty painting on the wall seemed devoid of colour. He would be glad to leave this place for Hogwarts. The few things he had unpacked were now collected up and strew across his bed as he tried to pack everything in. Frustrated at not being able to get everything to fit, Harry proceeded to empty half the contents of his trunk onto his bed and start again.

Just as he threw down a book about different potions, the door opened and Ron burst in, looking flustered. He gave Harry a small glance, then proceeded to flop ungracefully onto his bed and stared at the roof. Harry heard him mumble something but took no notice of it, as he was in no mood to deal with Ron’s problems on top of his own. So instead he continued to pack things into his trunk, slightly disturbed by Ron’s presence.

“Where ya goin?” Ron asked after about half an hour, turning his head slightly to look at him from the corner of his eyes.

Harry paused for a moment. True, Ron was his best friend but he was unsure how he would react to everything he had been told tonight.

“Hogwarts.” he mumbled after a long internal debate.

At this Ron sat up and stared at him, “What? School doesn’t go back for six weeks. Why you packing now?” he asked, confusion etched onto his brow.

Harry gave a small half smile and looked up into his friend eyes, realizing how far apart they had drifted lately, “I’m leaving for Hogwarts tomorrow, for… reasons.” Harry finished making it clear the conversation was over. As much as he wanted to tell Ron everything that had been going on over the last few days he knew that it would only make him even more jealous.

Ron just shrugged his shoulders as he left the room, neither of them were the type of people to push for answers. That was Hermione's job.

***##***##***##***

Harry heard a faint knock on his door. Curious he walked over and opened it. Hermione stood there with tears in her eyes.

“Is Ron here?” she murmured.

Harry shook his head as he moved aside and beckoned her inside.

“He left about half an hour ago."

Hermione nodded, then collapsed on his chest letting the tears flow easily.

“Harry…” she sobbed, “I… I made a…a mess of everything.”

Concern flooded Harry as he led her over to his bed, forcing her to take a seat as he sat next to her with his arms encircled her protectively, curious as to why she was so distraught.

“Shh… it’s okay. I’m here,” he murmured into her hair, his hands rubbing soothing circles on her back.

“Mione, what’s wrong? Why are you in tears?” he whispered into her ear, his voice contorted at seeing his best friend so upset.

“I just wanted to be happy, and I stuffed everything up.” Hermione’s voice wavered as she pulled back enough to look into Harry’s emerald eyes. She felt as if she stared into them long enough then all her problems would just drain away.

“Mione, talk to me, please.” He almost begged her and the look in his eyes was too much for her.

Renewed by the strength he unknowingly pored into her, Hermione took a deep breath.

“First, I’m so sorry we never told you…”

Harry cut her off abruptly.

“Told me what?” he questioned, his voice was soft and comforting but in the back of his mind a voice was yelling at him, the words not quite clear.

“Ron… Ron and I,” she finally managed, “We’ve been seeing each other since the end of March.”

Hermione waited for him take this in but was surprised when he nearly jumped to the other end of the bed.

“WHAT?! You never told me.” The air around him began to crackle with power, “You. Never. Told. Me.” Harry repeated, emphasizing every word.

“Look Harry I’m really, rea…”

“What don’t you trust me, don’t I deserve to know that my two best friends were shagging behind my back.” He spat.

“Harry, we never… I never… I WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO YOU. Our relationship wasn’t anything like that.”

Hermione was clearly angry and as if in response to her, there was now a nasty breeze whipping their hair around and a fire had roared to life in the fireplace. Every now and again, a flame would jump out reaching for her then die before the distance could be covered. Hermione herself was positively glowing with anger, her eyes burned as the flames rose in her. No longer was it gently and welcoming, this time it was fierce and threatening, and if you looked closely enough you could see miniature lightning bolts emerging from her hair while blue sparks of electricity jumped along her skin, merging with her body in some places while leaving it in others.

“WE NEVER MEANT TO HURT YOU. THAT WAS THE LAST THING WE WANTED! YOU HAD SO MUCH GOING ON AND WE DIDN’T WANT TO ADD TO THAT.”

Hermione paused taking a deep breath as if daring him to interrupt her.

“THEN VOLDEMORT CAME BACK AND YOU BECAME ALL CLOSED OFF. HOW COULD WE TELL YOU THIS WHEN YOU HAD BEEN THROUGH ALL THAT, THEN ON TOP OF THAT DUMBLEDORE FORBADE US FROM TELLING YOU ANYTHING. IT GOT TO THE POINT THAT ALL OUR OWLS
WERE INTERCEPTED AND CHECKED. THAT WASN’T SOMETHING WE WANTED EVERYONE TO KNOW. THEN WHEN YOU DID GET HERE, RON AND I WENT AND HAD A FIGHT SO I DIDN’T WANT TO TELL YOU THEN BECAUSE THE REASON HE WAS PISSED OFF WAS BECAUSE I WAS SPENDING SO MUCH TIME WITH YOU! SO DON’T GO YELLING AT US FOR STUFF WE NEVER DID.”

As Hermione finished, she then turned a bright shade of red.

“And I never shagged him, I barely even kissed him.”

She smiled shyly and Harry mentally berated himself for being so hasty.

“I’m sorry” he whispered. “I was just annoyed that you never told me.”

As Harry watched Hermione for some sign of forgiveness, his startling green eyes were pleading that he didn’t ruin his friendship. He saw the lightning and electricity fade from existence as the harsh breeze died and the flames of the fire returned to a gentle warmth, last to fade was the raging fire in her eyes, which seemed reluctant to leave her body. Harry nearly felt as if he would melt with happiness when she smiled, her hazel eyes radiating happiness.

Hermione felt her walls cave in; she couldn’t deny those eyes anything. She rushed forward and captured Harry in a warm embrace, “Harry James Potter, if you ever do that again, Merlin better have mercy on you.”

Harry smiled goofily at her, "Trust me after that display I am scared to even say something wrong around you.

He laughed half heartily but stopped at the look of confusion on her face.

“Hermione you were using magic.” Harry explained in answer to her unvoiced question.

“What?” she asked clearly stunned.

Harry thought for a moment, then decided to try something. Resting his forehead on hers, he whispered softly.

“Open your mind to me, I want to show you something.”

Hermione looked at him curiously, and then tried to think of her mind being open and blank. Harry did the same; only he focused on the image of her that was burned into his mind for eternity.

Tentatively, Harry tried his best to reach out to her and was shocked when he felt something, only to realise that it was Hermione, but in a way he never knew her. He could feel all the intricate weavings of her thoughts and emotions. He knew instinctively that she could feel the same with him, after a minute or so Harry focused on the image of her and felt her shock at it. In that moment, a wall seemed to drop between them and Harry was suddenly aware that he was being bombarded with pictures from Hermione’s mind, at first they were a jumbled mess then eventually they cleared out into a few select images.

Him in first year lying on a hospital bed surround by gifts.

And again in third year, as he climbed onto Buckbeak's back.

Next was a room in which he saw himself and Ron as well as… Professor Lupin
and… Sirius. Harry caught a flicker of emotion but couldn’t quite grasp it.

Now they were in fourth year and he was pulling a girl from the great lake. The second task, he realized. This time he caught a distinct feeling of relief, he had been gone way too long.

Just as a new image appeared a knock on the door surprised them and they peeled apart. Numbly, Harry stood and headed for the door but it opened before he could reach it, revealing Dumbledore standing on the other side. By the way he was staring at Hermione, Harry had the distinct feeling that he could see the magic she had just worked.

In a moment, however, the look faded and Dumbledore peered intently at Harry from behind his half mooned spectacles.

“Have you decided?” was all he said.

please please please review cause I love them all.

Okay sorry this took so long but all my school work was catching up to me, I was planning to have this up a few days ago, but it's here now, sorry for the wait.

Okay this is another one of the nothing much chapters, there is a little bit of fluff but do there you go.

I promise the next chapter actually has important stuff in it.

Thankies to everyone who reviewed, hands out chocolate frogs and sugar quills to reviewers.

Chapter 6 - More Stuff

***##***##***##***

After Dumbledore left, Harry and Hermione made their way to their sanctuary for the last time together. Everything had been sorted out; Harry would leave for Hogwarts tomorrow at 10.30 via Floo Network, he would have the next two days to himself to settle in and begin on some of the books that awaited them. Hermione would join him in two days and that afternoon their lessons would begin. They would each be given their timetables and they would get every Sunday off to recuperate and relax. Then, three weeks before school was to go back, they would go to Diagon Alley with Tonks, Kingsley and Mad-eye to get the things they needed.

Once they were seated by the fire, Hermione leaning slightly on Harry's shoulder, did he break the silence.

“I'm sorry about how I acted earlier. I just overreacted.” Harry murmured trying to close the small rift he had caused with his outburst.

“Harry it's fine. But we should have told you sooner.” Hermione countered, smiling up at him, amazed how easily she could lose herself around him, she felt so at ease.

“This is going to be kinda strange, with you two dating and all. I guess we won't be as much of a trio any more.”

Harry's voice sounded forced, as if talking about something he didn't want to face.

Hermionne pulled away from him, staring into his eyes clearly confused. Then it hit her

“I'm sorry Harry. I forgot we never got to finish our conversation earlier, did we?"

She was grinning at him, clearly already knowing the answer to her question.

“Ron and I broke up, that's why I was so upset before.”

With that she pulled him into a tight embrace.

“Silly.” she murmured, as somewhere in the back of her head she wondered why
she was no longer upset by the thought of her relationship with Ron.

“So what happened with the two of you?” Harry asked, once again at ease.

“Well it was fine. Mostly just light stuff, he'd get upset by the fact that I always nagged at him, and um… well, lately he'd been.” Hermione flushed red at the thought of what she was about to say. This only added to Harry's interest.

“Yeah,” he prompted, “What? Was he trying to push you?” he asked, hoping the answer was no because he had no idea how he could deck his best friend for trying to push his other best friend.

“No, nothing like that,” Hermione gave off a slight laugh, “We never did any of that. He, um… he was jealous of you.”

She had to fight off a laugh at how silly it sounded.

Harry just shook his head, “Why do I think that every guy you date is destined to be jealous of our friendship?”

He laughed in good nature but privately wondered why the thought of his best friend with another guy made his stomach clench.

Slowly, the conversation died down to a comfortable silence and Harry was left to remember what had happened before Dumbledore came to see them. Hermione too, seemed to be thinking of this as she placed a comforting arm around his shoulders.

“Harry,” she began warily, as if what she was about to say scared her more then life itself, “Why did you never tell us about what happened?”

Harry looked at her stunned, “I did.”

“No you didn't, not really. You never told us `what happened.' You only ever told us the, well you never actually told us that much.”

Harry looked away from Hermione, unable to meet her innocent eyes, “You saw it. Didn't you? You saw what happened.”

Hermione managed a weak smile, “Yeah, I did.” She whispered.

“God, Hermione.” Harry folded her into his comforting embrace, “I never wanted you to have to deal with those things, I never wanted you to have to have to live through the things I've seen.” he whispered, running a hand along her back and through her hair.

Hermione waited for a minute before pulling back, tears prickling her eyes.

“Harry I saw it all, everything. I had no idea. Did you ever think that maybe I was tired of watching you risk your life again and again because of things you never understood. I'm sick of having to watch your innocence being destroyed by Voldemort, so sick of it! I want to be there with you, fight with you, you shouldn't have to go through this alone.”

As Harry stared at his best friend, he saw the tears being released from her eyes, and suddenly was consumed with sadness, “Mione, I don't want you to have to have to do the things that I have to do…”

Hermione cut him off by placing a finger on his lips, “I don't care! We're in this together now, until the end. I just found out I have this power and you expect me to sit around while you go off and nearly get yourself killed!”

Harry resigned himself with a small nod and began tell her everything he remembered from the last four years, he didn't even notice her breath catch in her throat when he was telling her about Quirrell

When at last his story was finished, Hermione was curled up with her head resting in his lap.

“So, anything about you that I should know about?” he asked half-heartedly.

If Harry felt her stiffen for a second, he showed no sign of it. Instead he removed his jacket and folded it into a ball as he lay down next to Hermione and slipped his jacket under their heads as a makeshift pillow.

That night Harry had the best night sleep he had had in weeks. As he draped an arm protectively over Hermione, he tried to deny the logic his mind was following.

***##***##***##***

The next morning when Harry awoke, he looked down to find Hermione huddled against his chest and breathing deeply. Unwilling to disturb her, he slowly pried her arms from his and silently left the room. All his things were ready. He had dealt with that yesterday. There were only two things left to do. Harry chose the easiest first.

So, determined to do what he must Harry set off to his first destination. He approached the dark entrance to Sirius' room and for a second faltered in his step. He was about to turn around and leave when a picture of Hermione sleeping peacefully in front of the fire rose to his mind and he knew instinctively that she would want him to do this.

Renewed, Harry continued to the dismal room. Only the thought of Hermione was keeping him on track.

'I have to do this,' he thought to himself.

Harry came to a stop in front of a large ebony door. It was intricately carved to show a picture of a man's face being consumed by sharp vines. Harry shuddered at the picture, so like the rest of the house. Noticing that the door was slightly open, Harry raised a hand as if to push the door. But when his hand came within two inches of the dark wood, the door moved slightly. Harry stopped. So did the door. He pushed again. The door moved. With one great shove the door swung open to reveal a room identical to the others in its dismal decor. This one however was larger and had a slight sense of being well lived in.

Harry looked around the room for Sirius, expecting to see a dark figure somewhere. However the room was eerily quiet. Harry was about to leave the room and search somewhere else when a massive black shaggy dog collided with his narrow form and pushed him to the ground.

Harry knew who it was but the sight of a massive dog standing over you and baring his teeth was disconcerting. Harry was about to say something when quite suddenly the dog started licking his face affectionately. Laughing, Harry tried to push the dog off him but failed miserably.

“Padfoot!” he exclaimed.

Harry was sure the dog grinned at him before stepping aside and transforming into Harry's godfather, and ex-convict, Sirius Black.

“Sorry Harry, but I had to have a little fun. I haven't been out of here in ages.”

He smiled at Harry grimly, before pulling the boy into a hug.

“So what are you doing here this early in the morning?” Sirius asked eagerly, and Harry became aware of just how little time he had spent with him over the last few days.

“I just wanted to talk, before I left and all.” Harry murmured, feeling slightly ashamed.

Sirius looked at him, confused.

“I'm leaving this morning, for Hogwarts…”

Harry raised his eyes to meet those of the man everyone thought to be James and Lily's murderer.

“Dumbledore wants me to go there so I can train as a sorcerer.”

Sirius just nodded and Harry had a feeling he already knew this.

“Hermione's coming with me, she's a mage.” Harry added, non-chalantly watching Sirius's face for any sign of surprise, but there was none. “I'm going to be training so I can kill Voldemort.” Harry added, once again watching. Once again there was nothing, not even a flinch at the sound of the Dark Lord's name.

“I guess Dumbledore finally came clean then. I've been telling him for the last year to tell you.” Sirius smiled at him, his eyes searching Harry's.

“You asked him, didn't you?” he asked quietly. Harry just nodded, while Sirius gave a rueful half laugh, “I always knew you were smart.”

“So you know? About `everything'?” Harry asked after finding his composure.

“Yeah, of course I was James' best friend. He told me everything. I'm sorry I never told you but Dumbledore forbid me, after everything that happened, I couldn't let him down.”

Harry relaxed. Sirius knew everything, he wasn't angry.

“Come sit down. There's something I want to tell you about before you leave.” Sirius motioned towards his bed.

All Harry could do was grin madly. Everything would be fine!

****

once again please please review

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Okay thankies to everyone who reviewed and please under no circumstances some reviewing.

Sorry that this took so long but with school, karate, helping my sis move out of home, work, homework, etc everything just piled up. And I was unable to reread this and make some small changes. But it’s here now.

Also I’m looking for another beta reader if neone intrested.

Chapter 7 – New Situations

***##***##***##***

The next two days passed uneventfully for Harry. He spent most of his time by the fire in the common room trying to make sense of the books Dumbledore had given him. For once he couldn’t wait for classes to start! He even had time to visit Hogsmeade and practice Quidditch.

However Harry felt empty, he was alone. There were only teachers around as Hagrid was still on Order business and he had no desire to spend quality time with Snape. He ate his meals alone, normally going to the kitchens first, then down to the lake to eat in peace. Dumbledore had talked to him on his first day, then disappeared to ‘make arrangements’. Essentially Harry was alone. So he waited for Hermione to join him.

Monday morning, Harry woke and jumped out of bed, checking the time along the way.

8.45 am

He’d over slept.

Again.

Silently Harry cursed him self for sleeping in once again, then slowly a smile came to his face. Hermione would be arriving today. In 1 hour and 15 minutes Harry would no longer be alone and that afternoon their training would start.

***##***##***##***

At precisely 9.45 Dumbledore opened the door to the Gryffindor common room
and walked towards Harry with a smile on his face.

“I hope you are well rested, Harry. This afternoon you start your training.”

Smiling Dumbledore walked over to the now roaring fire and pulled a black velvet pouch from his robes, “I’ll be back soon with Miss Granger… as long as Molly doesn’t try to keep me too long.” He glanced at Harry once more before disappearing into the flames.

Harry sat down in one of the large chairs facing the fire and waited, staring at the clock watching the hands move. Counting down the time until ten o’clock.

Fifteen minutes…

Ten minutes…

Five minutes…

Three minutes…

Two minutes…

One minute…

The clock chimed ten but still there was no Hermione. Harry turned and stared expectantly at the fire, as if expecting Hermione to pop out of thin air.

Five past….

Harry waited. She probably forgot her copy of ‘Hogwarts, A History.’ he reasoned.

Ten past…

She’s probably being bombarded by Mrs Weasley but as Harry stared at the fire a flicker of doubt starting to rise in him.

Twenty past…

Where is she? Harry was getting nervous; she was never late.

Half past…

"What if someth…" Before Harry could finish his thought, Hermione burst through the door panting, her trunk floating behind her.

“Harry I’m so sorry we’re late, I just ran all the way from Hogsmeade. You’ll never believe wh…”

Hermione never got a chance to finish what she was saying as Harry had wrapped her in a bone crushing hug and was busy holding her tightly reassuring himself that she was indeed there.

After what felt like hours, Harry finally released Hermione and stared at her intently.

“I was so worried. Don’t you ever do that again!” Harry smiled trying to decide whether to scream with joy, run around the room, or yell at her for taking so long.

“Harry I’m sorry but you’ll never guess what happened.” Suddenly Harry realized that her eyes were alight with joy and she was shaking from excitement.

Harry smiled to himself, She looks so adorable, he thought, Hold on, since when did I think of Hermione as adorable?

Harry smiled again as he pushed the annoying thoughts aside, then did the first thing that came to mind.

He picked Hermione up and carried her to her favourite chair by the fire. Proceeding to sit down, he pulled her into his lap.

“I missed you so much.” he whispered into her ear, “You have no idea how boring it’s been.”

“I missed you too.” she replied sincerely, “But guess what happened.”

Harry finally realized that she had been trying to tell him why she was late.

“I dunno” he shrugged his shoulders.

Hermione looked as though she had just been given a library of books for Christmas, “Well, Dumbledore came to get me and when I was finally able to go, I got into the fire and tried flooing here but for some reason I couldn’t. I tried like ten times but every time the fire wouldn’t let me go or something.” Hermione smiled at Harry then went on, “Anyway, so we ended up apparating to Hogsmeade then I ran all the way here cause I just knew how worried you’d be… I wonder where Dumbledore is?” she added after a moment, panting slightly from lack of breath.

“Right here.” A soft voice echoed from the door, “I see you found Harry, and as I assured you he is still quite all right.”

A flush of red appeared on Hermione cheeks, “I wasn’t that worried,” she mumbled.

“Miss Granger here seemed to be under the impression that you would do something drastic if you didn’t know what had happened.” Dumbledore continued, smiling.

Harry forced a smile onto his face.

God she knows me too well, he thought to himself, never noticing Hermione grin at him as she removed herself from his lap and sat down on one of the seats next to him.

“Now I’m sure our last meeting left you with many questions.” He paused as both of the children nodded.

He removed two pieces of paper from within his robes and let them rest in his lap,

“Harry, this year you will be required to take on Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, I have spoken to both Professor Vector and Professor Artemis and they have both agreed to give you lessons during the holidays so that you can catch up and join their classes at the beginning of the school year.” Harry groaned inwardly but smiled politely at the professor, “You will have to drop Divination however as it will clash with your new subjects, and I think you will have enough on your plate with out having to use a timeturner as Ms Granger did in your third year.”

“You will also be learning how to perform spells without your wand as well as changing a spell so that it can do your bidding, along with several other things that are directly related to you own power. Most of these lessons will be with myself and occasionally with Professor McGonagall.”

Dumbledore smiled, knowing this would cheer Harry up a bit.

“Miss Granger, you will be studying the elements with several different teachers over the holidays. You need to understand not only how but also why they are as they are. Without this knowledge, your power will be diminished. You will also be learning how to control these elements.”

Harry and Hermione both gave nods of understanding.

“You will both be studying enchantments, healing, mind power, apparation and learn how to become animagi. You will also be trained in physical combat, such as martial arts and weapons. Miss Granger you will learn how to use scythes,” Dumbledore then turned to Harry, “Harry, you will be learning swordsmanship, I believe you know what your weapon will be.”

Harry gave a small nod while Hermione looked on in interest, “The sword of Gryffindor.” he whispered.

Dumbledore gave an affirming nod, “Harry, there is something you should know about this sword. Its name is the Yammka Suncrusher, I’m sorry that I am unable to tell you what this means, as it is an ancient weapon that was believed to come here from somewhere far away. It was a gift to Godric Gryffindor by a man called Kyp Durron. From what is remembered of this man you do bear a remarkable resemblance to him... what with your eyes, your hair, your power, your... “

Dumbledore smiled slightly.

“...Penchant for rash decisions. There is no proof this man ever existed, though it was believed that when he presented this sword to Godric, he spoke three words that are etched into the blade.

'Who are you?'

Alas, I am getting off track. The blade is made of the hardest substance known and the craftsmanship is said to rival that of the ancient races. It is rumoured that, when used by the correct person, the weapon is like an extension of the body. Harry, what I am about to tell you must not be repeated to anyone, not even Mr. Weasley. Do you understand?”

Harry gave a deft nod silently swearing to tell Ron everything.

“Harry, I mean it! No one can know what I’m about to tell you. If the information got out then it would be dangerous. The only reason I am letting Miss Granger in on this is because you will both be trained in Occlumency and it is important that you have at least one person you can talk to everything about. I will know if you have told Mr. Weasley and trust me when I say that the punishment you would suffer will be terrible.”

There was a dangerous fire in Dumbledore’s eyes that Harry had no wish to see, so he nodded silently, mentally apologizing to Ron.

“Good.”

The fire diminished and after a moments pause, Dumbledore spoke.

“Godric Gryffindor is your father's ancestor and it is believed by a few people that Lily is the descendant of his best friend, Kyp. Harry, you must understand only a few people in the world believe in the Durron legend.”

Harry was sitting in shock. Both he and Hermione had been too engrossed in the professor's words to even move.

“Now I must be going. I have much to organize before your training starts and I believe that I have overloaded your thoughts more than enough already.”

Dumbledore stood and walked to a painting in the far corner of the room. After whispering something to the occupants who smiled and glanced at Harry and Hermione before swinging open, he walked back to them.

“As your training requires extensive study and a large amount of room to practise, you will be moving to a private room, your things have already been moved up there along with several other objects you will find useful, your password is 'Marauder'. Oh, and please be in the Great Hall at two o’clock sharp.”

With that Dumbledore left the two teenagers alone, staring at the two pieces of paper he had left on the table in front of them… their timetables for the holidays.

Slowly Harry came out of his trance-like state and scooped the two bits of paper into his hand, folding Hermione's and placing it in her pocket before standing up.

“Well, let's go see our new rooms.” he suggested, still amazed at what he had learnt.

Hermione nodded at him and stood up, taking his hand as they walked towards the painting. As Harry drew nearer he saw the painting was of two people wearing strange black robes. The male was of a strong build and it was easy to see he was rippling with muscle. He had black hair and greenish-brown eyes that seemed to change from one colour to the other as you stared at them. The other person was a female with brown hair and deep hazel eyes. She had a small frame and stood a full head shorter than the male though she too seemed to be strong. The two people smiled at him and waited for them to enter.

Harry paused at the door and looked at Hermione, waiting for her to enter. She smiled softly at him then walked through the door. Harry followed in her wake.

The room they entered was like a smaller version of the common room. There was a large desk in one corner, big enough for both of them to study and work at. Next to this was a bookshelf that Harry knew Hermione was dying to look at. In the opposite corner from the desk, there was a fire place surrounded by two chairs and a sofa that looked very comfortable. Harry took all of this in and noticed that there was a staircase in the middle of the opposite wall that split in two, he took this as leading to their bedrooms. Lastly, Harry noticed a small door to his right.

“It’s perfect,” he heard Hermione whisper next to him and he had to agree with her, the room was very comfortable.

“I wonder what’s through here,” Harry asked, pushing open the door next to
him and pulling Hermione in after him.

Harry found himself standing in a large room. The floor had a strange material over it that looked as if it were made of reeds. There was a bench along one wall that looked like it would make a comfortable seat but also a useful place to put stuff. The room was wide and airy. Harry’s eyes came to rest on a punching bag and several gloves and bags that looked as if they could be used for partners to practice karate on.

“It’s a training room,” he stated, half-way between shock and understanding.

“Obviously,” Hermione replied with a shake of her head, “I guess this is where we are going to practice.”

Harry nodded his head, “I’m going to head up to my room and take a look around there,” He pulled Hermione into a tight hug, “Come and see me when you are settled in?” he asked.

“Sure,” Hermione laughed, returning the hug just as energetically.

Harry let go of his friend and walked away to head up to his room turning around at the last minute.

“It’s good to have you back Hermione, I really missed you,” he said without thinking, before heading up to his room.

Harry slowly climbed the stair case that led to his room after only a few meters he came face to face with a mark-less Jarrah door. Carefully, he reached a hand out and pushed the door open. As it swung, not even a creak could be heard. Harry was slightly surprised when the surface of the door changed to reveal a man standing whith a wand and sword in his hands, a bolt of lightning was striking the ground next to him and behind him stood a girl with windswept hair and a stag, only briefly wondering what it meant Harry stepped through the door and found himself in a spacious bedroom.

In the centre of the far wall was a four poster bed that looked comfortable, in one corner there was a small desk that could easily be used for study. Next to this sat a small bookshelf that contained books on sorcery, Defense Against the Dark Arts and swordsmanship. There were also a few books on the extra subjects Harry would be taking this year. However what surprised Harry the most was the glass faced rectangular cabinet that sat in the centre of the bookshelf. Curiously,Harry inched closer until he could see what was inside.

It was a sword.

Slowly Harry reached out a hand and opened the glass. Just as he was about to remove the sword, Hermione burst through a door to his left. Quickly Harry’s arm dropped as if caught doing something he shouldn’t be.

“Hermione?” he asked. In response, she smiled at him and Harry felt his gut clench, she really was beautiful.

‘Where did that come from?’ Harry suddenly asked himself when he realized where his thoughts were going.

“What are you doing here?”

She just continued smiling at him, “Looks like we share a bathroom,” she said happily, her voice now returning.

“Isn’t this place great!” she exclaimed, “I never knew a place like this existed, it isn’t even on the map.”

Harry smiled at her nodding his head once in agreement.

“I see you found your voice, you barely spoke before.” he pointed out, glad that even in amongst change, Hermione could still be the same girl he knew five years ago.

Hermione blushed, slightly embarrassed at how well Harry knew her.

“Well it was a lot to take in.” she stated simply, “So this is your room. I guess mine’s a bit larger but my desk and bookshelf are about twice the size.” Once again a blush crept onto her face as she admitted it.

“Well, you do live in a book.” Harry said out loud.

‘Though we both know that there is more to you then that.’ he thought to himself.

The raven-haired wizard smiled at this thought. Hermione thought he was smiling about her obsession with books and smiled back at him.

‘She’s cute when she smiles,’ Harry concluded, mentally berating himself for noticing so much about his best friend.

“So what’s your room like?” he questioned, trying to divert her attention from himself.

Hermione grinned at him, “Perfect. Come on I’ll show you.”

Before Harry could protest, she grabbed his hand and proceeded to lead him to her own room before setting off to explore the rest of their new sanctuary.

***##***

Okay thankyou for everyone who reviewed and o answer most of you yes Kyp Durron is from Star Wars. However the names in this chapter (Arya, Saphiri, Aragon and Arwen) were just used cause I like them not because they are actually those characters.

Okay people please please leave your reviews cause I love them so much. *hugs reviews*

Chapter 8 - The First Lesson

***##***##***##***

Harry looked up at the old clock in their private common room and gently shook Hermione's leg. At the current moment they were both laying on the sofa engrossed in reading with the fire casting a soft light over them.

“What?” she snapped, annoyed at being disturbed from her current book, `Elementals for the enchanted'.

“Sorry, Mione,” Harry whispered, smiling at how eager his best friend was to study, “But I don't think it would be a good idea to be late for our first lesson.”

“You mean it's two already?” Hermione asked in surprise, “We've only been reading for ten minutes.”

Harry smiled and nodded along. Actually, she had been the only one reading. He had been busy studying her small frame and asking himself when had she changed from a girl to a beautiful young woman and why did he feel so complete while she was laying in his arms.

“I know,” he muttered, “But we really should get going if we want to make it on time.”

Signing in defeat, Hermione marked her place, then sat up and placed her book on the small table next to the sofa the pair had been laying on.

“Lets go then” she stated, standing up and moving to the door.

Smiling, Harry followed her down to the Great Hall.

When Harry finally arrived in the hall, his jaw dropped. Instead of the usual four House tables there was a large mat covering the floor.

“Ah, Harry. Miss Granger. Glad you could make it. I decided that seeing as
you already have a lot to take in, we would start on the physical side of
your training today.”

Dumbledore smiled at the surprised look on their faces and guessed what they
must be thinking.

“Alas, I will be unable to teach you this particular subject, but I believe that your teacher will be along at any minute.”

Just as Dumbledore finished his sentence, the doors opened to reveal a tall woman clad in loose fitting pants and a tunic. She walked through the door and smiled. She had straight midnight blue hair and vibrant purple eyes. A ancient type of wand strapped to her belt betrayed the obvious fact that she was indeed a witch but the orb-topped staff she held lightly in one hand suggested there to be more to her then she would easily let on.

“Albus,” She smiled in smiled in greeting. As her voice filling the room, it sounded airy, almost second worldly, “So sorry I'm late. I had a few problems with Saphira.”

Harry was staring, he knew he was but he couldn't help it, she must be close to the headmaster to so casually address him with no show of reverence. The… woman… was dressed in an earthy green shirt and brown pant a sash of green was wrapped around her waist and a small dagger pouch and her wand were situated.

“That's quite all right, Arya, I hope both of you are well,” Dumbledore answered politely.

The woman, Arya, nodded, “Fine. Considering the journey. My father sends his wishes, as do Aragon and Arwen.”

Dumbledore smiled, obviously happy with her response, “I will have to contact them again, it has been to long since I have seen them. I was just telling Harry and Hermione about today's lesson before you arrived.” He finished, turning the subject once again back to hand.

Arya turned to Harry and smiled, “I know who you are of course. I could feel your presence a mile away, something we will have to work on. Radiating power like that is dangerous. And indeed you are powerful, much like your kin, though such power has not been encountered for many generations. Strange is it not that after so many years one like yourself would emerge. The first since the beginning of my memory.”

She smiled after a moment and Harry was unsure whether or not to be complemented by her remarks. Leaving him to ponder this she turned to Hermione.

“You must be Hermione, I felt your power though it was not quite as distinguishable. I take it you have only recently learnt of your power?" When Hermione didn't answer, she continued. “I thought so. You will be an interesting student. I sense great things from you... in time.”

Harry glanced at Hermione, wondering what she thought of this woman and her speech. To his surprise, she was once again speechless, barely able to find her words.

“You're… you're… an Ancient.” she finally managed, “I thought that people like you were legends.”

“And where do you think the legends come from? I am as real as you. But my people have gone to great lengths to stay hidden. If it were common knowledge that we existed, then outsiders would taint our ways. They would go to great lengths to find our secrets. Albus is one of only a half a dozen people to be allowed entrance to our world since time began. We have created legends upon legends until people have come to believe that there is no way we can exist. We are a myth neither as certain as evil nor good. Yet we are there nonetheless.”

As Arya spoke she shook out her hair and Harry caught a glimpse of something that he never thought possible.

“YOU'RE AN ELF!” he exclaimed, cutting her off as her hair once again covered her pointed ears.”

As he said this, all three of the others turned to him.

“In a way,” Arya spoke, “The word elf was invented long ago, long before humans inhabited this world and translated it means, `veil of the truth'. We found it appropriate in order to achieve our means. You see, my people's wish to remain secret was so strong that they were willing to go to any lengths, even starting a legend by allowing people to glimpse them for a second. Over the generations, the `elves' have come to be perceived as they are. Which suits us just fine.”

“Oh.” Harry muttered, heat rising on his face.

Dumbledore seemed to sense Harry's embarrassment as he chose that moment to interrupt, “Arya has kindly agreed to teach you both physical defense and your selective weapon. She will also be helping in your magic training as her knowledge of both your magical abilities is timeless.”

With that, he walked to one side of the mat and conjured a comfortable armchair. There he sat for close to four hours and waited for them to finish.

After the first hour of training, both of the teenagers were dripping with sweat. They were nearly collapsing from exhaustion during the next hour. Through all of this Arya continued to push them until she knew they could take no more.

“Enough.” She commanded as they finished their current exercise, “I want both of you to practice every day for at least half an hour and I want two laps around the lake every morning, your endurance needs raising if you ever wish to master your bodies.

Harry nodded and forced his body to stand as every one of his muscles screamed in pain. Arya seemed to sense this and a smile graced her face.

“It will get easier, trust me.” she whispered as she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder then just as quickly removed it.

“I suggest both of you retire to your rooms and enjoy a hot shower. I will have Dobby bring you your dinner soon. You may go.” Dumbledore said from behind them. Harry nodded again and quietly took Hermione's hand, pulling her from the hall and leading her to their rooms.

***##***##***##***

Harry was sitting on his bed, his hair still moist and his legs folded beneath his body as he flipped through the photo album Hagrid had given him in his first year.

Smiling Harry gazed at his favourite photo. It was of Sirius and his parents on their wedding day. They had their arms strung around Lily and were laughing. Every now and again, Sirius would glance at someone out of frame and try to pull them into the picture. Occasionally James and Lilly would glance encouragingly at the person and try to help Sirius.

Harry grinned, wondering who it was who didn't like photos.

“Hey Harry. You hungry?” A small voice asked from behind him.

“Yeah.” Harry answered, grinning as he closed the book and placed it aside. “Course.” he added, turning to face Hermione who was holding the door open with her hip as she was holding a tray pilled with food.

“Dobby bought dinner.” Hermione answered the unspoken question as she walked in and knocked the door shut with her hip.

Harry felt his jaw drop as he realized what she was wearing, a tight black pair or jeans and a red halter top that left her belly exposed and hugged her curves.

“Ah…” Harry knew he must have sounded stupid but he couldn't help it. He had never seen Hermione dressed like this before and it shocked him to no end.

“What?” the Hermione look-a-like asked as she placed the tray on Harry's desk, enabling him a very nice view of her rear as she bent over, casually she flicked her hair as she glanced behind her, smiling.

Dimly Harry realized that she had done something with her normally bushy hair, it was now sitting in ringlets down her back.

“Harry you okay?” she asked with concern, walking back to him.

“Mione… is that you?” Harry asked, trying to hide his excitement.

“Yeah. Who else would I be?” she asked, standing in front of him.

“You look nice.” Harry murmured, trying to cover his shock.

Hermione smiled and twirled for him.

“Thanks, Harry. My mum went on a shopping spree. She was going on about how I needed new clothes and stuff. Personally I think he went a bot overboard.”

Now it was Hermione's turn to blush, “Most of the clothes she bought are like this, apart from the winter ones, and most of them are still just as tight. I thought I'd better try some of them before school goes back, just in case I want to buy some something different.”

Harry smiled, she really did look cute when she blushed, “Okay so that explains the clothes but what have you done to your hair?”

“New Muggle shampoo… Pity it only stays like this after you wash it. The minute you sleep on it, it turns back to frizz."

Harry laughed, knowing full well how much she hated her hair.

“Well, you look great.” he smiled, no longer embarrassed.

Hermione smiled back. “Is that coming from the friend Harry or the male Harry?” she joked, not intending to be taken seriously.

“Both.” Harry answered straight away, unaware of Hermione's shock about his
answer to what she had thought was a joke. Instead he stood up and wrapped his arms around her, ignoring the tingle he felt when his hands came to rest on the small of her back, “Have I ever said thank you?” Harry asked suddenly consumed with emotion.

“No. Why?” Hermione asked, as the air around them started to warm with her excitement. `Why was her skin tingling at his touch?'. This was Harry Potter, her best friend.

“I was just thinking and I realized that I never said thank you before. So thank you, Hermione.”

Just as she was about to protest he bought a finger to her lips silencing
her protests.

“And don't go on some big protest because I can thank whoever I want and that's you. People always give me praise but if it wasn't for you. I would have died a long time ago.”

Harry paused, removing his finger from her now silenced lips as he organized his thoughts. “In our first year you helped me reach the Philosopher's Stone, second year, you showed me the way to the Chamber of Secrets and prepared me for the battle.”

Smiling, Harry took her hands and pulled her back onto the bed. “In third year, you helped me save Sirius. I couldn't have done that without you. Last year, you helped me with everything. If it wasn't for you then I wouldn't have made it past the first task.”

Hermione began to protest but after catching the look in his eyes, decided it best not to.

“It's more than that, Mione. You have always stuck by me, no matter what was said about you because of it. You believed me even when Ron didn't. Every fight I've ever had with him, you've been by my side. When I want nothing more than to give up, it's you that keeps me going, the thought of what you would say that stops me. Your friendship means everything to me. Mione, you are truly my best friend. I love you.”

Hermione smiled back at him, “I love you too, Harry. Friends forever.”

Harry smiled as he collected the tray of food and placed it on the bed, all the while asking himself if he could live with being just friends.

As always please leave your reviews

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Okay people I am so sorry this took so long but I haven't been on in 2 months. I'm doing my yr 11 TEE atm and I haven't had time to do anything latly because it's the end of my school year (I finished on Friday) and now I have a week of xams. So I have barely written anything latly but your luck I already had this typed and I have a whole heap hand written. So now I have two months off so you can be expecting more updates for awhile. And then when I tried to do this there was the upload error.

YOU MUST READ THIS OTHERWISE THERE WILL BE NO UPDATES FOR AWHILE - I really need a new betta guys this is the last bettered chapter I have so if you are interested please either email me or say something in your reviews. I have a few pages waiting for bettaing btw so you'll get to read them. And also just to point out the names in the last chapter were just used cause I like them there will be LotR in this. Sorry for the misunderstanding but I did state it in the AN at the top of the chapter so if you didn't read it then it is your own fault for being confused. I only put important stuff in the authors notes so you'd best pay mind to read them cause they often explain things that I know I will get asked in reviews and will help you better understand the chapter.

Now that is taken care of here is the update. Sorry I couldn't make it longer but as I said this is the only bettaed stuff I have left.

Chapter 9 - New Wands and their Consequences

***##***##***##***##***

Harry lay on his bed exhausted. It was eleven o'clock on Sunday and he couldn't remember a time when he had been more exhausted. It had been one week since training had started strangle Harry believed he had learnt more in the week then he had in his four years at Hogwarts.

Everyday Harry would get up at seven and go for a run around the lake with Hermione. They would then return to the tower, train for awhile on both the physical combat and magic they were learning before having a quick breakfast. From there Hermione went to study with several teachers while Harry had two hours training with Dumbledore. Hermione and sometimes McGonagall would then join then for another hour and a half before they were allowed a half an hour break for lunch.

Harry then had an hour of both Ancient Runes and Arithmancy tutoring - much to Harry's disgust and Hermione delight he found that she had been right when she said that they were interesting, much to Hermione's delight he was catching on quickly. After there two hours separate learning they would meet in the great hall again for three hours training with Arya before finally returning to their `sanctuary' as Harry had dubbed it where Dobby would bring them dinner while they spent a few hours studying.

Now at last Harry got to rest, he was exhausted but he couldn't just sit around doing nothing he was too used to being busy to really be tired.

So Harry planned to make the most of his day off, by practicing Quidditch. There was no way he was planning to let Slytherin come close to beating them this year.

Smiling Harry jumped out of bed threw on his favourite shirt and a pair of baggy jeans. Fed up of wearing Dudley's old cloths he had gone out and bought himself some cloths that actually fitted him -and looked good - on his first day back at Hogwarts.

Dressed Harry made his way to the corner where his firebolt lay untouched since this time last week. About to wrap a strong hand around the handle he was disturbed by a knock on the door. Smiling Harry turned around to find Hermione standing in his doorway as was expected.

Slowly his smile faded. What she was wearing made his jaw drop, quickly Harry turned away and pretended to collect his fire bolt while his mind dealt with the image of seeing Hermione in a pair of snug black jeans and a low cut bell sleeved emerald green top that flared from just under her breasts.

Smirking Harry quickly made his decision. After all there was no reason he couldn't play the same game that she was. Throwing a casual glance Hermione's way Harry turned back to her and slung his broom over his shoulder. Allowing her to notice his eyes rake her body Harry paused a moment before speaking.

“You look good in my colours.” Harry said giving her a smile that would melt most girls' hearts.

Harry could just make out a blush start to creep up her face before she realized what he was doing, “Well they're better then Ron's at least.”

Harry's baby smile quickly turned into a full fledged grin, “True, red isn't your colour at all.” Harry was rewarded for his efforts with a full-blown blush at this, “Well on second thoughts maybe it is.”

Hermione playfully swatted at his chest, “Are you teasing me Harry James Potter.” She asked with indignation in her voice.

Grinning like a maniac Harry slung the arm that wasn't occupied with his firebolt around her shoulders, “Of corse not.” Harry managed before breaking into a fit of laughter, “So why did you come and get me anyway?” Harry asked hoping she didn't want him to study on his day off.

“I just got a message from Dumbledore, he wants us to meet him in the great hall.” Hermione answered allowing him to lead her out of his room and towards the hall.

***##***##***##***

“Sirius!” Harry yelled, dropping his arm from Hermione's shoulder and running towards his godfather.

“Harry.” Sirius barked out as he gave his godson an affectionate pat on the back.

“Hi Sirius.” Hermione greeted as she walked over to them.

“Hermione.” Sirius exclaimed as he pulled her into a large hug. “If only I was a few years younger.” he joked, earning a laugh from both teenagers.

“So what are you doing here?” Hermione asked.

“Well, I'm doing a favour for Dumbledore.”

“Like what?” Harry asked, as glad as he was that he could spend more time with his godfather, he was more than slightly curious as to why he was at Hogwarts to begin with.

“You'll see later on in the week,” Sirius said, grinning at some thought running its way through his head, “As for today, Dumbledore has his own reasons for wanting you here.”

Hermione was about to question him further when Dumbledore and none other than Mr. Ollivander walked into the hall, the latter of which was carrying two boxes.

Harry and Hermione couldn't even force smiles onto their faces through their confusion.

Dumbledore, however, didn't seem to notice this and simply smiled at them, “I see you got my message then,” he said, blue eyes twinkling.

Harry nodded and turned around to see what Sirius' reaction was, but was surprised to find that he had turned once more into the large shaggy dog.

Harry turned back to Dumbledore just in time to see him give a small nod to Mr. Ollivander. Curiously, Harry glanced at Hermione to see what her reaction was.

Harry noticed that she was biting her bottom lip and was leaning slightly
on the balls on her feet like she always did when she was nervous or excited or when he was doing something stupid that he probably shouldn't be doing.

Harry smiled inwardly; she really was beautiful; the way her eyes glowed in excitement and she unconsciously played with a strand of her hair. It was small things like these that Harry loved. It still amazed him that he knew her so well, he knew what she was thinking without even thinking about it.

Everyone called Ron his best friend but when it came down to it, he really wasn't. He couldn't tell Ron his deepest secrets; he didn't know what Ron was thinking just by his eyes, he couldn't count on Ron to always think of him as just Harry no matter what happened. As much as he hated to admit it, he knew that Ron would always get too caught up in “The Harry Potter” to ever truly know Harry.

“Miss Granger, I believe you will find this new wand perfectly suited to your… liking.”

Harry shook his head slightly, trying to reorient himself. He realized that Mr. Ollivander was now standing in front of him and Hermione and was holding a wand in his hands as though it was made of glass.

“Excuse me sir, but what exactly do you mean? I already have a wand, so does Harry.” Hermione stated as though this was obvious.

Just as Ollivander was about to explain, Dumbledore stepped forward.

“Due to the fact that you have discovered your new powers, I have organized
for you to be given new wands that are more suited to your abilities. Specifically related to the core of your power.”

Mr Ollivander smiled at Dumbledore, then stepped forward gently revolving Hermione's wand in his hands.

“14 inches, silver maple and blue cedar, excellent combination - though slightly unusual - for channelling powers of… a different type. Though not as strange as the core, five stones taken from the core of the earth to the
clouds above. Each containing a different property, fire, earth, water, air and… well I guess you will find out it time.”

Dimly Harry noticed that Ollivander had only listed four of the five stones while he was examining Hermione's new wand. He had never seen anything like it before. The handle had a blue tint to it while the wand itself seemed to glow silver.

“Swishy, good for more advanced spells.” he finished, presenting the wand to Hermione.

Harry's gaze shifted from Ollivander to Hermione, whose eyes were glowing with excitement. Tentatively, she reached a hand out and took the offered wand. The moment her skin came into contact with the highly polished surface, the maple and cedar began to glow. Their colours brightened for a moment before the glow was replaced by red sparks which changed to yellow then green and finally blue before at last white engulfed her.

For a moment Harry's breath stopped.

What had happened to his Hermione? was the only thought running through his mind as his body readied itself for a battle. Everything that he'd learnt in the past week flooded his body as he leapt forward and grabbed Hermione's wrists. From the corner of his eye he saw Dumbledore and Ollivander step forward to stop him. But it was too late; the white glow was already consuming him.

//Harry?// he heard Hermione ask, or at least he thought he heard her but the voice was coming from inside him.

//What?// he thought, unconsciously projecting the thought.

//What did you do?// Hermione asked him.

//I… Well you.// He paused for a moment thinking. //When that light engulfed you, I panicked and just well… I jumped after you and grabbed your hands.// Harry said, embarrassed by his stupidity, of course Dumbledore would let nothing happen to them.

He suddenly got an image of Hermione nodding her head, //Well that explains why you're here.//

//Where is here exactly?// Harry asked mentally looking around at the whiteness that had engulfed him. Once again an image of Hermione filled his mind but this time she was smiling.

//Nowhere and Everywhere, we're in the fifth center, the base of all life.//

Before Harry could inquire further into what had happened, he had a sudden feeling of falling and before he knew it, he was standing in the great hall with Dumbledore and Ollivander looking at him.

Slowly, Harry became aware that his arms were now wrapped protectively around Hermione waist and she was pressed against his chest. Feeling heat rise on his face as Harry slowly stepped away from Hermione, immediately missing her closeness but determined to keep his place.

Just as Ollivander was about to speak, Dumbledore cut him off.

“It will be interesting to see how this new event will work out.” he stated, as if commenting on the weather. “Mr. Ollivander, I believe it is past time to present Harry with the wand that had been awaiting him these past few years.”

“Of course,” Ollivander replied, moving to take the other box from Dumbledore's hands and carefully removing the object from within.

“Let's see now,” he murmured. “Ah yes. 15 inches. Taken from the core of a Rosewood sapling 12 years after it was first struck by lightning. Interestingly, it grew tremendously in the first year. Alas, I thought it had died when it was struck by lightning a year and a half after it was planted, though I did not have the heart to remove it. Then, to my surprise, ten years after it was hit it began to grow once again. But not more than nine months after this miracle occurred, it was struck again. Knowing the tree no longer had any chance of life, I removed it, only to be left with a
single untarnished center.”

Ollivander seemed to return form a trance, “Sorry about that, Mr. Potter. I'm afraid I drifted, now where was I?”

“Oh, yes. The core. Once again, a phoenix feather, the same as your first wand I believe, but this time something extra has been added. Something even more powerful.”

Mr. Ollivander peered intently at Harry for a minute before continuing.

“Extremely hard to find they were, the remains of three other wands as well as one very strange crystal that are contained in your wand. Of course your parents' wands were used, as well as that of Godric Gryffindor,”

Ollivander continued on, despite the look of shock that was not only etched onto Harry's face but Hermione's as well.

“Ah now the crystal, harder then any known substance. Even diamonds and dragon scales. And powerful, so very powerful. No one knows where it came from and he wasn't going to tell. Very secretive about the source of his power that Kyp Durron was.”

Harry was still staring at Ollivander long after he finished speaking. Because of this fact, he failed to see Hermione look frantically at Dumbledore then back to him before finally resting her eyes on the wand that Ollivander was offering to Harry.

Numbly, Harry reached out to take the wand. As his hand clasped around the smooth wood, he heard a sound very much like a clap of . Before Harry could even think about the tingling sensation that was filling his body, a warm glowing light engulfed him. The last he remembered before the darkness engulfed him was the horrified face of his best friend staring at him.

***##***##***##***

In the center of the universe, there is nothing but white. This white is the base of all life. Without the white, life will not exist. Some people are born with a connection to the white, for the white is the origin for all magic. But at the very end of the white, a young boy can just make out a single strip of black slowly devouring it.

Slowly the young boy looks around. There is no one else in the white, he is alone and he has no way of getting back. The boy can't remember where he must return to, only that he must return. He must, some one is worried about him and will be very hurt if he does not return.

Slowly, a voice began to echo around the young man's head, tousling his unruly black hair and dancing in front of his eyes.

“Harry… Harry” the voice calls. As soon as the voice started, an image began gathering in front of his eyes. It slowly took on the appearance of a woman with red hair and emerald eyes.

This woman is familiar to the boy… Harry! Harry… that's his name! Slowly, his memory returns and he is able to place a name to the woman in front of him.

“Mum.” he whispers in a hoarse voice.

The woman only smiled at him as her form changed to that of a man in his early twenties with the same unruly black hair that the boy struggled with and intense brown eyes.

“Dad?” the boy questioned, his eyes growing wide.

Slowly the figure shook his head and began to shrink, his eyes changing to an emerald green. This time the boy didn't comment, he knew who the reflection in front of him was, he'd seen it everyday since before he could remember.

“Do you understand?” the reflection asked in a far off voice that sounded nothing like that of the boy.

“No.” the boy… Harry answered.

“Then you've taken the first step to truly understanding. Only if you can admit that you don't know can you begin the process of learning.”

“Learning what?” Harry asked.

“Anything you want,” the figure replied, it's your choice.”

To this the boy had no comment. Instead he asked the first question that came to his mind, “Who are you?”

“Ah, and your first question is the most irrelevant. A more correct question would be who are you?”

“I'm Harry Potter.” The boy replied instantly.

“That is your name, not who you are.” the voice replied.

Harry was looking on bewildered.

“You will understand in time.”

Harry was confused by this answer so he asked his next question.

“Where are we?”

“You know where we are; you will realize it in time.”

Harry felt like hitting something, he wasn't getting any straight answers.

“Why won't you answer me!” he exclaimed, becoming aggravated.

“Maybe because you are asking the wrong questions. Centre yourself and calm your mind. Now, ask the first thing that comes to your mind. No matter what it is.”

“Why am I here? Did I die?” Harry asked after a moment's silence.

“Now we are getting somewhere. You are here because where you came from your body is changing and your mind cannot deal with that change. No, you are not dead. Lightning and spells cannot harm you if you can find your centre and know the answers. That scar you carry is proof of that. Alas, our time has come to a close. You are being pulled back to your physical self now. I will speak to you again. But remember two things and if you can answer them.

`Who are you?' and `Whom do you serve?' They may save your life one day.

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I STILL NEED A BETA PEOPLE SO I'M SORRY BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO EXCUSE THE BAD SPELLING AND GRAMMA!

Okay now I'm over then this chapter is really just Dumbles babble ( almost 5 word pages of it. The next chapter is Harry's B'Day I was going to put the two together but I haven't finished typing up the B'Day scene and it's already 6 pages which would make the chapter huge according to my chapters. And the only relation they really have is Harry is still in the Hospital wing.

Neway here we go and please DON'T forget to leave a message in that box at the end of the page.

Chapter 10 - More Explanations!

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Harry sat up with a start only mildly surprised to find himself in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. It was a sensation he had grown used to over the years; somehow knowing the feeling of suppressed pain and forced sleep. It was also the only time he awoke without the feeling of trepidation that followed the end of his dreams.

//What the hell?// he asked him self //I don't even remember doing anything this time.//

Slowly Harry turned his head to try and find some answers but almost instantly found his vision clouded by a stunningly beautiful girl with long brown hair pulling him into a tight embrace.

Stunned Harry gently returned the hug as things began drifting back to him.

Sirius…

Mr Olivander…

Their new wands…

Hermione glowing…

A warm tingle…

White light…

Questions…

No answers…

//Who am I? Whom do I serve?// Harry mentally repeated the question to himself before a soft voice disturbed him.

“What?” the girl in his arms asked pulling back slightly a soft fire dancing in her eyes.

Suddenly it hit Harry who the girl was. There was only one person alive who had fire like that.

“Mione?” he whispered, “What are you doing here? Where's everyone else? What happened?” Harry asked the questions slowly but they still seemed to come out at once.

Suddenly Hermione sat bolt upright her loose tan brown skirt and simple red top catching the sun as she did. With the sun dancing across her cloths and skin Harry felt himself become aware of just how low her chosen top fell, and of the tingling feeling that was left in his arms, smiling Harry brushed off the queasy feeling as the aftermath of whatever had landed him is the hospital wing in the first place.

As she bean to speak Harry found his attention drawn back to her perfect face, “Dumbledore! I need to let him know you're awake!” with that she turned around and snatched a crimson feather from the bedside table a look of pure concentration lacing her beautiful face.

Harry gasped as just before the feather burst into fire in her hand and disappeared not leaving a single trace a feeling of magic coursed through his body and a tingle formed in his fingers. It took a minute before he realised that it was one of Fawks's feathers.

“Hermione what is going on?” Harry asked after a moment, his voice slow with determination as she sat on the side of his bed.

“You were hit by lightening, well kind of. It was like the ghost of lightening. It surrounded you and then you passed out. We went to bring you here but before we could Padfoot grabbed you and opened up the hidden passage, he ran all the way here. By the time we got here you were lying on a bed and he was sitting next to you while Madame Pomfrey fussed.”

“He was going crazy but Dumbledore wouldn't let him change back until Madame Pomfrey and Mr Olivander left.” Briefly Harry thought that she had stopped her rant only to be proven wrong when she continued at a faster pace then ever. Smiling he took one of her hands in his own holding on to it tightly.

“Anyway everyone's been so worried. You've been out of it for two days. You kept going into a seizure and screaming, twice you nearly burnt up, Madame Pomfrey was throwing a fit because she couldn't do anything. And this morning your scar started bleeding. By the time we stopped it and cleaned it up and… oh Harry.” Before Harry could stop her Hermione had thrown her arms around his neck and was giving him a hug to rival that of Mrs Weasleys.

“Mione. Calm down.” Harry said in a reassuring way gently returning her embrace before holding her at arms length so he could look at her, “What happened?”

“Harry no one can explain it. But when Dumbledore saw it he kind of froze and before anyone could say something he walked out of the room. He looked scared Harry… really scared.” Hermione's voice had started to rise and Harry was sure that the room had dropped a couple of degrees in temperature, however what surprised him the most was the glistening of tears in the corners of her eyes.

“Scared of what?” Harry asked gently wiping the tears from her eyes.

It took a long time before Hermione answered his question, when at last she did her voice was barely above a whisper. “You…” slowly she picked up the mirror that was next to the bed and gave it to Harry.

Curiously he took it and glanced at his reflection. Just as he was about to ask what was wrong his eyes caught sight of something that had never been there before. Quickly Harry's eyes snapped back to the mirror, one hand sweeping away the ebony bangs that covered his scar.

As Harry sat in shock at the sight before him he felt a small gasp escape his lips. The scar he had grown up with for the last fifteen years had changed.

Where before there was a thin mark there were now two side by side identical marks that were joined at each end enclosing a small lightening bolt of unmarred flesh.

Before Harry could say anything however the door suddenly swung open and Dumbledore and Sirius Black walked in. Quickly Harry dropped the mirror and smiled up at his two friends.

Before he could say anything though he found himself in yet another tight embrace. After only a moment Harry was released to find himself looking at the smiling face of his godfather.

Finally Albus Dumbledore stepped forward after exchanging a few words with a very flustered Madame Pomfrey. A moment later however Madame Pomfrey stormed from the room after pressing a small vial into Dumbledore's hands

“Harry it's good to see you awake at last. Everyone has been concerned about your well being. Ms Granger refused to leave until you were awake. Poppy was quite flustered when her lessons were held in here.”

At this Harry's head snapped around to look at a now furiously blushing Hermione. She gave him a shy smile that he returned, a mutual understanding reached. Finally Harry turned his attention back to the headmaster of Hogwarts and he asked the one question that was hardest to answer.

“What happened?”

After what seemed like eternity Dumbledore finally spoke, “I'll tell you what I can Harry, but please understand I myself am still unsure about the details.” With that said he gave a casual wave of his wand and three comfortable chairs appeared beside Harry's bed.

Harry watched as Sirius and Dumbledore sat down both turning to look at Hermione expecting her to follow their lead. Curious Harry too turned his attention to Hermione to find her looking at the chair to him and back again. This continued for a moment before she focused all her attention on the offending chair.

Harry felt his body tingle; it was slow at first starting in his fingers but quickly spreading to encompass his whole body. Then when he felt the tingle turn into a consuming pulse the chair which had been the focus of Hermione's attention burst into flame.

Smiling Hermione turned her attention back to Harry and crawled into a sitting position by his side resting one arm across his chest.

Once comfortable she turned her attention expectantly to Dumbledore, who smiled at her antics while a very confused Sirius glanced back and forth between the three of them.

“Harry first can you please tell me everything you remember from when Mr Olivander gave you your wand.” Dumbledore asked leaning forward slightly in his seat.

“Not much actually,” Harry paused for a moment gathering his thoughts. “It felt like I was only out for a few minutes, when I took the wand my body tingled. Suddenly I was flushed with warmth. Then I just remember this white, it was like nothing I've ever seen before, just this pure dazzling white light. But sir why does this matter?” Harry asked slightly confused.

“Harry as I'm sure you realize by now you are extremely powerful. The wand you received a few days ago is deeply connected to that power and to you. The remains of your parents' wands carry their love for you in them and hence you are constantly connected with that love. Love Harry, is extremely powerful for you as I explained before.” Here Dumbledore paused.

“However the very basis for your power is because you are connected to Godric and Kyp. Harry you must understand Godric Gryfidor was the most powerful wizard ever know to exist. As a result of that every person who shares his blood has that power however you are special, because of your relation to Kyp Durron this power has become amplified and activated. But because of the sacrifice your parents made your power was once again increased. That in itself is reason enough for every wizard on this planet to fear you.”

As Dumbledore continued it either escaped his knowledge or he ignored the fact that he was the only one with some sense of calm remaining. Hermione was almost jumping up and down and she was clutching Harry's hand so tightly blood had been drawn. Harry him self was too wrapped up in the story to feel the cuts on his hand, the air around the pair was crackling with happiness and power that begged to be used. As for Sirius he was listening, as he hadn't done since studying for animagus transformations, the gleam from his younger days starting to make it's way into his eyes.

“Harry you must understand no one knows where Kyp Durron and his wife came from, one day they turned up at the castle and Godric instantly befriended Kyp. It was rumored that for his kind Kyp was the most powerful they had seen for many years. His actual power remains to this day a secret.”

“As it so happens when Kyp's wife gave birth to twins it was foretold that if ever the two families were to join they would result in a power capable of destroying the entire world. Fearful that the power might be used for evil the Durrons left the wirzarding world and the families decided that never should their blood be mixed. For hundreds of years the Durron blood never again set foot in the wizarding world. Until a young girl called Lilly Evans came to Hogwarts. There she met a pureblood by the name of James Potter the very descendant of Godric Gryfindor. While they became friends almost right away it took several years before they fell in love but they did and at last the blood of Gryfindor and Durron was mixed.”

Dumbledore continued to speak, the only hint that he found the conversation even mildly interesting was the tiny beginnings of a smile that tugged at his mouth.

“But alas I have yet to answer you question. You see Harry when you came into contact with a wand so deeply connected with your power and your… past. The power that for so long has been resting just under the surface of your body was finally allowed access to your body resulting in you consciences mind being jerked out of this reality.” Dumbledore stopped talking for a moment as Sirius pulled a small mirror from his pocket and mumbled something to the glowing surface. Almost instantly a look of shock overcame his face and he rose.

“I'm sorry Albus but please excuse me for a moment, Remus needs a word.”

Dumbledore looked curiously at the man before him for a moment, “I trust you will keep me advised.” Was all he said as Sirius left the room.

Harry followed Sirius with his eyes for only a moment before he returned his attention to Dumbledore, “But sir I still do not understand why this wand is so connected to me.”

“The love that binds you and your parents together gives you strength and an ancient type of power that is still the cause of many questions today. The remains of their wands were included in your wand because they offer you a deeper connection to your parents. The phoenix core I'm sure you understand. As for the other two well they are connected to the very source of your power. Now if you excuse me I really must check on the new developments.”

It wasn't until several minutes after Dumbledore left that Harry realized he was no closer to understanding what had happened.

Before he could really consider this though Hermione pressed a small vile into his hand, “Harry, here drink this.”

In no mood to argue Harry quickly tipped back his throat and downed the potion in one mouthful trying to avoid the taste. Almost instantly Harry found himself asleep but not before he registered Hermione curling up next to him her small hands grasping at his shirt.

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Okay not many notes here.

Thanks to my Betas for this, and enjoy, lots of fluff and stuff

Please please please review

Chapter 11 – Birthday Time

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Slowly Harry awoke to find a soft pair of arms wrapped around his waist and a head resting on his chest.

“Mione what are you doing here?” he asked, half hoping she wouldn’t wake up and move because Harry had a terrible feeling that if she did, the warm tingle running through his body would stop.

Harry watched in delight as slowly Hermione opened her eyes and looked at him staying firmly in his arms, “I fell asleep,” she mumbled.

“So you did, but unfortunately, we really need to get up.”

Harry smiled slightly before sitting up holding Hermione’s body close to him afraid to let go of her. It was then that he noticed the small pile of presents sitting next to his bed.

“What are all these?” he asked picking up the nearest one.

“Well today is the 1^st of August,” Hermione answered, “You were unconscious during your birthday, they are your presents from Sirius, Ron, Hagrid, Mad Eye, Tonks, Kingsley, Lupin and me.” During her list she had been ticking off her fingers as if each one had a name on it.

“All those people got me presents?” Harry asked turning the book shaped present over in his hands looking for a name.

Hermione just nodded her head, “Go on open them.”

Harry gave Hermione a quick hug before moving back on the bed so he was leaning against the head rest then pulled her up next to him, he then pulled all the presents into his lap and studied each name before placing two back on the table, at this Hermione gave him a curious look.

“I want to open yours and Sirius’s with the two of you.” Harry explained before picking up Ron’s present and removing the paper.

Harry was more then surprised when a book fell into his lap, curious Harry ignored the book for a moment and instead picked up the attached note.

Harry,

Happy birthday. Hope you’re having a great time, it’s got to be better then mine. Hermione has left to spend sometime with her parents and the twins have been spending more and more time in their room. Anyway I hope you like the book mate hopefully we can try some out on Malfoy.

Ron.

Harry finished reading the note in surprise and looked up at Hermione, “With your parents?” he questioned.

“Only the order knows I’m here. Dumbledore wants to keep it quiet, he’s worried that if it gets out Voldermort will come after my family and me. Which means that we have to turn up at Platform 9 ¾ as normal." Hermione explained as if it were the most obvious thing. “So what did Ron get you?”

Quickly Harry pick up the book and studied the title, “Jinxes for the Joker.” He said out loud, Hermione frowned but thankfully didn’t say anything she just nodded her head.

Slowly Harry worked his way through the presents until only Lupin’s remained to be opened. Kingsley had given him a hidden sheath for his sword so that he could carry it with him at all times. He had received a wand holder that strapped to his forearm, when you clenched your fist in a certain way, your wand fell into your hand ready for use, from Mad-Eye. From Tonks he had got a book on Auror training and the requirements, he would need to obtain at Hogwarts. And from Hagrid he had got a bag of wizard sweets and a note saying he would receive the rest of his present when he had finished his work for the you know what. Harry took the you know what as the Order, he happened to know that Hagrid was currently on a mission for Dumbledore trying to recruit the giants.

Tentatively Harry picked up Lupin’s present and carefully began unwrapping the small box. At last the several layers of paper folded away to show a box about 15cm long and 10 cm wide. Slowly he lifted the lid and pulled out two mirrors, each had a strange inscription on the back, the front was smoky and failed to reflect anything, apart from that they looked relatively plain.

He looked at Hermione to find her holding a note, “It was in the paper.” She said answering his unspoken question.

Gratefully Harry took the note unfolded it and began reading,

Harry

I hope you are having a good Birthday, I would have liked to visit Hogwarts and see you but unfortunately I was otherwise occupied, I hope you find these mirrors useful (one is for Hermione). Prongs, Padfoot and I developed them when we were at Hogwarts, they allow you to communicate with any other connected mirror (Padfoot and I also have one) to activate it just speak the name of the person you want to talk too to the mirror. Theirs will vibrate and glow until answered. To answer your mirror just say “Mischief”, to close the connection just say “Managed”

Once again Harry have a wonderful birthday, I hope your training is going well.

Moony.

P.S. DO NOT CONTACT ME UNTILL YOU ARE GIVEN THE ALL CLEAR..

Harry finished reading the note and carefully passed it to Hermione so she could read. Quickly he read the back inscription once again and noticed that the beginning of the inscription of the first one spelt Hermione’s name backwards, looking at the back of the second he realized that it had his name on it. Giving Hermione hers he slowly turned his over in his hands as spoke Sirius name to it. After only a moment Harry found the face of his godfather staring back at him smiling.

“Harry.” The image of Sirius exclaimed in the same way the real Sirius would.

“Hey Sirius.” Harry replied smiling, only mildly surprised that it had indeed worked.

“I see you’ve opened Moony’s present.”

It took Harry a moment to realize what Sirius meant by the comment, “You knew?” he asked in shock. By the sound of the letter he had received Moony was deep undercover.

“Of course I did! Though we may have changed over the years we are still Marauders!” Sirius replied his voice slightly indignant. “So why are you calling?”

“Well I was wondering if you could come and see me cause I have a feeling I won’t be allowed out of here for another day and I wanted to open your present.” Harry answered slightly apprehensive about how his request would be answered.

Sirius’s response was immediate, a large grin spreading across his features, “Sure. I’ll be there soon, I just need to sort some thing out with Dumbles.” With that the connection was broken and Harry was left staring at his reflection.

A comfortable silence descended upon the two friends as Harry waited patiently for his godfather to appear and Hermione intently studied the mirror she had been given. After 10 minutes the silence was broken by the sound of steady footfalls coming down the corridor. As Harry and Hermione turned their attention towards the door, a large black dog bounded into the room and up to the bed Harry was currently situated on.

“Hey Padfoot. Do you think I can see Sirius?” Harry asked laughing as the dog stuffed his wet nose into his palm.

The dog pulled back and a moment later Harry was faced with grinning version of his godfather, “Well then, here you go!” Sirius exclaimed tossing Harry the small box.

On reflex Harry’s hand snapped out and caught the gift, snatching it from the air with a skill that confirmed the natural skill of a seeker that ran through his blood.

For a moment Harry just studied the box trying to guess what was inside before he finally gave in to the numerous promptings of Sirius and began to peal away the wrapping revealing an expensive looking black mahogany box.

Glancing briefly at first Sirius the Hermione meeting each in the eye before slowly lifting the lid to find a black cuff adorned with different coloured gems each giving off a soft light ands arranged in a lightning bolt fashion. Curious Harry looked at Sirius waiting for some sort of explanation.

“It’s the Mela-Anna-Agorech-Estel. Each crystal is connected with one of your friends, when they are in danger the crystal will glow and in turn, so will the cuff if one of them dies then the crystal will become dull and lifeless.” Sirius explained studying his hands intently.

“So which crystal is who?” Harry asked

“That’s easy,” Sirius replied smiling, “I’m black, Ron is red, Remus is white, Dumbles is blue, “Hagrid is brow and you are green.”

Carefully Harry studied each gem before a thought occurred to him, “But Sirius, there is no stone fore Mione!” Harry stated both confused and slightly upset

“Ah yes finding a stone for Hermione was difficult what with the uniqueness of her power.” Carefully Sirius pulled a black velvet pouch from his rode, “Hermione must put some of her own essence into the crystal then you must place it in its spot.” He motioned for Hermione to open her hands, carefully he placed the pouch in her hands.

“The crystal in there is highly powerful and is keyed to pick up whoever’s essence it first comes into contact with. All you need to do is tip the crystal into your hands and it will seek out who you are and pick up on that so it knows you. However you must keep your mind open, I know this is going against what you are probably being taught but the crystal must get to know you not just what you want it to.” Sirius explained not giving Hermione a chance to argue.

Slowly looking away from Sirius Harry’s eyes found their way to Hermione meeting her warm brown gaze. Slowly she upended the pouch allowing a small clear crystal to tumble onto her hand never once moving her eyes from Harry’s emerald orbs.

After only a second a flash of white light enveloped Hermione pausing for a moment before disappearing. Slowly Harry looked at Hermione to find her smiling and holding a now opaque crystal, however the strange thing was that the crystal seemed to be a mixture of red, blue, yellow, green and white while at the same time it seemed to hold no colour.

When Hermione looked towards Sirius waiting to be told what would happen next it took a long moment before he spoke, “Give the crystal to Harry,” he spoke softly all the magic in the room making him wary.

Carefully Hermione placed the crystal into Harry’s palm taking a moment to stare into his eyes wishing for just a second that she could loose herself in them before briskly reminding herself who she was thinking of. Smiling lightly Harry to looked deeply into her eyes thinking exactly the same thoughts though it took him several minutes to shake them off.

Sirius waited for several long minutes to pass until he was sure Harry was concentrating before he spoke “Now, Harry when you place the crystal into the center of the socket you must concentrate on your magic, imaging using it to join the crystal and band together.”

Smiling Harry closed his eyes drawing the familiar feeling of magic into his fingers, slowly placing the stone in one of four empty sockets. He imagined his magic encircling the join sealing it tightly so nothing could move the crystal from its place. Briefly a small white glow formed around the outside of the crystal, joining it perfectly with the cuff.

As the light faded from the crystal, Harry turned the cuff over in his hands admiring it for a brief moment before placing it around his wrist, “Sirius, why are their empty three empty sockets?” Harry asked quietly.

“They are so you can add people if you wish to, but you must understand, think long and hard before deciding this because once a person has a crystal in the cuff you can’t take it back. It is like a joining. Every person who is in the cuff is joint to you by an ancient magic, by having a part of the people you love close to you, you can draw on that magic if you become desperate. Now I would love to stay and talk but I’m afraid I can’t today Dumbles and the others are waiting for me, and I really must be getting back to- well…” he trailed off glancing sheepishly between the two teens making the nature of his business clear.

With that he stood giving Hermione a quick hug and letting a hand rest on Harry’s shoulder for a moment before walking to the end of the hospital wing and disappearing into a hidden passage.

Quickly looking away as Sirius disappeared from view Harry grabbed Hermione’s wrist and pulled her to him catching her around the waist as she tripped over her own feet.

“Sorry,” he mumbled as she climbed into the bed next to him, “You know I love you don’t you? Don’t ever doubt that Mione! You’re the best friend I have and the only person who really knows me.”

“I know Harry. You’re my best friend too.” She answered quickly kissing his cheek, “Here I got you this.” She said nervously retrieving a small box from the bedside table, “It’s not much but when I saw it I couldn’t stop thinking of you. When you are upset the eye is supposed to change to show you images or scenes that will make you happy. With the war starting I figured you could use it.”

Harry smiled slightly before opening the box to reveal a gold ring sitting on black velvet. The ring it self was more than strange. The band formed an angle between the two edges of an emerald green eye, however the pupil was a black slit like a cats and not only the iris but also the white of the eye were green.

Smiling he thanked Hermione before slipping the ring onto his right hand barely noticing that the ring adjusted to fit him perfectly before pulling Hermione into a tight embrace.

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okay this is roughly what the ring looks like. I’ve got a perfect sketch in my book but I don’t have a scanner to put it on the comp therefore I had to do quick image in photoshop (which my sis changed a whole heap of settings on and I only know how to fix half of them) anyway it’s just a rough thing if you think you can improve the description then feel free to.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/JayaMioneDurron/ring.jpg

Okay um not much too say on this, sorry it took so long but the last few weeks have been hetic and my beta's comp was broken for awhile. Oh and I'm on a LotR marathon trying to watch all 12 disks completely. Neway I've almost finished typing the next chapter so I promise I will make time for it.

Nothing to say on the last chap it was all self explanatory and no major questions or common misunderstandings arised so here you. once again with the Dumbles babble but I think that's almost ending.

PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW CAUSE I LOVE FEEDBACK!

Chapter 12 - Animagi and Confrontations

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Harry stood in the center of the great hall with Sirius, Mcgonnagal, Dumbledore and Hermione feeling like an idiot. At that moment he had his eyes tightly shut and was sitting cross-legged on the floor, hands resting on his legs trying to call an animal spirit into his mind.

However each time his eyes closed and he focused as he had been instructed he could only make out his father standing on a hill, a dog, and a tiger standing by his side while a phoenix perched on his antlers singing a beautiful song. Annoyed that he couldn't keep his mind off Padfoot and Prongs' forms Harry once again cleared his mind only to find another image of the four animals, the white stag standing before them looking meaningfully at Harry as if to scoff at his inability.

Frustrated Harry jumped to his feet, his eyes snapping open as Dumbledore clapped his hands bringing himself and Hermione from their search. Now standing Harry looked beside him to find Hermione slowly opening her eyes, smiling he reached down and gave her a hand up, once steady thee two teenagers turned their attention to Dumbledore

Looking expectantly at the two Dumbledore slowly questioned what they had seen.

“A phoenix,” Hermione said certainly her gaze shifting between their teachers and Harry in glee, her warm hazel eyes dancing with flames.

Seeing that Mcgonagal was about to comment Dumbledore quickly interrupted, “Interesting, though I should have expected it.” He said before turning his attention to Harry.

Suddenly Harry felt like everyone in the room was watching him, which indeed they were. After a long pause Harry finally spoke, “I don't know, I just saw my dad standing with a group of other animals. A dog, a tiger and a phoenix, it was always the same I would either just see my dad or he would be standing with the others.”

There was a long uncomfortable silence in the room at which point Harry quickly grabbed Hermione's hand for support feeling as if something was dreadfully wrong.

“Well?” he questioned eventually.

Eventually Dumbledore opened his eyes, “Harry this may seem pointless but it is extremely important, what colour are the stags eyes?”

Curious Harry closed his eyes and thought for a second bringing up the image of the stag until he could see every detail, quickly he studied the stags face until the eyes came into focus. Harry's eyes snapped open in surprise and his grip on Hermione's hand tightened.

“What is going on!?” Harry exclaimed, “I know about animugus transformations a form does not follow a family line, in fact it is rare for two wizards to have the same form at all no matter their relationship. Now tell me what is going on.”

Just as Dumbledore was about to speak Harry held up a hand and cast a silencing charm, “First, I don't want to hear your excuses, I'm sure you have a reason however stupid and lame it might be but I don't want to hear it! I just want to know what is going on and you had better not keep anything from me this time!” Harry explained then with a wave of his had removed the charm and conjured five chairs. Pulling Hermione to a seat he took the seat next to her. Following suit Sirius took the seat on Harry's other side while Mcgonagal sat next to Hermione Dumbledore taking the remaining seat, which happened to be across form Harry.

Grasping Hermione's hand for support Harry beckoned for Dumbledore to start.

“You were right Harry, it was yourself you saw. However your form is not a white stag it is the white stag.” Dumbledore paused here to gauge the reaction the announcement received.

Confused Harry looked at Hermione only to find her utterly bewildered, it was a look that rarely graced her features and Harry decided he liked it unconsciously trying to think of more ways to make it appear.

“Harry once again this goes back to the time of Godric Gryffindor. During this time it was not the lion that was thought of as the king or even the wizards there was only one being that all life bowed to. The white stag, he was respected and revered, not though of as an animal for he was as intelligent as a wizard, more so even, he was many centuries old, there at the birth of time and before. For the entirety of his rule peace reigned the land, No one dared to hunt the white stag not even the animals. Then one day a selfish dark wizard sought to destroy the wonderful creature.” Dumbledore paused for a moment as if the story was painful to recall.

“He was chased to the end of the earth where the Salazar Slytherin destroyed his body over many days. When it seemed all was lost Godric Gryffindor finally caught up with his once best friend; for only a few years prior the Hogwarts four was broken. The only way to stop Salazar from brutally murdering the stag as if he were a common beast was a long and strenuous duel. For many days they battled never once stopping. At last Godric defeated Slytherin and raced to the stag's side desperate to save the creature. Alas nothing could be done. The stag's body had been irreparably destroyed and though he tried everything to heal the creature almost sacrificing his own life before the stag speaking in his mind stopped him. Grateful for all he had done to try and save his life the white stag promised to always protect Godric and his true heir for as long as they fought for good. With that the stag's spirit was transferred to Godric's body. That is why your animagus form is a stag as was your fathers and his fathers, same as your patronus, the power of the stag fights with you and will continue to do so as long as you fight for the good of the people.”

Now finished Dumbledore looked up surprised at not being interrupted once and expecting Harry to be furious. Instead he found Harry and Hermione tightly grasping hands and looking surprisingly calm, “Are you sure there is nothing else?” Harry asked meeting Dumbledore's blue eyes.

Dumbledore smiled slightly and inclined his head.

“So the spirit of this stag is inside me?”

Once again Dumbledore nodded.

“Okay, that's kind of cool I guess.” Harry said with a shrug before standing up, pulling Hermione to her feet as well. Immediately their chairs disappeared, “Come on we should keep training I have to meet with Professor Vector soon, I don't want to be late.” Harry said turning around.

“Hold on!” Sirius exclaimed halting Harry and Hermione in their tracks, “You want to go to Arithmancy?”

“Sirius, I have a power, and I must learn complete control of it if I am to protect those I love, from myself and others.” Harry began slowly turning to face his godfather, his thoughts never once leaving the black cuff he wore, “I have to face one of the most powerful wizards of this world, before I can even hope to defeat him I must be as prepared as I can, I must not only understand my own power and how it works but also his.”

A sad smile crossing his face Harry slowly made his way back to where Sirius was standing, “I'm prepared to do anything I must for those I love, even die to save them, but one thing I must do is defeat Voldermort, you all know this. He threatens everything I love, so I'll fight him.” Now Harry was standing directly in front of Sirius.

“If being strong enough to defeat him means studying, doing extra work, making the library my home, hell even becoming a know-it-all-bookworm then I will simply because I won't let him hurt anyone else. So to answer your question… yes.”

Gently placing his hands on Sirius's arms he looked deeply into his grey eyes, “From knowledge comes power, but I need the love and support of those I love to have the strength to defeat him. I need you to support me even if I become nothing like my father. I'm not him Sirius I'm not your best friend and fellow marauder. I am not my father and I need you to accept that.” Harry finished slowly knowing the cause of Sirius's outburst somehow instinctively. By the time he finished both men had tears in there eyes as did Hermione and Minerva, Dumbledore was just looking proud of the man Harry was becoming.

All Sirius could do was stare at Harry for a moment before turning around and leaving the great hall.

“He'll understand eventually. He has to.” Harry whispered to himself as he returned to his position next to Hermione.

“Can we begin now?” Harry asked tiredly in a voice that surpassed his years. At that moment wanting nothing more then to return to his room and let Hermione hold him, just so he could forget about being an adult, just so he could be 15 year old Harry Potter who was confused and lost and wanted nothing more then to be a normal 15 year old teenager.

But Harry Potter was not normal so he raised his head, pushed the boy inside himself away and once again became the Boy Who Lived.

******######********

Slowly Harry paced out to the Quidditch pitch it had been 6 hours since the Animagus lesson and his confrontation with Sirius. He'd let his godfather have time to think now it was time to talk and see what the verdict was.

Spotting a loan figure sitting in the Gryffindor seats Harry made his way up, “Sirius,” he greeted softly.

“Hello Harry, I was wondering when you would turn up.” Sirius greeted his gaze never moving from the pitch.

A look of sadness settling onto Harry's face he took a seat next to Sirius Black his godfather and after a long internal debate began to talk.

“Sirius I know you miss him, both of them in fact. But you need to accept it…” seeing Sirius was about to interrupt Harry quickly raised a hand, “And move on. You still have friends here but none of them will ever take my fathers place, not even me. Please Sirius I don't want to lose you.”

After a long moment Sirius answered Harry's unspoken question, “I know it's just that I miss him so much, and you remind me of him in so many ways, over time I guess I just turned you into him. I forgot that while you are James's son you will never be him, no matter how similar you are.”

Placing a comforting arm around Sirius's shoulders Harry spoke softly, “You haven't lost everything Sirius, you're free now and Moony is still by your side just like he has always been. You're not the only one left.”

“You're right Harry, How about I get to know my godson even if he does seem as old as Dumbles sometimes, as much as I hate it.” Sirius said trying to act normal through a forced smile and heavy tone.

“It's not that bad Sirius, I've missed out on stuff but I don't miss it. I have great friends, and yes I have to kill Voldermort. But as strange as it sounds I'm happy, even if I don't have time to be a 15 year old kid. I can't miss something I never knew.” Harry said accepting the fact that it would take Sirius a long time to become his godfather.

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Okay not much to say again, I'm aware that most of you didn't get Chapter alerts for the last chapter due to the stuff ups with chapter 11. The first half of this chapter is something that I've been looking forward to and it has been hinted at before. ;). And as usual please please review.

Chapter 13 - A Dream and A Meeting

GO BACK AND READ CHAPTER 12 CAUSE THE ALERTS WEREN'T SENT OUT.

*****####*****

When Harry opened his eyes he found himself in a strange dark room that was strangely familiar. The only light source in the room came from a single candle that cast an eerie light on the immediate surroundings. Quickly Harry came to realize that the candle was floating in mid air next to a girl who was curled up on the floor reading a letter.

From what Harry could tell through her black and red robes she had a petit frame and would be about two inches taller then Hermione. She had short straight black hair that seemed full of life and pale skin. Harry could easily tell she was a witch from both the magic that surrounded the candle and the expensive robes she wore. Moving closer Harry could see that the envelope sitting at her feet was addressed in familiar green loopy ink that read:

Jaina Crèsandè

Rm 5

The Leaky Cauldron

London

Quickly the girl… Jaina… looked up and stared straight into Harry's eyes. In that moment Harry had the strangest feeling of dèjavù, as if he had looked into those deep grey eyes before and knew them very well, as is he had grown up with the girl his entire life. Quickly he shook the feeling off it was impossible, he had never seen this girl before and his only friends he had met at Hogwarts. But still there was something strangely familiar about those eyes.

“Who are you?” she asked

For a long time Harry just stood there thinking, when at last he replied his voice was soft and slow, “My name's Harry.”

“Oh hello. My name's Jaina, you know you shouldn't be here. If my mum finds out you'll be in big trouble,” the girl replied her eyes immediately returning to her letter.

Thinking about what Jaina had said a thought suddenly occurred to Harry, “You said your mum, wouldn't I have to worry about your father more?”

For a moment it seemed that Jaina was going to refuse to answer or she hadn't heard him, when quite suddenly her head snapped up, “I don't know my dad. My mum left him just after I was born; she said he died a year later. I don't know his name and I only have one picture of him, she says it was at his best friends wedding, I think she's right cause they are both in the photo with him, I think that she was in the photo too but didn't want to be seen because he's trying to pull someone into the image. My mum doesn't like photos. What about your parents?”

Harry paused for a moment wondering how this girl could not know his history then deciding that because it was dark she probably couldn't see him or his scar and Harry was a very common name, “They died when I was one, I grew up with my aunt and uncle.”

“Oh, do you go to Hogwarts? Cause I'm starting this year except I'll be in my 5^th year, my mum's been home schooling me and I'm really nervous about going now cause everyone will already know everyone else.” Jaina said rambling in a fashion that reminded Harry so much of Hermione.

“Yeah,” Harry said smiling, for some strange reason it felt to be the most natural thing in the world. “I'm a 5^th year Gryffindore now.”

“Okay, um Harry can I ask you a favor?” Jaina asked slightly hesitant.

For a moment Harry didn't answer unwilling to bind himself, “You can, but I'm not promising anything.” He finally replied his voice taking on a suspicious tone.

“Fair enough,” Jaina said staring at the floor for several minutes before raising her eyes to meet Harry's, “Can you take off your invisibility cloak, I'd like to see your face.”

For a long moment Harry stood in shock but before he could formulate an answer he found himself sitting bolt upright in his bed, Hermione sitting by his side, one hand wrapped firmly around his the other caressing the side of his face.

“What happened?” Harry asked unconsciously tightening his hold of her hand.

“I don't know, I was reading and you didn't get up when you normally do, when I came in here you were thrashing around, it took me ten minutes to wake you.” Hermione explained the worry evident in her voice, “I was so scared, and I was about to get Dumbledore when all of a sudden you woke up.” She said throwing both her arms around Harry's neck holding him close, “I thought Voldemort was in your dreams.”

“I-” Harry began but stopped suddenly as the image of Jaina returned to him, “I had this dream, of a girl called Jaina Crèsandè, she's a witch the same as us and she's coming to Hogwarts this year except as a 5^th year. It was strange, she had this straight black hair and deep grey eyes, she looked so familiar and I felt like I have know her my entire life but, I couldn't possible have.” Harry explained holding Hermione close both for her comfort and his, “She knew I was there. She asked me questions but I didn't know that she couldn't see me until she asked me to take off my invisibility cloak. That's when I woke up.” Sighing Harry pulled Hermione into his lap and held her close for a long time drawing comfort from her in a way he could with no one else.

Pulling back slightly Hermione stared into Harry's emerald orbs getting lost in their depths for a moment before reminding herself of just who's lap she was in, “We should get going it was six when I came up here.”

“You're right we don't want to be late. Go on I'll meet you in the study, I need to get changed.” Harry said smiling as he gently moved his lap encouraging her to move, returning his smile Hermione quickly leaned over and placed a kiss on his cheek; coming alarmingly close to touching the corner of his lips. Grinning Harry carefully stood and helped Hermione to her feet before he gently pushing her towards the door willing the tingling feeling in his body to go away.

Turning Harry quickly made his way to his wardrobe and pulled out a pair of baggy jeans and his favorite black top that had a silver dragon on the back. After splashing some water on his face and running his hands through his hair a few times Harry quickly grabbed his wand and placed it in the holder he had received for his birthday testing it a few times to make sure it was working.

Smiling Harry quickly made his way to the study to find Hermione curled up on their sofa happily reading a book, //Probably about elements or Animagi// Harry thought to himself walking over to her and removing the book from her hands and despite her incoherent protests marked the page and placed the book aside.

“Come on,” Harry commanded as he offered her a hand up. Smiling as she took it with out question, once Hermione was standing Harry pulled her over to the door and opened it smiling at their two guardians who currently appeared to be practicing some form of combat.

********####**********

Harry and Hermione had just returned from their morning run which they had changed to 5 laps of the school grounds and now Harry was about to step into the shower when he heard Hermione yelling for him to come down, sighing Harry quickly pulled on some clean cloths wishing he had of had time to shower because he was still drenched with sweat. Deciding it was better then nothing Harry quickly performed a Scourgify charm, happy that it at least removed the grime from his skin.

Slowing walking down the short staircase until he came to the study Harry looked up to find Hermione waiting by the fireplace holding a crimson feather. Sighing Harry looked at the clock to see that it was only 7.30 in the morning.

“Why's he calling us now?” Harry mumbled as he made his way over to Hermione and pulled down the torch holder that was to the side of the fire, smiling slightly as the wall fell back on itself to show a narrow passage that led directly to Dumbledore's office.

Smiling Hermione grabbed Harry's hand and began to pull him along the many curves and stairs until they reached the end of the passage where she reached out and pulled down on a similar torch holder to that in their study. Smiling numbly the two stepped out of the passage into Dumbledore's office.

The group of adults assembled consisted of Dumbledore who was sitting smugly at his desk and Professor McGonagall who was standing at his side, lurking in the shadows there stood Snape, while the two chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk were occupied by none other then Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, who were currently lounging around as they had in their Hogwarts days, broad grins on both their faces as they laughed merrily, Sirius tossing a small silver ball between his hands.

Smiling at the two teenagers Dumbledore greeted them warmly while McGonagall gave a tiny nod while Snape gave them his usual scow. Remus on the other had grinned at the two in greeting while Sirius jumped out of his chair and pulled Harry into a manly embrace before picking Hermione up and swinging her around gleefully.

“Sirius, stop it.” Hermione commanded to no avail, “Sirius Black I mean it put me down right now otherwise I will turn your hair permanently pink!” freezing on the spot Sirius put Hermione back on the ground and edged away to hide behind Remus.

“You can do anything just don't touch the hair please don't touch the hair.” Sirius pleaded his hands raised in defeat.

“Don't push your luck Padfoot, she can do it.” Harry warned laughing as Hermione turned her fiery gaze on him and the two broke down into fits of laughter clutching each other's arms for support.

//That was classic// Harry thought.

//Did you see his face?// Hermione replied

Suddenly their laughter stopped and their eyes met.

“Did you?” Hermione asked.

Harry just nodded his head, “You?”

“Yeah.”

“How?”

“I don't know?”

“You don't know- that's not good.”

“I think we need to talk.”

“Yeah. So… when?”

“Um… Unless it was that night, when we first found out about everything.”

“Yeah.”

“Well it makes sense.”

Slowly Hermione turned to face a smiling Professor Dumbledore while the rest of the adults were looking amongst them selves confusion etched on their faces, “Um Sir when we are finished here can Harry and I talk to you about something?”

Clutching Hermione's hand in support Harry quickly sent her a message, //Don't worry we'll figure this out I promise.//

//I hope so.// Hermione replied resting her head on Harry's shoulder as he conjured another two chairs next to Sirius and led Hermione to them gently helping her to sit down as he took the seat next to Sirius their hands still tightly clasped.

When this was done Harry raised his eyes to meet Dumbledore's to find an uncomfortable silence had fallen, “So um… why did you call us here?” Harry asked.

It was Professor McGonagall who answered their question, “Well as I'm sure you're aware Remus has been on a mission for the order this last month.” To this statement both Harry and Hermione nodded their heads.

“But you do not know the details correct.” Once again the two nodded.

At this part Remus interrupted, “Minerva I think I can continue the story from here.” Smiling he turned to Harry and Hermione, “You see I've been tracking Wormtail, and waiting for an opportunity to capture him so we can prove that Voldemort has indeed come back and that Sirius was innocent.”

“Well at 5.30 this morning Wormtail was interrogated, taken to Azkaban and the kiss preformed on him. The information he provided managed to convince the ministry that Voldemort is back and that Sirius was innocent. So now he has been granted a full pardon and been compensated for the last 13 years with the sum of 900 thousand gallons…”

However before Remus could continue Sirius interrupted, “None of which I have kept thank you, half has been given to St Mungos, 200 thousand gallons has been given to the auror department to improve training and the rest has been split between, you two, Ron and Remus.”

Harry was about to protest when he found his mouth sealed tight with Sirius's wand pointing at not only himself but also Hermione and Remus who were having similar problems, “And that is non negotiable. You guys were the first to believe me and if it weren't for you then I would never even have had the chance to be free. I don't want the money and I…” Sirius was quickly cut off however as Harry had worked out the counter spell and with a wave of his fingers the spell was removed from all three victims and Sirius was bombarded with protests.

“SHUT UP!” Sirius yelled, “I've already got more money then I know what to do with, and it's not like I'm not going to work now that I can. Now all there of you shut up other I'll go get `the box.'” He said staring Remus in the eye.

Quickly Remus shut up and placed a hand over both Harry and Hermione's mouth, “You wouldn't dare,” he whispered, “We made a promise Padfoot.”

“That we did Moony but this is defiantly one of those exceptions.”

“Fine, but I hope that Prongs has his way with you one day.” Remus mumbled, “Okay he wins. Trust me you don't want `the box' to come out.”

“But Remus…” Harry started.

“Trust me Harry, it's not worth it.” Remus said placing a hand on both Harry and Hermione's shoulders and guiding them back to their seats.

“Okay now that is dealt with we need to deal with your training for the remainder of the holidays.” Dumbledore said effectively stopping all current conversations.

When at last everyone was not necessarily happy with the agreed scheduled, which consisted of mastering the Animagi transformations and apparition, a continued study of their individual powers, Defense Against the Dark Arts and at least a start on mind power, which included occumency and legimency but agreed to try and make it work did the adults slowly file out of the room leaving Harry, Hermione and Dumbledore alone.

After a few minutes Dumbledore peered keenly at Hermione through his half moon spectacles his blue eyes twinkling, “So Miss Granger, what exactly was bothering you?”

`Well sir,” Hermione began immediately taking on her lecture mode, “I- that is to say we think that something has happened with out powers, because we can talk to each other through our minds and a few times I think I've heard Harry's thoughts.”

“Ah yes.” Dumbledore said only mildly surprise, “I thought something like this might occur after the wand incident, but I think you two believe that this was cause by a different incident.”

This time it was Harry who tried to explain, “Well sir just after we found out about our powers Hermione and I got into a fight and she began to glow with her power, afterwards she couldn't recall any of it so I tried to show her the image from my mind, I don't know how exactly we did it but we ended up seeing glimpses of each others minds.”

“Ah now I see,” Dumbledore said resting his chin on his fingers, “I think that the best thing we can do is see how your lessons with myself and Severus go. Now on a happier note I have these for you.” Dumbledore said pulling two letters addressed in loopy green ink from his draw. Instantly Harry and Hermione recognized the letters.

“Before you open them however I want both of you to know that this decision was extremely difficult to make and this is I see a fall in your work either school, or training then I will remove you from the position.” With that said Dumbledore motioned for the envelopes to be opened.

Slowly Harry pulled out his letter, which was thicker then, normal, and was quite surprised when a small badge slipped from the folds in the letter to land in his lap.

Curiously Harry picked up the badge to find the gold and scarlet Gryffindor colour's supporting a stylized P. Slowly Harry bought his eyes up to meet Dumbledore's when suddenly a voice appeared in his head, *It was a difficult decision Harry and it took a lot of time. If at any time I don't think you are copping then I will revoke it. While I think that you have enough to deal with you deserve a chance to prove yourself. *

“You leave for Diagon Ally in and hour so I suggest you get ready. You shouldn't meet to many people there as most letters have not been sent out yet.”

This statement caught Harry's attention as his dream came back to him, “Sir what about Jaina Crèsandè?” at Dumbledore's sharp gaze Harry found his eyes lowering, “I had a dream.”

“Jaina received her letter last night because she will be joining the 5^th years, he mother is a good friend on mine and has been home schooling her,” Dumbledore explained in a slow steady voice his eyes not once leaving Harry's, “With Voldemort return I convinced her it would be better for Jaina to attend Hogwarts, she'll be arriving in two weeks so she can familiarize herself with the castle and have a few lessons with the teachers to make sure she is up to date. Now you two need to get ready you leave soon.”

Know a dismissal when they heard one Harry and Hermione quickly stood and made their way back to their rooms.

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Okay guys sorry this took so long I had terrible problems with writing it then betas and so on and so forth. I'm back at school now so I don't know how often I'll update I will try I promise but this is my TEE (NEWTS) year……………

Please please review I beg you.

Chapter 14 - Diagon Ally and the Marauders.

Quickly, Harry jumped to his feet and dusted himself off just in time to steady Hermione as she tumbled from the fire into the Leaky Cauldron.

“Careful Mione.” Harry cautioned, steadying himself for the independent lecture that he was more then use to by now, however when Hermione opened her mouth Harry nearly fainted from the flirtatious smile she gave him before replying.

“Well that's what you're here for right?”

For a moment Harry was left speechless before he managed to mutter a response, “…Uh… Sure.”

Just as Harry wrapped an arm around Hermione's waist Sirius Black and Remus Lupin tumbled from the fire clutching each other's arms and laughing hysterically. When their planned escort had been delayed by the order, it had been decided that Sirius, Remus and Tonks would accompany them - Harry had a sneaky suspicion however, that Dumbledore was trying to give him some time with Sirius and to a lesser degree Lupin as well.

“Oh boy, did you see his face? It was classic!” Sirius exclaimed as he straightened up his robes and removed the ash.

“And you're sure he can't change it back?” Remus asked sobering for a moment as he repeated Sirius's actions on himself.

“Positive, the potion mixed and the spell, I spent weeks developing that remember? It's charmed to last 12 hours. Come on Moony you know this.” Sirius explained slightly offended by the doubt.

Remus grinned in response, “Okay, Padfoot that one's yours. But the next one is mine.”

A small smile appearing on Harry's face he cautiously stepped forward, “Um, guys what's going on?”

Looking up the two Marauders sobered enough to answer Harry's question.

“Dumbledore,” Sirius started.

“With purple,” Remus interrupted.

“Hair!” they chorused together before breaking into fits of laughter. Harry looked at the two adults strangely for a moment before he burst into laughter as well.

“What was the point in turning Professor Dumbledore's hair Purple,” Hermione questioned causing all three males to sober immediately.

“Because Prank Season has returned to Hogwarts my dear,” Sirius explained a large smile still plastered on his face.

“Prank Season?” Hermione questioned in disgust, “Sounds more like the something the twins would do.”

“Hermione,” Remus said softly, “The twins are nothing compared to the Marauders, the greatest mischief makers to ever grace Hogwarts. And they never once proved it was us.” Remus continued to explain as if Hermione had pointed out what appeared to be an obvious problem in a lesson.

“So when does this immature phase stop?” Hermione asked

Just as Sirius was about to answer Harry jumped in, “Let me guess, when the Marauders do.”

Sirius and Remus grinned broadly, “Of course.”

“Great.” Hermione mumbled, “Now I've got the twins and the Marauders to try and control.”

Suddenly Sirius looked up, “What do you mean the twins?”

Harry explained, “The Weasley twins, the current Hogwarts pranksters, however they say the key to their success is a little tool to mischief makers everywhere called the Marauders map. I believe they called it the secret to their success when they gave it to me.”

This time it was Harry and Hermione turn to laugh as Sirius and Remus stood in shock.

“Well Moony I think our next target has been acquired. Don't you agree?” Sirius said an evil grin appearing on his face.

“I think so to Padfoot.”

Just as Hermione was about to comment a loud crack filled the air as Tonks appeared pink hair and all, “Watcha,” she greeted accidentally knocking a glass over, “Opps.” Was all she said as with a wave of her wand she fixed the glass and restored it to its place.

“Well come on people let's get going.” And with that Tonks led the way to Diagon Ally effectively stopping the current possibly volatile conversation.

Three hours later the small group sat outside of Florean Fortescue's Ice-cream parlor at one of the more secluded outside tables.

“So where do we still need to go?” Tonks asked checking the time before turning back to the group.

“We still need to get our books and pick up our new dress robes - which should be ready soon.” Hermione quickly answered checking through her Hogwarts letters.

“Well why don't you and Tonks have a look in Flourish and Blots for awhile and I can take the Marauders to look at Quality Quidditch Supplies.” Harry replied smiling as Hermione's hazel eyes lit up with joy.

“Okay so why don't we meet in Flourish and Blots in about an hour,” Tonks suggested winking at Harry, she seemed in a way to know what he wanted to do and for that Harry was thankful.

When everyone was agreed on the proposal the group stood up and said their good byes, before Remus and Sirius who were currently laughing quietly took off in a race to what in their eyes was one of the world's best shops. Smiling Harry just shrugged his shoulders at Hermione's raised eyes before walking after the two adults.

When Harry reached Quality Quidditch Supplies he found Remus and Sirius waiting for him debating who had won, seeing Harry had joined them the pair made to enter the shop but were quickly stopped by Harry.

“Look guys Mione's birthday is soon and I want to get her a present, this was the only thing I could think of that would let me slip away without question.”

“Do you know what you want to get her?” Remus asked smiling gently.

“Well no.” Harry admitted his checks turning slightly pink, “Just not a book.”

“Well then…” Sirius started looking at Remus and back to Harry as a mad grin formed on his face.

“We know just the thing.” Remus finished and Harry was terrified to see he was a mirror image of Sirius.

“Trust us. Lily loved it.” Sirius said trying vainly to comfort Harry as each of the Marauders grabbed one of his arms and proceeded to drag Harry down the street till they were outside a small worn down shop, “Come on,” Sirius prompted before dragging both Harry and Remus through the door.

****###****

That night Harry, Hermione, Sirius and Remus tumbled through the fire and onto the floor of the Gryffindor common room several large bags at their sides.

“Guys, how many books do you need?” Sirius asked as he heaved three of the six bulging bags onto the sofa the humor evident in his voice.

“They're our books for Potions, Charms, History of Magic, Transfiguration, Care for Magical creatures, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and the four for Defense against the Dark Arts.” Hermione quickly explained running through the list in a very business like manner as she dusted the soot off of her clothes.

“Hey, do you guys know who the defense teacher is going to be this year and why in Merlin they would assign us four books?” Harry asked looking at both Sirius and Remus, who were smiling, “It better not be another fraud like Lockhart!”

“No idea, Dumbles is keeping it all hush,” Sirius quickly said before changing the subject, “So that explains two of the bags what about thee third?”

“Oh that's just some light reading and extra books I picked up.” Hermione stated as if the answer were obvious.

“That's light!” Sirius exclaimed realizing his mistake too soon, about to add more he suddenly found that he couldn't speak.

“Don't Sirius, trust me.” Harry explained release the spell when Sirius respectfully nodded his head in awe.

Suddenly picking up on the mental image Hermione was thinking of Harry tried not to laugh, //Go on.//

//Harry I couldn't possibly. It'd be cruel. // Hermione replied however Harry caught the evil glint in her eyes as she bought them to meet his.

//Think of it as pay back for their future miss deeds. // Harry counted trying to keep the smirk off his face as he received a mental nod back.

Concentrating on Hermione Harry could feel the energy in her body growing and could just make out a ting hint of blue between her fingers.

Hermione opened her hand and the tiny bolt of energy shot out towards Sirius connecting the soft skin of his neck. For a moment nothing happened then all of a sudden his hair stood straight on end.

As soon as the effects sunk in Harry, Hermione and Remus collapsed in fits of uncontrollable laughter as Sirius tried vainly to make his hair sit straight. After ten minutes Sirius fell to his knees in defeat, which just increased the level of laughter in the room.

“Please Hermione. Please make it stop, I promise never ever to say anything again. Please you can't leave me like this.” Sirius begged towards where Hermione was curled up on the floor holding tight to Harry.

“Oh I don't know if you've learned your lesson yet.” Hermione replied appearing nonchalant.

Looking between the pair Harry collapsed in yet more laughter, “Mione let him go please I can't take it anymore.” he pleaded.

“Oh I guess so then.” Hermione said as she finally relented and held out her hand as a small bolt of blue energy flew to her palm and began to crawl over her skin before eventually dissipating.

Sighing in relief Sirius collapsed on the floor, “I said before Hermione, you can do whatever you want as long as it does not involve my hair.”

Hermione replied as if she thought Sirius was missing the obvious before a small seductive smirk appeared on her face, “Yes but… what's the fun if you don't care?”

****##-****

Harry sighed as his body twisted out of the white stag and continued running quickly removing his sword as he met the Hermione who was currently absorbed in fire.

As their weapons clashed first high then low before Harry quickly sent out a high kick and a blow to Hermione's waist. Smiling grimly Hermione side stepped the kick and caught Harry's sword with her sais about to twist it from his hands when her feet suddenly slipped out from underneath her.

Bracing herself Hermione fell to the ground then quickly preformed a back roll that left her standing on her feet facing Harry's back. Quickly, Hermione aimed a kick at Harry's now open side and she bought the but of her one of her sais towards his back in a quick jab.

Waiting to the last moment Harry quickly stepped to the side so that Hermione's leg was between him and her sai as he aimed a kick at the back of her leg. Before his foot connect though he found Hermione had rolled forward and was now several feet in front of him.

Hermione grinned as she sent out a wave of air to off balance Harry followed by a shot of energy aimed at his hand. Being caught off guard by the force of the breeze Harry used it's momentum to push himself backwards as he released his sword for a second to roll backwards then quickly summoned it back to his hand immediately sending out a confusion spell combined with the jelly legs jinks.

Calling to the air around her Hermione quickly pushed the first spell away but was hit by the jelly legs. Groaning as she lost her balance Hermione quickly let go of one of her sais smiling as it floated suspended in air and pulled out her wand muttering the counter curse as she deftly put her sais back in their holders. Muttering a strong of curses in Harry's direction before assuming her Phoenix form and flying high into the sky.

Dumbledore, Sirius and Remus watched the battle from a corner, smiling, as the two students fought neither gaining the advantage as they used all the skill they knew.

It was Remus who finally broke the silence as he whispered to his companions, “Albus, I don't know how we are going to teach those two this year. They are already doing stuff that is way above OWLS.”

“I know Remus. But they only know the basic spells and defense. You need to teach them what is out there and how to fight it. They need to know what the death eaters will send at them, cause weather to our liking or not they will be in the fight. Harry has to fight Voldemort and he will, but not only that he won't stop until his entire force is destroyed. Hermione won't let him go through that alone, and he needs her. When the time to fight comes I don't think we'll be able to hold either of them back, even if we tried. They need each other and they're stronger for it.” Dumbledore replied in a whisper his eyes never once leaving the pair who they were currently talking about.

“But Albus the 5^th years only learn the basics, they won't learn most of what your suggesting till 7^th year or later if they ever learn it.” Remus counted.

“We simply can't teach a bunch of 15 year olds half the stuff they need to learn.” Sirius added equally entranced by the fight.

“I suggest you allow them to work on their own from books that they have in their possession, make sure they completely understand your current topic first though. Help them as much as you would help anyone else in the class. Set them homework except base it on what they are working on each lesson or what you think they need to know, make it the same type as other student so they can hand it in with everyone else with out questions being asked. Guide them in what they study as well so they are learning things they need to know. I think that their training in this area will largely become something that they control.” Dumbledore explained turning to look each Remus and Sirius in the eye and they nodded in understanding.

Smiling Dumbledore clapped his hands signaling for the two students to stop. The two teenagers stopped immediately quickly changing into their human forms and placing their weapons and wands in their respective places.

“Congratulations you two.” Dumbledore said smiling, his blue eyes holding a familiar twinkle as he walked out from the corner Remus and Sirius on either side of him, “But you must get going, I believe Arya was watching a part of your fight and has several points for you, among other things she wishes to impart before she leaves.”

Harry's eyes quickly snapped up, “She's leaving?”

“Yes I'm afraid that she must return home in two days.” Dumbledore said the sorrow evident in his voice.

“But sir, if she leave who will be teaching us?” Hermione asked clearly upset at the fact of loosing such a good teacher.

“That I believe will fall to your Defense Against the Dark Arts professors.” Dumbledore said a twinkle in his eye.

“Oh well…” Harry began but was quickly cut off by Hermione.

“Professors sir. You mean we have two teachers this year!” Hermione exclaimed in surprise.

“Oh did I?” asked Dumbledore trying to look innocent, “You will have to forgive old age my dear I believe the mind starts to go when it comes. Now go on Arya is waiting for you by the lake.”

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