(HELLO EVERYONE… Look who's been a very busy girl! I wrote yet another chapter. This chapter was just brilliant to write, it was so easy and smooth. I really hope you'll enjoy it. Take Care)
CHAPTER 6
Harry made his way down the stone steps and slumped past the stone gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office. He heard someone shout towards his direction.
"Keep that statue open, don't let it close!"
"Fudge Flies." Harry spat before the gargoyle could jump back into place.
The panting wizard came to a halt next to Harry and put an arm on his shoulder.
"Thank you dear boy… well my word," His eye's widened "Your Harry Potter!"
"Yes sir." Harry answered shifting his feet uncomfortably. "What's happened?"
"A terrible thing my boy, a terrible thing," He paused for a moment looking Harry over as if he was deciding whether Harry was old enough to know. "They've attacked a muggle community, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was among his followers this day."
"WHAT?" Harry clenched his fists in anger.
"Yes my dear boy, this is true, many young'uns from this school have lost family and friends, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is still attacking at this very moment, I must be going to tell Albus my dear boy, I must be off." The plump old man scurried past Harry and made his way to the staircase where he disappeared.
Harry's head spun lightly and he felt dizzy. Innocent people who had no means of defending themselves from the dark lord and his followers were dieing at this instant, and he, Harry Potter, a young seventh year student was somehow suppose to stop this Lucifer all by himself. Maybe he should gather his things and just face Voldemort right now, get it over with, maybe Voldemort would leave the muggles alone as long as he got what he wanted, Harry.
Harry slapped his forehead with his palm; he was being foolish. Voldemort would do anything to rid this whole world of muggles, those who had muggle parents, and those who were halfblood. Dumbledore clearly instructed Harry not to do anything until he was ready; he suspected that Dumbledore would tell him when that time came.
Harry felt his pocket grow warm; it was the galleon that Hermione had bewitched to inform all the DA members when they would hold their next meeting. Harry wasn't quite sure why he continued to instruct the small group of peers, he didn't want them getting involved in any danger, but perhaps it would offer them a slim chance of protection in case they happened to be attacked.
Harry made his way down to the Dungeons, and knocked on the door to Professor Snape's classroom.
"Come in." Came the cold voice. "It'd good to see that you are on time for once Potter, lets get this over with."
Harry took out his wand and stood in position, he felt fairly weak after his duel with Dumbledore, but he knew this was a part of his training.
"Legilimens." Snape chanted.
**************
Harry sat in the center of a large round room in a comfortable leather armchair. He was waiting for something, but he wasn't sure what it was.
Moments later, a small door across from where Harry was sitting, creaked open. Harry squinted through the blinding white light, in an attempt to see the figure standing in the doorway.
The sound of shoes tapping against the marble floors, rhythmically danced to the same beat as Harry's heart.
"Who's there?" He asked still squinting.
She was wearing her school uniform, and a determined look plastered her face. A loose chain slung freely around her neck, with a time turner dangling near her feminine chest.
"Hermione?… What's going on?" He asked as she dropped to her knees before him.
She grasped one side of the thin chain and wrapped it around the back of Harry's neck. "We don't have much time Harry." She spoke with soft eyes.
********
`No' Harry thought as he cleared his mind and pushed his way into Snape's.
*********
A boy with greasy black hair was standing near Hogwarts large front doors. He was carefully watching a beautiful girl, who sat beneath the shade of a large tree, do her homework. Her soft, long, red hair danced in the gentle breeze, and her piercing green eyes went back and forth over a large textbook
A young man with messy jet-black hair strolled over to the girl, picked her up in his arms and twirled her around and she squirmed and gently kicked her feet.
"James, put me down James, I'm doing my homework." She nagged.
"Spoil sport." James laughed as he gently placed her down on the grass, and gave her a warm kiss.
*******
Professor Snape yelled in frustration. Harry could see that he was desperately trying to clear his mind but couldn't, he regretfully withdrew from his mind and with a flick of his wand discontinued the spell.
"You rotten filthy brat!" He screamed at Harry.
"Excuse me Professor Snape, you are needed by the Headmaster this instant." The plump wizard that Harry met just a short time earlier stood in the doorway.
"Rufus, tell the Headmaster I will see him once I finish with a certain student." Snape hissed.
"It is extremely urgent sir, I insist you see him this instant." The plump wizard instructed.
"Alright." He barked and turned to Harry. "I'll deal with you later."
Harry shrugged his shoulders and left Snape's office for the Library.
Harry hated to admit it, but he now completely understood Professor Snape's hatred towards him. Once upon a time, his father tormented that young, greasy, black haired boy; that same boy was Professor Severus Snape himself. If that wasn't bad enough, young Serverus once had feelings for his mother, maybe even deep feelings. Harry recognized the wishful, longing look that glazed his young Professor's face. Harry had recognized it, because he knew that the same longing filled his eyes whenever he thought of Hermione.
He took a deep breath and exhaled very slowly.
"May I have a quick word Harry?"
Harry nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Yes Professor." Harry answered as he stared curiously into Dumbledore's tired blue eyes.
"Right this way Harry."
Professor Dumbledore led Harry into an abandoned classroom and closed the door behind him.
Hermione quickened her pace down the hallway, she was eager to get to Snape's office before Harry's lesson was finished. She knew Harry would come up to the Library as soon as his lesson was over, but she thought she would surprise him, and maybe, just maybe, she would be lucky enough to hear what was happening inside.
Just as she was passing her Arithmancy classroom, she heard voices that sounded very much like,
`Harry and Dumbledore?' She thought biting her lower lip and placing her ear near the door.
"Professor you can't leave the school, its only safe because you're here." Harry pleaded.
"I'm sorry Harry, but I am needed amongst the Muggle communities, this is a very serious matter that must be stopped before chaos arises among the Muggle people, it is important to protect them as much as we protect ourselves."
"What about Voldemort?"
There was a moment of silence.
"Voldemort is amongst the Muggle's at this moment, he is attacking those Muggles that have children attending my school Harry, he and his followers, must be kept at bay from the Muggle communities."
"Is he still afraid of you?"
"I believe I'm capable of keeping him away."
"Professor... When do I battle Voldemort?"
Hermione gasped.
"When you feel it in your heart… You are a very brave, strong wizard Harry, I have full faith that you can rid this world of Lord Voldemort."
Hermione felt hot tears fill her chocolate eyes; she suddenly understood what he had been hiding these past few years. Why did it have to be this way?
"Do your friends know Harry?" Dumbledore questioned softly.
"No Professor."
"They need to know, they have the right to know."
"They will… I'll leave them each a letter." Hermione barely heard his words; he had spoken them so softly.
"She loves you."
"Who?"
"I must be leaving Harry, take care of yourself… my faith lies in you."
Hermione quietly ran a few paces forward and pretended to be walking down the hallway towards Snape's office.
"Hermione."
She halted and spun around to face him.
"Harry." She forced a smile.
"Sorry I'm late, I was have a discussion with Professor Dumbledore."
"What's wrong?" She asked knowing the answer he would give her.
"Muggle communities are being attacked by Voldemort and his followers,"
"Oh no." She was still extremely saddened by the news, but acted surprised.
"Dumbledore's going to help, we'll have a new Headmaster appointed by the Ministry… he'll be arriving in a few hours."
"Do you know who he is?"
"No, neither did Dumbledore by the looks of it."
She nodded with understanding. Her eyes trailed over him and she realized just how exhausted he looked, he reminded her of Lupin who looked considerably worse each year she would see him.
"Do you still want to have the DA meeting?" She whispered.
"Yes, I think so."
"How's Lupin?"
"The same… they're worried he wont be able to take his potion and turn into a Werewolf, the full moon's coming."
She slumped her shoulders and sighed.
"It'll be okay Hermione." He placed an arm around her and took her books under his arm. "Lets go to the Great Hall and wait for dinner."
"Okay."
Students slowly piled into the Great Hall for dinner. Harry and Hermione sat near the middle of the Gryffindor table quietly looking over a book of charms and hexes. A Ravenclaw girl passed them, and dropped a piece of parchment before Harry. She gave him a grin, and a wink.
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows, looked at the parchment and then back at Harry.
He shrugged his shoulders and unrolled the parchment.
"It says… there'll be a pre graduation ball next week for all seventh year students and their dates."
Hermione's cheeks flushed a bright pink color. "Oh."
"Yeah." Harry said uncomfortably.
There was an awkward silence between them.
"Harry… Hey Harry, did you hear about the ball mate?"
Harry looked over to see Ron and Luna strolling towards them hand in hand.
"Yeah, just read about it." He said breaking his eye contact with Hermione and causing her to look down at her feet.
"Isn't it great?… I finally have nice Dress Robes thanks to Fred and George."
Harry forced a laugh and shifted his feet.
"Me and Luna are going together of course." He said giving her a quick kiss.
"Uhh, that's… great." Harry answered.
"Do you have anyone in mind?… Me and Luna can set you up, right Luna?"
Luna nodded enthusiastically. Harry could have sworn her eyes were moving from Hermione to Harry and back again.
"Uhh… no… no one in mind." He mumbled. He felt his face growing hot as Hermione looked up into his face.
"How `bout you Hermione?" Ron questioned.
"I, uhh… well… no thanks Ron, I can manage on my own." She answered.
"Okay suit yourself… do you two mind if I join the Ravenclaw table for dinner today?" Ron asked steeling a small glance towards Luna's large, almond shaped eyes.
"No, not at all." Hermione said giving them a light grin.
"Yeah, you two have fun." Harry added.
"Oh, Harry, I need to talk to you once we eat." Ron stated.
"Aren't we going to play some Quidditch?" Harry asked.
"Yeah that too… see yah mate."
They both watched Ron and Luna carefully stroll over to the Ravenclaw table.
"They're so cute together." She said as food appeared on the table.
"Yeah, they make an… interesting couple."
They both laughed.
Just as everyone's plates were nearly empty, a Professor unknown to Harry, stood where Dumbledore had always made his famous speeches.
"Excuse me, Excuse me, may I have everyone's attention?"
The Great Hall quickly fell silent.
"Your Headmaster Albus Dumbledore is currently unable to continue his position as Headmaster of Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic has appointed a substitute Headmaster until Professor Dumbledore is able to return to his position. I would like you all to warmly welcome… Sir Lucius Malfoy as your new Headmaster."
Harry's mouth fell open. He felt the air escape his lungs, and was unable to take another breath.
The Slytherin table erupted in cheers, and a few first years joined in welcoming Mr. Malfoy as the new Headmaster.
"Thank you, thank you… I am pleased to have been placed in this position. I am ready to take on the role of Headmaster for as long as I am needed, and I will be adjusting some rules… do you all see that table on the far right in the very back of this very room?" Lucius questioned with a silent sneer.
Some students nodded and others turned to look at the empty table.
"That very table will be the new seating for all Muggle born students attending this school… if you are Muggle born, make your way to that table as soon as possible." Mr. Malfoy instructed.
"That means you Whore-Mione!" Draco called. A large group of Slytherin's burst into laughter, and some threw crumbled parchment in Hermione's direction.
Harry threw a handful of mashed potatoes at the Sytherins and cursed loudly.
"50 points from Gryffindor… sit yourself down Mr. Potter." Lucius spat.
Harry sat down next to Hermione, put his arm around her waist and whispered, "Don't worry Hermione, you're going to be okay."
"I know." She whispered back.
"Go on, move to your table Mudblood or we'll be forced to carry you there." Draco laughed.
Hermione stood from her place at the Gryffindor table.
Harry took a hold of her wrist. "You don't have to do this Hermione!" He whispered with frustration in his voice.
"Shh, its okay." She answered releasing his grip and making her way to the Muggle born table.
Harry pounded his fists on the table. "If she's going, then I'm going too!"
"Now, now Mr. Potter, you're not Muggle born if I recall." Lucius scoffed.
"I don't care!" He screamed. "I'm half blood, so I'm dirty too."
"Not quite boy, but if you insist so desperately, your welcome to join them." He hissed. "Now… May the seventh years prepare for the pre graduation ball, good day."
Harry stared at Hermione, Hermione stared at Harry; then they both turned their heads towards Ron and Luna, who were making their way towards them. Harry shook his head furiously at Ron and pointed back at the Ravenclaw table. Ron frowned and wore a muddled expression on his face until Luna took him by the arm, and led him back to the Ravenclaw table.
They sat for a moment clearing their plates, and then strolled out of the Great Hall followed closely by Ron and Luna.
"What was that all `bout mate?" Ron questioned.
"You have to eat with just Luna from now on." Harry answered.
Ron and Hermione looked extremely puzzled. Harry had no idea what Luna was thinking, she looked like her mind was on another planet.
"Why?" Ron finally asked.
"Because Ronald, your father works for the Ministry of Magic and so does Lucius, you don't want your father having any more trouble then he already does from that Muggle hating git." Luna answered as she attempted to fix Ron's hair.
"Precisely." Harry's face lit up, Luna was brighter then he gave her credit for.
"I never thought of that." Hermione admitted.
"Me neither." Ron added.
"Its alright Ronny, you can eat dinner at my table." Luna grinned mischievously and nuzzledher way into Ron's arms.
"Yeah Ronny, I'm sure you'll do just fine." Harry laughed.
Ron smacked Harry on the back of the head.
"Hey, what was that for?" Harry questioned rubbing the spot Ron hit.
"Only Luna can call me Ronny."
"Okay, Okay Ronald." Harry teased.
Hermione erupted in a fit of giggles.
"That's it, we're taking this out to the Quidditch Pitch Potty." Ron challenged.
"Your on mate." Harry grinned.
Harry, Hermione, Ron and Luna all marched outside towards the Quidditch Pitch. It was a blistering cold day with a clear blue sky. The snow beneath their feet crunched pleasantly, and their cheeks became rosy by the time they had reached their destination.
"Okay boys, you know the rules… the first boy," Both Ron and Harry glared at Hermione. "Uhh, man… the first man to catch the Golden Snitch is the winner of this,"
"Intense." Luna helped.
"Good one… intense Quidditch showdown." Hermione announced as if she was speaking to a large crowd of spectators.
Both girls laughed.
"On the count of Three… One… Two," Hermione counted.
"You better win this for me Ronald." Luna teased.
"Three!" Hermione released the Golden Snitch from its compartment and watched the two boys kick off into the sky.
"Boys." Luna chuckled.
"Who do you think will win?" Hermione asked.
"Harry, Ron's no Seeker." Luna admitted.
"True… but he's come a long way with his Quidditch skills."
"As a Keeper." Luna reminded.
Hermione nodded in agreement.
"So, err, Hermione?"
"Uh huh." Hermione answered squinting to see what Ron and Harry were doing.
"Are you and Harry,"
Hermione's chocolate brown eyes widened and her face turned scarlet. "No."
"But the way you two,"
"No Luna, I said no."
"You can tell me Hermione, I promise I wont tell Ron."
Hermione sighed. "I wish I could say yes."
Luna bit her upper lip and narrowed her eyes in concentration.
"A little while ago," Luna began. "Ron and I were sitting in the Great Hall for breakfast and your usually the first person there and I thought I would go and wa,"
"WOO HOO GOT IT!" Harry yelled circling the field in triumph.
The four of them quickly scurried back inside the school before all their limbs would fall off from the winter chill.
Hermione's soft cinnamon curls flowed out from under her red winter touque. A light sprinkle of snowflakes covered those same cinnamon curls, like powdered sugar on golden waffles; he was completely entranced by her beauty.
"Harry, can I talk to you then?" Ron asked.
"Huh?… Uhh, yeah…sure." Harry answered.
"We'll meet you and Ron in the Library Harry." Hermione announced before her and Luna walked off.
"Okay." Harry called.
"Harry… you know that ball that's coming up?"
"Yeah." Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Why don't you ask Hermione to go with you?"
Harry's mouth slightly dropped open. "What?"
"I said why don't you ask Hermione,"
"I heard you Ron."
"Oh… so?"
"So what?" Harry questioned.
"Are you going to ask her?"
"I don't know." Harry said truthfully.
"Well, you really should… I, I… I sort of asked Hermione to date me once,"
"You did what?" Harry stared at his best friend in disbelief.
"I know I never told you I fancied her… but the point is, she said no to me."
"I'm sorry Ron."
"No, don't be, if it wasn't for Hermione, I wouldn't have given Luna a proper chance." Ron grinned. "I made Hermione tell me why she wouldn't date me, she said it was because she can't stop thinking about you… you mean a lot to her."
Harry put his hand on Ron's shoulder. "Thanks Ron."
"What are best friends for?" Ron grinned. "Listen mate, I know you like Hermione a lot, I just don't know why your holding back…take what you have before it's too late."
"Are you boys finished yet?" Hermione asked from the top of the first flight of stairs.
"I thought you two were waiting in the Library?" Ron questioned slightly furrowing his eyebrows.
"We were, but you boys were taking forever." Luna answered flicking her golden blond hair from her eyes.
Harry laughed. "tisk, tisk, tisk… impatience is not a good quality dear ladies."
"Very funny Harry, we would have given you two more time if the DA meeting wasn't about to begin." Hermione answered looking very pleased with her answer.
"Okay, okay, you both win… lets go Ron." Harry admitted making his way towards Luna and Hermione.
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