Her Duty

Her Duty

Prologue:

She wasn't sure when it had first happened, and she didn't want to search her memories too closely to discover it for fear of what she would find. But, it had happened, and her mind had become so attuned to his that she would stop in the middle of reading a book, speaking, anything, and know that he needed her.

It wasn't like Hermione Granger to be afraid of anything anymore, she had faced horrors some couldn't imagine, yet she knew exactly what shape her Boggart would take. No more failed exams, or imperfect scores, it would simply be an empty space - the space where Harry should be. It wasn't so much that she feared his death for deep down she was certain that he would survive, she had to believe that he was capable of killing Voldemort, she was really afraid of what Harry would become.

Sitting awake, the curtains drawn around her bed, she remembered finding him in the garden of Grimmauld Place that night shortly before they had begun their final year at Hogwarts. He hadn't reacted when she sat down beside him and after several moments she became curious and moved to sit opposite him. He appeared to staring at a fixed point in space, yet when she had seen his eyes a gasp had escaped her mouth. There was no light in his eyes, they were barely even their trademark green colour. It was as if his body was empty, his soul had gone and he could not see her. Hermione had reached out and shaken him until he seemed to snap back. It appeared that he had no memory of it even in the seconds after the event.

Hermione's greatest fear was that Harry would vanish again, and this time he wouldn't come back. So, every time he needed her, and even if he thought he didn't she was determined to be there to shake him back. It was the most important thing in her life right now. She shook her lightly and thought how her teachers and friends would never believe that Hermione Granger, Head Girl and first class student, had found something more important in her life. If she could keep Harry around then he could fulfil his duty. Saving him was her duty.

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Hermione pretended to concentrate on the Arithmancy essay sitting in front of her, but it was a lost cause. She knew that Ron was really reading a copy of Quiddich Weekly that he'd hidden behind his potions textbook, but she wasn't in the mood to remind him of their impending exams. Harry wasn't in the Common Room with them. He'd received a note during dinner and had left the Great Hall without a word.

Hermione glanced around her surreptitiously before lifting her textbook to reveal a piece of old parchment underneath. She was momentarily relieved to see that Harry was still in Dumbledore's office with the Headmaster himself according to the Marauders Map. Harry was still in the castle, no other members of the Order were present. The last few times they'd received bad news another member of the Order was also present as Dumbledore told Harry. However, Hermione's senses were alerted today, she just felt it would be bad news of some kind…it seemed so long ago that they had had any good news at all.

Hearing Ron sigh, Hermione pulled herself back to the present and summoned Ron's magazine from him with a forced grin. He looked up in surprise and smiled sheepishly when he saw the magazine in Hermione's hand.

“I know, We all need a break from studying now and again…” Hermione teased repeating one of Ron's much-uttered catchphrases. Ron stuck his tongue out at her and in a falsetto voice declared, “Yes Ronald, but your study periods really ought to be longer than the breaks you know…”

Hermione laughed despite the appalling impression of herself. She'd lightened up her attempts to get Harry and Ron working over the last year, they really did have enough to worry about already, and when it came down to it Ron really did best by cramming at the last minute anyway.

“He still in with Dumbledore?” Ron asked quietly. Hermione looked up as she remembered just how quietly observant Ron could be. She nodded in response to his question.

“Just them today?”

“So far.”

Hermione gave up the pretence of work and leant back in her chair, stretching her arms above her head and yawning.

“He's even more distracted this week.” Ron commented. Hermione could only nod in agreement.

“Do you think there's something he's keeping from us? Like when he kept the prophecy from us?”

Ron considered her question.

“I don't know…I can't shake the feeling that something else is going. He's staring into space more often.”

“Exactly.”

They sighed in unison and shared a sad smile.

“Fancy a game of chess?” Hermione smiled, grateful for the distraction.

“Sure.”

They were onto their second game and the Common Room was virtually empty when Hermione could no longer ignore Ron's internal debate. He kept half opening his mouth as if to speak, and then seeming to think better he closed it again. She leant forward slightly and quietly said his name. He looked up and they studied one another for a moment.

“We've both been dancing around this for ages. I think it's time we talked properly.” Ron paused and looked at his best friend closely as if seeing if they were really going to talk openly about it.

“Is there…is there anything he's said that I should know? Well, has he said anything at all? My role in our friendship has always been light relief, we all know that, but sometimes it means Harry doesn't share things, and I don't want to throw him off by suddenly coming over all serious.”

“He's angry. I think he's more angry than scared right now. He hasn't said it but I worry that he's not angry enough at Voldemort because he's still angry at himself. Every time we get news that someone else has suffered he thinks it wouldn't have happened if he could have ended this earlier…and there's Sirius and Cedric…” Hermione didn't need to say any more on those subjects, she and Ron had both lived through the traumatic events.

“You always know what to say…and when he needs you.” Ron said softly.

“I just don't know what to do to help…I want so desperately to help.” Hermione said, her voice cracking as she rested her head in her hands. Ron reached over and placed a hand on her arm.

“You do help `Mione. You help more than you'll ever know.” She looked up and saw her own anguish mirrored in his eyes and she realised he too had seen Harry at his very worst.

“Did you…did you ever tell anyone how you had seen him?” Ron asked.

Hermione shook her head.

“You?”

“No.”

“There was just nothing there…” Hermione whispered.

“I know. I had to hit him to get him back. I just didn't know what to do in the end…it felt like…well…”

“Like next time it wouldn't be so easy to get him back.” Hermione finished for him - finally speaking her greatest fear aloud. Ron nodded sadly in agreement before standing and wrapping an arm around her shoulders in comfort.

“I'm going to try and get some sleep.” Ron said with a yawn. Hermione stood and they began gathering up their scattered books and papers. As Ron picked up her Arithmancy book to hand her he froze and immediately Hermione's eyes followed Ron's to the tattered piece of parchment below. They instinctively moved closer to one another. Moody, Tonks, Lupin and Snape had joined Harry and Dumbledore on the map.

“It's happening.” Ron whispered shakily.

They retreated to the privacy of Hermione's study in silence, each of them processing the news. After several minutes of staring at the fire Hermione needed a change of subject and focus.

“Are you taking Luna to Hogsmeade tomorrow?”

Ron looked up and Hermione smiled to see his eyes light up at the sound of Luna's name.

“Unless, well, unless something happens, or we're needed.”

Hermione nodded her understanding.

“It's going to be very soon.” Hermione gave up trying to avoid the subject, and acknowledging that the presence of all the key members of the Order signalled something significant. Glancing at the map again they watched as the dot labelled `Harry Potter' moved from Dumbledore's office and made its way through the school. Neither spoke until Harry entered the Room of Requirement. Hermione wiped the map clean and handed it to Ron.

“I guess there's nothing else we can do tonight. He needs to be by himself for a bit. He'll let us know when he needs us.” Hermione said, suddenly feeling more tired than she could ever remember feeling, the significance of the evenings events sinking in.

Long after Ron had left the study and gone to bed, Hermione sat at her desk staring at her hands in hope of inspiration.

The power the Dark Lord knows not…what did Harry have that Riddle didn't?” She didn't feel the tears that fell from her eyes as she sat and thought. Her eyes began searching the room for answers, flitting about so quickly, barely focusing on the objects around her. Scanning the images in her mind as she stared at her hands once more something clicked. She stood so quickly her chair toppled over backwards, she left it where it lay and rushed over to the portrait hole, just to the left of the exit was a large plaque engraved with the names of every Head Girl. Hermione lightly ran her fingers over the familiar letters of `Lily Evans'.

How could she not have thought of it before? Grabbing her cloak, her bag and her wand Hermione rushed out of the study, through the Common room and out into the castle.

Madam Pince nodded and smiled to find her most frequent customer already in the locked library when she opened up on Saturday morning. Hermione was sitting surrounded by a large pile of books when a noise alerted her to the librarians presence. She was shocked to realise it was morning already, the night had passed so quickly as she had searched for the answers she needed. Why couldn't she find what she was looking for? And why hadn't she thought of it before?

By lunchtime Hermione could focus no longer. She had been through so many books but she could find no reference to the spell she so needed to understand. She rested her head in her hands before standing shakily and started as she caught sight of a reflection in a window opposite her. There was a woman standing beside Hermione in the reflection, a tall woman with red hair. She whipped around to find no one anywhere near her in the library.

“I really need to get some food and a nap.” She muttered to herself before turning to pick up the few books she had yet to get to. Her hand hovered over the top of the pile, shaking as she reached out to pick up the small volume on the top of the pile which hadn't been there a moment before. Hermione glanced all around her once more, and stared at the window where she now saw only her own reflection. She sank uncertainly into her chair, opened the book and began to read.

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Two hours later a very determined Hermione Granger sat at her desk eating the sandwich she'd thanked Dobby for profusely only moments before. It Had to be possible. There was just something missing, a piece of the puzzle she just couldn't track down. She threw the book to the desk in frustration and the pages flipped closed one by one before her. She grabbed the book back into her hands and at speed began turning each page, her eyes keenly trained on the bottom right hand corner of each page…she had seen something…There it was! At the bottom of page 99 in tiny lettering were the letters L.P.

Of course Lily would have made the content secret, and there were only so many ways to enchant paper and parchment in this way. Hermione would put money on this book being password protected in much the same way as the Marauders Map. All she had to do was find the password…

“Lily Potter.”

“Lily Evans.”

“Harry Potter.”

“Harry James Potter.”

“James Potter.”

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.”

“Godrics Hollow.”

“Lord Voldemort.”

“Tom Riddle.”

“Tom Marvolo Riddle.”

“Albus Dumbledore.”

An Hour later Hermione was out of ideas. Maybe this wouldn't be as easy as she'd anticipated. Hermione sighed and rested her head on the desk once more. She had exhausted all the most obvious choices, and some she now acknowledged as ridiculous, the list had gone on and on. What would Lily have chosen?

A tentative knock at the Portrait Hole disturbed her, and she shut the book quickly, before moving to open it. She found Harry on the other side, having finally emerged from the Room of Requirement. He looked surprisingly calm yet exhausted.

They sat in cosy armchairs by the fire, the flames reflected in their eyes.

“It's soon then.” Hermione finally stated after several minutes of silence.

Harry moved his head very slightly in agreement.

“Sooner than anyone thought.” He replied, the sound of his voice almost shocking Hermione, it suddenly seemed like days since they had last spoken.

“Are we ready.” Harry turned to look at her before replying.

“We're ready.”

Sensing the conversation was now closed Hermione reached across the gap between the armchairs and held her hand out to him. He took it and locked their fingers together lightly. They gazed again at the fire, each focused on their own fight.

After a few minutes Hermione squeezed his hand lightly before withdrawing her own. Harry smiled at her sadly and she smiled back.

“Have a nap. I've got some reading to catch up on. It'll be nice to have some company.”

Harry nodded and stretched out in his chair as Hermione retrieved Lily's book and her Defence textbook from the desk and returned to her chair. She reread the information she had jotted down and made further notes on the scraps of parchment as she worked. She lost track of time and when she next looked up from her work, glancing to her right she saw Harry curled up fast asleep. At least he was sleeping peacefully, he was going to need to be rested. The book now lay open on her lap and she picked up her wand to dim the lights slightly, resting her wand on the book after she had done so. She leant back and closed her eyes for a moment before glancing over at Harry once more. She watched the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed evenly, his unruly hair hanging in his eyes. She didn't remember processing the words before they tripped from her tongue softly, but there they were, she had spoken them out loud, and in doing so had forced herself to confront what she had so desperately tried to deny.

“I love you Harry Potter…I love you Harry Potter…” In shock Hermione tore her eyes away from Harry, suddenly worrying irrationally that her words may wake him. She looked down at the book in front of her, and what started as an intense sigh of frustration at being unable to help Harry, turned into a stunned gasp. Where the printed text had once been on page 99 there was now elegant handwriting…

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If you have unlocked this letter then I must start by thanking you, whoever you may be, for loving my son. Nothing else would have allowed you access to what most probably was my final secret. It's so much harder to write this letter than I had anticipated, not knowing who it is who loves my son so much, not even knowing how old Harry is as you are reading this. I fear he is too young for the burden which will no doubt be upon his shoulders now - it breaks my heart to imagine him growing up without James and I, knowing that we could die any day, but I must stop being so emotional and help in the only way I can think of.

I assume if you have searched this letter out then Albus was indeed right and Riddle has returned, intent on getting his revenge on Harry. Riddle will stop at nothing to hurt Harry as I fear you will have already discovered, but you must do everything you can for `neither can live while the other survives' this is the prophecy or curse which hangs over my darling sons head. He must rid the world of its greatest evil. I have agonised over what the elusive power is which will ensure Harry's safety and I can find only one feasible answer. Riddle is so full of evil and hatred that I fear he has no human left in him. He has rejected all admirable Muggle characteristics passed down through his blood and has no understanding of compassion, or love. James and I told no one of what my research entailed, no one knew of my plans, I have no idea how well the spell worked in the end, but I had to try and I ask you to do the same.

What could kill pure evil? The killing curse is powered by an intense emotion, and surely the only way to fight back would be a stronger emotion. Love is the most powerful of emotions and so I gave Harry all the love I had - all my hopes - all my dreams - all my happy memories - all my feelings for him - almost like a Patronus, I passed to him everything I could in order to protect him. There wasn't a spell - it was a matter of experimentation and hope, but I believe I created a spell composed of ancient magic and muggle thought, capable of giving him temporary protection at most. There are dangers involved and I must apologise for the burden I now place on your shoulders, for, should anything go wrong you will not regain the love you pass magically to Harry, in essence you would be a shell, possibly similar to those pour soulless individuals who have suffered at the hands of the Dementors. I can think of nothing worse, but I must warn you, and give you my support through these words. I believe you can do this if you wish to.

In order to succeed you must obtain something known as `Seers Eye', there is much speculation about this particular ingredient and it is widely condemned as muggle nonsense. For this reason you may have trouble in finding it. There is only one who I trusted enough to find it for me, and who I knew would not let me down - I only hope he is still around to help you. You may know Severus Snape as a Death Eater but I assure you he is to be trusted. I only hope he remains free. My last will and testament protested his innocence in the event of his capture and I must hope my warnings were heeded. If you find him he will help you.

The actual potion is incredibly simple. You must simply add three drops of your own blood to the Seers Eye. An hour after Harry drinks the potion you must place both your hands over his heart, and closing your eyes you must willingly give him every feeling of love, every good emotion, every happy memory, or dream. As long as your mind is open and your heart willing, the transfer will take mere seconds. You will feel a small jolt in your chest; do not be alarmed, this should mean that the spell was successfully completed. That is all.

Harry will need love to speak the words required to end this nightmare. When he uses your power you will be drained considerably and will remain this way until Harry is able to return the power to you by placing his hands over your own heart.

What more can I say - there are not words to express how grateful I am that Harry is with those who love and care for him in our absence. I wish you luck and I thank you. Please pass on the enclosed letter to Harry.

Lily Potter

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Hermione sat and looked at the words in front of her tears streaming down her face. Reading Lily's words had touched her, and she ran her finger over the envelope bearing Harry's name which had now appeared on her lap. She placed it carefully in her pocket and took several deep breaths, trying to take everything in. This is what she had been praying for - a way to help Harry. She stood and looked down at Harry sleeping for a moment more before turning and rushing towards the dungeons.

Professor Snape opened his office door and looked at Hermione questioningly.

“Miss. Granger?”

“May I please come in and speak with you Professor?”

Professor Snape opened the door, looking at the Head Girl curiously, closing the door behind them.

“Professor I need `Seers Eye' and I was hoping you'd be able to help me.”

The request hung in the air for a moment as surprise registered on Snape's face.

“Someone sent you?”

“I think you know who sent me…they requested it many years ago.” Hermione spoke softly, wanting Snape to confirm Lily's letter before revealing anything more.

“Lily.” Snape said so softly, Hermione at first thought she had imagined it.

“Lily Evans.” Snape repeated again almost to himself before looking up and meeting Hermione's gaze. She nodded and handed over the book.

He didn't take it at first.

“I think you should know why… and know how she thought of you.” Hermione said, and Snape at last took the book from her. Sitting silently as he read Lily's words Hermione felt a sense of relief at having shared the letter with someone, despite the irony of feeling relief while seeking help from Severus Snape. The dungeon room was silent for some time as Snape read and Hermione planned, only when he closed the book did she raise her head. Their eyes met and inwardly Hermione sighed with relief.

“You still have it?” She asked anxiously.

“I promised Lily I would.” He confirmed, handing the book back to her and with several flicks of his wand he unlocked a cabinet at the back of the office. He returned a moment later holding a vial of grey fluid. He paused before handing it to her.

“You understood the warning - the risks involved?” Hermione nodded, and Snape held the vial out, she took it and placed it carefully in her robes.

“Thank you Professor.” He nodded and she turned to leave the room, as she opened the door and stepped over the threshold he called to her.

“Miss Granger?” She turned.

“Yes?”

“…Good Luck.” Hermione nodded with a half smile and closed the door before rushing back to Gryffindor Tower where Harry still lay sleeping in the study.

Hermione felt detached from the situation as she watched droplets of blood ooze from the fresh cut on her finger. The wound stung, and she drew a short breath while she carefully counted the three drops into the vial of Seers Eye. Sealing the vial she placed it safely in her pocket again with slightly shaking hands. After quickly healing the cut on her finger she closed the book and placed it in her desk, immediately magically locking the desk so no one could access it. She was beginning to get paranoid, but then again she had good reason…the attack could happen at any moment. She shook her head, trying to bring her mind back to the present, rather than dwelling on what might happen. As she did so, the noises of the castle seemed to come back to her, and she realised that all the other students must be back from Hogsmeade.

She woke Harry by gently shaking his shoulder.

“Hey.”

“I thought you might want to wake up a bit before dinner.” Hermione spoke, sitting on the arm of the chair. Harry nodded and rubbed a hand sleepily over his eyes before running a hand through his unruly hair.

“Thanks `Mione. Is Ron back yet?” Hermione shook her head. Harry grinned, and Hermione turned to look at him.

“What do you know that I don't?” She asked curiously.

“He was going to tell Luna he loved her.” Harry said simply. Hermione grinned back at him.

“About time.” Harry chuckled at her response and stretched, yawning.

“Harry?” Hermione asked tentatively. He turned to look at her but she stared into the fire avoiding his eyes.

“What is it?”

“I know this is going to seem ridiculous, but, I'll go ahead anyway. When I was younger my Mum would make me a `magic cure', and old Muggle remedy really, which she called `All Better'. I looked at the possibilities of there being magical properties some time ago and I didn't find any, but still it seems to work to be honest. I, well…I owled her for the instructions and I made some for you. I just want to try and help in any way I can…it can't do any harm…” She trailed off, and after being met by silence she glanced at Harry to check his reaction. He was watching her intently, and he took her hand drawing her to her feet before pulling her into a fiercely tight hug. Hermione hugged him back as hard as she could, and had to fight to blink back the tears that were threatening to fall. As they pulled apart Harry held out his hand for the potion, and Hermione handed it to him silently, watching as he uncorked the vial and drank the potion. Before they could finish their conversation a beaming Ron entered the study, his grin practically falling off his face. Hermione and Harry turned to look at him and Hermione smothered a giggle.

“Good day in Hogsmeade then?” She asked innocently. Ron looked at her before mock glaring at Harry.

“Potter, you really are useless at secrets sometimes! But, yes my dear Miss. Granger it was a wonderful day in Hogsmeade.” Ron declared grabbing Hermione around the waist and twirling her around. Harry laughed at Hermione's giggles and shrieks of protest. It was like the old days again,

“Alright you two, ready for some dinner?” Harry asked as Ron put Hermione down.

“Definitely mate. I could eat a Hippogriff.” Ron declared, narrowly dodging a playful punch from Hermione for his comment.

“Alright then, lets go.” Hermione laughed, linking arms with her two best friends and heading out into the Common Room.

Hermione and Harry re-entered Gryffindor Tower after dinner, so Hermione could collect her `Head Girl folder' as Ron liked to call it before the prefect meeting. As she prepared to leave her study again Harry lightly touched her arm. Hermione turned and waited for him to speak.

“Um, I just wanted to say thanks for before - well, thanks for everything actually…you're always there, and you always make me feel better…I just wanted you to know that.” Hermione looked at him and smiled, placing her hands on his chest, and closing her eyes briefly. After a moment of silence, she opened her eyes and looking at them Harry could have sworn they were suddenly a slightly paler shade of brown.

“Anytime Harry.” She said softly, hugging him quickly again before smiling at him as she turned to leave the room. Several minutes after she left the room Harry was still standing in the same spot, a feeling of calm had washed over him as she had smiled, and he had seen her eyes sparkle at him. He smiled to himself and sank down into his chair by the fire. As he sat he felt some paper rustle in his pocket. He hadn't remembered putting anything there, and when he withdrew the slightly battered envelope he was surprised to see a note from Hermione taped to the front of it.

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Harry, This is for you. They asked me to pass it on to you. It IS real. I've confirmed that. Draw strength from them. I've been doing some research and the killing curse isn't just powered by hate - it can be powered by any emotion strong enough - love being the strongest. Hate can't kill Voldemort, I'm pretty sure of that now, but Love can. It's up to you now.

Love `Mione.

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Part 3:

Harry was intrigued. He stared at Hermione's words trying to take in her message. How she had time to research things to help him he didn't know as they were nearly always together, but she had answered the question on his mind. And she had found the answer to soothe his soul - Voldemort could be killed, just not by hate. Who was the letter from, he opened the envelope and two letters fell out. He picked up the first and his eyes widened, tears forming at the corners of them as he read his Fathers words.

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Harry,

Well, this is it, the big adventure. If you're reading this then you must be ready. I wish I was there with you, your Mother and I both wish we were there, but we've known for some time that that just wouldn't be possible. Your Mother has been buried in textbooks for some time now, and being the brilliant witch she is I'm sure she'll find a way to get this letter to you when you need it the most. I've wondered for some time what I would say to you here, trying to imagine you older, trying to imagine myself as a younger man, and there are few things I can teach you, so many things you must learn for yourself or you will never understand. Perhaps the most important lesson for wizards of your generation and mine to learn is that magic is very powerful, we allow it in our lives, however some allow it to control their lives. You must always be able to feel yourself and your own identity as you cast a spell. This is what separates us from Dark Wizards in reality. We still have that connection to humanity, compassion and love.

What more can I say son; I never imagined anything could be this hard. I fear leaving you more than I fear dying. Never teaching you to ride a broom, hearing your first word, teasing you about your first girlfriend…one more bit of advice about that one Harry - don't be afraid to love. You know what I mean, Lily already says that you're turning into me and you're only a baby so you must be a nightmare by now.

We love you more than you'll ever know

X Dad

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Harry smiled sadly and recognised that his Dad was right, they were alike if Remus, Sirius and Albus were to be believed. It was comforting to have contact with his Dad now, for he didn't doubt that the other letter would be from his Mum. He opened it gently and began to read.

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My Darling Harry,

It's so hard to imagine you as you must be now. Your Father and I could not love you more, and to know you are reading this letter in preparation for the first day of the rest of your life. You will triumph Harry, you have more good in you than there is evil in him. You must use this good to power the spell which will save you. I wonder whether you have discovered this already, I have a feeling you will have. I have never felt such pride as the first day you smiled, you cannot imagine how proud we would feel of you now.

What more can I say? The other envelope enclosed is also for you, I ask that you open this after everything - Immediately after - You will then understand the efforts made to help and save you.

I wish you Good Luck, I wish you all the happiness in the world, I wish you everything you have ever dreamed for yourself.

Love always

Mum

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Hermione avoided going directly back to her study after the Prefect meeting. She wasn't sure how Harry would have reacted to the letter she had snuck into his pocket during their hug earlier. When she eventually pushed the door open tentatively she found the study empty but a small scrappy piece of parchment lay on her desk, simply bearing the words `Thank You' in Harry's distinctive scrawl. A small smile graced her face as she looked again at the note.

As she climbed into her bed sometime later, she sighed knowing that she had now done all she could to help Harry. She believed he was capable of the rest.

Sometime in the night she sat bolt upright, her eyes flying open as her hands rushed to where her heart had just thumped ominously. Her face drained of colour, and her head span as the realised what was happening. The spell had begun to take effect. The battle had begun.

Hermione was running, her head was swirling, nothing was in focus. She had to help.

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Harry heard the curse spoken as if in slow motion; he had not even turned before he felt a sharp hot pain across his back. He gritted his teeth. He wouldn't cry out. He would not give Voldemort the satisfaction.

“Too scared to fight face to face now Tom?”

He turned to see his destiny standing before him.

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Ron was running. Ginny had found him. Hermione had been murmuring. No one could make sense of what she was trying to say. But Ron saw Harry's empty bed and he knew exactly what she was trying to say. He took off with Neville close at his heels towards Dumbledore's office.

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Ginny looked to where Harry's trunk lay open, a crumpled piece of parchment on the top. Picking it up she scanned for a name as familiar to her as her own. There it was, in the Forest, standing in front of him was a name she had prayed never to see on Hogwarts grounds - Tom Marvolo Riddle.

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Hermione remembered red hair. Flashes of it in front of her. She was feeling weaker.

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Ginny rushed forward to catch Hermione, as her knees seemed to give out from underneath her. As Ginny lay her onto the floor, cradling her friends head, tears fell. It was if Hermione was vanishing from her own body, her eyes were open and while they darted around they didn't seem capable of taking anything in.

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Harry gasped as the second curse hit him. Golden light began to fill the forest around them as Harry cursed right back.

He took a deep breath and thought of the words in the letter. He closed his eyes for a split second and power began to emanate from his body, his wand trembled as it connected with the light from Riddle's. A light was growing from around Harry's body, steadily overtaking the dome formed by the Brother Spell effect. Harry's eyes flew open as emotions flowed through his veins like blood. He could suddenly deep into the depths of Riddle's eyes and what he saw there was hate. Harry spoke the words he would never again utter. Purple light shot forth from his wands, striking Riddle in the chest.

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As Ron and Neville stood face to face with Albus Dumbledore the entire room was bathed in purple light.

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Ginny looked skywards as purple light filled the corridor where Hermione lay. She whispered soft words of prayer.

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Severus Snape saw purple light spread through the dungeons. He carefully pulled up the arm of his robes and looked at the inside of his forearm.

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Harry picked up a wand from the ground and snapped it in half, before raising his own to the sky and casting the symbol which could be seen over every wizarding home.

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Ginny still shocked by the purple light, looked back down at her friend, and gasped. Hermione's eyes had closed and her body was cold. Grasping for a wrist she could feel no pulse.

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Remus Lupin awoke and ran outside into the streets of London. He turned back to see the symbol of the Phoenix rising above Grimmauld Place. His shout of joy was heard streets away and echoed around the country.

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Albus Dumbledore grasped clumsily for the edge of his desk to steady himself as Fawkes cried out in joy on sighting Phoenix covering the castle. It was the only time Ron or Neville saw him appear vulnerable.

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Students ran through the hallways, not understanding what was happening. The hallways were bathed in an orange glow. Feelings of warmth seemed to pass into them from the glow undermining the fear and confusion with contentment.

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Harry stood disbelieving over the body. Was it really over? Looking through the trees he could see the castle bathed in an orange glow. His heart seemed to be trying to burst from his chest. He had no idea where all that power had suddenly come from. He was a powerful wizard, he accepted that - but he wasn't that powerful…

Ginny tried tearfully to explain what was going on when Professor McGonogal found her cradling Hermione in the hallway, but her words became confused in the emotions whizzing through her mind, and in all honesty she had no idea what was going on - only that everything was over. She just repeated it's over…it's over…

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Professor McGonogal crossed the hallway from Ginny and Hermione and tears fell as she saw the many phoenixes rising over the village of Hogsmeade in the distance. Voldemort was gone. She and Ginny carried the stricken Hermione to the hospital wing.

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Harry sank to the ground next to his defeated opponent. He looked into the frozen face - lacking in humanity - and opened his mouth to speak the words he had been planning for so many years - but no sound emerged - they just didn't fit anymore. A sob caught in his throat - this had always been for his Mum - for his Dad - for Sirius - for Cedric - for Neville's parents - but that just didn't seem enough anymore. And it wasn't his reason anymore. With a sudden clarity he knew exactly who it was for. Casting a spell to banish the body to Azkaban he turned and ran back towards the castle, through the throngs of students gathering in the Entrance Hall and Great Hall. His eyes instinctively searching for her. He ran almost headlong into Neville.

---------------------------------

Neville met Harry's eyes - and the two shared a moment of silent communication. Their twisted lives destined by a prophecy were freed. Reaching into his pocket Harry handed Neville a piece of wood. Neville stared at it for a moment before realising what Harry was giving him.

“No one else will suffer the way your parents did. We'll stop them Neville.” Harry said hoarsely, breathing heavily from his run across the grounds.

Neville hugged his friend and only then did Harry remember the pain searing across his back and chest. He flinched and gasped at the fire burning across his torso. Neville held Harry's arms up, taking in Harry's injured status and noticing the crowd gathering around Harry, he guided him towards the hospital wing.

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The crowds of students parted around him and Harry's eyes searched out the pair he needed to see. He was feeling more and more tired, and he could tell Neville was now supporting most of his weight as they moved through the castle.

“'Mione?” Harry's voice came out much quieter than he'd intended.

Neville stopped walking to hear him better.

“Hermione.” Harry said softly. Neville net his eyes and nodded.

“That's where we're going.” Neville reassured him as they began moving again.

Ron rushed towards them and supported Harry's other side, the castle was bustling around them.

Harry could hear voices all around him.

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“He's wounded. I don't know how badly.”

“Madam Pomfrey's waiting.”

“Is he really gone?”

“The Phoenix is everywhere…”

Then there was silence.

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Part 4:

Harry could hear voices around him, and as he tried to lift his head he realised he couldn't move. He opened his mouth to speak but no sound came out. He forced his eyes open and saw Albus Dumbledore.

“It's ok Harry. It's a potion which has paralysed your body while Poppy repairs the damage from the curses.” Harry relaxed a little.

“You did well Harry. James and Lily would have been as proud of you as I am. The body arrived safely at Azkaban and phase two of the plan is going ahead as we speak.”

There was movement at the end of his bed, but Harry couldn't move his head to see what was happening.

“Poppy, he needs to speak if we are to find out…”

Harry saw Madam Pomfrey's face appear above his and he felt a rush of air to his lungs and he gasped for breath and coughed as his voice returned.

“Thank you.” He spoke hoarsely. She nodded and smiled tearfully at him before moving away. Dumbledore reappeared.

“Tell me what happened Harry. How did you survive the killing curse twice?”

“I'm not entirely sure…it was something my Mum said, in a letter, hate could never kill him, but the curse could be powered by love - that's the reason the curse worked when I spoke it but I really don't know why I didn't die.” Harry said confused.

“Well, your injuries were relatively serious, but all you've got to show for it now are some rather spectacular scars, and once the paralysis potion is lifted I'd imagine some pain.”

Harry smiled wryly at the Headmaster.

“Just what I need - more scars…Is there any news of phase two yet? Is everyone ok? Was anyone injured by all the magic out in the forest? -”

Dumbledore interrupted Harry's stream of questions with a hand on his shoulder.

“Please try and relax for a moment Harry. You've done your part. Your body needs to recover. Poppy would like to give you some dreamless sleep potion to give you a chance to heal.”

“But…”

“It could be hours before we know anything more Harry”

“I - well, I just need to know that everyone's safe.” Harry said softly.

Dumbledore nodded.

“I know.”

“Can I just see Ron and Hermione first?” Harry asked.

Something in Dumbledore's facial expression changed as if a book was closing and immediately Harry was gripped with worry.

“What's wrong?”

Harry could now hear Ron's voice, and someone crying, someone that sounded a lot like Ginny.

Madam Pomfrey poured a potion down his throat and Harry gagged slightly at the taste, but was suddenly able to move. He abruptly pulled himself into a sitting position, ignoring the pain that ripped through his chest and back. Ron rushed forward and stood before his friend, he exchanged a look with Professor Dumbledore and Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey left, leaving Harry and Ron alone.

They studied one another silently, Harry taking in his best friends bloodshot eyes and shaking hands. Ron took in the sight of Harry before him, a huge lightning blot bloody scar covering half of his chest, his face pale, his hair even messier than usual.

“Where is she Ron?” Harry chocked out, his voice cracking.

“We don't know what happened Harry…it's like…well - you know why you have the scar on your head…?”

“The curse didn't work because my Mum di…” Harry broke off and his head whipped up to stare at Ron in horror.

“She's…?”

“No…well, we don't know…no one knows what happened as she wasn't there so she can't have taken a curse - she just went mental and then she collapsed…”

Tears ran down both of their faces. Ron moved forward and helped Harry to stand up and move from his bed. Ron pulled open the curtains to reveal a small crowd of friends and family gathered in the hospital wing. A simple look from Ron stopped anyone from approaching, and stopped Madam Pomfrey from forcing Harry back to bed. Harry took a deep breath as they approached a bed surrounded by drawn curtains, and tears fell down his face as the curtains were drawn back and he saw Hermione lying motionless.

Harry sat down on the edge of her bed with Ron's help and the two of them looked down at their best friend. Her eyes were open and lifeless, the irises no longer a warm chestnut brown but a vacant white.

“Has someone gone to get her parents?” Harry whispered, reaching out to take her hand. Ginny moved forward to sit on the other side of the bed and nodded in answer to his question.

“Mum and Professor McGonagall have gone to get them.”

They sat in silence for some time, watching Hermione, waiting, hoping for her to move, or show some signs of life.

“When will it be safe to move her to St. Mungo's?” Harry turned to ask Madam Pomfrey.

“Members of the Order will arrive to escort her.” Madam Pomfrey replied. Harry nodded, and suddenly seemed to take in the other people standing in the hospital wing, his head was spinning and the pain was getting worse and worse.

Ron saw the colour drain from Harry's face, and beckoned Neville over.

“Can you help me drag that bed over here?” He asked Neville.

The two of them moved another hospital bed over to sit next to Hermione's; wordlessly they helped Harry over to it, knowing he wouldn't let them move him away from her.

“Thanks.” He whispered, turning onto his side to watch her silently. He was so so tired, his eyes were closing, but he was so scared of falling asleep in case she was gone when he awoke. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out the other half of Voldemort's wand and looking at it for a moment he passed it to Ron.

“Will you give this to her?”

Ron nodded and placed the splintered wand in Hermione's open palm before turning back to Harry, who was now just saying quietly to himself -

“I did it for her…”

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Part Five:

At three in the morning, an exhausted Remus Lupin walked into the hospital wing. Harry looked up from his chair by Hermione's bed. Her parents, Ron, Ginny and Molly Weasley were gathered there with Neville and Luna Lovegood. The school was relatively quiet once more, although celebrations continued in individual common rooms the hallways were empty once more, the orange glow of the Phoenix now beginning to fade away.

Harry stood and walked over to his honorary Godfather, who pulled him into a tight hug.

“It's over now Harry. I promise you. You did so well.”

They studied one another silently.

“Phase two worked?”

“All of the Death Eaters you named were captured tonight. It worked like clockwork, they all felt their scars burn when he died and they gathered exactly where Severus told us they would. It's over Harry.”

“Well, not quite…”

“How is she?” Remus asked glancing across the ward to Hermione's bed.

“Technically she's dead apparently.” Harry said. As he spoke the words he realised he hadn't spoken them before, and he hadn't acknowledged them. The shaking in his hands spread up his arms, and Remus looking down at the despair in the shaking Harry's eyes suddenly realised he had missed how much Harry loved her. Or perhaps Harry had just hidden it well. Remus wrapped his arms around Harry in a hug as he sobbed against his shoulder.

“I love her so much.” Harry whispered.

“I know you do.” Remus reassured him.

“She doesn't…I never told her…I never told her.”

The night passed slowly, Ron spent the time talking quietly with Ginny, Neville and Luna, bringing cups of tea to his Mum and the Grangers, and watching Harry watching Hermione. Before tonight only he had known of Harry's true feelings for their best friend, but he was sure that having seen Harry's reaction to the news everyone else had suddenly realised how Harry really felt. Ron looked away from Harry, he felt uncomfortable looking at Hermione lying there, because the body there simply wasn't her, she was gone from it. And he was slowly beginning to realise what that might mean. He and Hermione had spent so much time worrying that Harry would leave his body and not come back, but he had never even considered this possibility. Ron looked out the window and seeing that dawn was breaking across the school grounds just seemed to confirm that there was little hope. Specialists from St. Mungo's had arrived several hours earlier with Tonks and Moody as Mrs. Granger had expressed her wishes that Hermione stay at Hogwarts. Ron had to agree that Hermione would have preferred that…would have…he was already thinking of her in the past tense…he walked away and stood by the window, crying softly.

Harry stood to stretch his legs, resting his hand on Mrs. Granger's shoulder as he did so, in what he hoped was a supportive manner. She looked up and smiled sadly at him, and his heart broke all over again as he saw that familiar smile on a different face. He walked and stood silently by Ron and they watched as a small group students walked around the lake, celebrating the end of the war.

“Do you think she knew what was going to happen?” Harry asked quietly so only Ron would hear.

“If she had wouldn't she have left some kind of note…some sort of warning? Ginny said Hermione just woke up in the night and knew it had started - she was mumbling but we couldn't make sense of her but then I saw your bed was empty and Gin saw the Marauders Map. Then as Gin was chasing after her she collapsed in the hallway where McGonogal found them - it just seems too frantic - she can't have been forewarned…”

Harry paused, his mouth open.

“What did you just say about a note?”

“Well, she would have left a letter - knowing our Hermione it would have been novel length as usual…” Ron trailed off as Harry's eyes suddenly seemed to regain some of their vibrancy as he rushed to the bed he had been brought to originally and looked around until he found his now battered and blood stained cloak. He emptied all the pockets and withdrew the letters Hermione had placed their only that afternoon, though it seemed like weeks ago.

There was her elegant handwriting telling him what to do, giving him exactly what he needed as she always had. `It's up to you now' Those were her words to him. He looked at the pile of parchment and looked up to see Ron watching him in utter confusion. Harry handed over the first note silently. It was an odd moment as for those in the hospital wing it had been as if the final battle had not happened, such was their concern for Hermione that they had almost forgotten all Harry had been through in finally defeating Lord Voldemort, and none other than Dumbledore had asked how he had won. Ron's eyebrows shot up as he realised how Harry had won the battle and that his help had been not only from Hermione but from his parents. Once he had read the letters he looked up at Harry to see that Harry held one last envelope in his hands.

“That's it then?”

“I can't believe I forgot - Mum told me to read it immediately, but I just wanted to get to `Mione…and then I passed out and…” Harry was getting very agitated. Ron placed a hand on his arm.

“It's ok Harry. You've remembered now. You'd better read the letter.”

Harry nodded and sank onto the bed.

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Harry Darling

If you're reading this then you have survived, and you have saved the wizarding world. I wish we were there to share this moment with you, but there is someone who is. Of course we know nothing about her other than she loves you enough to sacrifice everything to help you, you're lucky to have found one another. She found my clues, and the instructions of how your Father and I tried to save you all those years ago. It was a spell I developed which meant that I transferred all my love, all my happiness and every good emotion into you, in order to protect you. She did so in order to protect you and to give you the power to succeed. I don't know how well it worked - there was no way to test the effects of the spell that I could find, and your Father and I knew our time was running out. I predicted however, and warned her, that the spell would leave her drained for as soon as you used the gift she gave you it would be lost to her - had you been killed she would have remained empty, soulless. You must return this gift to her now. It should be simple. Take both of her hands, lock your fingers together, close your eyes and simply open your mind to return her gift.

I wish you every happiness. I hope the two of you make the most of the freedom you have gained. We will be with you always.

Love

Mum and Dad

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Harry stared open mouthed at the letter before throwing it at Ron and walking determinedly back to Hermione's bedside.

“Do you mind if I just have a minute with her?” Harry asked Mr and Mrs Granger softly, looking up in surprise both shook their heads and stood. The others moved away and Harry drew the curtain partially before looking down at Hermione once more.

Please let this work. It has to work.

Harry carefully took Hermione's unnaturally cold hands and linked their fingers together as he closed his eyes and thought of how much he loved her. How he wanted to see her blow her fringe out of her eyes just once more, or to flick ink at him jokingly, or to hug him after a Quidditch match…anything…He gave her every memory of loving her, and everything he knew about love.

Harry was afraid to open his eyes. His eyes flew open however when he suddenly realised that Hermione's hands were warm. He looked down at her and there was colour in her cheek, and raising his eyes further he saw that not only were her eyes no longer white, they were warm brown and looking right back at him.

“Mione?” He whispered softly.

She smiled and sat up, wrapping her arms around him.

“You did it Harry!”

Harry just cried into her shoulder, holding onto her as tightly as possible.

“What's wrong?” She asked gently brushing his unruly hair away from his eyes.

“We thought we'd lost you. Apparently you were technically dead…I forgot about the letter from Mum - I forgot she told me to read it straight away - you didn't have a pulse…we didn't know what had happened.” Harry spoke softly, looking at her guiltily. Hermione's eyes widened in shock.

“I didn't know that would happen. Oh Harry I'm so sorry. It's all ok now - isn't it?” She asked him.

“Everything's perfect now.” He said with a smile, looking at her and cupping the side of her face with his hand.

“I love you `Mione.”

She beamed at him and threw her arms around him again, hugging him like he'd thought he would never be hugged again.

“I love you too Harry. I love you so much.”

They grinned at each other before Harry closed the gap between them and gently kissed her.

As they broke apart Harry suddenly remembered everyone else in the hospital wing as he heard them talking.

“Oh my god - your parents - they think you're…”

Hermione smiled at him and kissed him again quickly.

“Well I'd better get up and say hello then.”

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It was an hour before Hermione had properly reassured her parents and friends that she was fine, with Harry never straying far from her. Remus looked on and smiled at the two of them sharing private glances, and knew Harry's future was setlled. Eventually Madam Pomfrey convinced everyone that Hermione and Harry should rest. Ron lingered back and the three of them moved to sit on a bed, Hermione happily nestled into Harry's shoulder.

“Well, I guess this is the end of an era.” Hermione said with a smile.

“No more saving the world.”

“Well now you say it like that it doesn't sound so good…” Ron said with a wry smile.

“I'm sure we can still get in a lot of trouble in some way or other.” Hermione reassured them with a giggle.

“As long as you never do this again.” Ron declared alarmed.

“I promise.” Hermione said, taking his hand and squeezing it. Harry grinned at his two best friends.

“Anyway, I'd better go and find Luna and you two should be resting - Harry's supposed to be taking all sorts of potions and healing.” Ron reminded them teasingly. Hermione whipped her head around to face Harry in horror.

“You're injured? Why didn't you tell me? You should be in bed Harry James Potter!” She fretted.

Ron flashed a guilty look at a sheepish Harry and left the hospital wing.

“It's not that bad `Mione...I promise. It was only two curses that hit me.”

“And which two curses were they?” She asked, anxious to check on him.

“Um…well, the killing curse.” He admitted.

“What?” Hermione squeaked out.

“The killing curse hit you twice and you think it's not that bad? What am I going to do with you…” She murmured with a smile.

“Ah but I had you to look after me.” Harry said with a grin.

“Yep. And I'm having doubts about ever leaving you alone again the trouble you manage to get yourself into.”

“Well that Miss. Granger is absolutely fine with me.” Harry declared, kissing her on the end of the nose.

The End

A/N

Hope you liked this little plot bunny. It was supposed to be a one-shot but it got a bit out of control! Lol

Only one chapter of `You Don't Know Me' to go and I promise it will be finished soon - I've just had a complete block on it and I had to get this story out of my head…

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