Hi well here is chapter 4, I think I'm doing very well in getting this chapters posted and its all thanks to be brilliant Beta. I forgot in the last chapter to say thank you to everyone who offered to beta-read for me, it really meant a lot.
Well Chapter 4, i hope your enjoying the story so far, I've had some lovely reviews but I would love to have some more. So please let me know what you think.
I hope you enjoy it and I'm pretty sure there's some more cliff hangers come in future chapters.
Thank you
Chapter 4 (Was it all just a mistake?)
Harry slid his finger under the red ribbon breaking the seal. Suddenly the letter came to life flipping out of Harry hands and floating in the air.
"It's a bloody howler!" Ron exclaimed, but before anybody could reply the letter began to speak.
"So, these are the people the famous Harry Potter has to help take me down." the voice of Voldemort was clear and precise, a shiver ran down Harry's spine remembering all the other times he had heard the wizard talk to him. He reached out a hand with the intention of ripping the letter in to pieces he didn't care what information it might contain. Before his hand could enclose its self round the paper it jerked out of the way high about their heads looking down at them.
"Now, now Harry, that's not polite." The letter shook back and forth like a shaking head. "I tried to teach you manners before, looks like you still need a few more lessons." Harry mind flashed back to the 3rd task of the Triwizard Tournament something he hadn't through about for a long time now. The letter glided through the air and stopped right in front of Snape. "Severus I'm disappoint in you, betraying your master, a task punishable by death." The letter grinned wickedly. "If you're lucky it might be quick and painless," there was a silence all around the room while they waited for the letter to continue, "but I wouldn't count on it."
Everyone was astonished what kind of trick was Voldemort playing at? Could he be setting some kind of trap? This is what the Dark Lord wanted, to keep them all confused when really his only really reason was to torment Harry. Let him know he knew about his little mudblood of a girlfriend, make him sweat a little wondering what he would do. Keeping Harry's mind else where during their final battle would give him the advantage he needed, the letter finally settled back on Harry.
"If you have any last requests or good byes to say Harry I guess you better start, because the next time we meet you won't be walking away afterwards, that I can promise you," The letter gilded closer to Harry's face and whispered in his ear. "I can also promise you Harry your death won't be painless and definitely won't be quick…" There was a pause the letter drifted over to Hermione and circled her a few times before making its way back to Harry. "Not bad, for a mudblood, and by the way I would be careful of where you partake in certain activities! I mean you never know who might be watching." And with that the letter disappeared in a puff of smoke.
After a few moments of silence they were suddenly broken by the obvious voice of Ronald Weasley. "That was it, that's all he wanted to do, threaten Harry and Snape, what was the bloody point?"
But Harry knew the real reason for the letter; Voldemort wanted him to know he'd seem them. He knew about the
change in his and Hermione's relationship, he could just picture the evil smirk on Voldemort's face at this
very moment thinking up more ways we could torment him.
"He's playing with us!" Harry let out a small laugh and shook his head "That's all his doing bloody playing with us."
"Well we can't let him," Hermione voice sounded clearly round the room. "We just have to carry on not let him get to us, its just trick to throw us off and make a mistake."
The sound of Hermione voice brought Harry mind back to reality Voldemort knew about them, knew about Hermione. At that
moment his mind snapped back into action he had a plan. He turned to face Adam's again and with a determined
looking his eyes set to work.
"Adam's did you or your men hear anything else during the attack, a possible date, time or anything."
"I did" Richard's piped up. "One of the death eaters said something about catching them off guard, and being out numbered."
"He could've been talking about Hogsmeade." Snape suggested
"I don't think he was sir, it sounded to me like it was for a future event, like they were looking
forwards to it."
"Ok," Harry thought about this for a few seconds. "If that's the case Voldemort must know we're low in numbers and that more are on their way. He's probably changed the attack for this weekend, Saturday maybe Sunday, which gives us 3 days to prepare."
"Why this weekend?" Minerva asked
"Because Monday is when the rest of the Aurors arrive. Draco and Ginny are due here tomorrow but no one else after that till Monday."
People looked troubled if that was the case surely they would be defeated. Hundreds of death eaters against 20 Aurors, they didn't stand a chance.
"Right here's what we're going to do." Harry walked up to the table running his hands through his hair.
"Ron are your parents still over in Romania with Charlie?"
"Yeah," Ron looked puzzled by Harry's question "There for another 2 weeks." What had his parents got to do with the up coming battle with Voldemort?
"Good … Neville I want you after this meeting to send an Owl to the ministry. Let them know with need as much help as possible, as many fighters as they can dig up and I want them here by Thursday morning…" Harry paused unsure if he should continue. "I also want a portkey, to Romania here as soon as possible." Neville looked a little confused but nodded, Harry would know what he was doing Neville would just have to trust him.
"Minerva" Harry continue turning to face his old Professor. "I want you to look up those protection binding spells Hermione found and prepare to cast them, Snape …" He turned to face the potions master. "She'll need your help with the potion it needs starting tomorrow."
The protection binding spells were a very old and ancient spell used over Centuries ago. Hermione had found mention of them during one of her research session at the ministry. It was a spell combined with a potion which old wizards had used to protect their homes. They would let nobody out or in expect the chosen few. It starts off with a potion which is extremely complex and needs many expensive not to mention rare ingredients. After a day of preparing, hairs from all the people who needed to be able to cross the barrier are added thus making the spell have no effect on them. The spell itself is bound to a number of individuals; (known as the protectors) this sets up an invisible force field around the area keeping everyone else out. The only way for the spell to be broken if not done naturally is by killing the entire amount ofprotectors which can range from 1 to 100. If the spell worked there was no way Voldemort was getting inside the castle.
"The last thing we want is for Voldemort and his death eaters to be running around the castle, we need to keep them outside where we can see them. Minerva I want you, Poppy, Lavender and Ginny when she gets here to be the Protectors of the spell."
"Harry you can't …" Ron wasn't happy with his girlfriends being put in such as dangerous position.
"You will stay inside during the battle where it is safe, and then there is no way of the spell being
broken." Harry finished ignoring Ron completely, and then turned to Poppy as he continued. "Starting from
tomorrow I want everyone to be taught the basic level of first aid. If we are going to be out numbered I want everyone
able to heal their own injuries straight away."
"Harry we are still going to be out numbered no matter what happens." Remus pointed out I mean with the ladies inside that leaves us with how many …" he looked around the room counting. "With Draco that leaves 16 of us, what if the ministry can't send anymore that's not enough to beat over a 100 death eaters."
"It has to be, because if he attacks we don't have a choice. 15 of us will have to do." Harry walked over to Poppy and continued explaining exactly what he wanted done. Remus looked confused! Where Harry had got 15 from he had no idea. There was him and Sirius, Ron, Draco, and Neville. Dumbledore, Snape, 7 Aurors and then Harry and Hermione that made 16, Remus looked over at Sirius who had also recounted and was also a little puzzled.
"Harry there's 16 of us." He pointed out think it was really quite obvious
"No there isn't"but still Harry didn't look at them
"Then my dear boy, who may I ask wont be fighting." Dumbledore spoke up from the other side of the room. Harry looked up he's eyes glanced over at Hermione who was still standing near Neville but he looked away before anyone notice.
Hermione how ever saw and things finally began to fall into place and the anger from earlier was beginning to rises up once again.
"Don't you even think about it!" She ordered taking a set forward. Everyone turned and looked at her
confused at what she was suggesting "Harry I warning you don't you dare."
"I'm not getting into another fight with you Hermione." There was a coldness in he's voice which he hardly ever spoke to her with, but it didn't put her off one bit.
"You have no right, it's my choice you can't do it I wont let you do it." She advanced closer to Harry but Sirius grabbed her elbows from behind and pulled her back. "You can't let him do this, Ron tell him" She turned to Ron expecting him to stand up for her but he hadn't a clue what she was talking about. "Sirius talk to him, tell him he can't do this." She twisted her head to face Harry's Godfather the one man who usually managed to talk sense into him.
"Hermione I haven't got a clue what you're talking about." Sirius apologised. That's when Harry spoke up.
"Hermione's not fighting." Everyone looked at him shocked. Hermione had fought beside Harry since this war began her and Ron, since before the war way back to the first year at Hogwarts.
"Harry" Ron questioned taking a step forward, Sirius still held Hermione tightly as she tried to break free.
"Hermione's using the portkey and going to Romania, as soon as it arrives." He turned to Neville. "I need you to get that owl off straight away Neville."
Neville Longbottom had change a great deal since he's Hogwarts days. Now a much fitter young man he was tall though still a little on the larger size but he had defiantly toned up. Neville started to make he's way to the door but just as his hands was about to enclose around the handle ...
"Neville you open that door and I'll curse you into next week, and you know I can do it." Hermione yelled at him. She turned to Harry her face pleading with him. "Harry don't do this, I'm a good fighter you know that! I can take care of my self just as well as anyone in this room. Please"
Harry's eyes meet hers and there was a long silence "I'm sorry" was all he managed to say.
Hermione pulled herself from Sirius' grip and faced Harry. It looked like she was about to let him have it when a few tears escaped her eyes. Calmly she spoke "I am not leaving this castle and the only way of making me is if you were to fly me to Romania yourself." And with that she turned and walked out the door slamming it shut behind her.
Harry clenched his fist and leaned his back up against the cool wall. He couldn't believe she was being this difficult, she'd heard the damn message he knew that Voldemort would aim for her to get at him. He stood still a few minutes calming himself down until it started.
"What the hell was that?" Ron roared at him, "How could you do that to her?"
"I can't believe you just did that" Came from Lavender.
"Have you completely lost your mind?" Snape asked.
And that's how it continued for a few minutes, question after question, everyone angry and trying to figure out what had made him do such a thing. They were just about to battle with the biggest dark lord ever with only a handful of soldiers and he's just sent away one of their best fighters, people were amazed. Surprisingly the only two people who didn't say a word were Sirius and Dumbledore.
Harry's head began to spin and the voices seemed to merge in to one dull drone gong on and on, he could fill the anger building up inside him. He banged his fists again the wall in one loud thump hoping it would make him fell better and clear his mind. Everything went quiet, not a voice could be heard. Harry slowly opened his eyes and looked around, shattered glass lay everywhere; on the floor, on the table, in people's hair. It was then he realised what had happen, the windows had exploded when he lost his temper and the result; everyone was showered with piece's of glass.
Quickly he made for the exit as he approached the door swung itself open allowing him through and slammed itself shut behind him.
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Harry made his way along the corridor towards Hermione's room; he knew that was where she would go. He had to talk to her; he couldn't leave things like they were not with the final battle so close he had to sort everything out. As he reached her door he put his hand on the handle and found it locked.
"Hermione…" he waited "Hermione let me in" he said through the door.
"No, leave me alone Harry" she shouted back.
Harry calmed him self "Herms we need to talk."
"I have nothing to say to you, leave me alone." Harry knew she was angry but busting into her room was not going to solve this problem.
"Herms open the door…" again he waited nothing. "If you don't I will, no spell you know can keep this door locked to me you know that."
The sound of movement could be heard from within, Hermione was making her way to the door she opened it a few inches but didn't let him in.
"What do you want, come to order me to go to Romania again, well as I said before I'm not going. Live with it" And the door slammed shout once again
"Hermione …"
Before he could finish what he was about to say the door once again flung open this time all the way.
"How do you think you can get away with doing this? I've worked just as hard as any one in that room more than most. I've trained just as much as you and Ron; I've been in battles before I know who to handle myself."
"Hermione I …."
But she continued "I can't believe you would do this, even attempt to do it." She turned and headed back into her room leaving the door open, Harry followed closing it as he went.
"I can't believe you would do this." Hermione was on the verge of tears. She couldn't believe Harry was trying to send her away. This day couldn't get any worst after such a wonderful start it had just been down hill since. First Harry didn't speak to her then he tried to say sorry. Next he's sending her half way across the world, what the hell was wrong with her.
"Hermione listen to me..." Harry grabbed hold of both her hands forcing her to face him. Her brown eyes
glistening, her cheeks wet from where her tears had fallen. It broke his heart to see her like this for him to do this,
but he had to. She had to understand why. Harry had to make Hermione see that she was in danger if she stayed there.
Voldemort knew about what had happen between them, he was going to use her to bring him down. It scared Harry to think
that if
Voldemort made him choose over Hermione or the rest of the world he would choose her in a heartbeat, for the simple
fact it wouldn't be a world worth living in if she wasn't a part of it. Hermione needed to understand that this
is for her own good, for her safety not because he wanted to get rid of her, Harry never felt as safe as he did when
Hermione was at he's side but
right now her life was in danger and he wasn't going to let that bastard hurt her.
"Hermione listen to …Will you please look at me?" He tugged on her hands pulling her closer 'till she raised her head, the tears still there. "You have to understand this is the best thing …."
"The best thing?" Hermione pulled her hands from Harry's "The best thing." She was fuming "For who Harry? For me? Is this the best thing for me?" She shouted her question tears freely flowing once again down her already stained cheeks. Her eyes stun from all the crying but she couldn't stop her self.
Harry was taken aback by her sudden out burst, he had thought she had calmed down a little but obviously he was mistaken. Harry looked up at her and saw she was standing there hands on her hips in a typical Hermione pose. He searched for the words but nothing came to him, speechless he just stood their.
When Hermione saw that he wasn't going to say anything it only caused her rage to increase. She walked right up to him so their faces were inches apart. Normally being this close to Harry would cause Hermione heart to race from the close proximity and her cheeks to flush but not this time. Her heart was already trying to break free of her chest and her cheeks burnt like that were on fire. "You didn't answer me Harry, is this what's best for me?" She paused seeing if he would say anything temping him to object to her closeness and move back, but he did. Harry stood his ground. "Or is this what's best for you?"
"Hermione…" Harry growled through he's teeth. "I am doing what is best for you."
Hermione threw hand arms in the air and turned away from Harry decreasing the tension which had begun to build.
"Why can't you admit it?" She flopped down on to the sofa her eyes not leaving his for a second. "Just admit it Harry and make it easier on the both of us."
"And what is it am I meant to have admitted?"
Hermione let out a rather loud breath, she was frustrated. Why couldn't he just say it was a mistake, why must he keep pretending he had no idea what she was talking about?
"That what happened between us this morning was a mistake, just the heat of the moment, and you're sending me off to the middle of no where is to make it more comfortable for you." She looked down at her hands, the little bit of confidence she had finally fading not wanting Harry to see just how hurt she was. "That it would just be easier if I wasn't here."
Harry walked up to the sofa and knelt down on the floor right in front of Hermione; he lifted his hands and wiped away the tears which were falling down her cheeks. It broke his heart to see her cry. She had such a beautiful face it shouldn't be spoiled with tears. The anger had gone, replaced with sadness with regret.
"Is that was you think?" Hermione didn't answer him but he saw the answer in her eyes. "Is that what
you want?"
"You tell me."
Harry pushed him self up to his feet and turned away from her "God Hermione can we just stop doing this." Annoyances sounding in his voice as he ran his fingers through his already messy hair making it stick up even more.
Confused Hermione stood up, tears gone now and enraged once again. "Stop what?"
"Stop playing these games." Harry turned "For once can't you just answer a simple question."
"Me answer a simple question; take your own bloody advice." And with that she took off towards the door, the sudden need for fresh air over powering her. Harry didn't make a move to stop her which she was glad of as she grabbed her robes and reached out for the door handle she heard Harry behind her.
"I just trying to protect you, can't you see that?"
She let out a sigh leaning her forehead against the door she so could feel the coolness of the wood.
"Why me?" Her voice was quiet barely loud enough to be heard. Turning she leaned up against the door with a fear that her legs would give away any minute. "Why me? Why not Ron? Sirius? Lavender? Why me?"
Once again Harry remained silent.
"It's a simple question Harry, why me? Why send me halfway across the world to be safe?"
Still Harry made no attempt to answer.
"Christ Harry answer the bloody quest…"
"I love you!" He exclaimed, in an exasperated tone. Hermione looked at him not sure if she heard
correctly. "That's why" Harry replied, but much more softly, his eyes locking with hers "Because
I'm in love with you."