Pieces Coming Together

Pieces Coming Together

Chapter 1- Hard Times

In a small room on Privet Drive, a boy almost sixteen sat. He looked so depressed, like he had nothing to live for. His usual bright and shiny emerald eyes looked sad and lost. On his forehead one could see a scar in the shape of a lightening bolt. He had wild, untamed brown hair. He actually was quite handsome. What is troubling this young man? How can anyone look so lost?

*******

“If you don’t get Harry out of there right now I will go get him on my own!” Hermione, one of Harry Potter’s best friends, said as she paced the floor of the Headmaster’s office. “He doesn’t deserve this! He just lost his godfather, and you are going to send him to people that hate him? How could you?!?”

“Hermione, calm down. You know Harry has to stay there for the—” Dumbledore started to reply, but got cut off.

“Blood protection! Screw the blood protection! Harry will die if you keep him there any longer! He hasn’t responded to any of my letters or anyone elses. For all I know he has died and gone to heaven!”

“Hermione, I’m sorry, but Harry has to stay at Privet Drive until his birthday. You know that. Harry is still alive Ms. Granger. There are Order members on duty to watch him. You should know that by now.”

“I know that Professor, but I’m really worried about him. He needs a friend and I intend on going to see him tomorrow.” And this was when Dumbledore knew that Hermione was</I> going to see Harry tomorrow whether he agreed to it or not.

“Very well, Ms. Granger. I will get his relatives out so you can do some damage control on Harry. They will be gone for a week. If it is alright with your parents, you can stay with Harry until they come back. I think he needs some help right now dealing with the…..death of Sirius.” Dumbledore quickly recovered from saying prophecy in which he had told Harry about only a few weeks prior.

“Oh thank you Professor! My parents won’t care at all, they understand. How will I get there?”

“I’ll give you a portkey that will leave at 9 AM sharp.”

“Ok, but just what exactly are you planning on doing to get the Dursley to leave?”

With the professor’s usual twinkle apparent in his eyes, he said, “Oh, I think it best you just leave me to my own plans.” He replied with a smirk.

******

Harry Potter was sitting on the edge of his bed, trying not to fall asleep. Every time he tried to sleep horrible dreams would come. His hair was a wild mess, and he had sweat sticking to him. First he would see Ron being attacked by brain looking things, Hermione get hit by a purple spell, Sirius falling through the veil. He would wake up drenched in sweat from the events that had occurred only a few weeks before at the Ministry of Magic. Harry felt guilty for everything. So many people had died because of him. First his parents, Cedric, and now his godfather, Sirius.

Harry started to drift to sleep, but heard a knock on his door. It was his Aunt Petunia. “Harry, we are going out of town for a week. We will be leaving tomorrow morning.” She added. “When I saw we, I mean Vernon, Dudders, and myself.”

Harry tried hard not to roll his eyes at this comment. Of course he wasn’t going with them. It wasn’t like he wanted to go with them anyways. He replied with a very dull, “Yes, Aunt Petunia.”

“I expect you to keep the house clean while I’m gone. Don’t destroy it.”

“Of course, Aunt Petunia.” With that answer Petunia left Harry to himself. Something wasn’t right with that kid anymore, but she didn’t really care so she just let it go.

Harry was left looking out at the moonlight. Then, he saw an owl flying toward him. It was Hedwig, Harry’s owl that Hagrid had given to him when he was going to Hogwarts. Harry took the letter from Hedwig and realized it was from Hermione. He threw the letter in his ‘little stack’ he had created for all his letters he received this summer. He loved Hermione, man did he, but he had to protect her. If he wasn’t friends with her, she couldn’t get hurt, right? If only that prophecy never existed, he would still have parents, a godfather, and he would be able to keep his friends. He would be able to keep Hermione.

Harry laid down and thought some more about Hermione. Before he even realized it, he had fallen asleep, dreaming of Hermione. The dream started off simple enough. Hermione and Harry were going to Diagon Alley. Then, some Death Eaters came and suddenly the scene shifted to the Ministry of Magic in the Department of Mysteries. Now, Hermione and him were running from some Death Eaters.

All of a sudden, Hermione tripped and she started to scream, “Help me Harry! Don’t let me die! Help me Ha—” One of the Death Eaters hit Hermione with a purple flame curse. She fell to floor immediately.

Harry cried out, “Hermione!”

“Aww, is poor baby Harry scared for his beloved girlfriend?” Bellatrix Lestrange, a Death Eater, cooed. “She’s going to die Harry! You can’t save her! She’ll die because of you!”

“No! She’s not going die! Hermione, I need you! I love you!” Harry awoke with a start all of a sudden. He was drenched in sweat. His scar burned, but that was nothing unusual. He was thinking about the dream and tears came to his eyes. He hated to sleep anymore. Sleeping wasn’t worth the pain he would feel when he awoke.

For the first time since summer break, Harry had to write to Hermione. He had to know she was still safe. Voldemort knew that Hermione was his friend now. The Death Eaters saw her. She was also target just because she was friends with him. How fair is that? Right now, it didn’t matter that he couldn’t be friends with her or the fact that in his dream he confessed he loved Hermione. Even though it was just a dream, he knew it to be true. No, he had to know if she was okay.

Dear Hermione,

Hi, how are you? I’m doing fine, so don’t worry! I just had a nightmare, and wanted to check and see if you were okay.

Talk to you soon,

Harry

Harry was glad that Hedwig was back from hunting already. The sun was just starting to rise, and Hedwig was not very happy when she was awoken.

“Please Hedwig. Please take this to Hermione. Then, you can rest.” Harry begged with Hedwig. She reluctantly held her leg out for Harry to put the letter on. Within minutes, she was off to deliver the letter to Hermione.

Chapter 2 Reconnected

At 6 o’clock, Harry went downstairs to fix the Dursley breakfast. They would be leaving today, and he would have the house to himself. That brought some joy to him.

All to soon, Vernon came down and sat at the kitchen table. “Boy hurry up with our breakfast, we have to leave soon!”

Five minutes later, Harry was serving breakfast to the full Dursley family and went to load up the luggage in the Dursley’s car. Harry was happy to do anything he could to get them out of the house.

***********

Hermione’s Home

“Mom! Dad! Come tell me bye, I’m about to leave!” Hermione yelled from the living room. As she yelled this out, she saw Hedwig come through the window. She quickly took off the letter and read it. After she read it, she couldn’t help but smile to herself. She could let him know she was alright quicker than he though.

“Coming Sweetheart. Now you take care of yourself. Help Harry get better.” Hermione’s mom replied. “We expect you to call us everyday to let us know you are alright, and if you need anything at all just let us know.”

“Thanks Mom. I really appreciate this. Well, I best get ready my portkey will activate in few minutes.”

“Alright now take care!”

“Love you, Mom, Dad.” And with that Hermione felt the familiar tug on her navel, and she was off to Harry’s house. She really hoped that Dumbledore came through, and the Durlseys would be already gone.

Hermione landed a little ungracefully but remained standing in Harry’s ‘summer’ home. She looked around and saw a unnatural clean place. You wouldn’t think anyone lived in this home it was so clean. By the looks of it, the Dursleys had left. She decided to look for Harry and surprise him. She started to climb the stairs when she heard someone crying. She started to pick up her pace when she heard someone say “Why me?? Why is it always me???” Hermione ran to Harry when she saw him. She instantly pulled him into one of her famous bone crushing hugs.

“Shhh, it’ll be okay. I’m here now.” Hermione said, trying to soothe Harry’s pain. To Hermione’s surprise Harry recoiled.

“What are you doing here? If you stay here, you’ll get killed. You better leave now if you know what’s good for you!” Harry replied fiercely, but his eyes deceived him. His beautiful emerald eyes were full of pain and loneliness.

“No, Harry. I’m not leaving. I love you, and I’m staying here. You can’t make me leave.” Hermione’s heart skipped a beat when she said this. She always loved Harry, as a best friend of course, but over the last few weeks, it had developed into something more than that. That scared her very much. “Everyone who’s ever loved me has died. It’s not safe. All because of that stupid prophecy.”

“Harry, I’ll love you no matter what. You should know that by now. Wait what are you talking about, though, the prophecy? I thought it got smashed.”

“It did.” Harry replied. He didn’t want to tell her the prophecy, he knew she would worry if she knew, but he had to tell someone. Hermione was the best person to tell. Now, what happened to just cutting himself off from everyone?? Well, it had just gone out the window. He needed Hermione, and it was obvious she wasn’t leave. He had one option in his mind, and that was to tell Hermione the truth. He was ready to tell her everything, but at the same time he wasn’t. He looked up to her and saw her beautiful brown eyes gazing into his. Her white tank top framed her body, and her short blue jean shorts showed off her pretty tan legs. Her was held back by a pair of sunglasses and it her hair seemed more tame. She looked really hot! Wait, where was all this coming from??? When did he start thinking of his best friend as beautiful, pretty, and HOT?

“And????” Hermione questioned him further.

“And nothing.” Harry lied. Quickly looking down to hide the redness in his cheeks over the thoughts he just had of Hermione.

It took only one look at Harry to see he was lying. “You know I know you better than that. I can see the pain in your eyes Harry. You need to talk about whatever is going on. Maybe I can help! I know your upset about Sirius dying, and I also know you are blaming yourself. You can stop that right now. It wasn‘t your fault. Sirius chose to come. It‘s the way he would want to die, in a battle.”

“But Hermione if I wouldn’t have fell for Voldemort’s plan, he wouldn’t be dead right now! You wouldn’t have gotten hurt as well as Ron, Ginny, Luna, or Neville! How is it not my fault!?! He was there to save me!”

“Harry, you just said it! It was Voldemort’s plan, it is his fault! Not yours, nor anyone else’s!

“Hermione,” Harry began, ready to make her see it his way. It was his fault, but he also knew how stubborn she was. Before he could continue Hermione cut him off.

“Harry, don’t even. You know I’m right. You have to accept this Harry. It’s for your own good. Now I know you have something you are hiding from me, but if you don‘t want me to know and you don‘t trust me enough, that’s fine.” She was using the guilt trip on him. It was so cute, and she caught him.

“Hermione¾ ” Harry stopped mid-sentence. He heard someone coming up the stairs. He looked to Hermione as if to confirm his thought of someone else in the house who wasn’t suppose to. Harry pulled out his wand, and Hermione followed. Then, someone slammed the door open.

Chapter 3

Someone slammed the door open, and it was none other than Uncle Vernon. He was purple in the face, and he looked so mad that he looked in danger of exploding. Hermione gasped and Harry silently slid in front of her. He couldn’t seem to form any words.

Uncle Vernon was finally able to come to words and said, “What is that f-freak of your doing in my house? Without MY permission! Is this why I had to leave to Marge’s house? If I had known one of your freaks would have shown up, then I would have never left! Good thing I had to come back to pick something up! Now, get out freak,” He said pointing at Hermione and then turned on Harry, “And you, you get out right now! I will not stand for your disrespect and not following the rules! No, I most certainly will NOT!”

It was clear Hermione was too shocked to talk, so Harry decided it was best that he did. “Uncle Vernon, we aren’t leaving. I don’t think Mad-eye Mood would be happy with that.”

Fear flashed over his face for a brief moment and then he said, “He can’t do anything to me. Don’t you worry about me. I would be worrying about you and your lil’ freak friend. You are the ones leaving.”

“We are NOT leaving! You can’t make us! Just go back to where you were going! Back to that dreadful sister of your’s house.” As soon as Harry said that, he instantly regretted it. Vernon started towards Harry and grabbed him by the throat.

“I think, I’ll have to teach you some respect now, BOY!” This snapped Hermione out of her state, and she started screaming.

“You put him down right now! You stupid muggle!” Hermione started screaming. Harry, meanwhile, was turning purple in the face. He dropped Harry and started kicking him. All Harry could think of was, ‘I have to save Hermione.’ He knew as soon as he was done beating on him, he would move onto Hermione.

“STOP IT NOW! LEAVE HIM ALONE! HE HASN’T DONE ANYTHING TO YOU!” Hermione replied at the top of her lungs, hoping maybe there was an Order member outside.

Vernon kept on, though, and said things like, “I’ll teach you a lesson, talk about my family that way. I think not!” Vernon kept kicking Harry in the ribs and kicked him in the head.

Vernon then pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed Harry in the ribs. He then pulled the knife down to right above his pelvic bone and then yanked it out. He let go of Harry, and he fell to the ground. Harry glanced at Hermione with a frantic expression on his face. She saw the helplessness in his eyes. Vernon then advanced on Hermione and grabbed her by her arm.

“How DARE you come into my house! You freak!” He rared back his fist to stab Hermione, but at that instant Harry’s eyes flashed red, his hair stood on end, and Uncle Vernon went flying across the room. Hermione stared at Harry, mouth slightly open, and Harry passed into unconsciousness. Lupin, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Tonks bolted through the door all of the sudden. Hermione ran over to Harry and cradled his head.

“Someone help him! He’s bleeding, he stabbed him!” Hermione said with a tremble in her voice. “It’s going to be okay, Harry. I won’t leave you.” Lupin came running over grabbed Harry and Hermione and with a ‘pop’ they were gone.

They reappeared moments later in none other than the Kitchen of Grimmuald Place, the Order of the Phoenix Headquarters. Remus Lupin started shouting, “Someone get Madam Pomfrey now!” He added not as loud, but still in panic to Hermione. “Go get a towel so we can stop this bleeding.” Hermione rushed up the stairs to fetch a towel.

Mrs. Weasley appeared seconds later, “Oh my goodness! What happened ¾ ”

“Did someone call for Madam Pomfrey? Someone also needs to fetch Professor Dumbledore.” Lupin added quickly, cutting Mrs. Weasley off mid-sentence. “Mrs. Weasley please go get Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore, there’s no time to explain right now.

“No need to get Madam Pomfrey or me. We are here.” Professor Dumbledore said.

Madam Pomfrey immediately saw Harry and ran over to him, “Oh my goodness! What happened to him?!? Someone bring him to the bedroom! NOW!” Once in the bedroom, Madam Pomfrey began getting potions out of her bag she was carrying and started shooing everyone out. “Out! Out!”

Two hours later, Madam Pomfrey emerged from Harry’s bedroom and walked into the kitchen. The Weasleys, Remus Lupin, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, Hermione, and Tonks was there. They all looked at Madam Pomfrey expectantly.

“He’ll be fine,” Everyone, including Professor Snape (Harry’s least favorite Professor and Snape’s least favorite student), sighed in relief. “But he’s unconscious right now. He’s suffering from a consussion, broken ribs, head trauma, and internal bleeding. He should be awake in a few days. When he does wake, though, he will be very weak. The good news is that you can all go up and see him right now.”

Hermione, Ron, and Ginny were practically racing up the stairs to see Harry. Even if he was unconscious, they still wanted to be with him. Harry looked so pale and fragile, not the way he wanted anyone</I> to see him.

Hermione reached out and grabbed Harry’s hand, “It’s like ice.” She then felt his face. “He’s cold all over.”

“He’ll be okay Hermione, he always is.” Ginny reassured herself, more than Hermione.

“He didn’t deserve this! He didn’t do anything! He only hurt him because I was there! I told Professor Dumbledore that they would hurt him one day!” Hermione screamed, tears now falling down her face.

“Hermione, Harry wouldn’t want you to blame yourself.” Ron jumped in.

“Ron, for once you are right.” At this statement, Ron’s mouth fell open slightly. “He would blame himself. He is going to feel guilty that I almost got hurt, and he already feels guilty for Sirius dying!” Ron’s mouth shut instantly and his face started getting red.

“Oh of course! I should have known! Poor Harry! He takes all the blame for himself. Poor Harry! Having to live with those muggles, poor Harry, can’t go a year without getting into trouble. Need I remind you, he only causes the troubles!?!”

“Ron! You are suppose to be his friend! This isn’t Harry’s fault! Do you know what he was doing when I was at his house?!? He was crying because he thinks</I> it’s all his fault! We are suppose to be his friends and tell him otherwise!” Ron just rolled his eyes and walked out. Hermione let out a frustrated groan.

“He’ll get over it. He just needs time.” Ginny started to explain. “He is going through this ‘jealousy’ stage. Don’t know where it came from, though. I guess he just got tired of being in people’s shadows. Now, that the Daily Prophet has stopped ragging Harry, he’s a hero again. I guess Ron was just pushed too far for the time being.” Hermione shot Ginny a warning glance. “Not that it’s Harry’s fault or anything”

********

“Albus, why did they come home? I thought they were ‘not to be worried about’.” McGonagall began to question.

“No one is real sure, Minerva. Mr. Dursley can’t remember a thing and Petunia and Dudley didn’t know why they were going back to the house to begin with. Hermione said that he didn’t say why he was there, he was just yelling at them.”

“Why can’t the idiot remember anything?” Fred asked. Mrs. Weasley would usually scold him for the name calling, but she thought it was well deserved today.

“Hermione said that when Mr. Dursley went to attack her, Harry’s eyes flashed red and his hair was standing on end. It seems that this burst of energy caused Mr. Dursley to fly back into Harry’s wall, knocking him unconscious. Also, causing him to loose his memory.” Dumbledore explained.

“Serves the git right.” George replied.

“Albus, what does this ‘burst of energy’ mean?” Mr. Weasley asked, ignoring George.

“It could be many things although I’m not quite sure yet. I do know that it requires a great deal of magical power to levitate someone and throw them halfway across the room without a wand.”

******

A week later, Harry was still unconscious. He looked horrible, bruises and cuts all over him. There was only so much Madam Pomfrey could do why he was out. Hermione was by his side day and night until someone would make her leave. She could be found holding his hand and gently rubbing it. Sometimes she would talk to him.

“Harry, please wake up. You can’t keep doing this to me. I’m worried out of my mind.” Hermione said. Then, she laid her head on the edge of his bed and started to cry.

Harry heard someone crying and tried to say something, but he couldn’t. His head was throbbing, and his eyes and body felt like it weighed a ton. He just had to find out who was so upset though. He fought hard for what seemed like 20 minutes to open his eyes, but he finally opened them. He couldn’t see anything because he didn’t have his glasses, but he could make out a mess of hair. He figured it was Hermione.

“He-r-mione?” Harry croaked out. She lifted her head off of his bed. Thinking she was hearing things again, but she could have sworn she heard someone call her. Hermione saw Harry squinting.

“Oh my goodness! Harry your awake! How do you feel??” Hermione questioned as she got up and got his glasses. She gently slid them on his face.

“I’m fine…” Harry lied, but happy he could see now.

“Harry, you know I can read you like a book. Who would be okay after that? You had me so worried! You were out for a week!”

“Hermione….one thing at a time please.” He was finally starting to move his head and arms although it hurt like he was getting stabbed all over again. He didn’t care, though, he just wanted to sit up. He was making a little process.

“Oh, sorry.” Hermione turned slightly red at this. Harry continued to try and sit up. As he did this, his head started to spin and his vision started to blur. He started to cough, and he couldn’t stop.

“H-Harry are you okay?” Hermione asked. Then Harry started throwing up and spitting out blood. “Oh my gosh!” Hermione ran to the door and threw it open. “Someone come here! Something is wrong with Harry!” A minute later Dumbledore, Ron, Ginny, Lupin, Snape, Mrs. Weasley, and most importantly Madam Pomfrey were in the room.

“Out of my way!” Ron couldn’t help but think this was the only thing that women could say. Harry was still retching all over the floor, blood mixed in it.

Hermione had tears falling freely down her face, “He just woke up. He started to talk to me. He was in pain, but besides that he was f-fine! Then, he started coughing and d-do-ing t-that!” Lupin grabbed Hermione in a warm hug while she cried her heart out all over again.

“Severus, I’ll need those potions I told you to brew. Are they ready?” Madam Pomfrey .

“Yes, they are. I’ll be right back.”

“He’s loosing a lot of blood. When he tried moving, reopened his not completely healed internal wounds. We’ll have to put the potions into this needle injection since he is vomiting so bad. He wouldn’t be able to keep it down.” A few minutes later Snape returned with the potions in hand. Harry had stopped vomiting for the moment. Madam Pomfrey waved her wand and the potions were now ready to be injected into Harry. “Remus, Severus, and Mr. Weasley hold Harry still while I inject these needles.”

“Why don’t you let me clean the mess first?” Dumbledore insisted and with a wave of his wand the mess was gone. Madam Pomfrey motioned for the men to hold Harry now. She got the first of the five injections ready. Slowly, she injected the needle, and Harry jumped slightly. The men were able to hold him down, though. Madam Pomfrey, finally, injected all the needles, and Harry seemed a lot more ‘alive’ now. He had color in face again. He was now asleep, though not unconscious, according to Madam Pomfrey.

Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were now sitting in Harry’s room waiting for him to wake up, again. They were under strict instruction to tell Dumbledore when he awoke again. Two hours later, Harry started to stir.

Ginny saw Harry wake first and asked, “Feeling better Sleepy Head?” Ginny loved teasing him.

“Much.” Harry responded, this time truthfully. Although he was still feeling some pain, it was nothing like before.

“Good,” Hermione replied. “Because Professor Dumbledore wanted to talk with us when you were awake.” Ron and Ginny left to go get Dumbledore.

Once Ron and Ginny were out of the room Hermione looked Harry straight in the eye, “Now, how are you really feeling. And don’t give me that ‘fine’ crap. I see straight through that fake façade of yours.”

“I really do feel better, but yes, I am still very sore.”

“How many times are you going to scare me like that? Do you know how worried I have been this summer! There’s a wonder I have any hair left!”

Harry looked down at the bed. “I’m sorry Hermione. I really am.” Hermione saw a tear trickle down his face.

“Oh, Harry, I’m sorry! I wasn’t thinking! I worried because I really care for you.” Hermione wiped away Harry’s lone tear and gave him a gentle hug.

At this moment Dumbledore walked in, he couldn’t help, but smile at this. “Ah, Harry, nice to see you are awake.” Dumbledore said making Harry and Hermione jump apart. He had to try and hide a smile, but his twinkle in his eyes deceived him.

They both blushed. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m a little sore, but I’ll be okay.” Harry responded after receiving a warning glance from Hermione first.

“That’s good to hear. Now, if you can, I’d appreciate it if you could tell me all you can on what went on at your uncle’s house.” Harry told Dumbledore all he could remember with Hermione jumping in when necessary.

“Then I saw him advance on Hermione, and all I remember thinking is ‘I have to save her, I can’t let someone else get hurt because of me.’ Then, something weird happened and I felt all kind of magical energy surround me and Uncle V went flying across the room. That’s all I can remember.” Harry finished, a little hesitant at this part. It sounded so much like a muggle movie.

“Well Harry, according to Ms. Granger, she saw your eyes turn red and your hair stand on end, then Mr. Dursley went ‘flying across the room.’ I don’t know what it means, but I will let you know when I figure it out.” Dumbledore answered Harry’s question before he could even ask it. “Now, I’ll leave and let you two talk about what you missed.” With that, Dumbledore left. Dumbledore turned to leave, but turned back around and said, “Oh, and here is both of your O.W.L scores. I wanted to deliver them to you personally.” With that Dumbledore left.

“Okay, let’s open them, Harry! Oh, I’m so nervous! You open mine! No, never mind I will.”

“Why don’t we open them at the same time?” Harry asked.

“Okay, 1.…2.…3.…,” They both went to opening up their scores.

Harry read his and saw:

Dear Mr. Potter,

Enclosed are your Ordinary Wizarding Level scores. If there are any questions, please send an owl to Professor Dumbledore or myself, Minerva McGonagall.

Defense Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding*

Transfiguration: Outstanding

Charms: Outstanding

Potions: Outstanding

Care of Magical Creatures: Outstanding

Herbology: Exceeds Expectations

Divination: Acceptable

History of Magic: Poor

Astronomy: Exceeds Expectations

*=You got all possible points on the practical and written. You have tied for the highest grade in this O.W.L ever, this record was made this year. You will receive a special award for this.

Congratulations, you have received 7/9 possible O.W.L.s!

Minerva McGonagall

Hermione was staring at her O.W.L.s, so Harry decided to be brave and ask her about it, “Hermione? You okay?” She handed him her O.W.L.s and she took his. Harry looked at hers.

Enclosed are your Ordinary Wizarding Level scores. If there are any questions, please send an owl to Professor Dumbledore or myself, Minerva McGonagall.

Defense Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding*

Transfiguration: Outstanding

Charms: Outstanding

Potions: Outstanding

Care of Magical Creatures: Outstanding

Herbology: Outstanding

Arthimancy: Outstanding

Ancient Runes: Outstanding

History of Magic: Exceeds Expectations

Astronomy: Outstanding

*=You got all possible points on the practical and written. You have tied for the highest grade in this O.W.L ever, this record was made this year. You will receive a special award for this.

Congratulations, you have received 10/10 possible O.W.L.s!

Minerva McGonagall

“That’s great Hermione!” Harry nearly screamed. “You tied with me for the highest Defense Against the Dark Arts! You did awesome.”

“You didn’t do so bad yourself! Congratulations, Harry!” She went to kiss him on the cheek, but at the same time he went to do the same. There lips met. At first they were shocked, but it felt so right. It intensified. A few minutes later, they were both gasping for air. They both avoided contact for a moment.

“Sorry about that.” Harry said. “It just felt so right.”

“I know what you mean.” Hermione replied. “Where do we go from here, though?”

“I don’t know. I really do like you, but what about Ron?”

“I don’t know about Ron, but I know I like you too. I can’t deny any more, especially since I know you’re a great kisser.” Hermione said with a smirk. Harry grabbed her face and kissed her again. They were so caught up in the moment, they didn’t realize someone walked in.

“What the heck do you think you are doing!?!” Ron asked, red in the face.

Chapter 4

Harry and Hermione immediately jumped apart to find a really enraged Ron. “Umm, hi Ron.” Harry said.

“Don’t give me that ‘hi Ron’ crap. Answer my question. What was going on?” Ron demanded.

“Well Ron,” Hermione began in her lecturing tone. “Harry and I figured out that we both had feelings for each other.”

Ron turned on Harry, “Some friend you are! As soon as I’m not here you start snogging my girl! You were suppose to be my best friend, but I see that I was wrong.”

“Ron, don’t do that. We didn’t mean to hurt you, but I also know that I’m not your girl. I hope you can understand, but if you can’t well I guess we will just have to live with that. Please just understand, Ron, that we weren’t trying to hurt you. We didn’t mean for you to find out like this.”

“Yeah Ron. You are still my best mate. Nothing is different. Like Hermione said, we didn’t mean to upset you.”

“Tell it to someone who cares.” And with that Ron left them. Hermione and Harry just stayed there for a little while in silence. Neither one seemed to know what to say or what just happened. Everything went from so wonderful to terrible in a minute. Harry was scared he just lost his best friend. He felt incredibly guilty, add it to the list.

“Hermione, what are we going to do? I can’t lose my friendship with Ron, but I’m not going to give up what we have either.” Harry started to ramble, very much unlike him. “He was my first real friend, but I know I love you.” Harry shut up quickly after that. Since when did he love Hermione? He always liked her…. a lot, but love??? How did he let it slip, he didn’t even know he loved her until he said it. Maybe she didn’t hear him. He looked up at her and she had tears in her eyes….yeap she heard him alright.

“Y-you l-l-love me?” And then Hermione tackled Harry and kissed him…for a long time. It was full of passion and well love. ‘Well,’ Harry thought, ‘if this is the reward I get for saying that, I guess it’s not so bad.’ A smirk grew on his face. Hermione stopped kissing him and pulled back.

“What are you smirking at?” Hermione questioned.

“Oh, nothing.” Hermione continued to give him a calculating stare.

Harry suddenly remembered something from Hermione’s O.W.L scores. He’d use anything to change that look on her face. “Hermione, the only test you didn’t get an ‘O’ in was History of Magic, what happened?”

“Well, Mr. Potter,” Hermione began in a voice oddly similar to Professor McGonagall‘s, “I do believe I remember being distracted by someone having a nightmare and waking up in a terrible state. After that, I guess I really couldn’t concentrate.”

“Oh Hermione, I’m sorry. I ruined your perfect score.”

“Don’t even worry about it Harry! There are things more important than school work and tests, it just took me a long time to figure it out.” Hermione ended with a sheepish grin.

Harry couldn’t help but grin at this. His Hermione said that? Hermione Granger? Wow! She really has changed this summer, and he wasn’t thinking only about the way she thought.

*****

One Week Later, Grimmauld Place

July 30

Harry was very relieved to be able to move around again. He hated being babied and between Mrs. Weasley, Ginny, Hermione, and Tonks, he sure had enough of it to last him a life time! July 31 was fast approaching, and it appeared no one but Harry knew what it meant. He would be 16! No one seemed to be paying it any attention though, so Harry wondered if everyone just forgot. This thought seemed very far fetched considering all the years they did remember, and he wasn’t even around them to remind them, not that he reminded them anyways. It was still two days away, so they still had time.

“Hey, Harry what’s up?” Ginny just entered Harry and Ron’s room. Ron seemed to be spending as much time away from Harry as possible, that included sleeping arrangements as well. Ron had taken up the couch as a temporary bed much to the disapproval of Mrs. Weasley.

Harry jumped slightly, he was in deep thought. “Oh nothing much, just thinking a little bit.”

“You want to talk?” Ginny asked, being her usual nosey self.

“No, I’m good. It’s nothing.”

“Are you sure? You’ve seemed really distant lately. Is it because of Ron? If it is, you should know by now not to worry about him. He will come around-.” Ginny kept on rambling on and on about how big of a git Ron was. Harry just tuned her out, but after about five minutes of this he couldn’t take any more.

“GINNY, I’m fine!” Ginny jumped at first and looked a little startled.

“Well, okay, all I was trying to do was help.” She started to go, but Harry grabbed her arm.

“Ginny, I didn’t mean it. I’ve just got a lot on my mind right now.”

“I understand Harry. Well, I was sent to tell you dinner is ready, so come and get it before Mom gets too angry.” And with that Ginny left. She tried to act like she wasn’t hurt, but Harry knew he had hurt her feelings anyways. He didn’t mean to snap at her, it just happened. If he was honest, he was thinking about Ron. He wasn’t that hungry either, but he didn’t want Mrs. Weasley to fuss. Mrs. Weasley had noticed the tension between the two boys, but figured it was some stupid fight as usual. Harry sighed and went down to the kitchen. He saw Hermione sitting at the table with a spot saved for him so he made a beeline straight for her. He didn’t really want to talk to anyone at the moment, and Hermione always seemed to understand that. He just picked at the food on his plate. He wasn’t in the mood to eat much these days.

“Harry dear, aren’t you going to eat anything???” Mrs. Weasley questioned in her motherly manner.

“I guess I’m just not that hungry, Mrs. Weasley. Thanks for the food.” With that Harry got up and left. He went up to his room, he just needed to think. A few minutes later, he heard a knock at the door.

“Mind, if I come in?”

“Sure Hermione.” Hermione came in and sat on what use to be Ron’s bed. She didn’t talk, she didn’t need to. She always knew when words weren’t needed, and this was one of those times. Harry would talk when he was ready.

“Hermione…” Harry began.

“Yes Harry,” Hermione responded quickly, too quickly.

“What if I can’t do it? What if I’m just not strong enough? If Voldemort defeats me, he gets the whole wizarding world. He’ll kill everyone who even sided with me, he’d kill you. I don’t know if I’m strong enough to handle this. I saw him and Dumbledore fighting in the Ministry. There is no way I can compete with that.”

Hermione got up and went and sat beside him, “Harry, if you continue to think like that, you won’t win. I know you can win, but you have to know you can. I believe in you. You have never let me down, and I don’t see you doing so any time soon. You haven‘t escaped Voldemort so many times by being weak.” Hermione tried not to cry at his attitude. It sounded as if he was just ready to lay down and die. She could NOT live with that.

Harry looked up at her. There eyes locked brown meeting emerald. Hermione could clearly see the self doubt, pain, loneliness, and fear in his eyes. Well, she had an idea to make him forget all about that. She grabbed his face and their lips met with much intensity. She wanted him to forget all the worries and pain he was going through. Harry sure didn’t seem to mind that.

All too soon they heard someone at the door. “Awww, look Fred looks like our lil’ Harry is growing up!” George pretended to cry on Fred’s shoulder, while Hermione and Harry jumped apart. Someone always seemed to intrude on their ‘alone’ time.

“I bet poor little Ronniekins didn’t take that very well did he, George?”

“This could explain why he has been in such a mood lately. Maybe he walked in on them sucking each other’s face! Man, that would be priceless!”

“Well, don’t let me and George stop you two. Carry on little lovebirds!”

“Goodbye Gred and Feorge!” Hermione stated impatiently.

“I don’t think they appreciate our company Fred? Well, we have better things to do anyways.”

A/N: Thanks to everyone who’ read and a special thanks to those who’ve read and reviewed! I appreciate it very much! I hope you like this chapter, and I didn’t let you down on Ron’s reaction. I’ll try and update again by my birthday, which was the goal for this chapter, but I got it done early. :-D

A/N: Here's chapter 5! I hope you like it! My birthday is Monday, so you need to leave me a review as birthday present! LOL! I'd really appreciate a review if you have time! Thanks and God bless!

Chapter 5

Harry was walking down a long corridor. It was dark and smelled of death. He could see a door down a ways. Harry’s scar started to burn like fire. There was a person in front of him, and he couldn’t help but follow even though he did not want to. As he approached the door, the person held his hand out and it opened. When he walked into the room, Harry followed behind, not of his own will. The room was full of people scrambling to bow down to the one they feared above all. Harry walked in behind this person , but no one seemed to be able to see him. He realized this wasn’t any ordinary person, it was Voldemort. Voldemort walked up to the front where a high backed chair sat and took a seat.

“How nice of everyone to join me here tonight.” He said with an evil smirk. He continued to look around. “Tonight, I have been informed we have some good news. Pettigrew why don’t you come up here and-” His eyes stopped wondering around the room, and he focused on one. “It looks like we have a visitor, but I don’t remember anyone inviting you Potter! Well, I guess I will have to teach you a lesson.”

“CRUCIO!”

Harry twitched in pain and screamed in agony. He could feel someone shaking him and could faintly hear people shouting.

“Someone go get Dumbledore!”

“Harry wake up!”

“Fight it Harry!”

Harry could still hear Voldemort’s laughter at his pain. “Let this be a lesson to you Potter! Don’t tread where you don’t belong.” Harry felt someone grab his hand, and the pain immediately faded. Voldemort stopped laughing at this. “My, my Potter took you long enough. Now leave!” Voldemort pushed forward all his anger, hate, and hostility to get Harry out of his head. He knew Potter used the exact opposite to force him out last year at the Ministry.

Harry awoke screaming with tears of pain flowing down his face. His clothes were sticking to him from sweat. He opened his eyes but couldn’t really see. Someone must have picked up on this because they handed him his glasses. When he could finally see he saw Hermione, Ron, Remus, Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Dumbledore. Hermione was still holding his hand, well at least something made sense. He looked around at the people and was surprised to see Ron, but he didn’t dare say anything about that.

“Harry, what happened?” Dumbledore asked, his usual twinkle in his eyes gone.

“I-I was in Voldemort’s,” Ron and Ginny shuddered at this, “meeting with the Death Eaters.” Harry closed his eyes trying to remember what was going on there. “Voldemort said there was good news and he asked Pettigrew to come up and tell them about it. Then, he caught sight of me, and as much as I didn’t want to be there I was! I couldn’t get out, but I know he didn’t want me there to find out whatever this ‘good news’ was, either. He told me he would teach me a lesson and he used crucio on me. I guess that went on for about five minutes, and I could hear you guys shouting. Then, I felt someone grab my hand and I fought off the curse. Voldemort got upset about that and I felt all these negative emotions. That’s when I woke up.” He ended, finally, but lamely.

“I see.” Dumbledore said while his mind was in deep concentration. “It seems neither of you wanted you there although we cannot rule out that this was one of Voldemort’s plans.”

“Harry, are you okay? Do you need Madam Pomfrey?” Harry’s mind quickly flicked back to just a couple of weeks ago, and the way he was treated by the women in general. “NO, no I’m fine.” Harry said somewhat inconvincibly. Mrs. Weasley just eyed him as if saying ‘I’m not that stupid, Harry’, but she didn’t push the matter.

“Well, Harry why don’t you try and get some more sleep. That’s the best thing you can do to fill better anyways.” Remus said, seeing he didn’t want any extra attention. He decided to go ahead and leave hoping everyone else would follow, slowly but surely they did.

“Let me know if you need anything Harry.” Dumbledore told him, patting him on his shoulder as he went

When Hermione began to get up, Harry called out to her. “Hermione, please stay. Just for tonight.” Hermione’s immediate reaction was no, but when she looked into his eyes the word seemed to disappear from her dictionary.

“H-harry, what if we get caught?”

“I will make them feel like idiots for even coming in here if someone comes in here. I just want some sleep Hermione, and you are the only person who could calm during that nightmare, if you can even call it that. Please Hermione, I just want some sleep.” Harry had such an innocent look there was no way she could say no.

“Just for tonight, Harry! I mean it!” What was happening to that little know it all that followed by all the rules? Evidently she was replaced by the new, sexier Hermione. Harry wasn’t complaining at all. He got up and closed and locked the door. “Oh and Harry, happy birthday!” She gave him a sweet and tender kiss.

“I wish it was my birthday all the time!” Harry said winking. He could feel the results from Voldemort’s curse and decided it was time to try and get some more sleep. He got under the covers, and Hermione eyed him for a few seconds as if she was trying to see through to his soul (kind of freaky actually). She sighed rather loudly and cut of the lights that obviously got cut on during the whole nightmare thing. She hesitantly climbed under the covers stiffly as if Harry would bite any moment now. After a few minutes, Hermione started to relax and try and go to sleep.

“Hermione?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.” Hermione was more than a little shocked to hear this. The last time Harry said this, it was on accident, but this time she knew he meant to say it.

“I love you too, Harry. Goodnight.” Harry rolled over and put his arm around her waist, goodness she felt so soft! Hermione scooted closer to Harry where their bodies were actually touching now, and they both fell asleep in a few minutes time.

The next morning Harry and Hermione were awoke with someone pounding on the door. Hermione and Harry jumped when they realized someone was wanting to come in there. Since they were pounding on the door, they figured it had to be Ron or Ginny since the adults would have used magic or would have at least knocked gently.

“Come on open up! I may not be sleeping in the room, but my stuff is still in there!” Crap, it was Ron. Hermione looked at Harry with pleading eyes. Harry got up from the bed and went to his trunk and pulled out the invisibility cloak. Harry threw it to Hermione, who instantly wrapped it around her to hide. Harry went to the door and unlocked it. Ron came in, got what he needed and left. Hermione pulled the cloak off of her.

“That was a close call!” Hermione said.

“Nah, that was nothing,” Harry said, with a grin that made Hermione get butterflies.

“Well, I’m going to leave before anyone notices I’m here.” Hermione went to her room when she walked in Ginny was in there tapping her foot at her with a face that said ‘SPILL IT NOW, SISTA!’

“Hello, Hermione. Had a goodnights sleep?”

“Yes, the best.”

“Yes, I’m sure you had tons of sleep with Harry. HUH?”

“Of course, I did!” Ginny squealed.

“So anything happen between you and him. Did you, well…you know?”

“NO! Ginny, I don’t know who you think I am! But can you please not say anything about this???”

“You know I won’t say anything Hermione! You have it bad for Harry, don‘t you?”

“Thanks Gin! You are the best!” Hermione couldn’t help but be relieved. She never really had a good friend when she was younger that she could talk to that wouldn’t tell anyone what she said. She could trust Ginny with anything, and she found that she as actually starting to like a little ‘gossip’, NOT Lavender and Pavarti’s version of gossip though. “Well, Gin you should know that I’m falling really hard for Harry. It’s not just a school girl crush. I love him Gin!” Ginny had been staring around the room trying to find her shoe, but when she heard Hermione say this she jerked her head back toward Hermione with her mouth open in shock. This was not the Hermione she was use to. Hermione had changed, and no one could deny that. Hermione started to blush under Ginny’s stare.

“That’s so sweet Herms!” Ginny said this very sarcastically, and Hermione wondered if she should have told Ginny this. Ginny just rolled her eyes, trying to hide the jealousy she felt for her friend getting the ‘Boy-who-lived’.

“Well Hermione, I’m going to go see if Mom needs help with breakfast,” Ginny left the room quickly, trying to get away from the love struck teenager.

******

Harry’s Room

Harry was sitting on his bed in deep thought. He was thinking about his nightmare, and how Hermione stayed with him. He thought about the prophecy, and how he could die before he made it to his 17^th birthday. His mind quickly floated back to Hermione. He never knew love until he found her. Gosh, he loved her! He would die for her without a second thought. Just thinking about Hermione made him smile!

******

Hermione’s Room

Hermione sat on her bed wondering what was up with Ginny. She started thinking about Harry’s nightmare, and how Harry asked Hermione to stay with him. Her thoughts shifted to Harry’s prophecy, and how she could lose him before his next birthday. She had always grown up with a family that loved her, but she never expected to find ‘true love’ so early in life. She would do anything to make sure Harry beats Voldemort, even if that meant giving up her own life. Her thoughts of Harry was enough to make her smile like the love struck teenager she was! All of a sudden a white glow surrounded Hermione and Harry. Hermione’s mind felt like someone was prying in it. Little did she know Harry was feeling the same thing. She suddenly heard ‘I wish Hermione was here right now’. Hermione jumped. It sounded like Harry was whispering in her ear, but when she turned around he wasn’t there. She knew he was in his room, she didn’t know how she knew but she knew. She suddenly thought about how cute Harry looked when he was smirking at her, and these thoughts were echoed in Harry’s head. Harry jumped…it sounded as if Hermione was standing right next to him, but he knew she wasn’t. He didn’t know why, but he knew she was in her room. Something weird was going on…first he had a white glow around him, then he heard Hermione or he thought he did, and now he knows where she is.

******

July 31, 2005 Dinner Time

“Hermione, we are ready! Go get for ‘dinner’!”

A/N: Hope you have enjoyed this short summer ficlet! There was no way I could write the whole sixth year story in 20 days! Please leave a review and God bless!

Chapter 6- Everything Will be Alright

Knock, Knock

“Harry, you in here?” Hermione opened the door slightly. She saw Harry sitting on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands. “Harry, what’s the matter?”

Harry looked up suddenly. His eyes looked distant. “Nothing. I was just thinking.”

“About what?”

“The prophecy and what will happen if I die.”

“Harry! Don’t even think like that! I have faith in you, we all do.” Harry’s eyes started to get a little wet, but he blinked back the tears.

“I try not to Hermione, but you don’t understand. If I lose this war, everyone is doomed. You would be killed. I can’t let that happen.”

“It won’t happen, Harry. It won’t.” Harry smiled at Hermione. He gave her a big hug.

“Thanks ‘Mione.” She made a mean face at him, but couldn’t help but laugh at the face he was making. He was probably the only person who could get away with calling her that.

“Well, Mrs. Weasley sent me to tell you it was time for dinner. You ready?”

“I’m now.” He winked at her. “Let’s go.” They walked down the stairs hand in hand with Harry’s thumb rubbing Hermione’s hand. When they got to the kitchen door, Hermione let Harry walk in first. He pushed open the kitchen door and walked in.

“Surprise!” Everyone screamed once they saw it was him. There was so many people there…..for him! There was Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Ginny, Dumbledore, Remus, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape (even though he didn’t look pleased to be there), Gred and Feorge, Charlie Weasley, Bill Weasley, Fleur Delacour, and…Ron! Mrs. Weasley came forward with a cake with 16 candles on it. Everyone started singing Happy Birthday, and Harry knew he would remember this moment for the rest of his life.

Hermione came up behind him and gave him a hug. She whispered, “Make a wish Harry.” Harry thought for a moment. Right now just seemed like a dream. He felt like nothing could be better although he knew why he was having fun, Voldemort was planning something. Harry decided to wish that Voldemort be defeated once and for all and Hermione stay safe through it all. Once Harry thought of his wish, he blew out his candles. Everyone clapped and started talking amongst themselves while Mrs. Weasley cut the cake for everyone. It was chocolate cake with choclate icing and there was chocolate covered strawberries…man that looked good! Harry was just standing there in awe and glancing around the room taking in everything. His eyes stopped glancing around the room when he saw a table full of presents all for him! Harry turned around to Hermione with tears threatening to fall.

“You went through this trouble for me?”

“Of course, Harry! I thought you should have something special for your birthday since I specifically remember you telling me you never had a birthday party before. Mrs. Weasley thought it was a great idea and put it all together. Dobby made the cake by the way and sent a present for you.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Well, you could just say thank you and enjoy yourself.” Hermione said with a smile.

Harry smiled a real smile, something no one sees much anymore, and said, “Hmm… I’ll think have to think about that one.” Hermione was trying not to melt right then and there.

She playfully slapped him on the arm and replied, “Yeah, you do that!”

Hermione left to help Mrs. Weasley, and Harry was left standing there not knowing what to do.

Next thing Harry knew someone whispered in his ear, “Happy birthday, Harry.” Harry jumped and turned around to see Dumbledore right there in front of him.

“Hi Professor Dumbledore! Thanks for coming!”

“It was my honor Harry. I see you and Miss Granger are getting along really well.”

Harry blushed at this and said, “Yes, I guess you could say that.”

“Well, I will talk with you later. I need to get back to Hogwarts.”

“Alright thanks again for coming.”

A few more minutes passed with Tonks, Fred and George, and Bill and Charlie stopping by to talk with him and wish him a happy birthday.

“Really Harry you are going to love the present we got for you!”

“Honestly Harry it isn’t a product of our shop.”

“Right Fred and George and I was born last night.” Harry said laughing. A few hours later everyone was full of birthday cake and was slowly leaving. Mrs. Weasley was cleaning up and started giving orders out. Harry went to try and help but got told off for trying to do such a thing on his birthday.

“Why don’t you and Ron bring your presents up to your room?” Harry instantly knew that parents were absolutely clueless. He started to say he could get manage on his own, but Ron jumped in and said ‘ok’. Harry gave him a skeptical look and started to pick up his gifts. As they were climbing the stairs to Harry and Ron’s room, Ron started to talk.

“Look Harry, I just want to apologize for reacting the way I did with you and you know, Hermione. It still hurts, but I understand I was wrong. I also know that Hermione doesn’t deserve to be treated as someone’s property.”

“Thanks Ron, that means a lot. I’m sorry for not thinking about your feelings too.”

“Just one favor to ask, Harry.”

“What’s that Ron?”

“Just don’t get all ‘lovey-dovey’ in front of me until I’m used to the idea of you two being together.”

“Sounds like a good deal to me. I’m just glad to have my best mate back! I was pretty bored at times without you, you know?”

“Yeah, and I’ve been itching to whip you in wizard’s chess!” Harry punched Ron in the arm and started laughing at Ron’s expression. A few minutes later Harry and Ron were laughing as Ron continued to clobber Harry in chess.

Hermione and Ginny were in their room talking when they heard them laughing.

“Guess they patched things up.” Ginny said.

“Yeah, it seems that way. I’m glad because I hated Ron being mad at Harry for dating me.” Hermione replied.

“Kind of like me being mad at you for dating Harry.” Ginny said, instantly regretting it because Hermione’s face quickly went into stubborn mode.

“What do you mean kind of? What are you jealous of me and Harry dating?”

“No, I’m not jealous. I’m a ticked that you didn’t even consider my feelings when you started snogging Harry senseless!”

“Um, I’m sorry I didn’t consider your feelings since you were and still are dating Dean Thomas!” Hermione couldn’t help but wish Harry was here right now to set her straight. As she thought this, she heard her thoughts echoed. Harry received this little piece of information and started staring around his room. He just knew he was going crazy, but it sounded like Hermione was talking to him inside his head.

“Ron, did you just hear Hermione?”

“Um, no can’t say that I have mate.” Harry began thinking again. He knew he was going crazy, but he decided to see if he could talk to Hermione. Inside his head he thought, ‘Hermione, is that you?’ He heard these thoughts echo in his head while Hermione received his question. She started staring around the room and said “Harry, is that you?”

“What are you talking about Hermione? It’s me, Ginny! I don’t look anything like your snogging partner.” Hermione gave a Ginny a stare that could kill and went back to thinking. It sounded like Harry was right there inside her head. She just knew she was going crazy, but she decided to see what she could do. ‘Harry, are you there?’

‘Yes, Hermione it’s me. What’s going on?’

‘I don’t know, but this is weird. I thought I was going crazy’

‘I still think I’m going crazy, Mione.’

‘Meet me down in the living room in five minutes so we can discuss this.’

‘Alright’

“Ok look Ginny, I’m sorry I took Harry while you had a boyfriend and supposedly like him. Okay well that’s a lie, but whatever makes you feel better. I’m not going to apologize for loving Harry, and Harry isn’t just some snogging partner. Get over it.”

“Yeah, I guess I did overreact. How were you suppose to know?”

“I still think he would look better with me though.”

“Whatever you say Ginny. I’m going to go down to the living room to read. Talk with you later.”

Meanwhile, Harry was trying to let Ron win…not that it ever mattered. Harry was just making stupid moves and Ron seemed to be eating it up!

“Man, Harry it’s kind of obvious you haven’t spent time playing this. I think you have gotten worse!”

“Yeah maybe I have. Okay, well I’m going to go downstairs and see if I’ve left anything down there. I’ll be back later.”

“Okay mate.”

Harry made his way down stairs and saw Hermione lying on the couch reading a book. Surprise, surprise!

“Hermione?” Hermione looked up to see Harry standing there with a look on his face that she couldn’t really figure out what he was thinking.

“Yeah, Harry. So what do you think is going on? I mean I have only heard of a few people sharing a connection in their mind. They were shared with that person’s spouse, though, once they were married.”

“Well, I guess we should really talk to Dumbledore. If anyone knows what’s going on, it will be him.” Harry said.

“I guess you’re right.”

“I’ll go ask Lupin if we can floo over to Hogwarts.”

“Why do you need to go to Hogwarts?” A voice said catching both off guard. They turned around to see none other than Professor Dumbledore.

“Um, Professor we needed to ask you about something that happened and we aren’t really sure what it is.” Harry began not knowing how crazy this would end up sounding.

“Okay, go on Harry or does this need to be done some place a bit more private?” Dumbledore asked with a serious face, but the twinkle in his eyes was still evident.

“Oh no, it’s nothing too serious so we hope. It’s just this morning I guess was when this whole thing started,” Harry began stealing a look at Hermione who nodded in agreement. “And it’s like I could hear Hermione’s voice in my head. At first, I didn’t think anything of it, but then it happened again just a while ago. We held an actual conversation in our heads. What’s wrong with us?”

Professor Dumbledore let out a little chuckle and with the twinkle in his eyes still evident, which Harry and Hermione took as a relief thinking the were still sane, and replied, “No, Harry and Hermione there is nothing wrong with you. It’s actually a good thing that has happened to many powerful witches and wizards. It happened to your mother and father when the ‘fell in love’. It’s a gift, something that only happens to witches and wizards who posses great talents. You both share a bond and true love. You have came upon ancient magic. When you can use magic again, you may notice you are more powerful. The mind connection is just the beginning of great things you will both share. I’ve never heard of this happening so early in one’s life, but who am I to say fate doesn’t know what it is doing? I think, though, it would be best to keep this to ourselves for the time being seeming as maybe someway we can use this against Voldemort.”

Harry and Hermione looked at each other, both with their mouths hanging open slightly. Dumbledore looked at the both of them staring at him as if he had lost his mind. Come to think of it, it reminded him of a slightly older version of Harry and Hermione.

He decided to break the silence, “I realize that this is a lot to take in right now and you’ve had a long day. Maybe you should get some rest?”

“I think I’m going to go upstairs, and finish putting away my new gifts.” Harry said standing up a few moments later finally regaining thought.

“I’ll help you.” They both hurried up the stairs trying to get away from Dumbledore, who was enjoying this way too much.

When the got upstairs, Ron was sitting there…reading?!? He looked up when he saw them both come in. He had an angry face. Harry and Ron had planned this to pick with Hermione. Hermione bit her lip in nervous anticipation of Ron’s reaction. Harry saw this and decided to calm her nerves.

Concentrating on talking to Hermione, he said, ‘Everything’s cool now Hermione. We’ve come to an understanding.’ Hermione smiled at this and looked at Harry. She walked forward and gave Ron a big hug. After Ron had gotten over the initial shock, he hugged her back. When they let go, Hermione had tears traveling down her face.

“Oh come on Hermione, don’t go all mushy on us! We were just playing a minute ago. We thought it‘d be funny to see your reaction, but we didn‘t want you to cry!” Ron said trying to break the silence and stop the tears. Hermione playfully slapped him on the arm.

“I’m just glad we are all friends again. It wasn’t the same without you.” Hermione said when she had stopped crying.

After looking and putting away all Harry’s gifts, Hermione went to her room even though she didn’t really want to face Ginny. Ginny may have said she was okay with it all, but it didn’t make what she said any less painful. Hermione walked into her room and let out a sigh of relief that Ginny was already asleep. Meanwhile, Ron was finally going to sleep in his rightful room again. Harry and Ron were getting ready for bed. Harry turned off the lights and climbed into bed getting some well earned sleep.

“Goodnight Ron.”

“Don’t let pixies bite!”

Harry just rolled his eyes and in his head though, ‘Goodnight ‘Mione. I love you.’ A few seconds later Harry heard, ‘Love you too’. Harry smiled, everything was back to normal. What a relief? He felt like he had everything he needed. No, he may not have a mom, dad, or godfather right by his side; but he knew they were never far from his heart. He finally felt like his pieces were coming together.