Unofficial Portkey Archive

Harry Potter and the Triptych

By Vickles

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Okay, this may be my last chapter during the voting period (which ends Monday) so be sure to rate this! This chapter is insanely long, for me anyways, topping off at almost 8500 words! For those of you who have been waiting for the Triptych, that the main focus of this chapter, so you should enjoy that. (As always I slipped in some Harry/Hermione.) I'm not really sure of how the feedback on this chapter will be, so please leave a review, it takes about one minute. That's about it, so without further ado, Chapter 5!

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Chapter 5: The Triptych

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Harry woke up to the sound of rustling in the room. He lifted up his head and reached over to the bedside table, putting on his glasses. He turned back over and saw Hermione moving around the room, grabbing various books from the shelf one at a time and then taking them over to the table, where a small pile was growing very quickly. Harry watched her for a minute before speaking, "Good morning."

"It's almost good afternoon, Harry," Hermione said, though neither her face nor tone gave evidence of reproach. In fact, she was smiling at him. She looked down at her watch and then said, "I told Ron we'd be down for lunch in about fifteen minutes. Do you want me to go so you can get dressed?"

Harry could easily tell that she didn't want to leave whatever she was doing and shook his head, "No, I suppose I can change in the closet." He got out of bed and walked over to her, stopping her midway between the table and the bookshelf. "Are you okay now?"

Hermione stopped smiling for a moment, sobering up, before smiling again, genuinely. "Yes, thank you so much, Harry. It's a little embarrassing to have gotten so worked up over a nightmare, and I'm sorry that I took over your bed and all. I just didn't…"

"It's fine, Hermione. I just wanted to make sure that you were better now." Harry replied.

Hermione nodded, "I'm much better." She gave reached up and gave Harry a hug and a kiss on the cheek, causing it to grow rather warm.

Harry shivered as a draft swept through the room as Hermione turned back to the bookshelf. "Is it cold in here or is it just me?" He asked.

Hermione did not pause in her search for whatever book she was looking for, "You might not be cold if you were dressed decently. Perhaps a shirt would be a good start." She plucked the book, now found, from the shelf and took it to the table, sending him a grin. "Though I'm sure I'll get used to this if you and Ron insist on displaying your upper bodies around the house with no modestly whatsoever."

Harry grunted in response and turned and headed into the closet, closing the door most of the way, and began getting dressed. "Does it bug you that much?" Harry asked.

"No, but honestly, Harry. I don't suppose that either of you would want me to be parading around here topless." Harry chose not to answer, which apparently sent the wrong message because Hermione opened the door (thankfully he was still in boxers and a t-shirt) and swatted him with one of her books. "It's not happening!" She stomped back out and shut the door.

"So what are all of these books for?" Harry asked a moment later, stepping out of the closet and putting on his belt.

Hermione set one last book on the table and let out a contented sigh, "I'll tell you and Ron at lunch. We should be heading down."

They walked into the kitchen where Ron was already sitting and waiting for them, munching on some pork chops. "It's about time you two got down here." He said between chewing. "Finally wake him up, did you?" He asked Hermione with just a hint of annoyance.

Hermione shrugged and sat down next to Ron, putting a little bit of food on her plate. "I didn't think it would be fair to wake him. We're not in any kind of hurry, and it was kind of my fault that he was up so late." Hermione said, looking guiltily at Harry, who waved it away with his hand, taking a seat across from them.

"I was up late, too, you know," Ron grumbled.

"And did I wake you up this morning?" Hermione asked in return. Ron looked down at his food and mumbled something.

Not wanting them to start arguing, Harry changed the subject, "So what were all of the books for, Hermione?" He asked as he began eating himself.

"Oh, that's right!" Hermione finished chewing and then wiped her mouth delicately. "I've decided that we should have some type of plan."

"Plan? For what?" Ron asked.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Ron, what do you think? We've got to help Harry find and destroy the Horcruxes. And I think we all know that eventually Harry at the very least will need to face Voldemort, and we'll probably be with him. Then there's the Triptych…"

"What about the Triptych?" Ron asked curiously.

"Have you heard of it?" Hermione asked.

Ron nodded, "Of course, who hasn't?"

Harry sighed. Had everyone heard about it except him? "I might have it." Harry said.

Ron's eyes bugged out, "Really?"

"We'll have to verify it. That's why we need a plan. Basically we've got a lot to do, and a lot of things to prepare. I got Professor McGonagall's reply this morning. She said she would meet us tomorrow sometime. We can discuss training and the Order with her then.

"I came up with jobs for everyone today," Hermione went on. "I already did my research on the Triptych yesterday, so Harry and I will go to Diagon Alley to retrieve the necklaces from the vault and verify whether or not they are the real thing."

"Why can't I come?" Ron asked immediately.

"Because I have a different job for you. Up on the table in Harry's room are all of the books that I think may have information on Horcruxes. I need you to start going through them, taking some notes." Hermione answered.

"Why can't you or Harry do that?" Ron persisted. Clearly he didn't like the idea of being stuck at home while they got to leave.

Hermione sighed. "Harry needs to be there because it's his vault, Ron, and I need to be there since I don't think either of you would know how to tell the difference between the real Triptych and a bunch of fakes, would you?" They both shook their heads. "Okay then, it's settled. Harry and I will leave in a bit, and when we get back we'll discuss the Triptych and I'll tell you two what I know."

Ron still seemed unhappy about not being able to go, but couldn't come up with a reason that he should, so he just nodded in agreement and went back to eating.

When they were finished eating, Harry turned to Hermione as Ron trudged up to Harry's room, "So how are we getting there?"

Hermione shrugged, "I suppose we could floo there. I don't like to apparate unless I have to. We should grab our cloaks." They headed out into the hall and grabbed their cloaks off the rack, and then headed over to the large fireplace.

Hermione grabbed some Floo Powder first, taking a handful and stepping into the fireplace. "The Leaky Cauldron!" She called as she threw the powder down and disappeared into the flames. Harry followed suit, and met her a moment later.

They walked to the bank in silence, occasionally bumping up against each other. After a moment Harry broke the peace, "Do you think Ron was really upset that we left him behind?" Harry asked.

Hermione looked around. "I wouldn't hold it past him, but I don't think he'll hold it against us."

Harry nodded as they entered the band, "I suppose." They greeted the goblin and headed down to Harry's vault.

When they entered, Hermione's reaction had been much like Fred and George's had been. "I know," Harry said in response to her wide-opened eyes. "It's a lot."

Hermione nodded, looking around in awe at the gold-filled room. "I knew that you were well-off Harry, but I had no idea that you were independently wealthy!" She did not seem particularly happy or upset about this, simply shocked.

Harry shrugged. "Is that what you call it? A lot of this is part of the Black Family Fortune. Anyway, the necklaces are over here." He led Hermione to the glass case where the necklaces lay and she lifted up the cover, taking each one out individually to look at it closely.

It was as she inspected them that Harry noticed how pretty they were for the first time. Each necklace was on a fairly thin, but clearly very sturdy, gold chain with little pieces of platinum intertwined. The chains did not have clasps, so Harry assumed they were enchanted so you could put them over your head. This would make sense since that would keep the necklaces from falling off. At the end of each chain was a quarter of an inch thick flat piece of gold in a shape that reminded Harry of a teardrop with a platinum lining around the edge and on the back. It was about two inches long and an inch wide. Then, right in the middle of each teardrop was a round gemstone. One was an emerald, one was a ruby, and one was a diamond.

"Wow," Hermione breathed after quite some time. She had taken all three into her hands and was now sitting on the floor, Harry across from her.

"So what do you think?" Harry asked as she continued to stare.

Hermione thought for another moment before responding, "Well, I'll definitely do some spells and charms when we get back just to double-check, but, Harry, I think these are the real deal!"

"Really?" Harry felt very happy to hear this.

Hermione nodded. "We should get back and tell Ron. I expect he's taking a break from researching by now anyway." Harry laughed at this. Hermione gently placed the necklaces in a velvet bag that she had brought along and they exited the bank, Apparating back to Grimmauld Place.

Hermione called out to Ron as they hung their cloaks back up. He came down a moment later and they went into the living room.

"So what's the verdict?" Ron asked as they sat down.

"I think they're the real thing." Hermione said.

Ron blew air through his teeth. "Whoa. So what does this all mean? I've a heard a little about the necklaces, but I don't know much about them."

Hermione took the necklaces out of the bag and laid them on the table in front of them. "Well, first we have to figure out which one of us goes with each necklace."

"Huh?" Harry asked, already lost.

Hermione went on patiently, "You see, the Triptych essentially binds the three people together to act as one body, but still separate at the same time. It's a little complicated, but basically each jewel stands for a different part of the body. The three interdependent active parts."

"Which are…" Ron prompted with obvious clueless ness.

"The heart, the mind, and the hand, right?" Harry asked, remembering learning about that somewhere.

Hermione smiled at him and nodded, "Exactly, Harry. Each part is just as vital as the next, you see. The mind can't accomplish anything without the hand, the hand can't run without blood pumping through it, and the heart can't function properly without the logic of the mind. Likewise, the heart needs the hand to feel, the hand needs the mind to tell it how to act, and the mind needs the balance of emotion."

"So, we have to figure out which one of us represents each part?" Harry asked and Hermione smiled again.

"Exactly. Then, once we've each put them on, the powers of the Triptych will be in place."

"What powers are there?" Ron asked.

"Well, Fred and George told Harry that it would bind us, which I just explained with the interconnected parts. These parts also play in individual as well as group powers. Firstly, we each gain the same powers. For example, you can touch the pendant and immediately Apparate to the location of one of us, or to a reasonable distance from one of us, even if you don't know where we are.

"Also, the pendants have an active Shield Charm, much like Fred and George's Shield Hats. They protect us from simple jinxes and curses, nothing major, though. They also offer individual protection from the unforgivable curses. The person acting as the hand can not suffer from the Cruciatus, the person acting as the mind can not suffer from the Imperious, and the person acting as the heart can not suffer from the Avada Kedavra, or at least not directly. The three people may suffer short-term trauma from someone trying to cast these spells on them."

"That's incredible," Ron said.

Hermione nodded, "But it's complicated. By wearing these, our control over our powers changes as well. The hand can perform magic without a wand, the mind can perform magic without even moving if their wand if it is somewhere on their person, such as in a holster, they can simply use their brain, and the heart's powers come from their emotions. It's a difficult transition for each person. The person not in need of a wand needs to learn control of their movements, because none of the three needs incantations. Likewise, the mind has to have complete control and power over what they are thinking at all times, and the heart has to have extreme control over their emotions."

"So it takes some experience and practice for the people, is that what you're saying?" Harry asked.

Hermione nodded. "Basically, each person gains strength, but in a way it's in their weakest area. For example, with the three of us, I would probably be the mind, right?" Harry nodded and Ron muttered a `duh' in response, causing Hermione to laugh and blush a little.

Oh, so, it's kind of a catch, right? You would be the mind because you are thinking all of the time, but because you are the mind, you would have to learn to control all of the things you are thinking all of the time?" Ron asked and Hermione nodded.

"I think I understand," Harry replied slowly. "Is that all or is there more?"

Hermione shrugged slightly, "From what I've read it's little things. Being able to feel when another is in danger. Being extremely in tune with each other. Occasionally we may be able to tell what the other is thinking."

Ron laughed, "Is there a downside to any of this?"

Hermione thought for a moment, "Well there is the part about learning to control the powers. Also, the three people become so in tune with each other that there begins to be a feeling that other people can't be included, as if they can't intrude on the group or something along those lines. Everything I researched yesterday and this morning told me that the first few weeks could be very stressful, like when a baby is learning to walk for the first time. There's also mentioning of other possible things taking place that the groups of three wouldn't talk about. What we're talking about is an extreme connection. We can't possibly know how it will be before it happens."

"This isn't Dark Magic, is it?" Harry asked and Hermione shook her head. "Which pendant stands for each part?"

Hermione picked them up off the table and held them out, one at a time. "The diamond is the hand, because it is the hardest substance, and represents invincibility. The ruby is the heart, obviously, with red representing the blood that it sends to vital organs. That leaves the emerald to be the mind. Nothing I researched explained why, but I do know that green as long been seen as a sign of power, so it could be in relation to that."

Ron thought for a moment. "Do you reckon we should talk to Professor McGonagall about this?"

Hermione considered this and turned to Harry, "What do you think?"

Harry shrugged. "I suppose it would make sense to bring it up if we were considering asking for training. If this will affect our powers than the people who will be training us will need to know that."

Hermione nodded, "Yes, that's definitely true. Okay, I think I am going to go make a list of all of the things that we should be sure to talk to Professor McGonagall about tomorrow. Perhaps you two could go do some more research on Horcruxes?" Though she had asked them, it was painfully obvious that she was telling them to do it.

Ron sighed, unafraid to mention his annoyance, "Or perhaps you could do some research?" he asked.

Hermione fixed him with a look that made Ron draw back, "Or perhaps I spent all of yesterday afternoon researching the Triptych while you two played Exploding Snap? Perhaps you might have thought about that?"

Ron looked about to reply but Harry cut him off, "I think that perhaps we may just do it, won't we, Ron?" He glanced at the two of them and Ron nodded, "And perhaps you could tell us when to meet you for dinner?" Harry hoped that the thought of food might distract Ron.

Ron and Hermione exchanged a look before Hermione spoke, "Actually, Ron and I have something to do tonight, so we were going to eat separately. Is that okay?" She asked.

Harry studied them suspiciously. What were they playing at? "I suppose so. I'll just ask Dobby to make so you two can take it with you, and I'll just eat in my room, then."

Hermione nodded, "Good idea. Well, we should get to it, then." She stood up and Ron headed up the up the stairs. Harry was about to follow him when Hermione pulled him back.

"Yes?" Harry asked.

"Check Ron's notes. I highly suspect that he didn't take any this morning." Hermione said with a sigh. Harry shrugged and agreed to do it, heading up to his room as she went off to the study.

When he arrived, he found Ron scribbling furiously on a piece of parchment. "Hermione was right?" Harry asked as he sat down next to Ron at the table. "You didn't take any notes while we were gone?"

Ron's ears turned bright red. "No!" He said, his voice about an octave to high for a truthful answer. "I was just…adding to these, that's all."

Harry held his hand out, "Let me see what you've got, then." Ron reluctantly handed him the parchment, which had about three inches of information on it. As he looked over it, Harry realized that this was all information that they already knew about Horcruxes. "You know what this means, don't you?" Harry asked, setting the parchment down.

"What?"

"It means we have to work even harder now." Harry answered.

Ron squeaked unhappily, "Why?"

"Because you know Hermione is going to want as much information on Horcruxes as possible before we go to Godric's Hollow on Friday. We each need to have at least a foot of notes before dinner. You especially." Harry replied.

"Why me?" Ron whined.

"I can work on this later tonight, and probably will even if I don't want to. You, however, will be up to something with Hermione, and I know that the chances of you coming back to work on this are very little. Now, let's get to work." Harry pulled a book of the stack and opened it, skimming the table of contents.

Ron let out a low growl as he did the same, "I thought that our workload would lighten if we decided not to go back to school."

Harry looked up at him as if he was possibly the dumbest person on earth, "Then you clearly don't know Hermione as well as you think you do." He turned back to his notes and Ron said nothing in reply, and remained surprisingly quiet. A couple of hours later Harry called Dobby and asked him to start some dinner, and told the elf that he would be eating in his room. An hour after that, Ron left for dinner with Hermione (though he only had ten inches of notes, but Harry wasn't in a mood to argue with him).

Harry ate his dinner in peace, and, though he tried, found it next to impossible to go back to his note taking. He had over three feet already (mainly about various wizards who had used them and what the results had been), so he figured that a break was well due. His eyes were worn out from all of the reading, and Harry decided to rest them and went to lie down on his bed. It was no more than thirty minutes later that Hermione came charging into his room, pacing back and forth madly.

Harry sat up and grinned at her, "You know, for this being my room, you sure do seem to spend a lot of time in it."

"Shut it," Hermione snapped, and Harry was a bit taken aback by her rudeness. Then Hermione's eyes opened wide and she sent Harry and apologetic glance, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean that. I'm just so…argh!" She flopped into one of the chairs and then jumped right back up again, resuming her laps around the room. She was not exactly angry, just…flustered and worked up.

Harry sighed, "What did you two fight about this time?"

Hermione stopped pacing and frowned, "I'm annoying you, aren't I?"

Harry shook his head, "No, I just know that Ron's the only person who can make you act like this. So tell me, what happened?"

Hermione sighed and sat on the other end of the bed, facing Harry. "Well, we didn't really fight, I don't think. It has to do with why we met tonight."

Harry nodded, urging her to go on.

Hermione seemed to be picking her words carefully. "Surely you've known that Ron's fancied me for some time now."

Harry shrugged. "I suppose." Did she fancy him? Harry did not like this thought for some reason.

Hermione began to calm down. "Well, the point his he did, or does, or whatever, and confronted me about it."

"Yesterday morning?" Harry asked, trying to put the puzzle together in his head.

Hermione nodded, "Yes, in the…"

"Kitchen. Yeah, I knew something was up." Where was this headed?

Hermione continued, "Well, to be honest, I've never really felt anything for Ron in that way," Harry felt oddly relieved to hear this, "but I felt I at least owed it to him to give it a try. I mean, he is one my best friends. I'd do the same for you, not that you fancy me or anything." She added quickly.

"Wait," Harry had to back up and clarify something, "You agreed to go out with him even after what he said yesterday?"

Hermione chewed on her lip for a moment, "Well, I felt I should give him the benefit of the doubt." Harry nodded, though he could hardly believe it.

"So that's what we were doing tonight." Hermione went on. "It was a date, I suppose. Rather, it was more of an experiment, for me that is, and I thought he understood that!" Hermione began to look stressed again. "But then, Harry, you wouldn't believe it. He thought that…well, I don't really know what he thought…

"He started going on about how happy he was that I agreed to go out with him, and how he had always known that we were meant to be together. I know." Hermione said in response to Harry's eyes nearly falling out of their sockets. "He said that we should probably wait before telling his mum, so she wouldn't start making the bridesmaids' dresses yet…" Hermione sighed and turned, lying on her back across the foot of her bed with her arm over her face. "It just went downhill from there. I decided to be honest and told him that I wasn't even sure that I felt anything for him, and I could tell he was horribly embarrassed, so he covered it up with his anger and started yelling at me, asking me why I would agree to go out with him if I wasn't sure. It was like he believed that, by agreeing to eat dinner with him, I was pledging to be his soulmate!" She exhaled loudly and closed her eyes. "I feel so stupid!"

Harry stared at her for a few moments, unsure of what to say, "So… you just left?"

Hermione sat up, "Well I couldn't very well stay!"

Harry nodded and held up his hands as a sign of peace, "No, I was just wondering why you came here, that's all."

Hermione thought for a moment, "Well, I suppose I wanted a guy's perspective, that's all. I mean, did you ever think like that, when you were with Cho or Ginny? That you wanted to marry them, I mean."

Harry frowned as he realized that he had never considered marrying either of them. "No, I can't say that I did. Cho was more of an infatuation. And Ginny…well, I'm still working on that, but I don't think I would have ever married her."

Hermione nodded, and crawled over to the other side of the bed, lying on her stomach in front of him. "Do you ever think about things like that? Marriage and all?"

Harry tried to remember a time when he had, but realized that he had not given it much thought. "I don't suppose I have. I mean, I never really had a reason to, did I? I was always happy to live until tomorrow."

Hermione seemed troubled to hear this. "You should think about those things, Harry, even if so they only give you a reason to live."

Harry shrugged, "I would hardly know where to start. I don't really have much to go off on."

Hermione sat up and scooted next to him, "I'll help you, then. Let's start with the basics. Would you want children?"

Harry felt very put on the spot. "I…don't know. I think I would like a family of my own some day, but I wouldn't really know how to be a father."

Hermione smiled, "I'm sure you could figure it out, Harry. At the very least, I am sure your wife would know how to be a parent, and that she would help you. How many would you want?"

Harry shrugged, "I'd probably just leave that up to her. Money wouldn't be an issue, obviously."

"And here I thought you would say seven just so you could have your own Quidditch team." Hermione teased him.

Harry grinned, "If I played Seeker I would only need six. How many children do you want?" He asked, turning the conversation on her.

Hermione sighed, thinking, "I'd have to say three or four, and I want my first-born to be a boy, so he could watch out for his little sisters."

"Just hope you don't get all boys, then." Harry replied.

"Oh, well, then I'd just leave them to my husband," Hermione said with a laugh.

"Wouldn't he be lucky," Harry chuckled and Hermione gave him a light smack on the arm.

Thinking about Ron, Harry excused himself for a moment (not telling Hermione where he was going, though he assumed she figured it out) and looked around the house, only to find Ron pretending to be asleep in his room. When he did not move after the third time Harry tapped him on the shoulder, Harry gave up and went back to Hermione.

They continued talking for several hours, moving on to various subjects; sometimes back to Ron, until they were eventually talking about nothing at all. At some point they had both lain down, and after a pause in the conversation Hermione yawned loudly, her eyes drooping.

"You should go to bed, and then I can go to sleep," Harry said, barely keeping his eyes open as well.

Hermione yawned again, "Too…tired…can't…move," she yawned once more, forcing Harry to yawn in return.

"You know…this is…starting…to become," he yawned, "a habit."

"It's not my fault that your bed is more comfortable than mine." She answered sleepily. "I slept like a baby last night."

"I hardly think that counts as an excuse." Harry replied quietly.

"It doesn't matter, you don't have the energy to kick me out, and you know it." Hermione smiled and snuggled into the pillow.

Harry sighed, "Fine, but this is not happening again."

Hermione grinned and closed her eyes, "Whatever you…" Harry did not hear anything else, for he was already unconscious.

When Harry woke up, the first thing he saw was Hermione's foot. (Had she moved in the middle of the night? Harry noted that she still had a pillow under her head.) The second thing he saw was Ron's face.

"What in the bloody hell happened here?" He asked Harry quietly.

"Um…Hermione came in here and told me about what happened last night." Harry watched as Ron's face flushed.

Ron hesitated, "How much did she tell you?"

Harry looked at him guiltily, "A lot. It's fine, mate." He said in response to Ron embarrassment, "We can talk about it later or something, if you want."

Ron shrugged, "That sounds good. I'm sorry about last night, I just…needed some time to myself." Harry nodded with understanding. "I'm not sure what she told you and I wouldn't want you thinking I was some poor confused bloke or something like that."

Harry smiled, putting on his glasses, "Ron, you're my best friend. I do not have to think that you are a poor confused bloke, because I know it for a fact. What'd you come up here for?"

"McGonagall's here. She's talking to Dobby downstairs." Ron looked at Hermione with an odd look on his face. "Why didn't she go back to her bed?"

Harry shrugged, "She didn't want to. You go keep McGonagall company, and I'll wake Hermione, okay?"

Ron nodded and left the room, sending one last (rather sad) glance Hermione's way. As Harry looked down at her foot, contemplating how to wake her, a thought came to his mind, and he gently ran the tips of his fingers up and down her foot.

Hermione immediately jerked it away and scrunched her face up, but she did not wake. Harry smiled and repeated the motion, and the same thing happened again. He did it again, this time continuing to tickle the foot as she jerked it away, her eyes snapping open a moment later as she started laughing.

"What are you doing?" She asked as Harry continued to tickle her foot, laughing all of the while. "Harry stop. Harry, I said stop. Harry, stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!" She finally managed to pull her foot away, kicking Harry's hand, and sit up. "What was that for?" she asked, breathing heavily.

"McGonagall's here," Harry answered, "And I needed to wake you up. It seemed to work just as good as anything. I wasn't sure if you would be ticklish on your feet, too." He smiled at her.

Hermione fixed him with a fake glare before getting out of the bed, "Look at you, so pleased with yourself. Rest assured, though, that I will get you back." And with that, she left the room.

Harry changed into fresh clothes and headed down to the kitchen, realizing with start that it was almost eleven, making it the second day in a row that he had slept late. Maybe his bed was really great after all and Hermione was right, Harry thought to himself.

"Good Morning, Mr. Potter," Professor (or, Harry thought, Headmistress) McGonagall said upon his entrance. Harry took a seat next to Hermione, who was already there, with the Triptych in the bag and her notes lying out on the table. The professor turned to Hermione, "May I inquire as to what this meeting is about?"

"Well, you see, Professor," Hermione began, "What we're setting out to do is quite dangerous, and we thought that, since we are lacking all seven standard years of schooling, perhaps we could get some training."

"And who did you want to train you?" she asked.

"Well, you would be a great start, and we were also thinking of some other Order members. That is, if the Order of the Phoenix is still around."

Professor McGonagall nodded, "I think that training would be a good idea. I will get in contact with some people and see what we can work out. The Order of the Phoenix is still around, but we are currently a bit inactive, trying to find a place to set up Headquarters."

"Why don't you set Headquarters up here?" Harry asked. "I mean, this is where you used to meet before."

"I appreciate the generosity, Mr. Potter, but this house would have to be put under a series of protections before that would happen." Professor McGonagall said.

"Right, because it was under the Fidelius, and Dumbledore was the Secret Keeper!" Hermione said.

"Exactly, Miss Granger. We would need to recast the Fidelius and find a new Secret Keeper, which is no simple task. Now, is there anything else you called me for today?"

"Yes," Hermione said, looking at Ron and Harry, "It has to do with our training. You see we have the Triptych. Or at least I believe we do."

Professor McGonagall looked at them in shock, and then looked at the bag Hermione was holding, "Is that what is in the bag?" Hermione nodded. "May I see the necklaces?" Hermione nodded again and handed over the bag. Professor McGonagall examined them for an extended amount of time, inspecting each crevice and molding. When she finally set the third necklace down, she spoke. "Well, I must say, if this is not the real thing it is an extraordinary replication. Where did you get it?"

"It was in Harry's vault," Ron answered.

Professor McGonagall nodded, "I assume it arrived with the Black Family Fortune?"

They all nodded in response.

"I strongly suspected they had it," she said with a grim look. "Am I correct in assuming that you three plan to use these?" They nodded again. "And have you figured out which part you are match up with?"

"Not yet," Harry answer. "We know that Hermione's the mind."

The professor nodded, "Yes, well, I suppose that would be a given. Miss Granger, have you any ideas of how the other two might work out?" She asked.

"Well…" Hermione began slowly, avoiding Ron's gaze, "I believe that Ron would be the hand and Harry would be the heart."

"Why?" Ron and Harry asked.

Hermione looked at Harry. "Well, this is just a theory, but Ron tends to be very active and rash in his decisions, while, if you do choose to act, your actions tend to be rooted in your emotions."

Harry nodded, but Ron shook his head, "I think you're wrong."

"Oh? And why is that, Mr. Weasley?" Professor McGonagall questioned.

Ron seemed very hesitant. Proving Hermione wrong was no easy feat. "It's just that I believe, while I can see why Hermione would say that, some things don't match up. In fact, Harry's much more proactive and reactive than I am, and while it is sometimes linked to his emotions, it's also instinct for him to act. As for me, every time I act it is always in direct relation to my emotions, such as my temper…or embarrassment." His ears turned read and he looked at Professor McGonagall.

Professor McGonagall pondered this for a moment, "Well, as surprised as I am to say it, I believe Mr. Weasley is right. It's Harry's instinct to act. While there may be emotion there, I doubt it is always the lone purpose." She turned to Hermione, "When were you planning to begin using these?"

"I wasn't sure. I wanted your opinion, since this will affect our magic as well as our training." Hermione said.

"I would say put them on as soon as possible. Tonight even, would be fine. The sooner you do it the better. Your powers will be slightly weaker at first, so you want to begin at the early stages of your journey, before putting them on may place you in danger. Am I understood?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"Yes," The three of them said in response.

She nodded. "Good. Now, I got an owl from Remus Lupin. Am I correct that you are planning to go to Godric's Hollow tomorrow?"

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said.

"Do you have any idea of what to expect when you get there?"

Harry shook his head. "I've been told that they, my parents, are buried out there, but know nothing about the house."

"It's still there," Professor McGonagall informed him. "The Ministry paid to keep it there, and when you become of age it will belong to you. I brought the key," She pulled a small key out of her robes and placed it in the table in front of Harry, "So that you may go inside. Everything is as it was, with a few repairs. Whether or not you choose to go in is up to you, Mr. Potter."

Harry nodded, placing the key in his pocket. "Thank you."

Professor McGonagall smiled just slightly, "Is there anything else you three needed?" Hermione shook her head and Ron and Harry did the same. "Well then I should be going. Let me get a hold of some people, and I'll come back on Monday. We can arrange a schedule then." With a curt nod, she Disapparated.

"Well," said Hermione after a moment, "That's a lot of information to work through at once. Do you suppose we should put on the necklaces tonight like she suggested?" Hermione asked.

Ron shrugged and Harry spoke, "Is there some kind of ritual to perform?"

Hermione shook her head. "What I read told me that we simply need to be sitting in a triangle of sorts, facing each other, and put them on together after the sun sets. If we do it correctly and we each are wearing the correct one, the necklaces will glow to signify that their magic is active."

Harry nodded. "I suppose. We could do it up in my room, so we don't have to worry about being disturbed in case someone should come by."

Hermione nodded. "Great. Do you two want some lunch?" She got up and walked over to the icebox, searching through its contents.

"Actually I'm not very hungry. I think I'll just go up to my room, maybe write Mum or something. I'll see you guys later," Ron exited the room.

Hermione winced, "So there went my hopes that last night might blow over as some kind of bad dream."

"Give him time," Harry said. "He just needs to get used to the idea that you two may never be together."

Hermione nodded and closed the icebox, sitting back down next to Harry and dropping her head on his shoulder. "Do you think I really hurt him?"

"Maybe," Harry said and Hermione sighed, "But you know Ron. He will move on, eventually. In a day or two, when the memory isn't so fresh for him, you could try talking to him about it."

Hermione nodded. "Since when are you the expert?"

Harry shrugged a little, jostling her head, "Since you two forced me to be, I suppose."

"Well, I suppose it's good if at least one of us knows what they're talking about." Hermione said.

Harry snorted. "Just because I'm an expert doesn't mean I know what I'm talking about."

Hermione lifted her head and laughed for a few moments, "That makes no sense at all, Harry."

Harry stood, "I'm not very hungry anymore. I think I'll go up to my room and read or something."

Hermione stood as well, "Would it be alright if I kept you company?"

"I suppose." They walked up to Harry's room. Harry scanned the bookshelves, trying to find something that he might actually want to read.

Hermione did the same, pulling a book out for herself, and then another one, "Here, it's about Aurors." She handed him the book and they walked over to the bed, leaning against pillows propped up by the headboard.

They sat there quietly for hours, reading. Harry was fascinated by the Auror book, and found himself wanting to pursue the career even more. Hermione had finished her first book, which was almost twice as long as Harry's and pulled out another book. As they quietly turned the pages, time flew by, and before long it was dark out, and Ron came in.

"Hey. Should we get to it, then?" He asked, referring to the Triptych.

Hermione looked up, surprised, and looked down at her watch. "Wow! Yes, Ron, we should. Let me run down and get the necklaces." She set her book on one of Harry's bedside tables and left the room.

Ron walked over to the bed awkwardly, "Say, Harry?"

"Yeah Ron?" Harry asked as he placed his book on the other table.

"Well, you said that we could talk this morning. And I was wondering, if maybe, after we finished with this, if we could do that?" Ron's face turned red.

"Sure," Harry replied and Ron smiled with relief.

"Okay," Hermione said, walking back into the room. "This shouldn't take very long, since there really isn't a process. Let's come sit on the floor." Harry got up and the three of them sat on the floor in a triangle.

Hermione pulled out the three necklaces and laid them out on the floor, the appropriate pendant in front of each person. Harry looked down at the pendant in front of him, the prominent diamond in the middle of a teardrop. "So now what do we do?" He asked Hermione.

Hermione took a deep breath. "Now all that we do is put them on at the same time. So, pick them up…" All three of them picked up their necklaces, "And I suppose on the count of three?"

Neither of them counted for a moment, simply staring at the objects in front of them. After the pause they all took a deep breath and Ron spoke, "Okay, one…"

"Two," Harry said.

"Three." Hermione said and they all quickly pulled the chains over their heads. When he let go of his, Harry felt the chain tightening just slightly around his neck, securing itself in place, and he saw Ron and Hermione's doing the same. They all stayed completely still for a moment, not daring to breath, and then, together, each of the jewels glowed faintly, illuminating the dark room. Harry wondered inwardly when the lights went out.

When the glowing subsided, they stayed in the dark, breathing quietly.

"Blimey, did you feel that?" Ron asked.

Harry and Hermione nodded. Harry had indeed, felt something change inside of him. He couldn't place a finger on it, but he could definitely sense it.

Hermione was the first to move, standing and pulling out her wand.

"What are you doing, Hermione?" Ron asked with curiosity.

Hermione paused, "I was going to turn the lights back on."

Why don't you try doing it…you know, without your wand?" Ron suggested.

Hermione nodded and stowed her wand in her pocket. She stood there for a moment, not moving, though Harry could tell that she was clearly concentrating. After a moment she let out a sigh and pulled out her wand, turning the lights on manually.

"Looks like we've got a long way to go," Harry said.

Hermione nodded, "I think I'm going to go to bed, maybe eat something." She gave them a faint wave and left.

Ron turned to Harry, "She's right. I am hungry, too. Think we could get Dobby to bring us something?"

Harry nodded. "Dobby?" He asked and the elf popped in front of him, at eye level in Harry was sitting.

"Yes, Harry Potter, sir?"

"Could you bring me and Ron some sandwiches or something like that? And maybe something to drink? If you see Hermione, could you give it to her, too? Then she won't have to make herself something." Dobby smiled and nodded, popping out.

Harry went over and sat on his bed, "So I'm assuming this is about Hermione."

Ron nodded. "You said she told you about what happened last night." He sat across from Harry.

"She told me that you thought she was your soulmate." Harry replied. Ron nodded with a blush. "Why?" Harry asked.

Ron shrugged, "It makes sense, doesn't it? I mean, Mum's crazy about her, and everyone is always saying that we act like an old married couple… I just thought that it would work."

Harry noticed that Ron said nothing about loving Hermione, "Do you love her?" He asked.

"Of course," Ron replied a bit too quickly. "I mean, sure, she isn't much to look at, but…"

"You were serious when you said that?!" Harry had thought that Ron was just picking on Hermione the other day, but did he really think Hermione was not beautiful?

Ron looked a little dumbfounded, "Well, I'm not saying she's ugly or anything…"

Harry snorted. "That's good, considering she isn't."

Ron looked at Harry with an odd expression, "Are you telling me that you actually think Hermione is beautiful?"

Harry didn't hesitate. "Yes. And, considering you think she's your soulmate I would expect you to think the same thing. Actually" he went on, "I would expect you to think that anyway, since she is."

Ron sat in silence for a few moments, blinking at Harry, as if trying to figure something out. "I'm a stupid prat." Ron said after a moment, causing Harry to laugh.

"You're not a prat, Ron. Moreover, you are not stupid. Well, at least not all of the time. It's just, I don't get you. You say you thought Hermione was your soul mate, but the way you talk about it, it is as if you are settling. I don't really know much about this soul mate business, but it just seems that if she was really your soul mate you wouldn't think you were settling at all." Harry pondered this. "It just doesn't make much sense, if you think about it."

"I suppose you're right. Do you think she'll ever forgive me?" Ron looked at Harry with a hopeful expression.

Harry rolled his eyes, "If she didn't I would be very surprised."

"It's odd, though." Ron said, twiddling his thumbs.

"What is?"

"Well, I just always assumed that Hermione and I would end up together. Now I don't have anyone. What does that make me?"

Harry shrugged, "Like all of the rest of us, I suppose. Do you think I have a clue about who I'm going to end up with?"

Ron looked up at him, shocked, "I thought you would end up with Ginny!"

Harry shook his head, "I highly doubt I'll end up with Ginny, and, no offense, but I don't think I want to. Besides, she's back together with Dean now."

"Oh," Ron deflated slightly. "I thought it would be kind of cool to have you as a brother."

"I don't have to marry Ginny to be your brother. I think I have always thought of you as a brother, really. Your family's like my family."

"Really?" Ron smiled. A plate of sandwiches appeared on the bed and he grabbed one, eating hungrily. "Tho I thpothe I thud talp too Humine, huh?"

Harry laughed, taking a sandwich himself. "What was that?"

Ron chewed and swallowed. "I suppose I should talk to Hermione."

Harry nodded, "I'd say that's a good idea, though you might want to wait until you're done eating, so she can understand what you're saying."

Ron agreed and continued eating, going to talk about how he expected the Cannons to do this year, asking if they could go see the World Cup, maybe, if they made it. After he had consumed two sandwiches he bid Harry goodnight and went off to find Hermione.

Once he was gone, Harry took a shower and changed into his nightclothes consisting of a white t-shirt and red pajama pants with snitches on them. He climbed into bed, read a little and then turned out the lights, trying to go to sleep.

Of course, he had no such luck. Harry lay there for about an hour, wide-awake though he was horribly tired, before giving up and donning his bathrobe. He headed down to the kitchen, thinking that a cup of tea might relax him properly.

Harry had just put the kettle on the stove when Hermione came walking in, surprised to see him. "What are you doing down here?" She asked.

"Making some tea. I couldn't sleep. You want some?"

Hermione nodded. "I couldn't sleep either." She sat down at the table.

Harry came over and sat next to her. "Did you talk to Ron?"

"Yes, he seems better now." She fingered her pendant. "I don't feel that much different, yet. Do you?"

Harry shook his head and stood as the kettle already began to whistle. He poured two cups and stuck tea bags in them, bringing them over to the table. "When will we start noticing changes in our magic?"

Hermione gently dunked her tea bag "I don't know. It is suppose to be different according to the person. Some people could continue to use their wands for magic while others could only use it according to how the Triptych allows." She took a sip of her tea and Harry did the same.

They continued drinking their tea in silence. When Harry finished his cup he stood and cleaned it out, putting it away, then taking Hermione's when she was finished and doing the same. "I think I'm going to go to bed. I'm not really sure if I'll fall asleep, but I might as well try."

Hermione waited a moment and then spoke just as he was about to exit the kitchen, "Harry. Could I maybe…I mean, would you mind terribly if I…"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Remind me to take you mattress shopping on Saturday." He smiled and held out his arm.

Hermione beamed and laced her arm through his. "Thank you!"

They headed up to his room and got into the bed. As the lights went out, Harry snuggled under the covers and was soon asleep.

~*~

A/N: *deep breath* Okay, so, as I said, that was one long chapter. Next chapter we will finally be off to Godric's Hollow, which you all have been waiting for as well. I would love to say thank you to my betas LadyStarlight, who left some excellent comments and gave some great ideas, and Dedi, who finished it late at night just for me! They are so awesome, and I know from experience how long it takes to beta, especially a chapter as long as this one, so I am forever grateful. I would also thank to thank those of you who have reviewed thus far. Your feedback is great, and it helps me so much (as well as encourages me with finishing those chapters quicker, just so I can get more reviews). If you enjoy this story, please show your support by rating it!

Until next chapter…. :)

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