AN: Once again, please review. None of this story belongs to me, just the scenarios. All hail JKR.
She had a worried look on her face and seemed a bit nervous when Harry walked in. He quickly crossed the room and sat down next to her, laying the knife and the bag containing the necklace on top of the bed.
"Hermione, what is it?" He asked her quietly.
"I was hoping Ron wouldn't walk in with you," she said quietly. "There's some things I've been wanting to talk to you about without having Ron there. I just don't know where to begin." Her voice sounded like she had a cold because of her crying. She then got up and walked towards the door. She preformed a silencing charm on the door, and walked back towards the fireplace. She took a seat on the couch, and Harry soon appeared next to her.
"How about you start on why you've been acting weird around me," Harry suggested to her. She looked at him, and then looked back to the fire.
"I'm really sorry Harry. That's all I've been wanting to say," she told him.
"Sorry? For what? You haven't done anything," Harry replied.
"I've just been feeling guilty," she stated. "Last year was a really awful year for me. I should have spent more time with you, trying to help you with Malfoy." She started to cry into her hands. "I was so selfish Harry! All I could care about was Ron's stupid actions with Lavender. I'll I could care about was me! If I would have put my feelings aside, I would have been able to help you! I could have helped stop him! Dumbledore would still be alive! I'm so sorry Harry!" Hermione started to cry hysterically now. Her body started to shake, and she was whimpering loudly. Harry sat in awe as he witnessed his best friend break down. He scooted down towards Hermione and put his arm around her not knowing what else to do.
"Look at me Hermione," he said calmly. "You don't need to apologize for anything. You were just lost in the moment. How could you have known what was to come in the future? It's okay Hermione," Harry told her as he gave her a tight hug. He then wiped the tears off her face with his hands. "Promise me that you won't think about that anymore, alright?" She nodded and crawled back into his arms, giving him one more hug.
"Thanks Harry," she whispered to him.
"Besides, I knew that you liked Ron. It's not like you were making it that discreet," he laughed at her. "I understood that you were hurt, and then when he got hurt that you wanted to spend time with him."
"Right…" Hermione said nodding to him.
"Was this all you've been wanting to talk about?" Harry asked her, wondering if she would say anything else about Ron.
"Why? Do you know of something else?" she asked at Harry.
"No," Harry lied to her. He couldn't face her crying again.
"Are you sure? Has anything been out of the ordinary?" she asked staring into his eyes again. He felt a hot flash go through his body. Surely she didn't know that he was having nightmares again. He then felt an urge to tell her, after all, if anyone would understand, it would be her.
"Well, I don't want you to become worried or anything-"he started. "But I've been having nightmares again." She took the news rather calm. She simply nodded and urged him to continue. "They aren't like the ones two years ago. These seem to be just random flashes."
"What are the flashes about?" she asked him. He looked from her eyes, to the fire.
"Death," he told her. He swallowed hard and continued. "Every night I'm in a different scenario, but it always ends up with someone dying. I've seen everyone that I love-" he stopped. His eyes started to burn, and he couldn't bring himself to continue. It was Hermione's turn to reach for his hand.
"You see everyone you love dying," she finished for him. "It's only dreams Harry, they aren't real."
"But what if they are premonitions? I've almost lost each and everyone of you at least once before. I don't know what I would do if-"he didn't have to finish the sentence. Hermione understood him. Still holding his hand, she knelt to the floor in front of him. With her free hand she pushed his gaze back into her eyes.
"You will never lose us Harry," she told him. Her words calmed him. "These nightmares go on all night?"
"No," he answered. He thought of the dream he had that previous night, and the voice who calmed him. He felt his face starting to burn.
"Oh," Hermione said smiling. " By the look of your face, it seems that not all the dream is bad. Someone comes and rescues you, don't they? Do you know who it is?"
"What are you talking about Hermione?" He knew well she did in fact know. "It's just someone that calms me down and reassures me. I don't ever see a face." Hermione got up, and Harry swore he saw her turn a bit red.
"I guess you have a guardian angel," she teased him.
"Guess so," he smiled at her. "Her-"
"Look at the time Harry! It's nearly three in the morning! We better call it a night," she interrupted.
"Let me at least walk you to your room," he smiled at her. Together they crossed his room and headed out the door. Hermione stopped in front of her door and turned to Harry. "This has probably been the best birthday ever," he told her.
"Oh, how could I've forgotten?" she quickly said. She went into her room and came back with a package. She handed him the present. "There has been so much going through my mind that I forgot to give you your present. I really hope you like it. Well, good night Harry." She stood up on her toes and gave him a kiss on his forehead. "Thanks for everything."
"Anytime," he answered back. He walked across to his door.
"Oh, and Harry," Hermione called back to him. "Say `hi' to your guardian angel for me," and with a smile she disappeared behind her door. Harry went in his room and closed the door behind him. He walked over to the couch and sat down. Harry touched his forehead where Hermione had kissed him. He noticed he was smiling and had a feeling that Hermione was smiling behind her door.
Harry looked down at his hand where he was holding Hermione's present. He ripped open the paper and opened up the box. Inside was a brand new watch. It looked like a muggle watch with a black leather strap, and a chrome rim around the face. The numbers and hands were also silver to match the rim. In the middle was a silver lion. There was a note attached to the box.
Happy Birthday Harry! I hope you like this watch. I've been trying to get this since our forth year, but I haven't been able to finish hexing it. It looks like a normal watch, but it actually has some enchantments on it. It's indestructible, water proof, and starts to move when someone untrustworthy is around.. I just thought it was time you got a new watch since the last broke while you were `saving us' three years ago. Wow! Has it really been three years already? It seems like yesterday I stumbled into your compartment looking for Neville's toad! Who would have known then? Well, have a great 17th birthday, and many more!
Love,
Hermione
Harry smiled and quickly put on his new watch. It fit perfectly and looked great. He went and put the knife on his bedside table, and took out the necklace from the bag. After gazing at it for a couple of minutes, he placed it around his neck. He put on some pajamas and got into bed. He took one last look at the watch, and touched his forehead again. For some reason, he couldn't stop smiling.
"Well that's new," he thought to himself. In moments, he fell into a peaceful sleep.
*******
The days passed on. Harry passed his apparition test without much difficulty. He had the feeling that Ron was a bit jealous since he failed his first test. The three friends spent most of the days looking up things in old books. Harry spent most of the nights trying to think of memories Dumbledore had shown him, and thinking of the locations of the remaining Horcruxes. Unfortunately, no matter how much effort he put into it, he didn't get closer to finding them. They had also gotten nowhere on the identity of R.A.B. This bit bothered Hermione the most Harry thought. He would often find her in the library at the house. Harry felt grateful for all the effort she was doing, even if she didn't get any results.
Ron also was trying. He spent most of the time by himself, studying in his room. Harry guessed he didn't want to spend much time with Hermione. The secrecy of their relationship was still in effect. They were doing their best to keep it a secret, which meant anytime they were together, Harry was usually near by.
Ginny spent a couple of days at the house after Harry's birthday. She knew nothing of what Harry, Hermione, and Ron were doing. When she did finally ask, Hermione told her that, "she should stop pretending to know what she is talking about. She would only embarrass herself." Harry had the feeling that Hermione was getting payback for Ginny's Quidditch comment from the year before. Harry did manage to spend the least amount of time with Ginny. She had already tried to convince him to get back together, and he didn't know if he could keep saying no to her. He did miss the feeling of being wanted sometimes, but he knew that he could not hurt Ginny again. In addition, every time Harry looked back at their relationship, he kept thinking about how out of nowhere it had been. He kept questioning his feelings for her. Because of that, he decided to get some space between him and Ginny. Ginny was very frustrated at the whole situation, and went to spend some time at one of her friend's house until the wedding.
Aberforth also talked to Harry. He told him that after Bill and Fleur's wedding, he would talk to Harry about a couple of things that needed to be done before the summer ended. Then he told Harry that he personally would escort him to Godric's Hollow, but Harry would have to wait until the craziness of the wedding would die down.
Craziness was an understatement. The day before the wedding, everyone was running around. Mrs. Weasley was going hysterical at everyone, while running around to make sure everything was ready. The wedding was to be held in this large room at the opposite side of the house. Then, they would proceed to a ball room that was also at the house. Harry had given up trying to locate the different rooms. One hall would lead to another, which lead to another! He went to bed late that night because the rehearsal dinner took longer than expected. Fleur's side of the family had arrived earlier, and the guys kept being distracted by the women. It wasn't until Hermione nudged Harry hard in the ribs did he remember that they were part veela.
The next morning he was woken up by a very loud Mrs. Weasley. She again, was going hysterical about all the little details that needed to be done. After he had breakfast with the rest of the guys (All the girls had woken up early start getting ready), he headed straight to his room. He remained there until he had to go down for the wedding. He decided it was best to stay out of Mrs. Weasley's way.
An hour before he had to go downstairs, he started to get ready. He took a shower and shaved his face. Like always, his hair was sticking up all over the place, but he decided that it looked more formal wet. He put on his black slacks, shoes, socks, and his white shirt. Then he slowly tied his pale green bowtie together which matched the bridesmaid dresses. He put on his black formal cloak, and headed to where the boys were supposed to gather. When he arrived, all the other men were ready. Ron came in a couple minutes later, also sporting a new cloak. Harry walked over towards Bill and wished him good luck. Luckily, Bill had for the most recovered from last year. His face was still badly scarred, but he had not received a full ware wolf bite.
One of the ushers came and told everyone to meet in the lobby where the girls were waiting for them. They did as they were told, and sure enough all the girls were there. All the girls looked beautiful. Their hair and makeup had been done, and they were wearing pale green bridesmaid dresses. Harry noticed Ginny and thought that she looked pretty as well. She was talking to a very pretty girl. I don't remember meeting her. She must be related to Fleur. The photographer then came in, and told everyone to pair up. Ginny went to Harry and put her arm through his, ready to head into the hall. She was trying to tell him something, but his eyes gazed at another girl. The pretty girl went in front of him, where Ron was standing. Then his jaw dropped. He realized who the girl was. It was Hermione.
The photographer then came down the row, making a couple of last changes. When he got to Harry and Ginny, he shook his head disapprovingly.
"This will not do," he said aloud. "You and you switch," he said pointing at Ginny and Gabriella, Fleur's sister. Ginny reluctantly switched. "No, no, that still doesn't look right. Let me see, ah, you and you switch." He pointed to Gabriella and Hermione. Harry had trouble deciding who was more happy with the switch, Ron or Hermione. Hermione smiled at Harry and took his arm. "Much better," said the photographer.
"You can close your mouth now Harry," Hermione teased him. Harry quickly shut his mouth, and he felt his face burn a little. "That suit looks good on you."
"Thanks," he said finding his voice. "You look great by the way." Harry saw her blush a bit, but didn't get a chance to say anything else. The line started to move into the hall. The walked up the isle and separated at the end, Harry following the guys, Hermione following the other girls. There were quite a few people in the audience. Harry had the feeling some of them were looking at him. Then the audience got up, and the bride started walking down the isle.
*******
After the wedding, they filed out again and headed towards the ballroom, where the party would take place. Harry was again walking with Hermione, and heard her inhale loudly when they entered the room. The room was beautiful. There were lights and candles throughout the room. There were little lights near the ceiling, which Harry noticed to be little fairies. He, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Gabriella, and the boy that escorted Ginny all sat down at a table together near the dance floor. All the girls started to talk to each other about the wedding, while the guys talked about Quidditch. Harry noticed that Ron kept shooting glances at Hermione. When all the guest had sat down, the bride and groom were presented. Then the dinner started. The ordering was done like the Yule Ball. Harry had a delicious salmon with some French food he couldn't pronounce.
When everyone had finished eating, music started playing and Bill and Fleur started their first dance. Eventually, people started to dance along with them. Hermione leaned over to Harry and told him to go dance with Ginny. She said that "one dance wouldn't kill anybody." He agreed and asked Ginny to dance. Once the song ended, they returned to an empty table. They had just sat down when a boy came and asked Ginny for a dance. She accepted and went off with the boy. Harry saw her give one more look at him before she disappeared in the mass of people. A couple of minutes passed, and Hermione came back. She sat down, and her face was a bit red. She seemed a bit irritated at something.
"What's wrong Hermione?" Harry asked her.
"Nothing," she answered. "At least nothing important," she said as she gave him a smile. A new song started to play. "Oh, I love this song! Harry, come on. Dance with me!" Before Harry had time to answer, she had already grabbed his hand and was leading him to the dance floor.
"I'm a lousy dancer," he admitted to her.
"Nonsense!" she said. With that, she grabbed his hand and put it on her waist. Slowly they started to move.
"But," he started to say. He was quickly interrupted.
"Just relax and listen to the music," she assured him. "Move with the rythym." Harry did as he was told, and didn't say another word. He could now here the lyrics to the song.
What day is it? And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time
Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you..
"Do you have the feeling that someone is watching us right now?" he asked her.
"Yes," she answered. "But that's because Ron is glaring at you right now, and Ginny looks like she wants to Avada Kedavra me."
"Reminds me of the Yule Ball," Harry joked. He remembered that night perfectly. Ron was so jealous of Hermione. Harry could see why. His own jaw dropped when he had seen her that night.
All of the things that I want to say just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words
You've got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here
Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you.
"He was always so jealous," Hermione said. "He has no reason to be. It doesn't matter now anyway. He needs to grow up."
"I guess I understand why he was jealous. You did look pretty that night," Harry smiled at her. "Not that you look hideous the other days." She turned her face around from Harry's. He could see her face blushing a bit, as she looked at Ron, who scowled back.
There's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
Everything she does is beautiful
Everything she does is right
Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
The song eventually ended, but Harry kept dancing with Hermione. They talked about all different types of things. Then, Harry noticed Mrs. Weasley dancing merrily with Bill.
"She's in a very good mood," Harry said nodding towards Mrs. Weasley. It was hard to believe that a year ago, Mrs. Weasley did not want Bill to marry Fleur.
"Yea," Hermione said looking at Bill and Mrs. Weasley. "I'm so happy that she cheered up. I heard her crying to Mr. Weasley this morning."
"Why would she cry?" Harry asked.
"My guess is that they invited Percy, but as you can see, he's not here. I heard them talking about a letter. Who knows what he said to them?" She added. Harry felt a ping of pity for the Weasleys, but that was quickly ended with anger towards Percy. "Isn't it amazing," Hermione continued, "that brothers could be so different. Percy is not like any of his brothers. Everyone is involved in the Order, and then he goes off and turns-evil ."
"That reminds me of Sirius's family. Although, he was probably the one that was considered `bad'." Harry added. "Sirius brother turned out to be the favorite of that family."
"I didn't know Sirius had a brother," Hermione stated. "What was his name?" Harry thought for a moment, and then remembered looking at Sirius's family tree.
"Regulus," Harry answered. "He was younger than Sirius. His parents were thrilled when he became a death eater." Harry examined Hermione's face, he could tell that she was thinking about something.
"What happened to him?" Hermione asked. "He must have died in order for you to get Sirius's estate."
"Sirius said that he was killed by another Death Eater," Harry said casually. "Something about Regulus getting too deep inside, and then he tried to leave. Of course Voldemort gave the order for him to be killed."
"Interesting," Hermione said minutes later. Harry never found out what was `interesting'. The dancing stopped, and the cake was distributed. Everyone was having such a good time that Harry forgot to ask Hermione what was interesting. The night continued until dawn, and after the newlyweds left, the rest of the people started heading off. Harry went with Hermione and Ron up to the rooms. Minutes later, Harry was fast asleep.
Hours later, his sleep was interrupted by a happy shriek. Someone went over to his bed and laid a book next to him. Harry looked up and realized who it was.
"What is it Hermione?" he asked sleepily. He put on his glasses and looked at the book next to him, Pure-Blood Legacy.
"Regulus Black," Hermione said gleaming at him. "Look Harry," she said taking the book from him, and opening it to a marked page. She pointed to a name, and Harry read it.
"Regulus Augustus Black," Harry read. Something in his mind clicked. "That sounds familiar," Harry told Hermione. She gave him a bigger smile, and then Harry realized what he was thinking. "R.A.B." he calmly said. "But Hermione, that can't be."
"Everything fits Harry," Hermione interrupted. "He was a Death Eater, which means he could have found out about the Horcruxes. He was killed because he got too deep in. Voldemort killed him because he found out about the Horcruxes."
"But that would mean that he would have to have had someone else there to do what I did to Dumbledore," Harry said.
"Exactly," Hermione said, proud that Harry was figuring everything out. "It would have been someone smaller than an average man, not as powerful as a grown wizard, and someone that would do anything Regulus would tell it to do." Harry went down a list mentally in his head. Then an answer finally appeared in his thoughts. He gave a look to Hermione, and she nodded.
He got up from his bed, and with a powerful voice he yelled, "Kreacher!"
AN: Well, there's chapter three. I hope that it was worth while. I'm finding it hard to write chapter four. I have so many things to do, and school is taking up all my free time. I'll try to get chapter four done in a couple of weeks. It all depends on how much I get to write during labor day. Thanks for reading, and please review! Song credited to Life House- You and Me.
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