Harry Potter and the Onyx Spell Book

seleene_paris

Rating: PG13
Genres: Angst, Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 4
Published: 05/10/2005
Last Updated: 21/02/2006
Status: completed

The sequel to Harry Potter and the Girl Who Lived. As Harry, Ron, Heather, and Hermione adjust to their life as aurors-in-training, several of Voldermort’s followers plot to continue the work of their fallen leader. Will Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Heather be able to find the Onyx Spell Book in time to save the wizarding world from another possible resurrection of the Dark Lord?

Chapters

1. Getting Used to America

2. Welcome Back Potter

3. The Great Lakes Academy For Auror Training and Advance Magic

4. Mission Parameters

5. Revelations

6. Progression

7. An Inevitable Fight Scene

8. Another Inevitable Fight Scene

9. Gone

1. Getting Used to America

Harry Potter and the Onyx Spell Book

Authors:

S’Eleene Paris and SablesHuman seleene_paris@yahoo.com

Rated:

Strong PG-13 (LS)

Pairings:

Harry Potter/ Hermione Granger; Ron Weasley/ Other Character;

Draco Malfoy/ Other Character

Spoilers:

Books 1-4 (and small insignificant parts of 5)

Synopsis:

The sequel to Harry Potter and the Girl Who Lived. As Harry, Ron,

Heather, and Hermione adjust to their life as aurors-in-training, several of

Voldermort’s followers plot to continue the work of fallen leader. Will

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Heather be able to find the Onyx Spell Book in

time to save the wizarding world from another possible resurrection of the

Dark Lord?

Disclaimer:

J. K. Rowling owns all trademarks, rights, lefts, and even the hair follicles

belonging to the Harry Potter universe as does Warner Brothers (which is

an AOL Time Warner company.) We can use the stated trademarks with

out the direct consent of the stated above because We are using them for non-

profit and will continue doing so until we get the consent. Please keep our

names, the title, and the disclaimer attached when archiving. Thanks!

Acknowledgements:

-S’Eleene Paris would like to thank the following:

To all the members of the Third-Floor Corridor for their ever constant

support of all of my creative endeavors. Thanks also go to the members

of From S’Eleene Paris’ Desk and of Portkey for their constant feedback.

I especially want to thank Big E, Weathertracker, and Paula for their

assistance in the creation of the story. Of course SablesHuman, Thanks for helping

me getting the story off the back burner and putting it amongst the stars.

-SablesHuman would like to thank the following:

Chapter One

Getting Used to America

After several months of living in America, Harry Potter decided the

Americans were a lot like the British in many ways. In fact he had long

banished the British stereotype not too soon after his arrival. Having lived

in Surrey for the most of his life, the typical American was described as

rude, self-absorbed, loud, and arrogant due to the minimum amount of

American tourists to spend their summers there. Most of them stayed

near London as much as possible not truly noting the beauty which makes

up the rest of Southeastern England.

It was only after having met his little sister for the first time along with

several of her classmates after a disaster at their school and then meeting

her adoptive parents the stereotype had long faded. In fact it was due

to the generosity of the Nelsons, his sister’s parents, he too should stay

with them while he attended the Great Lakes Academy of Auror Training

and Advanced Magic at their expense.

Harry lay awake in bed; his head flat against the pillow while

Hermione slept on peacefully beside him. Soon, their alarm clock wouldn’t

serenely wake them and they would go to class as usual. The duo

had begun sharing a bed together only after several nightmares plagued

their last year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

and since their defeat against the Dark Lord they found it completely

natural to sleep together.

Harry rolled under his bed sheets and blankets to watch her sleep

as he did so many times after making love to her only a few hours prior.

Lovingly, Harry ran his fingers through her curly sandy brown hair then

trailed his hand to cup her face. Ron, Hermione, and him had practical

auror training this morning and his sister, Heather, would be home after a

long semester away at Hogwarts for the Christmas holidays this afternoon.

Harry smiled at the memory of when his sister informed her parents she was

going to attend Hogwarts instead of their beloved Chicago Institute of

Witchcraft and Wizardry.

“There would be a lot more time for studying at Hogwarts.” She

had insisted. “There aren’t as many activities for the students there and most

of them aren’t something I’d be interested in taking.”

“Are you sure you won’t get board and start causing chaos?” Roger

had asked. “I am sure Professor Dumbledore will be less permitting of such

activities.”

After not too much more debate between the three of them, Heather

Lillian Potter changed schools officially. Harry knew the real reason behind

the change; the memories of her year long dead ex-boyfriend and best friend

still plagued her in not only her thoughts but in her dreams.

Ron had mentioned something about her nightmares before she had

Left for Hogwarts a little more than four months ago. “She’s been kicking

and screaming in her sleep. I thought she was over that.”

“Harry, what’s wrong?” a voice called him out of his reminisces.

Hermione Granger’s eyes were open and Harry looked into their dark

Cinnamon depths.

“It’s nothing.” Harry smiled at her. “Just thinking back on a few

things.”

Hermione smiled at him and decided to change the topic. “We

need a date.”

“For what?” Harry smiled mischievously.

“For our wedding.”

“Oh, that.” Harry tousled a lock of her hair. “Well, we’re done with

auror basic training by May so we could do it then.”

“May?”

“Yeah.” Harry smiled at her. “Since promotion from boot camp is on

May second we could have the wedding on the fourth, since our families will

still be in town.”

“I take it Professor Dumbledore is allowing Heather to come back

for the ceremony.”

“Well, he and Professor McGonagall wanted to see us graduate.

Remus and Sirius want to be there and I know all the Weasleys will be

there. Your parents will be there as will the Nelsons, so everyone that I

want to be there will be.”

Hermione gave him a serious. “If you think I am going to wear

our uniform to the wedding you must be mental.”

“Well then, don’t.” Harry kissed her forehead. “Get the most

beautiful dress you can find and have Mrs. Nelson help you plan it.”

“You have to help too, you know.” Hermione rolled on to her

back from where she lay on her side. She sighed contently and then

their alarm clock went off.

“We’d better get up.” Harry said standing up and reclaiming

his boxers from the floor. “Otherwise that Goodie woman will be

on our arse.”

Hermione nodded her head in agreement and she quickly raced

for the bathroom; claiming the shower she didn’t take the night before

due to their activities. Harry, though tempted to join her, decided it would

be better if he dressed for the day because the last time he and Hermione

showered together they were late for class. To say the least their instructor

was not happy at their late arrival and made them clean their respective

bathrooms at the training facility without magic. Granted he felt the whole thing

was worth it, but he decided it wouldn’t look good for them to make a

repeat performance.

He quickly dressed in his black leather pants and black muscle shirt.

As Harry began putting on his black combat boots, Hermione exited the

bathroom sporting her white thong. She quickly dressed in her uniform:

black pair of leather pants, a form fitting black corset top, and a pair of

combat boots. Harry grabbed for their trench coats and his keys for

his car. “You know it never ceases to amaze me that you don’t wear

a bra with that outfit.”

“It would show lines. Besides, there is no way they are going

to go anywhere.” She smiled evilly as she indicated to her breasts. “I’m

still trying to figure out why they issued this sort of thing to begin with.

They’re not exactly something someone would wear to blend in the

crowd are they?”

“I think they were just trying to keep with the whole

stealth thing, Hermione.” Harry paused. “You riding with me

or Ron?”

“I think you’re smarter than that, Harry.” She turned around

after Harry helped her into her coat. Harry, Ron, and Hermione had

kept their Gryffindor house scarves from when they attended Hogwarts.

Since not very Americans knew about the trio’s beloved school they

knew it wouldn’t be so recognizable.

Professor Hazel Knut, their stealth instructor, noted. “One of the

Most important characteristics of a great auror is they have the ability to

Blend into a crowd until they are needed to be seen, and then blend back

Into the crowd once the situation has been neutralized with out leaving

What might identify them personally or the wizarding world in general.”

Harry smiled a the memory of Heather and him finding out their

Gemini scars had vanished from their foreheads once they had defeated

the Dark Lord in his seventh year. In a way the scar situation saddened him,

but Harry found out he would have had to learn to cover it by a spell because

it made him easier to identify. It was also because of this Harry opted for

lasik eye surgery to correct his vision once and for all. The surgeon guaranteed

his vision would stay clear and he would no longer need the aid of his glasses or

contacts (of which contacts would have been his second choice because his

glasses over the years had become a hindrance rather than accommodate).

As Harry and Hermione walked down the hallway, Ron met up with

them sporting a similar style of pants and boots, but instead of trench coat he

wore a bomber style jacket and a plain black t-shirt. He carried with him a

black handheld case with his “electronic” spell book inside and a black

motorcycle helmet. A smile plastered his face and he was practically bouncing

with every step he took. “She comes home today!”

Harry and Hermione laughed at their best friend’s exclamation. At first

Harry had resented his best friend and his little sister being together, let alone

engaged to be married. Now, he thought there wasn’t a better match he could

have made for either one of them. “Well, just keep your mind on task today

in class. As a major member of my squad, I need you to have a clear head

during our practical learning sessions in Stealth, Tracking, Dueling, and Drills

today.”

“Don’t worry, I will be.” Ron claimed.

Hermione rolled her eyes. “Kind of like how you kept your mind on

Task when you found out Heather was going to call you during their Hogsmeade

weekend?”

“This is different.” Ron sighed. “She’s actually going to be here! In

person! If it were Hermione, mate, you know you would feel the same way.”

“Probably, Ron, but I wouldn’t put my team in danger.” Harry

thought but said nothing.

“We’d better be going down to breakfast otherwise we won’t get

any.” Hermione mentioned and the three of them headed down to the

dinning hall. “So when does Heather come home?”

“After our stealth practical at four. We’ll have to be up at O’Hare

by five to make sure we are there to greet her.”

“Why isn’t she landing in Kankakee?” Harry asked as she and the

the other two climbed down the stairs of the main foyer to the dinning

hall.

“Roger’s plane is in for repairs and to say the least Heather isn’t

thrilled with flying commercial. At least it’s first class, so its not so bad.”

Ron noted as he adjusted the helmet in his grasp. “Mum and dad are

Keeping her car at the house until she gets back. She’s been teaching

Ginny how to drive it down the road during Hogsmeade weekends.

Mum’s not too thrilled about it.”

“Better Heather than Fred and George.” Hermione offered.

“That’s what I said.” Ron admitted at Harry pulled out Hermione’s

chair to allow her to sit down.

As soon as the three of them were seated Jonathon, the Nelsons’

Chef, brought them and Louise Goodie (the “beloved” Keeper of the

Household) their breakfast. “I thought I said I wanted my bread lightly

toasted and not buttered not black and buttered.”

“You know you could go out to eat. I’m not being paid to serve

you.” Jonathon began to pull away the toast to carry them off, but she

changed her mind and began eating the toast.

Ron snorted a laugh and dug into his omelet and whispered

To Harry and Hermione. “Why don’t the Nelsons just sack her? I

mean she really doesn’t need to be around does she? It’s not like she

has any real responsibilities.”

“Good morning all.” Roger Nelson sauntered into the dinning

hall where breakfast was being served. He wore a gray suit, a

slate blue tie. Harry knew this suit was one of the many the older

man wore when he went to the White house. “ Heather comes home

today.” He noted as he opened his date book. “I unfortunately can’t

meet her at the airport because I have a meeting with the President

this morning and the rest of the joint chiefs of staff at one thirty.

I can only imagine how long it will take us to get through it. Mrs.

Nelson has a charity event to go to after she gets off work at three

and will not be there either. Ron do you think you could pick her

up after your stealth practical?”

“I was already planning on it.” Ron smiled at his future

father-in-law.

“I am sure she would rather have you greet her anyway.”

“I’d highly doubt that, Mister Nelson.” Hermione offered

him. “She love you two very much.”

“We’d better be going.” Harry looked at his watch. “Otherwise

we’re going to be late.”

*****

The Leaky Cauldron buzzed with live as Draco Malfoy entered

the pub. It had been four months since he had graduated from Hogwarts

and he had a score to settle with certain school rivals for putting his

father into Azkaban prison. He was meeting someone there at the pub

help him with his personal mission of vengeance.

He knew where those rivals were. With his new girlfriend, Danielle

MacNeal, in the United States and him still having relations with certain

key members of the Hogwarts student population he could almost trace

every move they make. Draco walked over to the table after ordering his

drink to where he would meet his contact.

“Malfoy?” the dark cloaked figure asked.

“You must be Mister Pettigrew.” Draco offered his hand

almost gagging with the flattering words he knew he had to say in

order to get to the item he needed. “My father holds you in great

esteem.”

“Shh!” Peter silenced him. “It’s Wormtail. No one calls me

by that name anymore. Especially when I am suppose to be in

Azkaban.”

“How did you get out?”

“I took a page out of my dear friend Sirius’ Black’s

book and transformed into my animal form.” Wormtail exclaimed in

a low whisper. “I am an unregistered animagi.”

“Really?” An evil cloud began to form in Draco Malfoy’s

gaze. “I don’t suppose Potter knows this does he?”

“I suppose he would since his father was one of Sirius’

and my “friends” when we learned. Potter senior, though, took

the form of a stag.”

Draco handed the cloaked figure a galleon. “Where is it?”

“Where’s what?” Wormtail offered Draco his palm to indicate

he wasn’t going to release the information without proper payment.

“We agreed.”

Draco tossed him the sack of galleons and Wormtail counted it

before continuing. “I have it right here with me, but its going to cost

you if you want it.”

The Malfoy heir rolled his eyes and threw another bag of coins

in the Death Eater’s direction. The man opened the sack, counted it

Quickly, then put it in the pocket of his cloak. Wormtail glanced

Around the room to make sure no one was watching them. When he

Decided it was safe, he pulled out a book and handed it to him. “You’ll

Find everything you need inside here and what you can’t… well… I’m

sure you could find in Knockturn Alley for a reasonable price.”

Draco quickly took the book and tucked it beneath his robes.

“This better be worth what I paid for it, Wormtail, or you might find

yourself suddenly dead.”

Wormtail stood up to leave and said. “Oh it is, Malfoy. Its worth

It all.”

*****

Harry remained still as he waited to cue Hermione to stay

In her position. As he watched his fiancée move into position, he

checked on Ron’s condition. He still lay on the ground immobile

from a hit he had taken. He had been hit with a stunning spell, so

the damage he took would be minimum.

Hermione pulled her hair back into a ponytail before she

and the other members of their squadron walked into Thompson

Arena for their practical; to keep her bushy hair tamed out of her

face. She gestured the number two in Harry’s direction to indicate

how many of the other members of the squadron were with the

leader.

Harry nodded and gestured to two of their other teammates

Kamal Habib and Sarah Campbell to join Hermione on their team’s

surprise attack. As soon as the three of them were in range, Hermione

muttered a spell and stunned the leader of the other group. After she

did, the lights in the arena went to full power and the voice of their

instructor, Professor Hazel Knut, floated into their earpieces.

“Blue team leader neutralized. Red team wins. Take your “injured”

to the medical bay and I will debrief you shortly.”

Hermione walked back to help Harry carry their best friend

to the medical bay. “I hope there will be time for me to shower

before we leave here today.” Hermione mentioned as they left the

arena. “I need one.”

“Yeah, you do.” Harry smiled playfully at her, which earned him

a playful swat on the back of his head.

“You don’t smell like a bed of roses either.” She pointed out

once the three of them entered the medical bay.

The medi witch on duty escorted them to an empty bed.

Harry laid him down onto the bed as Hermione claimed he chair

next to it. “I’m glad they’re only stunners, but in real life they aren’t.

If she wants it to be practical why doesn’t she use real spells?”

Harry groused to Hermione. “When we fought Voldermort, bloody

Hell, we were lucky if he crucio-ed us.”

“That is because I do not feel we can loose students because

they were careless.” The voice of Professor Knut floated into his ears.

Harry grimaced to Hermione as she turned around to meet

eyes with the Stealth Professor. “Hello, Professor Knut.”

“Mister Potter, I know you and your friends defeated the Dark

Lord your last term at Hogwarts, but as disconsolate and extreme

that situation was, a team leader must understand that situation

was unique.” The Head of the Stealth and Tracking departments

mentioned as the medi witch, a certain Zoe Arnold, aroused Ron

out of his unconsciousness. “Since the Dark Lord is no longer in

power and you are no longer hunted by him there is no need to

feel like we have to train our aurors as if their lives hand on the line.

Since this is also just a training exercise we don’t feel the need to

use anything but disarming spells that don’t permanently harm the

students.”

“But Professor, don’t you think we should use other spells

because it would better prepare my fellow classmates to what really

happens in the real world?” Hermione continued on Harry’s behalf.

Professor Knut turned around and grinned evilly to herself.

“Mister Potter, I want you and the rest of your squadron to report

to me tomorrow morning and the rest of the week at seven. You

and your team will perform drills until you drop from exhaustion.”

Once the teacher left her students, the other members of

Harry’s squad approached him. “Hey, thanks a lot, Potter.” Anthony

Kenyon rolled his light blue eyes and tossed his shoulder length

blonde hair back over his shoulder.

“Yeah, man.” Kamal Habib pushed Harry in the shoulder

slightly with his dark ebony hand. “Next time why don’t ya just

ask her take away our squadron award. She might do it for ya.”

Harry said nothing as Hermione held him from lashing out

Physically. “Hey, Harry.” Ron called from the bed. “Did we win?”

“Yeah, but we unfortunately said something Professor

Knut didn’t like.” Harry mentioned in subdued tones.

“What is going to make us do this time?” Ron asked.

“She’s making us come to the school early and perform

drills.” Hermione answered as she looked down at her shoes. Harry

reached over and took her hand.

“AWW! Harry, Hermione, how could you?” Ron whined.

“Heather’s going to be home tonight and I was really hoping to

spend some quality time with her.”

“Please, Ron. Don’t go any farther than that.” Hermione

moaned. “I really don’t think I could handle the mental image.”

Ron sat up in the bed and rolled his eyes. “Its not like

you don’t enjoy “quality” time together, because I know you do.

I can hear you halfway down the hallway.”

Before either one could answer, Madame Arnold rushed

Over to the next bed where the blue squadron leader Emily Rose

lay passed out. “You’re fine, Mister Weasley, you may go.”

Ron, with the help of Harry and Hermione, stood up

and walked out of the hospital. Ron looked at his watch. “I

think we’ll have enough time to shower before meeting

Heather at O’Hare?”

“Yeah, let’s go.” Harry looked at his watch, then ordered

his squadron to hit the showers so he could go drown his

sorrows in steaming hot water.

*****

End of Chapter One.

2. Welcome Back Potter

Chapter Two

Welcome Back Potter

“Flight 682 from London to Chicago has now arrived at

gate B26.” the intercom rang through out the terminal and Ron

waited at the gate with a red rose in hand. Harry and Hermione

were waiting a few feet away also wanting for Harry’s sister,

Heather to come home for the Christmas holiday.

Once the unloading of the passengers begun, Ron rocked

back and forth from the heals to balls of his feet. Once he spotted

her coming off the plane, the two of them raced toward each other

to embrace. Ron kissed her passionately on the lips as he ran his

tongue around them expecting entrance in her mouth. She parted

them appreciatively to allow his tongue inside.

After a few minutes of heavy snogging, Harry cleared his

throat to make them realize both he and Hermione were still

there. “Sorry, Harry.” Heather stepped away from her fiancé and

hugged her soon to be sister-in-law and brother. “How are you

guys doing? How go your classes?”

“Well, concealment and disguise is going well. Harry and

Ron are doing just as well as I am.” Hermione offered.

“We had problems though in Stealth and Tracking today,

though. “ Harry admitted as he took Heather’s carry-on bag.

“You mean you two had problems in Stealth and Tracking

today.” Ron pointed at them as they headed down to baggage

claim.

“What do you mean?” Heather asked as she breathed in

the scent of the rose Ron handed her.

“Harry and I lost our tempers with our Stealth and Tracking

Professor, Professor Knut. She sentenced the entire squadron to

perform drills for the episode. We have to come in every morning

bright and early for the next week.” Hermione groaned.

“You lost your temper with Professor Knut? The Professor

Hazel Knut?” Heather’s eyes grew large in disbelief. “She’s the

best Stealth and Tracking teacher in the United States! How could

you loose your temper with her?”

“The woman is impossible.” Harry declared. “She must know

our Uncle Severus because they are a lot a like.”

Heather laughed. “Speaking of the devil, he and Aunt Petunia

Are expecting again.”

Silence emanated between the four of them until Harry,

Ron and Hermione came back from their shock. Harry was

the first to speak. “I know it’s rather weird, you know. The ages

between Dudley and this new baby after all are like what 18

years. Do they really want this baby or was it an accident?”

“I think we can safely assume an accident.” Ron grinned

evilly. “How far along is she?”

“She’s only in her first trimester.” Heather noted as the

four of the headed down the escalator.

Hermione decided to change the topic. “So, Harry and I

decided on a date for our wedding.”

“Really?” Ron and Heather exclaimed. “When?”

“May 4th.”

“That’s two days after graduation. Do you think you’ll have it

planned on time?” Ron asked.

“Well, with Mrs. Nelson’s help I think we will.” Harry stepped

off the escalator and he waited for the rest of his group to get off to

go to baggage claim.

“My mom’s helping you guys? Is she excited?”

“Well, we haven’t asked her yet.” Hermione admitted as

Heather pulled her luggage off the baggage claim and Ron carried

it out of the airport and to the car garage.

“I am sure she’ll say yes even though the beginning of spring

is probably one of the busiest times for her socially since it is the last

month before the season starts. Where am I putting my luggage?”

“The luggage will go in Harry’s car and you’ll ride with me.”

Ron said as Harry opened his trunk. Harry and Ron inserted the

luggage inside. After putting the luggage inside the trunk of Harry’s

Ford Mustang, Ron grabbed his two helmets from the back seat.

He handed Heather one and then started the bike.

“Ready to go?”

Heather nodded as she put the black helmet on and hopped

on the bike behind him. She took hold of his waist and Ron revved

the engine. Ron’s motorcycle lead the way out of the garage, off the

exit ramp, and out onto the highway.

*****

Danielle MacNeal strode down the hallway of her dormitory

with a large smirk on her face and the latest evidence of her perfection

at hand. She had just come from her student advisor’s office where

he presented her with a copy of his recommendation for Head girl.

Since Heather Potter no longer attended the Chicago Institute of

Witchcraft and Wizardry, she knew the Head girl ship was hers.

“Hey, Danielle.” Her roommate welcomed her once Danielle

opened the door. “How did your meeting with Professor Matteson go?”

“It went well.” Danielle said vaguely. “Any messages for me?”

“Yeah, some British guy named Draco Malfoy called. He said

it was rather urgent.”

Danielle smiled. “My dragon called?”

“Oh that was your boyfriend then?”

Danielle nodded as she went over to the phone and called the

number. She had bought Draco a cell phone while she was still in

England after the Chicago Institute did not have a fireplace and the

one in the lobby wasn’t private enough for the situation. Even Draco,

who had protested about muggle things at first, had liked the privacy

of the line. “Hey Draco, this is Danielle. What’s up?”

“I’ve got it.”

“You’ve got it?”

“That’s what I just said.”

“How much did that rat want for it?” Danielle asked

as she sat down on the arm of her couch.

“Too much.”

“Then why did you want to pay for it then?”

“I have my reasons.”

“And one of them wouldn’t be to impress a certain

American girl would it?”

“That wasn’t my reason, but it was an added plus.”

Danielle smiled. “Then what was your reason?”

“They are Mr. and Mrs. Scarhead, Mudblood Granger,

and Weasel.” Draco noticed Danielle’s irritation when he

mentioned Heather Potter. “What’s wrong? Potter isn’t back

at the institute is she?”

“As far as I know she’s still at Hogwarts.” Danielle stood

up and walked over to the window. “So you still are going to pick

me up at Heathrow?”

“If you’re still planning on staying here at the manor.”

“Only if your mum is still going to first your Aunt Bellitrix

and dad in Azkaban, then?”

“Yeah, then she’s going to visit some friends of hers from

Hogwarts.”

“Your mom only has the one sister?”

“The only one she talks to. She has another sister, but

she married a muggle.”

“Umm…Ew!”

“Tell me about it. My Aunt Adromeda has a child too. She’s

older than me and an auror.”

“I still can’t believe they would hire someone like her. Why

can’t they just restrict it like thy did in my great-great grandparents

day? Aren’t there better qualified wizards out there or they

really just that desperate?”

“I guess they couldn’t “find” any.” Draco rolled

his eyes. “I have to go. My mum wants me to see her off.”

“Tell your mum I said hello.”

“Will do.” Then Draco sheepishly added. “I love you.”

Danielle’s smile grew large. “I love you too.”

“I will see you when you get there.” Draco said before he

hung up the phone.

“Well?” Danielle’s roommate asked.

“Our plan is in the works.”

*****

By the time Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Heather made it

back to the Nelson estate, Roger and Virginia had returned home

from work and the charity event. They were sitting at the dinner

table waiting dinner on the rest of the inhabitants of the house.

“Welcome home, Miss Potter.” Louise Goodie said

half heart fully as James followed behind to retrieve Heather’s

luggage to put them in her room. “Your parents are waiting

dinner on you. I’d advise you to wash up quickly to prevent the

meal from being ruined.”

Heather nodded as she took off her coat and Ron took it

to hang in the closet by the door. Ron took off his boots and

followed Heather up the stairs to wash up. “Want some help?”

Heather chuckled as she opened the door to her bedroom

and Ron followed in behind. She shut the door behind him and

once again she made contact with his lips with her own. “I missed

you.” He mumbled against her lips.

“I missed you more.” She pulled away from him to look

into his eyes. “Let’s just get married now. I Los Vegas is nice

this time of year.”

Ron chuckled. “I think your mum and mine would have a

slight problem with that.”

“I think your right,” Heather laughed, “but I want to be your

wife.”

“And I want to be your husband.” Ron touched her forehead

to hers. “We just have to wait until you’re out of Hogwarts.”

She looked at him oddly. “Is that all it would take?”

“Yeah, because by then you’ll be of age…”

Heather pulled back and grinned at him. “What if I had

graduated early?”

“Like how early?”

“Like at the end of this term.” Heather bit her lip in hopes

he would understand what she was trying to help him.

“I thought you had to be 18 to graduate.” Ron was confused

more than ever.

“Only if I graduate from a school in the States. Professor

Dumbledore had the examiners for the N.E.W.T.s come back

early just right before Christmas. He had a professor from the

Great Lakes Academy begin my Auror training at the beginning of

Term and told me I would be joining your squadron at the beginning

of next term.” Heather said in one breath.

“Really?” Ron almost laughed. Now it was clear why their

squadron sergeant had left a vacancy in their team. “You’re the

team member Professor Duckhorn told Harry about.”

“Yeah, Paula Duckhorn is a friend of not only my parents but

Albus Dumbledore. They set it all up with head Auror Nicholas

Alexandrea. He was great to come all the way to Hogwarts to help

to train me.” Heather mentioned. “Did you know my godfather’s

cousin was an auror?”

“No, I didn’t know that.” Ron looked down at her hands, noting

Heather still wore her engagement ring. “ You know when you become

an auror you won’t be able to wear your ring.”

“I know that’s why I don’t normally wear it to my classes.”

Heather watched his reaction. It wasn’t my choice not to wear it.

If it were up to me I would wear it and never take it off.”

“I know.” Ron cupped her face with his hand. He gazed

deeply into the Chocolate depths of Heather’s eyes. A wall of

silence fell between the two until Heather decided she couldn’t

stand it anymore.

“Ron, I know you have to get up early tomorrow, but I

need you tonight.” Heather pleaded, longingly. “Make love to

me tonight.”

Ron kissed her cheek softly. He nodded but before

he could verbalize it, a knock on Heather’s door told them

they need to be getting down to dinner. “We’d better go.”

Heather nodded and opened the door to her bedroom.

Ron and her walked down the corridor, down the stairs, and

into the dinning room to eat.

Heather’s parents, Harry, and Hermione were in mid-

conversation. Virginia Nelson’s expression made Heather

smile for her eyes were large and she was listening attentively

to what Hermione was saying. It was obviously to Heather,

Hermione had just asked Mrs. Nelson to be her wedding

planner. “I know a great cake baker whom I know would

love to do your wedding cake.”

“That would be nice.” Hermione nodded her greeting

as Heather sat down on the chair across from Harry.

“Trust me, you’ll love it!” Mrs. Nelson assured them,

but from the look on Hermione’s face; she wasn’t quite

convinced.

Mr. Nelson decided to talk to his daughter.

“How was your trip, honey?”

“It was good.” Heather nodded.

“It went well, Heather. Please speak proper

English. “ Virginia nagged, then went back to her

conversation about the wedding with Harry and

Hermione.

“Yes mum.” Heather paused, then leaned

in closer to her father. “I am just glad it’s finally over.”

“I’d bet.” Mr. Nelson cut his steak and dabbed it

in the steak sauce. “At least you won’t have to worry

too much about the return trip.”

“I know.” Heather agreed as her plate was placed

in front of her. “When will you send for my car?”

“I have already contacted Arthur Weasley and

as soon as the cargo section of the jet is fixed Ron’s

father has already agreed to bring it to the airport.”

“Heather, you’re going to be going back to

Hogwarts in a few weeks. Do you really need to bring

your car over here when you are just going back?”

Harry asked as he only caught the trail end of their

conversation as he grew tired of hearing about

Mrs. Nelson’s plans for his and Hermione’s wedding.

“That would be true if I would be going back

to Hogwarts.”

“Then you’re going back to the Institute?”

Hermione asked as Mrs. Nelson stopped talking when

she heard Heather was not going back to Hogwarts.

“No, I am going to be attending the Great Lakes

Academy for Auror Training and Advanced Magic.”

Heather grinned playfully at the tree people who didn’t

already know her plans.

“But you’re not of age!” Virginia protested. “Not

to mention its extremely dangerous to be an auror. Why

would you want to go into a field and have a high

possibility that you could get seriously injured or even worse

killed? Merlin, Lily and James would kill us if they knew

we would let you do something like that.”

“James was an auror. Lily was an unspeakable. Both

very highly dangerous jobs, my dear. Heather would just be

following a proud line of her family and doing something to

protect society.” Roger defended as he took a drink of his

glass of Merlot.

“Not to mention, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were my

age when they applied for Great Lakes.” Heather gestured

toward the three of them. “Besides, Hogwarts won’t allow

me to return now that I have taken my N.E.W.T.s and

graduated early. It was all planned so I could graduate

with them.”

“Wait.” Harry exclaimed, exasperated. “You’re the

person Sergeant Duckhorn told me about? The team

member who would be joining us this up coming

semester?”

Heather smiled and nodded vigorously. Harry and

Hermione looked at each other as if they were waiting for the

other to speak for them. “Are you sure about this Heather?”

Hermione asked once Harry nodded at her for her to speak.

“I mean you haven’t been on our squad since the beginning

of term.”

“I have been training all semester and I head auror

Alexandrea came over to train me personally while classes

at Hogwarts continued. He was also helped the new

Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor with her lessons.”

Heather took a bite of her potatoes.

“That’s exactly my point, you may have been

training with one of the professors, but you haven’t

been able to establish the bonds with our squadron.”

Hermione offered.

“So, you don’t want me on your squadron?”

Harry caught the defensive tone in her voice and he

Knew whatever Hermione said next could be dangerous.

“That’s not what I am saying.” Hermione sighed and

Harry knew she was trying to chose her words carefully to

avoid the battle between them going to a full out World War III.

“I’m just not sure if you’re really ready to join our squad.”

“Professor Alexandrea thought so.” Heather was growing

more irritated and Harry knew there was no way of getting around

her temper this time. “He felt that I needed to join the squad now

otherwise I would have to join up next year. To be honest, I think

I should have waited now.” Heather abruptly stood up and left the

room.

Hermione rolled her eyes irritably and Ron was the first

to speak. “Come off your giant’s shoulder, Hermione.”

“It’s my fault, really, Ronald.” Hermione rolled her eyes

sarcastically. “Every time something or someone doesn’t go

or think her way she grows mad and throws a temper tantrum.”

“It’s not like that at all, Hermione.” Ron defended.

“Oh, really?” Hermione huffed. “Then I’d really like to

know what it was.”

Ron said nothing, but Harry knew it wasn’t out of lack

of an answer. Hermione took the lack of an answer as if he

didn’t know how to respond rather than an a desperate attempt

to control his temper. “I think the lack of an answer means you

agree with me.” Hermione took her fork and knife and began

cutting her meal. Ron abruptly stood up and as he walked out

magically knocked over the rest of the chairs and shattered the

glass of the portraits on the wall.

No one spoke a word until he left. When he did, Mrs.

Nelson sighed. “I just replaced that glass.” Mrs. Nelson began

to pull out her wand, but Louise Goodie beat the mistress of the

house to it.

“Reparo.” She muttered and the glass and broken pieces

of the chair repaired themselves. She quietly sighed and muttered

to herself. “This family is completely crazy.”

3. The Great Lakes Academy For Auror Training and Advance Magic

Chapter Three

The Great Lakes Academy of

Auror Training and Advanced Magic

The tension between Hermione, Ron, and Heather continued

and grew more as the night wavered on. Harry felt it he didn’t help the

situation when he mentioned something to Hermione about handling

the situation differently since she was after all his second in command.

After waking alone in his bed for the first time in a long time,

Harry knew he had to take car of the situation before it affected their

grades. Harry stood up and his aching, tired muscles screamed in

protest of their over use. He ignored them and went to his bathroom

to take a shower. Fortunately, he didn’t have a Stealth and Tracking

practical today, but the strain of his sister officially joining the team

today; he didn’t think he could handle too much more.

Harry quickly dressed in the squad’s regulation drill uniform

which consisted of a pair of black nylon windbreaker pants with a

matching jacket. On the legs and the arms of the pants and jacket

were two large vertical red stripes. Harry placed his red beret on to

his head and stored his wand in his wand holster on the inside of

his jacket while he opened the bedroom door and walked out. As Harry

began to saunter down the hallway, Hermione stepped outside of her

room with her wand in hand. “Morning.” He greeted and she blissfully

ignored him.

Dressing identical to him, her pants swished as her well formed

legs rubbed against them. Harry jogged after her as she began walking

down the corridor. “Hermione, this has to stop.”

“What has to stop?” Hermione gave him an innocent look

as she turned around to face him. Harry saw right through it.

“Knock of the innocent act. You know what he bloody hell

I am talking about.”

“Really, Harry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Hermione turned back around, but Harry grabbed her arm;

determined to get the situation eased.

“You know damn well what I’m talking about.” Hermione

could feel the building sake and the crystal chandelier’s intricate

bead work jingled slightly. Hermione knew it was because over the

course of the past few months, Hermione noticed his powers were

growing more powerful and more rapidly than she had before. She

had a feeling he could soon easily match his younger sister and

give her a run for her money.

Hermione sighed and tired to figure out how to say what

exactly what she meant without tripping Harry’s already ready

temper. “Harry, do you really think Heather should join the team?

I mean, she is rather young and…”

“Heather would be an asset to out squadron, Hermione.

Her wand-less magic ability alone is more than worth it to keep

her.” Harry tried to explain to her his reasoning. “I really would hate

to loose the chance to have my sister on our team. She’s already

bonded with four of us and that is the majority of the team. How

much more does she really need.”

“Harry, its not just that.”

“Then what else is there?”

Hermione crossed her arms in defiance. “What else do you

think there is?”

“I don’t know, Hermione. I’m not a mind reader.” Harry sighed

as he threw up his arms in exasperation. “Look, put your personal

thoughts of my sister aside. Don’t you think she deserves a chance

to prove herself? Doesn’t the squadron deserve the chance to see

if she can become the asset I think she will be?”

“Harry, I know your sister’s temper. All it would take for her to

loose it would be for someone to say something she doesn’t like.”

Hermione sighed. “I think this is a big mistake, but if you want to give

her a chance, then Harry, then give her the chance. The only one

who can make this decision is you. You’re squadron leader and what

ever you decide is best.”

Harry sighed and then wrapped his arms around her and kissed

her forehead. “Hermione, you’re opinion means the most of all to me.

You’re my reason, Hermione.”

At this Hermione smiled. “You’re reason?”

“Yeah, my logic. You can always see reasoning when I can’t.

Remember in third year when Sirius sent me that Firebolt?” Harry

thought back to prove his point. “You knew it was from him and you

did the right thing.”

Hermione grinned. “Its nice to see we finally see eye to eye on

that.”

Harry almost laughed. “Yeah it is. Just give her a chance, okay?

She deserves it after what happened last year.”

Hermione nodded as she leaned against him to breathe in his

scent. “You didn’t have to come and rescue me.”

Harry chuckled as he took her had and began walking down

the corridor. “Yes I did. You know me; I always have to be the hero.”

*****

Heather Potter knew the moment she stepped into her brother’s

inner circle, she and his girlfriend wouldn’t be able to get along the

majority of the time. Hermione and her were like fire and water; they

rarely got along.

As Heather reclined at the table in her drill uniform, she quietly

held Ron’s hand in support. Today would be her first day in full uniform

with her squadron. Ron blissfully ate his breakfast as he held her hand

and would squeeze it on occasion to assure her things would be alright.

“Heather, you’ll do fine. Eat already. It will be a long time before lunch.”

“I know,” Heather poked at her egg bake half heart fully, “I’m just

not hungry.”

“You’re just nervous. That’s all.” Ron consoled her as he grabbed

a piece of toast with his free hand. “Trust me, eat something. You’ll feel

better.”

To satisfy the boy, Heather took a small bite of the food on her

plate. “I wonder if Harry and Hermione are still fighting.”

Ron took the sudden change of topic as a clear sign she didn’t

want to talk about food or the Great Lakes Academy for Auror Training

and Advanced Magic for the time being. “Knowing your brother and

Hermione, I think its very possible they are still mad at each other. I mean

Look at what happened in our third year…”

Heather gave him a confused look. “What did happen in your

third year?”

“You mean Hermione never told you?” Ron’s eyes went wide in

mock shock. You mean, Hermione “I read Hogwarts: A History more than

a thousand times and mock anyone who hasn’t” Granger didn’t tell you

about it?”

Heather shook her head. “Neither did Harry.”

Ron laughed. “Well to make a long story short, Harry was sent a

Firebolt by your Godfather. Now this is before he wasn’t a raving massive

murderous lunatic.”

“Let me guess,” Heather held up a hand to pause his train

of thought, “Hermione turned it in so she could make sure there

wasn’t any spells or enchantments that weren’t suppose to be

on it.”

“Basically.”

“I’m willing to bet anything he wasn’t exactly too happy

with her mothering him like that.”

“To say the least. I can only imagine what would have

happened if he had half the powers you do.” Ron chuckled, but

once he noticed Heather’s serious expression, he stopped.

“Its not that he doesn’t have my powers and in all actuality,

his powers surpass mine in many ways. He can teleport, what you

call apperation, in short distances with out the aid of an incantation.

I know I haven’t been able to learn incantation-less magic. With the

proper training and enough confidence, which his main problem, he

could easily match Professor Dumbledore.” Heather took another

bite of her egg bake. “After all, he is the first born child of two very

powerful wizards of their own right and as soon as he taps into

them he will be too.”

“Harry can teleport without an incantation?” Ron exclaimed.

“He never told me that.”

“Yes, I did that a grand total of once.” Harry’s voice floated

into their ears. Ron and Heather looked up to Harry entering the

room with Hermione. “Some of Dudley’s gang once tried to beat

me up in Elementary school, so I jumped behind some garbage

cans, thinking I’d be behind them, but somehow, I ended up on the

roof. This is before I knew I was a wizard, so I thought a strong wind

put me there.”

Hermione swatted his arm playfully as Harry pulled out her

Chair. “You never told me that.”

“I did it once,” Harry defended. “I’ve never been able to do

it since.”

“With the proper training, you could.” Heather offered. “Like I

said, Ron, he’s way more powerful than me. He can speak

parseltounge and I can’t. You know how rare a gift that is.”

“Only because a murderous deranged wizard gave me the

ability.” Harry took his seat next to his fiancée.

“True, but you do have the power never the less.” Heather

buttered her toast. “I can only imagine what powers that son of

a hag gave me if he gave you that. Thank Merlin, I haven’t found

out otherwise I might have to break stuff.”

Harry chuckled. “He probably gave you your temper.”

“You’re probably right.” Heather took another bite of

her meal. “So are we going out this afternoon for lunch or

staying on campus?”

“Well, I think we’ll stay on campus today since it is

your first day.” Hermione offered. “I think you’d like your

initiation to the squad done and over with the first day.”

“Initiation? No one ever said anything about an

initiation.”

“Does she really have to do it, Hermione? I mean

technically, she’s been a member since day one.”

“And she didn’t go through Initiation week, Ronald,

so she has to.”

“What do I have to do?”

Hermione grinned evilly and said nothing. Heather

gulped audibly; deciding she did not like it when Hermione

did that.

*****

The clock in the tower chimed the hour as Professor

Albus Dumbledore paced his office in deep thought. The quill

on his desk danced on the piece of paper it was taking notes

on. The portraits of the former Headmasters snoozed carelessly

in their oil canvases. The current Headmaster took a moment

from his nervous movements to wonder if any of them shared

his anxiety toward any similar situation like one at hand.

The danger of Voldermort returning this time were very

slim compared to what it had been eighteen years ago, but

the item found amongst the ruins that once had been the Riddle

mansion hadn’t been completed, laying in the hands of the

some of his best pupils’ enemies. When Harry Potter had

graduated, the Headmaster knew he wasn’t ready to leave

and no where near his full potential, but he had no choice

in the matter. He could no longer attend the school due to

his age.

A Knock on the door interrupted his thoughts and

Professor McGonagall entered his study. “You wanted to

see me Albus?”

The Headmaster smiled at her warmly. She had

promptly left the comforts of her canopy four poster feather

bed to find out what the headmaster wanted. Her nightgown

and robe swayed a little behind her as she walked towards

him. The Headmaster grew serious. “We have a dangerous

situation on our hands, Minerva, and several lives are

endangered if we don’t act quickly.”

“What’s wrong, Albus? He-who-must-not-be-named

has been defeated. What else could happen now?”

“I am afraid that a tool of Voldermort’s is now in the

hands of some of his future Death Eaters.” Professor

Dumbledore took a seat at his desk after he petted his

Phoenix’s head gently. Fawkes closed his eyes to enjoy

the moment, then suddenly burst into flames and turned

into ashes. “I have sent for the only people who know them

and their abilities well enough to be any real hindrance to

their plans; however, they will be in need of some training

to be able to handle the book. At least their leader will for

sure.”

“I hope you’re not talking about who I think you’re

talking about.”

“Unfortunately, Minerva, I am.” Professor

Dumbledore opened the book on his desk. “If Harry Potter

does not come to complete his training with his new

powers, of which only are just coming to him, the Onyx

Spell Book could mean not only the end of him, but our

world as we know it. I have sent word to the Headmaster

of the Great Lakes Academy and has agreed the proper

training must be completed as soon as possible and

he is sending us the entire red squadron.”

“That means Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley, and Ms.

Potter will be with them. “ Professor McGonagall calculated

in her head. “We must prepare for their arrival.”

“I’ll have Professor Flitwick place a shatter-less

curse on the windows and trophy cases.” The

Headmaster grinned playfully once he stood up to greet

his phoenix into the world once again.

*****

Heater had not expected she too had to perform

drills until she “dropped from exhaustion”. In fact, she had

thought because the situation had taken place in her absence

she would do something other than this, but as Professor

Knut had explained: It didn’t seem to be fair to allow her to

be omitted from the exercise because it had been her leaders,

the ones who spoke for the entire squadron, who had

questioned the command. Even though this was the last

day of their disciplinary action (It had been extended to

eight weeks worth after several protests from her fellow

team members.) it still remained yet another exhausting day

that her limbs were drained due to a series more drills they

were not accustomed to.

Heather pointed her wand at the target, frustrated

she even had to use the device to concentrate her spell to

hit the target. It would have been more effective for her to

use her wand-less magic, but wand-less magic couldn’t

be traced well by the Department of magic and she would

have been accused of not doing the exercise according

to procedure. “Damn her “if one fucks up we all will” policy.”

Heather’s mind screamed as she dodged the reflection of her

spell from the target. Heather took a second to look down

the row to where her brother just dodged yet another spell.

Hermione wasn’t as lucky as a spell came toward

Her. Ron tried a shield charm, but it was useless. It hit the

both of them and they fell to the ground. As this happened,

Heather felt the ground shake in a violent tremor. The

target split in two and limply fell from where it hung on the

wall.

As the tremors stopped, the rest of the red squadron

looked fearfully at Heather who held up her hands in protest.

“It wasn’t me this time.”

“Then who was it, Heather? Surely it wasn’t…” Ron

stopped as his gaze floated to his best friend.

Heather grinned knowingly at her brother. “That was

really good, Harry. Next time, though, you may want to use

your wand. Professor Knut already warned me against

using my wand-less magic.”

“Did I really?” Harry looked at his hands in disbelief.

“I knew it was only a matter of time, Harry.” Hermione

stood up from where she fell on her knees and hugged him

tightly. “Congratulations.”

“Yes, congratulations.” The voice or Professor Knut

called from the doorway. With a straight face, she called to

him. “Mister Potter, you will come with me to my office. Your

Squadron Sergeant and I would like a few words with you.”

Harry nodded as he stood up on his feet from where

he knelt to dodge the last spell and followed the Stealth

Professor to her office. Once there, he claimed a winged

arm chair across the desk from Professor Duckhorn claimed

the Stealth Professor’s chair. “I’m sorry, Cadet Potter, but I

must be blunt. Your squadron has been called up for active

duty.”

“Active duty? Sergeant, I’m sorry, but I really do

not feel my squadron…”

“Neither do I, but naturally of course, you and a few

other members of your squadron are the experts on the

situation at hand and your cooperation has been ordered.”

“Experts? What do you mean, Sir?”

“I’m not allowed to say at the present moment in

time. You and your squadron will go home and pack your

gear. You’ll leave immediately and get more information

when you return.” Professor Duckhorn leaned forward

in the chair. “The wizarding world needs you more now

than ever.”

“But what if my squadron doesn’t accept this

mission, sir?” Harry folded his arm defiantly. “Sir, you haven’t

told us anything that we really couldn’t have already

have figured out and that its top secret.”

“He told us he would probably say that.” Professor

Knut offered the Sergeant.

“He also said he would take it.” Professor Paula

Duckhorn tossed back at her. “Dumbledore wouldn’t lie

to us like that.”

“Dumbledore?” Harry sat up in his seat. “What does

Professor Dumbledore have to do with this, sir?”

“You’d better go and pack if you want to find out,

Potter.” Professor Knut offered. “Classified.”

Harry groaned, knowing he wasn’t going to get any

farther with them. “Sir red squadron accepts this mission,

if it is from Dumbledore, can we expect we will be at

Hogwarts?”

The squad sergeant said nothing on the matter

other than. “You’re dismissed, Cadet. Go pack and be

ready to leave at 1600 hours.”

“But sir, you never said what my squadron is

risking their lives for. I think we should know up front

if we’re going to be risking our lives for.”

“Cadet Potter, if I were able to at this point in

time to acquaint with you the specifics of this mission,

I would. For now, I suggest you prepare for the mission

at hand before I decide to take away your command

of the unit and send you anyway.” Professor Duckhorn

shot Harry a warning glance. “Is that crystal clear, Cadet?”

“Sir, yes sir.”

“Good. Go and inform your squadron to pack and

I will see you at 1600 hours.”

*****

End of Chapter.

4. Mission Parameters

Chapter Four

Mission Parameters

As the group made their way from Hogsmeade station

to the castle, the red team members who never attended

Hogwarts gawked in awe, much like Harry had done on his

first visit to the castle. “That’s Hogwarts?” Sarah Campbell

gaped.

Hermione nodded. “Yes, that’s Hogwarts.”

“And the four of you went here?” Sarah asked still

bug eyed.

“Yep.” Heather confirmed. “Wait until you get inside.

The Great Hall is utterly gorgeous!”

The seven of them were in a horseless drawn carriage

and Harry had a feeling he carriage had been expanded to

accommodate all of them. “Yet, again.” Harry thought pensively

as he stared out the window at the approaching school. “I have

to play the hero. Why can’t it be someone else for a change?

Why can’t I just be Harry?”

Hermione caught the look in his eyes as he continued to

stare out the window. Hermione placed her hand on his upper

thigh and no matter how often she had done this, he always

would turn his attention to her. “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing really.”

Hermione tapped her foot on the floor, full knowing he

was being preoccupied for one reason or another. “Are you

Okay?”

“Jet lag.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure.” Harry put his hand on her cheek and caressed

it.

“A lot has always been expected from you. Are you sure

being an Auror is what you want to do, Harry. It’s a very high

profile job.” Hermione offered.

“Honestly, I’m not too sure anymore.” He admitted.

“Really, anything I do will put me in the spotlight somehow.”

“Come off it, Harry. You still upset about the local

newspaper picking up the story about your and Hermione’s

little outburst?” Anthony rolled his eyes.

“I wouldn’t have had a problem with our school’s

newspaper releasing the story, but having it in the Daily

Shaman put it on the newspaper wire and the Daily

Prophet picking it up is rather embarrassing.”

“You are a high profile character, Harry.” Kamal

offered.

As Hermione opened her mouth to respond, Sarah

made a comment. “Why the hell couldn’t we just apperate?

It’d be a whole lot quicker.”

Harry almost laughed as Hermione rolled her eyes and

commented back. “Because you can’t. Hogwarts has several

protection spells placed upon it. Anti-apperation wards is just

one of them. Honestly, haven’t you read Hogwarts: A History?”

“Can’t say I have, Hermione.” Anthony continued

to watch the castle grow closer as they approached from

where he sat across from Harry. “You think it might be

prudent for us to?”

“Prudent?” Hermione almost looked offended. “More

like life or death reading.”

“Don’t listen to her.” Ron laughed. “I didn’t read the

book and I even went to the school. Its not life or death.”

“However,” Heather offered, “It might be a good idea

if they did. We went to the school. We know a lot of the

secrets within the school grounds. They haven’t got a clue.”

“When I went to Salem Academy, we came over

for the Quidditch World cup. I had heard here were other

wizarding schools across Europe. I always thought

Hogwarts was in London.” Sarah smiled as she looked

out the window on the other side of the carriage. “I would

have never have guessed Scotland. My ancestors are from

the Dollar area. My Great-Great-Great-Great grandparents

to be exact.”

“I’ll take it you never thought you’d get a chance to

come here?” Kamal smiled at her knowingly.

“Not really.” Sarah breathed and she continued to

stare out the window at the approaching landscape. “I

wonder if Castle Campbell is this picturesque.”

Before anyone could respond, the carriage stopped

in front of the entrance of the school building. Everyone

inside of the carriage climbed out. They were greeted

by Sergeant Duckhorn standing on the front steps in

full stealth gear. “Your suitcases have been taken to

your tower; however, I had the house elves pull your

stealth uniforms. They are in the corresponding

bathrooms on the Third-Floor. Change quickly and

return in ten minutes in the hall outside of the Great

Hall. We’ll make our presence known then at their

dinner. Dismissed.”

*****

Once the boys had finished changing, the

group formed outside of the Great Hall. The loud

chattering of the Hogwarts students ready to begin their

dinner echoed down the hallway and through out the

closer hallways of the building. Harry Potter stood

as nervous has he had been the night of his sorting

ceremony, against the wall waiting for his second-in-

command and his commander to return.

“Bloody hell,” Ron complained, “how long does

it take for one girl to change?”

Harry only nodded in an absentminded agreement,

but his mind was on other things. With his head lowered,

looking at the stone floor, Harry remained silent until Ron

pushed him slightly, trying to get his attention. “What, sorry.

I was thinking.”

“Merlin, Harry! What is wrong, mate? Its very

difficult to talk to you when your distant like that.” Ron

laughed.

“A lot. We have graduation coming up along with

Hermione and my wedding. Now this whole thing. Why

can’t I just have a normal life like everyone else?”

“Because you’re Harry “the-boy-who-lived” Potter.”

Ron continued to chuckle. “The-boy-who-defeated-him-

again, now too. Face it, Harry. You’re never going to have

a normal life, mate. You’ve never had one to start with.”

Harry nodded. “That’s true, but I never wanted

any of the fame. I just wish I could live a nice quiet life.

Maybe even have a couple of kids.”

“I’d bet Hermione would like that.”

“I wouldn’t mind giving them to her, but I don’t

know if she’d want to be in the spotlight like that.” Harry

sighed. “Like I always seem to be.”

“If you thin being in the spotlight would have scared

her away, she would have been long gone a long time ago.”

Ron laid a comforting hand on his best friend’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry so much, Harry. It will turn out in the end. It

always does.”

Sergeant Duckhorn took this moment to walk back

to were the boys were standing. “Cadet Potter, where is the

rest of your squadron?”

“They have yet to report, sir.”

“Good grief! You’d think they were getting ready for

the Prom. I’ll go after them…” Sergeant Duckhorn trailed

off as she heard foot steps coming down the stair well.

“It’s about time…”

Instead of three ladies like she had been expecting,

Only one showed up halfway running toward them. “Sorry,

I’m late. I got lost, Sir.” Sarah Campbell hurried over to them.

“Where are Cadets Potter and Granger?” their

Squadron Leader asked as she tapped her foot on the

hard floor.

“I suppose still in the bathroom, sir. I thought I had

been the one who got lost until a Mister Filtch mistook me

for a student and I had to ask him where the Great Hall was

located, sir.” Sarah tried to explain. “Sir, Cadet Granger said

she needed to talk to Cadet Potter alone and asked me to

go ahead and go without them.”

“I suppose I should go and get them. Wait here until

I return.” Sergeant Duckhorn turned and began walking to the

stairwell where Hermione and Heather were exiting. “Tardy

again, Cadet Granger? Cadet Potter?”

“I’m sorry, sir. It was my fault.” Heather quickly

explained. “The trip hadn’t agreed with me and I got sick

so Hermione had to run to see the school nurse. Sir once

she discovered Madame Pomfrey already went to dinner,

Hermione took the necessary potions and administered

them herself.”

“You feel better?”

“Sir, yes sir.”

“Then join your squadron. Line up in order and

follow me.” The Sergeant opened the doors to the

Great Hall and walked inside. The once lively and loud

room filled with students quickly dropped to a dull roar.

The team of aurors-in-training walked down in

formation two at a time, except for Harry who followed

right behind the Sergeant. Once in front of the Teacher’s

table, he waited for the other members to flank him. First

it was Ron and Hermione, then Heather and Sarah, then

Anthony and Kamal.

The Headmaster stood and eyed them carefully.

He shook the hand of Sergeant Duckhorn before saying

a few words to the assembled squadron. “I welcome you

on behalf of Hogwart’s students, faculty, and staff. To you

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Heather, I welcome back.” He

smiled genuinely as he leaned in closer to the group;

winking at the Potter siblings. “I almost didn’t recognize

the two of you. Especially you, Harry.”

The four who had once attended the school chuckled.

“Allow me to announce your arrival to the rest of the school

before I ask you to join the Gryffindors at their table so we

may begin our feast.”

The Headmaster then turned to the school’s student

Body. They immediately silenced to hear what their school’s

Leader had to say. “I have an announcement to make before

We become engorged in the feast. Here standing before you

is the Red Squadron of the Great Lakes Academy for Auror

Training and Advanced Magic. They have asked us the use of

our school grounds to acquire other means of training of which

they cannot receive while at their school in the United States

of America. They are our guests and I expect each and

everyone of you to treat them with the same respect you would

anyone of our Professor in this establishment. After dinner

tonight, I will discuss the specifics of their stay with the

squadron. For now, please escort your team, Cadet Potter,

to the Gryffindor table. Tuck in!”

With the command, the food magically appeared

on the tables for the feast. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and

Heather found empty spaces next to Ron’s sister, Ginny,

at the end of the table and Kamal, Sarah, and Anthony

joined them. “Why didn’t you guys tell me about you

coming back to Hogwarts?” Ginny asked as she

slapped Heather on the arm.

“Honestly, Ginny, if we would have been able to

you think we wouldn’t?” Heather took a chicken breast

from the platter in front of her and placed it onto her

plate.

“Not to mention if we would have known in the

first place we would have told you.” Harry commented

as he took a rather large pile of chips and placed them

on his plate next to the cup of melted cheese.

“How long have you guys known about this

then? Its not a part of your training, I take it?”

“About twenty-four hours…give or take.”

Hermione offered. “Not that we know much about

this ourselves.”

“myep twop ecert.” Ron mumbled as he

began devouring several chicken legs all at once.

“Translation?” Sarah asked Heather.

“He said, “Yep, its top secret”.”

“Well, you have to come and visit us in the

Gryffindor Tower. The password, Heather, still is

“My Uncle Severus Snape is a dick”.”

*****

“But Professor, I already destroyed his

journal. In second year, in the chamber of secrets.”

“Yes, and that is only the beginning, I am sure

of the books that brought him Dark magic. The Onyx

Spell book must be destroyed or we may face another

resurrection of the Dark Lord.” Professor Dumbledore

began to pace the floor of his office. The seven members

of the Red Squadron watched him as they sat there, in

rather comfy arm chairs, listing to the history behind their

mission. “In order to do so, all of you must begin training

in the various types of magical and physical combat.”

“Normally, this level of training doesn’t happen

until the ending of your final year; however, Professor

Dumbledore and I feel this threat is great enough for

you to learn now.” Sergeant Duckhorn commented.

“The headmaster has graciously allowed us the usage

of the grounds. He has asked us if in return to patrol

the corridors at night with the prefects. We discuss

the specifics for this later on this evening after you and

your teammates have adjusted. For now, we will

escort you down to your rooms where you can rest. You

are dismissed.”

The seven members of Red Squadron stood

and filed out of the office. The head of the squad shook

her head at the Headmaster of the school. “That Potter

boy and his friends are going to be the death of me.”

The headmaster chuckled. “That boy and his

friends are the only people who can destroy anything

having to do with Lord Voldermort…” Dumbledore waited

until after she shuddered to continue. “If he would arise

again, I can only imagine what type of horrors he would

come up with.” The headmaster straightened the piles

of parchment on his desk. Fawkes, the headmaster’s

phoenix, sat contently on his perch until he suddenly

burst into flames. Albus Dumbledore went over to check

on the reborn bird.

The Sergeant smiled wide and went over to

examine the bird. “Its really too bad there aren’t too many

of these in the world. They are a really lovely bird.”

“We must make haste to leave these offices for

now. I am sure the Red Squadron members are

exhausted from their journey.” Dumbledore walked

down the stairs to the door of his office. The leader

of the said squadron followed the Hogwarts head out

the door and down the steps to his office.

*****

The fire crackled in the common room and

the entire Red Squadron took a few minutes to

familiarize themselves with their new surroundings.

The two rooms conjoined themselves to the common

room contained four poster canopy beds read for them

to sleep in.

Sarah Campbell, Kamal Habib, and Anthony

Kenyon had already claimed their beds and Ron and

Heather were visiting Ron’s sister, Ginny, in the

Gryffindor tower. This gave Cadet Granger a moment

to relax and think about the day’s events as she and

Harry cuddled on the sofa in front of the fire.

Hermione sighed and snuggled closer to Harry.

“If only he knew the current situation with his sister.”

She thought, full knowing how he would react. Both

Heather and herself had agreed not to tell Harry and

Ron until it was absolutely necessary to do so.

“Do you even realize what kind of jeopardy

you’re putting yourself in?” Hermione asked Heather

after she had assisted her fiancé’s sister with a

pregnancy test. “You could be putting you’re life

in danger, let alone your baby’s.”

“Hermione, of course I know the risks, but

I’ll never been able to finish if our superiors find

out. You know full well as I do I’d be kicked off the

squadron. If I finish this I know my dad will be

proud of me.”

“Heather, what makes you think you’re dad

isn’t proud of you? From what I could tell he is.”

“You don’t have to live with him.”

“Um…Heather…where do you think I’ve lived at for

the past year? Sweden? Austria?”

“You know what I mean.”

“No, honestly, Heather. I don’t know.”

Heather sighed. “One would think living with them

would mean getting everything a girl could ask for.”

“Generally, yes.”

“But honestly, I don’t think I really got the most

important thing.”

“Which is?”

“Them.”

“Them?”

“You know…family stuff…spending time with them.

You think I was in all those activities because I wanted to

be there?”

“I take it you didn’t want to be there?”

“Well some of them I didn’t mind so much. Like the

Dance team, ice skating, and the whole color guard thing.”

Heather confessed. “The whole reason I had a job that

particular semester is because my muggle studies Professor

didn’t know what to do with me so she set me up with a job

and told me to write a paper about it at the end of term because

it was the only way I could get course credit because she said I

was a disruption to the class. There was also that whole theater

thing, too. Most of my so called extra curricular activities took

place during the school day. That’s what Professor Gaddis

meant when he mentioned that I “challenged the curriculum.”

“Didn’t your parents have a problem with you not

attending classes?”

“If they actually knew about it, I don’t think they would

have cared. They’re too caught up in their own careers, really.

Dad’s off in Washington D.C. just about every day and hell, I

wouldn’t be surprised if he had another house out there and

only came home on weekends. Mother is always busy with

work and her “social obligations” as she called them she was

home a little more often than dad is.

“But Heather, this doesn’t mean they aren’t proud of

you. They’re just busy.”

“Oh, really?” Heather volleyed back. “Then how come

they never wanted me to go with them? How come did they

want to send me away to a boarding school when I live

jus down the road and I could commute everyday?”

Hermione sighed, not really knowing what else to say.

“We’d better be going. Sergeant Duckhorn is waiting for us

for sure. We’ll talk about this more later.”

“Hermione, are you okay?” Harry’s voice floated into

her ears and shook her from her reminisce.

“I’m fine. I just have a lot on my mind.”

“We have evasive flying tomorrow, why don’t we

get to bed and talk about this later, okay?”

“Evasive flying, but Harry, you played Quidditch.

You don’t need it.”

“Need it, no,” Harry chuckled, “but I’ll take any good

excuse that I can to fly.”

*****

End of chapter

5. Revelations

Chapter Five

Revelations

Training for the red squadron commenced the next

morning at 0700. Every evening after they returned to their

dormitory all of the team members just dropped to the

closest unoccupied chair; too exhausted to do anything more.

It was a rare occasion indeed if any of them felt up to travel

down to the many flights of stairs to the Great Hall for meals.

To say the least the team often looked forward to the small,

simple meals Dobby and the rest of the house elves would

leave for them in their common room.

Each one of the team members had a specialty

chosen for them by Sergeant Duckhorn. “I can’t believe

she chose me to be the field medic! I have the most

most medical training she said. “ Hermione groaned

one early morning.

“Well, Hermione, you technically do. Your parents

are dentist remember?”

“I know that, Harry, but its not like they told me

anything about it.”

“Oh, come on, Hermione. Don’t act like you don’t

enjoy the excuse to put your nose in a book.” Ron rolled

his eyes as he followed the two of them down the corridor

to their morning meal.

“Yeah,” Heather agreed, “and of course may I point

out you still know more about magical and muggle forms of

first aid? You’d think it would be me since my mom is an

OB/GYN, but I honestly could care less about the subject.”

Heather paused then giggled. “Do you realize what kind of

trouble we’d all be in if they chose Ronny here?”

“Hey!”

“She’s right though, Ron.” Hermione offered

“I know, but she doesn’t have to rub it in.” Ron

defended as the group reached the Great Hall. The smell

of sausages hung heavily in the air. Ron practically ran to

the Gryffindor table to be the first to grab some.

Once the group was seated, Sarah, Anthony, and

Kamal joined them. Sarah smiled at Harry as she inquired

about his classes. “How is your wand-less training going?”

Instead of Harry, Heather answered. “Doing very

well considering.”

“Considering what?”

“Considering our Uncle Severus is the one

suppose to be giving him lessons.” Heather rolled her

eyes. “I’ve looked in on one of their classes and let’s just

say there is a reason why I’ve started personal tutoring

during our free period.”

“Is her really all that bad?” Sarah asked in disbelief.

“He’s a giant git.” Ron commented as he took a

hard boiled egg.

“You’ve never really had him in class and be

very thankful.” Hermione offered as she took out

her medical terminology book.

“Yes be very glad.” Harry sighed. “You’d

think finding out he’s my uncle would have changed

things for the better, but I wouldn’t be that lucky.”

“I’ll bet you anything he’s the one who has the

Onyx Spell Book.” Ron accused. “He use to be a

Death Eater after all.”

“Really, Ron? Professor Snape?” Hermione

almost laughed. “Every other time you have accused

him of something it’s always been the complete

opposite.”

“Its not a crazy as it sounds, Hermione.”

Harry defended. “He’s hiding something.”

“Just because he’s hiding something doesn’t

mean he has the Onyx Spell Book.”

Kamal then offered. “For all we know it

could be he wants to dress in drag and do the hula.”

“He’s been there, done that, has the pamphlets,

and bought the t-shirt.” Heather waved the idea off.

Kamal raised an eyebrow at her. “Okay, then.

Maybe he’s always wanted to dress in pink tights

and prance around in a tutu.”

“He’s already done that too.” Heather counted

off. “That was after the whole Kimono incident.”

“The point is,” Kamal grew irritated, “maybe

what he is hiding has nothing to do with it. Maybe its

not what we think it is.”

“Then again it could be very well be what we

think it is.” Ron defended.

“Wait a minute.” Anthony’s eyes were as large

as two golden snitches. “Snape dressed in drag and

did the hula? Are we still talking about the same Professor

Snape? You know, Mr.-anal-gothic-crappy-attitude-I-know-

more-than-you-and-I’ll-take-away-points-from-Gryffindor-

even-though-you’re-not-a-member-of-the-school-nor-a-

member-of-the-Gryffindor-house Snape?”

“Yep. Same one.”

Anthony was floored. “When?”

“Last year,” Heather grinned evilly, “but it wasn’t

exactly his choice though. He was being an ass and so

since no one decided to do anything about it I decided

to take him down a few notches.”

Ron gasped as he tried to breathe from laughing

so hard from the memory. “That was truly classic, Heather.”

“Remember that it carried on for at least a week

until Professor Shift figured it out.” Harry laughed.

“She told me at the end of the year that she knew

all along it was me.”

“Why didn’t she do anything about it prior then?”

Hermione asked.

“She thought he was a git and needed to be

brought down a few notches. She said the reason she

stopped me is because the image of Snape in the

bikini was rather wrong a tasteless.”

“Okay so if its not Snape, Hermione, who then?”

Harry requested.

“That’s the thing isn’t it? It’s probably someone

we know. Someone who wouldn’t mind to kill us and

who wants revenge.”

“Anyone in particular?” Anthony asked as he

took a bite of his French toast.

“You see that’s the other thing. It could be

anyone of the Death eaters of their bastard children.”

Heather rolled her eyes.

“Death eaters?” Anthony gulped.

“Voldermort’s followers.” Hermione clarified.

“They either went into hiding once Voldermort was

defeated or were imprisoned in Azkaban. Heather

is right, though. It could be anyone of them.”

“Have you heard anything from Danielle

MacNeal lately?” Harry asked beginning to sort

the whole situation out.

“You know what? I actually haven’t. That’s

pretty strange for her. Normally she does something

to let me know she still detests me. The only thing

I know at this point is that she’s still at the Chicago

Institute. If you’d like I can contact Mika and India

and they can tail her for us. It might be a little bit

difficult for them to do that right now since the

C.I.W.W. is on spring break, but they’d be willing

to do it.”

“How long is the break?”

“A good 2 weeks.”

“Whoa, wait a minute.” Anthony waved his

hands. “We can’t just allow these civilians in on this.

Not only would it unto our element of surprise, it’s

against regulations. We can’t tell them anything.”

“That’s the beauty of it. We won’t have to.”

Heather smiled evilly.

“Why do I get the idea this is just another

excuse for you to pull another prank on her?”

“Because my dear brother, that’s exactly

what I want them to think.”

*****

“Potter, you’re not concentrating!” Roared

Professor Snape as he wiped his long greasy black

hair behind his ear. The potion’s master had been

flung to the floor in Harry’s attempt to perform a

wand-less shield charm.

Groaning, Harry took the wand-less defense

position like he had taken several hundred times

before. By this time in the afternoon his sister and

himself would take their leave in the Defense

Against the Dark Arts classroom, but she had taken

one of Hermione’s evening patrol shifts since Hermione

had covered her morning one. Hermione briefly mentioned

his sister hadn’t been feeling well. To Harry it was beginning

to form a pattern. “Maybe I should drag her to go see

Madame Pomfrey…”

“Potter!” his Uncle yelled again as he tethered

mid air by one of his ankles. “Get me down from here.

As Harry began to pull out his wand, the older

man stopped him. “No, use wand-less magic, boy.

That is what you used to get into this mess.”

Harry groaned again as he put his wand back

Into his holster and extended his wand hand. He closed

his eyes to concentrate and focus his power. “Finite

Incantatum.”

To his surprise, the potion master hit the floor

with a resounding thud. “Potter, you did that on

purpose. Ten points from Gryffindor.”

“You can’t do that anymore. I don’t go to school

here.”

“Well, I just did.” Snape’s eyes narrowed as he

eyed Harry. “Try to stop me.”

Harry’s eyes narrowed in defiance. The school

Trembled and they heard several terrified screams out

in the corridor. Several bottles of potion ingredients

shattered on the Potion master’s desk as they fell from

the shelves. Instinctively, Snape reached for the bowl

sitting on his desk with a silvery liquid inside to keep it

from the same fate as the bottles.

Once the tremors stopped, Snape growled. “Do

you realize what would have happened if this bowl broke?”

Stepping out of the man’s arm range, Harry

answered. “You’d loose the memories stored there?”

“Yes and it would pose a small problem with

keeping Petunia’s treatment on track. The healers are

hoping with the memories surrounding the actual time

she was cursed it would force her to remember. Not

that this is any of your business. Now get back over

there and do it again.”

Harry walked back over to where he was

suppose to conjure a shield charm. As he turned

back around to face the professor, a thought

occurred to him. “You were the one who put

the spell on my aunt, didn’t you?”

“What are you talking about?”

“The Alzheimer’s curse. You’re the one

who conjured it. That’s why she couldn’t remember

anything about us. You had her thinking she was a

muggle to protect her. You just didn’t realize she

was pregnant. Hormones always have an effect

on spells. That’s charms first year.”

Severus Snape went silent for a moment

and Harry wondered if he was trying to figure out

what to say or trying to control his temper. When

he did speak, the older wizard’s tone surprised him.

“When I went undercover for Dumbledore…If

anything would have happened to her…”

“You were afraid if Voldermort found out

you were spying for Dumbledore he’d go after

her. You performed the curse to protect her…”

“I just didn’t know…” He chastised himself.

When he looked up at Harry, his eyes filled with

anger. “Get out.”

“But Professor…”

“Get out!” Snape breathed as he pointed

at the door. Harry did what he was told and left

the room, but as he turned around to look back

at him before heading up the stairs; he witnessed

the man throw one of the stools across the room

with wand-less and incantation-less magic with

great control. A feat, Harry both secretly envied

and feared.

*****

Harry raced back to the red squadron’s

common room. Once he arrived, he blurted. “It’s

Snape!”

“What?” Ron exclaimed from the common

room couch. “What are you talking about, Harry?”

“ No joke.” Harry confirmed and retold his

story to Ron and Hermione. The two of them were

waiting for Harry and Heather’s return to the common

room. “He confessed to it while I was in training today.”

“I always thought he had done something

like that the giant git.”

“He’s not a git, Ronald. He was trying to

protect her the best way he knew how. Considering

he was a spy, Voldermort could have had him kill

her at a moments notice.”

Heather bounced as she called from

the doorway. “Sorry, I’m late. Anthony was late

taking over patrolling duties. What did I miss?”

“Harry found out who put your aunt under

the Alzheimer’s curse and Ron is having the

emotional range of a tea cup about it.”

As if on cue, Harry began humming the

Tune of “I’m a little tea pot.” After the first line of

Song, Heather laughed as she joined in. “Here

is my handle here is my spout…”

Giggling, Hermione helped the duet

finish the song. “When I get all steamed up

here me shout. “Tip me over and pour me out”.”

“What the bloody hell?” Ron looked at them,

thinking the three of them were temporarily under

the Imperious curse.

“You mean to tell me, you never learned that

song when you were a kid?” Heather asked, surprised.

“I thought every school kid learned that song. Granted

I always thought it was about someone transfiguring

themselves into a teapot, but I thought everyone knew

the song.”

Ron shook his head, not really knowing what

else to do. “Must be a muggle song, I think. I’ve lived

in the wizarding world my entire life. Maybe that’s why

I never learned it.”

“Harry, guys! Come quick!” Sarah Campbell

raced into the common room. She quickly paused to

catch her breath then huffed three very important

words. “The dark mark…”

“Where?” Harry went immediately to command

mode.

“Outside by the lake. The teachers are racing

to count the students. All they know is someone is

dead.”

Harry didn’t have to glance at them to know

the fear they shared. “Let’s go!” He commanded

as he raced for the door. “Let’s move it people.”

The five of them raced out of the dormitory

into swarms of Hogwarts students racing to head

back to their common rooms. They went down the

main stair way through the main doors of the school

to where the dark mark glowed above the spot. It

grinned at them like a dog that just finished a ham

bone. They were greeted by Headmaster Dumbledore

and Sergeant Duckhorn gazing down at the body of a

sixth year boy. Once the group moved closer, Harry

knew who it was. A sharp in take of breath in surround

sound was all it took for Harry to know Heather, Ron,

and Hermione knew who it was as well. Dennis

Creevy’s body lay motionless on the ground. His eyes

were wide in terror and Harry’s stomach lurched. Harry

controlled his gag reflex; however, his sister couldn’t

as she walked away looking pale. As Anthony and

Kamal approached, Kamal looked in on Heather’s

condition. “What happened?”

“You tell me.” Sergeant Duckhorn offered.

“What can you deduce from this scenario from the

evidence given?

“He was murdered by a death eater.” Anthony

concluded as sounds of retching began. Ron had

followed not too far behind and now was holding her

hair as she disgorged her previous meal.

“Or a mimic, sir.” Hermione offered. “The evidence

given is not as consistent as those of a Death eater. There

are small minor details, such as the way Dennis is laid that

makes me wonder if the person who did this didn’t research

all the details.”

“Correct.” Sergeant Duckhorn then smiled to the body

as she waved her wand to revive the fallen student. “Thank

you Mister Creevy for your assistance. Twenty points to

Gryffindor I believe.”

“You mean this was a set up?” Sarah scoffed.

“Teaching purposes, of course.” She smiled wickedly.

“To remind you that it is often during times that we are most

comfortable the enemy will attack. I suggest you keep your

guard up.”

“Constant vigilance.” Hermione offered.

“Correct.” Professor Dumbledore offered his

handkerchief. “Miss Potter, I am sure Madame Pomfrey

can give you some assistance.”

“Thank you, Professor.” Heather wiped off her

face with the Headmaster’s handkerchief.

“You’d better get use to it, Potter. I have a feeling

you’ll be seeing more of it now days.” Sergeant Duckhorn

ordered.

Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head. When he

Looked over at Hermione she snorted. “Maybe now they’ll

actually teach us something at Great Lakes.”

*****

6. Progression

Chapter 6

Progression

The gray clouds outside only accented the mood

inside of the castle. Harry had concluded something was

going to happen soon whether his team was ready or not.

“It always does.” Harry confided in his sister and his

cousin as they strolled the grounds with the two of them.

Ron was on patrol and Hermione was in her healer

training class with Madame Pomfrey, so both Harry and

Heather took the time with their cousin.

“Kind of like the time where my gang and I was

racing after you?”

“Which time?” Harry scoffed.

“The week you turned your teacher’s hair blue.”

“It wasn’t her hair. It was her wig.”

“You turned your teacher’s wig blue?” Heather

as she chuckled. “That’s hysterical!”

“Not so hysterical when I got home.” Harry

offered and then he changed the topic. “How is

Aunt Petunia’s treatment going?”

“Its going well. Mum is in America at the moment.

The healer at Saint Mungo’s sent her to a specialist in

Salem. Dad wanted to go, but couldn’t because of school

being in session and he wasn’t going to allow me to miss

either. We’ll leave to join her at the clinic once school lets

out.”

“Speaking of America, have you received your

letter yet from Mika and India?” Harry asked as casually

as he could so Dudley wouldn’t suspect anything unusual.

“Not yet. I was hoping it would come today at lunch.”

Heather mentioned as she chuckled. “At least its not like

what happened at my de-crowning.”

“De-crowning?” Dudley inquired.

“Heather was Ms. Junior United States, remember?

She had to give up her title earlier this summer.” Harry filled

Dudley in. “She was suppose to be the epitome of beauty,

grace, elegance, and taste. Instead she gave the winner a

gesture that was exactly the opposite.”

“At least I had enough taste not to start it. That fucking

bitch kept stepping on my toes.” Heather defended. “I was

rooting for the Miss Congeniality, Marianne Brown from

Toledo, OH. At least she didn’t call me a bitch behind my

back.”

“That girl from California was nice.” Harry offered.

“She’d also been sniffing a bit too much of that bleach

she used to dye her hair if you know what I mean.”

Harry chuckled. “Yeah, I know what you mean.”

Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around Heather

and caught her off guard. “Hey.” Ron breathed into her

ear.

“Hey.” Heather smiled as she turned to face him.

“I thought you were on patrol.”

“I am,” Ron grinned as he held her, “but I wanted to

come over and say hello.”

“Better not let Sergeant Duckhorn see you.” Harry

ordered.

“Yes, sir.” Ron saluted mockingly.

“I’m serious, Ron. You’re on duty.”

“Okay, Okay. Don’t get your knickers in a twist.”

Ron rolled his eyes. “I won’t.”

“You want to meet me in our lobby later?”

Heather asked.

“Lobby?”

“The common room. That’s what we call the

common room in the states, remember? How often

do we have to go over this?”

“All the time.” Ron smiled playfully. “When?”

“After lunch?”

“Can do.” Ron kissed her on the forehead.

“I’ll see you then. “

“Yeah.” Heather smiled once Ron walked

back toward the school. “I’ll see you then.”

*****

Chaos,

It’s a negative on MacNeal. According to

Mika (after she hacked into the A.A. files) she

hopped a plane to the U.K. We’re still trying to

figure out why. Her cell phone files are one of

the next few things Mika is going to get into

to figure it out unless you know what she is

up to. Le me know so I can give Mika the go.

-India Jade

“Mika hacked into the A.A.’s files?” Sarah

exclaimed. “Maybe we should be investigating her.”

“Mika’s harmless. Its not like she has a

large active Interpol file. Its also not her to do

anything other than access files to read them.”

Heather offered as she folded the letter to put

inside of her cloak. “You know, I’d bet you she’s with

Malfoy. They were dating at the end of last year

and he’s the son of a known Death Eater. The

sour apple never falls too far from the tree you know.

Not to mention it wouldn’t be beyond those two to

plot something to get back at Harry and I.”

“The big question is how and what.” Hermione

suggested to the group as she stood up and began

pacing the floor.

“Any suggestions, Hermione?” Harry asked as

he claimed one of the cushions on the sofa. The seven

decided to meet for a private lunch when Heather’s letter

arrived in the mail.

“Not anything specific yet, but I do have a hunch.

What do you think, Ron?”

“Same here. Nothing concrete. As what they’d

be willing to try, I wouldn’t put it past it beyond either

one of them to want to kill us.” The team strategist

suggested. “I would suggest when, not if, we have a

confrontation we’d be ready to kill if we have to.”

“I’d rather not have it come to that, Ron.” Harry

commanded. “I’d rather let the duo rot in Azkaban, but

if it’s a matter of one of you and either one of them, I

would rather let it be one of them.”

“And on that note.” Kamal looked at his watch.

“Anthony and I have weaponry class.”

“We’d better be going too, Harry.” Hermione

glanced at her watch. “You have your wand-less

magic training and I need to get to the library before

you me, and Ron have our command course after

dinner.”

“I’ll see you later.” Ron waved at them as he

sprawled out on the couch once Harry stood up.

Heather took Kamal’s seat at the end of the couch.

Sensing the duo wanted to be alone, Sarah

Campbell went into one of the conjoining rooms. “I’ll

be studying if you need me.”

Heather and Ron only nodded as they were

too busy eyeing each other. Once Sarah firmly shut

the door, Heather claimed Ron’s embrace. “How are

you doing?” Ron asked. “You haven’t been feeling

well since we got here. Have you been to see

Madame Pomfrey like I asked you to?”

“Traveling like we did usually throws my system

for a loop.”

“But you seemed fine last year when your school

was attacked.”

“Why do you think I went to see Madame Pomfrey

first thing?” Heather chuckled. “”I am helping the nurse”

that ended up to be my signal to Professor Gaddis that I

needed to see the nurse about not feeling well.”

“I take it that happened often?”

“Well think about it. All the competitions I was in

made me travel quite a lot. Motion sickness and I don’t

get along.”

“What about plane rides? You always enjoy flying.”

“Especially when I remember to take my ginger

pill before we go.” Heather agreed, then noticed the

confused look on his face. “Ginger pills are the natural

cure for motion sickness. I saw it once on a muggle

television program. You probably haven’t heard of it.

Its called Mythbusters.”

“Ah.” Ron nodded in comprehending and the

duo grew silent for a few moments.

“Ron, can I ask you something.” Heather

asked breaking the moment.

“You know you can.”

“Its serious.”

“Okay.”

“What do you think about children? Do you want

to have some?”

Ron was unusually quiet for a moment, which to

Heather meant it wasn’t a good sign. “Like right now?

Heather, I don’t think I’m ready. You’re not ready. We’re

both still in training, and we’re not even married…”

“Not right now, but eventually.”

“Ron thought about it for what seemed like another

eternity. “Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve never really thought

about it. Right now, all I want to do is focus on finishing

training.”

Heather wanted to scream out. “You’d better get

Use to the idea, Ron, because you’re going to be a daddy,”

but she couldn’t. She knew what the handbook said about

pregnant aurors. She knew Ron would make her leave

training if he knew. Thus silence continued on the topic at

hand. Heather wanted to tell him the truth. She wanted to

stop lying to him, but she couldn’t. Maybe once the mission

was over…

“Why do you want to know, Heather?” Ron asked

as he chuckled. “Is there something you haven’t told me?”

“No,” Heather lied as he head claimed his chest

since she wasn’t able to tell him that eye to eye, “there isn’t

anything.”

Ron kissed the top of her head as the duo continued

to lay there until the clock tower chimed the hour. “Do you

have patrol tonight?” Ron asked once the doors to the common

room opened for Harry and Hermione’s entrance.

“Yeah, its my turn tonight.” Heather stood up to yawn

as she stretched. “So I will see you later on this evening then?”

“I’ll wait up then.” Ron offered as he stood up as well.

“No you have the morning shift tomorrow, remember?

You’ll need your sleep.”

“If you’re sure.

“I’m sure.” Heather confirmed as the four of them exited

their common room to head down to dinner.

*****

As Ron scribbled down notes in command class,

his thoughts were miles away from learning to make an

effective decision toward the group under his command.

Harry noticed this and slipped a note to his best friend,

a feat of no small accord considering there were only

three people attending this particular class other than

Sergeant Duckhorn.

“What is wrong, mate?”

“One word: Heather.”

“What about her?”

“She’s been acting really strange lately.

More so than usual I mean.”

Harry chuckled softly as he read this. “How so?”

“She’s sick and she’s blaming it on motion

sickness. Then she asks me if I want to have children.”

“Girls think about that sort of thing all the time.

I guess it got engrained into their brains a long time ago.

Along with weddings, girls are always thinking about it.”

Harry noted. “Hermione mentioned something along the

lines a few weeks ago. Scared me for a while because I

honestly thought she was pregnant. All it ended up being

her curiosity about what I thought about the same ideas

and not that she was.”

“Oh.”

“So its probably nothing to worry about.” Harry

offered. “Although you may want to consider thinking

about if you do or not. It may pop up again. So do you?”

“Do I what?”

“Want kids.”

“Think about it, Harry. You know how much

family means to my family.”

“But you want to focus on your career, right

now.”

“All I want to think about right now is finishing

training at this point. The only longer term goals I

have right now is marry your sister.”

Harry smiled at his friend and then slipped his

and Ron’s conversation to the back of his notebook

as Sergeant Duckhorn continued to ramble on about

effective decision making and how important it was

in a survival situation. Suddenly, the doors to the

classroom burst open and Professor McGonagall

hurried inside. Her face was white with worry.

“Sergeant Duckhorn, Professor Dumbledore wishes

to speak with you immediately. I am afraid something

terrible has happened.”

“What’s going on, Professor.” Harry asked as

he stood up.

“I’m afraid there has been an abduction.”

“Who is it, Professor?” Hermione asked

while shutting her books.

When Ron heard the name, he turned ghostly

white. “Miss Potter.”

Sergeant Duckhorn dismissed the three and

ordered the remaining members of the Red Squadron

to meet her in their common room. The squadron

waited for almost an hour before their squadron

sergeant appeared with a letter in hand. “We have a

letter from the abductors, but its addressed to Mister

Potter. The headmaster and I tried to open the letter

Ourselves, but there must be an enchantment so he

alone can only open the letter.”

Harry opened the letter with caution and even

before he had finished reading it he exclaimed. “We

were right about MacNeal and Malfoy.” Harry threw

the letter in the common room fire when he was

finished. “Malfoy manor is our target. Everyone suit

up. This mission is going to need stealth.”

“Once you get there,” Sergeant Duckhorn

ordered and everyone stopped in their tracks,

“remember this is a rescue mission only. DO NOT

and I repeat DO NOT take the Onyx Spell Book.

We don’t want to endanger Cadet Potter’s life.

We will take it another time. Anyone who disobeys

this will be disobeying a direct order and will be

served with immediate discharge papers especially

since all of you are skating on thin ice already.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” The group agreed, but Harry

smiled as the voice of his sister popped into his

head saying. “Only a moron would skate on thin

ice.”

*****

End of Chapter.

S’Eleene’s notes: Sorry this took so long to get out, but

This is what happens when I feel a lot of stress at once.

Something doesn’t get done and obviously it was the

Story, but don’t worry. The manuscript is finished, so

The next chapter will be up quicker than you think.

I have already informed Sableshuman not to allow me

To do an abduction or anything like that for the next one

So if you think I’m being a little predictable, well, may I

Suggest you to take a nice look at anything G.F. Handel

Composed. He usually did something similar the first

Couple of times, then to drive you crazy and make sure

You’re paying attention he’d change it up on you. So in

The light of Handel, this is what is going to happen. I’m not

Going to say what, but you may be surprised. Please read

And review. I do enjoy hearing from people. If you hate it,

Please keep it to yourself unless you can figure a way to

Make it constructive.

7. An Inevitable Fight Scene

Chapter 7

An Inevitable Fight Scene

“As soon as we get back to Hogwarts, I am

keeping a leash on my sister. “ Harry thought out

loud as the Red Squadron flew in formation. The

only member of the team that could hear him was

Hermione. When she heard him say this, she

laughed.

“She does have a tendency to get into

trouble doesn’t she?”

“She’d deny it though.” Harry almost

laughed. “She’d say “Its like what my t-shirt

reads: Trouble finds me”.”

Hermione nodded her head in agreement.

“That would be something she would say.” She

looked over her shoulder to see Ron who was

flying next to Anthony in the back. “Ron’s taking

it rather well.”

“Don’t let him fool you. He’s a bloody wreck.”

“He doesn’t look it.”

“That’s Ron for you.”

“No, he’s usually one that lets people know how

he feels. “ Hermione looked back over her shoulder

at Ron; who made only civil conversation with his

flying partner. “He must be really hurting.”

“Well, MacNeal and Malfoy are going to hurt

pretty bad if Ron has anything to say about it.”

“You mean if Heather hasn’t already at the

very least driven him nuts.”

“That’s true.”

Hermione hesitated for a moment before

asking. “Have you made up your mind about really

wanting to be an auror?”

Harry sighed. “Not really. I was really waiting

to see how this mission goes before making a final

decision.”

Hermione drew her broomstick closer to him

and patted him on the back. “Don’t worry, Harry.

Everything will turn out in the end. It always does.

Remember the Sorcerer’s stone, the Chamber of

Secrets, the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and the whole

situation with your Godfather? Things will turn out

in the end. You’ll see.”

“I hope you’re right, My One.” He paused

as he looked at the G.P.S. function on his “electronic”

spell book. “Malfoy Manor is just over this next hill.

We should probably land a little ways out and go on

Foot the rest of the way.”

“Sounds good.” Hermione agreed and gestured

for the rest of the squadron to start making their descent.

Once the group landed, they made their way toward

the edge of the woods where they saw Malfoy manor in all

its dark gloomy glory. The house was covered in gargoyles

and dark gray stones. Kamal and Anthony assessed the

security situation and while they did, Harry pulled Hermione

and Ron aside. “I’m getting a very bad feeling about this

place. If something happens to me, remember you’re in

charge, ‘My one. Promise me you’ll get yourselves out.”

“Oh, come on Harry. When have we ever paid

attention to that nonsense?” Ron laughed quietly. “We’ll

stay by you until the end.”

“He’s right, Harry. We’ll be stronger if we stand

together.”

“Just promise me.” Harry asked them looking

worriedly at the manor.

Ron looked at Hermione and she nodded. “Okay,

Okay. We’ll get ourselves out.”

“Its protocol after all.” Hermione offered.

Once Kamal and Anthony returned, Anthony gave their

report. “To sum it all up, there really isn’t any “safe” way to

enter the manor. There are anti-apperation wards up the

wa zoo. We suggest splitting up into teams and whoever finds

finds her first retrieves her here.”

“Wa zoo, is that part of your official report?” Hermione

teased. “I mean after all its not really a word.”

“Don’t worry, Hermione. When I write it up, it won’t

be there.”

“Splitting up is our only option?” Harry asked Kamal

and the tall dark man nodded. Harry sighed and then

continued. “We’ll meet back here unless we end up in a

shoot out with MacNeal and Malfoy. Remember what

Sergeant Duckhorn said. Rescue mission only. We only

want Heather back at this point. There is no reason why

at this point to endanger anyone else with capturing the

Onyx Spell Book. Kamal and Sarah, you’re with me. Ron,

Hermione, and Anthony go through the front. We’ll take the

back.”

“Good luck.” Hermione hugged Harry then commanded

her group to follow. “We’ll enter through the lower basement

window and make our way up the stairs.” She whispered to them

as they exited the woods carefully.

Harry watched for a moment to make sure half of his

team entered into the house safely. Once they entered with

out an incident, Harry brought his team around back and

through the kitchen. The three of them were careful not to

draw attention to themselves for the house elves would

have surely gone to their master and told them what they

saw. Quietly, the three of them climbed the spiraling

stairwell to the other floors of the house.

*****

Hermione Granger sneezed. Not that she had a

cold, but rather allergies. The laboratory type of room

had a flare of a dungeon type quality to it. Whatever the

room was used for, of which Hermione had guessed was

potion making, the room was not used on a normal basis

due the layers of caked on dust. In short; it was a

medi-witch’s nightmare.

She took our her handkerchief and wiped her nose;

praying that the only people who heard her sneeze was the

two other people now standing in the room along with her.

That was when she saw it. It mocked her from where it lay

on the bookstand. The Onyx Spell Book lay open taunting

her to pick it up. She went over to the bookstand as Anthony

Kenton checked the stairway to the basement. Ron followed

behind her to see what she was up to. “Hermione, you can’t

be seriously thinking…”

“Ron, do you even realize what an opportunity this is?

This is like one chance in like a thousand. We have to take it.”

“This is going to sound weird since it’s coming from me

and not you, but you’re going to disobey a direct order from

Sergeant Duckhorn?”

“If we take it now, we’ll more than likely save lives in

the future.” Hermione debated. “For all we know we could

be saving the lives of your family or even Harry. I’d rather

chance that than to be regretful of not taking it now.”

“Do it quickly then.” Ron looked over his shoulders.

Once he realized she just wasn’t going to take it, he asked.

“Why don’t you just take it already?”

“Because,” Hermione offered as she pulled out her

wand and her “electronic” spell book. “The two of them aren’t

as stupid to let a book lie this go unprotected. They had to

have put some sort of protective spells on it. At the very least

they’d put a tracking spell on it.”

“We are talking about Malfoy, though.”

“Which is why I am searching very thoroughly. Malfoy

maybe an arrogant, self-absorbed tight wad, but he’s not

stupid and neither is MacNeal.” Hermione scanned the book

after she tapped her wand to her spell book. She scanned it

until two symbols appeared. One was a tracking spell and the

other was a wand. “See, like I said, Malfoy isn’t stupid.”

“How did you get that from those pictures?”

Hermione rolled her eyes and gestured toward the

symbols floating above the spell book. “Honestly, Ron, don’t

you ever read? Its in our manual for our spell book.”

“Yeah, Hermione. I do read occasionally. I’m not a

complete stupid prat as you think I am, but I didn’t read

the manual. Who in Merlin’s name does read the

ownership manual?”

“I do.” Hermione pointed at the broomstick. “The

broom means there is an anti-traveling jinx on it. The

wand means a tracking spell.”

“Why on earth would someone put an anti-traveling

jinx on something if there is already a tracking spell on it?

Kind of overkill don’t you think?”

“Incase someone discovers one of the spells,

Ronald.” Hermione rolled her eyes. “They would be able

to find it somehow. I thought you aced strategy. I mean

I thought you were the strategist on the team.”

Ron said nothing in response; however, the tips

of his ears turned bright red. Hermione pointed her wand

at the book and said. “Finite Incantatum.”

The book gleamed for the moment it took for

the spells to disengaged. Once t stopped glowing,

Hermione took it off the bookstand and shrunk it down

to the size of a thumbnail. She placed it into the pocket

of her cloak. “Let’s go before they find us down here.”

“Good idea.” Ron nodded as the duo carefully

crept up the stairway. As they stepped out the door,

the sound of ricocheting spells could be heard down

the corridor.

When they noticed Anthony being pinned down

in the main foyer; the two of them ran to his aid. “You

two took your sweet time getting here. What happened?”

“We found some cabinets that were worth

investigating.” Ron lied. “Heather could have been inside

one.”

“How did this all start?” Hermione asked as she

took a shot at Malfoy.

“As I was coming up the stair way, I heard voices

so I stopped where I was. After the voices past, I continued

up the stair way. Halfway up the main stairwell, the floorboard

creaked and they found me.” Anthony flung a spell after

Danielle shot another spell in their direction. “I just hope

Harry is having a better time than we are. After all, we’re

Still not sure how many others are here with them.”

“From the looks of things, the house is empty

besides us.” Ron offered. “And them of course.”

“So let’s keep this up. The longer we keep them

distracted, the longer Harry has to find Heather.” Hermione

flung another spell and hoped Ron was right about the head

count.

*****

Blood. That was it. The metallic taste of the crimson

Liquid was the first thing that roused her from being knocked out.

Not that the pain in her lower abdomen didn’t help nor did the

screaming of her muscles from all over her body. It felt like she

had been beat with a titanium rod, but Heather knew it was from

the combination of Crucio spells hitting her on an almost hourly

basis. Heather knew full well this particular method of torture

was to ensure Red Squadron’s full cooperation, but Heather

knew their cooperation wouldn’t come and if Malfoy and

MacNeal would have read the Auror training manual they would

know that.

At least the twosome had been considerate not too

keep her downstairs in the wine cellar or dungeon of sorts.

Instead they locked her in a room in the hear of the house:

Draco Malfoy’s own suite. She was allowed to wander

the rooms as she pleased, but it wasn’t like she had any

real means of escape. The windows were locked shut

by magic and the glass had a shatter-less curse upon it,

both of which Heather found out as she attempted to escape

hours earlier. The attempt had earned her being pushed

down the stairs. She had suspected Danielle had hoped

the fall would have snapped her neck in half and with out

any trust worthy witnesses, they could get off when it came

to court.

Heather squinted as she sat up on the feather bed.

After all this, she prayed that her baby was alive. If anything

happened to…she didn’t think she could bare it. “After I get

out of here, I have to tell Ron that’s all there is to it.”

But how would Ron take he was going to be a

father? They weren’t even married let alone ready. When

she had learned of the pregnancy she would have freaked

out if Hermione hadn’t been there. Maybe Ron wouldn’t

react the same way. Maybe even he would be happy

about it. As soon as she thought about this, doubt rose in

her. “Ron isn’t ready for this so why push him? He wants to

finish training. Let him, have the child, and later on let him

know.”

“But how will I hide it?” she thought back. “He maybe

thick, but he’s not stupid.”

“Hide out via a mission. Ask to go on a sabbatical or

something.” Before Heather could think another thought, she

heard the lock on the door click. Immediately, she feigned

being comatose in hopes Malfoy or MacNeal wouldn’t

interrupt her thoughts with another Crucio spell.

Instead she was welcomed by the sound of a familiar

deep voice. “Harry, Sarah, she’s in here.”

After some rustling, Heather heard the six footsteps

head into her room. Heather opened her eyes and smiled at

the sight of her brother’s emerald green eyes. “Heather, you’re

alive.”

All Heather could do was nod her response. “Let’s get

out of here and get you some help.” Kamal’s low bass voice

floated into her ears as she decided she could finally sleep

without having to worry about being beaten.

“At least now she won’t feel anything.” Sarah offered

Harry as he watched Kamal pick up Heather to carry her out.

The four of them met Ron, Hermione, and Anthony in

the foyer in a shoot out with Malfoy and MacNeal. “You found

her?” Ron smiled as he ducked back behind the doorway.

“She’s in pretty bad shape.” Hermione noted as she

jumped at the opportunity to look at her. “We need to get her

back to Hogwarts.”

Harry flashed a few basic disarming spells in the

conjoining room. “Kamal, Sarah, Anthony, and Ron: when

I make the command run and get Heather out of her.

Hermione and I will follow.”

“Shouldn’t I go with them?” Hermione asked as she

began to get Heather prepared to travel.

“You run faster if you don’t have anything to carry.”

Harry took a few shots to distract Malfoy and MacNeal.

“Go!”

Kamal hunched Heather over his large muscular

Shoulders and ran. Ron and the rest followed not too far

behind once Hermione took Ron’s position behind the

door frame.

“Ready?” Harry asked as he shot the next couple

of spells in the direction of the couch MacNeal and Malfoy

too cover behind. Hermione nodded as she moved closer

to the front door. Harry took Hermione’s position as he

distracted their nemesis from their exit. Once he dodged

their on coming assault, the do ran out of the door and into

the forest.

“Run.” Harry called after her. “They’re not dense

enough to shoot an nothing for too long.”

As if to agree with him, a spell hit the tree beside

him. “Move! Move! Move!” He commanded to Hermione

and they ran faster to where Red Squadron waited for them.

Once at the meeting point, Ron tossed Harry his Firebolt as

Sarah threw Hermione hers. “Move! Come on; let’s get out of

here.”

The group took off and raced back toward Hogwarts

with Draco Malfoy and Danielle MacNeal not too far behind

them. As the group speared faster and faster towards

Hogwarts; Hermione, Harry, Danielle, and Draco

continued to assaulting spells back and forth like they

had done in Malfoy manor.

It wasn’t until she heard Harry scream as he fell

off his broom and into the forest below that she knew he’d

been hit. Breaking protocol, Hermione cut through the air

like a javelin after him in hopes she could prevent him

from hitting the ground.

Ron turned around and witnessed the fall of his best

Friends. “Harry! Hermione!” He called as Draco and Danielle

conjured another spell. Without thinking, Ron whipped his wand

from his holster and disarmed the duet.

“Ron, we need to get Heather back to Hogwarts. She’s

lost a lot of blood and needs medical attention.” Kamal offered

to Ron as he poised to go after Hermione and Harry. “He’s got

Hermione. They’ll be fine for the moment.”

Ron nodded as he turned around his broom to head back

to Hogwarts. It would turn out to be the hardest decision he’d ever

have to make.

*****

Faster and faster she flew toward where her fiancé fell

to the ground. She had considered the distance between them

and knew she would have never been able to stop his initial fall,

but she knew from where she had been she could potentially stop

him from dying from the fall. She leaned as far as she could into

the broom to tell the broom to fly even faster. When Harry landed

head first into several large branches head first, her heart almost

stopped. The full impact of Harry’s contact with the tree didn’t stop

his descent; however, it did slow it enough so Hermione could

catch him without playing chicken with the ground and killing

herself in the process.

Harry’s dead body weight was more than she could

handle on her own and the hindrance of trying to control the

broomstick just didn’t help either. As soon as she could, she

landed in a clearing not too far from the caves she had noticed

earlier. She laid Harry on the ground to assess his current

medical condition. “Harry! Harry! Come on, you have to wake up.”

Hermione shook him, but he was unresponsive. “Great.”

She sighed as she began to collect wood as the dampness of the

cave would only add to the severity of the situation. As she headed

back to the cavern, the dark sky that hung over their heads all day

opened up on them and the rain was falling in sheets.

Once she had started a fire, Harry aroused out of his

unconsciousness with a moan. Hermione went over to him

and placed her cloak on him to try to keep him warmer. “Harry,”

she breathed, “you’re going to be okay.

Harry smiled up at her. “You look a mess.”

“Not as bad as you.” Hermione scoffed playfully.

“I thought I told you not to go after me.” Harry

groaned.

“When have we ever followed the rules?”

“Point.” Harry paused as he took in their

surroundings. “What happened to my broom?”

Hermione sighed. “When you fell, it

snapped in several pieces.”

“Oh.” Harry looked out at the mouth of

the cave. “I suppose we have to stay put for

the time being. Merlin! My head hurts.”

“No surprise there. You hit some large

tree limbs on the way down. Head first of course.”

“I do have a tendency not to do things

halfway.” Harry chuckled. “I suppose all we can do now

is wait for the Calvary to arrive.”

*****

End of Chapter Seven.

By the way, Have a happy February 14th, since S’Eleene is

Boycotting valentine’s day. She said she would rather have

Fun on Saint Agnes Eve.

Chapter 8 will be up sometime soon. S’Eleene says there

Are only going to be 9 chapters in this one, so you’ll have

To wait and see how it all turns out.

8. Another Inevitable Fight Scene

*Author’s notes: Source for the engagement are in the

Book Irish wedding traditions: using your Irish heritage to create

The perfect wedding by Shannon McMahon Lichte

Chapter 8

Another Inevitable Fight Scene

Rain dumped down on the variety of plants that

thrived in the forbidden forest. It pounded against the mouth

of a cave where a fire had been lit for two misshaped cave

“dwellers”.

Hermione checked Harry’s eye dilation. His pupils

contracted unevenly when she brought her lighted wand up

to his eye. “Nox.” She commanded and the light at the end

of her wand turned off. “Well, Harry, you did an awfully good

job of getting a concussion.”

“I’m tired.”

“Yes and unfortunately I can’t let you sleep.” Hermione

offered a smile at him. “Do you know when your birthday is?”

“I’m really not up to playing guessing games.”

“I know, but I kneed to keep you awake because you

do have a head injury and I don’t have any of the proper potion

ingredients to make you anything. When is your birthday?”

“July 31st.”

“Who is the Minister of Magic?”

“Albus Dumbledore.”

“Very funny. Actually its still Fudge. Do you know who

I am?”

“Yep, You’re Harry Potter.” Harry smiled playfully at her.

Hermione giggled. “Would you be serious for a

moment.”

“I am being serious. You’re Harry Potter.”

“No, you’re Harry Potter. I’m your fiancée: Hermione.

You sometimes call me My One.”

“Really, why do I do that?”

“Because the last 5 letters of my name is m-I-o-n-e.

You changed the I to a y and made it into two words. My One.”

Hermione smiled at the memory. “You smiled at me and

when you called me that you said: “My One and only”.”

“Really? You’re my fiancée? Wow! I become famous

and become engaged with a really sexy woman all I the same

day.”

“Yep, you definitely see Madame Pomfrey when we

get back.” As if to respond to Hermione’s last statement,

Harry threw up on the ground next to him. “Lovely.”

Once the contents of his stomach had been

emptied, Hermione sighed. “ Do you even remember

how you purposed to me?”

“It was at Bill and Sandy’s wedding.”

“That’s right. Do you remember what you

said to me?”

“Honestly, Hermione, if I could remember I

would, but this headache is pounding my brains out.”

“You came to me with a butter dish that you

swiped from one of the tables in the kitchen. You

placed the ring inside of the dish and you called me

over to look over the side of the Nelson’s balcony.”

“I’m really too tired to play 20 questions.

Are you sure I can’t sleep?”

“Again, Harry, you have a concussion.

I can’t let you sleep until you see Madame

Pomfrey.”

“How soon do you think that is?”

Hermione glanced out at the mouth of

the cave. “As soon as the rain stops we should

start immediately for Hogwarts.”

Harry stole a glance at Hermione as he

winced through the pain he quoted. “Oh woman,

loved by me, mayest thou give me thy heart, they

soul, and thy body.” *

Hermione smiled. “You had to have read

that somewhere. “

“I read it in a book. Perhaps you heard of

it. Its called: Hogwarts: A History.”

“That’s not in Hogwarts: A History.”

Harry grinned playfully. “I know.”

*****

Ron paced the floor in front of the hospital

Wing, waiting for the arrival of Sergeant Duckhorn.

After he and the rest of the squadron’s remaining

members brought Heather to the Hogwarts Hospital

wing; they were shooed out of the doorway by

Madame Pomfrey.

“We have to go after them.” Sarah expressed

to no one in particular.

“Thank you, Sarah, for stating the obvious.”

Anthony rolled his eyes. “What is your plan? We

fly back to where they fell? We’d be targets flying

into a massive trap. Not to mention there is this

really massive storm in case you didn’t hear

the thunder or see the lightning. Of which would be

a real massive hazard flying to go and get them.”

“We just can’t leave them there. They’ll be

killed.”

“Enough the both of you.” Ron snapped.

“We’ll wait for orders before we make an attempt

at a rescue. If I know Harry and Hermione as well

as I think I do; they are probably on their way back

on their own accord.”

“But Harry fell over 75 feet! He’s going to

need immediate medical attention.” Sarah

insisted.

“That’s true. Your concern is duly noted,

Cadet Campbell.” The voice of Sergeant Duckhorn

floated into their ears. Without more ado, the entire

squadron impulsively went into attention. “At ease

before you sprain something. We need to act fast

otherwise, we might be minus two team members.

Cadets Keynton, Habib, and Campbell you will take

off with your broom sticks and find them. Cadet

Weasley, I expect you to stay here. You are dismissed.”

“With all due respect, Sergeant, I want to

search for my teammates.”

“With all due respect, Cadet, you know I

cannot allow you to do that.”

“Sir, I know the regulations involved. I know

I am too emotionally involved in this situation as I

was when it came to Heather’s capture. You allowed

me to go then. Not to mention I know the forest better

than anyone else on the team. There are a few areas

that should be avoided at all cost. For example, a nest

of arachnids as Heather would say “the size of Texas”

reside in the forest.”

“Are you talking about the Acromantula? They

are just legend.”

Ron shook his head. “Harry and I encountered

A whole nest of them in our second year.”

The sergeant’s eyes grew as large as golf balls.

“You’ve actually seen Acromantula?”

“Sir, yes, sir. Hagrid kept one as a pet. His

offspring live in the forest.” Ron sighed then

shuddered. “Not to mention I do know what

Malfoy and MacNeal are capable of.”

“You still think they are a threat?”

“Sir, yes, sir.”

Sergeant Duckhorn sighed. “Alright,

which one of you took the Onyx Spell Book?”

Ron’s face turned gray. “Um…”

“Cadet, you did take your officer’s oath.

You are required by that to tell me what you know.”

“It was Cadet Granger, sir.”

“Granger?” The Squadron Sergeant looked

surprised. “That is a surprise. I’d betted on Cadet

Potter.”

“Harry or Heather?”

“Does it really matter?”

Ron smiled evilly. “Not really.”

Sergeant Duckhorn sighed as she went silent

for a moment. When she spoke again, her command

was simple. “Go.”

Ron smiled at her and gave her a quick salute,

then ran off to join the rest of the squadron. “Don’t worry,

Harry, Hermione. As they say in the muggle world, the

Calvary is on their way.”

*****

“Harry, I have a bit of a confession to make.”

Hermione bit her lower lip in hope Harry’s reaction

wouldn’t be ghastly.

With droopy eyes, Harry tried to concentrate.

“Oh, what is it?”

Hermione exhaled and pulled out a small book

the size of a thumbnail out of her cloak in which she used

to keep Harry warm with. Its distinctive black onyx covers

were unmistakable. “It was too great of an opportunity,

Harry. I had to take it.”

Harry said nothing, but the gray shade of his face

explained what he wanted to voice. When he was finally

able to speak, his voice was shaken. “When, how?”

“When we split to find Heather. I saw it lying there.

I made sure all the protection and tracking spells were

off of it before I dared to pick it up.”

Harry groaned. “Is that why they are so determined

to kill us. Thanks, Hermione.”

Hermione laughed and the sound of it made Harry

smile who heartedly for the first time in twenty-four hours.

“Well Harry, its not just us having the Onyx Spell Book

makes them want to kill us, but I am sure it added to the

drive.”

Harry grimaced as pain shot through his rib cage.

“I think a few of them are broken along with my knee.

Why would I only just now be feeling the pain?”

“Shock.” Hermione confirmed. “It just wish I could

give you something for the pain.”

“I’m sure once Madame Pomfrey see me once we

get back to Hogwarts, she’ll give me something.”

“That is if she doesn’t instantaneously send you to Saint

Mungo’s.” Hermione offered as she checked his rib cage with

her hands. She applied pressure to the third and the fourth rib

and Harry yelped in pain. She tore the bottom of her cloak and

wrapped it around Harry’s chest and then splinted his knee.

“I hope that helps. We’d better be starting toward Hogwarts

here soon. We need to get as far as we can before Malfoy

and MacNeal find us.”

As if on cue, a spell bounced off the front entrance of the

cave. “I think they already have.”

Hermione cautiously went to the mouth of the cave. She

Smiled a moment later and then moved from where she was

Hiding to full view of whoever was standing outside.

“Hermione, get down!” Harry yelled at her.

Hermione chuckled as Ron and the rest of Red

Squadron joined her at the mouth of the cave. “Why?

Its just Ron?”

Harry moaned. “That could have been Malfoy. You

could have been killed.”

“Not possible.”

“How do you explain that?”

“Because,” Hermione explained as she and Ron

approached him, “if it had been anyone but Ron, they

would have just ran inside here. When Ron shot the side

of the entrance, he was letting me know it was him. My

goodness Harry. You think you would have paid attention

in survival class.”

“We have to get out of here.” Ron stated as he

helped Harry to stand, or at least the best he could

with the help of Kamal. “When we landed, Malfoy and

MacNeal weren’t too far behind.” Ron then noticed

Harry’s state of being. “Merlin, mate, you’re in a right

state.”

“Trust me, I feel as bad as I look.” Harry grinned

at Ron, then he commanded as the four of them made

their way to the outside of the cabin. “Let’s go then.”

Once Hermione came out of the cave, after she

shrunk the book back down to place in her pocket, she

noticed how they came. “We’re flying?”

“Well we can’t apperate now can we? After all

we’re still on Hogwarts grounds.” Ron answered. “I mean

how many times have you read Hogwarts: A History,

Hermione?”

Before Hermione could retort, a green light

whizzed by Hermione’s head and hit the cavern wall

behind her. “Damn it, Draco! You missed!” the

voice of Danielle MacNeal yelled as she came out of

the brush in an attack stance.

“Take cover!” Hermione commanded as Kamal,

Harry, and herself took cover behind a couple of fallen

trees.

“We know you have it, Mudblood.” Malfoy

chastised. “We want it back.”

“Why don’t you come out and try to get it?”

Ron answered boldly.

“I will out of your cold, dead hands.” Before

Draco Malfoy could laugh evilly at his own clichéd

joke, he quickly dodged a disarming spell from the

Red-headed man. “Expelleamus Totalous!”

“OOO!” Danielle MacNeal exclaimed as she

shot another spell in their direction. “So they did

teach you something in my home country. How nice.”

Hermione took a turn at shooting a spell in

in their direction. As she shrunk back behind the log,

she checked on Harry’s condition. “Harry?”

With his eyes closed, Harry Potter lay there

limply. “He’s out cold. I suppose he’s better off that

way for the time being.” Kamal offered Hermione

when he noticed her worried reaction.

“He has a concussion.” Hermione snapped.

“Until we could get him back to Madame Pomfrey,

I was hoping he’d stay awake. If there is too much

damage he won’t wake up.”

“What happens if he doesn’t wake up?

Aren’t there potions that will revive people?”

“The only exist only in your head.” Sarah

commented as she chanted another couple of

spells from behind a boulder nearby. When she

duck back behind the boulders to protect her

from an on coming spell, she noticed Hermione’s

raised eyebrow. “What? My father is the magical

equivalent of an EMT. Granted I don’t have the

study habits to be a healer, but that much I do know.”

Hermione smiled at her, but not too long as

she ducked from another spell. “We have to get

Harry some medical attention, Ron.”

“We’re working on it, Granger.” Anthony

called over his shoulder.

Hermione growled as she kneeled back

up to cast another spell at their enemies. She

watched as Sarah, Anthony, Kamal, and Ron

flung spells back and forth with Danielle

MacNeal and Draco Malfoy. “I thought they

would have a whole gang of Death Eaters

With them, but I think its just the two of them.”

“They must have taken a look at the

book.” Ron offered.

“No shit Sherlock!” Anthony yelled as

he dodged another spell. “The question is

how the hell are we going to neutralize the situation.”

Sarah giggled. “You know, you just sounded

like Professor Knut there for a moment.”

Anthony grinned at her before he fired spells

in their opponents direction. “So what do you say

“acting cadet sergeant”? Got any good plans to get

us out of here?”

“A few, but they’re all pretty risky.” Hermione

flung another spell in their adversaries direction. She

smiled then muttered so only Ron could hear. “I wish

Harry wasn’t knocked out right now. He’s always been

the best at Defense Against the Dark Arts. He’d know

what to do.”

“So what would Harry do in a situation such as

this?” Kamal asked her. “Perhaps something like we

learned in our Stealth and Tracking classes.”

Hermione thought back for a moment to all

of the command scenarios they had performed.

“When we get back, I am going to suggest to

Professor Knut that she should add a few Squadron

Leader M.I.A/K.I.A scenarios to be added to the

Curriculum.”

“Oh, she has them, but we’re not suppose

to see them until our junior year and that’s only

the officers in the R.O.T classes.”

“Alright.” Hermione held a hand up for them

to hold their comments until after she finished. “You

three, keep them busy while Sarah and I go around

and attack from behind.”

The three conscious men nodded and started

to fire shots as their female teammates rounded on

their enemies. Once safely behind a rock face,

Hermione and Sarah quickly plotted. “You think they

saw us?” Sarah asked.

“It doesn’t look like it.” Hermione smiled evilly.

“I’ll take Malfoy. You get MacNeal. At the count of

three and cast a prefectus totalus charm. We do

want them alive.”

“Are you sure?” Sarah smiled playfully back

at Hermione. “Hermione, you’re evil. Sneaking up

like this and everything. Its utterly classic! It’s really

something you would see on T.V.”

“And there is our advantage.” Hermione took

a risk and looked around the rock face where they

were hiding. “Malfoy has never seen a telly let alone

watch one.”

The ladies took a moment to chuckle then

they went to business. “On the count of three…one…

two…perfectus totalus!”

The spell did indeed hit one of the targets.

Danielle MacNeal had taken that exact moment to

dodge the spell by leaning down to pick up something

off the ground while Draco Malfoy slumped down where

he hid behind the brush.

Once Danielle MacNeal realized what had

happened to her boyfriend, she fired back. She then

realized how impossible the odds were. “You haven’t

heard the last of us.” She called as she took the man

of her life’s body on her broomstick and flew off.

As Hermione watched them fly off, she

thought to herself. “I’d be disappointed if it was.”

*****

.

9. Gone

Chapter 9

Gone

The wind whipped his ruby hair in his face

as he raced his broomstick back to Hogwarts. Ron held

Hermione tightly against him to prevent her from falling

to the ground like a lumpy rag doll. Ron glanced back

at the rest of the Red Squadron as they carried their

leader and his fiancée back to the school.

If the situation wasn’t so serious, Ron would

have laughed as he stunned Hermione when she went

hysterical again when she found out they were still

going to be flying back to Hogwarts. “There is no way

I’m getting back on one of those things.”

“Hermione, you’re not being rational. How are

we suppose to get back? Harry needs immediate

medical attention. Not to mention, you could use some

as well.” Ron took her chin to inspect the black eye and

several scrapes she took to her face when she dove after

Harry.

“That’s fine. You’ll fly him back and I’ll walk.”

Hermione offered stepping away from the broomsticks

and began to walk toward the edge of the clearing.

“Hermione, I’m sorry, but I have to do this.” Ron

apologized as he pulled out his wand. “Perfectus Totalus!”

Hermione’s body went stiff and fell to the ground

with a slight thud. As Ron went to collect her body,

Sarah asked Ron. “Ron, was that really necessary?”

“She was getting hysterical.” Ron protested as he

gathered her body to fly her out.

With Spring in the air, the wind brought a twinge

of pink to Ron’s cheeks as Red squadron landed on the

grounds at Hogwarts. “Get Harry upstairs to Madame

Pomfrey. I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

“What about Hermione?” Sarah asked and

gathered Anthony and Kamal’s broomsticks to take

back up to their room while they rushed Harry to the

hospital wing.

“I’ll take care of her.” Ron mentioned as he

took out his wand to undo the spell. “Finite

Incantatum.”

Once the spell was lifted, Ron received a

slap to the face. “Ron, don’t ever do that to me

ever again.”

“I’m sorry, Hermione, but you were getting

slightly hysterical.” Ron paused. “I know you never

quite enjoyed flying before, but you never this bad.

What happened?”

Hermione didn’t speak for a few minutes

as she looked up at the sky. “I’m not sure, Ron.

When I saw Harry fall I got sick to my stomach.

He’s a really talented flyer, so when I saw him fall…”

“Hermione, accidents happen. Harry has

always known what kind of risks that are involved.

You can’t let this one throw you.”

“I can’t do it, Ron.” A tear fell on to Hermione’s

cheek. “After seeing that happen to him I never want

to step near another broomstick ever again.”

“As an auror you have to.”

“That is why I’m turning in my resignation.”

Hermione admitted. “I read in the manual that I can

get a honorary discharge due to this. That is what

I’m planning to do.”

Ron hugged his best female friend. “Good

luck with that, but I highly doubt its going to happen

that way.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I kind of told Sergeant Duckhorn that you

had taken the Onyx Spell Book.”

“Ron, how could you?”

“She made me tell because of our officer’s

oath. She had already figured one of us already took it.

She never guessed it was you, though.”

Hermione said nothing for a moment and Ron

could only imagine the what kind of fight was going

on inside o her. “Thanks for letting me know before

she served me with the discharge papers. Let’s go

see about Harry and Heather.”

Ron nodded and the two of them were silent

as they made their way to the hospital wing. Madame

Pomfrey rushed over to greet them. “Mister Potter is

in his usual bed, Miss Granger. If you don’t mind, I

would like to talk to Mister Weasley alone for a few

minutes.”

Hermione squeezed Ron’s hand reassuringly

before she headed toward Harry’s bed. Once she

was behind the privacy screen, Madame Pomfrey

spoke. “She’s stable for the time being, but I would

like to move her to Saint Mungo’s in the morning.

They’re better prepared to treat her there.” She took

the moment to pause before she broke the other

bit of news. “I’m sorry to be the one to tell you Mister

Weasley, but I wasn’t able to save the baby.”

Ron’s distant stare went from where Heather

Lay to Madame Pomfrey. “Baby? What baby?”

“She was pregnant.” The school nurse offered.

“One can assume with your child. I take it she never

got around to telling you.”

“More like afraid to tell you.” Hermione voiced

as her head peaked from the privacy screen. Madame

Pomfrey took this moment to leave the room to leave

them to discuss the situation.

“You knew? How come you didn’t tell me?”

“It wasn’t my place.” Hermione volleyed back.

“She told me that if you knew you would have marched

her straight to Sergeant Duckhorn for her discharge.”

“Bugger yeah!” Ron then offered. “Hermione,

you know how much family means to me.”

“I know, Ron.” Hermione offered as she stroked

Harry’s hair. The duo went silent until Madame Pomfrey

came back into the room with a dreamless sleep drought.

“Hopefully by tomorrow Mister Potter will regain

conciseness so we can begin therapy on that right knee

of his.” She commented as she began administering the

potion.

“He will be able to walk again, won’t he?”

The school nurse looked at the girl and then

Went back to administering the potion to the girl’s

fiancé. “I honestly won’t be sure until he wakes if

he would be able to with out the minimum use of

a cane.”

“When will they wake up?” Hermione asked

as she took Harry’s hand and stroked it gently. It

was only then Madame Pomfrey noticed the bruises

and scratches on Hermione’s face.

As she began to administer the necessary

potions required to heal them. “I gave her a dreamless

sleep drought when she was brought in. I’m going to

say she won’t wake up until at the very least later

this evening or early tomorrow morning. I am hoping

it’s the early tomorrow, so she’ll be easier to

transport to the hospital. As for Mister Potter, I would

expect for him to wake by tomorrow morning

sometime.” Madame Pomfrey put the topper to the

bottled potion back in the top of the bottle. “For now,

I must insist the two of you leave. I cannot give the

two of them the attention they need with you distracting

me.”

Without another word, both Ron and Hermione

stood up and walked out of the hospital wing where the

duo met up with Sergeant Duckhorn and Professor

Dumbledore. “Sir.” The two Red squadron members

snapped to attention.

“At ease.” Sergeant Duckhorn saluted in

return. “I’m hear to give out discharges. Where

are Cadets Potter?”

“Madame Pomfrey has yet to revive them,

ma’am.” Ron answered. “She’s not sure how

serious Harry’s condition is at this point. How

can you discharge someone when you’re not

sure how bad his condition is?”

“Cadet Weasley, may I remind you of our

manual? A superior officer can and will remove a

cadet from duty if the superior feels that cadet

cannot finish training.” Sergeant Duckhorn

turned to Hermione. “Here are your discharge

papers. Cadet Weasley informed me that you

took the Onyx Spell Book and went against my

direct orders. As much as you think this is going

to help save lives, you could have risked the

lives of everyone on your team. I respectfully

ask you turn in your electronic spell book

before the team and I head back to the

United States.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Miss Granger, if I may.” Dumbledore offered.

“The school is in yet need of another healer. The

Governors have expressed some concern of how

Madame Pomfrey can handle the growing school

Population. I have expressed that I am confident that

she could handle it; however, the Governors disagree

and have asked me to find a suitable person to

train with her for the job. Since your term with your

auror training has ended, I wish to extend this position

to you. It will require a lot of careful study of course.

Rather vigorous, actually.”

Hermione looked over at Ron and the two

Smiled at each other knowingly. “I’ll think on it

Professor. For now, I just want to be around

for when Harry wakes.”

“You will have then until the first day of

term to answer. I do hope you accept, because

it will be a great opportunity for both of you. For

now I suggest you go down to the kitchens and

ask Dobby to prepare something for you to eat.

I am sure the two of you are famished.”

“Thank you, Professor.” Hermione smiled

and after Ron saluted his superior officer, they left

to find something to eat.

*****

The air of the morning after in the school

was filled with excitement and despair as the

Hogwarts students left their favorite school for

the summer holiday. Hermione was ecstatic to

learn Harry had awoken from his dreamless sleep

drought and had been served with his discharge

papers and was able to have visitors.

Ron practically raced after Hermione

as she had learned he was awake and asking

for them. The duo met Madame Pomfrey, Professors

Dumbledore and McGonagall, and Sergeant

Duckhorn at the doors of the hospital wing as if

they were waiting for them. “Thank goodness you’re

here Mister Weasley.” Professor McGonagall sighed.

“Perhaps you might give us some idea where she

went to.”

“What do you mean?” Hermione asked.

“Who is missing?”

“Miss Potter left the hospital wing some

time between midnight and one this morning.”

Professor Dumbledore offered. “Madame Pomfrey

had left for the night some time around midnight

and when she remembered she did not lock up

her office around one she came back to the

hospital wing, Heather was missing.”

“What?” Ron asked as he pushed

past the group to go to where Heather’s bed

was. Not like he had expected, the bed had

been made to be ready to accept another

patient.

Ron slammed his fist down on the

hospital tray. It clattered to the floor with a

loud echoing bang. As the pain pounded

in his fist, nothing he could physically feel

compared to the hurt in his heart.

Harry looked up suddenly from his

sleep. “What’s going on?” Harry looked

over at the empty bed beside him. “Where

is Heather?”

“She’s gone, mate.” Ron admitted

as he stormed out o the hospital wing,

ignoring the protests of those who stood

just beyond the doors.

*****

End of story.