Chapter 11-Serendipity
They must have passed this area thousands of times in their careers at Hogwarts. Ironically, it was directly below Gryffindor Tower by two levels. The nondescript little landing had never been given a second thought. It had two doors each facing the other. It was surprising to look up and see "Head Boy: Harry Potter" on one and "Head Girl: Hermione Granger" on the other. Remus and Tonks had led them here and now handed them keys. Remus explained the set up, "Inside there is a two-way mirror on the back of the door that serves a dual purpose. It is similar to the portraits on the doors of the other houses, but being on the inside draws less attention. Second, it serves as a window to the entire area here and is a security sensor. You can see who is at your door. The mirror is your primary security tool, because once you have become its controller or master, if you will, it can sense persons who wish to do your harm if they get close enough to the door. You'll like the twist of what you see in the mirror. Good luck kids. We'll see you again soon. We will be here for you over the next 9 weeks."
Harry unlocked the door and entered. The room was nice. There was nothing special here except that there was a fireplace, sofa, chair, study table and desk like in the common room and the bed was larger and plusher. All in all Harry was happy. The loo was the single most significant difference. The attached shower and tub rivaled the nice one reserved for prefects. He and Hermione could still use the prefects bath if they so chose.
He began to walk out when the mirror mysteriously changed to an image of his own face. He had the strangest, yet coolest creepy moment of his life. He was talking to himself in the mirror but the mirror didn't reflect his movements as it asked, "What is your new password, Harry?" He did a double-take.
"Serendipity," said Harry. He couldn't think of any better word to describe his luck and apparently one of the greatest attributes his father enjoyed as well.
He opened the door and stepped out. He turned back to the door and tried the handle. It was locked. "Serendipity," he said. He tried the door knob, yet nothing. He understood. He must have the key in and once he'd turned the key say the password. Whew, he thought, at least one thing went well today. The door opened with that combination.
He'd almost forgotten that Hermione was across the hall. He was so amazed at the simplicity and privacy of his new living quarters that the world folded away for a moment. He went out in the hall and knocked on Hermione's door. It took a minute but a teary-eyed Hermione opened the door. "I'm sorry Harry. This is breathtaking."
Her room was much the same, except the bed had a nice but not flashy canopy. "Harry, look here." He stood in front of a small picture gallery of her family friends and accomplishments. "Harry, I swear, I was so excited when I saw the simple fireplace and the sofa in front of it like a small common room that I closed my eyes trying to imagine what I'd done to deserve this and thought of all the people close to me that have supported me. I turned around and their pictures were on the wall. See? There are pictures of Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, you, Ron, and, of course, my parents." She shook her head smiling at each waving or grinning picture. Ron's was rather austere but not unpleasant.
"Hermione, I'll be right back. I have to go see if mine does the same thing." He was back five minutes later with a smile. Mine's very similar with the exception are that I have a picture of Sirius and the Weasleys as a family in addition to the one of Ron.
Harry went outside for a moment while Hermione changed her password. When her door opened again, she said. "Wow, cool, you can see the entire hall. At first it just looked like it was a blank mirror. I mean you can see yourself in it but it also shows who is outside. Oh, and by the way, my mirror warns me that you may have less than honorable intentions with me and asked if I should put you on the list of undesirables. I told it that unless you had intentions of bodily harm, you were okay. Hopefully, that will not allow someone using polyjuice potion to approach and fool me."
Harry looked at Hermione. Hold on a second, I forgot something. He had forgotten his wand inside, but it was a convenient excuse to see what it said about her. He giggled as his mirror gave him the same reaction. It says, "This person is not a threat, but may have less than honorable intentions," etcetera. Harry gave the same instructions to his mirror and went into the hall.
"We have to find someway to let each other know that it's us. It told me the same thing about your intentions so you might not be as pure of thought as you think young lady. Let's go get our stuff for bed just for tonight and we can get the rest tomorrow." Harry smiled and winked.
Hermione shook her head and slowly turned red. She said, "I never said I didn't want to jump your bones, I just don't talk about it all the time nor would I act on it like a nymphomaniac." She finally saw the humor too.
It only took fifteen minutes to go get their things from their dorms and return. They went together as they had earlier in the evening and no one seemed to notice. Hermione looked at her watch, it was after ten and she was exhausted. "Why don't you change and then we can sit together in my room in front of the fireplace for a while," offered Hermione.
Harry liked the idea. He took a little longer than he thought he would. The bath and shower were amazing. He couldn't wait to shower the next morning. He stopped for a moment to brush his teeth. There was a quality similar to the Room of Requirement in these rooms. It was more subtle. He wondered if the security features would tighten if they felt threatened. He was too tired to worry about it for the moment and turned his attention to Hermione waiting for him next door.
He knocked and hoped she'd answer it was a little drafty in proper pajamas in the little hallway. He went in to see that she'd created a little nest for them by the fire with a blanket and pillows in front of the sofa near the fire to curl up in. Once they'd settled in Harry mentioned the pictures and how nice it would be to see a larger one of his parents. Hermione agreed.
The young couple sat quietly nestled on the floor among the pillows leaning against the sofa for quiet some time. Harry was going over in his mind the discussion of the Original Prophecy. He understood the huge compliment that went with Hermione's version. Harry couldn't believe the whole thing as simple as Professor McGonagall was trying to make it sound by asking her to repeat it. He knew there had to be more to the story. Nothing about the magical world yet had come to Harry without a price. Did they want him to enjoy his youth because the demands of the Prophecy had other requirements? Where was Mrs. Dumbledore? Was that one of the things that he'd given up when he'd assumed the role as Headmaster? Was celibacy a requirement too? He realized that probably none of the things were a requirement, but he'd remembered Professor Dumbledore sharing his philosophy about doing the right thing or what was easy. Was that what he meant?
Hermione broke the silence. "I can hear your heart beating, Harry." She had a smile on her face. "I can hear my pulse in a quiet room if I'm lying in the right position with my neck on a pillow. But it's amazing to hear someone's actual heartbeat." She closed her eyes again. "Never in my dreams had I thought that I'd hear some of the things I heard tonight. Not the least of which was Severus Snape approaching civility in conversation with you. He was the same old Snape at first but seemed to soften after a few minutes."
"You remember that I told you months ago that I was told to not worry about Snape, he would never be a danger too me. We debated it and we were all convinced that maybe we should trust Dumbledore. I don't think any of us really believed in Snape's loyalty to Dumbledore though," said Harry. "He is one scary, weird dude."
Hermione still lay there talking with her eyes closed as Harry stared at the fire. Hermione began to smile again. "It's so weird. We will accept the word of a werewolf who was a friend of your Dad and has spent months with a brutal killer. But we doubt it when our most trusted mentors telling us to trust Snape. We doubt him even now."
"I don't doubt him so much anymore, Hermione. I just can't imagine my Dad being so cruel that someone
could hate him that much," said Harry. "That's my problem with him, because as he said he sees my Dad in
me sometimes and attacks me as he would have attacked my Dad. That's sick and I will always be leery of that
behavior. "
"Sorry, I brought that up Harry. Let's just rest." She said softly taking his hand under the covers. "Listen to the crackling of the fire, Harry. Let it mesmerize you and let go."
In Professor McGonagall's study, she and Severus discussed the night's events. Severus listened carefully and rarely spoke. Finally, Professor McGonagall asked Snape what he thought.
"Minerva, the boy is talented in ways that are subtle and incredibly useful. He lacks the true intellect of his father, but he is strong of spirit like his mother. I don't speak well of him often, but based on evidence left in the pensieve Mr. Potter is destined be very powerful indeed. Professor Dumbledore and I see what he referred to as `a strange light in his eyes.' The boy is a leader and trusted friend. He will do well."
Snape arose from his seat and walked across the room continuing his analysis. "As he grows older, I predict he will gain the powers of the earth that govern fire and ice. He will do things without a wand that others must use one to accomplish. He is a living conduit of magical power I believe. It is the reason that he could survive the killing curse, fight off the Imperious Curse and survive the Cruciatus Curse during a more severe interrogation than the one that debilitated the Longbottoms. I have spent the past eight months in Dumbledore's chambers studying to learn more and I am convinced."
Minerva looked at Snape with gratitude. "I am glad I wasn't forced to explain your presence. Do you think you can regain the confidence of Narcissa Malfoy? Can you find them?"
"While by our standards they are still disorganized, they will now question me more severely after my reported death. I should be able to find them and regain a measure of confidence," said Snape.
"Surely there is no legilimens as talented as Lord Voldemort to detect your true intentions, correct?"
"Yes, while that is true, I fear that Fenrir Greyback is in a much higher position of authority than just hired killer so it would be imperative to convince him first and foremost. He doesn't reason. He kills in a lust for blood. A debate with Fenrir often ends in the victor being torn to shreds for besting him in the debate," Snape said. "I don't fear him, but I respect his power enough that I wouldn't confront him without a small army. He is ferocious and lacks any conscience whatsoever. Therefore, one word out of place and there may not be time to react." Snape thought a moment more. "However during the few days after the full moon, his powers and abilities are greatly diminished while he recovers, much like Lupin when he is in recovery."
With that example, she nodded her head in understanding. "So timing is important as well."
"Tell me again about this problem Potter is having with the youngest Weasleys," requested Snape.
Harry was sure this was the first time Hermione fell into a deep sleep as he held her. He listened to her breathing and could feel the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. He thought again about the future. For the first time in his heart he knew why luck had always found him. Something in the magical world worked through him. But it was hard to see himself as the wizard of the power and promise the Prophecy described. He realized that maybe it was just the way some cosmic force intended it to be. He felt sad that it meant that he had very little control over his life if it were true. He looked at fine hairs on the back of her neck, her beautiful face and those bushy eye brows and hoped that whatever force smiling on him smiled on her as well. She was an important source of strength. He closed is eyes and tried to sleep.
After a little while he knew it was useless. He felt the tightness in his shoulders from sitting in this position. His mind was racing and even though she slept he was afraid she'd feel the ill effects of being in such an awkward position the same as he was now. It had been comfortable for quite some time though. "Hermione? Sweetheart? Wake up, Sweetheart, you need to get in your bed, and I need to get into mine."
Groggily, and slowly she awoke, "This must be uncomfortable for you, I'm sorry." She got up and padded slowly toward her bed just ten or so feet away. The rooms seemed huge because of the cathedral ceilings but they were actually quite small, especially with all the furniture. He smiled as she looked so cute dragging the blanket and pillow. Even in such a state she was beautiful. She soon realized that she didn't need either when she got to the bed. Harry tucked her in and kissed her forehead. He doubted she even became aware of her surroundings.
He walked to the corner where her pictures hung and looked at her family. He hoped to meet them one day soon. He turned to the door, blew her a kiss as he opened it and went to his room. Just ten minutes later, he too was sleeping peacefully.
The next two days were filled with rumors that Harry and Hermione conspired to get Ron kicked out of school. The rumors said that they should be expelled too, because if he was leaving the campus for his future as a Quidditch player, they were leaving to have sexual liaisons in hotels. Other rumors had them having inappropriate displays of affection in various places around the school. False witnesses were cropping up just to say they saw them engaging in those acts. Harry and Hermione had been warned that this would happen.
Harry and Hermione were sitting at the Gryffindor table during lunch on that Wednesday when a group of students huddled an aisle away erupted in laughter as someone among them called Hermione a slut. It was a male voice. Harry had had enough.
He walked up and whispered to Professor McGonagall. She stood, "Attention, everyone. I would like your attention please. Head Boy, Harry Potter has an announcement to make. She motioned toward the podium, "Harry."
"A few minutes ago, someone made a rude comment about Hermione Granger. I take offense to this for several reasons. First, yes some parts of the rumors are true. She and I are going together. Two, she deserves respect because she has not hurt anyone of you. And, third it is rude and unacceptable that any student at Hogwarts should have that sort of comment made about them in public without fear of punishment. From this point on, that type of behavior shall cost that student's House 50 points. As in this case, it was impossible to tell which of the students in the group of six made the comment. So, the penalty shall be 150 points from Gryffindor, 100 points from Hufflepuff and 50 points from Ravenclaw. Fifty points will be deducted from the House for each person involved. That penalty structure will be used for future infractions as well. It is unacceptable and as Head Boy I will not allow it. Is that understood?"
A young man stood up at the Hufflepuff table and yelled, "You have to stick up for your girlfriend, don't you Potter?" Harry recognized the voice as the one who made the comment, but ignored that fact for the moment.
"Did you have a point? What is your name?" Harry didn't know him but he was probably just a loud mouth doing someone's talking. The student stammered when Harry asked him to identify himself.
"Kevin Whitby, Potter. My Housemates and I want to know if it's true that you betrayed Ron Weasley to steal Hermione? And did she cheat on him? The way we see it, if it's true, you deserve what you get."
Harry saw Hermione stand up and walk toward him at the podium. She whispered something to Harry and then took the podium with tears in her eyes. "I recognize your voice. You are the one that just called me a slut, aren't you? I'll thank you not to use that language to describe me or any of your classmates. First, Harry and I made a mistake. We let our feelings blind us to the right thing to do. We became selfish. We are guilty of that, but cheating is a harsh word. If cheating includes kissing and making out, then yes, I am guilty. But you are not my judge when you are not mature enough to ask me to my face and then call me that name to my face. I would gladly have punched you in the nose if you had. Second, we are guilty of remaining silent for two days and letting idiots such as you make these comments without doing our jobs as Head Girl and Boy. That stops now." She walked back to her seat. Harry closed his eyes and smiled. In essence, she just told off the entire Hogwarts student body the way she had Malfoy, and even he and Ron once or twice. He loved it.
"Any questions? I wouldn't mess with Hermione when she's mad," laughed Harry. "That's all then. Just stop the comments in public."
He sat down. Hermione looked frazzled because she'd never spoken in front of the school like that. "Did I do okay?"
"You did fine," said Harry.
Professor McGonagall spoke up just as they finished. "It is unfortunate that we have to have students stand up to defend themselves against their classmates. I have the power to remove those who wish to disrupt the school. I will send you home with the possibility of no credit for the entire year, if this behavior or behavior like it continues. Do not be identified as a continual troublemaker. You will find yourself explaining your expulsion to your parents."
When lunch finished, Harry and Hermione went off to class.
They weren't sure whether it had been their words or the very real threat of expulsion from the Headmistress, but public comments stopped completely. And now, several weeks later, Harry looked at the date and realized that the first week of May only left six weeks until the end of school and three until the spring dance.
"Hermione, how's the dance preparation going?" asked Harry as he gave her a light kiss on the cheek.
"I thought I told you last week. I had to take myself off the committee because they want you and I to be King and Queen They have decided to combine the ideas of all four houses and make it one dance. It still doesn't have a name," she said. "Not too long ago we were looking over our shoulders at people ridiculing us and then they ask us to be King and Queen."
"I know you heard only part of the story, but the ruling on Kevin Whitby came today. They have decided that he will do detention from now until the end of school. He will be working with the girls in preparation for the dance. He and three others got the same punishment." Harry smiled. "You remember, don't you? They were caught sending editorials to The Quibbler and The Daily Prophet about mismanagement and poor leadership by Professor McGonagall and were using us as the primary examples. They had falsified documents that showed that we'd been given privileges beyond what the Head Boy and Girl traditionally had been given. They didn't know about the discretion that is left solely in the hands of the head of the school. They were exposed by no one other than Ginny Weasley."
"You're kidding?" Hermione shook her head. "Tell me you're kidding?"
"No, I'm not kidding. At first I couldn't understand why she was there."
"I wouldn't have understood it either. Go on." Hermione said.
"When Professor Slughorn asked for witnesses and evidence against Kevin and his friends, she stood up." Harry just shook his head. "I couldn't believe it."
"Then Slughorn asked why he should believe that she wasn't involved too? He sited how vocal she'd been when we were named Head Boy and Girl. He accused her of having as much motive to discredit that decision as anyone."
"She couldn't have looked or sounded comfortable at that point," said Hermione.
"Come to think of it, she didn't look too comfortable. But she said that she had spent the first two weeks so angry at us that she'd investigated the powers of the Headmistress and couldn't find anything Professor McGonagall had done wrong. So she left that angle alone," said Harry. "She was pretty convincing. I mean she told the council about us and that she had seen us come back into the dorm late that Friday and suspected something. She tried to make a case that our morals hardly made us good candidates to be in our position, but noted that the Headmistress was well within her rights even though we were of objectionable moral character."
"Oh, she conveniently left out facts and used the ones that suited her," said Hermione. "Well, it's logical that you wouldn't implicate yourself and admit to being an associate of someone wanted by the Ministry for questioning, aka Draco Malfoy."
"You should have heard her though. I mean, she gave dates and times when these guys used the office and forged the documents. She had the names of staff members they were going use to give their claims respectability," said Harry. "I wouldn't get too excited about her friendliness toward us though. Like I said, at every possible moment, she told Slughorn and the council that she couldn't see herself being blamed if it were printed in the papers simply for revenge against Professor McGonagall. She said and I quote, `What sense would that make if the two filthy, immoral liars wouldn't be punished."
"Slughorn let her call us that in the Council?" asked Hermione. "I think she and someone else set these boys up and let them take the fall."
"Exactly. I believe that because of how she wove hatred into her apology. She said, `Okay, I shouldn't have said it like that, but take it from my point of view. My family has offered them our hospitality for seven years and when it was convenient for them, they ignored the first rule of good manners which is to talk to the person you have a problem with first. So, I'm here solely to protect myself from being blamed for doing anything like this.' Twice she accused us of being immoral or something in front of the Disciplinary Council."
"Someday she has to get over it though don't you think, Harry?" said Hermione sadly. "It will eat her up inside."
"The sad part was that it was not the creepy-voiced Ginny we met when we came back that night. It sounded like the Ginny I knew a long time ago, but saying stuff she never would have said then. She wasn't venomous, just very arrogant," said Harry. "It didn't make me feel good, but it did make me feel good that the right people were caught, if she wasn't involved."
"So, you think she used that opportunity to bring up old wounds in a different forum so that there would be some doubt in the future?" asked Hermione.
"That's what I think, but we can't worry about that. It'll drive us crazy." He changed the subject. "So tell me about this King and Queen thing," said Harry.
"I'll just recap for you. The girls ask the guys to the dance. They can ask anyone they want, including a brother or friend from outside school. Our thing is just ceremonial as Head Boy and Girl, the rest of the students will hold an election of the Prince and Princess though. That should be exciting. The voting will be done on two Saturdays in May during the Quidditch matches-this week they nominations will be made. Next week three finalists selected. The winners will be selected by vote at the dance." said Hermione.
"Are you sorry, you're not part of the committee anymore?" asked Harry.
Hermione at first shook her head, "No." A moment later, she said, "Truthfully, yes I am. I'm starting to be treated like I don't belong and that's okay to a point. I am the Head Girl, but it seems like it's because you and I spend so much time together. It never mattered that much whether or not I was one of the girls before, because I had you and Ron."
Harry looked at her with understanding. "So, since you had a thing for Ron I must have been the substitute for the girls. Is that what you thought?" Harry smiled.
"Of course not," she said with a soft slap on the arm.
"So maybe it's that I'm not as much fun when I'm not joking like a sex-crazed moron. I think we've both become a little too serious over the past month. We'll figure a way to make it up to each other."
"I suppose that could be true. You don't think we're getting tired of one another do you?" said Hermione. "You're not getting tired of me, are you?"
Hermione looked like she just needed a hug. His heart still pounded at least once a day like the moment he'd seen the glow around her at sunrise that morning. She fascinated him with her humor and zest for life. He was going to show her, but the hug would have to do in this case.
Harry started to feel the effects of burning the candle at both ends. It wasn't a horrible feeling, but he started falling asleep first when he and Hermione cuddled after homework. He felt bad especially tonight.
"Harry, I must really be boring you to death. I mean last night I put the blankets out, you cuddled up behind me, and the next thing I know I'm talking to Rip Van Winkle," she charged. "Are you okay, or are you simply bored if we aren't engaged in some activity or making out?"
Harry had been exchanging daily owls with Lupin. He was trying to find something that he could create that would express how he felt about her. He'd created singing scrolls, but he found that he had to have access to the words of the songs that popped into his head. He practiced turning small objects he could hide in his hand into song birds. Nothing seemed appropriate. They were all cheap magicians' tricks. He did this after he left her at night.
He realized now that it was probably a better sign that he loved her to be awake when they were together. "I'm sorry sweetheart; somehow my sleeping patterns are all out of whack," was his only reply. She accepted it most nights, but others she shook him awake telling him that this is probably the reason he couldn't sleep at night.
Tonight, he felt better than he had in a long time. He was going to really try not to get so comfortable so quick. He sat up straighter and held Hermione tonight. "Harry, will you go to the dance with me?" she asked to see if he were awake.
"Of course, who else would I go with?" he smiled even though she couldn't see it.
"I got an owl today from Tonks who said that Lupin is up to something with you. What is it, Sweetheart? Is it something to do with the Original Prophecy or your Dad's work?" Hermione inquired.
Harry was never good at lying. He figured that's why he would often get in trouble for speaking his mind. He wasn't really lying if he answered yes tonight. He was trying to be like his Dad and come up with something original. He felt like telling her just to avoid trouble. Then he thought for a moment and an idea came to him. Hermione was getting impatient because he was just sitting there not answering her. "Well, that's sort of it. I want to do something like my Dad did with the invisibility cloak. It's not going all that well. I'm exhausted because after I leave you at night I'm trying all the ideas we come up with." That was nearly the whole truth. But now he had to find a way to get away tonight. He also had a revelation on what he'd do and he might not get it done because Lupin was going to have to help with the last part. He needed to go so he could get it to him early enough.
"Harry. Why didn't you say something to me before now? I could help you and it would be something we could do together that might kind of spark us up a bit," Hermione said. "That actually would be really cool."
Harry didn't want to dismiss it out of hand. He knew she might not take his explanation that well as it was. He pretended to think about it. Then he replied, "Hermione, this was my Dad's thing. He didn't have help from my Mom or anyone else. I have to do this myself," he said. Harry felt horrible because he'd never asked if they'd helped James with any of his projects or if Lily had either. But he could hardly have Hermione help him with her surprise. "Look, something's are just more satisfying if you do them by yourself." He tried to explain.
"Aw, come on Harry. You go to sleep on me and I never get to talk to you, I mean about us and life. It's just school and homework lately. Why can't you just let me help a little?" asked Hermione.
"Hermione, darling, I don't know how to say it without sounding rude. There are just something a guy has to do without the help of his girlfriend and sometimes completely on his own," said Harry. He didn't like this because if it were anything but her project he'd gladly use her help.
Hermione looked hurt and sounded like it too. "So, we can't be different and you have to satisfy some male ego thing. That's why you're against me helping you? That's not like you Harry? I could have seen if you were like that at the Tri-Wizard Tournament or whatever. But now, with me here willing to do anything to help you-I think you're just tired of hanging around with me 24/7 and this is an excuse to limit our time together. It's like we're becoming….Well, when you're ready just go ahead. Ta!"
That final expression of frustration from Hermione made him feel the worst. He'd known her for a long time; it was usually followed by tearful rage or indignant sarcasm. Either way she was really hurt or time was past for avoiding hurting her. "Hermione, I love you. Just trust me that I know what I'm doing." He tried to kiss her but she turned her head so all he could do was kiss her red cheek. The tears were starting. "I think I've figured the most important one out and I'm really sorry, but if you're mad at me I might as well go and finish it." He tried again to give her a hug and kiss. She stood there looking away.
After Harry left, she cried. She went to the drawer in her desk and got her quill and parchment she used for writing letters. She was going to answer Tonks and get this off her chest. She started:
Tonks, I asked Harry and it was a bad night to ask. It started our first fight. Well, really I started our first fight. But I'm mad at him. He knows we are under such stress to be "goody two-shoes" perfect that we're both losing ourselves. That's just an excuse. I wanted to help him with projects that Lupin is giving him help with and he told me I couldn't because his Dad never had help. That is so, stupid. I just want to do something interesting with him. He's been going to sleep on me lately and I haven't been able to talk to him. I'm just afraid he's going to do the same to me as he did Ginny?
Hermione stopped there because her eyes burned so badly that she couldn't see and the ink was smearing where the tears fell. She continued the letter.
He infuriates me because he doesn't get mad at me like Ron did, when I yell at him or give him the cold shoulder. Just now when he left I felt like kicking him or hexing him or something just to make him mad enough to feel bad like I do. That is so childish and I knew it, so I just got madder because there is nothing I can do. You just don't want to be mean to someone you really love. But you are anyway by withholding your love. Am I normal? I hope you are well and give my love to that rat, you call your boyfriend. Just kidding all men are my enemies tonight.
Love, Hermione
PS I'll be okay in about a month…hehe
Hermione sealed the back of the envelope and ran to the owlery. She was scared to be out at night without Harry, so she just didn't stop. First owl she found she strapped it to its foot and ran back. She could see the windows to there little rooms from the stairs going back into the castle. Harry's light was on and so was hers. Just as she was about to turn away and she realized she was staring at his window, Hedwig was released out of Harry's window. She ran back. She sat up for a while from the exhilaration of the run, but soon found herself sleepy again. She crawled into bed.
Harry felt really sad. He didn't realize until just a few minutes ago that he had made all the parts of a really good surprise. It never dawned on him how cool they would look combined into a little program. He thought of how proud Fred and George would be. First he wrote the card…then he…put in the chess pieces….then….He put several more things in and it was ready to send. He hoped that Hermione felt better and didn't see it solely as a way to make up for tonight. He loved her. Part of his surprise would be private, yet most of it wouldn't. He hoped she was pleased and not embarrassed.
Hermione's letter to Tonks arrived quite a while before Harry's package to Lupin. Lupin and Tonks were still talking about Hermione's letter when Hedwig arrived. "I wish you had said something to me, Remus. The poor girl is beside herself. At least I wouldn't have added fuel to the fire by having her ask Harry what you were up to."
"To be honest, I wanted to help Harry so much I didn't even think about telling anyone else. I just started going over my old notes. It's hard to find the light and fluffy stuff we did at first, James and I. We ended up getting so involved with the dark aspects in our later years."
"Does Harry know that?" asked Tonks. "I mean that his father was every bit as dark as Snape, but was popular so he wasn't shunned like Snape."
"No, I don't think he quite equates mysticism with the dark arts yet. They aren't always understood, the dark arts and mysticism I mean. Harry will soon learn why he had an aptitude for Defense against the Dark Arts." Lupin turned his attention back to Hermione's letter. "Well, sure, Harry couldn't very well have her help him with her surprise."
There was a scratching at the window. They turned and there was Hedwig. "That can only mean one thing. Harry finished. Look at the box."
Lupin opened the window and let Hedwig in. He untied the box which was remarkably light and gave Hedwig one of the mice they kept in the box near the window to reward the owls. Hedwig sped off into the night.
He read the instructions in the letter Harry sent him. "Brilliant," said Lupin. "He sends his love. He says I can show you what it does but you can't do anything to divulge it to Hermione before lunch. You have to promise first." He pulled out a card that accompanied several odds and ends that seemed unrelated. "Do you promise?"
She stood over the box and looked at Lupin. It looks like a bunch of stuff you'd sell at a cheap auction. "Yeah, I promise."
"Well, see that's what I have to do. He didn't have the materials to package it up properly, so he sent it to me. They will work without the packaging but it will seem like something more than it appears upon opening and be even more beautiful when it ends. It will be symbolic, but also include some very good magic." Okay, open the card.
For the next two minutes, Tonks stood in awe as little tiny stick figures danced and little tiny voices read their scripts as the card took life. And then there was a burst of sparkles….
When it was done, Tonks looked at Remus and hugged him. "You helped him do that?"
"Well, sort of, I told him how to make things move on paper and animate them with magic, but all the creativity is his. It's kind of the same with the other things too. He did it," said Remus.
"I think she will be speechless and the most envied girl Hogwarts has ever seen. I can't imagine anyone's boyfriend doing something like this before--for one, because it really is imaginative and two, having the love and patience to try it," said a cheerfully, teary-eyed Tonks. "So this is everything he tried or some of it anyway turned into this whole little thing?"
"Yep, he's pretty much perfected the Coordination Charm to make everything take place without intervention of the wizard. It's brilliant, isn't it?" replied Remus.
"I'll say."
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