A/N: First off, let me apologize for the long wait.Excuses: First, this chapter needed to be great so it underwent a number of rewrites. Second, I've been dealing with some RL issues that have taken a lot of my time. Third, either my beta is in a serious condition in a hospital somewhere, or she's abandoned me. I actually go for the former as it simply isn't like her and I'm beginning to worry. Anyway, it's been a long wait, and for that I'm truly sorry, but I do hope it was worth it. Enjoy yourselves.
P.S. I still don't own what is familiar to you, but it is not from lack of trying on my part. The woman simply won't give away her toys! Oh and, hehehe, the second part of this chapter also includes one of the songs from the soundtrack for those of you who check out my journal. I highly recommend reading it while listening to Terri Clarks First To Fall (Another blasted thing I don't own)
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CHAPTER SIXTEEN: THE FOOTSTEPS OF LEGENDS
~~~~~November 8th, 1996. Hogwarts.~~~~~
It had started as a beautiful morning as Harry and Hermione made their way to the room of requirement for their physical training. And as much as Harry had enjoyed Hermiones tight training clothes, he didn't so much enjoy her giving him a swift ass kicking.
Brodsky had been showing them self-defense moves as well as a mixed up kind of martial arts and he'd told them to do a bit of non-contact sparring while he cooled down under the tree. The soft sparring had gotten progressively rougher, until they'd started a bit of contact mucking around.
Not realizing he was putting himself in danger he grabbed her in a headlock, while Professor Brodsky looked on laughing. It wasn't until her elbow connected with his stomach and knocked the wind out of him did he figure out the headlock was a bad move.
Hermione took advantage of the moment he released his grip, grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back. She then knocked his feet out from under him, dropping him to the ground face-down in the dirt and pinned him with her knee on his lower back.
Grinning she leaned and whispered in his ear, "Nice try, Potter."
Brodsky was over leaning against a tree with a bottle of water, laughing heartily at Harrys expense and clapping for Hermione.
"Well done, Miss Granger!"
Hermione got off Harry and offered her hand to him. Reluctantly he took it and hauled himself to his feet, wiping the dust off his clothes.
Ignoring Brodskys laughing Harry asked, "Where did you learn to do that?"
"Back when I was still a normal girl, Daddy would take me with him to his self-defense classes. He'd go to all different types; tae kwon doe, kick boxing, judo, or any others he felt like he wanted to try. I went with him every week, it was our father/daughter time. I still go whenever I'm home."
"Sounds....fun, I guess."
"It was." Hermione grinned.
Brodsky walked up to them, "That will do today, you may both go. But perhaps you should stay Harry, it seems as if you need the extra training."
Harry shook his head at the professors teasing. Over the time they'd spent together the two had gotten pretty close, beginning to build the bond that Dumbledore had hoped for. Harry admired how the man whom like himself had had his family dieyet able to go on without those that meant so much to him. Harry didn't think he'd be able to do it. He couldn't remember loving or losing his parents, but he knew he wouldn't be able to deal with losing his wife and child the way Brodsky had.
He also appreciated all the work Byron Brodsky was putting in to help him prepare to defeat Voldemort, because if it wasn't for all his training he knew he wouldn't stand a chance against the evil wizard.
The three walked out of the room together and down through the halls of Hogwarts. They got the occasional odd glance at their outfits, but most people had grown accustomed to seeing them in sweats.
"So, wanna' go to our spot?" Harry asked Hermione as they walked, Brodsky just behind them.
"I'm not ditching again, Harry. I have to shower and get to class." Hermione said. "I'll see you later." She waved and raced up the stairs towards Gryffindor tower.
Brodsky moved up to stand beside Harry as the younger man watched Hermione leave. Harry seemed fixated on her and near jumped out of his skin when Brodsky put a hand on his shoulder.
"Daydreaming Harry?" The professor asked with a knowing smile. "Come, son, we'll take a walk in the fresh air."
"We were just outside in the room of requirement." Harry said as he let Brodsky lead him out of the ancient castle.
"Yes but that was an inside outside, the fresh air was just a simulation." He paused for a moment, a small grin forming on his lips."So Harry, 'our spot'?"
Harry turned a little red. "There's a place by the lake through the trees. No one else seems to know about it and it's private. We go there to spend time alone together."
"I believe I know the spot. You have to be lucky to find it actually. And you're right about the privacy, I took many a girl there during my Hogwarts days." Brodsky said with a wicked smile.
"I don't take Hermione there for that." Harry said quickly. "She means too much to me."
Sighing Brodsky looked down at him, "I know Harry. I've seen the way you look at the girl. You're in love with her. Does she know?"
"I think so. Well, I've told her, so yeah. But nothing has happened yet, but I don't care, I'd wait an eternity for her. She's my world."
"I understand completely, Harry. Just remember that a love like that; a love that you're willing to wait your entire life for, a woman that makes you feel like you could move mountains just by looking at her, a love that you'd do anything for; they only come around once. So you've only got one shot at it, don't do anything stupid."
Laughing a little Harry said, "I'll do my best, Sir."
"Does she know about the prophecy?"
Harry thought for a moment. "I haven't told her yet, if that's what you're asking. But Hermiones damn smart, she's probably figured it all out by now."
"Even so, you shouldn't keep things from her, especially not something like this. Not only does she deserve to know, but she will be your greatest asset in this. Think of it like a game of chess, Harry, you are the king and she is your queen, the most useful piece on the board."
"I know. But I don't want to worry her."
"She will worry anyway Harry, it's in her nature."
"Yeah, I suppose. I also wanted to say thank you, Sir, for all the training and well, everything."
Brodsky stopped walking and turned to him. He placed a hand on Harrys shoulder and looked him straight in the eyes. "You need it Harry. You now take the steps that many before you have taken, to prepare themselves for a battle of epic proportions. Do not feel ashamed that you had to be taught these things. Do you think Arthur and his knights didn't need lessons before they could wield their swords so skillfully? Do you think Merlin himself didn't have someone there to show and teach him magic? Do you think Godric Gryffindor was just born with the ability and knowledge that enabled him to defeat dark wizards and Salazar Slytherin? Know that you now walk in the footsteps of legends, Harry."
Harry nodded his head seriously and breathed deeply. Brodsky patted his shoulder and then returned to his walk.
Brodsky continued as he walked, "And I'd like you to note that none of those were able to do the great feats they achieved alone. They had strong men assisting them. It's also should be noted that they all were strong men with even stronger women supporting them, standing by their sides in their time of need. Arthur had Guinevere, mostly. Merlin had the Lady of the Lake. Godric had Rowena. During this difficult time you will have Hermione.
"And in a thousand years they will still be telling your story, Harry. They'll tell their children of how you used skill, knowledge and power to defeat an evil wizard whose name they'll probably forget in the shadow of yours. They'll say that you were flanked by your most trusted knight and friend, your brother in all ways that count, Ronald. And the woman you loved, whose knowledge will be a legend of its own, Hermione. And behind you three, with his hands on your shoulders, the greatest wizard to live since Merlin, Dumbledore. And on the outstretched field an army of light brought together by love, hope, friendship and loyalty. They'll tell of your greatness. They'll tell of your power. And the only story that will rival the battle itself will be that of your romance, of you and the young woman who holds your heart.
"The children told these stories will be awed by them, never forgetting. And they'll tell their children, who'll pass it to their children, and so on and so on. Your name will be remembered for all time, Harry, and your story will forever be told. You walk in the footsteps of legends, Harry Potter."
Looking at Harry again Brodsky noticed he was a little pale and had to laugh a little. "Don't let that frighten you, Harry, let it inspire you."
"Do you....do you really think I can do it?"
"Defeat Voldemort or sweep Miss Granger off her feet?" Brodsky joked, bringing some colour back to Harrys face.
"Both." Harry smiled.
"Well, I have no doubt of either. I know for certain that you will defeat the Dark Lord, for you have so much more to fight for than he, and those fighting with you have so much more to fight for than the death eaters. I also can tell that Miss Granger feels the same about you as you feel about her, so I don't believe she will reject your advances at all."
"She's my soul mate." Harry said softly.
"Indeed. So I advise you tell her everything. And be sure to never hurt her, she has a heart that many a man would kill and die for, and all you need to do is live for it."
~~~~~November 20th, 1996. Hogwarts.~~~~~
It took Harry almost two whole weeks to build up the courage to tell Hermione about the prophecy. They wrapped up the DA meeting that Wednesday and Harry asked her to stay behind with him, which she usually did anyway.
As soon as everyone but the two of them filed out of the room, it changed form. Gone were the mats and such, replaced by a comfortable couch and a roaring fire.
They sat down together on the one couch, close but not quite touching. Just by looking at him, Hermione knew that Harry was worried about something.
"What's wrong?" She said softly, reaching out and placing her hand over his, enjoying the electricity that coursed through her, and by the look he gave her, through him as well.
He turned his body to her with a serious expression and grabbed her hand. "There's something I've been keeping from you, something really important."
"I know. I could see it in your eyes since we came and got you from the Dursleys. I knew it was important, but figured you'd tell me when you were ready to, I wasn't going to push you."
"Thankyou for that. But I should have told you straight away, you deserve to know more than anyone. I just didn't want to worry you more than you normally are."
He looked as if he was about to say something but stopped, so Hermione said, "Harry, if you're not ready to tell me then don't."
"No, I want to more than anything, I'm just trying to figure out what to say. The prophecy we found at the
ministry the night......." He had been about to say 'the night I got Sirius killed'. "The night
Sirius died. The one that was smashed was only a copy of it. I know what you're going to say about this but it was
made by Trelawny."
Hermione visibly bit back the comment that was on her tongue and Harry had to smile as he went on, "It was real,
Mione, I know for sure. She made it to Dumbledore himself. He showed me what it said using the pensieve."
After a long time of his silence she prompted, "Go on."
"It wasn't good, Mione." He went on and told her the words he'd never forget as long as he'd live. She sat in silence for a few minutes, staring at the fire. "Mione, say something."
Sighing she turned back to him with tears in her eyes, "I should have known. I had a feeling you'd be the one....in the end. Dammit!"
Dropping his hand she stood from the couch and moved across the room, allowing the tears to flow freely down her face. Harry hurt to see her in pain, but let her be for the time being.
She gave a frustrated sigh, "Why can't fate just leave you the hell alone?! Why can't it leave us alone?! You've already lost so much! Oh Merlin Harry how I wish you were just a normal wizard, hell at this point I'd settle for you being a normal guy. I wish you had a mum and dad to go home to on the holidays, I wish you didn't have to keep getting in scuffles with bad guys and saving the world, I wish you didn't need severe training so you could kill a demented, evil, son of a bitch! Oh, how I wish we could just be us, just explore how we felt for each other without having to worry that the damn school will be attacked!"
Hermione had her back turned as she went on, so she didn't see Harry as he got up off the couch and moved behind her. He gently wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tightly to him, pulling her back against his chest.
"I wish all those things too, Love." He whispered in her ear. "But wishing won't make it happen. We just need to make the best of a bad situation, and get ready for whatever may come."
"I'll never leave your side Harry." She whispered back, turning in his arms to face him. "Voldemort himself can try and take me, but I'll never leave your side."
"That's what scares me the most." He led her back to the couch and sat as close as he could to her. He wiped away her tears and drowned himself in her eyes. "Knowing that you'll be there with me and that no matter what I say, you'll always be there with me. Just promise you won't get yourself killed, you know I couldn't live without you."
"You need to make the same promise, Harry, after all, you're the one he's after."
He smiled softly and kissed her on the forehead, "I promise I'll try at least."
"So do I." She paused. "So that's where you were. When I was in the infirmary I was groggy and all that but I still wondered where you were. Dumbledore took you straight to his office?"
"Yeah and he told me everything. I had wanted to be with you, make sure you were alright, but I was upset over Sirius and Dumbledore told me not to leave his office until after we'd spoken. I was so relieved when Madame Pomfrey said you were going to be alright. During the battle I was beside myself with worry, thank Merlin Neville was there since I didn't even think to check for a pulse and if he hadn't of told me you were still alive I wouldn't have been able to go on."
He looked a little sheepish as he took both her hands in his and asked, "Can I.....can I see it?"
She didn't need further explanation, she knew him well enough to know what he was referring to. Taking her hands back she let her hair fall over her face as she looked down and started to unbutton the top of her blouse.
Her black bra didn't cover much of it. Very gently Harry reached out and ran his hand slowly down the scarred skin on her chest. Hermione shuddered at his touch and looked up to see tears in his eyes as he looked at it sadly.
He lifted his eyes to hers, "I'm sorry." He whispered, his hand still on her scar.
"Don't you dare be sorry for this, Harry. We're both alive, we did alright, so in that aspect I'm happy to have it. I'd much rather have it than lose you."
Harrys hand moved up to her neck and his thumb gently stroked her jaw. "You know how much you mean to me. I don't ever want you to hurt again and I promise to do everything in my power to make sure of that. You're the reason I'll fight this battle and you're the reason I'll win. I love you, Mione, more than anything."
The tears were running down her face again, but there was a small smile on her lips. "And I love you."
With a smile of his own Harry leaned in towards her. This was it, their perfect moment. Gently their lips touched, though the feelings that rushed through their blood was anything but gentle. The kiss was tender and soft, full of promise.
Moving back a little, Harry looked right through her eyes and into her soul knowing he'd never feel like this with anyone else. He savored the moment for a second before moving in again. This kiss was much more passionate. They felt on fire as their mouths opened to one another and Harry felt his very bones shake as she moaned when his tongue entered her mouth.
As forceful as the kiss was, it wasn't lustful, but loving. He eased her back onto the couch so his body covered hers and the hand that wasn't still on her neck laced with hers. When oxygen became an issue they broke apart, breathing heavily.
Harry rested his forehead on hers and smiled as he looked in her eyes. He couldn't help but laugh a little when he thought of the couple of times they'd almost got that far. "I swear I was just waiting for someone to burst through that door and interrupt us again."
Hermione laughed too. "I'm so glad they didn't though."
"So am I. Come on then," He said, pulling himself off her and to his feet. "It's getting late, I'll walk you home."
She stopped him just before they reached the door and kissed him strongly again. "I just wanted to do that before we left."
He held her hand all the way back to the common room, both walking in comfortable silence and kissed her softly on the lips at the girls stairs.
"Goodnight, Harry." She whispered.
"Sleep well, Love." He said back then watched her climb the stairs. Before grinning and making his way to his own bed, certain there'd be no nightmares tonight.
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