The sheets gently rustled her body awake as Harry stepped out of the covers, looking for the shirt he had seemingly taken off at one point or another. His mind was still on the night before. True to his word, they had done nothing too sexual, but they had snuggled close together during the night, and the kissing hadn't been minimized.
Harry picked up the shirt, which had been tossed onto the table that had appeared during the room's transformation. He glanced over his shoulder to see if Hermione had awoken yet, and seeing that she had not, took the time to use the bathroom. Upon retuning to the bed, and throwing himself immediately in the covers, he snuggled back up to the woman which he was quickly beginning to love, something he was finally able to understand.
"Morning," Hermione said happily, looking up into his deep emerald eyes. She had a wonderful smile on her face that reached her eyes, and you could tell just how comfortable they were together. With anyone else at the stage in her life and she wasn't sure if it would be the same.
Neither were quite ready to leave the room, and snuggled closely together once again. They both knew the world was out there waiting for them to return, but as of now, they were content just to lie together, savoring the closeness they knew would be relinquished from them once they returned to their regular dorms.
"Morning yourself," Harry responded, yawning as he did so. "You ready to get up?"
"Not really," Hermione said, smile evident in her voice. "But, I suppose we should. I've got people to see you know, places to be."
"And what people are they?" Harry asked curiously.
"A girl can't reveal everything," Hermione said, while pushing the covers up and getting out of the bed.
"What's the supposed to mean?" Harry replied, even more curiously now. He felt like she was playing with him but he wasn't sure.
All he got was a wink and the sound of a shutting door.
***
"Ready?" Harry asked. He had been waiting for about three quarters of an hour and Hermione was still in the bathroom. She was always up before him and was always ready. He had no idea it took her this long.
"Yup," Hermione answered through the door. "Give me one more minute."
"Only one!" Harry said. "I'll leave!"
"It's my birthday," Hermione retorted back, while opening the door. "You wouldn't dare leave."
Harry thought about it for a minute and knew she was right. He wouldn't leave even if it wasn't the day after her birthday. They both knew it was an empty threat.
"Besides, I'm ready."
***
"Is it just me or is the castle eerily quiet?" Harry asked aloud.
Hermione only nodded. The castle was eerily quiet. It was a Saturday, and people usually were out in the halls, running, talking……..something. Harry looked out one of the various windows and saw nobody outside, which was another unsettling thing. It was the weekend! Why wasn't anyone out and about?
Harry turned to ask Hermione if she had noticed the lack of people too, but she was still gazing out, only not at the grounds. He turned to look where she did and saw a strong black smoke curling up from were he knew Hogsmeade was. The damage couldn't be assessed from their current view point though, for the forest was blocking the village.
"Maybe they're just having a bonfire," Harry said optimistically. They both knew it wasn't true.
"I can't believe this happened," Hermione said angrily. "Why didn't anybody tell us!? Tonks knew where we were!"
"Something must have happened," Harry said soothingly. "It's not out fault."
"Of course it's our fault, Harry," Hermione replied, turning to look him in the eye. "We weren't where we were supposed to be and couldn't be found. We shouldn't have stayed the night."
Harry's face fell, and Hermione knew she had said the wrong thing. In her anger she had forgotten one thing she always tried to use, which was tact. "Oh, Harry…….I didn't mean it like that. I enjoyed last night!"
"Why don't we go find Dumbledore?" Harry asked, now refusing to meet her eyes. "He should be able to explain everything."
The long walk down the corridors and stairways seemed even longer by the fact that neither trusted themselves to speak at the moment. They were both afraid to say something that would hurt the other.
Eventually they found themselves standing outside of Dumbledore's office, and upon muttering the password, were let onto the moving staircase.
Hermione knocked when they reached the top, and waited. It was a good minute or two before the door was magically opened and they found themselves looked upon with shocked expressions from a distraught looking Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. Nothing was said.
A soft "thank Merlin" was eventually heard from Minerva before Dumbledore made a sweeping gesture to two of the chairs. "Please do sit."
It was an order, and both of them knew it. They quickly walked toward the chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk. Professor McGonagall, who had previously been pacing, came behind them and put a hand on both of the chairs.
Still nothing was said. A set of eyes was boring into both of theirs, and there was no twinkle in evidence. Dumbledore was sitting back in his chair, calmly watching them, waiting for one of them to speak. He wouldn't prompt them, and so he watched.
After a few minutes of this stoic gazing Harry began to feel horrible. Hermione had been right. They shouldn't have stayed the night.
His head fell a few inches, and he was no longer looking Professor Dumbledore in the eyes.
"Headmaster," Hermione began, "we're terribly sorry. We were in the Room of Requirement last night. We had a Date of sorts for my birthday and it got late so we just stayed. We hadn't any idea an attack was going on, and we certainly did not want to hurt anybody."
"Be that as it may," Dumbledore said, "it was done. The Daily Prophet was released special edition this morning announcing the deaths of yours and Harry's. Those who in Great Britain think we are defeated."
"Can't we use that to our advantage though, sir?" Harry asked. "All will think I'm dead, and Voldemort might to. He could get careless."
"That might work….if not for your link. He knows you're alive, so it would not be wise to let the rest of the world think otherwise. Whether you want to be or not, you are a symbol of hope, Harry. Many have guessed the prophecy's contents, and word has leaked out. You both need to understand the roles you play. "
"Albus, what should we do from here?" Professor McGonagall asked. "We can't let everyone know that Mr. Potter and Miss Granger were asleep. The paper would tear them to shreds."
"I'll floo Amelia," Dumbledore answered. "We'll get this sorted out. On the mean time, say nothing either of you. I've decided not to punish either of you, but do know, I am extremely disappointed in the both of you."
And that's what hurt them both the most.
***
The walk towards the common room was different. Neither was tense, not mad at all. No talking was forthcoming for they were too disappointed in themselves. Hermione hated that she had disappointed the Headmaster, one of her two idols. McGonagall being the other, who she felt equally disappointed for upsetting.
Harry too felt it. He hated getting off un-scathed. Hated Dumbledore picking up the pieces so effortlessly when it had been them who had caused the mess.
The common room was just as empty as the corridors when they entered. The Fat Lady had been the only one they had seen so far, and she had been ecstatic, practically dashing off her painting as soon as the door was open, obviously off to spread the message. They walked across and seated themselves in two of the comfy, overstuffed chairs by the fire. They were both glad for the quiet. More time to collect themselves.
There was a creak from the boy's stairs, but neither bothered to look and see who was approaching.
"Harry? Hermione?"
It was Ron, clad in his school robes, and looking extremely relieved and sorry. His feet scuffed on the carpet as he quickly walked over but stopped short from them and took a seat on the couch. He looked oddly like Harry earlier, with a rigid posture and a lowered head.
There was a sadness about Ron now, and it was proven in his low voice. "We were told you were both……dead."
Nothing was said. They both knew what everyone was told.
"Neville told everyone you guys had had a talk," Ron continued, "and you told him about taking Hermione out to Hogsmeade for her birthday…." He lapsed into silence after that.
"Is everything okay, Ron?" Hermione asked, finally turning towards him.
"No! It's bloody well not!" Ron said harshly, his emotions bubbling to the surface once again. "I thought you two were dead! All I could think about was what a prat I've been!"
"It's okay Ron," Hermione said soothingly, while turning her head towards Harry. He was listening and watching them. "We're both okay."
"But what if you hadn't been?" Ron asked sadly. "I would have never forgiven myself. I should have been happy for my two mates."
"Don't worry about it, mate," Harry said. Now wasn't the time to place blame. "We've all handled and done things wrong."
"I was a prat," Ron said again, now looking Harry in the face.
"So was I."
***
The school had handled the news of their living pretty well. Most had been in denial. It hadn't even been twenty-four hours. Ginny had shed tears, as had a few others, but overall, most only seemed relieved. They had all been holding onto hope until a body had been identified.
There had been another special edition Prophet that evening detailing the fake story of an Auror rescuing them both from a burning building in Hogsmeade. It was good for morale, which was in need these days. Voldemort had attacked and Harry Potter had died after all.
Most wizards and witched outside of Hogwarts hadn't been too concerned with the death of Hermione Granger, if only because so many others had died. This would soon change as word got out why she had been with Harry. They didn't know it, but she played a more important role in life than that of Harry Potter's "Chosen One."
***
It was two days later before Harry and Hermione had the chance to see Professor Dumbledore again. There were meeting for their weekly Occlumency and Legilemency lesson. Hermione was doing near perfect in Occlumency, per usual, and Harry seemed to be having a breakthrough………..finally.
He was actually able to finally block Dumbledore completely……or so he thought, for Dumbledore started pushing harder. He was actually still able to resist, which shocked them all. As of yet Harry just hadn't been able to grasp Occlumency. No matter how hard he tried.
"Let's stop for the day," Dumbledore said to the two. "I see neither of you have been neglecting your studies. If you both continue to improve at a steady rate, we might even be able to begin Legilemency before Christmas."
They both nodded their assent as the door was opened behind them.
"I'm terribly sorry," Professor McGonagall began, "but Madame V. is here via floo. She's waiting for you in your office."
Dumbledore nodded, and McGonagall retreated. A thoughtful expression crossed his visage.
"Whose Madame V., sir?" Harry asked.
"She's the new Auror Leader," Hermione said, one of her habits kicking in.
Professor Dumbledore chuckled. "Correct as always, Miss Granger."
"What's she here for, sir," Harry continued.
"Possibly to raise the number of Aurors protecting the school," Dumbledore replied, for once enlightening them both without question. "She should be here in a few days, I suspect and then for a few days after that. She wishes to observe the school."
"Will you permit it, sir?" Hermione asked this time.
"Of course," Dumbledore replied. "It wouldn't be worth going up against the Ministry for this matter, even if I wished her gone. I dare say, we could use the added protection."
There was nothing else to say.
"Shall we adjourn till next week?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"We shall," Hermione said, with a hint of a smile on her face.
***
"When do you think she'll arrive?" Harry asked Ron and Hermione the next morning in Herbology. Things were still a little weird between the three but were quickly becoming normal again. A supposed death and six years of friendship might possibly help you overcome anything.
"It's hard to tell," Hermione answered. "She probably has to tie up things at the Ministry before she can get here."
"And that's not easy," Ron added. "Especially since she's new and it might seem like she's taking a break at Hogwarts."
"But she's respected isn't she?" Harry asked.
"Of course she is, Harry," Hermione answered painfully. She had just received a minor bite from the Chinese Chomping Cabbage they were pruning. Its leaves were often used in complicated potions and were therefore pruned by the sixth years regularly. "She was the Head Auror over the States Ministry of Magic for a long time."
"Dad should make it easier for her," Ron said proudly. His dad was recently promoted to Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. He hadn't been completely qualified for the job and there had been critics. He was one of the few that Minister Bones and Albus Dumbledore could trust though, so he had been given the job and free range to ask the minister advice whenever he needed.
"How is everyone?" Harry asked, a little shocked at himself for not asking this sooner. He often felt like they were his family, too.
Someone screamed behind them, and they saw Hannahh Abbott holding her hand tightly over a large cut. After a quick healing spell from Professor Sprout things turned back to normal.
"As good as can be expected, I guess," Ron answered. "They've started renovations on the house all ready. It's so different actually having….the resources…to do things."
"That's wonderful, Ron!" Hermione exclaimed, turning to give him a hug…but thought better of it. She was completely dirty from the Cabbage, which liked to throw dirt as well as bite.
***
It was a few days later when at the end of their Transfiguration lesson Professor McGonagall announced that year's "Possible Career Expedition."
Harry had no clue what that was, although Hermione and Ron who were beside him both seemed to know.
"You will have one full week to sign up for the careers you are interested in," Professor McGonagall said. "That means next Friday for those of you who haven't figured it out."
"What happens after we sign up, Professor?" Harry asked, hand in air.
"We will do our best to contact those that you have signed up for and arrange a week of study with them. Two weeks is all that is allotted for this, though. You if sign up for more than two carrers, you will have only half week internships instead of a full week."
"And if we only sign up for one, Professor?" Ron asked, his hand replacing Harry's in the air. "Will we have two weeks?"
"Unfortunately not, Mister Weasley. You will simply just have the second week off. We do not encourage this though. We expect each and every one of you to sign up for at least two careers."
"Yes, professor," Ron replied sullenly. That week off was very tempting to him.
"The sheet will not be displayed in your common room, for the jobs you chose you might want to keep personal. You simply need to fill in your information on the parchment by the door and your information will be recorded."
Everyone nodded their heads in understanding.
"That is all. You may go."
There was a mad rush for the parchment. Professor McGonagall could be heard sighing and then a quick snap of her office door closing.
***
"Did you see the notice?" Hermione asked at supper that night.
"Nope," Harry and Ron both answered in unison.
"There's going to be a Halloween Masquerading Ball next month," she told them.
"Oh, bother," Ron said. "The last time we had a ball here I made a fool of myself."
"I'm sure you'll be fine, Ron," Harry told him. "That was almost two years ago anyways. You're bound to be better now."
Ron didn't answer, he simply just changed the subject. "I didn't get to ask you two this earlier since the bell rang, but what careers did you to sign up for?"
"I signed up for an internship with the Aurors and Unspeakables," Harry answered, an odd look in his eye. Hermione gave him a look.
"I signed up for the Unspeakable internship, too, as well as with a Healer and the Aurors," Hermione told them.
"Nothing with Spew?" Ron joked. It was his turn to be given a look.
"What about you, Ron?" Harry asked.
"Quidditch and Aurors," Ron replied simply. The food had arrived second before and he was currently getting his share of the food in front of him.
"Wooz tat?" Ron asked a few minutes later.
"Whose who?" Harry asked. He had learned to understand Ron's version of talking at dinner.
"Tat!" Ron said, with a point of his finger to the Head Table.
Harry and Hermione both turned and looked, and with an intake of air from Hermione, they both knew who it was. It was Madame V, or Violet as she had once asked Harry and Hermione to call her. The three of them had once met before, at the Dursleys, only she had been introduced as a friend by Aunt Petunia then.
As if sensing their stress, Violet raised her head from her plate and stared right back at them, an unreadable expression on her face.
***
Author's Note: And there we have it! The unfortunately long awaited chapter! So sorry it took so long! I'm not sure if everyone remembers Violet, but she made a brief entrance in Chapter 8, which was before the school year began. I hope everyone liked the idea of the internships! I haven't ever read that idea in a story and thought it was a good idea. Please tell me if you think so otherwise!
-Ethan
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