Harry Potter and the Last Prophecy
Previous Version Titled 'Waltzing of Hearts'
Version for 6th Year, following Order of the Phoenix
Author: Webmaster Pikachu (pikacenter@hotmail.com)
Notes:
This fanfiction, like all 6th year fanfictions, contains spoilers from the 5th book. Be sure
to read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix before reading this fiction if you wish to prevent spoiling the book.
It isn't that expensive. :)
Thanks to Hermione_Granger and photo for beta reading. Hopefully photo will get his beta in shortly… although this
chapter has already been proofread.
Chapter 3: Hidden Rooms and Sorting Hat Songs
The sun had just peeked over the horizon, and it streamed into the room as narrow beams of yellow light. Harry and his faithful friends lay asleep in their respective beds, covered against the chilly castle air. Summer was indeed ending, but it had seemed to them the temperature had merely changed. Thunderstorms appeared to actually be quite common in the summer at Hogwarts.
While Ron and Ginny had their own different bed to themselves, Harry was still sharing a bed with Hermione. It was a fact that Harry, no matter how much courage or bravery he possessed, was still vulnerable. Ginny was also able to help Harry, but increasingly Harry found that she was unable to keep panic and fear out of his mind. Harry's trust for Ginny was equal to that of his other friends, however it seemed that the previous protection she provided was a fluke, or at least, something temporary.
Hermione, like every other night, had tangled Harry in her arms and legs to prevent the contact from breaking during their sleeping hours. It proved successful as Harry had not experienced any additional nightmares, especially ones he could not wake up from.
It was nearly 8 o'clock when Harry stirred, slowly waking from his pleasant sleep. He tried not to move very much as he fidgeted like most do when they wake up, however Hermione had already began to move around herself.
"G'morning Hermione," whispered Harry over his shoulder.
"Hello there Harry," Hermione smiled back, "No nightmares I hope."
"Not one. Oh, you must be getting tired of this, but thanks," Harry replied quietly. Hermione smiled back and began to sit up, gently untangling herself from Harry. She didn't mind being so close, but she didn't mind being distant either, causing some confusion for her own feelings on the matter, if it was even a matter to her. Each night she lay with Harry she did it with purpose. Loyally she would crawl under the covers without a word, without a single crimson cheek, only a soft warm smile. Protectively she wrapped her arms around Harry and pulled him close, as if it was the way they had always gone to bed. Hermione knew it wasn't romance, as did Harry, but she couldn't help but hear a little voice in her head saying 'This feels so right…' Hermione had no objections, and every once in awhile she would take some time to ponder it all. This year hadn't even started and there was already some new exploit. Hermione's thoughts drifted to the new school year, which just happened to start that very day, and a problem popped into her mind quite suddenly like it did on a regular basis some mornings as if her mind wanted to catch up on the thinking that had been lost during the night.
"Harry, I've just thought of something. The new school year starts today, right?" Hermione said, probing for Harry's attention. Harry turned to face her and noticed she had brought her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around them as she sat on the bed.
"Yes, that's right…" Harry started, but he too suddenly realized the problem. "We forgot to take care of our little slumber parties every night, didn't we?"
"I guess so, and we had so much time too. Oh well, the best we can do now is ask Dumbledore if he'll get us a private room. We'll have to tell him about your sudden bouts of panic though, otherwise he'll think we're some romantic couple wanting some private love room and all that gibberish." Hermione said, giggling at the thought. Harry laughed softly along, the occurrence of Hermione's humor something not to be missed. It was always some weird thing she came up with, it seemed.
"When we go down for breakfast, we can talk to him. Maybe he'll have an idea about what's going on too, although I think it is something we simply overlooked, you know?" Harry said at last. "Shall we get going?"
"Okay." Hermione replied.
Harry glanced towards Ron and Ginny, who were both still asleep. Quietly, he went to his trunk and drew out of it a clean set of clothing and made his way to the common room with Hermione. He walked with her to the bottom of the stairs running up to the girls' dormitories, and they walked up together. Earlier that month they had discovered that a boy could go up the stairs if he was stepping on the same steps of a girl.
"I kind of feel privileged, Hermione. To bad it will all go away after the students arrive tonight." Harry pointed out. Hermione nodded as she led Harry along until they arrived at the foot of her own bed, where she withdrew some clean clothing for herself. They headed back down the stairs side by side, stopping just past the bottom at the entrance to the girls' showering rooms.
"I'll try and make my shower fast Harry. I know last time Ginny wasn't able to stop you scar from hurting…" Hermione started.
"You're always rushing for me these days, Hermione. And you've been staying with me for nights too. Please, take some extra time for yourself. I'll do my best to think straight; I think I'm getting a bit better at it." Harry said.
"But…" Hermione said suddenly.
"Go on, you deserve it. I'll last," Harry replied, nudging her towards the door. He didn't want to feel the horrible pain again, but Hermione had done so much over the last month that Harry was willing to suffer a bit.
"Thanks Harry," Hermione said weakly. As the words escaped her mouth she knew at once how much her dedication to Harry had grown, however she wasn't embarrassed to admit it to herself. The door closed behind her, and Harry went to go take a seat on the loveseat where it had all first started.
It had been five minutes since Hermione had entered the showering room, and Harry still didn't feel anything. Whatever caused his troubles must have drifted off to sleep. Harry usually knew by then whether or not he would fall victim to his scar.
Ten minutes had passed. 'Hermione must be about half done,' Harry mused. He crawled off the couch onto the rug, creeping over to the small fire. It burned mildly bright, warming Harry's front side right through his soft flannel nightclothes. Just as he had settled down, Harry felt something. It wasn't uneasiness or panic though. No, not yet at least. It was… hard to explain. It felt like all the little neurons in Harry's body had suddenly pulsed once and then fell silent. Just as Harry had put the feelings into words a nauseating wave hit him like the foaming ocean surf. Harry closed his eyes, willing himself to block it out, willing all those neurons that had just pulsed to race to his brain and form a barrier around it, protecting it from invasion.
For eight minutes Harry sat there. His skin had become cold even though he was next to the flames in the Gryffindor hearth, and his breathing had become controlled and even; every last once of will power was now focused on remaining calm and keeping his mind clear. How much longer he could last, he did not know, but he could feel his energy leaving him quickly like a hole poked in a bicycle tire by a small thorn.
Ten minutes into the resistance a thought made its way to Harry's consciousness. 'What if I fall asleep should I run out of energy?' he thought. It was true, what if he did fall asleep? At this rate he couldn't last much more, and he didn't know what was worse: excruciating pain where it feels like your skull is going to crack open and bubble down your face or a nightmare where you never wake from, where you always loose everything save for your own misery, where it feels like your brain is being cleaned with a wire brush while you watch your friends…
"No," Harry said to himself, shutting away his wretched memories of the only time he had faced those nightmares. "I will not shut my eyes to them once more."
Harry made his way back from the fire. He didn't want to be thrashing about next to it, that was for sure. Bracing himself, he opened his eyes, looking longingly at the door Hermione had stepped through twenty minutes ago. With the opening of his eyes the dark tide washed over him. His heart pumped erratically like it had lost its metronome, and his eyes bulged from his sockets as the agony swept over him once more. He had gotten somewhat better at controlling himself, and managing the pain, but it still hurt it just as much as it would normally have.
'Hurry, Hermione. I will not interrupt you. I will brave the pain.' Harry found himself thinking, willing himself some courage. His legs began to twitch, but otherwise he was motionless. His skin had gone from cold to frozen, but his breathing had remained the same, attributed to his continued concentration. If he let it go now, he would surely meet his own end. If it was at least controlled, if Harry at least remained the master of his own body, he could survive.
Nearly thirty minutes had passed, and Harry was slowly writhing on the floor, still grasping control, but finally beginning to lose it as if the nerves in his body were being torn to pieces. Seconds later he cried out in a voice that carried enough pain to kill.
Hermione burst from the showering room moments soon after, fully clothed and dry. She thrust her wand into her pocket as she raced to Harry. He was face down on the floor by now, trying to make it easier for Hermione to avoid his flailing arms. Hermione laid her open hand on Harry's and he became very still.
"Curse my wretched thoughts, Harry I know full well I can't leave you more then fifteen minutes, and I was gone for nearly thirty I'm sure! Oh Harry, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have…" Hermione whimpered, only to hear Harry cut her off mid sentence.
"It's my own bloody fault if I suffered Hermione, and I sure did. It was the price I paid to allow you some extra time for yourself. I paid it. I can't return it now, it's non-refundable." Harry said through heavy breaths, turning around to face Hermione with a weak smile. "Tell me you at least had a nice time."
"I feel thoroughly refreshed, last me another month I expect." Hermione replied, trying to make Harry happy. She helped him off the floor, only to notice he had turned to ice.
"Your frozen," Hermione noted with her own quiet pain. She wrapped an arm around him to warm him up, leading him to the opposite side of the common room. "I know you're tired, but a nice warm bath will warm you. I can fill it up and everything so it will only take you a few minutes to undress, bathe, dry, and put clothes on. Come on now." Hermione instructed as she pulled Harry into the boys' showering room. It wasn't all showers of course; there were several baths opposite of the showers.
Hermione began to prepare the water and Harry set his glasses down with the clean clothes at the foot of the tub. When it was all set, Hermione gave Harry a warm hug and assured him nothing would happen. Hermione didn't know whether or not anything would happen in under five minutes time in truth, she didn't know if Harry could have five minutes peace even. All she could do was hope and make sure Harry wasn't anxious. Hermione pulled the curtain shut around Harry's little bathroom and retreated to sit at the benches near the entrance. Harry was tired, and she didn't want him slipping under the surface of the water if another bad neuron stirred. She kept her ears trained on Harry, making sure he was splashing or scrubbing or doing something at least to give hint to the fact that he was still awake.
After a furiously fast bath and drying, Harry had just stepped out of the now drained tub. He began to dress, and when he reached for his cloak he again felt it. His whole nervous system pulsed ominously once. Without a second thought he dashed out from behind the curtain and blindly ran towards the benches. Hermione had already started for him, reaching him before the inevitable psychological attack could take place.
"Harry, were you hurt?" Hermione asked, squeezing Harry's hand like a vice.
"Almost. I could feel it coming, but it didn't reach me before I reached you. And loosen up my hand will you? You have a death grip on me." Harry replied, slightly exasperated. Hermione relaxed her grasp.
"Okay, I'm glad you weren't hurting Harry. It seems like your able to detect it before it hits now. Well, your nice and warm again. Let's get your cloak and things." Hermione said, relieved.
Hermione slung Harry's cloak over him as he picked up his nightclothes and put on his glasses. They made their way to the common room where Ron and Ginny were waiting.
"You both were in the boys' shower room? Hermione! Really! You shouldn't be in there!" Ron huffed, feeling betrayed by Harry.
"I didn't exactly have a choice this morning, Ron." Harry replied simply. "Besides, I've been in the girls' dormitories anyways. We're even now, right Hermione?"
"Quite right. Now, if you two don't mind, would you clean up so we can all go and eat some breakfast? We're going down right now so we can speak with Dumbledore, so after your showers we'll meet you for breakfast, okay?" Hermione said. Ron and Ginny nodded their heads. Harry and Hermione set off for the Great Hall where Dumbledore usually was at this time in the morning, eating breakfast with the teachers over an animated conversation.
"Ah, good morning you two! Come on over here and have seat, Dobby has just brought us up some breakfast." Dumbledore greeted, motioning for them to come over with his fork. Professor McGonagall smiled over at them as they approached, only to be followed by a sneer from Professor Snape. Good times.
"We're going to wait for Ron and Ginny, if you don't mind. However, we did come down early to tell you something." Hermione replied politely.
"Oh? You're finally going to tell me why you and Ginny have been sleeping in the boys' dormitories? What a nice surprise! I had thought you stopped trusting me with your little adventures!" Dumbledore replied, a twinkle in his eyes. He watched the two students before him fidget uncomfortably, but he was surprised that their cheeks didn't take on a red hue. Snape, however, had overheard Dumbledore.
"What? This lewd conduct isn't allowed her, Headmaster! We can't have boys and girls messing around in our school! We're hear to train and teach them…" Snape accused with great force, only to be cut off by Dumbledore.
"Severus, please… You will know in short time why this conduct must be made acceptable in such circumstances." Dumbledore interjected.
"Anyways… It all started the next morning, the day after our arrival…" Harry began, but Dumbledore spoke up when Harry began to trail off.
"To make a long story short, Harry: The bouts of uneasiness and panic, the nightmares, and the solution. I realized what was going on that morning, but I didn't interrupt you. I didn't want to get involved. Hermione had the right mind to figure out what was going on, but I don't think you've come to know the full story. As you very well may have realized, I know about everything that happens here at Hogwarts, so I know about what has happened since your arrival. Shall I explain?" Dumbledore began.
"Please," Hermione stated simply.
"Well take a seat then," Dumbledore instructed, and the two students sat down on a bench that Dumbledore had pulled forward with the flick of his wand. They now faced the staff table and Dumbledore continued. "That very first occurrence of Harry's uneasiness was perfectly normal. But this easiness temporarily lessened the trust Harry had in you, Hermione. With this trust gone, Harry's mind was susceptible to the influence of the Dark Lord Voldemort. You see Hermione, for the past five years of school you have been guarding Harry's conscious from a certain type of mind-reading curse that inflicts great pain. However, Harry must have complete faith in you for it to be any effective. Since Voldemort didn't attack Hermione, she can't feel any pain, and her memory is perfectly safe. Voldemort can only connect with you Harry. That morning was the first time that Voldemort had been able to connect. As soon as Voldemort sensed your uneasiness he immediately knew your guard was down and used the mind-reading curse, as he can sense you like you can sense him. Later that morning Hermione was able to cement your trust in her. Voldemort was nearly blocked out all together, but he is a cunning foe. He used his own thoughts to make you uneasy and panic. He broke into your mind and told you that Hermione was deceiving you, although you didn't know it. All you knew was panic because your mind knew the truth, and wouldn't let it go. Voldemort covered the truth with his own dark lies, and after you were uneasy, he was able to attack you with the mind-reading curse once more."
"But… that means…" Hermione started.
"Not just yet, my dear. Let me finish, if you will. Anyways, your plan for that night seemed to be perfect, save for you overlooked the fact that Harry was susceptible at night as well. When he went to bed, the mind-reading curse gave Harry nightmares instead. Luckily you noticed the faint glow of the scar on Harry's forehead, Harry can't wake from the nightmares by himself. So, from what you learned, you had no choice but to remain in direct contact with Harry every night, and during the day when possible. Direct contact with another person is a very powerful countermeasure to the Dark Arts, and it prevented Voldemort from maintaining a grasp on Harry. Now, what were you going to say, Ms. Granger?" Dumbledore finished, looking at Hermione. Snape gave a sigh; Dumbledore had saved them once more.
"Doesn't that mean, if it's actually a psychological attack, doesn't that mean Harry can learn to block it himself with Occlumency lessons?" Hermione asked, ignoring Snape.
"Yes, you're quite right. He can learn to block it, and he already has learned to hold out longer against it over the last month. I believe just recently Harry seemed to be able to sense it now too, before it hit him. You two should start with Occlumency lessons as soon as possible, it will definitely help. However, I fear it will be a long while before Harry will be able to fully block it. I also know that it is absolutely critical to protect Harry's memories, he knows many things that the entire world will never know, including the prophecy that surfaced last year. I do not doubt that Voldemort has been searching Harry's memories for that thought. But because of Voldemort's continued efforts, I doubt he has found it yet. We do not know how close he his, but Hermione: You are the only one that can protect Harry right now. I believe this is the reason why you came to me today, is it not?"
"That's right," Hermione said, "But I was thinking, why didn't you tell us to begin Occlumency lessons right away? Weren't they important enough to make room in our schedule for this last month?"
"I believe that Harry received Occlumency lessons from Voldemort last month. He did get better at keeping the Dark Lord off his thoughts. Don't you think so, Harry?" Dumbledore replied.
"Yes, that makes sense." Harry said, nodding in approval.
"We came to you this morning because in order to keep Voldemort out of Harry's thoughts, I still need to spend the night with him… Obviously we can't do any such thing with students around." Hermione spoke up, hesitantly. Dumbledore smiled at her.
"Obviously not, Ms. Granger!" Snape roared quite unexpectedly.
"Severus, if you please." Dumbledore said, quieting Snape. He turned back to Harry and Hermione. "I am glad you no longer fear the name of the Dark Lord, Hermione, my dear. I have already foreseen this problem, and have arranged to give you the access to the staff room behind the room for Dumbledore's Army. The staff room is small, but it is equipped with everything you'll need. There is a bedroom and bathroom branching off from that room as well. Furthermore, only you two will be allowed in there. You can invite Ron and Ginny in, but make sure to hold their hands. They will be able to see the door and enter once you do this. It is similar to the charm on the Order's Headquarters, however each time you want to bring someone in you must willingly hold their hand and walk them in. It is more secure then the Unplottable charm, I believe." Dumbledore explained. "Oh look, your friends have arrived. Let's all have some breakfast together, shall we?"
Ron and Ginny made their way up to the staff table and took a seat on the bench that Harry and Hermione already occupied. Four extra meals appeared before the students and everyone began to eat. Harry asked Dumbledore about the dementors, and Dumbledore again said that he shouldn't worry about it, adding that once Harry learned Occlumency the dementors wouldn't be able to find him.
"But it was Voldemort who sent them, right?" Harry asked.
"Quite right, but he knew where you where since you haven't been studying Occlumency. He's ability to know what your doing and where you are has expanded, but since you're inside the school he won't dare attack, as far as I know." Dumbledore said, almost hastily, taking a sip of his pumpkin juice.
When breakfast had ended, Harry and Hermione decided it would be fun to see where they would be sleeping for the rest of the year, but they decided to keep quiet about it until Ron and Ginny were actually in the room. A nice surprise to start the year off seemed in order for them.
"Why are we going to the DA classroom this early in the morning? Aren't we all ready?" Ron asked as they reached the entrance. Harry took the key from his pocket and opened the door.
"Because." Hermione replied flatly, trying to prevent Ron and Ginny from expecting a surprise.
The room itself was rather small, but as Harry and his friends had found out in their routine visits, it enlarged itself to fit whatever it needed to. Hermione had gathered various books and put them at the front of the classroom. Pillows and cushions lined the edges of the room, and odd trinkets sat at the opposite wall of the classroom. New, however, was a door opposite the entrance that Harry and Hermione had never seen before. They walked up close to it, leading Ron and Ginny along.
"Now close your eyes, both of you." Hermione instructed. Ron and Ginny closed them tentatively, not sure what to expect. "We're going to hold your hands now. Don't you dare open those eyes till we say."
Taking their friends' hands, Harry and Hermione lead them through the door. Ron and Ginny were certain they would soon be hitting a wall, but when they opened their eyes at Harry's request, they found themselves in a whole new room.
"Oh, its wonderful! Staff have such nice rooms!" Hermione exclaimed. Harry couldn't disagree. The room was small, but it had a nice wooden table and a couple bookshelves filled with various books. A couple huge chairs that could easily fit two people each sat before a small stone hearth, flames already burning inside. Ron and Ginny didn't know what to say as they walked around, dumbstruck. Hermione pulled Harry along and they peeked into the bedroom, which was occupied by a large soft bed. Both of their trunks and other belongings were there already. Going further into the room they noticed the entrance to the bathroom, which was rather tiny but perfectly adequate. They turned around to find Ron and Ginny giving them questioning stares.
"This is a staff room? We're not supposed to be in here Harry!" Ron exclaimed.
"This is where me and Hermione will be staying. We can't stay in the boys' dormitories anymore now can we?" Harry explained.
"I think it's wonderful, you two. You deserve it, I think. You have both been working so hard for Dumbledore's Army." Ginny said with a smile, attempting to hide her guilty conscious thoughts.
Ron, however, was becoming red with jealousy. He didn't mind Harry had his own room… But did mind that he was sharing it with Hermione. He hadn't heard Dumbledore's explanation earlier that morning, and thought that Harry and Hermione were trying to pull something over him now. Hermione could see Ron's reaction, and she quelled it instantly with a kiss on his cheek.
"Go on, you two. Harry needs some rest. He had a pretty bad morning, if you didn't know already at his shrill screaming this morning." Hermione said with a voice that seemed to push Ron right out of the room. Ron was quite speechless, and he obeyed like a trained seeing-eye dog. As soon as they had walked though the passageway and into the classroom, the passageway and door disappeared completely behind them to form an impassable stone wall.
"This is some pretty heavy security Dumbledore has here, don't you think? It will keep them safe, though." Ginny started, but with a glance at her brother, she added, "Oh come off it already!"
"You think she likes me, Ginny?" Ron asked, but Ginny only snorted a reply through her giggling, and Ron didn't bother to ask what she had said, fearing it to be somewhat sarcastic.
Hermione wasn't even the slightest bit tired, but knowing Harry had already gone through a days worth of energy, she fell next to Harry, who had collapsed moments before. He had already closed his eyes and was breathing slowly. Knowing she wouldn't be able to sleep, Hermione wiggled up to Harry's side. Taking her wand out she whispered, "Interstinguo," and the torches lining the walls went out.
Perhaps for the first time since she and everyone else had returned, since the unexpected dementor attack, Hermione felt totally secure. They were in a room that Dumbledore had said only they and those they brought could enter, and at her side was the most loyal person to her in the world. It was a certainly a pleasant thought.
Hermione's mind swirled around in thought as she stared up at the material that made for the covering of the four-poster bed. It was a dark iridescent blue, and Hermione imagined that it once belonged to a Ravenclaw student. It was a boring thought, and her mind soon skipped from that thought to the boy next to her. She could feel the warmth he emanated travel through the arm that she had placed next to Harry, creating the direct contact necessary to protect him. Once more she soon found herself thinking about the curiosity of it all. She felt neither embarrassed nor obligated. It was rather natural, and Hermione began to notice things the reverse of what they should have been, or so she thought. Instead of noticing Harry's contact, she noticed when Harry was not in contact. Hermione did not understand it, however. Her personal feelings on the matter, which would normally have told her the decisive truth, floated as if on a breath of wind, with no clear path to follow save for general direction. The general direction was clear, and deep inside she found only a simple truth. While the situation at hand was held with a neutral stance, Hermione found she would rather die then abandon Harry. Her mind could not even grasp the notion of being unable to be at Harry's side.
"So that is how it is," Hermione mumbled, and she found herself checking to make sure Harry was still up against her arm.
Evening approached rapidly it seemed. After Harry had awoken from his nap Hermione had begun to fret about little details. Not enough pillows in the classroom. Missing a couple important spell books solely concerning the Cruciatus curse. Not enough ink in the desk at the front of the classroom. It drove Hermione mad, and Harry was forced to follow her about all day.
"It doesn't have to be perfect Hermione," Harry said, but Hermione winked back at him.
"Yes it does! You'll be spending the whole year teaching students. It must be perfect. Good learning environment means good results. Now come on, still need to pickup some parchment from the storeroom." Hermione replied, dragging Harry down a flight of stairs.
Harry and Hermione found Ron and Ginny playing a game of Wizard's chess. Ron complained that he was being left out of things at seeing them. Harry asked if Ron would like to help. Ron's answer was a most definite "No."
"Ron, sometime you just make no sense… Oh well, it's time for dinner anyways. The students are beginning to reach the front doors." Harry informed his red-haired friends. Ron jumped at the mention of food and began to race out the door with his friends following at a fast pace behind.
The four of them reached the Great Hall just as students began piling in. At once Harry was plagued with questions from his fellow Gryffindors, all asking why he had already been there. Harry just said he had some things to take care of.
The Slytherin table seemed to be full of quiet whispers, and many were looking at Harry, as well as Draco Malfoy, oddly enough. Seeing Harry was watching them intently, Hermione whispered into his ear.
"I think they all found out about Draco's father being captured and sent to Azkaban. Look, Draco is turning red, I think he's mad." Hermione smirked quietly. She sat only a few inches from Harry, but was keeping an eye on him, two when possible. Harry was use to this, and didn't worry about not being in direct contact with Hermione at every second of the day. He had only needed to make sure she knew he wasn't doing okay when he began to feel the effects of another attack.
At that moment Professor McGonagall entered the room, followed by the new students for that year. Harry noticed a rather tall student among them, and couldn't possibly imagine she was a 1st year student. Her hair was silky black, hanging nearly twelve inches past her shoulders, bound near the neck with a midnight blue ribbon. Her eyes were brown, and when she had stepped closer, Harry could tell she was of Asian decent to some degree.
"Foreign exchange student?" Harry heard Ron guess out loud.
"Probably," Hermione replied. It seemed as if everyone had noticed the strange new student. "I heard that wand-less magic is a talent specially attributed to wizards and witches from Japan and China. Its some hereditary thing, but it still isn't as powerful as magic created with wands." She added.
When the students had come to a stop before the ancient sorting hat, Professor McGonagall turned around on the platform and gave the queue for the hat to sing its little sorting song. When the hat didn't speak, she poked its side with her wand.
"Wake up already!" she prodded angrily. "The students are here!" Giggles could be heard about the room, but they quieted when the hat spoke up at last.
"Oh, right. Where was I? Oh yes, I haven't started yet." The Sorting Hat began. Loosening up his fabric joints a bit by deforming the gap, he began.
It is that time again, for me, now and when,
In the houses, I shall put the students
within.
The next to be placed is all of you,
The house of yours you shall be put
into.
Gryffindor, the house of red and gold,
Home to the courageous and to the bold.
They
who value friendship above all,
Together, they know, none ever fall.
Ravenclaw, the house of bronze and blue,
Seekers of intelligence and that which is true.
They who value the strength of the mind,
Pursuers of wisdom, they are so inclined.
Hufflepuff, the house of black and yellow,
Hard working together with their dear fellow.
Perseverance highly valued among them,
Negligence being what they hate and condemn.
Slytherin, the house of silver and green,
Those whose motives are all but seen.
Cunning, adept at getting out of tight spots,
Tying the fragile minds of enemies in tight
knots.
So, as the Sorting Hat I am here today,
To sort you into houses whichever, which way.
For twelve months waiting this hat has been,
So without further ado, may the sorting begin!
The Great Hall began to clap their hands, but they soon had to stop, as it seemed the Sorting Hat wasn't finished yet.
"Quite down!" the Hat roared. "I'm not finished! Since my little song wasn't quite as long as last years, I wish to tell you all a strange tale. I know I'm breaking tradition, but I'm no charmed hat. I got attitude. If you feel you can't wait for sorting, then come right on up so I can sort you into the swimming group. I hear the water in the lake is almost warm enough to swim… 3 degrees Celsius!" The Great Hall quieted almost instantaneously, but everyone was wearing silly grins.
"Anyways… where was I? Oh yes… I think my cotton consciousness is finally going…"
An entity where the sentient blood has been spilt twice,
Where none but the enemies own cruel
malice will suffice,
Hence is fated.
The beating heart of truth and understanding,
The thinking mind of love never
withstanding,
Hence is fated.
An entity where wholeness is beingness,
An entity where beingness is wholeness,
Hence is fated.
An entity where not less then complete may fall,
Or the destined being will faithfully
recall,
"I am here. I breathe. Whole as I, I breathe.
My heart beats with my own truth,
My mind thinks only to save the love,
This peaceful world
and its patrons,
I can fail you not - these spirits forever live."
Hence is fated.
When the Sorting Hat had finally stopped, the Great Hall went horribly quiet for a few tense moments. Then, quite suddenly, the Gryffindor table, followed by the other tables, stood up and gave a great big round of applause for what seemed like several long minutes.
"It was a good poem, but that's no tale." Ron mumbled to Harry and his other friends. They glared at him.
"It sure is, I think it hasn't happened yet though. Sounds like one of Professor Trelawney's prophecies." Hermione replied as the Great Hall became quiet once more. Harry smiled a bit, remembering the erratic and perplexing Professor of Divination. He wondered if she had reclaimed her job because neither her nor Firenze where at the staff table. Firenze of course had been made the teacher of Divination after Umbridge booted out Professor Trelawney. Umbridge was pure evil, and Harry didn't think she deserved to be referred to nor remembered as a Professor.
Harry reverted his attention to the sorting ceremony at hand. No one really stuck out, however, save for the Asian girl. When it was her turn to be sorted (she happened to be the last person), Professor McGonagall spoke up.
"Lastly, Kage, Oshiko [ka-gay, oh-shi-ko]. She is a foreign exchange student from Japan and a 5th year. Please show her a kind and warm welcome." Professor McGonagall explained, motioning for the student to move forward. She took a seat on the stool and the Sorting Hat was placed on her head.
"Interesting…" the Hat began, "but you are very cunning… more so then most… The answer is obvious then. Slytherin!" The Slytherin tables went into a furious bout of creating noise to welcome the new student to their table, but were suddenly stopped short. The girl, which for a 5th year was actually quite small, had walked a few feet forward of the stool, turned around, and bowed in the Sorting Hat's direction.
"S'ank you, Mr. Sorting Hat." Oshiko said clearly and politely with a rich Japanese accent. She turned around and proceeded to the Slytherin table, but the noise didn't start back up. The Slytherins seemed to have turned cold, and as they sometimes did, they rejected the new student, forcing her to eat alone on the far end of the table. Even the brand new students could see that if they wanted to succeed as Slytherins they would have to avoid her for the time being, if not forever. Survival of the fittest was the way Slytherin operated. It didn't matter who you were, although of course Slytherin would support its own members over students from other houses.
Harry's eyes found their way to the girl, only to find they were staring back at him, fixed. It was no secret, Harry could tell her eyes were that of a hawk. Hermione also found herself staring at the new girl. There was something about her she decided, at about the same time as Harry did. Both of them also found themselves feeling sorry for her. The Slytherins looked upon weird customs like they looked upon the other houses, full of loathing and distrust. It's not like they trusted anybody anyways, it was all a matter of power and influence, gained by hurting others and instilling fear of retribution.
So lost in they're gaze they missed Dumbledore's opening announcements. They only came to when Ron reached over to take several pieces of chicken off a platter before them. Harry turned to Hermione, and when their eyes meet they knew that Oshiko Kage, the new girl, was something special. They didn't know why she was in the Slytherin house, however. She seemed so polite compared to the rest of the lot.
Hermione, staring into Harry's eyes, saw them pulse once. She placed a hand on his leg discreetly, and Harry smiled.
"Your getting pretty good at that, thanks. Shall we eat?" Harry whispered gratefully. Hermione nodded, and they begun to move food from the platters around them onto their plates. While most people were busy chatting, several Gryffindors and a few nosey Slytherins had noticed Harry and Hermione's relative closeness and whispering. The Gryffindors just waved it off, but the Slytherins began to chat amongst themselves using dirty words and making derogatory remarks. Harry and Hermione both noticed, as well as Ginny. Ron would have as well, save for the fact that he was eating like he hadn't eaten in weeks. They all had grown extra conscious over the years concerning what others were saying about them.
Once dinner had ended it was nearly 10 o'clock. A storm was brewing outside as the excited chatter of a new school year continued. The new prefects for the year began to take the students up to their houses, and Harry and Hermione decided to say goodnight.
"We're going straight to our room you two. Harry's tired, you know. Goodnight." Hermione said, and Harry's goodnight came soon after her own.
"But, what if the Gryffindors want to know where you are?" Ron asked, stopping them before they left.
"Tell them we are required to spend our nights elsewhere, for safety reasons. No more, no less." Harry replied. Hermione nodded her head in agreement. It was just vague enough to protect their privacy.
"Ok, that sound's good. Night." Ron said.
"Goodnight you two," Ginny added, smiling. Harry and Hermione left the Great Hall shortly after, disappearing into a dark corridor with Hermione tugging Harry along. Harry seemed to be in deep thought, but his expression told no tale of any discomfort.
They entered the classroom, and Hermione took one last look at it to make sure everything was in place as Harry stood quietly at her side. "Interstinguo."
As the torches lining the walls of the classroom flickered out, Hermione pulled Harry along, through the secret door. Closing it behind her, she playfully tossed Harry on the bed, and he lost his train of thought, coming back to reality.
"Let me change into my nightclothes Harry, then you can change. Okay?" Hermione explained, taking her black pajamas into the bathroom and changing behind the silvery blue curtain. When she came out Harry took his turn, changing into his own flannel nightclothes. They crawled into the bed, which seemed to be the perfect size (Hermione noticed it had the same charm on it as all the other beds in Hogwarts, adjusting to what was exactly needed to be comfortable.) She waved her wand, uttering the extinguishing charm, and the torches in the bedroom went out as well. She cuddled up to Harry like she usually did.
"Harry, why were you so silent on our way to bed tonight? Something bothering you?" Hermione asked, affection edging into her voice. It wasn't romantic, however. It was only natural that she felt affection right now… she was safe with Harry, her most faithful friend in the world, as she knew it.
"I've always been made out to be special, haven't I? I'm the boy who lived. But, for the first time, I am actually feeling special, Hermione. I feel like it's something I've earned now, you know? Not just something I was fated with. Look at us. We have one of the most secure bedrooms in all of Hogwarts. Dumbledore has given us something that no one else has. Even if it is because Voldemort is messing with my thoughts… I still feel very privileged." Harry confided.
"I know what you mean Harry. I feel privileged as well. We are very fortunate." Hermione replied with complete sincerity.
"It's something I never got from the Dursley's. I wish they were nicer people, but they seriously did some damage, you know?" Harry continued. "Once Voldemort is defeated, I'm going to move away from them. Forever."
"When that time comes, I know it will, I'll help you with whatever I can, Harry." Hermione promised.
"Thanks, Hermione. Maybe we should change the subject, my eyes are getting watery," Harry said truthfully, and Hermione took the queue to talk about Oshiko Kage.
"We were both staring at her, and she was staring back at us. I don't know exactly what it was, but she doesn't seem like a Slytherin, you know? She's different. Remember the Sorting Hat? It said that Oshiko was far more cunning then many a Slytherin. That is probably what put her into the Slytherin house. Still, she seems out of place, don't you think?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, she seemed very much out of place. Even if she is Slytherin… We can't stereotype all of them." Harry replied thoughtfully. "We'll see what happens tomorrow I suppose… I wonder how many people we'll have for Dumbledore's Army."
"Changing the subject already? Well, honestly, I don't really know. I just hope it's manageable. If it becomes unmanageable the entire member body will suffer. If that happens, we'll work something out with Dumbledore. He'll know what to do." Hermione said, having already thought about the possibility.
"Hermione, didn't you notice the little 'tale' the Sorting Hat told after the sorting song? You said it sounded like something of Professor Trelawney's… While you might have been joking, I think your right. It did sound like something she might preordain. She likes to say mysterious things, and I don't see how it could be any more mysterious then that…" Harry started. Hermione smiled in the darkness, but Harry's eyes had adjusted already and he could make it out without much effort.
"Changing the subject again, are we? A lot happened today, I suppose. Oh well, now that I think about it, it did really sound like her. I couldn't possibly guess what it means, but… what was it… 'An entity where the sentient blood has been spilt twice, where none but the enemies own cruel malice will suffice, hence is fated.' That's all I remember really… Hmm. I don't suppose you know what it means?" Hermione asked.
"Well, we studied prophecies already. All prophecies are composed of target lines and description lines. You have a good memory, and you remembered the most important part. It's the target lines. It tells whom the prophecy applies to. This must be a prophecy that doesn't have a specific owner. I'm not very good with riddles though, and I wouldn't have a clue as to whom it applies to. Even if it is indeed a prophecy, the target is still unknown because the events described in the target line haven't happened yet, as far as we know. I don't understand the top line enough to even think about the target." Harry explained. "It would be so nice if all these seers could just speak normally."
"I suppose your right, Harry." Hermione said, yawning softly.
"Time for bed I think," Harry whispered, noticing Hermione was getting tired. "Goodnight, Hermione."
"Goodnight, Harry. Sleep well and don't roll around, will you? I'm always fearful I'll loose my grasp on you." Hermione whispered back.
"I've been rolling around?" Harry started, somewhat frightened by the consequences of falling out of Hermione's protection. "Ok, I'll try not to… But it's kind of hard when I'm sleeping, you know?"
"I'll make sure you don't, sorry I scared you. Now close those eyes and let's get some rest, we've been talking for awhile." Hermione pulled Harry in close to her, and he relaxed, closing his eyes. Sleep soon fell upon him.
'What would my mother think about all this… me sleeping with Harry? She'd have a heart attack.' Hermione thought, but she only smiled at it. Nothing could touch her here, save for Harry of course. She closed her eyes and let sleep lull her head into the soft pillow next to Harry's.
The following morning Harry and Hermione awoke at nearly the same time, feeling ready for a new day, and the beginning of Dumbledore's Army. Hermione went to take a shower after Harry was fully awake, telling him to call through the curtains if he felt the ominous pulse of neurons once again.
Hermione came out ten minutes later and Harry prepared his clothes. She gave him a warm hug to last him through the shower, however Hermione knew full well short duration contact was only a psychological fix. The Dark Lord attempted to attack every ten minutes or so, and so to avoid an attack one would have to be under protection long enough for an attack to happen, then use the period of time in between attacks to go about freely.
'Harry's strong,' Hermione thought, 'and he doesn't take that long to clean up. He'll be ok.'
Harry had just turned off the water when he felt his neurons jump. He concentrated, but this time with his eyes open, slowly drying off. When the attack hit, he was prepared. He was able to dry and throw on a cloak, at which point he called Hermione.
"I held it off until I could dry. I'm fine now, thanks. Let me put some clothes on, Hermione, then we can go for breakfast, okay?" Harry said thankfully, and Hermione gave him a silly glance.
"You don't have to keep thanking me Harry. But yes, finish up and we'll go to breakfast." She said, walking out of the bathroom grinning broadly.
"What are you smiling about now, Hermione?" Harry asked through the curtain.
"Your cloak was barely saving your face, Harry." Hermione stated cryptically, and Harry could hear her giggling.
It took Harry a moment to figure out what she meant by 'saving face', but when he did he blushed deep red for the first time since their return. It was all in good humor, and Harry wasn't mad, he knew she was playing around again. And he did trust her, but still… How embarrassing it would have been if…
"He'mione!" called out Harry awkwardly, dragging his cloak behind him as he left the bathroom otherwise fully clothed. Hermione was waiting for him just outside of the curtains, and she was a bit pink in the cheeks as well. Harry forgot he was holding the cloak in his hand, and Hermione took the initiative, pulling it around his shoulders, and kissing Harry on the cheek.
"Your cheeks are hot, Harry. I wonder why." Hermione smirked playfully, "Oh well, it's ok, right?"
"Of course," Harry replied truthfully, the blood finally leaving both their cheeks as Hermione fumbled with the clasp on his cloak. Upon getting it closed at last, she took Harry's hand and they exited the secret bedroom in high spirits, full of expectations for the day, even if it was the weekend still.
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