Harry Potter isn't mine. JK owns every thing HP. But this plot… is mine…. Enjoy reading and please review. In Chap 10 Hermione can see the future and Ron can summon objects… How about Harry what can he do? Read and Find out.
Chapter 11: Preparing for things to come
Hermione sat on one of the beds while waiting for Madame Pompfrey. Professor Figg was still with her.
"I can see that you and Harry are getting along pretty well," Professor Figg said as she gave Hermione another glass of water.
"Harry and I had been good friends since we were in first year, Professor. I think we've known each other pretty well," Hermione replied. She finished half the contents of the glass.
"You two remind me of James and Lily a lot when we were younger. Lily was the smart one just like you and James like Harry, he's brave and has a knack for breaking the rules with the help of his friends of course," Arabella said as if reminiscing her childhood.
"You were close to Harry's parent professor?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, very. Harry is actually my godson too. I never told him this though. The students may think I favored him a lot because of it," the professor reasoned. "I've known Lily since we were in first year. We had double dates when we went to Hogsmeade, she with Harry's father and I with Sirius. Remus was the quiet type but he dated a few other girls every week. Now Peter he just liked coming with us. He just came with us he didn't like being left in the castle without the other Marauders because the Slytherins would look for a way to beat him up."
"So Peter wasn't really bad he was just easily scared?" Hermione asked.
"I think he had enough evil in him to betray the people who would have protected him with their life. He was the reason why Sirius and I never got married. He was the reason why Harry's parents are dead," Arabella muttered.
"I'm so sorry to hear that professor," Hermione said feeling a little sorry for the professor.
"It's all in the past now. I have moved on. Ever wondered why Harry was safe as long as he was with the Dursleys?" Arabella asked. Hermione only nodded. "Of course! You're his secret keeper. That's why he's always safe and with you're disguised as an old woman who would have thought that you were the young Arabella Figg," Hermione said as if she figured some brilliant idea.
"And I vowed that I'd die before anyone would find Harry," Arabella said with conviction.
"Who would die professor?" Harry asked as he and Ron came in the hospital wing.
"Nothing Harry," Arabella said. "I better leave you three here. I believe your brothers would be here in a week Weasley," she added before she left them.
'What's that about Hermione,' Harry asked her through his thoughts.
'It's nothing Harry I'll tell you later when we get out of here,' she thought.
"Hmm… I'm getting annoyed with that thought reading seasons you two are having," Ron said. "Are you feeling better now Hermione?"
"I'm okay Ron don't worry about me before you guys came here. Professor Figg told me we'll under go training and I think the one to train me is Mandungus Fletcher. He trains people with special gifts of prophecy I've read about him…" Hermione tried to say.
"In one of my books," Ron finished for her.
Harry was laughing at the two of them, "I think even Ron has the gift of prophecy," he joked. Ron laughed a long and Hermione just stuck her tongue out to Harry and Ron.
"Dumbledore knew about the book. He said it was written by Merlin himself," Harry said.
"That's it. How can I forget I've read about a certain book of Prophecy? I can't believe I'm half way to finishing it and I still hadn't figured out who wrote it. It was right in my face and I was too daft to know it," Hermione said.
"Don't be too hard on yourself. You know there are still a lot of things that we haven't figured out yet. The letter for example," Harry said and he placed an arm around Hermione.
"Well, since the two of you are getting cozy and all. I better go out and find Lavender I promised to see her by the lake. I should also owl mom and dad about the Order membership and I think Fred and George would want to try their luck in the Auror training,"
"It's not yet definite Ron, the Auror training were not even sure if they would hold it here," Harry said.
"It will be held here I feel it. Hogwarts is the safest place in the Wizarding world and where is the best place to train death-eater fighting aurors but here," Ron said and he went off to see his girlfriend.
"Ron, I think he's so happy being a member of the order of the phoenix," Harry commented.
"I'm happy for him I guess you two are the youngest members," Hermione said.
"Actually you're the youngest member of the Phoenix that is if you accept the invitation," Harry said.
"Really, they have accepted me at the Order. I can't believe it," Hermione said and he gave Harry a hug. "Of course I'd love to be a member you know how much I wanted to fight by your side."
'You know how I feel about this though?' Harry thought.
'Don't worry about me. And like I told you before your battle is my battle too,' Hermione reassured him.
'I love you Hermione and I just don't want to loose the most important person in my life,' he thought.
'I don't want to loose you to Harry that's why I choose to be by your side through all this,' she sighed.
They held each other for quite sometime before Madame Pomfrey broke their reverie.
"How are you doing Miss Granger?" Madame Pomfrey asked Harry moved out of the bed so she could examine Hermione.
"I feel a lot better now," Hermione said.
"I don't see anything wrong with you. I think you just felt exhausted after the premonition. If you do have another one and would be a lot stressful than the first one, just drink a glass of cold water and lie down for a while after that try having a little something to eat like a cookie or two," Madame Pomfrey instructed her as she handed out some cookies even offering some to Harry. "Now take her to her private quarters so she can rest."
Harry and Hermione walked out of the Hospital wing and made their way to their private common room. They had forgotten about the black letter that they should have opened that day. Hermione after Harry left her in her room to rest started reading the book again and this time she was determined to finish it.
Harry went to do some head boy duties making rounds and instructing the other prefects. He would meet his team tomorrow for some after noon Quidditch practice. He informed them that they had to work extra for their next games.
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A week has passed and like Ron said. Members of the Ministry and high-ranking Aurors like Sirius, Remus and Mandungus were present. Bill and Charlie were also present being members of the Order not to join the training as aurors instead they were to help Harry, Ron and Hermione to train. A number of younger wizards were also present most of them were alumni from Hogwarts others from Beauxbaton and only a few from Durmstrung. There were familiar faces some they could remember from the Triwizard tournament in their fourth year and some from the Inter-school Quidditch Cup which Hogwarts won over Durmstrung even if they had Viktor as guest player. Harry still led the Hogwarts' team to victory in their fifth year.
Harry and Hermione and the rest of the Prefects were given tougher responsibilities since they had to take charge of the students. Most of the professors were part of the screening committee for the applicants who wanted to be aurors. The training would start late November a few weeks before Christmas holiday.
"Look here, Seventeen year old student's are allowed to sign up if they wanted to," Neville said excitedly as he pointed out the sign posted at the great hall bulletin.
"And do you think you can pass the test," Professor Snape grunted as he passed eyeing Neville with what seemed to be disgust.
"I think Neville has a fair chance on being an auror like…" Harry tried to say but he didn't want to open the issue about Neville's parents.
"Is defending Neville also part of your duties as head boy Potter?" the pale-faced professor asked.
"No, professor but as his friend I believe he has a lot of qualities not even the best of your Slytherins has. He may seem meek but I know that he wouldn't ever turn his back on his friends and become a death-eater like…" Harry didn't finish.
"Enough Potter! 10 points to Gryffindor for being such a smart arse," and with that Snape turned his back on Harry who had an annoyed look on his face and Neville who was trembling with fear.
"You didn't have to do that Harry," Neville started. "I'm used to Snape saying those things to me."
"I had to do that Neville. You are a Gryffindor you know and we stand up for each other. And if you do try out to be an auror we will support you," Harry assured him.
Harry was a bit surprised when Neville hugged him. "Thank you Harry for being a good friend. And I will try out to be an auror. My parents would have wanted that."
"Yes they would want that and I know they would be very proud of you," Harry said as he patted Neville's shoulder. He then made his way to the Gryffindor Table. Hermione was already there talking with Ginny.
"Harry, guess what, Draco is trying out to be an auror," Hermione said and greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. Hermione had been having random premonitions of places being raided by death-eaters that she had finally gone used to it. She unlike Harry and Ron had started training with Mandungus. The old man who looked stern and up tight was actually very gentle and he almost reminded Hermione of his grandfather. Hermione was treating her premonitions as migraine attacks, they were painful but she could suppress it. It did affect her studying a little because she had to rest after every vision.
"But that would mean he would be fighting against his own father?" Harry asked.
"Exactly, he also plans on filing a case against his father," Ginny added.
"I can't believe he's doing all these. I think he's the only one in the Slytherin house to sign up," Ron said. "I couldn't believe what I heard and I asked Remus about it and it's true Draco did sign up."
"Well, he's standing up for himself," Harry said.
"The problem is the Slytherins are loathing him," Ginny interjected.
"I think Snape can handle that but come to think of it, I'm planning on making a little visit to the Slytherin Common Room. Hermione care to join me?" Harry asked.
"Not today, I'm almost at the last part of the book, I'm hoping to finish it today. Harry can ask you another favor? Can you relieve me from my Head Girl Duties even just for today? I have to look up the things we will do in the training. I could be written in the book also and because I'm almost at the end of the book, I think with premonition or without I bet you-know-who will come after you before Quidditch games are back," Hermione explained.
"What do you mean? They'll cancel Quidditch?" Harry said a bit upset. He followed by groans from Ron and Ginny.
"Harry, the book said the training and testing center would be located at the Quidditch field at least it sounded like it. My guess is they will announce the cancellation of the Quidditch games today and we will have to wait till further notice," Hermione explained.
"Voldemort, really has ways of screwing up my life," Harry grunted. The mention of the Dark Lord's name made some of the people who heard look at him.
Just at that moment Professor Dumbledore stood up from the teacher's table and made an announcement. "I believe this would be a bit of a shock for everyone. Quidditch would be cancelled until further notice." Quidditch players from each house were making noises of disappointment and disagreement. "I know that we all love Quidditch but we need to put a training and test centers for those who are applying to be aurors. I think all of you are all aware of the attacks happening everywhere. Some of you have lost families and friends and now we have to make certain sacrifices. We are all here facing a very heavy challenge and the questions still remain. Are we prepared to choose the right path or should we succumb to the false comforts that would be presented to us. All students are to attend their regular classes. Seventh year applicants are to go to the training center located at our Quidditch field after your last period. You may proceed with your breakfast now." Dumbledore sat down and continued with his meal occasionally discussing with Professor McGonagall or Arabella.
"And once again Hermione was right," Ron said.
"Ron it wasn't a premonition it was because of the book and my logical thinking. You know what I'm worried about now?" Hermione said.
"What are you worried about Hermione?" Harry asked a bit concerned.
"Well, we would soon take our N.E.W.TS and I'm just worried I wouldn't have enough time to study," she explained.
Ron laughed out at what he heard, "You Hermione can give an advance premonition on what the exams would be," Ron joked. " And Harry you're one lucky lad," he said, "You can read Hermione's thoughts you can read the answers through her mind."
Harry thought about it and a mischievous smile showed in his face.
"Don't even think about it," Hermione said obviously hearing Harry's thought.
Ron laughed even harder after realizing what was going on.
"What's wrong with you Ron, why are you laughing all of a sudden?" Ginny asked. Ron just laughed even harder.
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In the Slytherin common room everyone was ignoring Draco including Crabbe and Goyle not that it meant anything to him. He was going with Dumbledore to the ministry to make his case against his father formal. It would mean many things for him. His father would definitely disown him. He wouldn't have a single Knut in his Gringotts vault and the Slytherins would probably come up with a way to get rid of him. The only person in his house who supported his decision was their head Snape. That afternoon he had a heated argument with the persistent Pansy.
"Draco, have you gone mad?" Pansy asked him with disgusted expression on her face. "You know when your father hears about this you would be in very big trouble. First you don't agree on becoming a death-eater and now you're actually going to defy him!" she grunted.
"Pansy, how many times do I have to tell you that I don't care what my father thinks of me? He can have all our money I don't need them. I chose the right side and if I were you I have to rethink where I stand. I will help them defeat Voldemort even if I have to go against my own father. I'm signed up to be an auror and I will start on my training today just after I get back from the ministry. I'm doing this to honor my mother's death," he reasoned.
"I can't take your side Draco. My father told me that in this world there isn't any Good or Evil, there is only power and not every one is strong enough to want to attain it. I'd rather be one of the few," she said.
"I was once blinded by those magnificent words but the truth is, Greed for power makes us the lowest of creatures. My mother had always told me that life would have been more wonderful for us if only we took the right path but with father building the way for me I had to live in a life full of hatred," Draco said. "You can still turn back before it's too late."
"I wish I could do that Draco. I wish I could be as strong as you. If only I'll have you by my side I could probably do it but knowing your heart belongs to someone else I don't think I have any reason to fight my destiny. I'm not as strong as you are Draco. I didn't have the same kind of mother that you did. Both my parents are death eaters remember? That means I am too and don't try to stop me Draco. From now on you're on your own. I don't know what father will say if he finds out but I'll try to cover for you. He'll probably tell your father," she replied almost at the brink of tears.
"Pansy, you can still save yourself from all this," Draco said.
"Sorry Draco, it's already too late," said Pansy and she showed the dark mark on her wrist to him.
"But why?" Draco said putting both his hands to his forehead.
"Father told me it was what I should do," Pansy said. "And he was right. It was a good thing I didn't waste my time believing the things you told me. I would have winded up with nothing. All my life all I wanted was for you to love me. Even as kids we were together. I've always been your friend."
"You are Pansy and that's why I'm worried about you. You know I love you as a friend and I still want to help you," Draco tried telling her but she just turned her back on him.
"Do me one favor Draco, stay out of my life and I'll stay away from yours. Don't tell anyone about my mark and I won't tell father what you did but who cares the death-eaters will definitely find out," Pansy said before walking away.
"Draco, I saw everything," Harry said. Draco was a bit startled seeing Harry who was hidden underneath an invisibility cloak.
"What are you doing here," Draco asked him.
"I was here to talk to the Slytherins but before. I could remove my cloak and call everyone you and Pansy came in," Harry explained. "I heard and saw everything. You know you have to tell them about her."
"I know but I can't. Please Harry don't tell Dumbledore about this. I still think I can save her," Draco reasoned. "She had been a friend to me. I know she's not exactly an angel but she's just confused let me try to help her first."
Harry didn't know whether to agree or not. He hid the invisibility cloak in his robe pocket. "Okay, but I will give you till before Christmas after that she's changed her mind or you'll have to tell the others about her or else I would have to do it," he said.
"Thanks Harry, but what do you need to talk to the Slytherins for," Draco asked and he motioned Harry to sit on one of the green couches.
"I heard about the Slytherins giving you the cold shoulder. I think I have to talk sense into those housemates of yours," Harry said.
"I think it is better if you leave it as is. Almost more than half of the Slytherin house are children of known and unnamed death-eaters. You can expect them to do the same as I did. I just hope Snape can do something about all this. They might listen to him. Harry I sincerely appreciate your concern but I can stand up for myself and maybe just maybe I could change these people's minds," Draco said.
"Very well, it's your call. See you at the training area," Harry said as he tapped the wall he used to enter the Slytherin common room.
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Harry, Ron and Hermione were at the Quidditch field turned Auror Training and Test Area. More than a dozen big white tents covered the field. They saw many familiar faces at the area for the applicants. Viktor Krum was one of the few Durmstrung alumni present. Oliver Wood, Fred and George Weasley and other former schoolmates were present.
Viktor made his way towards the three. "Hi! Hermioni-ny , Harry and Von," He greeted them. Harry instinctively placed his arms around Hermione's waist.
"Hello Viktor, I see you've come and train as an auror. How about Quidditch? Are you going to leave all that?" Hermione asked him.
"I think zat, iz better to help fight evil zan to think about Quidditch for now. My family vas attacked and my vrothers vere killed," Viktor told them.
"We're sorry to here that," Ron said.
Harry placed a hand on Viktor's Shoulder. "I know how hard it is to loose a love one."
"Thanks Harry," Viktor said. "I'm happy for you and Hermioni-ny. Iz nice to zee you together. I vetter ve going now." Viktor went back to the crowd of applicants.
Fred and George went to talk to them. "Hey you three are you here to join the army?" Fred asked.
"Actually, were members of an elite team," Ron boasted.
"Yah, right?" George said. "Honestly brother you think you can over run as."
Harry and Hermione were just laughing at the three brothers when Charlie and Bill came up to talk to them.
"Excuse us three stooges we have to break this up. We need Harry, Ron and Hermione to come with us," Bill said.
Ron and the twins stopped their petty argument. "See I told you I'm important," Ron said. Charlie grabbed a hold of him and robbed his kid brother's head. "Yes pretty darn important I'd say," he told the twins.
Fred and George went back to join Dean, Lee, Neville and the other Gryffindor applicants both present students and alumni.
Hermione had already started training with Mandungus about her gift but today she was to start training with Harry and Ron in their own training tents.
"Okay, you three are basically here to learn in advance some cool things that no wizard or witch your age had ever tried yet," Bill said to them. "Charlie here will teach you to ride your brooms but in this case I think only Hermione needs that kind of training. Snape will be teaching you some advance concoctions used by aurors to fight or catch death eaters. Professor McGonagall will teach you to do some advance transformation spells. We don't expect all three of you to learn this though."
"Professor Flitwick would help you on researching and developing Charms," Charlie said. "Bill will help you with making counter curses and addition to what you'll learn in your Charms class. And you guys are lucky."
"Why is that?" Hermione asked with a confused look on her face.
"You'll practice first hand the possible things you'll be taking up in your N.E.W.TS and your learning would even be more advanced. In addition you will have extra lessons from Professor Figg in Defense against Dark Arts and Bill would help there too," said Charlie.
"You will also get lessons on Animagus," Bill said. "But I have a feeling you three don't need it."
The three just looked at each other with this belief.
"Just as I thought," Bill said triumphantly at Charlie who tossed him three galleons.
"Can you please transform to your animal selves," Charlie instructed them. Before them stood a magnificent eagle, a gray cat and a snow white fox.
"Okay, return to your own selves again," said Bill. "Ron you'd pass to look like McGonagall," he joked. Harry, Hermione and Charlie started laughing.
"At least I didn't turn out to be a rat," Ron defended himself.
"Good point there, baby brother," Charlie said. Ron blushed at what his big brother said the last time he said that to him was before he left for Romania.
"Were actually very proud of you for being one of the us," Bill said. Ron hugged his two big brothers.
"Okay, lets stop this mushy sentiments we're here to train you guys. Charlie start teaching Hermione the basics of flying although I think Madame Hooch had already done that before," Bill said.
'See you Hermione be careful,' Harry thought. Hermione smiled back at him and gave Harry a quick kiss and she followed Charlie out of the tent.
"Oh, I wish Lavender was here," Ron said.
"Ron I'm supposed to help you use your power of controlling objects. And Harry I think Professor Figg is waiting for you in the other tent just beside this one," Bill said.
"Okay, thanks Bill and Ron good luck," Harry said before leaving.
Harry went to the other tent to see Professor Figg with Remus, Sirius and surprisingly Mad-eye Moody.
"Hello professor, Remus, Sirius, Sir Moody, how are you," Harry greeted them. The old Auror looked a lot healthier than the last time he saw him.
"I believe you have learned a lot from all your Defense classes," Arabella started.
"Yes professor," Harry answered.
"He's in the head of his class when it comes to this subject," Remus told Moody and Sirius and it made Harry's godfather smile.
"Now what we need to know is what your special gift is," Arabella said.
Look at that piece of Rock Harry just concentrate on it and we'll see then what will happen," Remus said.
Harry sat on the chair in front of him was the table and on top of it was a piece of Rock. "Professor can I use my wand on this," he asked.
"No Harry, you have to work on it without your wand then it would really be an innate skill," Sirius explained. "You can touch it if you like."
Harry examined the stone. It had a smooth surface and rough edges. He concentrated on the piece of Rock he was holding. 'What would I do with you?' he thought. He stared seriously at the stone and before he knew it the rock in his had changed into a shining hunter knife.
"Were you thinking of making it anything," Arabella asked. You could hear the amazement from her voice.
"I wasn't thinking about anything in particular professor. I just thought maybe I could change it into something," Harry answered.
"We will help you develop that skill but I think the person who could help you more on this one is Professor McGonagall. Remus and I have to get back on the Auror applicants," Sirius said before leaving the tent. You could see from his face that he was truly proud of his godson.
'Help! I'm falling, help me Harry,' Harry heard Hermione in his thoughts. He dashed out of the tent and went looking for her. He heard her screaming from not so far away and he could finally see her falling of her broom, before he knew it he was running up towards her. Charlie was following after her but she was falling so fast and from a very high drop. Harry wished he could stop her from falling and before he knew it Hermione was frozen at where she was as if she was floating motionless in mid-air. Charlie went straight and grabbed her. Harry lost her concentration on Hermione for a while and she was moving again. She was a bit startled to be safe in the arms of Charlie Weasley.
"I'm sorry Hermione," Charlie said. "That was too high for you, I should have known you couldn't control your broom that well." Harry went to Charlie and Hermione who just landed on the ground. "How did you do that Harry?"
"I don't know, I just wanted to stop Hermione from falling and she just stopped," Harry explained.
"Harry, truly your gift had finally come out and at the time when you needed it most," Dumbledore's voice came from behind them. Draco was behind the old wizard.
Hermione was hugging Harry so tightly. 'I was so scared I thought I was going to die and then I thought of you. I thought you could save me and you did,' she told him through her thoughts.
"Harry has two gifts professor. He can freeze time on a particular person or object and he can also transfigure objects with out his wand," Arabella said.
"Well, Harry, I think this time you are to seriously train your skills. Ms. Granger I still want you to take your flying lessons unless you don't want to take them anymore," Dumbledore asked Hermione who was still trembling with fear.
"I still want to go through this professor. I have to face my fears of flying, and it's my entire fault professor. I flew too high even if I knew I couldn't handle it. It isn't Charlie's fault," Hermione explained.
"Things happen for a reason Miss Granger and this accident happened so that Harry could finally discover his other gift," Dumbledore said to her. "Harry would you like to join Hermione and Charlie in flying?"
"I'd love to professor only if professor Figg would allow me to," Harry answered him.
"I have nothing against it professor. I think a bit of flying would relax Harry. Professor McGonagall would administer to his skills of transfiguration and I'd help him with the time freezing," Arabella said.
Harry, Hermione and Charlie went flying around. Harry summoned his Firebolt from his room. Ron and Bill didn't know what happened and those who were inside the tents didn't hear anything. The only reason why Professor Figg went out was because Harry ran off quickly outside. Harry was soaring sky high. He was closely following Hermione and Charlie was flying by her. He was a bit troubled about what happened to Hermione. He knew that Charlie was a very fast flier and it was weird that he couldn't catch up with the falling Hermione.
"Harry, I think something weird happened to my broom when I was following Hermione. When she fell, I think my broom was resisting my command to follow her down. And Hermione was falling really fast the only reason you got there in time to save her was because it was some hundreds or thousands of feet above the ground," Charlie explained.
"I also thought about it. I know you Charlie you're a legendary Seeker and you could have easily gotten to her. I think someone was trying to kill her," Harry said.
Hermione was now hovering above the tents. Harry and Charlie taught her some great moves. From the looks of her flying you wouldn't have thought she almost died from falling out of her broom a while ago. The sun was already setting and they still had many things to learn. The result of the Auror screening would be posted the next day.
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"Master, the girl didn't die. That Potter boy saved her," said the wicked Wilhelm. "I was almost finished with her. I have even controlled the broom of that Weasley, but that boy froze the time around the girl," he explained.
"I have to kill a witch who can see the future and wizard who can summon things and the puny Potter can freeze time. Well, I will have to kill them to acquire those additional skills," Voldemort said coldly. "You failed me Wilhelm I think I should dispose of you." Voldemort used the unforgivable curse to Wilhelm and at the foot of Voldemort's throne was the lifeless body of his servant. "I will get you Potter and your friends."
To be continued….
Author's note: Harry got two new special skills in addition to his capability to talk to Hermione… Well, we'll soon reach the ending so just keep posted.