However before Harry had a chance to say a word, the door of their room burst open, causing the trio to literally jump.

"Professor Dumbledore!" Ron said respectfully.

"Hello, Mr. Weasley. Harry, I just received word that you have arrived," Dumbledore said, "although I do not know how you did."

Harry quickly explained the story of Lasater and Chandra. When he reached the part where Lasater transferred him to Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, he saw Dumbledore's eyes light up and he was pretty sure the professor had muttered something.

"And then he told me to tell you that 'it has begun and all our backup contingencies have failed. Everything that we have built is slowly starting to crumble,' and that we have to 'rely on the unimaginable.' He also said that would make sense to you," Harry said uncertainly.

Dumbledore nodded, "This makes perfect sense. Thank you, Harry. I must attend to other matters." The trio watched as Dumbledore swept out of the room and then quickly turned back and stuck his head through the door, "By the way, I'm glad you're safe, Harry."

Harry nodded gratefully. He suddenly noticed that Hermione's arms were still wrapped around him even though her face was no longer buried in his neck.

"Um...Hermione...?"

"Oh, right! I'm sorry," she said.

Harry shrugged, but he noticed that Ron seemed much more pleased by this arrangement.

"So how was your summer, Ron?" Harry asked, turning his head to face his best friend.

"Pretty good," he said, but his face told a different story. Harry knew that Ron was probably still upset that he hadn't done much in the Department of Mysteries and that Sirius had died. Harry himself had relived that day over and over.

"So how was your summer, Ron?" Harry asked, turning his head to face his best friend.

"Pretty good," he said, but his face told a different story. Harry knew that Ron was probably still upset that he hadn't done much in the Department of Mysteries and that Sirius had died. Harry himself had relived that day over and over.



"How 'bout yours?" asked a distracted Ron who was avoiding Hermione's gaze.

"Do you really want to know?" Harry huffed with a slight glare before being startled by the loud shrieks of Mrs. Black's portrait.

"You traitors.. Coming here just to besmirch my noble home! Be gon-.."

The trio looked up at each others face before scrambling to their feet running downstairs, stopping just at the edge of the stairs. They looked around at the scene before them. Mundungus Fletcher was lying on the floor probably drunk with fire whiskey again, Tonks was holding her wand in front of the prattling portrait and a limping and exhausted Snape walking towards the headmaster who was gesturing him to come to the kitchen.

Snape?

"it's Snape." said Harry with great dislike, a distinct anger in his voice. he still believe that he's one of the reasons why Sirius is dead now. If only he helped... Sirius might've been..

Ron craned his neck to get a much nicer view of the kitchen. Stepping closer to Harry's side. "Did you see his face? He looked like he got ran over by a thousand hippogriffs!"

Harry let out a laugh and nodded. "I just hope the prat bought good news." he added soberly.

Hermione, who was standing on Harry's right, shook her head slightly. "Now now Harry, you oughtn't.." she stopped suddenly and clutched the stairs' banister tightly -her words trailing off. "Bloody hell!" she cursed softly, her breathing ragged.

Harry looked at her taken aback. She hardly curse. She never does. "hey.. -Hermione, are you alright?" he asked worriedly, noticing her chest heaving really fast and her hand turning purplish at the hand railings of the stairs. "What’s wrong?"

Ron who was now amusing his self at Tonks and Mrs. Blacks’ bantering just laughed really hard, not noticing his best friends.

Hermione waved a hand dismissively before putting it on her chest. "I’m fine." she squeaked, swaying slightly.

Harry instantly supported her, holding her on her waist. "You're a terribly bad liar Hermione. I’m not blind you know."

Her breathing worsened and suddenly came out as gasps. "Potions!" she breathed staggering to her feet and gripping Harry's hand firmly. "I - forgot - to- drink - my potions!" she said in between deep gasps.

Panicking, Harry scooped her hastily, nearly knocking Ron over, who yelled indignantly. But before he could even open his mouth, Harry yelled at him angrily. "Just find the potions on Hermione's room!" Ron just looked at him in surprise then on Hermione who was in his arms, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Ron MOVE! She needs that potion!" Finally, Ron was shaken out of his stupor and ran hurriedly upstairs.

"What’s all this racket about, Potter?!" came a cold voice from his side.

"What’s all this racket about Potter?!" came a cold voice from his side.

Harry looked up to see Snape standing up beside him, with the same tight-lipped frown on his face that was covered by his greasy, black hair. He saw his eyes shift from Harry to Hermione with indifferent surprise on his face. It was enough to make Harry boil in anger.

"What's Miss Granger gone and done to herself now?" Snape snivelled in their direction.

Harry's nostrils flared and he almost had enough nerve to stand up call Snape a few names while punching him in the face. But having Hermione shaking in his arms stopped him from doing so.

"She forgot to take her potions," muttered Harry.

"Oh, I see," Snape sneered with a disgusting smirk on twitching on his lips, "pity, I thought she'd be smart enough to remember something like that, but perhaps your influence on her has dumbed her down a bit."

"You slimy---," growled Harry.

He started to stand up, but felt Hermione's shaking hand grab his and he looked down at her, shocked to see that she was still able to keep him in check even though she was in great pain. She shook her head and held onto his hand while Ron came dashing down the stairs, his arms full with potion bottles.

"Here you go, Harry!" said Ron his voice quivering and his eyes wide as he stared at their still gasping best friend.

Harry took the bottles that Ron handed to him and picked one, unscrewing the top and bringing it close to Hermione's lips urgently. Suddenly, Snape's hand flew down and snatched the potion away from Harry's hand.

"Give it to me, Potter!" he snapped.

"Well, I can't since you already took it from me!" refuted Harry. "Why did you take it from me anyway? She needs her potions!"

Harry and Ron glared back at Snape calling all the names they could think of to insult him. To their surprise and further indignation, Snape merely stared back at them with his icy, black eyes while he screwed the top back on to that potion and carefully opened another one.

"Do you think I'd let you handle such a potent potion considering your dismal performance in my class, Potter?" said Snape, grabbing Hermione from Harry.

"OI, YOU! LET HER ALONE!" Ron shouted.

"Silence, Weasley," commanded Snape. "The order in which the potions are to be taken is of the utmost importance. I highly doubt that Potter knows that order. Of course, he is welcome to try, if wants to cause yet another person's death with his foolhardy mistakes."

Harry glanced at Hermione who's eyes were shining with tears of apology and fear while he clenched his fists. He had no right to say those words and he had no right to speak of something which he knew nothing about. He had no right to speak of Sirius. He felt a fiery heat spreading from the tips of his toes and fingers rushing through every vein in his body and he started to rush towards Snape, his hands outstretched ready to grab and pull out all of his greasy black hair.

"SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! YOU CAN'T TALK ABOUT SIRIUS THAT WAY!!!" Harry shouted, as Ron leapt at him, holding him back with every bit of strength he had. "IT'S NOT MY FAULT HE WAS KILLED!!! IT WAS YOURS!!! IF YOU'D HAD LISTENED TO ME SIRIUS WOULD STILL BE ALIVE!!! IT'S YOUR FAULT! YOU! YOU'RE THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR SIRIUS'S DEATH!!! YOU WANTED HIM TO DIE!!! I KNOW YOU DID!!!"

Harry fumed while Snape remained silent and distributed the last of the potions to Hermione who was now falling into a calming sleep. He looked down at his chest and saw that Ron's hands were still around him, holding back and he shook violently, ready to punch Ron if he had to, so he could get to Snape. He tried to fight off Ron's tight hold some more while Snape lifted Hermione from the floor and carried her to her room.

"YOU LET GO OF HER YOU GREASY GIT!!!" Harry shouted, finally breaking free of Ron's hold.

He started to chase Snape up the stairs and Ron stumbled after him to get to him before he got to Snape. Harry made it up the stairs, stopped and saw Snape standing outside the closed door of Hermione's room.

"You know nothing, Potter," stated Snape and looked past Harry seeing Ron run from the staircase and tackle Harry to floor.

He brushed past them and walked away with not a word. Harry shot a angry glare at Ron and pushed him away and then sat up rubbing his arm where he had tackled him.

"What did you do that for?!" Harry demanded.

"What are you talking about?" said Ron. "You were going to attack him, Harry!"

"So what if I was?" Harry responded. "He'd deserved it."

Ron shook his head in exasperation and shrugged, "Look, I hate Snape just as much as the next person, but Harry, you can't attack him."

Harry's eyes widened and his jaw dropped in disbelief. He couldn't believe that these words were coming from his best friend's mouth.

"You saw what he did, he snatched potion from me!" Harry muttered.

"He was helping Hermione!" sounded Ron. "You should at least give him that much credit!"

Harry opened his mouth to answer something in argument but couldn't find the words. Ron's words were true. Snape had helped Hermione, but it didn't stop him from hating everything about him. He ran his hands over his face and then through his messy hair and then looked up at Ron who looked a lot more calm than he did when he and Hermione were sharing their embrace.

"C'mon mate," Ron began and stood up, holding out a hand to Harry, "let's go downstairs, maybe Mum's made some snacks and we can play Wizard's chess."

Harry grabbed a hold of Ron's hand and hoisted himself up and he was surprised to see a small grin appear on his face. Harry couldn't help but smile back as they started toward the stair case. He looked at Ron for a second and shook his head while chuckling to himself

"Thanks, mate," Harry said as they made their way downstairs.

"Thanks, mate," Harry said as they made their way downstairs.

***********

Harry and Ron woke to find themselves sprawled out on the living room armchairs. Harry raised his arms over his head and stretched his back, a small yawn escaping him. He groaned from the soreness that came from his nose. He had unfortunately left his glasses on last night, allowing them to leave what felt like a permanent impression on his nose.

The remainder of the night before went by pretty uneventfully. Dumbledore and Moody had left to attend to few matters with the Ministry of Magic. The rest of the Order members were discussing their private matters around the dining room table. However, they would immediately quiet down the moment the boys were of hearing range of their conversation. Understanding the hint they were receiving, the two retreated towards the living room, being careful when they passed Mrs. Black’s now tarp-covered portrait.

Ginny had flooed in as they settled in their armchairs, causing Mrs. Black to go on other one of her raging banters. Upon calming her, Harry, Ron, and Ginny returned to the living room and had a conversation Fred and George’s joke store. Harry couldn’t hide his grin when the two Weasleys went off on the new prototypes the twins had invented. Ron commented on how he couldn’t wait to try a few of them out in Hogwarts, completely ignoring his prefect duty to maintain order.

“Happy Birthday Harry,” Ron said through a yawn, his fingers running through his messy red hair.

“Thanks Ron,” Harry smiled as he stood from his armchair and stretched his legs.

“Oh, it’s good that you’re both awake,” the two heard Mrs. Weasley said from behind them. And almost immediately upon hearing those words, the fresh and welcoming scent of breakfast consumed them. “We’re in the middle of breakfast.”

“Oh mom!” Ron gasped, his eyes widening. “You should of woke us…there won’t be any food left!”

“Tonks and I made plenty,” she replied as she allowed her son to maneuver around her and towards the dining room. “Happy Birthday Harry.”

“Thank you Mrs. Weasley,” Harry grinned as Mrs. Weasley brought him into a warm hug. “How is Hermione?”

“She’s doing just fine. She’s still asleep…Severus says not to wake her and allow her to recover on her own,” she answered. However before Harry could pull out of her embrace, her arms tightened around him. “Listen, dear, there is something you need to take care of before you go to breakfast.”

“What?” Harry asked, his voice muffled by her red hair.

“I need you to go into Sirius’ room,” she replied, finally releasing him from her embrace. “Don’t worry, you will understand. Go now and come back down for breakfast once you’re done.”

Harry gave her a questionable look and she simply gave him her usual smile before making her way back into the kitchen. Harry turned towards the staircase and with a shrug of his shoulders he quietly ascended the staircase, his anticipation growing with each step he took.

He carefully peaked into Hermione’s room and found her resting peacefully in her bed. Harry bit his lower lip. It was his fault that she was like this. If she hadn’t come out to get him, she wouldn’t have forgotten to take her medicine. Harry found it ironic how his recklessness decreased when she was around, yet hers increased when she was around him.

Harry released a gentle sigh and quietly closed her door. He took in a deep breath and continued his way towards Sirius room. The door to the room creaked as it opened and Harry was surprised to see that the room was covered with dust.

“Shut the door, Harry,” Harry heard a familiar voice say to him when Harry entered the room.

Harry immediately recognized the voice and closed the door behind him, a large smile forming on his face. “Sirius! Is that you?” Harry looked around room for his godfather but found no one waiting for him. “Where are you?”

A scroll lying in the center Sirius’ work desk suddenly started to vibrate, a bright light emitting from it. Harry’s mouth slowly dropped when he watched the scroll roll about the desk and perform an incredibly odd dance before it finally opened, the light intensifying so brightly that it caused him to cover his eyes.

“Happy Birthday Harry,” Harry heard Sirius say. Harry dropped his hands and he couldn’t hold in his emotions at the sight of his godfather.


Author's Note: Hehe...quick note, Sirius isn't alive. I'm sorry, but our favorite godfather has left this earth. So what in the world did I just write...let me explain. I could have incorporated this into my addition, but I think I have added enough and I want some else to take care of what happens next. So what's with Sirius? Sirius has preserved a part of him in a scroll just like how Tom Riddle preserved his 16 year old self in a diary in CoS. So basically Sirius is kinda there, but technically not. Though the scroll's magic will only work at number twelve Grimmauld Place. But yeah, I hope I didn't confuse anyone. If I did, please let me know and I'll elaborate better. Have fun continuing! ~Jere

“Happy Birthday Harry,” Harry heard Sirius say. Harry dropped his hands and he couldn’t hold in his emotions at the sight of his godfather. Tears came rolling down Harry's cheecks as he stared at the image of his late godfather. 'I know it's a day late Harry, but you were missing yesterday. So Happy birthday for yesterday, Harry.'

'S-Sirius? Thank-you...' Harry replied as he lowered his head, 'I miss you so much.' he added sadly.

'I miss you too Harry, but if you ever need to talk to me, well, I know this really isn't the real thing, but you can come up here and talk to me any time you want.'

'Thank-you Sirius.'

'Hey! It's ok! Anything for my ickle Godson.' Sirius winked at him mischieviously as Harry looked up and playfully glared at Sirius. 'Anyway, I pre-ordered this a couple of days before I died, it only just came in, but anyway, happy birthday Harry.'

Harry turned to face where Sirius was pointing towards and saw lying on the dusty bed, a big brown paper package...

Harry turned to face where Sirius was pointing towards and saw lying on the dusty bed, a big brown paper package...

"It's the newest model. Remus told me they confiscated your Firebolt so I thought it best to get you a new one," Sirius said.

Harry approached the dusty bed.

"I know you'll like it. It's better than the Firebolt. It's the new Thunderbolt. Best broom ever made. At least that's what Witch Broomstick's claimed. Open it Harry," Sirius' said enthusiastically.

Harry got hold of the packaged and opened it. It really was a beautiful sight. The handle was polished and furnished to perfection and just like his Firebolt not a twig was off its place. Harry was awfully quiet still marvelling about the beauty of his new broom.

"The best part is Harry, that broom is bewitched to fit whomever it's riding it. It can go lighter or heavier just to give the rider better control over the broom. It comes with an easily instruction manual you can read but I know you don't need one because riding a broom is in your blood," Sirius' explained.

Harry faced his godfather with tears falling down his blurry eyes. "Thanks Sirius. I don't know how to thank you enough for your kindness," Harry said. "I wish I could hold you," Harry added as he tried to reach out to his godfather and the image that was Sirius did the same. Harry's hand just passed through his godfathers.

"You know I will always be here for you Harry," Sirius muttered.

"And you will always be in my heart Sirius," Harry admitted.

"I know and I want you to be strong Harry. Do it for me and do it for the people you love," Sirius said.

A smile broke into Harry's tear stricken face.

"And I want you to win the Quidditch cup this year. Lead Gryffindor to victory just like what your father used to do and Harry. If you need someone to talk to I will always be here. And one more important advice Harry, Think before you act. I know it doesn't sound so good coming from me but it is something that you should always keep in mind...."

"And I want you to win the Quidditch cup this year. Lead Gryffindor to victory just like what your father used to do and Harry. If you need someone to talk to I will always be here. And one more important advice Harry, Think before you act. I know it doesn't sound so good coming from me but it is something that you should always keep in mind...."

“I will Sirius,” Harry replied with a defeated voice as he sat down upon Sirius’ dusty bed. “I don’t want to be the cause of anyone else’s death.”

“You did not cause my death!” Sirius exclaimed. “You were never the cause of my death or anyone else’s. I was the cause of my death, not you.

“But if I hadn’t believed -- ”

“Harry, it wasn’t your fault,” Sirius said softly as he took a seat next to Harry. “Everyone chooses their own path in life…they make their own decisions. And they are the cause of their deaths.”

“But –- ” Harry tried to protest but was again cut off.

“Harry…just shut up about it,” Sirius grinned, his eye noticing the ring on Harry was wearing. “I see that it has been given back to you.”

“Yeah,” Harry replied as he looked down on the right. “Kreacher tried stealing it from me…why would he do that? What’s so important about it that Voldemort would want it?”

“Oh that damned elf…” Sirius groaned, shaking his head. “Well the ring is…

“Yeah,” Harry replied as he looked down on the right. “Kreacher tried stealing it from me…why would he do that? What’s so important about it that Voldemort would want it?”

“Oh that damned elf…” Sirius groaned, shaking his head. “Well the ring is…

Sirius paused, apparently contemplating on his answer, when a creak was heard outside the door. Harry jerked his head back in alarm, as did his godfather, and the two exchanged disconcerted looks.
Harry slowly rose up from the dusty squeaking bed and walked cautiously towards the door, barely breathing, reached for the handle, and turned it slowly, unsheathing the darkness of the corridor. He looked out, but no one was there. Harry frowned and closed the door once again, turning to his godfather, and frowning even more fiercely. Sirius' hands and feet were slowly becoming...transparent! His eyes glistened as he croaked painfully,
"Harry...we only have ten minutes in a day to talk...I must go back. Keep the ring, Harry, but don't use it...it may bring big things - horrible things, things not meant to be."

"But...how can I use the ring if I don't know what it does...where are you going?" protested Harry.

"The ring..." Sirius moaned once more, his image now faintly lighted, "May bring from outside world," [another moan], "One you wish. It also has the ability," Sirius was slowly dissaparating, a light emitting from the scroll on the bed, "To tell your death." The scroll began to vibrate and perform its dance as Harry was thrown onto the floor by his godfather's ghost's excruciating cry and passage up into the air.

"SIRIUS!" Harry roared, as the moaning reply followed,

"DON'T USE IT! PROMISE ME, HARRY!"
The image jetted into the paper, and emitting light encircled the scroll, slowly fading and finally calming down to a rest.

"Sirius!" Harry cried, but the paper remained still and quiet. As if a cue has been given, a protesting loud voice bellowed, "YOU FILTHY SCAM! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!"

Harry bit his lip, hoping Hermione would sleep just fine through all the racket. He glanced down at his ring and saw a shimmer...

"There's something about the ring I've yet to discover," Harry sighed as Hermione's, "Is everything ok?" followed, ringing once again in the corridor.

"ALL OF YOU ARE VILE CREATURES..."

"There's something about the ring I've yet to discover," Harry sighed as Hermione's, "Is everything ok?" followed, ringing once again in the corridor.

"ALL OF YOU ARE VILE CREATURES..."

Hermione appeared from behind him. "Err.. what are you doing up? You should be resting," Harry said with concern.

"I'm fine Harry and besides who would be able to rest when there's a screaming portrait making a racket around here," Hermione commented.

"You still need to go to bed," Harry insisted as he tried to motion her back to the room she was resting in.

"Not until I have given you my birthday present," Hermione said as she held out a hand made bracelet that was intricately done by hand. "I made it myself," she said with uncertainty.

Harry gave Hermione a warm smile as he took the bracelet and wore it. "You know you I will never take this off," he said as he gave her his most appreciative smile. "Thanks, it's really nice I want you to know that it's the best gift I have ever received," Harry exclaimed. Indeed it was one of the best. Sirius gave him a new broom but Hermione gave him something that she made just for him. Both gifts were precious to him.

"I'm glad you liked it. It was difficult to make. It's not even close to sock knitting and I made it manually, mind you," she said happily.

"Well, you promise you'll have your rest," Harry prodded.

"Nope, I'm a lot better now. We should go and join the others down stairs," Hermione said.

"Well, you promise you'll have your rest," Harry prodded.

"Nope, I'm a lot better now. We should go and join the others down stairs," Hermione said.

"But, Snape said-"

"When have you ever listened to Snape? Come on." Seeing Harry's concerned look on his face she added "Honestly Harry, I'm fine."

Harry hesitated before answering "OK, but if you feel ill at all, you'd better tell me."

Hermione smiled "I will, I promise."

"Good."

They trailed down the stairs, Harry keeping a close eye on Hermione in case she fell.
They entered the kitchen just as Tonks managed to silence Mrs Black again.

"Honestly if we can't get rid of that Portrait soon, I'm going to have to do something drastic!" Tonks exlaimed.

"Hermione, glad to see you up." Mrs Weasley said sitting her in a chair at the table.

"How are you feeling? Do you want anything? Do you need to-"

"Mrs Weasley, I'm fine really." She answered catching Harrys eye and smiling.

"Are you sure? I can get you some breakfast."

"No, it's OK thank you."

"OK if you're sure." Mrs Weasley gave in and turned to Harry and Ron "I need you two to come with me for a bit today. I need to run a few errands."

"Awwww, Mum!" Ron moaned

"Awwww, Mum!" Ron moaned.


"I need you two to run to Diagon Alley and pick up a few things. You'll need it for when Dumbledore arrives," Mrs. Weasley explained.

Harry's shoulders suddenly felt a bit lighter than they had been. "Dumbledore's coming?" he repeated. "When is he arriving?"

Mrs. Weasley turned to him with an understanding expression. "He'll be arriving in an hour, so you two best run off quickly!"

"Yes Mrs. Weasley/Mum!" the boys said, and quickly rushed over to the fireplace.

"Hold it you two!" She called to them. Harry and Ron looked at each other, blushing slightly, went and took the list from Mrs. Weasley, and flooed to Diagon Alley.

Mrs. Weasley turned to Hermione, who had been watching all of this with a dejected expression on her face about not being allowed to go. "Cheer up, how about you help me in the kitchen to fix them up a grand on dinner?" Hermione's face lightened considerably, and nodded yes as she and the older woman moved towards the kitchen.

***

"Hey Ron, what else do we need?" Harry asked. They had been running around Diagon Alley for the better part of an hour, getting items and tools and equipment of all sorts. Ron had paled slightly at the item they were asked to get in the Apothecary (an 8-legged bat of sorts, neither one of them knew, but Ron had called it a flying spider) and Harry had to fetch the "thing" on his own.

Both he and his friend, however, were surprised to learn they had to get a load of books, particularily in the Transfiguration and Defense against the Dark Arts category. Harry personally thought that Hermione would have tons of fun reading all of these books and memorizing them cover to back, but felt that these had something to do with Dumbledore's arrival at Grimmauld.

"All we need to do is pick up a wand from Ollivander's, but it only says that he'll be waiting for us. I wonder why?" his friend pondered. "I guess we'll see when we arrive," He said.

As they reached the entrance to the shop, Harry suddenly felt a pang in his scar. Looking around furiously, he told Ron to go and get the wand while he went to sit down for a spell. Ron nodded and went inside, and Harry walked toward a bench in the middle of the square that Ollivander's was located on, all the while on high alert.

But as soon as he sat down, a cold, dark voice called to him. "Hello there, Potter....."

Ron nodded and went inside, and Harry walked toward a bench in the middle of the square that Ollivander's was located on, all the while on high alert. But as soon as he sat down, a cold, dark voice called to him. "Hello there, Potter....."


Harry jumped up looking around furiously, not finding the source of the voice. But he knew, he recognized that voice, the same voice that would haunt him until the day that he would have to kill him, Voldemort.

Harry muttered under his breath, "where are you, i know your here."

"Potter, i see you've grown stronger. Your magical abilities keep increaseing just as my own did. I have reconsidered killing you, even if you have affections for that mudblood i'll over look that and even allow it, if you join me. With your powers increasing as they are we could rule absolutely. I can teach you things that fool Dumbledore never could, and was afraid of learning. I can give you things you never imagined. If you desire it you may have Bellatrix lestrange, her life hangs on your whim. Those muggles that supposedly look after you, you can teach them to fear and respect you, they will never say that your worthless again. keep your mind open i will be contacting you again soon."

Harry's scar was burning, white hot, he could feel Voldemort leaving his mind as the pain slowly decreased as their mental connection was severed. Harry fell down to his hands and knees breathing heavily.

Harry fell down on his hands and knees breathing heavily.

"Harry are you okay?" He felt hands around his wrists pulling him up, he opened his eyes and Ron was looking at him, worried. Harry shook his head and said,

"I'm fine, did you get the wand?" Ron nodded and he looked at his watch, "We got to get going or we're going to be late!" Ron started to run toward the Leaky Cauldron,

"Ron wait up!" Harry ran after him and Ron stopped and Harry asked, "Late for what?" Ron smiled and said, "You'll see." Harry looked at him confused and Ron laughed softly.

Ron put the Floo powder in the fireplace and he looked and made sure nobody was listening, "Grimuald Place!" He vanished, Harry shook his head as he arrived at Grimuald surrounded by darkness.

"Hello?" said Harry as he tried to walk around the kitchen as he heard whispers, "Somebody turn on the lights." Then Harry was almost knocked by surprise as the lights turned on and he saw a banner and it said, Happy Birthday Harry!

Then Harry was almost knocked by surprise as the lights turned on and he saw a banner and it said, Happy Birthday Harry!

Harry couldn't believe his eyes. Just a while back he felt sick because of the mind attack that Voldemort just pulled on him and now many happy faces are smiling at him and singing him a happy birthday.

"Go on," Ron motioned him to come forward.

Fred and George were carrying a rather big cake. Members of the Order including Professor Dumbledore and Professor Mcgonagall were present. Hermione and Ginny were beside Mrs. Weaslye singing the Happy Birthday with all their heart.

For once Harry felt very happy on his birthday. almost as Happy as the day he found out that he was a wizard and that he will be leaving the Dursleys to go to Hogwarts.

"Blow out the candles dear," Mrs. Weasley promted him.

"Go on Harry. This cake is bloody heavy," Fred commented.

Harry managed a smile and blew out the candles.

Everyone in the room applauded. Harry just stared at all the people around him his eyes almost glistening with tears...

Everyone in the room applauded. Harry just stared at all the people around him his eyes almost glistening with tears...


"So what did you wish for?" whispered Hermione in Harry's ear. He looked at her and said,

"You'll just have to figure it out, Miss Granger." She did a puppy face and Harry laughed. Somebody cleared their throat and Harry and Hermione looked away from each other because Ron said almost nicely, "Are you going to cut the cake or what?" Harry noticed his ears were red with anger,

"Yeah." Hermione nodded and went over by Ron. Harry picked up a knife and Fred said,

"You better give me and George a big piece!" Mrs. Weasley hit them and she helped Harry pass out all the pieces.

Harry went over to sit by Ron and Hermione, but a look by Ron told him to stay away, he felt a little jealous at that point, but ignored it and sat by Fred and George, "So big sixteen, huh?" said George playfully hitting Harry on the arm, "You know what that means, don't you?" said Fred. Harry looked at Fred and "No." "You got to kiss a girl.” Fred looked toward Hermione and he said,

“Hermione.” Harry felt himself blush and said quietly, “Is this real tradition?” “Of course it is! I had to do it, George had to do it, everyone of us men in the Weasley Family had to kiss a girl on our sixteenth birthday!” said Fred insulted. George smiled at Fred and said,

“And we choose the girl since were the oldest next to you, and we choose Hermione, we know how much you like her, just give her a kiss on the cheek, or if you want, a kiss on the lips, it’s your choice.” Harry gulped and said,

“I don’t like Hermione that way.” Fred and George smiled at each other and said, “Of course you do, go on!” They pushed Harry off the couch and he walked over to Hermione…

“I don’t like Hermione that way.” Fred and George smiled at each other and said, “Of course you do, go on!” They pushed Harry off the couch and he walked over to Hermione…

"Hi guys." He said almost too cheerily.

"Hey." Ron said shortly

"Hi Harry, sit down." Hermione said motioning to the seat next to her.

"Thanks." He said blushing slightly.

They sat for a while before Hermione said "So, were you supprised?" breaking the deathly silence that had rested upon the trio.

"Yeah, I never expected this. It's the first Birthday Party I've ever had." He said

"Really?" Ron asked as though he felt sorry for him.

"Yeah, but that just makes this one even more special."

"Ron." Harry said after a while. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

"Umm...sure." Ron answered looking bewildered but standing with Harry anyway.

"We'll be back in a second Mione." Harry said. He led Ron over to a far corner of the room where he turned and looked at him deadly seriously.

"What?" Ron asked

"Is there a...um...tradition that Weasleys have when they're 16?" He asked quietly.

"Oh, yeah, you have to kiss a girl. Fred and George get to choose the one you kiss." He laughed "Who have they said?"

"Hermione." Harry whispered

"What?"

"Hermione." He repeated louder.

"Oh. Good luck. She won't want anyone kissing her. She likes someone."

"What?" Harry said in complete shock "Who?"

Ron shrugged "Dunno, she won't say, but she's got it bad!"

Ron shrugged, "Dunno, she won't say, but she's got it bad!"

"But I got an idea who it is." added Ron smiling.

"You do, who do you think?" asked Harry looking confused. "Can't tell you, mate, you'll just have to wait and see." Ron walked away, leaving Harry to think about what to do about Hermione. Should I kiss her? Maybe she doesn't like me? What if she does? I just have to walk right up to her and kiss her, that's it. Then Harry heard a voice,

"You better get back over to your party, or you're going to miss everything." He saw Hermione looking at him, arms crossed, and tapping her foot. Harry laughed nervously as he said,

"Okay." She smiled and grabbed Harry's arm and pulled him to the huge table full of presents.

*****

Harry opened every present except one, he saw it was poorly wrapped as he grabbed it and Lupin said,

"That's from me." Harry smiled at him and ripped the paper off and saw a photo album with a picture of him and Sirius on the front, he felt tears coming again as he turned the page and saw their first and last Christmas together. "Thank You, Professor Lupin." said Harry as he looked at Lupin and he said to Harry, "Call me Remus, I'm your godfather now and I'll try to be as good as Sirius was..."

Harry said quietly, "You'll never be Sirius. You'll never be." He felt the tears run down his cheek as he shouted,

"SIRIUS IS MY GODFATHER, NOT YOU! AND NEVER SAY THAT YOU'LL BE AS GOOD AS SIRIUS WAS! YOU NEVER BE LIKE HIM! NO ONE CAN TAKE THE PLACE OF HIM IN MY HEART! NOTHING!" Harry ran upstairs and slammed his door of his bedroom and cried.

Everyone heard Harry crying upstairs and Hermione went to Lupin and said, "Remus you tried, I'll go talk to him." Hermione ran upstairs while Remus looked shocked and Mrs. Weasley said, "Don't worry about Remus, he's just really emotional after what happened to Sirius." "I understand Molly, but I just wanted to be a good godfather to him. " "It'll just take some time for him to over it."

"He'll never get over Sirius, never." added Remus as he walked to the kitchen

"He'll never get over Sirius, never." added Remus as he walked to the kitchen.

Hermione went into Harry's room where Harry seemed to have wiped the tears out of his eyes and was proceeding to glare at the mirror in his room. She walked up silently behind me and tapped him on the shoulder, "Harry?"

Harry turned around with such hurt-filled eyes and anguish that Hermione's heart broke in two.

"Oh Harry," she said and wrapped her arms around the newly turned sixteen year old boy.

Harry cried quietly for the next few minutes and Hermione stroked his hair as a mother would, whispering that it would be all right. After a while, Harry stopped and smiled painfully at Hermione.

"I guess I overreacted a bit in there. It's just that I don't want anyone to say that they're going to try and replace Sirius or anything. And we were all sitting around being happy, while Sirius is dead. It just doesn't seem right----"

Hermione put a finger to his lips to silence him.

"Harry, sooner or later you need to realize that you have to be happy, for Sirius' sake. He gave up his life for you and the chance for you to have a happy life. You need to be happy, for him. For everyone. For me."

Harry closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. Hermione was right. He sighed,
"Thanks, Hermione. You're one in a million."

She smiled and looking at her lips, Harry remembered the Weasley tradition.

"Er...Hermione...er, well see there's this Weasley tradition that a man has to kiss a girl when he turns sixteen and Fred and George picked you for me to kiss. So can...can I kiss you?"

"Where?"

Harry shrugged, "I don't know. Where do you want it?"

"Just a quick one on the lips, maybe."

Harry nodded and leaned forward, taking in her jasmine scent. Their lips met for what seemed to Harry a long, suspended moment in time. It seemed to go on forever, though it lasted only three seconds. They both pulled back and gave each other a grin.

"Why don't we go back downstairs?" Hermione said.

"Why don't we go back downstairs?" Hermione said.

Harry nodded, and started heading for the door, Hermione in tow. When they reached the party again, they entered without drawing too much attention. immediately Harry was grabbed by Fred and George, who asked,

"Did you-"

"Kiss her?"

"Yes", said Harry, smiling at the memory. The twins' faces split into identical grins.

"Then the Weasley tradition has been honored once more." Happy that it was so, Fred and George left Harry to go grab some other Butterbeers.

Harry remembered the cause of his going upstairs to cry and started looking for Remus to apologize for his emotional outburst. After not finding his former professor at the party, Harry left for the kitchen. He found Remus leaning on the counter drinking what looked very much like FireWhiskey.

Harry decided to go to the point immediately. "Remus, I'm sorry for how I got mad at you back there. I think you can do a very good job of being my godfather, but please don't try to beat Sirius at it."

"Remus, I'm sorry for how I got mad at you back there. I think you can do a very good job of being my godfather, but please don't try to beat Sirius at it."

Remus Lupin glanced at Harry in the meekest of glances, understanding in his eyes. He could see why Harry had suddenly burst out like he did, after all Sirius was like no other, he knew. "It's alright Harry, i understand. I don't intend to replace Sirius, nor is it my desire to. I simply wish to take care for you the way you should have been brought up to be." Harry's face clearly showed a relaxed look, and he sat more comfortably in his chair. "Now Harry, there's something I was to tell you, but you know events were in the way." Remus took out a long envelope, clad in the Hogwarts seal, and bore Harry's name. He handed it to him, and he tucked it into his robes. "Thanks Remus," he said. "Harry, I've been reinstituted as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I've also been asked by Dumbledore to get you up to scratch on your dueling skills, in case it is, and will, ever be needed."

Harry looked at him with an interested look. "Come, let's head back to the party. It's getting late, and what would a party be without its party champion?" Harry grinned, eyes sparkling, and together they entered into the party room, both with lighter hearts....

"Come, let's head back to the party. It's getting late, and what would a party be without its party champion?" Harry grinned, eyes sparkling, and together they entered into the party room, both with lighter hearts....

As soon as they got into the party room, Remus went off to speak with Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt in a corner. Harry found Ron and Hermione standing near the table with drinks and chatting.

"Oh hi Harry! How did it go?" asked Hermione.

"Fine. Remus isn't mad at me. Guess who the new Defense Professor is?" Harry watched as both Ron's and Hermione's expressions lit up.

"Lupin?" asked an incredulous Ron. Harry decided he'd play a bit with them.

"No mate. I'm sorry but it's Snape." Said Harry with a mock somber look. He looked at Ron and saw he had played enough...

"I WAS JUST JOKING!! Remus, or rather Professor Lupin, has been reinsuted!!"

"Oh thank Merlin! You almost had me there Harry. Please never do a joke that bad again k?" Harry nodded and slapped Ron's back.

Hermione had watched the whole exchange with an amused expression. She could see just through Harry because she knew him so well and she had immediately recognized that grin as one of joy. She decided to chime in.

"Harry, before you came over, Ron was telling me about his correspondence with Luna Lovegood." Ron had immediately changed expression and started blushing.
Hermione continued, "Come on Ron, tell Harry about the owls you have been receiving all summer..."

Ron started stuttering and babbling, "Y-yes I-I have been c-corresponding with her, that's all..."

Harry had a sudden thought, "Ron do you like Luna?"

Harry had a sudden thought, "Ron do you like Luna?"

Ron's face paled just slightly, looked around frantically for a sign of any human being remotely within hearing range, and mumbled something. "Sorry, Ron, what was that?" Harry called, an amused feeling creeping onto his face. "Ok, ok, so I may like her a teeny bit, doesn't mean anything will happen right? I mean, I'm really only talking to her because of what happened at the end of last year, and I just want to make sure she was alright," Ron replied defensively. Harry smiled, a likely excuse, he should have just answered yes. "That's cool Ron, let's get back to the party."

The week after Harry's birthday, the trio were sitting in front of the fireplace chatting when suddenly 3 owls flew in from a window and deposited letters bearing the Hogwarts seal on the teenager's laps. "Oh my, our OWLS!" Hermione gasped. harry looked nervously at his, knowing that his future decided upon what this letter contained. He ripped open the envelope slowly, took a deep breath, and read the letter. Hermione and Ron watched as Harry's nervous face was replaced with looks of sadness, surprise, then came to a stop at a grateful look. "I did it, I have enough OWLs to get into the Auror classes," He said, holding up the envelope that showed an O on potions, his worst subject. It also showed an O in DADA, an E in Trangfiguration and Charms, and an A in Astronomy and Divination. "YOU DID?! OHMEGOSH HARRY, CONGRATULATIONS!!" Hermione practically yelled and gave him a big hug. Now Ron opened his envelope, feeling somewhat more confident in the fact that if his best friend, faker of all things Divine and an average potions maker, can somehow score enough to make it into his selected job course, and peeked at his letter. "Well what do you know, I didn't do too bad," Ron said after looking, showing his letter, which showed a spiffy 7 OWLs, including an O in DADA, an E in Charms, an A in Transfiguration and Charms, and P's in Astronomy and Divination. "That's great Ron!" Hermione said, gave him a hug, and then turned to look at hers. "I don't know if I can do it guys. What if I got...an E on something?!" she gasped, a horrified look on her face. "I'll do it for you Hermione," Harry said, ripping open the envelope, and looking. "Excellent Hermione, an O in everything!" He didn't get to say any more as she jumped onto him on an attempt to see her perfect OWLS scores.

During the month after Harry's party, he, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny lounged around in Grimmauld Palace. Really the only eventful surprise at their stay was a second arrival by Dumbledore, informing the young wizard of his training that would begin during the beginning of the school year. Harry, after much prodding from Hermione, perused Sirius's bountiful library and researched many different types of hexes, jinxes, and curses that would prove useful. As time passed, the day of September 1st arrived, and the young quartet and their watchers arrived at Platform 9 3/4. The group arrived at the Hogwarts Express, deposited their trunks, and were about to board the plain when a familiar voiced called "Harry! Harry!"

The group arrived at the Hogwarts Express, deposited their trunks, and were about to board the plain when a familiar voiced called "Harry! Harry!"


Colin Creevey came running over with his camera, "Harry, can i take a couple pictures of you guys boarding the train? it will be a really nice action shot, to start my portfolio about your year at school."

Harry looked up into the sky seemingly asking the powers that be, 'why.' But was interupted when Hermione held is hand softly and replied, "yes of course you can take a picture of us Colin, Harry would be happy to help you."

Ron's face contorted into several odd shapes as he tried to fight the fit of laughter that wanted to rise out from inside of him, he didn't win. Ron snorted just loud enough to be noticeable to Harry and Hermione while Colin didn't seem to hear it or the fits of laughter that made its way through.

Harry tried to save face but was really at a loss to do so, "Of course you can just dont tell any one about it until the portfolio is done. and please have some discretion colin, some things are meant to be private."

Colin looked like he just won a huge game of luck, "oh of course Harry. Now just walk into the train like you normally would and I'll get shots from different angles." it didn't seem that Colin had any discretion in mind.

The trio did so stopping often for Colin to pose them move and take a few more shots. Finally getting into their compartment and sitting down Harry took a near the window as Hermione sat next to him putting a hand on his knee while Ron sat across from them.

Colin raised an eyebrow at Ron but the redhead only shrugged with a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. Colin took two pictures on of the three of them and one of harry and Hermione.

Colin took two pictures on of the three of them and one of harry and Hermione.....

A few minutes into the journey a small knock on the door announced Neville and Ginnys arrival.

"Hi, guys." Ron said moving over to make room on his side of the compartment.

"Hi." They answered sitting opposite him.

"Am I really that bad?" He asked

"No, it's just-"

"Ronald! You saved me a seat!"

"Oh no."

"Ronald! You saved me a seat!"

"Oh no."

Ron blushed at the sight of a smiling, flushing with a triumphant grin Luna. The next series of events happened in such a quick succession that none of the students could comprehend exactly what had happened (until the cause of the commotion was revealed): a sharp shriek escaped Luna's lips as she was thrown with at a furious speed inside the compartment and ultimately onto Ron, the latter flushing even more madly; the neglected for a long time Crookshanks leapt into the air and landed on Harry's head, causing great fuss from Hermione; Ginny was shunned by Neville's heavy elbow in response to the ginger cat's jump, and as a result fell over on the floor, speechless yet radiating fumes of anger.

"You...YOU!" shrieked Luna (still on top of Ron, but this time turning her head towards the entrance), pointing at the always sleek-haired Draco, who was standing in the doorway, chuckling coolly at the present confusion, Crabbe and Goyle - his big personal "bodyguards" behind him.

"Why don't you have Creevey photograph this, Potter?" he sneered, "Or would you rather take the model shots or walking up to the train?" He put his elbow on his neck and puckered his lips; followed swiftly by turning his body away and whipping his head in front, batting his eyelashes. "Oh beautiful, Harry, you're simply gorgeous," Draco imitated Colin's voice, "Now hands on your hips, and do the walk!" he continued with an imitation of the runway walk on the spot.
Hermione stared at him in disgust, composedly remarking on the latter's stupidity and ignorance.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY, MUDBLOOD?"
Just as Draco's rage-filled voice filled the compartment, all changed - and changed extremely fast. The light turned to a dark atmosphere and silence resounded around the students, broken by a quiet whine from the direction of the doorway.

"Oh, for Merlin's sakes!" Hermione's voice protested, "Lumos!"

At the realization that her spell hadn't worked, Hermione once again muttered, "LUMOS!" this time with a detectable frustration, to no effect.

"What's going on?" Luna's trembling voice questioned, followed by a groan from Ron, which indicated she was still squeezing him madly.

"What's going on?" Luna's trembling voice questioned, followed by a groan from Ron, which indicated she was still squeezing him madly.

"You can get off me now," Ron said.

Luna stood up with Ron holding her arm for support.

"I wonder what's goin' on. It's only three in the afternoon but even the sky is dark outside and the lights won't turn on," Neville commented.

Hermione helped Ginny on to her feet.

The train suddenly went to a halt. Hermione almost crashed the same way as Ginny but Harry was holding her still and let go of her when he thought he was already on her feet.

"The train stopped," Draco said exasperatedly.

"How can you be so obvious?" Ron retorted.

"Let's just stay here?" Harry said.

"I think Ron and I and this other prefect here should go in front to check on what's happening," Hermione said as she stood up.

Harry suddenly held her back. "What if someone's out there you and Ron could get in hurt," Harry said.

"Oh how touching. Too bad I can't see you it," Draco sniggered and Crabbe Goyle chuckled along.

"We'll be fine Harry. It's our job we have to keep the other students reassured. Rn, we should go. This is bad. I can't use magic inside the train," Hermione commented.

"Well, I guess A mudblood like you can't do simple spells," Draco snarled.

"If you're so clever then you try," Harry spat.

"Lumos!" Draco said but to no avail.

"Guess you're not so good yourself," Ginny sniggered.

"We still need to go and check up front," Hermione said with conviction.

"Oh, alright but I still don't think this is a good idea," Ron said as he stood up reluctantly. paving his way in the dark being careful not to step or to bump into anyone.

"I'll go with you then," Harry insisted. "I really have a bad feeling about this."

"I'll go with you then," Harry insisted. "I really have a bad feeling about this."

The trio exited the compartment, Ron making sure he kicked Crabbe in the shins on the way. Hermione leading, they headed towards the front of the train, towards the Head carriage. As they entered the carriage, feeling of cold and sadness filled Harry. He knew the feeling perfectly well... Dementors! But what were they doing here? Harry whipped out his wand and looked around. Inside the carriage there were no dementors, no form of life whatsoever. Harry watched the fogged window of the compartment and went to it. He cleaned some fog away with his hand and watched as hundreds of dementors walked, or better glided towards the train.

"Oh no..."

Harry muttered under his breath. This was what they'd been waiting for. They were probably hungry, and old Tom let them go feed themselves a bit. They weren't going to hurt anyone, not if Harry had a say in it.

"What?"

He heard Ron asking from behind him.

"Dementors, Ron. Can't you feel them?"

Hermione asked him in a disbelieving voice. The dementors weren't yet near enough to start sucking happiness out, but since there was a high number, the gave off only a feeling of cold and dread.

"Lumos" Harry said, hoping it would work now. It did, and a cone of light erupted from the end of his wand.Strange, Harry thought.
Hermione and Ron tried too, but both of them had no result. Hermione gave a frustrated sigh. This was not normal for her: not being able to perform a spell when in need.

The dementors were starting to get nearer, and Harry started racking his brain for a happy thought... but the problem was, since Sirius' death, he had had little pleasant thoughts. Then, as he could start to hear yells from the other carriages, it came to him: his kiss with Hermione had been good enough!
He decided to act quickly. He spun around and blasted the window with a powerful Reductor Curse. The glass cracked and Harry pointed his wand toward the cloaked advancing forms. Strangely, as if a spell had been broken, now even Ron and Hermione could perform magic.

"Of course," Hermione said,"that curse I read about...It can stop magic in a certain place...What was it's name..." she continued thinking.

"Hermione this isn't the time! Think a happy thought and prepare a Patronus!" Harry yelled at her. He, meanwhile, raised his wand, thought about that kiss, and bellowed "Expecto Patronum!"

Hermione, at his side, did the same thing, and Harry saw an otter and a stag erupt from both their wands and charge the Dementors. Harry swore he saw a silver swan charge the dementors to the left, and many more of the animals he had seen during DA meetings were attacking the dementors. A group of frightened little boys no older than eleven or twelve came in behind them. They are probably muggleborn, Harry thought.

"Ron, give them chocolate!" Harry told him.

He looked at Ron as he searched his pockets for some chocolate frogs. Then he saw Hermione, and he felt bad for her. She had her eyes shut and her brow furrowed in deep concentration. She had only practiced her Patronus at DA meetings, never with a real dementor, never mind hundreds of them. Harry decided he'd put a stop to this, he didn't know how but he'd do it.

"Prongs!" Harry shouted.

The stag turned it's head at him, and Harry nodded at it, thinking 'Hold them a bit, dad." He turned and left the carriage, going to the front. At the very front of the train,there was the fire where the coal should be burning, which was fed by magic, and Harry knew it was connected to the Floo Network. He found the powder in a small bucket in the corner. He took a pinch and threw it in the fire, which turned green. He stuck his head in and said clearly and loud

"Dumbledore's Office"

His head spinned and stopped at the right grate. He saw Dumbledore sitting at his desk, working, strangely unaware of what was happening at the Express.
"Professor, get here, it's important!! Dementors, hundreds of them!!"
Dumbledore didn't even answer. He ran to Fawkes and they were gone immediately with a burst of flames.

Harry didn't loose time. He took his head out of the fire and ran back to the Head carriage. He saw Hermione was going to loose it in no time. He continued running to the next carriage, where he checked that everything was fine...But it wasn't. Small kids were on the floor crying, and even older students that should at least try a Patronus were in bad shape. He continued and checked in on Luna, Ginny, Neville, Malfoy and his cronies. Ginny, Neville and Luna were concentrated with their Patronuses, while Malfoy was whimpering. Crabbe and Goyle were knocked out. He decide they were ok, so he went back to Ron and Hermione. He looked out the broken window and saw the Dementors weren't relenting. But then, in the darkness there was a flash of fire and Dumbledore was between them and the Dementors, with Fawkes beside him. He looked at them and nodded at Harry. He pointed his wand at the train and said something inaudible to them. The train started moving again and at once they were hooting away, leaving Albus Dumbledore alone facing hundreds of dementors.
Hermione's leg gave away under her, and Harry caught her and laid her on a row of seats to rest.

"Ron, I will stay here and help the kids. You go check on the others on the carriages behind this one."

Ron only nodded and staggered away, behind the door and towards the other carriages. He raised his wand and said "Accio chocolate" and many many chocolate frogs came out of the little storage cupboard of the old plump witch. Harry finally let exhaustion get to him. He slumped down on the floor and rested his back against the lower parts of the seats, near Hermione and fell asleep lulled by the movement of the train...

He slumped down on the floor and rested his back against the lower parts of the seats, near Hermione and fell asleep lulled by the movement of the train...

He felt a warm hand on his shoulder shaking him slightly. "Harry." He heard his name being whispered in a soft voice. His eyes fluttered open to see Hermione, Ron and Dumbledore crowded around him.

"How long have I been asleep?" He asked grogily sitting up straighter

"Not long, half an hour, maybe less." Ron answered

"Is everything OK? What about the first years?"

"Everything is fine Harry. All students have been taken cared for, and the first years who do not wish to be left alone have a DA member with them." Dumbledore spoke.

Harry nodded and looked at Hermione sitting beside him, looking pale to say the least.

"Are you OK?" He asked softly

"Yeah. I just couldn't do it Harry, keep them away I mean. I had a happy though in my head, and I produced my patronous perfectly but it wasn't enough. I'm sorry." She said looking down into her lap.

"...I'm sorry." She said looking down into her lap.

Harry looked at her pale face and then away. He looked at Dumbledore instead. The Headmaster looked very worn out. The twinkle and the usual smile were gone from his face, and he wore a frown.

"Harry, I advise you eat a bit of chocolate, we will be arriving at Hogsmeade station in a matter of minutes. Mr. Weasley, if you find you have enough strenght to do such thing, I would ask of you to help me with the arrival at Hogsmeade."

Ron nodded. He was still in a good shape compared to his best friends:he had not performed a Patronus.

Dumbledore walked out of the compartment, robes billowing behind him, and with the redhead in tow.

Harry immediately sat up, which he found out was very painful. He was sore everywhere. he still managed to sit near Hermione, who looked on the verge of tears. He looked as they started to spill out of her beautiful brown eyes. Wait a second, Harry told himself, where did THAT come from?

Anyway, he hugged Hermione tightly and whispered soothing words while stroking her back. She cried a bit on his shoulder until they heard the train come to a stop in Hogsmeade station. They both stood up and walked out onto the platform, and walked towards the carriages, Hermione completely ignoring her Prefect duties. Harry looked at the Thestrals and thought about the reason he could see them. He shuddered involuntarily and stepped onto the carriage.

He shuddered involuntarily and stepped onto the carriage.

Hermione was probably in the same state as he was. She was exhausted and looked rather pale. Soon enough Ginny and Neville went inside the carriege.

"Where is Ron and Luna?" Harry asked.

"Oh you mean the dynamic pair. They're helping out the kids to the other carriages. They'll be here soon," Ginny said. There was also a look of exhaustion in her face but she managed to give them a weak smile.

Hermione tried to stand up from her seat realizing that she hadn't been doing her prefect duties.

Harry got a hold od her and pulled her back to her seat.

"I have to go out and help them. What kind of prefect am I? slacking away from my work," Hermione reasoned.

"No you didn't. You did more than any prefect can do for her school mates. You saved them from dementors," Harry argued. He wanted to talk reason to Hermione and to stop her from overdoing herself.

"I couldn't even fend those dementors away. I felt so useless. Maybe Draco was right? Maybe I'm just a worthless little mudblood," Hermione said and started to sob.

"No! Don't say that. You here me. You're a very good witch your even the cleverest witch I have known in my life. Don't give any weight to whatever that git Draco say about you. You've been hurt and that's why it's a bit harder for you to do magic but you did well on your patronus," Harry exclaimed. "You know if there is anyone who should be blaming himself that would have to be me because i let all this things happen to you."

"You know if there is anyone who should be blaming himself that would have to be me because i let all this things happen to you."

Hermione looked up at the young wizard, relief and gratefulness in her eyes. The two stared at each other for what seemed like forever, when Hermione made a move towards him, closing her eyes, leaning towards his face....

They were both knocked out of their reverie by a loud explosion, nearly frightening the Thestral into knocking over the carriage. Harry opened the carriage door and looked out......and just barely got his head back inside as a familiar green light flew by.

"Harry what's going on?!" asked Hermione, frantically looking around.

"It's a Death Eater attack, they picked a perfect time to attack as well, damn them...." replied Harry, formulating a plan in his head. "Ok Hermione, here's the plan. Find the members of the DA and get them over here as soon as possible. Then run up to the castle and find Dumbledore. We're not far from the castle, you should be able to get there quickly."

"What are you going to do?" asked Hermione. "Doing my saving people thing, remember?" Harry said, jumping out of the carriage and towards the source of the spells.

"Be careful Harry...." whispered Hermione, before hopping out of the carriage and doing as Harry asked.

"Be careful Harry...." whispered Hermione, before hopping out of the carriage and doing as Harry asked.

Harry jumped out behind her, but went the other way, towards the cloaked figure. As he got there, he saw that many of the DA members that had already taken up fight were losing, and sorely.

He got there, dodged a Disarming spell, and sent one himself to his attacker. He grabbed the wand, snapped it and tossed it aside. "Maybe the wrong choice," he thought, because now the Death Eater was trying to attack the Light side physically.

As he lunged at Seamus Finnigan, Harry sent a well-aimed Body Bind his way and blocked him. Then he spun ninety degrees and sent two quick succession stunners at the group of Death Eaters who were advancing towards one of the carriages that carried First Years. He decided this was not going good.

Harry looked towards the Death Eaters again. What he saw then was something that would be in his nightmares for a long time...

Harry looked towards the Death Eaters again. What he saw then was something that would be in his nightmares for a long time...

Lying on the floor infront of the wall of advancing Deatheaters lay a large cloaked figure in a dark pool of blood which was gushing out of a wound on its head. Standing over the body was none other than Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, an evil grin plastered on his face.

"Hagrid." Harry whispered staring unbelivingly at his limp body. "No. Fudge? No, he couldn't. No. This isn't real. This isn't happening"

"I'm afraid that it is real, Potter. And it is happening." A cold voice penetraded his thoughts sending a wave of fear through his body.....

"I'm afraid that it is real, Potter. And it is happening." A cold voice penetraded his thoughts sending a wave of fear through his body.....


"You should have listened to me Potter when i contacted you last time, now i'll just have to show you why you must join me."

Harry's scar burned, Voldemort was getting in his head again. Just the thought of Voldemort trying to get into his head again was starting to really piss him off, and having the mother of all headaches, scar enduced wasn't helping at all. This time harry lost it.

"Thats it. Get out of my head. I'll show you why Dumbledore isnt' the only person you should fear." Harry didn't yell this at any one inparticular, but he did mean it mostly for Voldemort.

Harry's face contorted with rage as he fired a reductor curse at Hagrids killer, that took the murderers wand arm off at the shoulder making him crumple down in pain. The pain that Harry would inflict in this fight would be nothing compared to the pain Harry was going through now. Cedric was the first to die infront of him, Sirius was the second and gave his life to protect Harry, his friends had all gotten seriously hurt becuase of him... it would not happen again this time the death eaters would stay down.

The members of the DA were throwing curses and spells toward any death eaters that they could get shots off at.

"REDUCTO" Harry seemed to favor this curse now because he used it on almost anything that got in his way, this time it was a turned over carriage, the wreakage caused by the curse sent Death eaters running for new cover. Before they could get there they were picked off and stunned by the DA or had holes burned through them by Harry's reductor curses.

With The Da and the teachers having arrived the Death eaters were begining to thin out. and Harry was close to the First Years now, and the death eater attacking them had his mask half off allowing Harry to see who it was.

"Avada Kedavra" Goyle senor shouted with a manic grin.

Harry used his wand to throw a cobble stone in the path of the sickly green curse. the stone shattered to dust as the curse dissapated over it.

"REDUCTO!" The curse flying past Goyle's face got his attention away from the first years and on to Harry. "You won't get away with hurting people any more, Goyle. And when i find Voldemort he won't get away with it either."

"You wont get away with hurting people any more, Goyle. And when i find Voldemort he wont get away with it either."

Goyle stared at Harry,and then smiled. No, not smiled, grinned. He started laughing uncontrollably, and doubled over laughing. He looked at Harry with a glint in his dark eyes.

"You mean, you intend to stop the Dark Lord? You, a little halfblood, mudblood lover, supporter of that fool you call Headmaster? No way!! Look at yourself! You can't even fire a curse right!..."

He soon discovered this was not true. Harry sent him Leg-Locker Curse. After that he walked towards Goyle slowly, and pushed him to the ground with his foot. He then crouched and looked Goyle in the eye, inches from his face. He then started speaking to him in a low, calm whisper.

"Never ever insult Professor Dumbledore and Muggleborns in front of me, or else I'll make you wish you had never joined that lord of yours." He smacked him on the chest and stood up, leaving a scared Death eater on the ground.

He now had a list of death Eater enemies he would like to take revenge on: Bellatrix Lestrange, Dolohov and Fudge. But his real enemy was Voldemort, as he was the real cause of all the pain he had suffered.

He looked around, and up at the dark sky. He saw, right above him, a small red dot coming towards him: Fawkes was descending, what looked like a black hat in it's beak.

As the magnificent Phoenix was coming nearer to the ground, it dropped the hat, which Harry caught with no problem. In his hands was the Sorting Hat, the ruby studded hilt of Gryffindor's sword revealing itself from the interior. Harry understood: he had shown loyalty to Dumbledore, and Fawkes had done the same thing as in the Chamber of Secrets.

He pulled the magnificent sword out of the hat, and turned to face the Death Eaters again. For a second, everything froze as all the Dark Wizards saw what he was holding in his right hand. Then, everyone sprang back. He looked at Dumbledore, who was fity feet to his right, and Dumbledore nodded at him.

He raised his wand to cast a spell, when he heard that same voice that had been in his head right after Hagrid's death: Voldemort's. Everything froze.

"Wel, well Potter, it looks like dear dear Gryffindor sent you something. You really think that pathetic sword is going to stop me?? You are going to die no matter how many weapons you have."

"I don't think, Tom, that there will be more deaths today. So if it is your wish to kill, I am the one you will have to confront. Now, if you do not leave on your own, I will have to make you leave with my own ways." He fingered his wand, and many Death Eaters took a step back.

Voldemort was looking like he had no intention to duel with Dumbledore, so he made a motion to his servents, and with a collective 'pop' they were all gone.

Harry collapsed to his knees near Hagrid. Ron and Hermione joined him after a few minutes, and the three of them wept for their old giant friend. Harry, between sobs remembered the moment when he found out he was a wizard, that he would be going to Hogwarts and leave the Dursleys...

He closed his eyes, and the exhaustion of the whole day got to him. He vaguely remembered being lifted and brought to Hogwarts.

He closed his eyes, and the exhaustion of the whole day got to him. He vaguley remembered being lifted and brought to Hogwarts.

Harry could hear quiet whispers surrounding him, on all sides. He was lying something on comfortable, which he guessed was a bed, and judging from the amount of different whispers he guessed he was not in his Bed in the Gryffindor tower.

He opened his eyes too see the bright Hospital wing, crammed with students and teachers alike. Most of them lying on beds with somesort of injury and others standing visiting the hurt patients.

He looked to his left and saw Seamus Finnigan with a bandage around his head, which had turned a blood red colour. To his right he saw Hermione sitting up in her bed being treated by Madame Pomfery for what looked like a nasty cut to her face and a broken leg.

On the bed opposite, Neville Longbottom was talking in a sullen voice to Dean Thomas who appeared to be unharmed, or at least cured from what ever injury he had sustained.

Lavender Brown was on a bed next to him, Cho Chang on the next, Ginny on the other, Ron, Mcgonagall, Flitwick, Lupin, Parvati...So many people had been hurt in that one battle, Hagrid had died. What was going to happen during the war.
That was the first battle, the first of many, and Harry wasn't sure if the people fighting could fight for much longer.

That was the first battle, the first of many, and Harry wasn't sure if the people fighting could fight for much longer.

The whole school was in an uproar fro the next week and a half. All classes were suspended, because many of the professors had been injured. The students who hadn't fought were to keep inside the school and were restricted to certain corridors.

Harry left the Hospital Wing at midday of the second of September. Ron was still there, so he and Hermione, who'd been released with him, were in the library. Harry had decided to start studying new spells, curses, jinxes and hexes to grow his magical abilities. Currently, the two were in the Restricted Section, since there was no Madam Pince to stop them: she had experience with healing, and so at the moment she was assisting Madam Pomfrey.

The two were researching new topics for the DA. Harry felt one of the first things to discuss were Healing Charms and first aid spells to be used on the front. They had already found what fitted them perfectly: it was a simple spell that would stop bleeding and reduce the pain.

Harry was leafing through a book he had found called DEFENSIVE SPELLS FOR A PERFECT DEFENSE. He wasn't paying much attention, since Hermione already had a long list on a piece of parchment. They were planning to study them that afternoon in the Common Room.

They sat in silence, as Hermione concentrated on the book in front of her. She suddenly lifted her head and saw Harry looking at her. She smiled and said,

"Found anything?"

"No, nothing. Hermione...I think we should start practicing now...look at how many we have already."

"I think you're right. So, why don't we practice here a bit?" She got up in a no-nonsense way and said: "We should start with...

"I think you're right. So, why don't we practice here a bit?" She got up in a no-nonsense way and said: "We should start with...


"We should start with Iussum mentis." finished Hermione, although she looked way to happy about this enchantment.
Harry simply shruged, and replied "try it on me."

Hermione pointed her wand at his head and performed the spell, pink smoke came out of her wand and hit Harry in the face. Harry didn't feel at all different than before.

"Do jumping jacks."

Harry cocked his head to the side and looked confused, "why do you want me to do jumping jacks? we're in the library. besides you forgot to say please."

Hermione looked slightly crestfallen but composed herself quickly enough. "I should have known that that spell wouldn't work on you harry."

"why not whats the spell?"

"its a lesser form of the imperious curse, but instead of controling your mind it commands it to do something. it doesnt' work on people who don't take commands well."

"oh well." Harry grinned and had a troublesome glint in his eye. Harry whipped up his wand and said "iussum mentis" and the pink smoke flowed out of his wand hitting Hermione.

"Hermione, do some jumping jacks, please." Harry's grin only got bigger as Hermione began doing the jumping jacks.

After a minute harry pulled a chair over and sat in it watching hermione doing the jumping jacks. after four Harry spoke again, "i can sit here all day until you fight the spell off. so one of two things are going to happen either your going to fight the spell off, or your going to get a really good cardio workout."

Harry continued to sit there watching hermione.


*****


Iussum= command
mentis= mind
you're fully aware of the things that your doing you do it because you were told to. it works by using some ones natural tendency to obey commands. therefore it is not an illegal spell, and is labeled as an enchantment.

****

Harry continued to sit there watching Hermione.

After about 10 minutes Hermione stopped and looked like she was about to collapse from exhaustion.

"You threw it off." He said happily

"That was hard." She said falling onto the chair next to him.

"But you did it! That's not easy to do."

"I know. I didn't think I would be able to."

"Well you did. What did you hear?" He asked curious to see if she heard the same as he did under the Imperius curse.

"You telling me to keep going, and I was arguing with you and asking why I had to. Then I came out of it." She said.

Harry smiled and was very proud of his best friend.

"Well done Hermione. That makes me feel a whole lot better knowing you can throw mind control off."

"But that was a lesser form of the Imperius curse, and I doubt people who want to control me will be too bothered about the imperius curse being illegal."

"Well, it's a start. Once you know how to throw it off basically, the rest should come naturally." He said encouraging her.

"Really? You think so?"

"Yeah. I couldn't throw the curse off completely at first. Remeber?"

She nodded

"But I got it didn't I?"

"Yes. Yes you did."

"See, and you'll be able to get it just as quickly as I did. If not faster."

"I don't think I'll get it faster." She said looking at him.

"Why not?"

"I just don't think I will, that's all."

"Well, I do." He answered smiling.

"I just don't think I will, that's all."

"Well, I do." He answered smiling.

She smiled meekly. "You're just saying that because I'm your friend but the truth is I'm not as good as you. I'm just book smart, know it all," she said. She looked down on her feet.

Harry had never heard Hermione speak lowly of herself before. She was someone that was sure of just about anything. He had never seen her like that before. She was never uncertain of her capabilities. She knew all the right answers to any question thrown at her. "You're not just book smart Hermione. You're the smartest witch that set foot on Hogwarts and don't ever doubt about it," he said as he took her hands in his.

Hermione looked up and met his gaze. She smiled for the first times since the incident with the death eathers a brilliant smile showed on her face.

Harry didn't know what to do next. Her smile made all his pains go away. The glint of hope in her sparked emotions inside him that he couldn't quite figure out...

The glint of hope in her sparked emotions inside him that he couldn't quite figure out...

“MISTER POTTER! MISS GRANGER! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!”

Both Harry and Hermione jumped at least a foot. It was the scream of the irritable Madam Pince. She was holding a book called Desperate Charms For Desperate Patients.

“I shall be talking to the Head of your House and I’ll make sure you’ll get at least three weeks of detention for being in the Restricted Section without a note from a teacher!!!” she bellowed. “And practising spells in the LIBRARY?!?! I expected better from you, Miss Granger,” pointing at her. Her voice was more threatening than Proffessour Umbridge’s false, sweet and definitely alarming one. “GET OUT!!!”

She didn’t need to yell twice. Harry and Hermione gathered their books, stuffed them inside their bags and ran out of the library as quick as possible, heading for the Gryffindor Tower.

Harry and Hermione gathered their books, stuffed them inside their bags and ran out of the library as quick as possible, heading for the Gryffindor Tower.

"What was she doing back in the Library?" Harry asked as they threw their selves unceremoniously onto the couch by the fire.

"Maybe everyone's been treated." Hermione answered

"Surely people will need extra care. I mean the injuries they had were really bad." He said, once again drowning in guilt. *It's my fault*

"Yeah, but remember they must have magical remedies for everything."

"But, why aren't they back here then?" He asked looking around the deserted common room.

"They need to be kept in for observation?" She offered.

"I suppose so."

"So, do you want to practise the spells again?"

"Nah, I need a rest."

"A rest? You sat down watching me do jumping Jacks for 10 minutes!"

"Yeah, that was strenuous!" He defended

"How?"

"Well, I had to stop myself from lifting the curse. Not that watching you wasn't entertaining." He said slyly

"So I was entertainment?" She said in mock indignation.

He said nothing, but raised his eyebrows and smiled in response.

"You're dead, Potter!" She said trying to grab him, but he was too quick for her, and jumped out of reach before she could get him.

He ran around the oppostie side of the couch from where she was standing looking at him as though she was going to kill him.

"C'mon." He said, challenging her.

"Fine!" She muttered before moving to the left, so did he. She moved to the right, he mimicked her actions. She moved to the left again and he did the same.

She made to go right, so did he, but she caught him out and jumped onto the couch running as fast as she could on the squashy material making up the comfortable seat. She jumped to grab him but he took a step backwards so she landed on the floor.

"That's it!" She yelled jumping up and chasing Harry around the common room weaving in and out of tables and chairs, knocking several over in the process.

"Get here, Potter!" She screamed as she bounded over a fallen wooden chair.

"Say you give up and I will." He answered running back by the couch.

"Never!"

Harry wasn't looking where he was going as he spoke to her and tripped over a pile of Hermiones books on the floor.

"Hah! If I can't get you my books can!" She said walking up to him sprawled on the floor.

He wasn't going to let her be smug for long. He grabbed her ankle as she went to walk away making her scream as she nearly fell.

"Let go!"

"No."

"Oh come on Harry, don't be a sore loser." She teased

"I haven't lost. Yet."

"Yes you have, I caught you."

"No, technically I caught you."

"No, you didn't. You're on the floor and I'm standing, victorious!"

He pulled hard on her ankle making her loose balance and fall next to him.

"I'm sorry, what were you saying Mione?"

"You're gonna die!" she said, about to tickle him to death. but once again, he was faster and got to her before she could get him, and proceeded in tickling her mercilessly.

"You're gonna die!" she said, about to tickle him to death. but once again, he was faster and got to her before she could get him, and proceeded in tickling her mercilessly.


Hermione's POV

"STOP, Harry, STOP!!" yelled Hermione. She was gasping for air while Harry was over her tickling her mercilessly. She just had to reach her wand, and she could show The Boy Who Lived that this title would soon be old.
She moved her hand to her ankle and pulled her wand out from a special holder she had been given at Christmas by Tonks.

Hermione rolled over and quickly said "Incarcerous" pointing her wand at Harry. Ropes shot out of her wand tip and Harry was bound to the floor in no time.
Hermione walked very slowly, smirking, towards Harry.

"This, Potter, is the reason you should never challenge the 'best witch to set foot on Hogwarts in the last century', as you said just back there in the library."
She bent down and said, "So, Harry Potter, would you do me the favor of continuing dueling with me, so I'll show you what a good witch is really?"
She was smiling by now, and as Harry nodded, her smile increased. She waved her wand and the ropes disappeared, and in the blink of an eye Harry was standing before her, her own wand in his left hand, and his Phoenix Cored wand pointing at her chest. Harry smiled at her and raised his eyebrows.

"Are you sure?", he asked with a serious face.

"You bet"

Hermione's hand went to his chest and she pushed. Her right foot had slipped behind his leg and as she pushed she raised her foot. Harry was now on the ground, two wands trained on him. She gave him his wand back and they stared at each other for a second before Harry stood and said, "Well, you made me tire now, so I'll take a rest. You?"

"What? Oh yes, I will too."

So that was how Dean Thomas found two members of the Famous Trio: sleeping on one of the massive couches of the Gryffindor Common Room...

So that was how Dean Thomas found two members of the Famous Trio: sleeping on one of the massive couches of the Gryffindor Common Room...


Harry was sleeping soundly, he was warm, laying somewhere soft. He just felt really good, didn't know why he just did. and it would be even better if it weren't for that noise. it sounded like a snikker, no several of them.

Harry woke up and realized several things at once: all he could see was brown, He was holding something that was warm, it was breathing against his neck, and had some really nice curves. Harry's eyes focused and he blew the hair away from his eyes, now that he could see, he didn't want to. Dean Thomas was trying to stifle his laughter, Neville was crying holding a pillow to his nose and mouth trying to quite his own chuckles. Ron was grunting trying to hold his laughter in. Lavander and Parvati were both crying while still mantianing a dreamy look in their eyes.

Harry wasn't in the mood for this, he pulled his wand out pointed it right in Deans face, and motioned that he should gather every one and get them out. Dean didn't seem to think this was funny anymore and got every one out.

When the only sound heard was that of the fire, Harry fell back asleep.

When the only sound heard was that of the fire, Harry fell back asleep.

When he woke up the next morning, he found Hermione staring at him. "Morning," he said and stifled a yawn.

"Er--Morning. Did we sleep here the entire night?" He nodded. "And did anyone see us?"

He frowned. "Yeah."

"Who?"

"Er...there was Ron and Dean and Neville and Parvati and Lavender--"

"Oh, no, not Parvati and Lavender," she groaned and sat up. "I am going to be tormented about this."

"Yeah, me too. The boys were laughing pretty hard."

Hermione blushed. "What did you say?"

"Nothing. I just pointed my wand at them."

"Harry!" she scolded, but a smile was on her face.

His stomach rumbled. "Hungry?" he asked her.

"A little."

"Great. Why don't we go change into a new pair of robes and I'll met you back here," he suggested.

"Sure." She got up and stretched. "See you soon."

Harry got up and headed for the boys dormitory. When he opened the door, he found Neville, Dean, Seamus, and Ron staring at him.

"So Harry," Ron began...

"So Harry," Ron began...

"what happened exactly? With the common room looking like that it must have been wild."

Harry rolled his eyes, thank god he wasn't like the rest of them. Harry grinned evily, this was gonna be fun. "You guys want to know what happened?"

They looked at him wide eyed and nodded. Harry had them in the palm of his hand.

"ok it started like this. with every one else hurt we were looking up spells in the library." They were still wide eyed. "and Hermione wanted to try them out. and we did, the spell she cast had no effect on me what so ever, and after a while she was able to fight the spell off as well. then Pince found us and yelled at us to get out. so we ran back to the common room." their mouths were hanging open. "Of course she wasn't too happy with me for getting us kicked out of the library, but that didn't last to long and we began to play around a dual a bit. spells flying all over the place." Harry couldn't keep stringing them along like this, it was too easy. "So after it was decided to be a draw. we realized we were both tired and fell asleep on the couch."

The three boys continued to stare at him, not moving. After a few seconds it really started to weird harry out, and he shook his hand if front of their faces.

"They passed out... The fact that nothing happened was too much for their minds to take. oh well i still need to get changed, to meet hermione in the common room to go get some food."

"They passed out... The fact that nothing happened was too much for their minds to take. oh well i still need to get changed, to meet hermione in the common room to go get some food."

Harry dashed down the stairs. He waited in the common room for Hermione to arrive. The place was quiet with only a few students going about their early morning activities. He sat by the couch where he spent the night with Hermione. The thought actually seemed a bit awkward at first but he reminded himself that she was his best friend after all.

"Hey, sorry I took so long. Parvati and Lavender won't let me out of the room unless I tell them what happened last night. I told them we practiced spells and got really tired and fell asleep. They won't believe me. I finally resorted to threatenign them that I'll hex them if they won't let me pass," Hermione said as she hurriedly went down the stairs.

"The guys asked me the same thing. Of course I told them the truth and they had the weirdest expression," Harry said as he and Hermione started heading out of the common room.

"So where are they now?" Hermione asked as she got out of the portrait hole.

"They're probably still on the floor. The four rascal probably thought something happened," Harry commented.

Hermione went into a deep shade of pink. Harry realized that the idea was a bit embarrassing even to his best friend. She's a girl after all.

Hermione went into a deep shade of pink. Harry realized that the idea was a bit embarrassing even to his bestfriend. She's a girl after all.


Harry and Hermione pushed the portrait open and clambered out. They walked down towards the Great Hall together, hand in hand. For some strange reason, Harry did not want to let go. Hermione didn’t seem too either, since her grip was a bit too tight. Her face was still kind of pink and Harry realized that she was grinning.

When they entered the Great Hall, the usual talking suddenly stopped. Everybody’s eyes were on them.

“Do you think they already know?” whispered Hermione.

“Maybe…” replied Harry, worrying. “C’mon, I don’t want to meet the Slytherins.”

It was when they sat down, they recognized that there were unusual decorations by the teachers’ table. Harry knew at once, since he had seen it only once before. There were thick long coal-black drapes, and he knew that it was a mark of grieving for Hagrid.

As Hermione pulled a pitcher of pumpkin juice towards him, Harry saw the sniggering Slytherins and he felt white-anger licking inside of him, wanting to punch all of them in the face.

Then suddenly the talking stopped. Harry looked across the vast hall towards where all of the students were looking. Dumbledore was standing up from his chair. Harry knew that he never would want to hear his speech.

Dumbledore was standing up from his chair. Harry knew that he never would want to hear his speech.

He felt Hermione take his hand in hers again, offering him her support, for which he was extreamly greatful.

Dumbledore started speaking in a very sullen, and saddened voice, this was not like the Dumbledore the school knew. "As you are all aware the war has begun. We all knew this day was coming, but it was still a shock when it did. We are prepared to face the attacks that the school will endure. However I do not think it will be profitable to send any of you home, as you will be safer here than anywhere else on the planet. That I can ensure you. You are in no more danger here than you would be in at home, and so I think it will be best if we continue with the school year as normally as possible."

The part of Dumbledores speech Harry was dreading the most came, he felt Hermione's hand squeeze his own.

"Now, I know that you are all also aware that we have already lost a very valuble member of the team of Hogwarts and I'm sure you all feel his death close to your heart as I do and you will treasure Hagrid in your soul for a very long time to come.
Please lets have a miunte silence to remember the best Gamekeeper Hogwarts has ever had. Rubeus Hagrid."

The entire school fell silent. All but a certain Slytherin who was whispering to his cronies.

The entire school fell silent. All but a certain Slytherin who was whispering to his cronies.

As Harry saw this, he started going mad. Hermione followed his gaze to the Slytherin table and then placed her free hand on his shoulder. This immediately calmed him. Malfoy would pay later. Harry waited for the minute of silence to end, and then every student went back to their previous business. Harry calmly finished his Pumpkin Pie and then stood. He shot a glare towards Malfoy and his cronies. He would be ready to break their big necks anytime. They would pay for everything they had said and done to Hagrid.

Harry walked briskly, a tear spilling from his eye, towards the doors of the Great Hall as mail arrived. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle and that Nott boy standing and following him out. Malfoy then started in his slow disgusting drawl,

"Tsk tsk, Potter, crying for the big oaf? Miss him? What, Pothead missing his big friend? No more Hagrid to help little Potter?"

Harry stood still with his back to them, as the other three were heard snickering, thinking up already a stretegy for taking the four out simultaneously. His tears had stopped, and he was inching towards his wand. He could even try a little wandless summoning spell to get his wand quickly.

"What, lost your tongue, Potter? Or did someone take it?"

A small croud of students that had been exiting the Great Hall had started to form, and were making a ring around the five.

Harry slowly turned to face Malfoy, who was wearing an evil sneer on his pale face. He told him, "Stop now, Malfoy, or I'll take your tongue."


"Hear hear, people, powerful Harry Potter will show us how he can..."

..but his next words were never uttered, because now Malfoy was staring at the wand pointed between his eyes, the wand that belonged to Harry Potter. Harry had summoned it and in the blink of an eye had been near Malfoy.
Suddenly a student ran from the crowd. Hermione Granger ran up behind Harry and put her arms around his waist, feeling his six-pack. She then whispered to him, "Please, Harry, not here, not now, please. You will eventually attack him, just not now.

Her words calmed Harry considerably, and he lowered his wand while stepping back. He grabbed Hermione's hand and started to lead her away from the Junior Death Eaters. Just as they were reaching the stairs, Malfoy spoke again.

"So, with the giant oaf dead, you use the MudBlood to keep yourself busy, Potter?"
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