Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters, their spells, or the wonderful world they live in. We can all thank J.K. Rowling for that. There are also a few direct quotes from the Deathly Hallows (marked with an asterisk*), they are all Jo's creation, not mine.

A/N: I originally wanted to make this one continuous chapter, as it should be, but after it became way too long, I realized I needed to break it up. I will, however, try to post each chapter as soon as possible! This is my first fanfiction, so I desperately want feedback! Please review!!!! And thanks to my unofficial beta MioneJeanWeasley!

Into the Chamber Again

Chapter One

Hope In Hogwarts

Hermione had mixed feelings about being back at Hogwarts after missing her long-anticipated seventh year. It had caused her a great deal of pain to hear Neville talk about how the school she had loved, the first place where she had truly fit-in, had become a cruel, prison-like institution. The school, which had once welcomed all young witches and wizards into a safe learning environment, now unrightfully refused to accept students of Hermione's own birth. The professors, whom used to be responsible for teaching students the dangers and consequences of using unforgivable curses, instead used them against the students as a punishment. The headmaster, himself, was a traitor, a murderer, and worst of all, a Death Eater. If Hogwarts, the place that had always managed to survive, regardless of what turmoil was going on in the Wizarding World, was truly falling down under, what hope was left?

Hermione felt a surge of warmth as she looked around at all of her friends who had not yet given up. Even though Hogwarts, as a whole, had fallen into the wrong hands, they had managed to form their own place of hope within. The Room of Requirement had transformed into a place of refuge where those who were still willing to stand up to Voldemort could gather together and form one entity. As Hermione glanced around the room she saw the black and yellow banner of Hufflepuff, the bronze and navy banner of Ravenclaw, and lastly, her eyes lingered over the familiar scarlet and golden banner of Gryffindor. As she studied the details of the embroidered lion, Hermione remembered the symbolism behind the ferocious creature, bravery. The purple and blue bruises on Neville's face were proof that bravery still existed in such dark times. As long as someone was fighting against evil, there was still hope.

Before Hermione could realize how much of the ongoing conversation she had missed while lost in her thoughts, a nudge from Ron caused her great alarm. Next to her, Harry's eyes were glazed over, as he remained silent and unresponsive for several seconds. No one else in the room seemed to notice Harry's brief departure from his mind, but Hermione new that ominous look all too well.

"He's on the move."* Harry murmured low enough so that only Ron and Hermione could hear. Hermione's thoughts ran wild. Where was Voldemort going? Or…coming?

"No, Luna will take Harry, won't you, Luna?"*

Hermione's thoughts were directed elsewhere as she heard the warm, yet fierce voice of one of best friends, Ginny Weasley. Hermione had not seen Ginny since her narrow escape from Bill and Fleur's wedding. It was no longer a question as to whether Ginny was still hung up over Harry. Due to her last remark, she obviously did not want Cho to escort Harry to the Ravenclaw common room, for fear that feelings could resurface between the two of them. Hermione smirked at her friend, causing Ginny to blush.

"Oooh, yes, I'd like to,"* Luna replied in her dream-like voice.

"How do we get out?"* Harry asked just as Hermione was beginning to wonder the same thing herself.

"Over here."* Neville replied as he made his way over to a mahogany cupboard, which disguised a small, narrow staircase. As Harry and Luna disappeared down the steps, the room grew quiet for several seconds before an explosion of noisy chatter broke out.

Hermione looked around the room. There were so many people she would like to talk to, Ginny, Fred and George, Neville… Once her eyes landed upon Ron, however, she remembered there was a mission to accomplish, putting an end to Voldemort. There would be plenty of time later to catch-up with everyone, but right now she had to concentrate on what was most important.

Ron looked up and caught Hermione staring at him. They both looked away embarrassed, Ron's ears turning a vivid shade of crimson, and Hermione's checks blushing a light pink. After a couple of awkward moments passed, Hermione made her way over to the corner where Ron was standing.

"Er… hullo," Ron said slowly, "So I suppose we ought to come up with some sort of plan then."

"Why, yes, Ronald," Hermione said petulantly. "It'd be best if we didn't stand around like fools while waiting for Harry to save the day." She immediately regretted becoming cross with Ron. She often became unnecessarily harsh when under stress.

"Fine. Well then let's hear your brilliant plan." Ron demanded, obviously offended from Hermione's previous comment.

"I…er…don't have one." Hermione muttered ashamedly.

"Oh."

Hermione racked her brain for a plan. This was an uncomfortable feeling, not knowing what to do, or what the next move might be. Unfortunately, it was a feeling that she had grown accustomed to over the past months. She thought of the limited amount of time they had to search for a horcrux. Harry had seen into Voldemort's mind, he's on the move, was all he had said. But what was that supposed to mean? Was Voldemort coming to Hogwarts? And if so, how soon? Then, another horrid thought hit her.

"This is useless!" Hermione cried. "Even if Harry does manage to track down another horcrux, we have no means of destroying it, let alone the cup." Ron stared at her with a furrowed brow. Several minutes passed in silence; Hermione was beginning to wonder if he had heard her correctly.

"The basilisk!" Ron cried.

Suddenly it all made sense to her. She knew what Ron was getting at. Basilisk venom was one of the rare ways to destroy a horcrux. She felt foolish for not having come up the plan earlier, but the feeling of joy was much more powerful.

"Of course! That's it Ron!" Hermione half screamed at him. "They fangs will destroy the horcruxes! We need to get into the Chamber of Secrets- Ron you're a genius!"

Hermione threw her arms around him into a rather short-lived embrace, pulling apart after she realized her rash actions. The pair smiled at each other but was interrupted by the twins' laughter and mock applause.

"It's 'bout time!" cried George.

"Yeah, we thought you two would have gotten together ages ago," Fred joined in despite the obvious embarrassment it was causing Ron and Hermione. "By the way, George, I believe there is some business you have to take care of. Cough up." George thrust five galleons into Fred's hand.

"I was beginning to suspect you were right, Fred, I mean Ron obviously didn't have it in him." George said with a grin exploding over his face.

"Hold on here! What are you two going on about?" A red-faced Ron demanded.

"Which one of you two would make the first move." George explained.

"Of course the bet was made years ago," Fred mused, "but I guess the same standards still apply. Ittle Ronnikins is a wuss."

"I…I…" Ron stammered.

"We'll leave you two lovers alone." George said with a smirk as the twins left, setting off a myriad of red hearts and roses from the tips of their wands. Ron and Hermione were left in silence, both blushing furiously.

Several minutes passed. Hermione was unsure of how she felt. She liked Ron, well liked might be an understatement, she was in love with him. But had it really been necessary of to make a public proclaim of that now?

"I suppose we'd better get down to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom," Hermione suggested, breaking the silence. "We can't be sure of how much time we have before-."

"Yeah, I suppose we ought to." Ron agreed cutting Hermione off before she could complete her unpleasant thought. And with that, the couple made their way over to the mahogany cupboard, swung upon the door, and disappeared down the steep staircase.

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A/N: Thanks so much for reading! And don't forget to please REVIEW!!!