A/N: I will try really hard to finish this story; I have yet to finish any fan-fiction I have started. Reviewers keep a writer going so I beg you, PLEASE R&R!
Harry and Ron went to retrieve their trunks from their dormitory after Dumbledore's funeral. Hermione did the same in her dorm. As the trio levitated their trunks down into the entrance hall, a somber mood lay over them. The mood was apparent in most of the rest of the school, even some of the Slytherins. All of the teachers led the students to the gates of the school, and as Harry reached the gates he turned and took one last glance at Dumbledore's grave. Ron had gone on and Harry stood there as the remaining students trickled by. A single tear escaped his eye and he cast his head down and walked along. A gentle hand grabbed his shoulder and he stopped and lifted his head. Hermione was standing there and she smiled at him. She wiped away his tear and pulled his into a caring embrace. He reciprocated the hug and they stood there until McGonagall gave one of her Umbridge-sounding coughs.
"Mr. Potter, I need to have a word," she stated. She led him to a circle of the teachers, while Hermione waited patiently for him. Mr. Potter, I'm guessing you will not be attending Hogwarts next year. Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley will be joining you.
"Yes, Professor," Harry replied.
"I thought that would be the answer, in that case," she pulled him into a hug, "stay safe."
"Oh, 'arry," Hagrid pulled him away from Professor McGonagall and wrapped him into a rib-cracking embrace. "Go get 'em."
"Harry m'boy, you'll do swimmingly," stated Professor Slughorn. The rest of the teachers gave their reassurances and condolences and Harry rejoined Hermione, feeling slightly better about not returning next year. Hermione and Harry continued to Hogsmeade station, and found Ron in the last compartment talking amiably to Luna. Harry saw the back of Ginny's red head giggling at a joke of Neville's. He felt a pang of jealousy and thought savagely She sure does move on quickly. As if reading his thoughts, Hermione placed a reassuring hand of his shoulder and led him into the compartment. He put his trunk on the cart and helped Hermione with hers.
"Thanks, Harry," she smiled. Harry sat down with his friends and the train started moving. Harry stared moodily out the window while his friends carried on conversations without him.
"Do you think we'll be allowed to come back next year?" asked Neville. Ron, Hermione, and Harry looked away from the other three and remained tight-lipped.
"What are you three planning?" inquired Ginny perceptively.
"We're not coming back Ginny, and you three aren't joining us," Harry said pointing and Neville, Luna, and Ginny.
"Why not?" asked Luna, "and why aren't you coming back."
"Because I can't have my friends getting hurt, and the only reason Hermione and Ron are coming is because they insisted. This will be one of the most dangerous things any of us has ever done."
"Harry, do you honestly think you can get rid of us?" Ginny asked.
Right then Pansy Parkinson walked by talking loudly to Crabbe and Goyle. "Oh, Draco is my hero; he's so brave and sweet. And Professor Snape has always been my favorite teacher and look what he did to that Mudblood lover Dumbledore." She walked by and Harry jumped up before anyone else could react and flung open the door. He stormed up the train following Pansy.
"Parkinson," he growled, "if you ever insult him again."
"You'll what, call your godfather?" she said. Crabbe and Goyle stepped in front of her, sensing Harry's anger rising. Harry whipped out his wand, and, without a word, cursed Crabbe and Goyle so violently that they flew into the walls. He advanced on Pansy, a terrified look etched on her face.
He jabbed a finger in her face, ignoring Hermione, Ginny, and Ron's pleading calls to drop it. The Head Boy and Girl were running up the corridor." If you ever insult Sirius, Dumbledore, or anyone I even vaguely know, I will cause you more pain the Crucio curse ever could." Then, with his wand held limply at his side, an invisible force knocked Pansy fifteen feet down the corridor. All of the students who had been watching eagerly gaped at Harry, as he returned to his friends.
"Harry, what did you do to them?" asked Hermione glancing back at Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle's limp bodies. "I know you used a nonverbal spell on Crabbe and Goyle, but you didn't even have your wand up when you hexed Pansy."
"Hey mate, I think you did wandless magic," said Ron, with a look of awe.
"I've read about that, only a few wizards in the world can do it. Lupin could do it and so could Dumbledore…" then, realizing what she had said, piped up, "Oh, Harry, I'm sorry," she said staring apologetically at him; she placed a remorseful hand on his shoulder.
"It's ok, Hermione," he replied, taking her hand in his. All four of the other students stared at intently at the two. Hermione quickly removed her hand and both blushed furiously and smiled.