The next morning as the boys came down the stairs, Hermione was coming from the girls side. Behind her were several girls that the boy's were expecting. At the bottom of the stairs Harry stopped, did a spell and addressed the group, "This is Hermione the newest member of the Familia De Lumen. Her education will now begin."
No one spoke as they left the common room and started walking. The group stopped on the seventh floor in an empty corridor, which puzzled Hermione. She watched Harry walked in front of a bare area a few times then a door appeared. He opened the door and all present filed in. Hermione stopped inside the door and watched as the students went to different areas of the very large room. She didn't move until she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned and gazed up into the face of the Headmaster.
"Almost everyone in this family has a nickname." Albus smiled, "Mine is Granddad Al, Professor McGonagall is Aunty M and Professor Flitwick is Prince. Harry gave me my nickname, nearly everyone else chose their own."
"Oh." Hermione said.
"We only use the nicknames when we have a family issue." Albus continued.
"So last night when Harry called Professor McGonagall Aunty M…" Hermione hedged.
"He was admitting that you had seen more than people outside the family usually see." Albus smiled.
"Are there more people in this family than is here today?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, Harry's family along with Neville's and Ron's. Those three boys have been friends since they were babies." Albus said, "In addition there are some Aurors and friends of Ron's older brothers who have already left school."
Hermione nodded then asked, "What are Ron and Harry's nicknames."
"As they gain confidence in you they will tell you their nicknames and why they have them." Albus said, "Mine came from Harry when he was eight years old. He said I looked like a grandfather to him. Aunty M was because Minerva was too young to be a grandmother. He tried Aunt Minnie but she preferred Aunty M similar the muggle book "The Wizard of Oz". Professor Flitwick as charms professor is Prince like Prince Charming from the muggle stories."
"Lots of muggle influence then." Hermione grinned.
Albus nodded, "Chosen as a direct contrast to the pureblood movement. But not all nicknames are of muggle origin."
Ron ran up at that time, "Excuse me Granddad Al, you are needed at the defense base."
"Please take over for me." Albus said, "We just finished nicknames."
Albus left and Ron turned to Hermione, "I'm Leo."
"Can I know why?" Hermione asked.
"I'm a lion animagus." Ron smiled.
Hermione gaped, "Do I get to be an animagus too?"
"When you reach the proper point in your training you can try. Not just anybody can do it." Ron said, "Now more about Harry. Before Voldemort attacked Harry as a baby Granddad Al put him and his parents in hiding. They knew Voldemort wanted to kill him. But they were sold out by someone they considered a friend. After that they went into hiding on a higher level. They didn't even let Granddad Al know where they were. They didn't come back to visit until after Harry's seventh birthday. While here Harry realized that his friends could be in as much danger as he himself was, so he and his family decided to train us. That was the beginning of the Familia De Lumen. Harry has been trained since before he was two."
Hermione was confused, "Trained to defeat V.. V… You Know Who?"
"It's Voldemort." Ron said, "You Know Who stuff isn't allowed. He was trained to use magic, to fight and defend. We are beyond first year in all subjects. None of us is first in the class because we hide it. You have already established yourself at the top so you will be able to stay, just make sure you're not too far ahead of everyone else."
"Why isn't You Know Who allowed?" Hermione asked.
"Harry started it." Ron said, "He was seven when he learned about Voldemort. People kept referring to Voldemort as You Know Who or He Who Must Not Be Named and Harry thought there was two or three people after him. Then he heard two boys daring each other to say the name Voldemort and thought it was too confusing not to just use his name. So if you want to ask Harry about him you have to use the name Voldemort.
"Wow, ok I can understand that. But why hide your knowledge?" Hermione asked.
"We don't want Voldemort to know and death eaters kids like Malfoy would love to impart that knowledge to him when he gets back." Ron smiled, "If he thinks Harry is just normal for his year he won't feel threatened by him. We hope that Voldemort doesn't find out until it's too late."
"I know he stopped Voldemort before." Hermione paused wanting to phrase her question right, "But why doesn't the Headmaster or his parents defeat him next time?"
"There is a prophecy it says Harry will stop him." Ron said, "He trains to defeat Voldemort; we train to make sure he gets the chance to do it."
"How are we to do that?" Hermione asked.
"Harry needs his friends safe." Ron said, "If one of us were to be taken he would come and get us even knowing it would be a trap. We have to defend ourselves and when the time comes we have to keep the death eaters busy so Harry can get Voldemort."
"Where do I start?" Hermione asked.
"We start with Harry. He does the physical training and most of the DADA training. Aunty M, Prince and Granddad Al go where ever they are needed. If you need any help with homework we have at least one person who is advanced in the area, Neville is great at Herbology, I'm best with Charms, Harry has defense and the twins are great at potions. For now I'll take you to the area for physical training. You'll begin stretching and conditioning first, Harry will show you some and then give you a mentor from the group, like an exercise buddy." Ron explained.
The two walked over to Harry and Ron handed her off and went to his own training. Hermione asked, "Where is Ron going now?"
"Transfiguration." Harry smiled, "Monday through Friday we exercise from five to six. On the weekends we train and get our other classes from five to eight. We get advanced training in DADA, Charms and Transfiguration. Once in a while Professor Sprout comes in and teaches Herbology. Other times my family comes and we have Flying, Potions, Magical Creatures and wizard social training for those that want it."
"I wonder if it's different from muggle social training." Hermione said.
"Yes." Harry said, "The whole be polite stuff is the same but some wizard customs are very different. Even if you don't want to follow them it's nice to know what they are."
"Ron said that you have been training since you were two. Didn't they allow you any chance to be a child?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, most of my training has been in the form of games." Harry laughed, "It wasn't until around my seventh birthday that I understood why they wanted to train me. They weren't going to tell me until I was ready to come to Hogwarts but kids have a way of finding out things before adults are ready to tell them."
"Do I get to know your nickname?" Hermione asked.
"I'm Flash because I'm an animagus Phoenix." Harry smiled.
"I hope I get to be an animagus." Hermione smiled, "When do I get a nickname and can it be changed later?"
"You get a nickname when you pick one out." Harry said, "But once you have it, that's it, no changing. It would be too difficult to keep up if you kept changing. So take your time and think about it."
Hermione looked around as she did her exercises noting the people she knew from Gryffindor and several from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. She wondered how something this wide spread was unknown to the rest of the school. One hour into her first training session and Granddad Al took her over to a quiet corner and began teaching her Occlumency. That explains why no one knows she thought.
Over the next several weeks every morning she would do one half hour of exercise and one half hour of Occlumency. On the weekends she had one hour of exercise, half an hour of Occlumency and the rest of the time was spent getting advanced defense training. The defense training was, surprising to Hermione, split between magic and muggle fighting techniques. Harry started simple enough with just run away and if that didn't work use magic, if they still caught you kick them where it hurts the most. But these were just the basics. As the year went along she grew much stronger than she could ever imagine she would get. A stronger physical body translated somewhat into stronger magic.
The thing that surprised Hermione the most was the first time Harry's family came to train with them just a week after she joined. His family consisted of his parents and two other men. Harry told her that the dark haired man was his Godfather and the other was like an uncle. The dark haired man was named Sirius Black, his nickname was Padfoot because he was an animagus dog and he did the wizard social skills portion. She was a bit concerned when he started playing around and cutting up but when it was time to work he taught them some very useful things.
Harry's Dad, nicknamed Prongs for his animagus stag, taught them flying and to the advanced flyers he taught aerial combat. The other man was Remus Lupin. He taught about magical creatures and he worked with the animagi to utilize the gifts in their animal forms. Then she found out another secret of the family, Remus' nickname was Moony because he was a werewolf. Not coming from the magical world she had many questions about werewolves and was able to get Moony to answer them. Harry's Mum taught potions, she didn't have a nickname. When Hermione asked her why she had a simple answer.
"I haven't liked any of the nicknames anyone has come up with yet." She replied, "I'm an animagus doe, the worst nickname anyone has suggested was Prongsless that was of course Padfoot's idea."
"That is horrible." Hermione laughed, "I think even I could come up with a better one." she thought for a bit and then said, "Lily means innocent, pure and beautiful. Keeping in mind some of the muggle influences I would suggest Snow White or maybe Purity."
"Neither of those have been suggested, I'll have to think on that." Lily smiled.
As Christmas grew near Harry's head began to hurt him more. It wasn't just contained in class any longer either. He was able to hide his discomfort in public but he was going to bed early nearly every night with a headache. Ron, Hermione and Neville grew concerned and decided to do something about it.
"What are we going to do about Harry?" Neville asked.
"What can we do?" Ron asked, "Going to Madam Pomfrey doesn't help. No one can make his pain go away."
"Quirrell can." Neville stated, "His absence can anyway. I think we need a prank or something to knock him out of class for a day or two."
"We'll get into trouble." Hermione said.
"Aunty M will go easy on us." Ron said.
Fred and George walked up and Fred spoke first, "What is this?"
"Three Gryffindors…"
"Huddled together…"
"Looks like a prank…"
Together they said, "We want in."
"Quirrell is really bugging Harry." Neville explained, "We want to give him a break. We need to disable Quirrell from teaching for a day or two."
"Fine idea Neville." Fred said.
George asked, "Any pranks so far?"
"No we just came up with the idea." Ron replied.
"We could make him loose his voice." Hermione suggested.
"Do we know anyone with the wizards flu?" Fred asked
"How about we just drop a vat of bubotuber pus on him." Ron suggested.
"No those ideas stink." George said, "We need something classy and subtle. We don't want him to suspect us. We need a seventh year or older prank."
"We could ask Sirius." Neville said.
"No we need to do this on our own." Hermione said, "How can we be part of the family and not do one simple prank on our own."
Fred pretended to wipe a tear from his eye, "Our Hermione is growing up so fast, she'll be a marauder before you know it."
"Seems like only yesterday she was yelling at Ron about homework." George added.
Ron grumbled, "That was yesterday."
"Right." Fred said, "So here is what we're going to do."
As they were huddled planning the prank Percy came over, "What are you all planning?"
"The less the prefect knows the better it will be." Fred said, "Harry needs a little time off from defense."
Percy nodded and walked away. Since Harry wasn't with the group he decided to check on him. He went to the dorm first and found Harry sleeping. Even in sleep Harry looked like he was in pain. Percy had already informed Aunty M and Granddad Al about Harry's headaches, they were working to find something to help him. Percy decided it was good that the others were planning a little short term relief for him.
A few days later the prank was started. A strange owl entered the school at mail time and delivered a letter to Quirrell. It was an advertisement for garlic, Quirrell made a face and banished the letter. He went back to his breakfast but it wasn't long until he stopped eating. He noticed he was developing a tickle in his throat, that tickle quickly become a loud harsh cough. He also developed a headache, followed by a rash on his hands.
Albus notice and suggested, "Quirinus, I think you should visit Madam Pomfrey."
He agreed and left breakfast. Having been notified by Gred that the prank would take place Aunt Flo told Quirrell he had a rare wizards flu and he would have to stay in the hospital for a week. She then gave him a sleeping draught and put him to bed quickly.
Later that day Albus informed the school, "Defense classes are canceled for this week. Professor Quirrell has come down with a rare flu and is in quarantine."
By the time Quirrell was ready to return to class school was out for Christmas. On the train Neville said, "Too bad we couldn't make it last through the break."
"Actually." George grinned evilly, "He's going to have a relapse."
"But not until we are due to come back." Fred said.
"What are we going to do to him next?" Ron laughed.
"Something to get rid of the smell of garlic." Neville stated emphatically.
When they reached the train station Harry reminded himself and Ginny, "No touching."
Ginny thought back, "And no kissing until we can get away from our families." On the train Harry frowned.
"What's the matter Harry?" Neville asked.
Harry glanced at Hermione before saying, "I just remembered my bet with Ginny."
Neville and Ron knew what he meant but Hermione asked, "What did you bet her?"
"I can't tell you about the bet or I lose." Harry said.
On the platform Harry and Ginny kept at least one person between them so they wouldn't touch accidentally. They also caught themselves staring at each other and had to concentrate on turning away. Thinking quickly Ron decided to introduce Hermione and Ginny, while Neville pulled Harry to talk to his parents. This kept them apart and occupied during the trip to the cars.
In the cars Harry and Ginny were talking, Ginny said, "It won't be long now and I'll be at school with you."
"I know." Harry replied, "I wish we were in the same class. When are you guys coming over?"
"Tonight, your Mum invited us for dinner." Ginny smiled to herself.
"Great!" Harry thought, "I was worried they'd make us wait for Christmas day or something. "
Lily interrupted the thought conversation, "How are you holding up Harry?"
"Fine." he replied grumpily.
"What's wrong dear?" She asked.
"Seeing Ginny on the platform and not touching her was hard on us." Harry said, "Harder than we expected anyway."
"That's what you get for bonding so early." James teased him.
"I know." Harry grumbled.
When they got home Lily said, "Go put your things away we're going to have company for dinner."
"I know." Harry smiled and ran off to unpack.
He then ran up the stairs to put his things away. Just as he finish he heard someone running up the stairs, Ginny ran into the room and flung herself into his arms without ever slowing down. They held each other and shared several small kisses before the light started to dim. They continued to hold each other close and share small kisses until they heard someone coming up the stairs. They reluctantly pulled away and held hands waiting to see who was coming.
Remus stuck his head in the door, "They don't know I came by here. You better be getting downstairs in the next couple of minutes or I'm sure they'll be sending Sirius up."
Harry thanked him as he left and he pulled Ginny close again. The held each other and shared one more kiss before heading downstairs to the rest of the family.