DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter and its universe. That privilege belongs to JK Rowling.
HARRY POTTER: The Lazarus Chamber
Chapter 2: CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR
The two men were exhausted, they've spent the last eight hours trying to break through the enchantments placed that protected their target: a pie shaped artefact with an emblem of a lion. It was made of solid gold with rubies making up its eyes. They stood next to each other while clutching their sides; they've almost exhausted all of their magic.
The men were inside a large hall with a dome shaped ceiling that glowed red. It was lit by two large torches being held by two enormous marble statues of wizards standing in between the lion artefact which hovered in mid air. The area was hot as steam rose from the sides of the room and from time to time, the floor shook and rumbled. The place looked ancient as the three were probably the first people to ever set foot in it for centuries.
"This is proving pointless, we've used up every trick up our sleeve and we just can't get near the bloody thing without triggering that blasted anti-magic barrier!" complained Demitri.
"Yes," Solomon agreed. "Looks like the closest we can get to it is ten feet. It seems the Disillusionment charm is the best way to avoid all the other defences until we hit the anti-magic barrier."
"Then you will need an object to conceal you all the way through..." said a third person wearing a dark, long hooded cloak, as he stepped into the light. The figure held up the Elder wand and pointed it to a large boulder which began disappearing as the Disillusionment charm worked its magic. The boulder levitated in the air and quickly sped towards the lion artefact. It became visible as soon as it crossed the anti-magic barrier and was pulverized into dust by an unseen force.
"An invisibility cloak my Lord?" asked Demitri. "Won't the charm on it break once it goes through the anti-magic barrier?"
"You are talking about ordinary invisibility cloaks Demitri, those with Bedazzling hexes or made from Demiguise hair," explained their benefactor. "I am talking about a true Cloak of Invisibility, which provides constant and impenetrable concealment no matter what spells are cast on it.
"But does such an object exists?" asked Solomon.
"Oh, but it does," said their Lord. "In fact I know who currently has it."
"Who has it my Lord?" questioned Demitri. "We'll be sure to get it from their hands. Dead or alive."
"There will be no need for that Demitri. I have an even better idea," said the cloaked figure as he let out a sinister laugh.
"Just out of curiosity my Lord, who has that invisibility cloak?" asked Solomon.
"The entire wizarding world knows him," quipped their Lord. "He is no other than..."
- OO -
"Harry Potter! It's wonderful to see you again," exclaimed Jean Granger as she let Harry inside their house. "Hermione will be down shortly, make yourself at home."
Jean led Harry to their living room. It was spacious, with a black Corinthian leather sofa set at the end of the room. It was well lit due to the natural light coming from the windows. A large bookcase could be found on the right side of the room. The books ranged from encyclopaedias, illustrated books, to novels. Photos of the Grangers – non magical, of course – also stood out. There was a Weinstein piano to the left of the room which made Harry wonder if Hermione could play.
"Have a seat Harry," as Jean motioned him to the couch. "Can I get you anything my dear?"
"No, thank you Mrs. Granger. I'm fine," said Harry.
"Didn't I tell you before to just call me Jean," smiled Hermione's mother.
"Sorry, force of habit," he sheepishly exclaimed. "By the way, where's Mr. Granger?"
"Oh, Scott went out to do some errands, although he should be home by now," Jean answered.
"I'll go check Hermione if she's ready. You know how girls are." Jean Granger left Harry alone in the living room. Little did Harry know that it's unusual for Hermione to take too long dressing up, her daughter usually needs just a few minutes to get ready for anything.
- OO -
Hermione Granger looked at herself in the mirror. She has never paid attention to how she looks before; she always felt comfortable in whatever she wears and couldn't care less with other people think.
'Get a grip of yourself girl,' she thought to herself. 'It's just Harry for goodness sake.'
True, it's just Harry. However, in the last month that she spent hanging out with him, she has begun opening herself up to the fact that she wanted to be more than friends with him. Something that she never considered until the few months they've spent together alone trying to find horcruxes.
'Why are you getting yourself worked up for?' she asked herself. 'It's not even a date; he's just accompanying you to Diagon Alley to get your school supplies.'
No argument there. She phoned Harry last night and asked him if he could accompany her. It's a foregone conclusion that Hermione was going to finish her education no matter what. She just wished that Harry was going back to Hogwarts with her. Harry had just decided to take up Kingsley's offer to become an auror. It's still unofficial as Harry asked the newly appointed Minister of Magic if he could have a few months vacation first before he took up his post.
She heard a knock on her bedroom door.
"Princess, are you ready yet? Don't keep Harry waiting for too long," said her mother.
"I'm almost ready mom," she answered as she opened her door to let her mother in.
"You look gorgeous, princess!" exclaimed Jean. "Harry must be special for you to dress up like that," she teased her daughter.
"Mom...not so loud, he might hear you," whispered Hermione. She always knew that her mom could read her easily like an open book.
"Do you think he'll like it?" she asked.
"Princess, if Harry is like any normal eighteen year old he'll love it," said Jean as she gave her only child a hug.
"Now go downstairs and enjoy your date!"
"Mom, it's not a date we're just going to Diagon alley to get my school stuff!" Hermione said defensively.
"Mmmm-hmmm, if you say so dear," Jean joked.
- OO -
Harry shifted nervously in his seat. This is the first time he's been to the Granger residence. Sure, he and Hermione had been hanging out for a month since she met him at the mall. But, he always declined her invitation to go to her house. He was afraid of not being liked by her parents somehow. At the moment, he was thanking his lucky stars that Hermione's dad was not home for the time being.
'You can duke it out with Voldemort without breaking a sweat and you turn into jello at the mere thought of talking to her dad!' Harry chided himself.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," as he heard the sweet voice he's now accustomed to.
Harry looked at Hermione and his heart did a double take. She looked beautiful! She was wearing tight-fitting jeans which accented her curves. Her hair was tied into a ponytail that hung down her milky white left shoulder. She wore no make-up and lipstick yet she had a magnificent glow to her skin. She wore a sleeveless white v-neck blouse with a pink hear in the middle. The neckline was low enough to show a part of her cleavage and leave the rest to Harry's imagination. The blouse was also short enough to expose Hermione's bellybutton and smooth stomach. He thought that her outfit was to risqué just for a visit to Diagon alley or anywhere else in the Wizarding world but he wasn't about to complain. Harry's pulse quickened and felt his body tense as Hermione leaned in and kissed him on the cheeks.
"Are you okay Harry?" she asked.
This snapped Harry from his trance as he once again regained the ability to speak. "You look hot...er...sexy...I mean beautiful Hermione," Harry stammered.
Hermione blushed while she laughed. "Why thank you Harry James Potter."
"Shall we get going?" she added. Hermione put on a white cotton long sleeved halter and grabbed Harry's arm.
"We'll be home later!" she said to Jean.
"Take care of Hermione Harry," Jean told Harry as she smiled.
"I will Mrs...er Jean," Harry corrected himself in mid-sentence as Mrs. Granger raised an eyebrow.
The two teenagers left the house and Harry found himself deep in thought.
'Okay Potter, change of plans. You have to make this trip special for her' he thought to himself.
Harry knew that he couldn't let this day end with just a trip to Diagon alley which he originally planned. He might be sometimes oblivious and thick-headed, but Harry knew enough to know that girls don't dress up just for a trip to the book store.
- OO -
Diagon Alley never looked better in Harry's mind as he and Hermione stepped through the archway from the Leaky Cauldron. You would've never guessed that a few months ago most of the stores here were closed due to the Second Wizard War. Harry saw the familiar shops that he has known since he turned eleven, back and open for business, some just refurbished and some completely revamped. Harry and Hermione saw the Apothecary, Madam Malkins, the Owl Emporium, and even Ollivanders doing well.
"Where to Hermione?" asked Harry.
"Flourish and Blotts," she answered. "Better get the books out of the way first."
They went and bought Hermione's books that she will need for her N.E.W.T.S. Harry offered to pay for them but Hermione waived him off.
"I couldn't accept that Harry, why don't you just pay for dinner later?" said Hermione.
She was hoping that he would get the hint. Harry took the books and put it into his enchanted Mokeskin pouch.
"Sure, any preference on where you want to eat?" he asked. Harry felt relieved that she saved him the trouble of asking her out after they've finished shopping.
"Not really, let's just play it by ear," she suggested.
The two visited rest of the shops and bought the necessary things that Hermione needed for her return trip to Hogwarts.
"Are you sure that you don't want to finish your education Harry? It's not yet too late, I'm sure Prof. McGonagall will gladly admit you back," asked Hermione as they were heading towards Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. She was trying for one last attempt to convince her friend.
"I don't know Hermione, I mean I've given my word to Kingsley that I will become an auror. Although it might not be a bad idea to learn more before I become one," he answered. Harry was seriously considering coming back to Hogwarts although for a different reason than the one he gave.
"Is that a yes?" she smiled as she began to see a glimmer of hope.
"Maybe," he quickly replied. "I guess I'll give it serious consideration."
Harry was already daydreaming about spending a lot of time with Hermione: taking walks near the lake, the trips to Hogsmeade, even studying at the library. Those pleasant thoughts disappeared as Harry saw the large colourful sign that the Weasleys' joke shop sported.
The Weasley's shop was jam packed with customers as Harry and Hermione entered the store. They could not get near the shelves. He stared around, looking up at the boxes piled to the ceiling: There were bins full of trick wands and boxes of quills, love potions, daydream charms and other sorts of bells and whistles.
A space cleared in the crowd, and Harry pushed his way toward the counter, where he saw his best friend, Ron Weasley thanking customers for their business.
"Blimey Harry! It's nice to see you again mate!" he said as he gave Harry a hug. "It's been more than a month since we saw you. If it weren't for you answering Ginny's owls, mom would've been worried."
"Well I figured to lay low for a while, you know the press and how they can be," explained Harry. "I see that business is booming."
"Yeah, it's been hectic here. Business has been so good that George asked the rest of the family to chip in while he works on hiring more staff," Ron beamed. "So what made you visit?"
"Well I helped Hermione buy her school stuff," explained Harry. "Speaking of which, where is that girl?"
Hermione appeared shortly, carrying a small box labelled: Voldy gone moldy. It showed an animated comical depiction of Harry and Voldemort's duel resulting in Voldemort's demise as his killing curse rebounded back to him. "A souvenir for Dad, he loves this stuff," said Hermione.
"You're a sight for sore eyes," quipped Ron as he noticed Hermione's outfit. He gave her a big hug.
"It's nice to see you again Ron," she replied. "I swear, this place is crazy. It took me five minutes to get that box. Those kids sure can't get enough of it" she laughed.
"That's one of our bestsellers, along with the "I survived" merchandise," he pointed to a shelf that contained "I survived the Battle of Hogwarts" shirts, robes and hats.
"Our DADA sales are slowing down although it's not a surprise since Voldemort's death. But who's complaining? George said he rather sell products that brings laughter instead of one's preventing you from kicking the bucket," Ron smirked.
"How right you are my little brother," said George as he appeared coming from the basement. Harry still couldn't get himself used to seeing the surviving Weasley twin with just one ear. "It's about time you two showed up 'ear," he joked. That's one of the best things about George Weasley, almost nothing can get him down.
"Nice to see you George," said Hermione. "How's Angelina?"
Hermione was referring to George's girlfriend, Angelina Johnson. She was on the Gryffindor Quidditch team with Harry and the twins.
"She's doing great," said George. "I see that you can't wait to go back to Hogwarts. I overheard Harry and Ron talking that you were buying your school supplies."
"Yes," she smiled. "Well you know me."
"Well how about we get together at the Burrow after we close up? Catch up on what you've guys been up to," suggested Ron.
"That's sounds wonderful Ron, but Harry and I already hav..." Hermione was cut-off as she and Harry were pulled into a hug by the Weasley matriarch.
"It's lovely to see both of you again!" exclaimed Molly Weasley. "I agree with Ron about having a little get together at the Burrow tonight, and I won't take no for an answer!" She looked at Harry and Hermione with such determination that they couldn't say no to her.
"I'll head over to Madam Malkins' and tell Ginny, Luna and Neville that we're having dinner at the Burrow tonight. They're currently being fitted for new robes. I'll invite Bill and Fleur as well. I'll also invite Dora's parents and see if they can bring Teddy along. Harry, I know you haven't seen your godson in person," Molly added.
"We'll that settles things," said Ron, clapping Harry at the back. "Why don't we meet here in an hour so we can go to the Burrow together?"
"Okay," said Harry. 'There goes our dinner plans for tonight,' he thought. Hermione shared his disappointment as well; she was looking forward to her first dinner alone with Harry.
- OO -
The Burrow was bustling with life later that evening as it once again played host to family and friends. The Weasleys with the exception of Charlie were all present, Harry, Hermione, Luna, Neville, Fleur, Ted Tonks and his wife with little Teddy in tow were all seated around the main table.
"That smells delicious Molly," said Arthur. Mrs. Weasley served one of her specialties which was roast beef with mashed potatoes.
"So Harry, Hermione what have you two been up to?" Mr. Weasley casually asked as he passed the serving plate around. Harry and Hermione looked at each other to see who wanted to answer first.
"Nothing much, Arthur," Hermione decided to break the silence. "Harry and I have just been hanging around the mall for the last month. Watching movies, playing games at the arcade, and just watching people pass by."
"Really? Is that a muggle place? What is this movie thing? Is the arcade like a field where you play sports like Quidditch?" asked Arthur, bombarding Hermione with questions. Harry smiled to himself, Arthur Weasley will never outgrow his fascination with muggles. Hermione, being miss-know-it-all, patiently explained to Mr. Weasley what a mall, movie and arcade is.
"Harry, I heard from Kingsley that you have decided to become an auror," said Ginny.
"Uh, yes Gin that's right, I just asked for a couple of months vacation before I start," Harry answered. He took a bite of Molly's cooking, he missed her home cooking and it sure beats eating at a fast food restaurant.
"I know you'll make an immediate impact there Harry, I just wished you'd go back to Hogwarts first," she quipped. "You know, have fun for a change, act like a normal student, and get more knowledge before starting to work," she added waving her fork back and forth.
"That's what I've been telling him Ginny," Hermione butted in. "But you know him, it's not like the post will be gone in a few months."
"Hey, didn't I tell you that I'll think about going back to Hogwarts earlier?" Harry reminded Hermione.
"Now, now girls, Harry is entitled to do whatever he pleases," said Ron coming to Harry's defense. "I for one am glad that my best friend is going to be an auror like me. We'll rock their world mate."
Ron decided to be an auror the moment Kingsley offered them the post. He has already been balancing his time between the ministry and the Weasley joke shop.
"Harry will be a great addition to the auror office. He is aware of the Rotfang conspiracy and I'm sure he'll do his best to stop it," said Luna.
Harry inhaled half his butterbeer up his nose as he started to laugh. "Sorry, remembered something funny," he said wiping his nose. Harry remembered doing the same thing during Professor Slughorn's Christmas party in their sixth year.
Everyone's attention shifted to a baby whose cries filled the room.
"Teddy's awake," said Dora's father. "I'll get him."
"No, it's ok Mr. Tonks, I'll do it," offered Harry. Ted Tonks nodded in agreement.
Harry carefully lifted Teddy from his crib which was enchanted to gently rock back and forth. He felt happy holding his godson in his arms, the baby immediately stopped crying and slowly dozed off.
"Looks like Teddy already likes you Harry," said Mrs. Tonks.
"Yeah, I guess he does," smiled Harry. "Hey little buddy, it's me Uncle Harry. You'll be seeing a lot of me from now on."
The rest of dinner went smoothly. Harry for the first time felt the emotional scars of his ordeal with Lord Voldemort slowly ebbing away. He's glad that he has wonderful, trustworthy friends and the promise of a bright future.
- OO -
"I love your outfit Hermione," said Ginny complimenting Hermione. "Didn't know that you had it in you," she smiled teasing her friend.
Hermione blushed. She, Ginny and Luna were inside Ginny's room for a little girl talk.
"So I'm guessing this fashion show is for the benefit of a certain green-eyed person we know," Ginny added.
"Uh, no, I'm just trying something different for a change," Hermione explained. "We've been hanging together a lot in the muggle world so I decided to dress more like them."
"Sure Hermione," Ginny laughed. "I'm not jealous, well maybe a little bit. I understand Harry's need to be away from the magical world after everything he's been through. "
"I'm glad that he has someone like you to keep him company," she added. "Although as a friend, I have to be honest with you Hermione and tell you that I still have feelings for Harry."
Hermione didn't know how to respond. She always knew about Ginny's feelings for Harry and she even gave her advice on how she should be more herself so Harry would notice her. The last thing she expected is to be competing with her for Harry's affection and this terrified her. She wondered if their friendship would survive whoever Harry chooses, that's if Harry chooses one of them.
"Relax Hermione," Ginny assured her. "I'm not going to become some crazed jealous ex-girlfriend, I just wanted you to know that I won't give up Harry without a fight."
"And whatever happens I know that we will still be able to call each other friends," she added. Ginny extended her left pinky and offered it to Hermione. "May the best girl win?"
Hermione raised her left pinky and crossed it with Ginny's. "May the best girl win," she smiled.
"Or, if you don't mind Hermione..." said Ginny with a mischievous grin, "...we could share him."
Hermione turned pink as she began imagining her, Ginny and Harry lying in bed together. Her pervy thoughts lingered as Ginny continued on.
"You know Hermione, I'm surprised it took you this long to realize your feelings for Harry," said Ginny. "Even though I hoped that you and Ron would work out, it really was a long shot. I know Ron is my brother and all, but I know that your relationship with him wouldn't last long," Ginny continued. "It takes a special girl with a completely different perspective to put up with my brother's eccentricity," she finished.
"That's true," Hermione laughed, she was still a little flustered by her imagination. "I do hope Ron finds someone like that,"
"Oh, he already did," answered Luna. "Ron and I are dating."
Ginny and Hermione were flabbergasted.
- OO -
"You and Luna?" said an unbelieving Harry. "Really! Wow, I never saw that coming," he finished. Nevertheless, Harry was happy for his best friend.
He, Ron and Neville were outside the Burrow, watching the garden gnomes running around Mrs. Weasley's yard.
"Neither did I mate," Ron chuckled. "I was at their house a few weeks ago because I had some Ministry business with her father. I saw Luna, staring dreamily outside the window while talking to someone or something. She looked pretty, and before I knew it, I had asked her out."
"I never knew that we'd get along so well," Ron added. "Although it takes a while to get used to her little funny habits," he finished.
"I'm happy for you mate," smiled Harry. "What about you Neville? Anything interesting happened to you?"
"Me?" Neville was surprised by Harry's question. "Well, if you must know, I'm dating Hannah Abbott," he said.
"Hannah?" said Ron. "Good one Neville." He patted Neville on his back as Harry chuckled.
"What about you Harry?" asked Neville. "Do you have anyone special?"
Harry thought about it for a while. Hermione? He could definitely see himself with her. Ginny? They have history, and he couldn't deny that she still holds a place in his heart.
"I dunno, the jury's still out," Harry finally answered. "So Neville I heard that your grandmother wants you to become an auror as well."
"Harry, now I believe you are changing the subject," Neville laughed.
- OO -
As the evening grew late, one by one the guests started to leave. The Tonks' were the first to leave, Ron took Luna home, followed by Neville and lastly, by Bill and Fleur. Harry and Hermione were the last of the guests.
"It was a wonderful dinner Molly, thank you" said Harry as she gave Mrs. Weasley a hug.
"You're welcome dear," said Molly. "Don't be afraid to drop by more often. You and Hermione are always welcome here."
"Thanks," said Hermione. She leaned in and gave Mrs. Wealey a kiss on the cheeks.
"Good night Ginny," said Harry. She gave Harry a kiss on the cheeks, as Harry noticed that Hermione looked away.
"Good night Harry, Hermione," Ginny replied. "I'll see you soon," she smiled.
Harry and Hermione left the Burrow and disapparated into the night. A few seconds later, the two appeared in front of Hermione's house.
"Think you'll get in trouble Hermione? It's almost midnight," said Harry.
"I'll be fine Harry," Hermione smiled. "They knew I was with you, besides we weren't doing anything wrong. C'mon, we better go in. My father's probably pacing the floor by now waiting for me."
Harry, swallowed hard as Hermione took his hand and led him towards their door. She knocked.
"Mom, dad we're home. Sorry we're late," she said.
There was no answer. Hermione turned the door knob and it was open. Harry, realizing something was wrong immediately pulled out his wand. The two quietly went inside the house, the lights in the living room we're flickering on and off but the rest of the house was dark. The living room was in disarray. The sofa was turned over, the bookshelves were unhinged, books and magazines were scattered everywhere and the piano was completely destroyed.
"Mom! Dad!" Hermione shouted. She was beginning to panic. Harry tried to grab Hermione as she sped past him to check upstairs.
'Hermione! Don't! It's not safe!" shouted Harry as he went after her.
Harry, carrying his illuminated wand, saw that the kitchen and the dining room were also trashed as he went upstairs.
"Hermione, where are you?" he said.
Harry checked the first room on the right. Judging from the size of the bed and the male clothes strewn over the place, he guessed this must be Mr. and Mrs. Granger's room. The night lamp laid broken on the floor, the picture frames on the walls were askew. The closets were opened inside out.
"Hermione," he called out again. "Where are you?"
He heard Hermione's sob and proceeded to the next room. Harry found Hermione, sitting on her bed. Her possessions were cluttered everywhere.
"Are you okay?" he asked. He knew it was a stupid question, but Hermione answered nevertheless.
"I'm okay Harry but my parents aren't here," said Hermione anxiously. She leaned into Harry who put his arms around her, and she put hers around his waist.
"It's going to be okay Hermione," said Harry reassuringly. "We're going to find them."
Hermione gave Harry a small piece of scroll wrapped around a tiny vial containing a silvery substance which he was very familiar with.
"It's for you, I found it beside our Hogwarts photo with Ron," said Hermione. "I'm sorry if I read it."
Harry moved his wand over it, unfurled the scroll, and read the message:
Harry Potter, retrieve the Trinity Key.
- OO -
End of Chapter II
AN: Please post your comments and reviews. They will certainly help me continue this story. Thanks!
