Disclaimer: I'm pretty sure I own my car, but I know that I don't own Harry Potter and all of the settings characters because JKR does. Although if she's interested in a trade, well she knows how to reach me.

Black Manor London, August 2nd

The flash in the FLOO connection brought Dumbledore bearing more than his typical training gear. On this specific day he also held in his hand the OWL results for two young Gryffindors that held a special place in his heart.

Looking around the empty parlor room he softly called out, "Dobby."

Dobby arrived with a small pop and he asked, "What can Dobby do for Mr. Dumbledore sir?"

Dumbledore handed the elf the two envelopes and asked, "Can you give these to Harry and Hermione for me please?"

Dobby popped into the library as Harry and Hermione were researching some new spells in preparation of the battles ahead. The little elf softly said, "Master Harry and his Hermione have mail."

Hermione looked up from her book and her eyes lit up with excitement as she squealed and ran over to Dobby giving the little elf a hug before she took the two envelopes from the ministry.

Suddenly lacking the ability to breath she handed Harry both envelopes and rasped out, "I want you to open mine first Harry."

Harry smiled gently and led Hermione over to the couch before he slowly opened the envelope and read:

Hermione Jane Granger O.W.L. Examination Results

ClassTheoryPracticalOverall Assessment

Ancient Runes O O O

Arithmancy O O

Astronomy O O

Charms O O O

Care of Magical O O

Creatures

Defense Against

the Dark Arts O O O

Herbology O E O

History of Magic E E

Muggle Studies O O

Potions O O O

Transfiguration O OO

Overall Class Rank- 1st, Congratulations on your excellent results and if it so interests you Professor Flitwick has offered to take you an as an apprentice for your charms mastery.

Harry finished reading and a sly smile came to his face before he said, "Congratulations love you got ten outstandings and one exceeds expectations."

Hermione's face relaxed and she squealed jumping into Harry's arms and giving him a deep kiss. She pulled away and with a mischievous smile she pushed Harry down on to the couch and said, "Ok, now it's your turn to play the waiting game." Hermione peeled open Harry's envelope and read:

Harry James Potter O.W.L. Examination Results

ClassTheoryPracticalOverall Assessment

Ancient Runes O O O

Arithmancy O O

Astronomy O O

Charms O O O

Care of Magical O O

Creatures

Defense Against

the Dark Arts O O O

Herbology E E E

History of Magic E E

Potions O O O

Transfiguration O O O

Overall Class rank- Third, Congratulations on your excellent results, if it so interests you contact Professor McGonagall about an apprenticeship in Transfiguration.

Hermione's eyes were dancing with unshed tears, and Harry asked with a concerned expression, "Are you ok sweetheart?"

Hermione smiled and she jumped into Harry's lap kissing him soundly, before she pulled away and said, "You did amazing Harry. You received eight outstandings and two exceeds expectations. McGonagall even offered you an apprenticeship in transfiguration."

Harry's eyes widened before he replied, "I forgot to tell you, but Flitwick offered you an apprenticeship too."

Hermione gave Harry a quick peck on the lips before she said, "Ok we'll deal with class selections and this other business later. I think we deserve a day off after getting our results back."

Harry yawned as he wrapped his arms tightly around her and he replied, "I couldn't agree more. I think today we have a mutiny and Dumbledore can stuff his training for once."

Hermione giggled and asked, "Would you like to go watch a movie somewhere?"

Harry nodded and Hermione said, "I've heard about a movie that has been huge in the states. We'll go watch that later. There are supposed to be aliens and lots of explosions so you will probably love it."

There was a knock on the library door and with a collective sigh they stood and walked over opening it to reveal Dumbledore who already looked resigned to taking the day off from training himself. The old wizard smiled and asked, "Am I too assume you would rather take the day of to celebrate your successes than work with an old man?"

Harry and Hermione shared a look before Hermione replied, "We were thinking about spending the afternoon muggle sir. That is, if it is alright with you."

Dumbledore smiled and said, "Despite my old age I remember what it was to be young. Seeing as how you both will be traveling to Greece in a week however, I suggest that today is your last day from training until you depart."

Harry smiled and replied, "I think we can manage that sir, and thank you for understanding."

Dumbledore inclined his head in recognition and said with a smile, "Oh tosh don't think on it my boy." He turned to both and added, "Enjoy your day and congratulation on your excellent results."

Dumbledore disappeared down the stairs and Hermione scanned Harry for a long moment before she said, "Well, if you plan on going out with me then you need to put on some proper clothes. I'll have Winky set out an outfit for you while you get a shower. Of course I need to do the same, no reason on wasting an opportunity to show you off, now is there love?"

Harry's eyes had crossed slightly by the end of Hermione's mutterings and he said, "I'm just going to go get that shower."

Hermione giggled at the expression on Harry's face and smiled to herself for a moment before she set off to find her mother to ask her what she should wear for the date.

Several hours later found Harry and Hermione exiting the cinema and Harry asked, "You ever wonder what it would be like if someone made movies about our lives?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and replied, "Haven't you had enough action tonight without worrying about that?"

Harry smirked slightly before he bent slightly down and gave Hermione a deep kiss bordering just on the safe side of public decency. He pulled away and said, "Let's go home love." Hermione merely nodded as they walked to a deserted alleyway before manufacturing their wands and taking off in a blur on the Knight bus.

Moscow, Rasputin's temple August 8th

Few historians, or at least few muggle historians, ever delved into the charismatic man named Rasputin and his seemingly unnatural long life. Historical documents had been tampered with to allow historians to believe that he was born in the middle of the nineteenth century, when in truth he was born near the beginning of the eighteenth century. At the time of his death he was a robust two hundred and twenty years old. Even for a wizard his life was a long one and much of that was owed to his dabbling and creation of many dark arts.

It was in this pursuit that an order that in many ways was the counterpoint to the order of the phoenix was formed slightly before the old wizard's death. One of Rasputin's prized pupils just so happened to be Octavius Grindewald who turned out to be Dumbledore's greatest rival in the years following. While the death of Rasputin's prodigy did force Rasputin's order into the shadows, it did not stop them from putting their mark on the dark arts throughout the twentieth century, and it was in this vein of thought that brought Lord Voldemort to their doorstep in attempt to sway the greatest assembled force of dark wizards in the world today.

Using the journals of Grindewald that he had come across in his travels leading to his first reign of terror nearly twenty five years earlier, Voldemort pulled out his wand and uttered the killing curse directly at the bust of Rasputin which connected and triggered a lever which pulled the iron gate up as Voldemort strolled in to the lair.

An alarm sounded as he crossed the threshold entering the main chamber of the building and he took a seat at one of the chairs surrounding a large circular table. Within minutes the chamber had filled with several menacing witches and wizards who all had their wands trained at the man with dark hair and streaks of gray in it. Only when he stood from his seat and his blood red eyes scanned the group that the wands were slowly lowered when recognition flashed in the majority's eyes. He silkily said, "Hello brothers and sisters of Rasputin's esteemed order. For those of you, who do not know me, I am Lord Voldemort and I come bearing a proposal."

By the end of the meeting Voldemort had procured the full support of the group, which was quite impressive considering they numbered over two hundred and were all skilled in the dark arts unlike many of his surviving deatheaters. For the first time since before the disastrous Diagon Alley attack, his forces had been strengthened greatly and his gain would be Potter's loss.

Heathrow Airport, August 10th: 6 am local time

Leaving for Greece seemed like such an appealing idea to the assembled group aside from the elder Granger's insistence on taking more traditional forms of transportation throughout the trip after hearing Harry's description of portkey travel one day earlier in the summer.

Harry and Hermione hadn't protested about flying first class, at least not until they heard their departure time was seven in the morning. But, with only a small amount of cajoling the young couple found themselves waiting for their boarding call outside of the gate they were departing from. The passport he had procured the previous summer the week following his birthday still did the trick admirably and Harry's first trip through security went off without a hitch.

Suddenly over the quiet and dreary air of the airport in the morning the loud speaker sounded, "Flight 640 departing for Athens is now boarding."

Harry and Hermione smiled as they handed the attendant their tickets, and then followed David and Elizabeth wheeling their carry-on suitcases behind them that had been with the aid of magic (Shrinking Charms) filled with the assorted clothes and other toiletries that they would need for their two week sojourn.

They took their seats and the surrounding seats remained unfilled as a few others comprised the entirety of the first class population. The flight took off without a hitch and Hermione pulled the itinerary that Harry had agreed to for their first week in Athens, with the added condition that the second week they relax and do whatever they felt like.

Hermione leaned over the console separating their seats and she said, "Harry, from what I've read the best magical sites in Athens have a form of muggle repelling charms like Hogwarts so mum and dad won't be able to see the temple of the gods with us on Tuesday."

Harry shrugged and then a wicked smirk covered his face and he replied, "Hermione, you know what they'll be doing as soon as we get out of sight."

Hermione blushed lightly but simply replied, "I only hope you'll still find me to be attractive enough to engage in those activities when I'm my mum's age."

Harry closed the remaining distance and gave her a tender kiss before he pulled away and said, "I imagine you'll be trying to figure out ways to get rid of me when we're old and gray and I'm still randy as a teenager."

Hermione giggled and swatted at his arm before she said, "Oh honestly Harry where do you think of these things." Harry merely smiled in return content with the knowledge that his statement had been exactly what she needed to hear. They had been going out for over a year and a half and he was finally getting the hang of the whole boyfriend business. Initially in their relationship, Harry had found affection the best way to handle most situations with Hermione. But, over the past few months it had occurred to him that infusing affection, or at least the physical kind at every turn, cheapened the overall value of affectionate actions as a whole.

Pulling out a book on the history of Puddlemere United he squeezed Hermione's hand one last time before he lost himself in the history of his favorite Quidditch team although it was charmed so that if a muggle should see it, then it would appear to be a book about the history of premiere league football.

Boot Residence, Liverpool August 10th

Draco or rather Terry had done quite well on his OWL examinations leaving Draco with some interesting decisions for the coming school year. Of course he already knew that Boot was a prefect the previous year and would be retaining the position for his sixth year as well. The problem in class selections simply lay in how often he could risk being in Potter and Granger's presence and still keep his secret. It hadn't come as a large surprise to learn from his father, before his untimely death, that the Scarhead had managed to learn Occlumency and legilimency in his fourth year. Seeing as how plain it was to see, that how talented Potter and Granger were only served to stoke the fire of his extreme dislike for the pair that masked his jealousy of their talents.

Finally deciding to cut divination from his schedule after a long debate, he chuckled when he first saw Boot's results finding it incredibly hard to believe a Ravenclaw would take the class, and not opt for a more reputable pursuit such as Arithmancy as he had. At least he had until he was kicked out following his attack on Potter at the ball, which in hindsight causing Potter pain didn't seem to be as worthwhile of an exercise any more if it meant losing access to his education.

Unfortunately the death of his father at the hands of Potter at the ministry had placed the last remaining Malfoy heir in a bit of a quandary. He had planned on forestalling the ceremony forcing him into Voldemort's ranks until he was of age and could procure a small measure of his fortune, and then go into hiding. Even if he didn't think mudbloods belonged in the magical world, it didn't mean he thought they should be tortured or killed. So despite Lucius' teachings his son had no aspirations to follow in his footsteps, and instead was content with living the good life for as long as his money lasted.

Finishing his class selection he frowned as he realized he would still have several classes with his two biggest rivals. Pulling out a catalog he had procured in a little side trip while he was shopping with his parents in Diagon Alley he also sent out an owl order for a book on Occlumency hoping he could at least give himself some protection by the time he reached Hogwarts in three weeks.

Athens, Greece InterContinental Athenaeum Hotel August 13th

"Harry if you plan on spending the day with me you had better get your arse moving!" Hermione yelled in exasperation as their taxi would be arriving in the lobby soon to take them to the Akropolis and by extension to the magical Mecca known as the temple of the gods.

History recorded the Greek gods as immortals who lived high on Mt. Olympus, but the truth of the matter was that the "Gods" were a collection of benign and malevolent witches and wizards that used their powers to control the masses of non-magical people of the time. The temple of the gods was in essence the ancient Greek equivalent of the ministry and Hogwarts combined. That very fact excited both Harry and Hermione greatly; although by appearances Harry wasn't nearly as excited as he had originally let on or as Hermione would soon find out, excitement and anxiety on Harry's part.

In the bathroom Harry practiced his proposal speech for what seemed to be the thousandth time, and each time he stumbled over the words in a different part. With a glance at his watch he released a resigned sigh and exited the bathroom to find Hermione looking the part of gorgeous girlfriend quite easily. Of course Hermione beamed Harry a megawatt smile seeing him finally exit the bathroom wearing a polo shirt and Khaki shorts and a strange twinkle in his eyes.

Hermione's smile changed to a look of puzzlement well aware that something was afoot and she asked, "Harry, what are you planning today?

Harry looked at her, his expression inscrutable, and he evenly replied, "I thought we were going to the temple of the gods, why?"

Hermione arched her eyebrow but nodded slowly before she took his hand and tugged him into the elevator and down to the lobby to wait for their taxi. After a couple of minutes the taxi pulled up in front of hotel and they piled into the cab silently. The conversation was in broken Greek with the driver whose name was Alexandros and as they reached the temple Harry gave him the necessary Drachmas and a generous tip to which the young Greek smiled his thanks before taking off to his next destination. Hermione never noticed Harry's apprehensive look as he fingered the engagement ring in the change pocket before placing it in his pocket much like his heart had been placed in his stomach.

The temple of the gods was a magically hidden temple in the distance beyond perhaps the greatest Greek symbol of pride, the Akropolis. Much like the ministry of magic a phone booth acted as the conduit to deposit magical people into the now museum.

After roaming the expansive building for an indeterminate amount of time they reached the exhibit Harry had been waiting for, the tribute to Athena Greek goddess of wisdom. Hermione was busily reading the various inscriptions when Harry dropped to his knee and plaintively said, "Hermione."

Hermione turned to Harry and began to speak, "Yes Ha… ", before she covered her mouth as the beginnings of tears welled in her eyes.

Harry swallowed heavily before he said, "Hermione, I like to think for all of the bad things fate has done for me, meeting you has made up for it ten fold. The day we bound our souls together for eternity was the day I knew that in so many ways we'd never be the typical couple that dates and have a long courting process. I've said it before but it bears repeating, you and you alone hold the keys to my heart and soul, will you marry me?"

Hermione dropped to her knees next to Harry and cupped his face tenderly as she smiled at him beatifically and softly replied, "Yes."

Harry pulled her into a deep kiss before he pulled away minutes later and placed his forehead on hers before he said, "Well my goddess, I only thought it fitting to ask for your hand in marriage in a place befitting your role in my life. So, what did you think?"

Hermione giggled tearfully before she softly replied, "I think you did brilliantly Harry, I love you so much." After a moment she smiled and teasingly asked, "Did you have a ring or do I have to beg?"

Harry's eyes widened and he fumbled around in his pocket for a moment before producing a diamond and ruby encrusted engagement ring. Harry slipped the ring on to her finger with his own trembling hands, before he shakily said, "I already asked for your hand from your parents so they had a sneaking suspicion what I was going to do today."

Hermione snorted and muttered something about reading her parents minds before she looked deeply into Harry's eyes and softly said, "Just wait Harry, I have a surprise in store for you next week that I think you'll enjoy very much."

Harry smiled and kissed Hermione softly once again before they rose back to their feet in tandem, never breaking the kiss, and in the process pulling into a tighter embrace. Finally, they pulled apart enough to be discernible as two separate people and with a cautious glance around Hermione asked, "Why aren't there any other people in here Harry?"

Harry sheepishly smiled and replied, "Um, confundus charm."

Hermione rolled her eyes but still smiling she said, "I think you can take it down now Love."

Harry nodded and without pulling either of his wands he gestured with his hands and the charm was cancelled, once again allowing others to enter the room without being compelled to go elsewhere. Of course as Hermione looked down at the ring lined with rubies and emeralds she suddenly had the compulsion to be somewhere, anywhere, and alone with Harry once again.

As they reveled in their new status of being engaged they moved on to the exhibit for the main gods of Olympus. Harry was reading the inscriptions on Zeus with a bit of interest as Hermione scanned the exhibit on Hermes across the room.

The lighting in the large temple was spotty in some places and in order to finish reading the inscription Harry wandlessly cast a lumos spell lighting the tip of his finger with an ominous red glow. The panel Harry had been reading slid open revealing an ancient text. Harry tentatively grabbed the book and it was inscribed on the cover with a rune that looked exactly like the faint scar that still existed on his forehead.

The book let off a flash of golden light and Harry suddenly felt the compulsion to keep it with a familiar voice in his head said, "Your destiny does not end with the prophecy, you can not live until the other is dead."

Harry shook his head, suddenly feeling very tired, and then he surprised Hermione, who had missed the entire exchange, when he quietly asked, "I'm suddenly not feeling well Hermione, can we leave?"

Hermione frowned as she noticed Harry's scar was a little more noticeable than normal as the edges of his scar appeared to have been irritated by something. Hermione wordlessly took his hand and led him back to the phone booth where they called a cab and returned to the hotel engaged to be married and now confused by the events coming at the end of their day trip.

Outside of Atlanta, Georgia August 13th

Ron had found that life in hell's bucket made him reassess pretty much every notion about women and bigotry that he had ever believed in. Of course for an individual who loves food and fun the bread, water, and staring at the dirt in his place of residence, the week had been almost as bad as being placed under the cruciatus curse.

As he sat on the cold hard ground being swarmed by mosquitoes, someone knocked on the far wall before the door to his prison swung open revealing Dave who appeared almost giddy at the prospect of giving the smarmy Brit residing inside another earful on the reasons why he was an idiot.

Suffice to say he was surprised when he noticed the broken look on Ron's face before the ginger haired teenager murmured, "I'm sorry."

Dave raised a skeptical eyebrow and asked, "What are you sorry for?"

Ron looked up with sadness in his eyes, "I'm sorry to you for being rude and disrespectful. I'd like to have the chance to apologize to everyone back at home for being horrible but I know I probably don't deserve that chance. I mean I almost raped Hermione and if Harry hadn't come when he did I would have. It makes me sick to my stomach when I think about that now."

Dave's face was still stuck in a skeptical expression before he said, "Consider this reprieve a show off good faith Weasley. I will question you with Verisateum eventually to see if this change is because of guilt or fear of punishment, either way your best behavior or you'll be back in here."

Ron's eyes lit up and smiled softly as he said, "I promise I'll be on my best behavior sir."

Dave snorted as he ushered the red head out of the small room and muttered, "Why does that not comfort me in the slightest?"

Black Manor, London August 13th

"Sirius, have you ever heard of a squib named John Tolkien?" Dumbledore asked as he stared unseeingly out the enchanted window in the parlor room.

Sirius looked to Remus who was wearing a knowing but guarded expression before he replied, "I'm afraid I don't follow Albus."

Dumbledore smiled inwardly before he continued, "He was an accomplished author and a friend of mine for many years. Upon his passing I grieved for a very long time. But, John had so much wisdom residing in his soul, a wisdom which I feel compelled to share with you. My feelings at the moment are encapsulated in a particularly famous line in one of his stories."

Sirius was now rather confused, but he nodded and said, "I do hope this line ties all of this together."

Dumbledore chuckled and then his expression became rather melancholy and he said, "It was spoken by a wizard in his tale, and on occasion John would say that I was responsible for his creation of the character. In a time much like our own a great conflict crested upon the world he created, the wizard spoke these words, 'The board is set, the pieces are moving. We come to it at last...The great battle of our time.'"

Sirius frowned and asked, "Do you think a battle is imminent Albus?"

Albus sighed before he quietly replied, "I believe we rest at a great precipice, and if my heart is correct Tom has made this a war that could destroy everything wonderful and good in our world if he should succeed. I believe my own destiny is coming to its completion, and I do not know if this extends to the end of the conflict before us or if it does not. But, for the first time in nearly one hundred years, I feel that when I leave the world, it will be in better hands than my own and that comforts me much more than anything else these dark days."

Remus and Sirius could only nod in agreement because the words of the old wizard had effectively stunned them into silence. The war, which had already led to many casualties, had only just begun and it would get much worse before it got better.

A/N: I'm sorry but I can't resist quoting Gandalf, especially if Dumbledore is reciting the quote. Next chapter, we have Hermione's surprise, a mission for a horcrux, Voldemort's tendrils extend, and we have a brief Ginny update before we finally board the big red train once again.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to review and offer any words in response to my writing. Please keep reading and if you have the time, please review.