A/N: I don't own Harry Potter.

I hope you're all enjoying this AU!

Harry looked over at Hermione, she looked concerned, scared for a brief second. He knew things were about to start happening, or at least he knew she knew. They climbed onto the cart to help hold the baskets of potatoes. Minerva rode up front controlling the black horses. The sky had started to darken as they rode.

"How far is the village?" Harry asked Hermione.

"Not far," she replied. "Although I'm not sure anyone will even be there with the sky like this." Harry nodded in agreement. He wished they could just go back to the cottage. Hermione heard the thunder before everything changed. The horses reared up, nearly screaming. Minerva was thrown from her seat. Hermione and Harry slid out running to her.

"I'm alright," she stated. "Where'd the cart go?" Hermione looked around but didn't see it or the horses. Harry helped Minerva to her feet.

"Hermione, Harry."

"We're alright, Mama. We jumped out before the horses took off." Minerva nodded looking at her two wards. Hermione, the smart princess. Harry, the prince who was supposed to do amazing things. Both looked shaken up, a mite bit scared, but fire burned in both their eyes.

"It's not just a storm is it?" Harry asked looking at the sky. He could feel the air growing cold around.

"No, I'm afraid not. He's coming. Harry, take Hermione and run. Go as far from here as you can." Harry blinked but grabbed Hermione's hand pulling her along with him.

The pair slid down the embankment, Hermione's long hair flying behind her. She stumbled, but Harry pulled her to her feet. Fear overrode any exhaustion the pair felt. Fear overrode the caution with which Hermione usually approached things. Finally fear wore off and the pair found themselves standing near a cliff face.

"There might be caves," Hermione said panting. Her legs ached but she refused to sit. Harry nodded tracing his way along with rocks. He felt something shift under his fingers.

"I think I found something, Hermione." She walked over to him, watching all around them.

"It looks like something's been carved here," she whispered. "Is it a bird?" she asked.

"It looks like a phoenix."

"Sir Severus' messenger was a phoenix," Hermione whispered blinking her eyes in disbelief. Could this really be related to their mission.

"Sir Severus? The man who betrayed my parents?"

"He was a spy, Harry. I found out more about him, more than anything Mama could have known. I found something that belonged to him, I...don't want to tell you more than that, but I need you to trust me." Harry nodded slowly.

"I will, for now, Hermione. So, this phoenix, what does it mean?"

"I'm not sure, I know Sir Severus was looking for the Sword of Gryffindor."

"He was?" Hermione nodded tracing the image of a phoenix against the hard stone. She gently pushed against it and suddenly a large rock moved to reveal a cave.

"Ladies, first," Harry said stepping back to allow Hermione to enter. She bit her lip and slowly put one foot into the dark cave.

"You coming?" she asked Harry. He was behind her in a few seconds. The pair looked around the darkness. Hermione laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"I've a candle in my bag," she answered pulling it out. "Now, where is...ahh, here it is," she lit the candle and held it up. The cave was empty.

"So, I'm going to guess the sword isn't here?" Harry asked as they started exploring.

"Maybe not, but it's still something. I think it's actually a tunnel," she said. "Here, hold the light for a second." Harry took it and Hermione pulled the journal from her tunic.

"Let's see if there's anything about this tunnel in here."

The last known location of the Sword of Gryffindor is a country far from here. I have sent word asking for information. I hope to hear back soon. In the meanwhile, I have cemented my place in Dumbledore's inner circle. While I am here, King James and his family lives. Dumbledore has no idea I am a spy. King James' army has been only a few steps ahead. Too much ahead and my position shalt be compromised. I have created several tunnels through the Hogwarts Mountains. I have also built a secret laboratory to brew my potions.

Hermione read this entry out loud, sad that it lost some of its intimacy that way. Harry had sat down next to Hermione.

"That book, it belonged to Sir Severus?"

"Yes. I found it in the forest, after seeing a phoenix."

"You don't think...?"

"I don't know what to think Harry. First I find you in our garden, the lost prince, and then I find this journal. I think there are larger forces at play than we realize," she admitted.