DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and
owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to
Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros.,
Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is
intended.
(((Alright, I didn't die... I'm back! Now for an explanation: my computer completely crashed, about 50 pages of this fic along with it. The other day we got it to work for just long enough to save "Ashes of the Phoenix" and a couple other things, and now it's back to malfunctioning again. Let's just say I fixed 56 viruses and it still isn't working. Oh joy. But now I'm back with chapter 10 and my thank-you messages are at the end. I hope you all enjoy this, and with any luck the next chapter will be coming very soon.)))
"Ae fond kiss, and then we sever!
A farewell, and then forever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.
Who shall say that Fortune grieves him,
While the star of hope she leaves him?
Me, nae cheerful twinkle lights me,
Dark despair around benights me."
-Robert Burns,
Harry arrived back at Hogwarts just as the sun was going down. He sent Arabella Figgs to look after the kids, she was the first one he could think of for the job. Strict but clever, and being a squib she couldn't be of much use in defending the castle... besides the fact that she was growing much older. Harry was surprised by what a toll six Hogwarts students had taken on him and he looked forward to getting some shut eye.
The hallways were crowed with people and he sought the shadows and back corridors to remained un noticed. For all his fatigue and depression he was happy about one thing: quite the force had showed up. It looked like they might have a fighting chance, but there was still much work to be done.
He sought out Hermione's room, though he was ready to pass out, he felt the need to make amends for their prior dispute. He leaned against the door letting it gradually creep open until he was inside. His initial observation was that it was very dark inside, but as he stepped inside he found that Hermione was indeed there and fully awake. She stood by her window, unmoving and it was as if she hadn't even heard him enter.
"Hermione?" He asked softly, hoping not to startle her too much. She jumped slightly and then turned to him. He could see that her face was tired and he feared that they would both age ten years before the end of the month. Her expression was worried and she ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck. Her caught her, surprised by her warm greeting and he suddenly noted that she was shaking slightly.
"Harry" she muttered against him. "Something has happened."
It was like a tidal wave repressed between the single oak door. Dean sat alone in the darkness, silently assured that he had made the right decision. That was before the door came crashing open.
If Harry Potter had seemed menacing before his supposed death he now seemed like a god with a hot temper, his all knowing eyes pointed at the suddenly scared Dean who nearly pissed his pants as the door smashed against the stone wall of he dorm.
The very vision of a man whom he had seen the coffin of was frightening enough but Harry was also different now... he had no glasses and he looked taller, stronger as well. Garbed in all black Harry looked more like the grim reaper than like any savior he'd ever known of at that very moment.
In Harry's eyes held a fiery intensity which bore into the back of Dean's skull making him feel sick and dizzy all of a sudden. Yet when his voice came it was even, cold, and so calm in unnerved Dean more than anything else.
"H-Harry..." he stuttered.
"I trusted you Thomas" Harry said in the frighteningly even voice, moving ever nearer Dean who's back was pressed against the wall, his cold sweat of fear soaking through his cotton tee shirt. "Remember when we used to be room mates here? It wasn't too long ago when you really think about it... I had hoped I could consider you a friend. For if not, what else may I call you but an enemy?" Harry took a quick, graceful stride over to the window where Dean had been sitting.
"I- I had to tell the minister Harry... I'm obligated...."
"Wrong" Harry snapped leaving no room for argument. "Arthur Weasley would be obligated, Percy Weasley would be obligated, Tonks would be obligated. Yet they are not. Why you may ask? Loyalty Dean. Perhaps the sorting hat mistook you for a Gryffindor. I think at heart you are a Slytherin."
"No, Harry, please believe me..."
"I'm through with believing and trusting you Dean. This is inexcusable." Suddenly Harry's eyes seemed to change. The fire instantly died and in its stead was blackness, black coldness. The eyes of a dead man. "I have killed before Dean. I could kill again. But I won't if only for Ginny's sake and for the memory of a friendship I was once blind enough to think existed. Leave Dean, go back to your precious ministry and never come back."
Dean was shaking violently now as rage, fear and desperation arose in him. A raw sound croaked from his throat, a rasp of speechlessness. "You forgave Percy Weasley, forgive me! Why not me Harry! Is that brown haired boy paying you off? I knew he'd go for Ginny..." gritting his teeth he punched the wall tearing the skin from his knuckles. With a loud cry he brought his fist to his mouth, sucking on his stinging wounds, looking like a helpless infant for a moment.
"You dug your own grave Thomas" Harry spat, refraining from the courtesy of using first names once more. The display was pitiful and with all else of life's pressures he didn't need a fussing baby.
"To hell with you Potter! I hope the dark lord gets you!" He squeaked angrily, lying in his blind fury. "I hope you know what it's like to loose everything as I have!"
Harry had begun to turn from the blubbering prat when he heard the words. They hit him like a frying pan to the face. He turned slowly, his muscles tense. "You know nothing about losing." He began to raise his hand with a trembling fury when he felt a gentle but commanding hand grasp the back of his robes.
"Oh, thank god, Hermione... talk some sense into him! He's gone mad!" Dean shouted.
"Fuck off Dean" Hermione spat. With a swish of her wand he was unconscious on the cold stone floor where once years ago he had sat with the very men he'd betrayed and talked of happier things.
Ginny was a mess of emotions. Things which had seemed concrete were no more and when she ran into Ron she broke down into a fit of sobs. Ron had guided her back to his room with brotherly kindness and as she cried he rubbed her back, asking no questions and posing only comfort.
A silver streak of moonlight fell across her pale, tear streaked face, her red hair spread about her and mixing in with the darkness of the bed covers.
Once her tears had subsided she drew in a shaky breathe. "Everything is wrong" she whispered and Ron said nothing. He had no words of comfort for in his weakening heart he knew she was right. Everything was wrong.
Harry didn't want to deal with anything else. He took a quick glimpse at Dean's unconscious form and then turned from the room clutching Hermione's hand in his own. He had no words for anyone he passed and only fluttered a hand vaguely in the direction of the room to suggest to a passing Order member that something ought to be done with the unconscious form of Dean Thomas.
Once in his room Harry closed the door behind him and leaned against it for a moment. With a weary sigh he sat on the edge of the bed and pulled the boot from his feet. Unbuttoning his shirt he tossed it way to he lay in only an under shirt and pants. He crawled slowly under the neatly pressed white sheets resting his pounding head against a soft white pillow. Hermione stood a moment, observing the contrast of his raven hair against the white pillow. She suddenly became aware of how young he still was... how young they all were. He looked so vulnerable and innocent as he lay stiffly beneath the sheets, his back turned to her. He was not a savior; he was a young man with too many burdens.
She crawled into the bed beside him resting an arm on his side whilst leaning her forehead against his back, observing every fragile, human breathe he took.
Ginny had long since fallen asleep in Ron's bed and now Ron was reading a Quidditch magazine by the healthy glow of a newly started fire.
Suddenly the door banged open causing Ron to jump and his heart to race.
"Have you seen my damned watch?" Chrome asked in a rather loud voice.
Ron frantically gestured for Chrome to shut up, pointing to Ginny asleep on the bed.
Chrome grimaced a little. "Sorry mate."
"Ever think to knock?" Ron asked snappishly but soon after realized Chrome wasn't paying any attention to a word from his mouth. He was focused on Ginny his face looking surprisingly sympathetic.
Ron rose to his feet and grabbed a hold of Chrome's arm and walking out of the room. He carefully closed the door and then turned to face Chrome.
"I haven't seen your watch."
Chrome seemed to snap out of some sort of trance and just nodded quickly and turned to go.
"Wait- Chrome..." Ron inhaled deeply, not quite sure what he even meant to say. "You... you can't have her."
Chrome merely nodded again his face not changing for a moment and then looking slightly sad. "I know" he confirmed and then resumed his way down the hall.
When Harry awoke in the morning he felt an overwhelming sense of dread about what the day had in store for him. The sun was just rising and he wanted to pull up the covers and snuggle beneath them until he could fall back into a comfortable, mind numbing sleep. He knew he couldn't however and so as he rolled to one side he found himself facing Hermione.
She was in her sleep yet even in sleep she looked worried. He kissed her lightly on the forehead not wanting to wake her but knowing he'd have to eventually. It pained his heart that she had to live through such times and he wondered if he'd been selfish to love her. He had died once already and he knew if he was to die again she wouldn't be able to bear it. Then was the fact that they could not have a normal relationship for a long time. He just hoped the burdens placed on them wouldn't tear them apart.
He forced himself to wake her up and watched as her eyes fluttered and slowly opened. "Let me sleep Harry" she whined, but she was half joking as she was already beginning to sit up. She had been dreaming of fire and death and was glad to be awake. Although- being awake wasn't much better than her dreams.
Harry had immediately headed her off for the shower but was out shortly. When they were ready to go Harry stopped her from leaving for a moment. He looked down into her eyes and saw that know it all fire that was so stubborn and would never give up. He was glad she was on their side. He smiled at her for a moment. "I'm sorry" he simply stated.
She raised an eyebrow at him as though confused by his words.
"I just am" he muttered and then kissing her they turned to leave and face the day.
"You had my bloody watch the whole time!" Chrome shouted at Ron as he sat in the crowded Great Hall eating. The house elves must had worked themselves to near death judging by the amounts of food that had to be prepared for the masses of people in the hall. Various colors of robes and clothing made the hall a rainbow of humans. Their chatter was loud and excited and Chrome thought the place looked more like a vacation spot than the headquarters of the resistance force.
"What watch?" Ron asked through a mouthful of porridge.
"The watch on your damned wrist you prat" he growled as he sat down on the bench across from Ron, sitting between two young witches who were sending him appraising looks.
"Oh" Ron replied with a grin which looked suspiciously like a smirk. Taking it off he tossed it to Chrome who put it back on his wrist. He then began to fill his plate with food, suddenly feeling ravenous.
"How's Ginny?" Chrome asked in an off hand manner and the witches who had been unsuccessfully attempting to grab his attention turned away.
Ron cut his eyes up from his food to Chrome, casting him a dangerous glare that was meant to scare him off the subject.
"Oh drop it Ron, I know your protective and all but it's just a question. Besides, I'm leaving today. At least do me the courtesy of telling me that much."
"Leaving?" Ron asked with surprise.
Chrome just nodded and then tried to brush it aside. "So..." he beckoned "will you tell me?"
"She's tired and a bit heartbroken. She'll live." Ron responded, still curious about Chrome's whole leaving comment.
With a nod Chrome got to his feet and left the hall in his typical abrupt fashion.
It was noon when Ron Hermione and Harry found themselves having a conference in the Order's meeting hall. The three of them sat around the table looking small in comparison to the long, wide rectangle table.
"Okay, I called you here for a specific reason" Harry said, getting directly to the subject. "I need you two to work as commanders for this force. I know the whole Order will be in charge of different squads and so forth, but you need to do one up on that. Ron, I want you to take whoever you'll need and start working on defense strategies. Hermione, I need you to start rationing what foods and supplies we have. If we get barricaded in here we'll need lots of dried food and such to last the time out. Now, between the three of us... we need to devise some sort of training program. Most of these people are as ignorant of warfare as little children. They need to be ready for when the time comes. Ron, what do you think?"
Ron's expression was unusually focused on the subject and he spoke immediately. "We'll need a few forces trained for broom riding and aerial battle. We can take everyone who was ever really good at Quidditch for that and have Cho train them. We need people who have any skill in potions starting to make pain relieving potions and whatever else we'll need immediately. Snape can lead them. Than maybe McGonagal and a few others can train people in good fighting spells. Tonks can train them in dueling... anyone else in the Order can teach them battle tactics... I'm probably missing something."
Harry smiled. "I think you covered most of it. I have a few side plans in motion as we speak and so does Dumbledore. We'll need to get the wheels moving on all this as soon as possible. Summon an Order meeting for this afternoon." Harry felt slightly lighter. Ron had come up with some very good points and perhaps they would stand a fighting chance with such a training regiment.
After a scorching shower Ginny felt slightly better. She decided to visit her brother Charlie, as he had always been able to make her feel better. She knocked on the door to his room and she heard a rustle of noise before he finally opened the door. He smiled sympathetically when he saw her. His mother had told him what had happened and had been trying to find Ginny all morning. He couldn't help but feel as though it was a better thing for Ginny that Mrs. Weasley hadn't found her.
He opened the door to let her in. As she stepped in she gasped. The room was entirely empty except the furniture and in the center of the room were two suitcases. She swiveled around her mouth gaping with surprise. "Where... what... are you going someplace?"
He fidgeted a bit. He had told everyone else that morning but suddenly realized he had never told his little sister who was asleep at the time. "I'm going to Romania Ginny."
"What?! Why Charlie? Are you mad?"
He grinned a little thinking she reminded him of a cross between Ron and the twins at times. She had the twin's mischievous and Ron's honesty. "I'm recruiting dragon trainers and dragons to bring to Hogwarts for the battle. We'll need as much help as we can and as I'm sure you recall from the village attack, they have dragons of their own. They'll light our brooms aflame and make any aerial attack we had planned into a joke if we don't have dragons of our own."
Ginny nodded in understanding but looked sad still. "I'll miss you" she said.
He hugged her feeling guilty though he knew his cause for leaving was just. "It'll be alright Ginny. As you well know I'm not the only one leaving anyways. There's a few others Harry and Dumbledore have sent out on tasks."
"Why would I know that?" Ginny asked, confused.
Charlie looked equally baffled. "Well, your friend Chrome's leaving isn't he? I'm not really sure why, but Ron told me that just an hour ago."
Ginny's jaw dropped and she ran from the room.
The castle was bustling with activity as Ron summoned the Order members. He and Harry were outside walking side by side as they headed for Hagrid's Hut. It was warm out for a late February day and Ron had unpinned his clock and now held it draped over his arm. Various groups of people sat or walked about the grounds enjoying the good weather and a pick up game of Quidditch had mounted at the Quidditch pitch.
Harry leapt up the few steps leading to Hagrids door and knocked. He had a fleeting moment of déjà vu as he glanced at Ron standing behind him. He could remember so many trips of this sort to visit Hagrid during their days at Hogwarts. On nice days he and Ron would often escape the common room where Hermione would be glued to her books and visit Hagrid, crossing the beautiful green grounds casually cracking jokes and waving to friends as they passed them along the way. Life was never simple, but now life back them seemed like pure to bliss in comparison to now.
Hagrid answered and smiled broadly when he saw Ron and Harry. He gave them both spine cracking hugs and then offered them some tea, which they refused.
"Hagrid, will you be ready to do what I spoke of earlier when the time comes?" Harry asked leaving Ron confused.
"Of course 'Arry, you know me" he said with a grin pouring himself some tea and grabbing a hard biscuit he had made earlier that morning. Ron briefly wondered if Olympus could bear his food.
"Speaking of you wife, where if she Hagrid?" Ron asked only realizing a moment later that no one had said anything about her out loud.
Both Harry and Hagrid gave him confused looks before Hagrid responded that she was out taking a stroll.
"Oh" Ron nodded, his eyes looking down wards towards the floor as if thinking other thoughts. "We actually came to tell you there's going to be an Order meeting." He explained, regaining his momentarily lost wits. "You need to..."
He suddenly trailed off looking over towards the small oval window where Harry was standing. He has moved across the room with an unnerving silence yet again and Ron felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Harry was leaning against the window sill his posture carrying both grace and a sort of carefree attitude which seemed to both compliment and contrast one another.
"What is it Harry?" Ron asked, Hagrid only just realizing that Harry had moved.
"It's an owl" Harry replied in a low tone. "It's from the Ministry."
Chrome slung his backpack over his shoulder and took a quick glance around. Everything was packed, which didn't mount to much and he inhaled a satisfied breath before turning for the door. He opened the door and took a quick step out without looking back. He went down the hall and did not look back. He was at the doors which led out to the grounds and he reached out to open the door when he heard a voice cry out at him. He could feel the metal of the handle in his hand, his muscles ready to pull the door open and leave, but the voice beckoned him back and though he knew he shouldn't he obeyed its command.
"Chrome Granger, don't even think of stepping out that door."
Chrome turned reluctantly and faced an angry looking Ginny Weasley.
"Where in the bloody hell do you think your going?!" She yelled, her face a mixture of emotions. Chrome was suddenly very glad there was nobody else in sight to view the loud and obvious exchange.
"I'm leaving" he said plainly and turned once more, his brain screaming that if he didn't go he would regret it.
"Leaving?" She gasped, rapidly descending the stair case where she stood and running to his side. She grabbed his arm as if to prevent him from opening the door.
He refused to make eye contact with her. "Right- places to go, things to do. It's been lovely knowing you, despite your fiery temper you really are a charmer. Good bye."
Ginny didn't know what to say. He had fooled her... all of them into thinking that he gave two damns about everything happening. It was Dean all over again. Yet she didn't know why she should care. Perhaps she had come to consider him a friend. He had been a bit of consolation despite his rough and impersonal ways... even that small bit of consolation she did not want to forfeit. All she could choke out was a teary, "why?"
He felt guilty and cursed Hermione, Dumbledore, Ginny and all the rest for forcing this new burden of guilt into his life.
"I can't tell you" he responded, meeting her eyes for the first time.
"Can't or won't?" She asked angrily.
"I don't know" he responded in his monotone voice.
"Does, does Hermione even know?"
"No" he said shortly, the guilt jabbing at him again.
"No?" She let out a callous laugh at the absurdity of it all. "You told Ron but not Hermione? What the hell is going through your mind?"
"Nobody was meant to know" he said, his voice adopting an icy edge. "It slipped out when I was speaking with Ron this morning. I had hoped it would be a comfort to him."
"Your leaving would be a comfort to him?" She asked, her eyes and voice matching in their puzzled expression, a lone, cold tear fleeing from her eye.
"Yes in a manner of speaking. Enough, I have to go. Now." He stepped though the door pulling free of her grasp and closed the door firmly before him, emptying his mind and leaving for what would probably be forever.
Hermione was discussing the training plan with Minerva McGonagal when Ginny Weasley came crashing into the Order's meeting hall. Hermione took a quick glance at the younger girl's stricken, tear stained face and immediately excused herself. She led Ginny out into the hallway.
"What's happened?" Hermione asked, her heart racing with anticipation of the worst.
"Chrome's left" Ginny said, trying to regain her wits, not knowing what was wrong with her. Two events so close together had left her ill equipped to handle even the smallest thing at this point.
Hermione's brown eyes widened. "Oh gods... he's finally taken off. I suppose I had expected it to happen at one point or another. I thought he'd at least tell me." She felt dizzy for a moment. She backed against the wall and slid down it until she was sitting, feeling dazed.
"Why would Ron want him to go?" Ginny whispered to herself.
"What?" Hermione asked, not quite hearing her.
"It's nothing" Ginny blurted out.
They sat on the floor in silence for a moment, side by side and wrapped up in their own thoughts.
"I'm going to find him" Hermione suddenly blurted out, her voice strong and determined. She rose to her feet looking calm and collected. "And when I do he's going to regret ever having left."
The Order was finally settled about the large rectangular table. Muttering between members echoed throughout the hall as the candles flickered about in their own sort of rhythmic dance. The door opened and Harry entered the hall. Everyone went silent and gave him their attention, noting Ron who followed at his heel. Ron looked pale and frightened and Mrs. Weasley elbowed her husband muttering in his ear, "I do hope he's alright."
Harry on the other hand looked entirely expressionless, his face as unmoving as a marble sculpture. He stood where Dumbledore normally stood and cleared his voice noisily. He plummeted straight into the subject and did not allow for any of the pauses that Dumbledore typically offered until the end.
When he was seemingly done there was a long silence and Ron looked at him, expectation gleaming in his eyes. There was something else to be said yet Harry hesitated to mention it.
"I have been summoned" he faltered a moment, his brief respite attracting more attention than his words. "I have been summoned to the Ministry of Magic. They have gotten word that I am alive and a leader of this resistance movement and they wish for me to work as a commander in the EMA."
Angry cries filled the hall. Mrs. Weasley jumped to her feet instantly going red in the face.
"I wish I'd killed Dean Thomas the moment I'd met him!" Tonks screamed, ignorant of Ginny's squirming in her seat.
It took Harry some time to calm the protests. Once he'd regained everyone's attention he resumed. "Thereby I must leave for a short period of time. I hope to get the Ministry sorted out on these matters and be back quickly. In the meantime Hermione and Ron will assume my duties until Dumbledore had returned... which I expect should be soon. This meeting is concluded."
The Order erupted with noise. They couldn't believe Harry was really going. They would have grabbed him and tried to force him to see reason but he had exited the room immediately. The chaos was contained in the room, shouts and tears of frustration covering the dim echo of a closing door as Ginny, Ron and Hermione all slipped from the hall.
"I'll find him" Hermione said softly, her stride the quick walk of a commanding person. Ron nodded hesitantly and lightly took a hold of Ginny's arm, stopping her from walking any further. The two red heads watched as Hermione disappeared around the corner, the dying embers of the sun creating hazy patches of light to see her by.
Ron cleared his throat awkwardly. "I need a drink... something strong." He turned for the kitchens avoiding Ginny's gaze. He walked at a near run but could not seem to shake Ginny whom still followed him. He cast her little side glances from time to time knowing she had something on her mind to accuse him for. He could just sense it coming as he had grown to sense it from his mother.
Finally she spoke, her voice carrying a barely subdued edge of anger. "Ron, why would you want Chrome to leave?"
Ron was now entering the kitchen where he had a plan to stuff his mouth with food so he wouldn't have to fall prey to her answer hunting. Unfortunately for him he didn't get so far. Ginny grabbed his arm and spun him around to face her. He suddenly felt like a rabbit caught under the gave of a wolf. He froze up.
"Well?" She demanded impatiently.
"Don't blame his leaving on me Gin, I didn't tell him nor ask him to leave. He left on his own stubborn will."
"That wasn't my question Ron. I asked you why you wanted him to leave."
He bit his lip indecisively, averting his gave for a moment and then looking back again. "I'd come to think he fancied you" he stuttered.
Ginny felt her face grow red with anger, she was sick of the overprotective brother bit. "We were friends Ron!"
He had now turned and was accepting food from a house elf along with a bottle of fire whiskey. "Yes, you were, but I do think he loved you." When he turned back his eyes were sad and tired looking and they begged her to forgive and forget it all.
Ginny had no words for him. She looked a bit lost as if she didn't know where she was. "Oh damn" she muttered, and then she left.
Hermione had looked everywhere for Harry and was still unable to find him. She walked out onto the grounds in search of him. She faintly thought of searching down by the lake, knowing of its lure to the troubled at difficult times. As she approached the water edge she gazed across its silver surface, glittering in the light of a rising moon. She turned to face the moon and saw it sitting fat and full atop the castle, pierced by the black spires of its glorious towers. It was then that she finally saw him. It was merely his outline against the moon but she knew it was him at once. Who else would stand on the roof top?
Harry's black silhouette was unmoving and she quickly raced towards the school, pulling her robe closer about her to fight the cold wind. She located the staircase to which spiraled upwards towards the roof. She came out at a small oval room of a small tower and then stepped onto the roof. The wind tore at her and she suddenly felt disoriented as she took a glimpse down at the ground far beneath her. She had always hated heights. She swayed a bit and felt her heart stop. Yet then a warm hand reached out and steadied her.
"You shouldn't have followed me up here" Harry muttered softly in her ear from behind her.
She shivered but did not turn to look at him. "I'll follow you wherever you go Harry. I love you."
"I know" he whispered in her ear, his voice sounding both sad and sweet, two adjectives which summed him up in her mind. "I wish you wouldn't though."
"Wish I wouldn't what Harry, follow you or love you?"
"Both" he answered honestly.
"Do you really?" She said, expressionless.
He paused a moment and turned her in his arms so she could now face him. "In my selfish heart I do not wish that. Yet, in my mind I know I should."
"Don't you dare protect me Harry Potter" she said angrily, her eyes aflame. "I know the risks there are to knowing you never mind loving you but I'd live all those risks a thousand times over if I had to."
His eyes were still sad, but proud. He gave her a weak smile. "Let's get off this frigging roof then."
"Not until you say you won't leave" she begged, gripping his robes tightly.
"I have to go. You can't follow, but I will be back. I promise."
She remembered a promise like this before. A promise before he had died, a promise that he would always be with her. In truth he had kept his word, and she had to trust him once more.
((So there you have it. Stay tuned for action next chapter and the insane drama that has been that last five chapters or so comes to an end.... Somewhat, and we move onto the next half of this epic. This story is going to be pretty long. Hang in there.))
Gryffindor620: As you can tell, Dean was somewhat spared. I was very tempted to unleash the fury of Harry on him, but I decided that Harry beating Dean up might taint his good guy status somewhat. I hope you enjoyed the chapter nevertheless. Next chapter Harry does get to beat a few people up, so you definitely have that to look forward to.
Mabelmione: The action is coming to some degree in the next chapter, and as I turn onto the next half of the story, the entire thing will really make a turn from romance/drama to action/adventure. I'm certainly looking forward to it. Though, it's not like I'll end the drama/ romance entirely, it'll just have to take second chair as I wrap up this two story fic. I was thinking about extending it into a trilogy, but I don't really see any point to it. Thanks for reviewing as always.
PadfootProngs&Moony: I'm glad you love this fic so much, and I apologize greatly for the long waiting period for an update. As I said, I almost lost all that I've written, and had that happened I probably would have stopped writing this fic. Which may have been cruel, but I hate rewriting stuff. Anyhow, I think it's great that so many people are agreeable with the Chrome/Ginny thing (all though, as you can see it's in the midst of a little trouble presently). Anyhow, I hadn't been leaning that way until Siriuslyobsessed kind of suggested it to me, and I'm very glad she did. We'll just have to see how that all work out, even I don't know yet. Thanks for your awesome reviews as always.
Merlana: I'd definitely like to read your original story! I can't remember if I've emailed you yet.... My memory is absolutely horrendous. I almost lost my original story in the whole computer catastrophe, but it's been spared quite fortunately. As for the dream sequence in the last chapter, it's so cool that people liked it because I was afraid that it might be cliché or something. Writing dream sequences is an art some writers are very gifted in, and unfortunately I'm not one of those, so writing a fitting dream is always a great challenge. Thanks for your reviews.
TimidOne: Sorry if Harry is pissing you off, I tend to be a little heavy handed with the Harry angst at times. At least he's not storming around and yelling at his friends... yet. Just kidding, I'm glad you like the story and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well, though it was no more happy than the last, and Harry was still... uh... stormy. Hehe, I appreciated your review.
Devinj2000: Thank you for your support and compliment. And, that was indeed Chrome who hit Dean although I left it a little open ended. It was a joy to have Chrome give Dean the beat down. Thanks again.
John cruiz: Wow, the best story you ever read? That's an awesome compliment, thank you very much. I'm sorry the update took so long, my computer just had to crash on me at such a bad time. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, with any luck the next one will be better.
Samantha: Thanks for the review. It was Chrome who hit Dean, but as I told Devinj2000, I did leave it a little open ended, I suppose just for the sake of the reader's speculation. As for more H/Hr shipping, I'm not a very good romance writer I usually classify myself as being better at action and violence, but I think this chapter did lend a few decent Harry Hermione moments. At least... I hope it did.
Mrs-osborne's-class: A great, well rounded review as usual. I really do appreciate your feedback, I always look forward to hearing from you. Chapter ten may have been long in the coming, but I hope it was worthwhile. As I've said, the story is about to make a sort of transition within the next few chapters, and I have an actual plot in mind loaded with a number a twists and turns that I hope you will really enjoy and stay tuned for. Thanks again.
Leon: I know how frustrating it must have been that I didn't update at #75, but I had been planning to update long before that had my computer not been down. Anyhow, it was very frustrating to me not being able to post all my hard work as I had wanted to. At any rate, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
(((Alright, I didn't die... I'm back! Now for an explanation: my computer completely crashed, about 50 pages of this fic along with it. The other day we got it to work for just long enough to save "Ashes of the Phoenix" and a couple other things, and now it's back to malfunctioning again. Let's just say I fixed 56 viruses and it still isn't working. Oh joy. But now I'm back with chapter 10 and my thank-you messages are at the end. I hope you all enjoy this, and with any luck the next chapter will be coming very soon.)))
"Ae fond kiss, and then we sever!
A farewell, and then forever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.
Who shall say that Fortune grieves him,
While the star of hope she leaves him?
Me, nae cheerful twinkle lights me,
Dark despair around benights me."
-Robert Burns,
Harry arrived back at Hogwarts just as the sun was going down. He sent Arabella Figgs to look after the kids, she was the first one he could think of for the job. Strict but clever, and being a squib she couldn't be of much use in defending the castle... besides the fact that she was growing much older. Harry was surprised by what a toll six Hogwarts students had taken on him and he looked forward to getting some shut eye.
The hallways were crowed with people and he sought the shadows and back corridors to remained un noticed. For all his fatigue and depression he was happy about one thing: quite the force had showed up. It looked like they might have a fighting chance, but there was still much work to be done.
He sought out Hermione's room, though he was ready to pass out, he felt the need to make amends for their prior dispute. He leaned against the door letting it gradually creep open until he was inside. His initial observation was that it was very dark inside, but as he stepped inside he found that Hermione was indeed there and fully awake. She stood by her window, unmoving and it was as if she hadn't even heard him enter.
"Hermione?" He asked softly, hoping not to startle her too much. She jumped slightly and then turned to him. He could see that her face was tired and he feared that they would both age ten years before the end of the month. Her expression was worried and she ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck. Her caught her, surprised by her warm greeting and he suddenly noted that she was shaking slightly.
"Harry" she muttered against him. "Something has happened."
It was like a tidal wave repressed between the single oak door. Dean sat alone in the darkness, silently assured that he had made the right decision. That was before the door came crashing open.
If Harry Potter had seemed menacing before his supposed death he now seemed like a god with a hot temper, his all knowing eyes pointed at the suddenly scared Dean who nearly pissed his pants as the door smashed against the stone wall of he dorm.
The very vision of a man whom he had seen the coffin of was frightening enough but Harry was also different now... he had no glasses and he looked taller, stronger as well. Garbed in all black Harry looked more like the grim reaper than like any savior he'd ever known of at that very moment.
In Harry's eyes held a fiery intensity which bore into the back of Dean's skull making him feel sick and dizzy all of a sudden. Yet when his voice came it was even, cold, and so calm in unnerved Dean more than anything else.
"H-Harry..." he stuttered.
"I trusted you Thomas" Harry said in the frighteningly even voice, moving ever nearer Dean who's back was pressed against the wall, his cold sweat of fear soaking through his cotton tee shirt. "Remember when we used to be room mates here? It wasn't too long ago when you really think about it... I had hoped I could consider you a friend. For if not, what else may I call you but an enemy?" Harry took a quick, graceful stride over to the window where Dean had been sitting.
"I- I had to tell the minister Harry... I'm obligated...."
"Wrong" Harry snapped leaving no room for argument. "Arthur Weasley would be obligated, Percy Weasley would be obligated, Tonks would be obligated. Yet they are not. Why you may ask? Loyalty Dean. Perhaps the sorting hat mistook you for a Gryffindor. I think at heart you are a Slytherin."
"No, Harry, please believe me..."
"I'm through with believing and trusting you Dean. This is inexcusable." Suddenly Harry's eyes seemed to change. The fire instantly died and in its stead was blackness, black coldness. The eyes of a dead man. "I have killed before Dean. I could kill again. But I won't if only for Ginny's sake and for the memory of a friendship I was once blind enough to think existed. Leave Dean, go back to your precious ministry and never come back."
Dean was shaking violently now as rage, fear and desperation arose in him. A raw sound croaked from his throat, a rasp of speechlessness. "You forgave Percy Weasley, forgive me! Why not me Harry! Is that brown haired boy paying you off? I knew he'd go for Ginny..." gritting his teeth he punched the wall tearing the skin from his knuckles. With a loud cry he brought his fist to his mouth, sucking on his stinging wounds, looking like a helpless infant for a moment.
"You dug your own grave Thomas" Harry spat, refraining from the courtesy of using first names once more. The display was pitiful and with all else of life's pressures he didn't need a fussing baby.
"To hell with you Potter! I hope the dark lord gets you!" He squeaked angrily, lying in his blind fury. "I hope you know what it's like to loose everything as I have!"
Harry had begun to turn from the blubbering prat when he heard the words. They hit him like a frying pan to the face. He turned slowly, his muscles tense. "You know nothing about losing." He began to raise his hand with a trembling fury when he felt a gentle but commanding hand grasp the back of his robes.
"Oh, thank god, Hermione... talk some sense into him! He's gone mad!" Dean shouted.
"Fuck off Dean" Hermione spat. With a swish of her wand he was unconscious on the cold stone floor where once years ago he had sat with the very men he'd betrayed and talked of happier things.
Ginny was a mess of emotions. Things which had seemed concrete were no more and when she ran into Ron she broke down into a fit of sobs. Ron had guided her back to his room with brotherly kindness and as she cried he rubbed her back, asking no questions and posing only comfort.
A silver streak of moonlight fell across her pale, tear streaked face, her red hair spread about her and mixing in with the darkness of the bed covers.
Once her tears had subsided she drew in a shaky breathe. "Everything is wrong" she whispered and Ron said nothing. He had no words of comfort for in his weakening heart he knew she was right. Everything was wrong.
Harry didn't want to deal with anything else. He took a quick glimpse at Dean's unconscious form and then turned from the room clutching Hermione's hand in his own. He had no words for anyone he passed and only fluttered a hand vaguely in the direction of the room to suggest to a passing Order member that something ought to be done with the unconscious form of Dean Thomas.
Once in his room Harry closed the door behind him and leaned against it for a moment. With a weary sigh he sat on the edge of the bed and pulled the boot from his feet. Unbuttoning his shirt he tossed it way to he lay in only an under shirt and pants. He crawled slowly under the neatly pressed white sheets resting his pounding head against a soft white pillow. Hermione stood a moment, observing the contrast of his raven hair against the white pillow. She suddenly became aware of how young he still was... how young they all were. He looked so vulnerable and innocent as he lay stiffly beneath the sheets, his back turned to her. He was not a savior; he was a young man with too many burdens.
She crawled into the bed beside him resting an arm on his side whilst leaning her forehead against his back, observing every fragile, human breathe he took.
Ginny had long since fallen asleep in Ron's bed and now Ron was reading a Quidditch magazine by the healthy glow of a newly started fire.
Suddenly the door banged open causing Ron to jump and his heart to race.
"Have you seen my damned watch?" Chrome asked in a rather loud voice.
Ron frantically gestured for Chrome to shut up, pointing to Ginny asleep on the bed.
Chrome grimaced a little. "Sorry mate."
"Ever think to knock?" Ron asked snappishly but soon after realized Chrome wasn't paying any attention to a word from his mouth. He was focused on Ginny his face looking surprisingly sympathetic.
Ron rose to his feet and grabbed a hold of Chrome's arm and walking out of the room. He carefully closed the door and then turned to face Chrome.
"I haven't seen your watch."
Chrome seemed to snap out of some sort of trance and just nodded quickly and turned to go.
"Wait- Chrome..." Ron inhaled deeply, not quite sure what he even meant to say. "You... you can't have her."
Chrome merely nodded again his face not changing for a moment and then looking slightly sad. "I know" he confirmed and then resumed his way down the hall.
When Harry awoke in the morning he felt an overwhelming sense of dread about what the day had in store for him. The sun was just rising and he wanted to pull up the covers and snuggle beneath them until he could fall back into a comfortable, mind numbing sleep. He knew he couldn't however and so as he rolled to one side he found himself facing Hermione.
She was in her sleep yet even in sleep she looked worried. He kissed her lightly on the forehead not wanting to wake her but knowing he'd have to eventually. It pained his heart that she had to live through such times and he wondered if he'd been selfish to love her. He had died once already and he knew if he was to die again she wouldn't be able to bear it. Then was the fact that they could not have a normal relationship for a long time. He just hoped the burdens placed on them wouldn't tear them apart.
He forced himself to wake her up and watched as her eyes fluttered and slowly opened. "Let me sleep Harry" she whined, but she was half joking as she was already beginning to sit up. She had been dreaming of fire and death and was glad to be awake. Although- being awake wasn't much better than her dreams.
Harry had immediately headed her off for the shower but was out shortly. When they were ready to go Harry stopped her from leaving for a moment. He looked down into her eyes and saw that know it all fire that was so stubborn and would never give up. He was glad she was on their side. He smiled at her for a moment. "I'm sorry" he simply stated.
She raised an eyebrow at him as though confused by his words.
"I just am" he muttered and then kissing her they turned to leave and face the day.
"You had my bloody watch the whole time!" Chrome shouted at Ron as he sat in the crowded Great Hall eating. The house elves must had worked themselves to near death judging by the amounts of food that had to be prepared for the masses of people in the hall. Various colors of robes and clothing made the hall a rainbow of humans. Their chatter was loud and excited and Chrome thought the place looked more like a vacation spot than the headquarters of the resistance force.
"What watch?" Ron asked through a mouthful of porridge.
"The watch on your damned wrist you prat" he growled as he sat down on the bench across from Ron, sitting between two young witches who were sending him appraising looks.
"Oh" Ron replied with a grin which looked suspiciously like a smirk. Taking it off he tossed it to Chrome who put it back on his wrist. He then began to fill his plate with food, suddenly feeling ravenous.
"How's Ginny?" Chrome asked in an off hand manner and the witches who had been unsuccessfully attempting to grab his attention turned away.
Ron cut his eyes up from his food to Chrome, casting him a dangerous glare that was meant to scare him off the subject.
"Oh drop it Ron, I know your protective and all but it's just a question. Besides, I'm leaving today. At least do me the courtesy of telling me that much."
"Leaving?" Ron asked with surprise.
Chrome just nodded and then tried to brush it aside. "So..." he beckoned "will you tell me?"
"She's tired and a bit heartbroken. She'll live." Ron responded, still curious about Chrome's whole leaving comment.
With a nod Chrome got to his feet and left the hall in his typical abrupt fashion.
It was noon when Ron Hermione and Harry found themselves having a conference in the Order's meeting hall. The three of them sat around the table looking small in comparison to the long, wide rectangle table.
"Okay, I called you here for a specific reason" Harry said, getting directly to the subject. "I need you two to work as commanders for this force. I know the whole Order will be in charge of different squads and so forth, but you need to do one up on that. Ron, I want you to take whoever you'll need and start working on defense strategies. Hermione, I need you to start rationing what foods and supplies we have. If we get barricaded in here we'll need lots of dried food and such to last the time out. Now, between the three of us... we need to devise some sort of training program. Most of these people are as ignorant of warfare as little children. They need to be ready for when the time comes. Ron, what do you think?"
Ron's expression was unusually focused on the subject and he spoke immediately. "We'll need a few forces trained for broom riding and aerial battle. We can take everyone who was ever really good at Quidditch for that and have Cho train them. We need people who have any skill in potions starting to make pain relieving potions and whatever else we'll need immediately. Snape can lead them. Than maybe McGonagal and a few others can train people in good fighting spells. Tonks can train them in dueling... anyone else in the Order can teach them battle tactics... I'm probably missing something."
Harry smiled. "I think you covered most of it. I have a few side plans in motion as we speak and so does Dumbledore. We'll need to get the wheels moving on all this as soon as possible. Summon an Order meeting for this afternoon." Harry felt slightly lighter. Ron had come up with some very good points and perhaps they would stand a fighting chance with such a training regiment.
After a scorching shower Ginny felt slightly better. She decided to visit her brother Charlie, as he had always been able to make her feel better. She knocked on the door to his room and she heard a rustle of noise before he finally opened the door. He smiled sympathetically when he saw her. His mother had told him what had happened and had been trying to find Ginny all morning. He couldn't help but feel as though it was a better thing for Ginny that Mrs. Weasley hadn't found her.
He opened the door to let her in. As she stepped in she gasped. The room was entirely empty except the furniture and in the center of the room were two suitcases. She swiveled around her mouth gaping with surprise. "Where... what... are you going someplace?"
He fidgeted a bit. He had told everyone else that morning but suddenly realized he had never told his little sister who was asleep at the time. "I'm going to Romania Ginny."
"What?! Why Charlie? Are you mad?"
He grinned a little thinking she reminded him of a cross between Ron and the twins at times. She had the twin's mischievous and Ron's honesty. "I'm recruiting dragon trainers and dragons to bring to Hogwarts for the battle. We'll need as much help as we can and as I'm sure you recall from the village attack, they have dragons of their own. They'll light our brooms aflame and make any aerial attack we had planned into a joke if we don't have dragons of our own."
Ginny nodded in understanding but looked sad still. "I'll miss you" she said.
He hugged her feeling guilty though he knew his cause for leaving was just. "It'll be alright Ginny. As you well know I'm not the only one leaving anyways. There's a few others Harry and Dumbledore have sent out on tasks."
"Why would I know that?" Ginny asked, confused.
Charlie looked equally baffled. "Well, your friend Chrome's leaving isn't he? I'm not really sure why, but Ron told me that just an hour ago."
Ginny's jaw dropped and she ran from the room.
The castle was bustling with activity as Ron summoned the Order members. He and Harry were outside walking side by side as they headed for Hagrid's Hut. It was warm out for a late February day and Ron had unpinned his clock and now held it draped over his arm. Various groups of people sat or walked about the grounds enjoying the good weather and a pick up game of Quidditch had mounted at the Quidditch pitch.
Harry leapt up the few steps leading to Hagrids door and knocked. He had a fleeting moment of déjà vu as he glanced at Ron standing behind him. He could remember so many trips of this sort to visit Hagrid during their days at Hogwarts. On nice days he and Ron would often escape the common room where Hermione would be glued to her books and visit Hagrid, crossing the beautiful green grounds casually cracking jokes and waving to friends as they passed them along the way. Life was never simple, but now life back them seemed like pure to bliss in comparison to now.
Hagrid answered and smiled broadly when he saw Ron and Harry. He gave them both spine cracking hugs and then offered them some tea, which they refused.
"Hagrid, will you be ready to do what I spoke of earlier when the time comes?" Harry asked leaving Ron confused.
"Of course 'Arry, you know me" he said with a grin pouring himself some tea and grabbing a hard biscuit he had made earlier that morning. Ron briefly wondered if Olympus could bear his food.
"Speaking of you wife, where if she Hagrid?" Ron asked only realizing a moment later that no one had said anything about her out loud.
Both Harry and Hagrid gave him confused looks before Hagrid responded that she was out taking a stroll.
"Oh" Ron nodded, his eyes looking down wards towards the floor as if thinking other thoughts. "We actually came to tell you there's going to be an Order meeting." He explained, regaining his momentarily lost wits. "You need to..."
He suddenly trailed off looking over towards the small oval window where Harry was standing. He has moved across the room with an unnerving silence yet again and Ron felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Harry was leaning against the window sill his posture carrying both grace and a sort of carefree attitude which seemed to both compliment and contrast one another.
"What is it Harry?" Ron asked, Hagrid only just realizing that Harry had moved.
"It's an owl" Harry replied in a low tone. "It's from the Ministry."
Chrome slung his backpack over his shoulder and took a quick glance around. Everything was packed, which didn't mount to much and he inhaled a satisfied breath before turning for the door. He opened the door and took a quick step out without looking back. He went down the hall and did not look back. He was at the doors which led out to the grounds and he reached out to open the door when he heard a voice cry out at him. He could feel the metal of the handle in his hand, his muscles ready to pull the door open and leave, but the voice beckoned him back and though he knew he shouldn't he obeyed its command.
"Chrome Granger, don't even think of stepping out that door."
Chrome turned reluctantly and faced an angry looking Ginny Weasley.
"Where in the bloody hell do you think your going?!" She yelled, her face a mixture of emotions. Chrome was suddenly very glad there was nobody else in sight to view the loud and obvious exchange.
"I'm leaving" he said plainly and turned once more, his brain screaming that if he didn't go he would regret it.
"Leaving?" She gasped, rapidly descending the stair case where she stood and running to his side. She grabbed his arm as if to prevent him from opening the door.
He refused to make eye contact with her. "Right- places to go, things to do. It's been lovely knowing you, despite your fiery temper you really are a charmer. Good bye."
Ginny didn't know what to say. He had fooled her... all of them into thinking that he gave two damns about everything happening. It was Dean all over again. Yet she didn't know why she should care. Perhaps she had come to consider him a friend. He had been a bit of consolation despite his rough and impersonal ways... even that small bit of consolation she did not want to forfeit. All she could choke out was a teary, "why?"
He felt guilty and cursed Hermione, Dumbledore, Ginny and all the rest for forcing this new burden of guilt into his life.
"I can't tell you" he responded, meeting her eyes for the first time.
"Can't or won't?" She asked angrily.
"I don't know" he responded in his monotone voice.
"Does, does Hermione even know?"
"No" he said shortly, the guilt jabbing at him again.
"No?" She let out a callous laugh at the absurdity of it all. "You told Ron but not Hermione? What the hell is going through your mind?"
"Nobody was meant to know" he said, his voice adopting an icy edge. "It slipped out when I was speaking with Ron this morning. I had hoped it would be a comfort to him."
"Your leaving would be a comfort to him?" She asked, her eyes and voice matching in their puzzled expression, a lone, cold tear fleeing from her eye.
"Yes in a manner of speaking. Enough, I have to go. Now." He stepped though the door pulling free of her grasp and closed the door firmly before him, emptying his mind and leaving for what would probably be forever.
Hermione was discussing the training plan with Minerva McGonagal when Ginny Weasley came crashing into the Order's meeting hall. Hermione took a quick glance at the younger girl's stricken, tear stained face and immediately excused herself. She led Ginny out into the hallway.
"What's happened?" Hermione asked, her heart racing with anticipation of the worst.
"Chrome's left" Ginny said, trying to regain her wits, not knowing what was wrong with her. Two events so close together had left her ill equipped to handle even the smallest thing at this point.
Hermione's brown eyes widened. "Oh gods... he's finally taken off. I suppose I had expected it to happen at one point or another. I thought he'd at least tell me." She felt dizzy for a moment. She backed against the wall and slid down it until she was sitting, feeling dazed.
"Why would Ron want him to go?" Ginny whispered to herself.
"What?" Hermione asked, not quite hearing her.
"It's nothing" Ginny blurted out.
They sat on the floor in silence for a moment, side by side and wrapped up in their own thoughts.
"I'm going to find him" Hermione suddenly blurted out, her voice strong and determined. She rose to her feet looking calm and collected. "And when I do he's going to regret ever having left."
The Order was finally settled about the large rectangular table. Muttering between members echoed throughout the hall as the candles flickered about in their own sort of rhythmic dance. The door opened and Harry entered the hall. Everyone went silent and gave him their attention, noting Ron who followed at his heel. Ron looked pale and frightened and Mrs. Weasley elbowed her husband muttering in his ear, "I do hope he's alright."
Harry on the other hand looked entirely expressionless, his face as unmoving as a marble sculpture. He stood where Dumbledore normally stood and cleared his voice noisily. He plummeted straight into the subject and did not allow for any of the pauses that Dumbledore typically offered until the end.
When he was seemingly done there was a long silence and Ron looked at him, expectation gleaming in his eyes. There was something else to be said yet Harry hesitated to mention it.
"I have been summoned" he faltered a moment, his brief respite attracting more attention than his words. "I have been summoned to the Ministry of Magic. They have gotten word that I am alive and a leader of this resistance movement and they wish for me to work as a commander in the EMA."
Angry cries filled the hall. Mrs. Weasley jumped to her feet instantly going red in the face.
"I wish I'd killed Dean Thomas the moment I'd met him!" Tonks screamed, ignorant of Ginny's squirming in her seat.
It took Harry some time to calm the protests. Once he'd regained everyone's attention he resumed. "Thereby I must leave for a short period of time. I hope to get the Ministry sorted out on these matters and be back quickly. In the meantime Hermione and Ron will assume my duties until Dumbledore had returned... which I expect should be soon. This meeting is concluded."
The Order erupted with noise. They couldn't believe Harry was really going. They would have grabbed him and tried to force him to see reason but he had exited the room immediately. The chaos was contained in the room, shouts and tears of frustration covering the dim echo of a closing door as Ginny, Ron and Hermione all slipped from the hall.
"I'll find him" Hermione said softly, her stride the quick walk of a commanding person. Ron nodded hesitantly and lightly took a hold of Ginny's arm, stopping her from walking any further. The two red heads watched as Hermione disappeared around the corner, the dying embers of the sun creating hazy patches of light to see her by.
Ron cleared his throat awkwardly. "I need a drink... something strong." He turned for the kitchens avoiding Ginny's gaze. He walked at a near run but could not seem to shake Ginny whom still followed him. He cast her little side glances from time to time knowing she had something on her mind to accuse him for. He could just sense it coming as he had grown to sense it from his mother.
Finally she spoke, her voice carrying a barely subdued edge of anger. "Ron, why would you want Chrome to leave?"
Ron was now entering the kitchen where he had a plan to stuff his mouth with food so he wouldn't have to fall prey to her answer hunting. Unfortunately for him he didn't get so far. Ginny grabbed his arm and spun him around to face her. He suddenly felt like a rabbit caught under the gave of a wolf. He froze up.
"Well?" She demanded impatiently.
"Don't blame his leaving on me Gin, I didn't tell him nor ask him to leave. He left on his own stubborn will."
"That wasn't my question Ron. I asked you why you wanted him to leave."
He bit his lip indecisively, averting his gave for a moment and then looking back again. "I'd come to think he fancied you" he stuttered.
Ginny felt her face grow red with anger, she was sick of the overprotective brother bit. "We were friends Ron!"
He had now turned and was accepting food from a house elf along with a bottle of fire whiskey. "Yes, you were, but I do think he loved you." When he turned back his eyes were sad and tired looking and they begged her to forgive and forget it all.
Ginny had no words for him. She looked a bit lost as if she didn't know where she was. "Oh damn" she muttered, and then she left.
Hermione had looked everywhere for Harry and was still unable to find him. She walked out onto the grounds in search of him. She faintly thought of searching down by the lake, knowing of its lure to the troubled at difficult times. As she approached the water edge she gazed across its silver surface, glittering in the light of a rising moon. She turned to face the moon and saw it sitting fat and full atop the castle, pierced by the black spires of its glorious towers. It was then that she finally saw him. It was merely his outline against the moon but she knew it was him at once. Who else would stand on the roof top?
Harry's black silhouette was unmoving and she quickly raced towards the school, pulling her robe closer about her to fight the cold wind. She located the staircase to which spiraled upwards towards the roof. She came out at a small oval room of a small tower and then stepped onto the roof. The wind tore at her and she suddenly felt disoriented as she took a glimpse down at the ground far beneath her. She had always hated heights. She swayed a bit and felt her heart stop. Yet then a warm hand reached out and steadied her.
"You shouldn't have followed me up here" Harry muttered softly in her ear from behind her.
She shivered but did not turn to look at him. "I'll follow you wherever you go Harry. I love you."
"I know" he whispered in her ear, his voice sounding both sad and sweet, two adjectives which summed him up in her mind. "I wish you wouldn't though."
"Wish I wouldn't what Harry, follow you or love you?"
"Both" he answered honestly.
"Do you really?" She said, expressionless.
He paused a moment and turned her in his arms so she could now face him. "In my selfish heart I do not wish that. Yet, in my mind I know I should."
"Don't you dare protect me Harry Potter" she said angrily, her eyes aflame. "I know the risks there are to knowing you never mind loving you but I'd live all those risks a thousand times over if I had to."
His eyes were still sad, but proud. He gave her a weak smile. "Let's get off this frigging roof then."
"Not until you say you won't leave" she begged, gripping his robes tightly.
"I have to go. You can't follow, but I will be back. I promise."
She remembered a promise like this before. A promise before he had died, a promise that he would always be with her. In truth he had kept his word, and she had to trust him once more.
((So there you have it. Stay tuned for action next chapter and the insane drama that has been that last five chapters or so comes to an end.... Somewhat, and we move onto the next half of this epic. This story is going to be pretty long. Hang in there.))
Gryffindor620: As you can tell, Dean was somewhat spared. I was very tempted to unleash the fury of Harry on him, but I decided that Harry beating Dean up might taint his good guy status somewhat. I hope you enjoyed the chapter nevertheless. Next chapter Harry does get to beat a few people up, so you definitely have that to look forward to.
Mabelmione: The action is coming to some degree in the next chapter, and as I turn onto the next half of the story, the entire thing will really make a turn from romance/drama to action/adventure. I'm certainly looking forward to it. Though, it's not like I'll end the drama/ romance entirely, it'll just have to take second chair as I wrap up this two story fic. I was thinking about extending it into a trilogy, but I don't really see any point to it. Thanks for reviewing as always.
PadfootProngs&Moony: I'm glad you love this fic so much, and I apologize greatly for the long waiting period for an update. As I said, I almost lost all that I've written, and had that happened I probably would have stopped writing this fic. Which may have been cruel, but I hate rewriting stuff. Anyhow, I think it's great that so many people are agreeable with the Chrome/Ginny thing (all though, as you can see it's in the midst of a little trouble presently). Anyhow, I hadn't been leaning that way until Siriuslyobsessed kind of suggested it to me, and I'm very glad she did. We'll just have to see how that all work out, even I don't know yet. Thanks for your awesome reviews as always.
Merlana: I'd definitely like to read your original story! I can't remember if I've emailed you yet.... My memory is absolutely horrendous. I almost lost my original story in the whole computer catastrophe, but it's been spared quite fortunately. As for the dream sequence in the last chapter, it's so cool that people liked it because I was afraid that it might be cliché or something. Writing dream sequences is an art some writers are very gifted in, and unfortunately I'm not one of those, so writing a fitting dream is always a great challenge. Thanks for your reviews.
TimidOne: Sorry if Harry is pissing you off, I tend to be a little heavy handed with the Harry angst at times. At least he's not storming around and yelling at his friends... yet. Just kidding, I'm glad you like the story and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well, though it was no more happy than the last, and Harry was still... uh... stormy. Hehe, I appreciated your review.
Devinj2000: Thank you for your support and compliment. And, that was indeed Chrome who hit Dean although I left it a little open ended. It was a joy to have Chrome give Dean the beat down. Thanks again.
John cruiz: Wow, the best story you ever read? That's an awesome compliment, thank you very much. I'm sorry the update took so long, my computer just had to crash on me at such a bad time. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, with any luck the next one will be better.
Samantha: Thanks for the review. It was Chrome who hit Dean, but as I told Devinj2000, I did leave it a little open ended, I suppose just for the sake of the reader's speculation. As for more H/Hr shipping, I'm not a very good romance writer I usually classify myself as being better at action and violence, but I think this chapter did lend a few decent Harry Hermione moments. At least... I hope it did.
Mrs-osborne's-class: A great, well rounded review as usual. I really do appreciate your feedback, I always look forward to hearing from you. Chapter ten may have been long in the coming, but I hope it was worthwhile. As I've said, the story is about to make a sort of transition within the next few chapters, and I have an actual plot in mind loaded with a number a twists and turns that I hope you will really enjoy and stay tuned for. Thanks again.
Leon: I know how frustrating it must have been that I didn't update at #75, but I had been planning to update long before that had my computer not been down. Anyhow, it was very frustrating to me not being able to post all my hard work as I had wanted to. At any rate, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!