Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe is NOT mine! It all belongs to JK Rowling, and whoever she deemed worthy of owning a piece of it.
"What?" Harry, Ron, Neville and the twins cried. Hermione was noticeably silent, in fact she hadn't even moved.
"What do you mean she's lost the ability to wield magic?" Harry asked, his expression torn between anger and helplessness.
"The only think I have surmised is that Ms. Granger's magic reacted to the weakened Killing Curse by 'sacrificing', for the lack of a better term, itself to protect Ms. Granger," Dumbledore said. "From Pomfrey's readings, your magical core has been depleted to nearly non-existent levels and is showing no signs of refilling. I am so sorry my dear."
Hermione's head hung limply as the news sunk in. She barely registered Harry's arms pulling her into an embrace, as she buried her face into Harry's chest and sobbed. Harry could only hold the witch he loved and slowly rub her back as Hermione sobbed her heart and soul out. What does one say when one's whole world had been pulled out from under them.
"I will have the house elves gather your belongings Ms. Granger," Dumbledore said.
"What?" Harry shouted. "What are you trying to do?"
"With Ms. Granger's condition, she is no longer able to attend Hogwarts," Dumbledore said, his lined face etched with regret.
"But…" Hermione stammered.
"I am truly sorry Ms. Granger," Dumbledore said. "Should your condition prove to be temporary, you will be allowed to reenroll."
"When do I have to leave?" Hermione asked, her voice still muffled in Harry's chest.
"When Madam Pomfrey proclaims you fit," Dumbledore said. "Professor McGonagall will escort you home."
"If Hermione leaves, then I do," Harry declared, his face thunderous.
"Harry, no you can't throw away your education," Hermione said. "If you leave now, then you'll be giving up your entire life."
"You are my entire life Hermione," Harry said with conviction.
Hermione blushed heavily, the others in the Hospital Wing felt uncomfortable as if they were intruding on something quite important. "May we have a moment?" Hermione asked. Ron, Neville and the twins nodded and began to back away. McGonagall and Pomfrey had to nearly drag Dumbledore away from the bed. "Harry, would you…"
With a flick of his wand, Harry erected an anti-eavesdropping ward.
"Thank you," Hermione said. "Look Harry, I know that you don't want me to leave but I can't stay here. You've seen what Filch is like, spending all his time surrounded by a world that he is unable to fully be a part of. Look at how he turned out, I don't want to turn out bitter and angry like him."
"It won't Hermione," Harry said. "There's no way you have lost your magic, Dumbledore is lying! He has to be."
"I don't think he is Harry," Hermione said. "And do you think that McGonagall and Pomfrey are lying too?"
"Hermione, they can't be right," said Harry, his eyes pleading. "You are the brightest witch of this, and any, generation. You can't have lost your magic."
"Give me your wand then," Hermione said. "We'll see if I can cast with it."
Harry reluctantly handed over his wand to Hermione. She frowned when she didn't feel the normal rush of warmth that usually came when she picked up either her wand or Harry's.
"Lumos!" Hermione invoked but nothing happened. She looked up at Harry, who looked absolutely wretched. She knew that she would have to be the strong one. "Harry, you have to let me go. I can't stay here."
Harry took a deep bracing breath before he looked up into Hermione's cinnamon eyes. "I know, I know," he said, voice cracking. "But I don't want too Hermione. If it wasn't for you Hermione, I don't think, no I know that I wouldn't have gotten through first year. You are the only reason I'm alive and I can't live without you."
Tears were glistening in Hermione's eyes. "It isn't fair," she sobbed, her hands coming up to cover her face as the tears began to spill. Harry gathered her in his arms as she once more succumbed to sobs. Soon his own tears joined Hermione's, spilling out to fall on the top of her head, as Harry rubbed her back jerkily.
"We'll get through this, there has to be a way to get your magic back," Harry said, his eyes red-rimmed and puffy, though not as inflamed as Hermione's. "I'm sure that you can find a way."
"Harry, I don't think there is a way," Hermione whimpered. "I am sure that the wizarding world's brightest minds have tried to figure it out for years…"
"But they don't have your mind Hermione," Harry said. "I know that you will find the answer, who knows, perhaps you just have a really bad case of magical exhaustion?"
"But what if I don't Harry," Hermione pointed out. "We need to be prepared for the worst, and this could be it."
"I refuse to believe that you've lost your magic Hermione," Harry said sharply. "I don't care what Pomfrey or Dumbledore say, you will be able to use magic again."
"But until I can, I will only be a distraction to you and the others," Hermione said. "Let me go home, this way I can spend some time with my parents and also check how the Muggle world is reacting toward the war."
"But what if someone comes after you?" Harry asked. "Without magic, how will you be able to defend yourself and your parents."
"We'll just have to keep my being awake a secret, only a few people know that I'm here," Hermione said.
"But Hermione, Voldemort and his goons know that you have left St. Mungo's," Harry said. "They could still come after you."
"But they don't know I'm awake, like I said, the best way for me to stay safe is for no one to know that I've recovered, to an extent," Hermione countered. "And you know that Neville, Ron and the others won't tell anyone, and I'm sure that Dumbledore, McGonagall and Pomfrey won't tell anyone if we tell them not too."
"I don't trust Dumbledore to keep you safe," Harry said. "You know that he will do whatever it takes to beat Voldemort, even if it means sacrificing anyone. And I mean anyone."
"I know Harry," Hermione said.
"I want you to have a mirror on you at all times, and an emergency Portkey as well," Harry said. "Sirius can make one for you and your parents."
"I'm not sure if the mirror will work for me if I don't have magic," Hermione said. "But, ask Sirius about those Portkeys."
"Of course," Harry said. "I'll call him on the mirror tonight."
Hermione nodded as she buried her face in Harry's robes once more.
"Miss Granger," the Headmaster's voice called out from the far end of the Wing. "Professor McGonagall has retrieved your belongings from Gryffindor Tower and is waiting for you in her office. If you are ready?"
"Thank you Headmaster," Hermione said with a sharp tone.
"I am truly sorry to be losing such a brilliant student Miss Granger," Dumbledore said with sorrow etched on his lined face. "I am sure that Harry will not rest until he finds the answer to your dilemma."
"Thank you Headmaster," Hermione repeated. Turning to Harry, "Can you give me a moment to get dressed?"
"Of course," Harry said. He slid off the bed and walked to the other end of the ward. Dumbledore walked alongside Harry but Harry didn't pay the elderly man any attention. Harry nodded to Ron, Neville and the twins when he reached the end of the ward.
"How are you doing Harry?" Neville asked.
"As well as I can be," Harry admitted. "But whatever I am feeling is nothing compared to Hermione. I can't possibly imagine what she is going through, and honestly some part of me is happy that I can't. But then I feel sick for doing so, how can I be happy when someone who I claim to love has just lost her magic?"
"It makes you human Harry," Neville said. "True, it is a part of being human that we have despise. I've always been a bit jealous of you Harry, regarding your parents."
"What do you mean?"
"Your parents are dead, you don't have to hold onto the miniscule hope that they could be returned to you," Neville said. "While my parents are alive, for the purposes that matter, they are dead. But they continue to linger on completely unaware of the outside world. My grandmum clings to the miniscule hope that somehow they can be cured, and some part of me does as well but a larger part of me wonders if it would not be better to just let them die, release them from their prison."
Harry nodded. "I'm sorry Neville, you are right," he said. "I should be happy that at least Hermione is alive."
"That I am Harry," Hermione said as she joined the group at the entrance of the Hospital Wing. "And I am going to be alive for a long time to come."
"I know," Harry said as he wrapped his arms around Hermione's waist one more time. Hermione buried her face in Harry's chest and breathed deeply, trying to keep from breaking down again.
"Ms. Granger, if you are ready?" Pomfrey asked. Hermione looked up at Harry, who pulled her into a searing kiss that left both breathless.
"I love you," Harry said.
"I know," Hermione answered, giving Harry a small grin.
She slipped from his arms and made her way to follow Pomfrey out of the wing. Harry still has his arms outstretched as if reaching to cling to Hermione. Hermione didn't look back, she couldn't, for she knew that if she did, neither of them would be able to let the other go and walk away.
"Be strong Harry," Dumbledore said. "You must be strong for Miss Granger and for yourself."
Harry nodded stiffly before sitting down on the nearest hospital bed. The Hospital Wing doors closed with an ominous thud and Harry slid from the bed and to his knees, his face buried in his hands. Ron and Neville each put a hand on Harry's shoulder as the raven-haired boy sobbed.
"I have had the House Elves send on your belongings Ms. Granger," McGonagall said. "Now, if you would hold onto this Portkey, we shall appear in your backyard. Your parents are home I presume?"
"Yes," Hermione said. "At least they should be."
"Very well," McGonagall said. "Activate!"
The office vanished in a swirl of pulsing blue light, and an instant later, Hermione and Professor McGonagall had landed in the backyard of the Grangers' upper-middle class home.
"Mum, dad!" Hermione called out as she approached the back door.
"Hermione!" Hermione heard her mother's voice call out. Julie Granger came running out of the house, followed closely by Alexander Granger. "What are you doing here pumpkin? You should be at school."
"Mrs. Granger, Mr. Granger, perhaps this conversation should be heard inside," McGonagall suggested.
"Of course, hello again Professor," Alexander said. "Please," he added, gesturing to the backdoor.
McGonagall followed the Grangers into their sitting room; it hadn't changed from her visit over five years ago. Once they had all been seated, McGonagall gave Hermione a look, as if asking who should to begin.
"Mum, daddy, the reason I'm home, and not at Hogwarts, is because there was an incident a couple weeks ago," Hermione began."
"If this incident happened weeks ago, why are we only hearing about it now?" growled Alexander, a frown etched on his face.
"If you will let me explain, you will find out," Hermione snapped. She then launched into a brief history of the war, and how Harry was stuck in the middle on it, through no choice of his own.
"What in God's name were you thinking Hermione?" Alexander shouted. "Getting involved with this boy, you have to see that he's dangerous!"
"It's not his fault!" Hermione cried. "Harry doesn't go looking for trouble, these things, they just seem to fall into his lap."
"I don't care Hermione," Alexander snapped. "You are our daughter, we are the ones who are supposed to be looking out for you. Every year it seems that this Harry boy drags you into these dangerous situations."
"Harry does not drag me into danger!" Hermione shouted. "He is my best friend, and I followed Harry of my own free will. It was the right thing to do."
"Hermione dear, we know that Harry holds a special place in your heart but you must realize that he is constantly in danger," Julie said. "We want what is best for you. If you hadn't told us that you had to stay in school until the end of your fifth year, we would have pulled you out after second year."
"Well, that won't be a problem anymore," Hermione whispered, hanging her head.
"What do you mean?" Alexander asked sharply.
"Six weeks ago, there was an attack by some escaped prisoners on the village," Hermione said. "I got hurt dueling a very evil witch, and somehow I lost my magic."
"What?" Alexander and Julie cried.
McGonagall took up the tale from there, leaving out only the severity of which Hermione was hurt. However instead of being proud of their daughter for standing up and fighting for what was right, they began screaming.
"I knew it! I knew we should have thrown you out on your ear when you bamboozled us into letting Hermione go to that madhouse you call a school," Alexander roared.
"Dad!" Hermione cried.
"Be quiet Hermione, you have proven that you obviously don't trust us," Julie said.
"If I had told you, you would have pulled me from Hogwarts, from where I belong!" Hermione argued.
"As we should have," Alexander shouted. "Look at what has almost happened to you. You have nearly been killed how many times since you went to Hogwarts? How many Hermione?"
"Five times," she whispered. "But that could have…"
"We don't want to hear it young lady," Julie snapped, glaring at her daughter. "Now you said that you've lost your magic, is that true?"
"Yes."
"Then you are staying home, and Professor, we are withdrawing our daughter from your 'school'," Alexander said. "And we wish to never be contacted by anyone from your world ever again."
"You can't do that!" Hermione screamed. "What about my friends, what about Harry?"
"Silence young lady," Alexander roared. "We are your parents, and this is not your decision to make. That boy has nearly gotten you killed a half-dozen times, and you still defend him. You are our daughter and you will do as you are told." He turned to McGonagall. "Thank you Professor for bring Hermione home but I believe it is time for you to leave."
McGonagall nodded stiffly. "That is your decision, and while Hermione will be greatly missed, I understand that you want what is best for your daughter. Good day Mr., Mrs. Granger, Hermione. I wish you all the luck in the future."
Hermione could only nod as she rose to her feet and rushed out of the room, tears streaming down her cheeks as her parents escorted McGonagall out of the house.
"Hermione honey, can I come in?" Julie asked, gently knocking on her daughter's closed door.
"Go away!" Hermione screamed. "I hate you! I hate you both! How could you do this to me? I am a witch, I was born a witch, and I shall die a witch!"
"You told us that you've lost your magic," Alexander called out. "So you are just like us…normal."
The air in the Granger household seemed to vanish as Hermione threw open her door. She looked a fright, hair flying wildly and her eyes flashing.
"Normal!" Hermione hissed. "You think you are normal! How normal is it to leave your child with nannies all the time! Is it normal to barely have time for your only child, rather spending all your time at work or at those stupid functions? How about not letting me spend time with kids my own age, always having me study? And now when I finally make some friends, you take it all away from me!"
"Hermione, we are trying to protect you," Julie cried. "You are our only child, and you have been nearly killed a half-dozen times while at that school."
"Your mother is right young lady," Alexander said. "While you live under this roof you will follow our rules."
"Fine then, I'll leave," Hermione shouted.
"Oh I'm afraid that won't be possible," a voice said from behind the Grangers.
"You!" Hermione hissed.
"Indeed Ms. Granger," the voice said with a sickeningly amused tone. "Now I am afraid that none of you shall remember my visit, in fact you won't remember much of anything. Obliviate!"
===============================================Scene Break===================================================
The rest of March passed by quickly for the inhabitants of Hogwarts. Harry tried to contact Hermione but nothing seemed to work. Even Dobby or Winky were unable to find Hermione. Slowly, desperation began to sink into Harry's being, as he couldn't find Hermione. He began to skip classes, spending all his time hidden away in the Room of Requirement, searching for ways of finding Hermione, and giving her, her magic back.
Ron, Neville and the others took over the Shadow Battalion's training as Harry began to even skip meetings.
"Harry, you need to take a break," Ron said as he, Neville, the twins and Ginny cornered Harry one night.
"I can't, I need to find her," Harry muttered as he poured over the mass of books in front of him.
"Harry, you will burn yourself out if you keep going at this pace," Neville said.
"And you won't be any use to anyone if you burn yourself out, especially Hermione."
"You guys don't understand, something has happened to her I can feel it," Harry said, his eyes looking wild and with a crazed intensity in them. "Dobby and Winky can't find her, she hasn't answered any of my mirror calls and Hedwig can't find her. She's missing and I will find her."
Neville blinked and looked to Ron, who also looked stunned. "Why didn't you tell us Harry? We can help."
"You guys have enough to deal with without this," Harry said.
"Bollocks to that Harry," Ron snapped. "Hermione is our friend too, you don't have to do everything by yourself. Now when was the last time you heard from Hermione?"
"The last day she was in the castle," Harry admitted. "Sirius told me that by the time he had gotten permission from the Ministry to give the Grangers emergency Portkeys, the Grangers had up and left Knightsbridge, sold their home and practice. Their neighbors were told that they were leaving the country."
"Well, is that why you can't get ahold of Hermione?" Ginny asked. "Maybe they are still moving?"
"No, even if they were still moving, Dobby or Winky would be able to track them," Neville said. "House elf magic is a very powerful force when their master or mistress wants it. And they can go through nearly any kind of ward."
"So it stands to reason that Hermione is being hidden behind a set of very powerful wards or…" Fred trailed off as the other possibility popped into their heads.
"No, Hermione is not dead!" Harry said. "I can tell, I can feel it."
"We believe you Harry, but who would stand to gain if Hermione was taken?" Neville asked.
"Voldemort," Ron, Ginny and the twins said instantly.
"Dumbledore," Harry said.
"So what are we going to do?" Ginny asked.
"You will all continue on as if nothing is wrong," Harry said. "I will have Dobby and Winky keep searching while I am researching a way to give Hermione her magic back."
"Do you really think you'll be able to get Hermione's magic back?" Ron asked.
"More importantly, what would be the cost of such a thing?" Neville added.
"If that is what it takes, I will do it," Harry said. The others could see how determined Harry was; only Hermione would have had a chance of dissuading Harry now.
"We're with you Harry," Ron said.
"Of course mate," Fred said.
"You find your damsel and we will handle the training," George said.
"Harry, you are not alone," Ginny said. "We are here for you."
"Ginny's right," Neville finished. "Voldemort has his followers, Dumbledore has his, and you have us."
=============================================Scene Break=====================================================
"Mr. Potter, would you mind staying behind for a moment?" Remus asked. Harry looked back at Lupin. Harry nodded and gestured for the others to head out of the classroom.
"Yes Professor?" Harry asked when the last student had left the room.
"This isn't a school matter Harry," Remus said. "This is a Lord Potter matter."
"Ok," Harry said. "Has there been any word on Her…I mean, the Grangers?" he asked, trying to keep his voice level. Remus' face fell.
"No," he said. "Sirius' contacts in the Muggle Ministry say that the Grangers haven't left the country, even if their neighbors said that they were going too. So we know that they are somewhere in the country."
"Ok so what does the Ministry want?" Harry asked.
"It's the not Ministry as much as it is Amelia," Remus said. "She wants to talk to you, alone."
"About what?"
"I don't know, she's keeping this very close to the vest," Remus said.
"When does she want to meet?" Harry asked.
"As soon as possible."
"Tell Sirius that I could meet with her Friday after classes."
"I'll relay the message, and don't worry Harry, if you were in trouble, Amelia would have moved much earlier."
Harry nodded. "Is that all?" he asked.
"It is Mr. Potter, have a good day."
"Professor."
==============================================Scene Break====================================================
"Welcome Lord Potter," Amelia said as Tonks and Shacklebolt escorted Harry into her office.
"Minister," Harry nodded.
"Please have a seat, I am sure you have questions on why I have asked you here," Bones said, gesturing to the chair in front of her desk.
"Some."
"Lord Potter, there have been rumblings that You-Know-Who has singled you out in this war," Amelia said without preamble. "Your history with the man does lend credence to this theory; You-Know-Who attacking your family in 1981, your years at Hogwarts and some testimony from captured Death Eaters."
"Ask your questions Minister," Harry said shortly. "I don't like people who don't come right out say what they want."
"Very well Minister," Bones said with a small grin. "Is You-Know-Who specifically targeting you?"
"Call him Voldemort Minister," Harry said. "How do you expect to lead Magical Britain, if you can't even speak a made up moniker?"
Amelia frowned at the rebuke but nodded. "I will try Lord Potter but as you have probably heard, he put a spell over the island during the last war, alerting him to those who spoke his name. Now, does V-V-Voldemort have a specific interest in you?"
"Yes," Harry said.
"Why?"
"I am not sure aside from the fact that he failed to kill me when he killed my parents."
"I see," Amelia said. "I am sorry that I had to bring up a bad memory."
"I understand Minister, if that is all?"
"Just one more thing, what were you and Sirius Black doing at the Ministry earlier this month?
Harry blinked. "I'm afraid I don't know what you are talking about Minister, what my godfather does with his time is his business, and I know that if you speak with my friends, they will tell you that I haven't left the castle since February."
"I am sure that they will but I want your answer," Bones said with a glint in her eye.
"I fail to see what of this is any of your business, what I do with my free time is my own business, not yours Minister," Harry said with a slight edge to his voice. Bones blinked but nodded.
"Very well Lord Potter, my apologies," she said.
"Was there anything else you wished to discuss?"
"No, though I do want to warn you that displays of such powerful magic is not the best way to keep a low profile," Bones said.
"I assume that you are talking about my extermination of the Dementors several weeks ago."
"Indeed, now there are some within the Ministry who want to charge you with destruction of Ministry property, as well as the use of a dangerous Dark magic spell," Amelia said. "I am not one of them, I wish to thank you for ridding my Ministry a controversial decision. Some believed that when the current crisis is concluded, that the Dementors should be reinstated as the guards of Azkaban. I most certainly disagree with that decision."
"Thank you, I think," Harry said. "Though I will say that me using the Fiendfyre spell fell under the category of using familial magic."
"I'm sorry?"
"The Fiendfyre spell was created by the Black family several centuries ago, and I am a member of that family," Harry said. "My grandmother was a Black, so unless they want to ban the using of familial magic across the board, they will have to be silent."
Amelia nodded, an appraising glint in her eye as she took in the young man before her.
"I believe that is all Lord Potter," Amelia said, getting to her feet. Harry followed suit. "Thank you for answering my questions. I am sure that Director Shacklebolt will provide you an escort if you wish?"
"That would be much appreciated Minister," Harry said.
===========================================Scene Break=======================================================
"Harry, where were you? You missed dinner," Ron asked when Harry returned to the Gryffindor Common Room that evening.
"Moony told me that Bones wanted to talk to me," Harry said. "It wasn't anything serious, so don't worry."
"What kind of things?" Neville asked.
"Things," Harry said with a look at the Longbottom heir that said clearly 'enough'.
"Very well," Neville said.
"We do have some news though," Fred spoke up. "Our presents are ready to be handed out."
"Excellent," Harry said. "Make sure that everything is ready for the next meeting. I will contact Griphook to see how much longer it will take to get my orders done."
The meeting was scheduled for the next night, and Harry made sure that everyone was in attendance.
"All right everyone, listen up," Harry barked as the door to the Room shut behind the final member of the Battalion. "The twins have some toys to show us and hand out. Fred, George, if you would?"
The twins walked up to the front of the room, each carrying a briefcase.
"All right boy and girls," Fred began.
"Have we got some fun things to show you," George continued. The twins each popped open their briefcases; Fred pulled out what looked like a small drawstring bag while George revealed a small silver cylinder.
"Now this little beauty is called Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder," Fred said. "Toss this at the ground and it sucks all the light out of a room, allowing you to either escape from a sticky situation or set up an ambush."
"Now in conjunction with the powder, we have the Enchanting Eye," George said. "This little baby is modeled after Moody's eye, and features an infra-red feature, the Mage Sight spell and a feature that will protect you from all types of sensory-depriving spells."
"Brilliant!" Neville exclaimed as he picked up the stylish looking goggles.
"We also have these," Fred said, pulling out a flat disk that looked much like a Fanged Frisbee. "This is the Silver Fang."
"It is perfect for clearing out an infestation of Death Eaters, or some feral werewolves," George said. "It releases several silver projectiles that can clear any room. For example, Fred if you would?"
"Of course brother, if everyone would step back," George said as a barricade appeared. The group stepped behind the barricade. George picked up one of the Silver Fangs from the table, and walked forward. The Room created several training dummies cloaked in Death Eaters robes. George grinned as he flung the Silver Fang into the midst of the training Death Eaters. It hung in midair for a spilt second before roughly a dozen silver spikes shot out of the Fang's mouth, these spikes embedded themselves deep in the dummies' bodies.
"As you can see, the fangs are made of silver which will make anyone's day bad but especially with any werewolves we will have to deal with," George said.
"We also have what we call the Sticky Swamp," Fred said, holding up a glassy looking sphere that was filled with a murky liquid. "When the container breaks, it releases a compound that quickly turns into a swamp. It's perfect for slowing up a pursuit or setting a trap up in a narrow space."
"In addition to the twins' gifts, I have something to give you all. It is something that Hermione was working on before…" said Harry. He put a moleskin bag on the table that had appeared in front of him. Harry took a black and silver badge out of the bag. "This badge has quite a few features attached to it; they have an identification feature since the badges will be bound to each of you as a security precaution. They also have a communication feature that will allow us to talk quickly and securely. Also I have added an emergency Portkey function, it will transport you to a safe location. These Portkeys will activate when either you use the passphrase or you become unconscious."
"Hermione did all that?" Susan gasped. Harry nodded.
"Now I will need all of you to form a line so we can bind these to you," Harry said.
"Granger was truly the brightest witch of the age," Daphne said when she and Tracey reached the table.
"Hermione is still a witch," Harry said without looking up.
"Look Potter, I know that you are close with Granger," Daphne said. "But even she isn't smart enough to figure something that no one, not even Rowena herself, could do. Face it Potter, your girlfriend is a Muggle."
"You've said enough Greengrass," Ron snapped.
"I don't think I have," Daphne sneered. "Potter has to stop moping around trying to figure out the impossible. We need the Potter that brought us all together and forged us into a fighting unit, not this pathetic whining Potter who has all but abandoned us."
"Greengrass!" Neville barked. "Unless you…"
"Unless what Longbottom," Daphne snarled. "In case you forget, Potter isn't the only one who has lost someone close to them. And Granger is just a Muggle now, my sister is dead and you don't see me going to pieces."
"Now see…" Fred began but a raised hand from Harry cut him off.
"You are correct Daphne," Harry said. "Ever since Hermione 'recovered' from the attack. I have not put forth my full effort into this group, and I apologize. So for the foreseeable future, I am relinquishing command to Neville, Ron and the elected leaders. I do hope that you will continue to improve under their guidance."
"Harry, don't do this," Neville pleaded. "We need you, none of us can hope of replacing you at the head."
"I know Neville but if I can't commit my entire focus to the group, I am just hurting you all," Harry responded. "You all have come miles farther than I even dreamed. But again, because I can't put forth the full effect in teaching you, I will be stepping back. There are things that I need to do…alone."
"Harry, you don't have to do everything alone," Neville said. "We are here to help you, you taught us that."
"This is family business Neville," Harry said.
Neville blinked but nodded slowly. "Ok then Harry but if you need help, you can call on us."
"Thank you," Harry said. "You don't know how much I appreciate this. Keep working hard. I believe that the twins can finish this up, excuse me." Harry rose from the table and walked out of the Room to stunned silence.
==========================================Scene Break========================================================
"Professor, can I speak to you?" Harry asked after Transfiguration one day the week before the Easter holidays.
"Yes Potter," McGonagall said.
"Professor, I wish to inform you that I will be leaving the castle tomorrow morning, and I will not return until after the holidays at the earliest."
"I see," McGonagall said. "I presume that you have your guardian's permission?"
"I do. And as required by the Hogwarts Charter, I have informed my Head of House, and the Deputy Head," Harry said. "Thank you Professor."
"What are you searching for Mr. Potter?"
"Answers," Harry said in a faraway tone.
"I do hope that you find what you are looking for."
"Thank you Professor, so do I."
The next morning Harry had his pack slung over his shoulder and was making his way toward the Entrance Hall when an unwanted voice called out.
"Where do you think you are going Potter?"
Harry turned to see Snape stalking toward him, robes billowing behind him, the sneer that was solely reserved for Harry etched on the man's face.
"I asked you a question Potter, now answer me!" Snape snarled.
"What I do is none of your concern Potions Master Snape," Harry replied evenly. He knew that getting angry with Snape wouldn't do anything except bring more people to the Hall and delay his departure.
"Why you arrogant brat! You will tell me what you are doing, or I will drag your pompous arse to the Headmaster? Now what are you doing?"
"I am leaving the castle for a few days," Harry said, deciding to give Snape what he wanted.
"I don't think so," Snape sneered. "You know that students can not leave the grounds…"
"Without permission, that is true," Harry said. "But I have permission from both my guardian and my Head of House. I am leaving now as to limit the disruption of my fellow students."
"Typical Potter, wanting to make a scene," Snape snarled. "You are coming with me, the Headmaster will deal with you." The man reached forward to grab Harry's arm.
"Don't touch me sir," Harry growled. "I have told you that I have permission to leave the castle, you can not stop me, so if you will excuse me."
Harry sidestepped Snape and headed toward the doors. Suddenly, he couldn't move.
"Enough of your drivel Potter," Snape spat. With a flick of his wand, Snape made Harry's frozen body turn around and face him. "You have no idea how long I have waited for this moment. Your bastard father tormented me for all our years here, he, Black and that werewolf half-breed, signaling me out, humiliating me. Always trying to impress Lily with those stupid pranks."
"Look Snape, I know all about what my father and his friends did to you," Harry growled. "It was wrong, immature and stupid. But I would think that once your master killed my father, that grudge would have ended. You always accuse me of being just like my father; well I can tell you that was the same between James Potter and Harry Potter. Lily Potter loved them both with all her heart, something that you will never get."
With a grunt, Harry broke free of Snape's spell. Without a word, Harry turned away from the Potions Master and walked toward the doors.
"Oh and Snape, tell your masters that I am coming for them," Harry growled before he walked out of the hall and castle.
"Dobby," Harry called out when he reached the edge of the wards. The house elf appeared with a pop.
"Yes Harry Potter sir."
"Take me home."
"Of course sir."
The pair vanished with a sharp CRACK.
"Thank you Dobby," Harry said as the pair reappeared outside an ornate gate. Above the game were the words 'Fortune ffario y beiddgar.' (Welsh for 'Fortune Favors the Bold' Don't know who originally came up with the motto but kudos to them) Harry grinned as he read the Potter family motto. The gates opened soundlessly as Harry approached. Harry entered the grounds with a melancholy smile, knowing that if it weren't for Voldemort he would have grown up here, alongside his parent and possibly any siblings that might have followed.
Upon entering the manor, Harry was drawn to the drawing room off the main hall. He turned right, and pushed open the doors to the room. What he saw was a warmly decorated room, brightly lit by the large windows and several lights, it reminded him of the Gryffindor common room with its subdued crimson window hangings that gave the tan walls a glow that made them look a light gold.
"Who are you?" a voice said from Harry's lefts. Harry turned, his wand appearing in his hand. But it lowered when he saw who had spoken, or what had spoken.
The speaker was a portrait of a man and woman that was hanging above the fireplace. Both occupants of the portrait had black hair though the man's seemed to be sticking up all over the place, while the woman's hair fell upon her shoulders in soft waves. Bright brown eyes looked out from behind rimless glasses on the man's face. Intense gray eyes peered out from the woman's aristocratic face.
"My name is Harry James Potter," Harry said.
"Harry James, you're James and Lily's boy right?" the man asked with a hopeful smile. Harry nodded slowly. "Oh my boy, we haven't seen you since you were just a babe."
"Excuse me but who are you?" Harry asked feeling embarrassed.
"Oh right, we are Charlus and Dorea Potter, James' parents, and your grandparents," Charles beamed.
"My grandparents?"
"But of course Harry," Dorea said. "My dear boy, why haven't we seen you? Judging from your age, you look nearly to be 17."
"I'm 15 ma'am," Harry said.
"None of that Harry son," Charlus chuckled. "You can call us grandpa and grandma if you'd like."
Tears sprang into Harry's eyes. He hastily wiped his eyes and smiled at the portraits of his grandparents.
"Where are your parents? Surely…" Dorea began but stopped at the pained look on Harry's face.
"Grandmum, when were you two painted?" he asked.
"We were commissioned in July of 1979 but these portraits contain our memories up until August of 1981 when we were killed," Charlus said.
"Did my parents ever make a portrait?" Harry asked.
"I don't know," Charlus said. "They were planning to have one done."
"Why were my parents at Godric's Hollow instead of here?" Harry asked.
"They moved there? Heaven's why?" Charlus exclaimed.
"I guess that they wanted to hide somewhere small," Dorea surmised. "The Potters didn't have property there."
"Really? I thought…"
"Perhaps you should get us up to speed first Harry," Charlus suggested.
Harry spent the next three hours talking with his grandparents, telling them about his life and the current state of affairs bogging down magical Britain.
"Fudge was Minister!" Charlus cried. "That buffoon could barely cast a simple Summoning Charm when I was in the Ministry."
"Well at least they finally put a competent Minister in place," Dorea said. "Even though Barty Crouch turned out to be a right bastard for what he did to Sirius, he had the right idea in how to deal those monsters. They are an infestation that needed to be dealt with no quarter."
"It seems that Dumbledore hasn't changed much," Charlus said. "He never was one to stick his neck out. Even during the Grindelwald War, he waited much too long before doing anything. He could have ended the War much sooner but he always delayed."
"Dumbledore has lost touch," Harry said. "He was the one who abandoned me at the Dursleys, failed to insure that Sirius got a trial and has let things happen to Hogwarts that have endangered every students' lives for nothing."
"If half of what you have told us is true Harry, if I was still alive, I would tan his hide," Dorea growled. "So Harry, what do you plan to do now?"
"There are two things that I need to figure out; how Voldemort got his body back and how to get my girlfriend's magic back."
"Harry, I don't think that you will find anything about giving a person magic," Charlus said. "At least not in the Potter family library."
"Giving a person magic or returning magic to someone has never been successfully done," Dorea said. "The Black family library has some research about it but all of those ideas are classified as Dark rituals."
"I don't care," Harry said forcefully. "I will do whatever it takes to get Hermione's magic back."
"Very noble Harry but be careful," Charlus warned. "Don't focus solely on those rituals to the exclusion of your friends and family. Magic is a wondrous and terrible thing. It can do almost anything but there are several things that it can't do, raise the dead is one of them. Giving magic to someone without it is another."
"True but from what I have found it has never been done to someone whose magic was stripped from them," Harry said. "Every time this type of thing has been attempted, it has been on a Squid child, someone who never had enough magic to begin with."
"Harry, you are traveling a slippery slope," Dorea warned. "It will be very difficult to stop once you begin."
"I can't live without her," Harry said. "She is everything to me."
"We wish you luck son but do heed our warning."
A/N: Well there's the tenth chapter of 'Rise from the Ashes'. Hope you all enjoyed it. I know that we never got confirmation on who James' parents are, and so I am using the only other named Potter in canon, Charlus and Dorea. I never understood why, as one of the main themes of Harry Potter is family, that JK never really talked about Harry's or Hermione's families. The only family that got really any page/screen time were the Weasleys, so I wanted to bring in what I hope to be a believable reaction in Hermione's parents if they found out what their only daughter got into away from home. Even though I did use the canon Charlus and Dorea Potter, I didn't want to use the 'fanon-popular' Dan and Emma for Hermione's parents (though we actually were never given names for the Grangers). Well, I'll stop ranting and let you go review or message me with your thoughts on the chapter. Til next time,
S.R.W.M.O