Remember, I don't own anything and reviews will make me update faster...

Let me know what you guys think...

Chapter 10

Two days later saw Remus, Molly Weasley and myself taking turns looking after Severus Snape. His ever so merciless Dark Lord was furious at the lack of information Severus had for him. Using his favorite punishment, Cruciatus, Voldemort attempted to detect any lies. Sadly, the more Severus resisted, the worse his injuries became.

"Severus, do you need anything? How's your pain?"

Looking over at me as I fluffed his pillows and poured him a glass of water, he reached for my hand and said, "None of this is your fault. I promised to protect you from anything and everything."

Pulling me onto the bed next to him, he added, "It is because of you I survived. Hush now, don't cry."

Blinking away tears, I looked at him and asked, "What do you mean?"

Wiping my cheeks, he answered, "It was through your strength that I survived the last gathering. Your faith in me kept me going."

"Yes, but..." The knock on the door cut me off mid sentence. "Who could that be? Come in."

"Hermione, I thought you had already gone to bed."

The concern on Charlie's face was evident and most endearing.

I'll go to bed soon. I just wanted to make sure Severus was set for the night."

"Go to sleep. Remus is taking you and your parents to Diagon Alley. Bill told us you needed to go to Gringott's." Brushing a stray curl from my forehead, Severus gave me a smile and bid me goodnight.

"All right already. I know when I'm being kicked out. Good night, Severus. Good night, Charlie.." I made my way down the hallway to the room I was sharing with Ginny. Snuggling under my covers, I thought back to the strange, yet exhilarating way Charlie was looking at me. What it meant, I wasn't sure. Shaking my head, I sighed and settled down for a night full of dreams.

"What am I doing back here? I thought you told me all you could."

Looking around the sparsely lit dungeon, my eyes settled upon Salazar Slytherin himself. "If I may be so bold, Sir, but you look worried. He's going to strike Samhain, isn't he?"

With worry etched across his face, he replied, "Yes, He is going to strike on Samhain. And so it will be the ultimate ending."

Not quite understanding, I walked over to where he sat next to the fire and asked, "What do you mean?"

Cradling my hand in his, he explained, "Not only is Samhain the Great Day in which we celebrate death, but it is one of the few days where we can banish His soul forever."

With comprehension dawning as though it were a new day, I then asked, "What must we do?"

"You must Weave. Create images so as to confuse HIm. Don't let him win. Severus and Remus can help you. That is part of their duty."

Staring into the fire, I said, "I don't know if I can do this."

"My dear Daughter, of course you can. Your gift is something to be treasured." Placing his hands on my face and looking into my eyes, he added, "I swear to you, I will not allow Him to touch you. We will keep you safe." Dropping a kiss to my forehead, he advised, "You had best go to bed. You have a long day ahead of you."

Smiling, I nestled down into the blankets he conjured. I saw him smile as I whispered, "Good night... Father."

"Come on, Hermione. Mum said it's almost time for you to leave." Alternating between shaking me and jumping on my bed, Ginny succeeded in waking me.

"Mmmm... Okay, Gin, I'm up. Tell her I'll be down in ten minutes." Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I walked to my bureau and began to dress. The faded jeans, my soft suede boots and burgundy shirt later, and I was ready for the day. Coming down the stairs, I called, "Mum, Dad... Are you coming?"

"Sorry, Sweet. Your dad and I have some things to take care of before you leave tomorrow. Don't worry, Charlie and Remus are going with you and Bill will meet you at the door."

Exchanging hugs and kisses with my parents, Remus, Charlie and I flooed to the Burrow and from the Burrow to the Leaky Cauldron. After greeting Tom and promising to stop for a drink on our way back, we made our way to Gringott's. As promised, Bill was standing at the door as we reached the top step. Coming forward, he embraced me as he said, "Good morning." Looking me in the eyes, he asked, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

My bewilderment must have shown on my face because Bill looked behind me at Remus, "You assured me she would be told before you came. I think we should do this another day."

Turning to go inside, I tightened my grip and asked, "What's wrong? Bill... what should I have been told?"

Gazing at my face, his eyes flickered as he saw Charlie put a hand on my shoulder.

"Bill, we need to do this today. She's waited long enough already. Let's go to your office so we can explain in private."

Nodding, he turned and guided us through a maze of halls that would have made Jareth's Labyrinth jealous. Walking at my right, Charlie kept my hand in his firm grasp, occasionally rubbing his thumb across the back. Remus walked behind, so as to pretend he didn't see anything. He didn't have to worry. I don't think Charlie planned to ravish me in the side hall. Molly would have killed him... Or sent him to stay with his batty, but lovable, Aunt Trenda. The woman is a fashion plate of disaster. The chuckle I heard from behind indicated Remus was listening to my thoughts once again.

I returned my thoughts to the man walking beside me as he tightened his grip on my hand. His clenched jaw and tense body compelled me to look forward as we reached Bill's office.

Standing aside, he let me and Charlie enter first. Stepping back, he and Remus conversed and Charlie settled me on his lap. Laying my head at the juncture of his neck and shoulder, I softly asked, "Will this hurt? Is that why Bill is so worried?"

Tightening his hold, he began, "I can't tell you that... I don't even know if I can help."

Gazing out the window, I contented myself with listening to Charlie's heartbeat. The gentle rise and fall of his chest near lulled me to sleep. All too soon, the spell was broken and we were brought back to the task at hand.

"Hermione, how much do you know of your Magical history?" Bill's question would have caused my legs to give out if I hadn't already been curled up on his brother's lap.

"Sad as it sounds, I don't know any of my Magical history. I've asked my parents, but they always denied any family history. What does this have to do with my being a Weaver? I thought they were separate."

"You remember your mother saying you were stronger than the rest, that the Tribunal has never seen one such as you." Taking a breath, Remus hesitated looking to Charlie to continue.

"Not only can you manipulate and see the future, you have power over another person's dreams." Stroking my back, he continued, "For three nights, I have seen what you have dreamt. Remus and Bill have also had the same experience."

"So you mean to tell me I can project my dreams to other people. Can it be controlled? Can I pick certain images to be seen by certain people?" I didn't have to be sitting on Charlie's lap to pick up on the anxiety in the room. My gaze swept across the men sitting across from me. It proved problematic to do the same with Charlie since he had decided to bury his face in my neck. It was Bill who answered.

"That's why you have been brought here. Remus and Severus were left instructions to teach you how to harness your power. As you already know, Remus will reprise his role as DADA Professor and four select members of the Order will be sent to Hogwarts. We..."

"Wait a minute," I interrupted, "Why are Order members being sent to Hogwarts? How is Dumbledore going to explain their purpose?" My worried gaze stayed trained on Remus as Charlie rubbed my shoulder and Bill reached for my right hand.

"He is using the recent attacks as an excuse. What Bill didn't tell you is that four Aurors will also be coming along. Moody and Tonks will be on the train, as will Charlie and Bill."

"Can you guys do that? Take time from work, I mean."

"Charlie is taking a vacation since the reserve is slow in the fall, and I can take my work with me. If what Salazar has told you is correct, this will all be over before Christmas."

Once again, trailing my eyes from each man's face, I held their gazes as I felt their determination charge the air.

Nodding once, I asked, "What must I do?"

"Are you going to be okay?" Charlie's concern brought a smile to my pale face as he wrapped his arms around me.

"Sure... I didn't get much sleep last night so I'll probably sleep on the train." Reaching as high as I could, I left a soft kiss on his lips before hugging him and leaving him to say goodbye to his parents. Sharing a glance with Ron and Harry, we turned and boarded the train. Finding an empty compartment, I enjoyed the quiet before finding Blaise for our Head meeting with the Prefects.

"Hello Hermione. I trust your holiday went well."

Absently nodding, I replied, "It was quite... enlightening. And you?"

He shrugged and replied, "My parents kicked me out and I've been staying with Draco. His parents gave him the toss too."

Frowning, all I could say was, "I'm sorry."

Shrugging, he turned to the task at hand and started our meeting. After assignments were given, we made our way back to our compartments. Settling down for a nap, I couldn't help but think of my parents. They went back to the Tribunal to seek aid in the Final Battle. I closed my eyes, sighed, and prayed their help would come, and in plenty of time.

We wouldn't win this war without them...

Yay, a new chapter and I've already started writing the next one... Feedback is wonderful