CHAPTER 11

Raven gracefully walked threw the trees just inside the Forbidden Forrest by Hogsmeade. She was deep in thought and dodged each tree mindlessly as she stared at the ground while she contemplated her situation. She was supposed to be watching Sytravious closely at the orders of his mother. But she had to be honest with herself in the fact that she cared more for the dark lord than she did about his mother. However the way his mind had been wandering lately bothered her. He spent most of his time searching for something other than the Hallows and he all but forgot about Harry's wand. Then there was this auror he had befriended. Befriended? That thought alone was crazy.

Sytravious never trusted anyone or wasted his time with conversation and friends so why this young man? What was the piece she was missing? The problem had to be discovered and fixed before a rift formed between mother and son. That was one battle she did not want to be in the middle of. That's why she was meeting privately with her brother now.

Fang waited impatiently as he leaned against a tree. His sister finally appeared in front of him silently and nodded her greeting.

"Where have you been hiding the past few days brother? Lucky for you the absence went unnoticed because of me yet again." Raven said.

"I had my own priorities to see too. We need to talk Raven. About Sytravious…." He whispered as he looked around nervously.

"I know I was going to bring up the same thing. You go first…" She replied.

"For one he disappears every other day to meet this mysterious auror! This is ludicrous and a distraction. We need to find out who it is and get rid of him quietly. Doing so will put our lord back in focus on this mission." Fang said.

"No need to wonder. I have met the man recently. He is the same one who aided the Hogwarts girl that night at Dumbledore's grave. The one with the patronus….." She whispered suddenly realizing the obvious.

"He is what!? Are you positive it is the same wizard?" Fang almost shouted.

"Well I'm not positive. It was dark if you remember but I could almost swear it is him. The girl was definitely the same one though." She replied thinking deeper.

"The girl was there too? Did you tell him all this?" Fang asked bewildered.

"Of course but he thought I was crazy and got angry I dared bring up that night again. But I planted the seed of doubt none the less." Raven said.

"But shut up and listen a minute Fang….. That patronus charm that was used that night. I know we had to move quickly and were in our other forms but can you remember what form it took?" She asked as her memory failed her.

"I don't remember all that…wait a minute let me think." Fang said looking up and closing his eyes. He saw Hermione falling back scared as he charged. Then the light came. The blinding light of a……. Stag!

"It was a stag! That's right I remember now. Why do you ask?" He said confused.

"Don't you read up on anything? What famous wizard's partonus is a stag you moron!?" Raven asked annoyed.

"My job and skills focus more on killing and destruction. I leave the thinking to you sister." He replied giving her a bored look.

"Potter you fool! That boy was Harry Potter I know it now! But was the young man I met in the Leaky Cauldron the same wizard? Now I am not so sure. This man was an auror. That doesn't make sense….." She whispered to herself.

"Well we have to be positive before we bother our lord with it. If we are wrong yet again he will surely be pissed. I'm not risking it on your guessing game. We have to get close enough to the Potter again and see for ourselves." Fang said making a fist.

"Obviously we need to do that Fang. The school holiday is almost here. The students will be leaving by train again. We will stake out Kings Cross Station for him and get a positive id." Raven said getting more and more confident she was right.

"Well if this turns out to be true then Sytravious will be furious he has been fraternizing with the enemy all this time unless he already knows?" Fang asked his sister.

"I highly doubt that." She replied.

"Agreed…. So where is our lord now? He inquired.

"Guess." Raven replied sarcastically.


Sytravious paced the streets of Hogsmeade with his arms crossed as he pondered his mission. As the heir of Grindelwald he was expected to rise up and pick up where his grandfather left off. Reclaiming his wand and continuing the search for the other hallows was imperative in achieving this. But the more he thought of this idea the less appealing it sounded. Why should he follow the same blueprint that failed? Sure his grandfather was a genius in the dark arts and magic in general. But even he had failed at his own goal.

The younger Grindelwald leaned against a building and thought this over. How would his finding the wand again and wasting time searching for lost hallows speed up the ultimate goal of establishing wizarding dominance in the world of muggles? He could find his own way and his own path and he knew it! Learning from past mistakes would get him further than any dark lord before him. All their stories ended the same…With failure.

But how would he do things differently? That's what stumped him now as he thought it over for days and days. He would continue his original mission mainly through his lieutenants Fang and Raven. In a way he had too. His reputation of ruthless power had spread through the underground world of dark wizards. This fear alone kept his mother and her organization of followers safe from more attacks and attempts on their lives. He had lost his father already when he was but a child and he would not risk losing his mother too.

But his ultimate goal now was to figure out his own path to power. He would forge his own legend and name. He spent most his time and days thinking these things over as he hunted down his enemies and uncovered information that would eventually lead him to his goal. The only time he relaxed his mind long enough to enjoy himself was with his new friend. Sytravious checked the time now as he looked around. James should be here any minute he thought. They were meeting one last time before the holiday. And Sytravious had gotten his new friend a parting gift.

Harry appeared a few minutes later walking up High Street and spotted Xavier leaning against a building day dreaming. He had a parcel next to him that Harry assumed was a gift. Good he though to himself. I wasn't the only one who had that idea.

"Pence for your thoughts?" Harry asked as he snapped Sytravious out his trance.

"Huh? Oh you will have to pay a lot more than that to get in here." He replied pointing to his head.

Harry laughed as he handed over his present to his friend.

"Merry Christmas." He said as Sytravious took the package curiously. He shook it and raised an eyebrow. This act of kindness was alien to him but he enjoyed the experience.

"This better not explode when I open it James. I would be quite put off." He warned Harry jokingly.

"Oh can it and just open it already!" Harry replied laughing.

Sytravious ripped the paper off the box and opened it. Inside he found a thick book and a large bottle wrapped in gold paper. He grabbed the book first and examined the cover.

FACT OR FICTION? Examining the ancient folk tales and legends of wizarding history.

Sytravious grinned at the subject and grabbed the bottle and peeled the golden paper away. A 200 year old bottle of England's finest fire whiskey gleamed in his hands. He knew it was expensive. Sytravious grinned and held the bottle up to Harry in a pretend toast.

"Your gifts say a lot about your character. A wise man with good taste. We will share this later. But now it's time for your gift. Open it." He said proudly to Harry.

Harry picked up the large parcel. He slowly peeled the paper away to reveal a box with gold writing on it. He did not recognize the foreign writing. It looked Asian. Upon opening the box his eyes widened as he removed the garment within. It was a black dragon skin trench coat with a hood. It was surprisingly light yet the texture was thick and tough. Harry tried it on and it fit perfect.

"It's no ordinary coat my friend. The skin is Norwegian Ridgeback and it's enchanted to protect against dark spells and attacks. I figured you could use it in your line of work and all. It won't stop more powerful and advanced magic but it can save your life. You know just in case I'm not around to cover your ass again. Sytravious said grinning.

"Wow Xavier…I don't know what to say? Thank you!" Harry beamed as he examined the shiny black scaled on his coat. "I wish my gift measured up."

"Don't be silly! The whiskey alone makes us even. But this book I am greatly interested in. You gave me more than I gave you in this respect. Knowledge translates to power eventually. I think you know this." Sytravious replied.

"Once again we are even then I guess." Harry said as they walked together up the street with no real destination.

"I should think so yes. It's better that way. I must confess something to you James." Sytravious said reluctantly.

"Go on…" Harry replied.

"When I first met you… I didn't care much for you. I thought you would be just some power tripped auror who thought to highly of himself. But then you saved my life as well returning the favor. I hate to admit this but I think we have become good friends haven't we?" He asked Harry.

"Nah I buy whiskey and rare books for everyone I meet." Harry replied as Sytravious raised an eyebrow.

"No seriously you're right we are good friends. I know there is something bothering you though. I pick up on a struggle in your mind sometimes. When ever you feel you can trust me we can talk about it you know? It's not normal to have so many secrets especially between two friends." Harry told him.

"Very well you go first…." Sytravious said as he stopped and looked at Harry straight in the eye with his cold gaze. "Tell me your secrets…"

Harry stood there silently. He wanted to tell Sytravious everything but something held him back still. An inner voice told him now wasn't the time. He said nothing.

"Alright then when you are ready to talk then maybe I will consider it." Sytravious said as he kept walking. He wondered now what secret this young man had that could be as bad as his. Raven's old words came back to him now.

"That girl was at Hogwarts that night I'm telling you! And your friend was there with her! He aided her against our attack...what was he doing there my lord? You have to ask yourself these questions.

Sytravious ran several explanations threw his mind. One of them haunted him greatly and the thought would be heart breaking. He shut it out his mind quickly. He liked this wizard greatly. James reminded him of what he might have been had he grown up in his world. He imagined him eventually joining him in his cause. Separate from his mother and her army. He would do things his way with James backing him. They would make a powerful team.

"I will be ready to talk eventually. I promise. For now what do you say we open that bottle and have a Christmas toast before we go our separate ways?" Harry suggested.

"I had the same idea. Funny you bring it up." Sytravious said as they sat on a near by bench and broke the bottles seal. Sytravious poured some of the savory whiskey into his flask for Harry and held the rest of the bottle in his hand.

"To friendships and secrets." He said raising his bottle.

"To friendship" Harry corrected him as they laughed and drank the fine drink.


HOGWARTS

Harry was packing his trunk the next day as all the students prepared to depart for the Christmas break. He was glad at having a place of his own to go to. Even if he didn't have a family there he would have Hermione and his other friends later on for the party.

Ron walked into Harry's room chewing on every flavor beans as he tossed one up into the air and caught it in his mouth.

"Hey Harry. You almost packed?" He asked as he sat on his friend's bed.

"I'm just about done." Harry replied as he slammed the lid down onto his trunk with a thud. "This semester flew by like a flash huh?"

"You can say that again. Not that it's a bad thing. I can't wait to be done with it man." Ron said rolling his eyes. He watched Harry closely as he collected his thoughts.

"Hey Harry? Can I talk to you about something…… it's important." Ron said setting his candy down.

Harry took a deep breath in and braced himself for the conversation. He hoped it wasn't about……

"It's about Hermione." Ron said confirming his fear. "You two have been spending an awful lot of time together lately I noticed."

"Have we? I didn't notice." Harry said as he re opened his trunk and pretended to be sorting things.

"Well I have along with a lot of other people. And I just wanted to ask something." Ron said quietly.

Harry looked up at his friend now and waited for the question nervously.

"Well….. Does she mention me still? Like romantically? I feel like a stupid git when I think about what I did mate. I kind of miss her." Ron said.

Harry silently thanked Merlin and breathed out his relief at the simple question. He smiled at Ron and patted his shoulder.

"She mentions what happened here and there Ron. But nothing romantic I'm sorry. But we all still hang out a lot don't we? Still the famous trio right?" Harry asked trying to cheer up his clueless friend.

"I guess…." Ron said defeated.

"What about Lavender? Aren't you beating the bludger on the regular?" Harry asked laughing.

"Lavender? Well yea but she is more of an after the bar buddy you know? It's nothing serious like I had with Hermione. Now that I have gotten what I thought I was missing with Hermione I realize what I lost trying to achieve it. Tough lesson." Ron said quietly.

"It was more than just the cheating thing Ron. That drinking issue did sort of set things up for the break up. I told you it would be your downfall one day." Harry said not holding back the truth.

"Yea well at least the trio is still around like you said" Ron replied standing up. "You coming down to the train then?"

"No actually Hermione and I decided to use the floo network straight to my house. I'm trying to avoid crowds you know?" Harry said standing up too.

"Hey?" Ron called out to Harry from his bedroom door. "Is there anything going on there you want to tell me? With you and Hermione?" he added curiously.

Harry gulped and thought about his response. He didn't want to lie to his friend but he couldn't bear to tell him their secret this way right before the holiday. So he decided he would not lie but withhold the truth at the same time. After all Ron asked if there was anything he wanted to tell him. Not if he had anything to tell him.

"No Ron." Harry laughed not looking at him. "What brought that up?"

"Ah it's nothing just silly rumors. But since when has any rumor about you been true?" Ron asked laughing.

Since now I guess Harry thought to himself as he nervously laughed along with Ron. The friends said their farewells and promised to meet at Harry's in a few days time to set up for the party.

Harry waited now in his sitting room. Aberforth had helped him set up his fireplace in the floo network so he could travel home with Hermione. She would meet him here any time now. He was very nervous about their time alone. Many people already asked questions and they had received plenty of lectures from the professors. But being they we both 18 no one could forbid it. He hoped everything went smoothly.

Hermione made it into his room finally dragging her huge trunk behind her. Harry quickly jumped up to help her.

"Sorry I'm late Harry but guess who cornered me in my dorm? You're lovely ex girlfriend Ginny. I just got a million and one questions about why I'm staying with you and what's going on between us." Hermione said catching her breath.

"Oh yea? Ron was just in here asking a similar question but not as bad as what you're describing. Have we been so obvious?" Harry asked as he pulled his trunk next to hers.

"I didn't think so but maybe my sneaking off every other night didn't go as unnoticed as I hoped. Either way it should be fine now that the break is here. We won't have to sneak around in your house." She said smiling.

"That's true but I know this little secret isn't going to last much longer. But then again it's not like we have committed to a relationship yet…..right?" He asked

"Right….. We haven't done that." Hermione said blushing with a smile. His mention of a little secret made her nervous as well as a thought popped into her mind.

"Ok then….. That's enough worrying about it for now." Harry said as he headed towards their bags.

"I'm going to toss our trunks through first then we can go next." Harry added as he dragged their stuff toward the green fire in his fireplace. He successfully transported the trunks and then grabbed Hermione's hand.

"I wonder what Kreacher has fixed for lunch?" he said winking at Hermione.

"I don't know but I want alone time before we think about lunch. I can't believe we are spending the holidays together! This is going to be great Harry." Hermione said beaming.

Harry smiled back at her and squeezed her hand. They jumped into the green flames and in a bright flash the sitting room was empty.


12 GRIMMAULD PLACE

The first few days back home went really smooth for Harry and Hermione. They spent the first day unpacking and settling back into their rooms. Harry insisted they have separate rooms out of respect for her and just in case an unexpected visitor dropped by. Hermione however still managed to find her way into his bed to cuddle with him after he fell asleep.

The second day Hermione left to go shopping for a dress for the party. Harry politely declined to come along. He wasn't big on shopping for girly clothes and she reluctantly agreed to let him stay and clean up for the guest. Kreacher was very helpful in assisting with rearranging the drawing room for the party and preparing guest rooms for anyone who wanted to stay.

The house elf had been in high spirits all day. He was thrilled to have Harry back home and when he saw Hermione with him he let out a tear of joy. Harry thought this was over dramatic but Hermione found him adorable. The fact that Ron was absent sent Kreacher's mood into overdrive. He never liked the Weasley boy.

"Harry? I'm back." Hermione shouted from the foyer down stairs.

"I'm in the drawing room!" he shouted back down.

Hermione raced up the stairs and held up her many shopping bags to show Harry.

"I can't wait to show you my outfits. I can try them on for you if you like. Maybe even change right here? What do you think?" She said teasingly.

"I think if you do that then not much work will get done the rest of the afternoon. Not that I'm declining the offer." He replied with a grin.

"You and Kreacher deserve a break anyway…..I'm going to go shower upstairs. Meet me in my room in half an hour…" She whispered nervously as she bit her lower lip.

Harry gulped and could only nod in reply. What was she hinting at? They had joked around a lot the past few days about sexual things and flirted constantly. But the way she looked at him just now made him think this was no joke.

He decided to run into his shower as well and he skipped several stairs as he ran to his room. They had all but forgotten Kreacher who had been standing there the whole time as they had their sexy exchange of words. He stood there with his mouth open in shock as he figured out what was about to happen. Then he shook his head in disgust and went down stairs to be as far away from the hormonal teenagers as possible.

Harry was waiting in Hermione's room 20 minutes later wearing loose cotton pants with a t shirt that hugged his toned chest and arms. His hair was still a little wet from the shower. He was sitting at the foot of her bed patiently awaiting her return from the shower.

She walked in with her hair wet and combed out straight. She was wearing a red silk backless dress that ended mid thigh. Her shoes were an identical shade of red and had golden heels to match the necklace that hung seductively on her cleavage.

"Ok obviously my hair will be done better than this but I like this outfit for the Christmas party. What do you think?" Hermione asked.

"You look beautiful Hermione…. I'm speechless." Harry replied after the shock of her stunning look wore off.

"Thank you….But wait there is more." She replied as she let the silk dress slide of her shoulders and hit the floor around her ankles. Harry stared as he took in the unbelievable sight in front of him. Hermione had on a red thong with white lace around it. Her bra matched it perfectly. It was very festive for the holiday and sexy as hell. Her hips were curvy and smooth and her flat stomach tightened as she moved towards her closet.

"Are you paying attention Harry?" Hermione asked trying not to smile.

"Mmmm hmmmm." He mumbled not taking his eyes off her.

"Good. Now I have this dress too so tell me which one is your favorite ok?" Hermione said as she slipped into a white gown that was longer on her legs but fit her body like a glove. It was tied around her neck and made her chest look heavenly he thought.

"They both look amazing Hermione. Honestly you could wear either one and be the prettiest girl at the party. But my favorite was the red one with white lace you wore in between. Can I see it again? Just to be sure." He said smiling

"You mean this one?" She whispered and removed her dress again. Her heart began beating faster as she walked towards Harry at the foot of the bed.

"Can you see well enough?" She said licking her lips.

"Actually I still have some peripheral vision. Can you come a little closer?" He replied grinning.

Hermione laughed now at his funny comment and stood right in front of him a mere inches away from his face. Her chest was almost touching his face. Harry wrapped his arms around her waist and slowly pulled her down on top of him as he began kissing her naval and breast.

He momentarily stopped to look into her brown eyes. They had a little shine to them and she looked so beautiful right now he thought. She looked back at him and allowed a soft smile to form on her lips.

"You know how much I love you right?" He asked quietly with a serious face.

"I do…. And you know I love you just as much Harry." She whispered back before their lips met in a soft passionate kiss.

Hermione pulled his shirt over his head and began kissing his chest as he leaned back onto the bed. He wrapped his arms around her back and unsnapped her bra as it slipped down of her round soft breast. Hermione was straddling him now and looked down at him allowing him a good view of her nude upper body.

Harry wanted to remember this sight forever. He stared at her and soaked it all in. She untied his bow on his cotton pants now and started pulling his pants off. He watched her move and allowed her to remove his clothes. Now as he was completely nude she stood up on the bed over him and slowly pulled her panties down.

She was pulled down on top of him as their bodies got intertwined into each other. Their deep passionate kiss knew no equal and no love could rival theirs at that very moment.

Harry felt his hardness rub on her warm wetness and his body shivered. Hermione however stiffened up and held back for a second before relaxing. Harry noticed her hesitation and stopped his advance.

"What's wrong? Are we moving too fast? I don't want to rush this." He said in an honest sweet voice.

"No it's not that at all. I want to really but…. Harry there is something I need to tell you. Something very important I have been holding in for months now. It's fair you know this before we continue." Hermione said nervously.

Harry looked at her worried as he pushed her hair out her face. She sat up and covered herself with her blanket and he leaned on his side and looked at her waiting.

"What is it Hermione? You can tell me anything." Harry said to reassure her.

"I know I can….Harry listen to me. Before I tell you it's important you understand I did it to protect you and us. I only meant to prevent things from getting complicated during such a dangerous time…." Hermione said getting nervous.

"Did what Hermione what are you going on about? Just tell me." Harry said curiously.

"Last year about this time we were together in Godric's Hollow. You were attacked by Nagini and in our escape…" She said.

"My wand was broken I know, are you saying you broke it on purpose?" He said raising an eyebrow.

"No not at all. Just listen to me until I'm finished. Save your questions!" Hermione said impatiently.

Harry nodded and stopped talking as she continued.

"Harry the moments after we escaped you were unconscious and I took care of you until you came too remember? Something …..Happened after you woke up. And it has everything to do with where we are right now." She confessed.

"I think I recall that moment very well Hermione. Everything you are saying now doesn't make any sense." He said bluntly.

Hermione sighed loudly and got out of bed as she walked naked to her dresser and retrieved her wand. She slowly approached Harry withwatery eyes as she fiddled with the wand.

"I think it would be easier if I just showed you what I am talking about. May I?" She asked holding up the wand.

"Ok…. I guess I should trust you by now." Harry answered.

Hermione wiped her tear and sat down next to Harry. She softly placed her wand against his temple on the side of his head and kissed him gently. He was nervous but didn't stop her spell as she whispered the reverse memory incantation.

"Restituo Occultus Memoria"

Harry felt momentarily light headed as he looked at Hermione and his mind flashed back to the moment of question the year prior in their tent after Godric's Hollow.


WINTER 1997

"You're the one who needs sleep. No offense you look exhausted Hermione. I'm ok. I'll keep watch first. Where is my wand?" Harry asked as he stood up to stand guard outside.

Hermione lowered her head and did not answer.

"Where is my wand Hermione? Harry asked again sensing her mood.

"Harry I…"

"The wand please…." He replied cutting her off.

Hermione handed over Harry's broken wand as he stared at it wide eyed. He took it and studied it carefully noticed it how it was almost completely broken in half. The phoenix feather was the only thing holding it together now.

"Mend it please…" he said handing it back to her.

Hermione tried several times to fix his wand but nothing worked. She nervously explained to Harry that it must have been her blasting curse that destroyed it. Harry was wand less now as he faced his greatest threat.

"I'll just use yours for now while I keep watch Hermione. It wasn't your fault don't worry." He said a little too calmly. Hermione handed over her wand as a tear slid down her cheek. Harry pretended not to see it and quickly went outside.

Harry sat outside pondering his situation. He had been hurt plenty of times before and his blood had been spilled as well. But now he felt completely vulnerable without his wand. He put the broken pieces away in his moke skin pouch. His mind wandered into countless thoughts. He lost track of time until he heard a small soft voice.

"Harry?"

Hermione walked outside into the cold with two cups of tea for them. Her face was still wet with fresh tears.

"Thanks." He whispered as he watched her shiver a little beside him. He felt guilty for her sadness. He could have attempted to be more understanding and believable with his fake assurance to her that it was ok.

Harry put his arm around her to keep her warm. She looked down and a new tear fell.

"You're still very angry with me aren't you? Hermione asked.

"No not at all. You saved my ass back there you know? If it wasn't for your charm we might not be sitting here right now. Thank you." He said honestly.

Hermione smiled barely and sipped her tea. "Ugh this needs more sugar. I'll be back." She whispered. Harry nodded and released his arm from around her. Strangely he felt comfort when she was so close just now.

She stood up and walked past him into the tent, but as she did so her hand brushed through his hair lightly and sent a chill down his spine. He closed his eyes at her touch. Harry reached up and held her hand in his as he stopped her from going inside.

He stood up too still holding her hand. Hermione looked back at him still holding back her tears. He locked his gaze into her wet brown eyes and forced a smile.

"It will be ok Hermione. I promise nothing will happen to you. And I will never abandon you or leave you alone." He whispered making a reference to Ron's departure days ago.

Hermione allowed the tears to flow freely now as she fell forward and embraced Harry. He caught her into his arms and held her tightly against him. The emotions of the day and weeks before caught up to them and this close contact was a welcoming change to the tension they had been experiencing.

The pair held each other in the snow and allowed they hug to linger. Hermione slowly pulled her head away finally and looked up into Harry's green eyes.

"Thank you Harry. You have always been there for me even when Ron wasn't." she said smiling.

"Same with you Hermione. You always stay loyal to me no matter what. Why did you stay?" he asked as he felt his heart beat faster.

"I wanted to help you. I wanted to stay close to you …" She began before she was cut off by Harry's kiss.

He didn't know what he was doing when he leaned in but it seemed like it was something he had meant to do years ago and just never had gotten around to it.

They held each other close as their lips became one and their tongues found one another. Hermione instinctively pushed her body against his and melted into his arms. The snow began to fall harder now as it stuck to their clothes and hair. She began to shiver and he slowly separated his lips from hers.

"Harry…" She whispered as she blushed and wiped her last tears away.

"I'm sorry but I think I have been meaning to do that for awhile now. I have been blinded by this war and by my troubles. But it has always been you that kept me going. I don't think us ending up together like this was a coincidence." He said as he held her close.

She looked up at him speechless and realized she couldn't argue with him. She always cared for and loved Harry deeply. But he never made a move and she reluctantly moved on. But here he was now looking deep into her eyes and all she could think of was going into the warm tent with him….

"I'm cold" She whispered and grabbed his hand and led him into the tent. He followed her and as soon as they felt the warm air they embraced into a heated kiss again. All thoughts of war and broken wands, red headed Weasley's and Horicrux's left their minds. All that existed was each other and the passion between them this very moment.

They moved towards the bunk beds as they kissed and removed their clothes. Hermione fell back onto the bed pulling Harry on top of her. They clumsily removed what was left of their clothes and paused as all that remained now was to take the final step. Harry looked down at her nakedness and his own and she blushed with a nervous smile.

"I love you Hermione. I always have." He said as he stared into her eyes with sincerity.

"I love you too…." She replied pulling him into her. She gasped at the feeling of him inside her for the first time. A wave of slight pain and soreness hit her followed immediately by a pleasure she never felt before. Harry held his breath as he moved his hips back and forth against her.

Their lips locked again as they made passionate love for the first time. Harry smelled her scent on him and embraced the special moment. She was panting deeply as her hips grinded against his with a synchronized rhythm. They spent the next hour entangled into each others bodies as a boundary was forever broken between them.

Afterwards as they were dressing the reality of what happened struck Hermione. She felt guilty for taking advantage of the situation. Wasn't Harry in love with Ginny? Wasn't there something happening with her and Ron? Harry told her he loved her though. Was it the heat of the moment? All these thoughts flooded the emotional and fragile mind of Hermione as she watched Harry pulling his shirt back on. He smiled down at her. She smiled back.

"You rest here. I'll go stand watch again. I love you ok?" Harry said to her.

She nodded still smiling as she lay under the covers. He went outside and she continued to imagine what would happen because of this. Here they were in the middle of the most important mission they ever took on and not having any sense of direction. Both were involved with other people emotionally who happened to be their best friends. This shouldn't have happened this way. No not like this. The moment of weakness got the better of them both she thought.

It would be a huge distraction between them and perhaps cause more pain than good down the road. They could not afford these distractions. Not now of all times. Why didn't she just stop him from kissing her? She knew why but held back the emotion. How as she going to right the situation was a better question. If only it never happened….. Perhaps if it happened at a better time in the future…. When things were different. A thought crept into her mind as she got dressed and prepared their tea again. This time with more sugar.

Hermione knew what she must do. It was for the best no matter how much it pained her to admit it. She grabbed the new book. The life and lies of Albus Dumbledore. It would make the perfect distraction afterwards. Carrying the book and the tea towards the tent entrance she set them down just inside the flap. She thought of the replacement memory she would install just like she had with her parents.

Hermione stepped outside looking down at Harry. He actually looked happy for once. She frowned and held back her tears and hoped she was doing the right thing.

"Harry? Can I use my wand for a minute? I'm going to fix us some food." She said with a shaky voice.

Harry looked back at her and smiled softly. "Sure Hermione." He handed her the wand and she took it slowly. He stared back forward into the snow still remembering the special moment he just had with her. His discovered love for Hermione flooded his soul. He barely heard her whisper the memory charm and then his mind went blank as the tears glazed her face.


As his mind focused back to the present moment Harry blinked in confusion and took in his surroundings. Hermione sat next to him still on the bed but was crying softly now as she watched his face waiting for his reaction. His lost memory was his again and their love for one another came back to him.

"So the new feelings I had for you all summer? The unexplained attraction….. It was all because of…? Oh my god. You took that memory away from me? How could you?" he said shocked.

"I'm so sorry Harry. Don't you understand now after everything that happened after that? You would have never been able to stay focused on your mission against Voldermort. When I was being tortured by Bellatrix Ron had to be held back by you so as not to do anything stupid. Imagine what you might have done? We might have died. I did it for us and for our friendships. But I made the mistake in thinking I could erase everything. You see as powerful as magic is there is something more powerful that it can never overcome. True love. Your love for me was so pure and genuine that even though I erased the memory your feelings never went anywhere. You might have been confused by the sudden change and it took you awhile to pursue it but it never went anywhere." She said holding his hand tight.

"I know you are upset with me right now Harry. But I'm so grateful we still ended up right where we are now. You were right. It was no coincidence us ending up alone then or all the times this year. Please forgive me?" She said wiping her tears.

"That moment was mine just as much as it was yours! Maybe it helped things with the mission but we will never know for sure now will we? Hermione you can't just make decisions like that on your own. I went through all kinds of guilt and confusion not to mention jealousy for months. I don't know what to feel right now." He said trying to stay calm.

"The reason I held back just now was because I didn't want you to start and realize I wasn't a virgin. I didn't want you thinking I lied about me and Ron. We never did anything. I couldn't touch him after I was with you. I knew I didn't see him that way anymore. I tried to give it a chance at first but I only thought of you Harry. I love you…."

Harry held up his hand to silence her. His mind was racing with images of their first time. He wanted to be angry with her but the old feeling of love dominated his emotions. Hermione stopped talking and lowered her head. Harry slowly stood up and grabbed his clothes. He looked at her with confusion and walked out the room.

Hermione put her face into her hands and started to cry now. She was afraid he would take it badly but she had to tell him. The guilt of her actions that day had been with her ever since. Now she felt alone and scared for her relationship with Harry. Her tears flowed down her cheeks as she hugged her pillow.

What would become of them now? She and Ron were able to get passed his drunken stupidity in Hogsmeade and at least stay friends, but this secret she kept from Harry was much more serious. She hoped and prayed that it wouldn't destroy what she had been so thankful to find again with him. Her heart couldn't take that. Hermione sat there in silence and closed her eyes tightly.

"I will never abandon you or leave you alone." Harry said down to her.

She snapped her head up and locked yes with him. He had walked back into her room and was standing close to the bed now.

"That's what I said that day right? I remember it more clearly with every minute that goes by. I will never abandon you…." He said again as he reached for her hand.

"Yes…. That's what you said." She whispered up to him with a sad face as she let him hold her hand.

Harry nodded slowly. He lay down next to her and pulled her into an embrace against him. She cried softly into his shoulder as he rocked her back and forth and kissed her forehead. He didn't even make it down the hall when he realized what a mistake it would be for him to walk away. No matter how upset he was or how much he disagreed with her choice that day he knew she did what she felt was best at the time. She meant no harm. And most importantly he loved this girl more than anything. She had become his life.

"You sure are one talented witch aren't you?" he asked smiling. "Do me a favor and keep your spells directed away from me from now on?"

Hermione nodded her head fast and laughed through her tears. "Trust me I won't Harry. Never again." She replied hugging him tight. "I thought I lost you for a second there."

"If your advanced magic couldn't keep us apart what makes you think a few hurt feeling would? No more tears ok?" he said wiping them away. Hermione started wiping them as well.

"Let's try to get passed this bump in the road and learn from it. No secrets from now on and we will always let things take their own natural course ok?" He added with a serious face. Hermione agreed and she hugged him even tighter not wanting to let go.

"Now we have a party to prepare for! How about you help me set up the rest of the decorations?" Harry asked trying to change the subject.

"Sure thing but right after we finish what we started here mister." She said grabbing him and pulling him on top of her. Even though it was their second sexual encounter technically Harry and Hermione felt as if they never experienced such passion and love and pleasure in their lives before. The afternoon dragged on with them locked in her room while Kreacher continued decorating happily with ear plugs jammed into his long ears.

Small note. I am very new to this site so it takes me some time to figure out all the options i have editing the story. After several reviews complaining about the early chapters i did actually go back and fix the grammar and re did a few before Ambush at Hogsmeade Station was re edited. Sorry it took me so long to figure out. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.