Title: The Next Chapter

Rating: K

Summary: Sequel to Hermione's Quest. Hermione finds new challenges as the Card Captor when strange things start happening, starting at the Burrow. Soon she finds that this is a test to get her ready to take her place as the most powerful sorcerer in the world.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

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To yellow 14: Thanks for your review but Eli is using his magic to keep Voldemort from finding out.

To cyiusblack: Thanks for your review.

To notwritten: Thanks for your review.

To sjrodgers108: Thanks for your review.

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Chapter 52: Double Change

The strange thing that happened in Hogsmead was the talk of Hogwarts for the next several days. No one could understand how it had happened since the village was suppose to be protected from things like strange snow problems. Hermione knew that the magic that enabled that to happen had to be the work of Clow Reed, only he had enough power do to that. On the last day of February, which Hermione was very happy about, Harry and Ron told her that they were sending a letter off to Percy.

"Why?" Hermione asked.

"Because our friend wants to know if Percy has seen his boss?" Harry answered. "He has gone missing."

Hermione was a little shocked by this.

"You don't think that Voldemort (Ron flinched) has found another way to do what he thinks he needs?"

Harry looked at her.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

Hermione and Ron looked at each other.

"I think I'll leave you two alone," Ron said and he hurried away.

"Hermione, what is going on?" Harry asked.

Hermione sighed.

"I've been having these visions of Voldemort returning," Hermione told him. "That's why I asked that question."

"And how long has this been going on?" Harry asked her.

"Since last term," Hermione answered at once.

Harry gaped at her.

"And you didn't tell Dumbledore about them," Harry said, his tone rising.

Hermione wanted to defend herself but she knew that she couldn't. If she told him that she didn't trust Dumbledore then he would really lose it.

"I'm going to tell him," Harry informed her.

He walked past her but Hermione grabbed him.

"No," she said.

He stared at her and Hermione knew that she would have to tell him.

"Harry I-."

"Miss Granger," said the cold voice of Professor Dark.

Hermione turned to see the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher coming down the corridor.

"Yes, Professor," Hermione said.

"Professor Snape wishes to see you, at once," she told her. "Mr. Potter, the Headmaster is gone for a couple of days. He just wanted you to know."

Harry nodded and then went in the direction of the Owlery. Hermione headed in the direction of the dungeons.

When she arrived she knocked on the door and a rough 'enter' greeted her ears. Sighing she opened the door and saw the Potions Master standing next to a batch of his potion supplies. He turned when she entered.

"You wish to see me," Hermione said.

"Yes," Snape said, moving to the desk. "I've made my decision concerning what happened during the Yule Ball."

Hermione looked at him, wondering what he was going to say next.

"I've decided to stay here, with you, and make sure that you're protected," he told her. "It is the least that I can do for someone that has treated me with nothing but respect."

Hermione smiled at him, pleased with his decision.

"Thanks," Hermione said. "I know that this has been tough."

Snape took a deep breath.

"A lot harder then you can imagine," Snape answered.

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"Isn't that sweet," Professor Dark said as the three of them watched what was happening.

Eli gave himself a small smile.

"He cares for her deeply," Eli told her. "Even in a romantic way."

Professor Dark made a face.

"Disgusting," she commented. "The Master and protector in-love."

Eli looked at her.

"And why do you find that so revolting?" he asked her.

"Because it just is," she answered.

Eli turned back to the scene that he was watching.

"Maybe your wrong there," Eli told her.

He then extended his staff, giving Hermione her next trial.

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"Can you believe what Dumbledore has planned?" Professor Snape said that afternoon.

"I think a fair is a good idea," Professor McGonagall told him. "Unless the other you is against that as well."

"Very," Snape answered.

She grinned but Snape wasn't finding anything to grin about. There was just so much that could go wrong and he wasn't talking about student problems. He then excused himself, determined to have at least one night that he didn't have to worry about anything.

"Hello, Professor," Hermione called out, running up to meet him. "Heading down to your office?"

"Yes," Snape answered. "Though I don't see how it's any of your concern."

Hermione looked at him.

"I'm just worried that Lucius might make an unscheduled appearance, that's all," she told him.

"I'm touched, Miss Granger, but I'll take care of him if he shows up."

"I'm sure you will," Hermione told him, smirking.

Snape was a little shocked that the smirk was the perfect imitation of his.

"Well I'll let you go," Hermione told him. "Just-."

She stopped as she felt the presence of Reed. Snape stopped as well and both of them looked around.

"Clow Reed," Snape said.

Hermione nodded and that's when the rest of the school arrived, all talking and laughing. Hermione was sure that none of them had sensed what both she and Snape were sensing.

"We need to find the source," Snape told her.

"And maybe the person," Hermione added.

She waited until the last student had left and took out her key.

"Oh key of the Sun and Moon, by ancient forces burning bright, bring forth the staff and shine your light….Release."

The key changed at once into the staff.

"Let's see if we can get away with this," Hermione told him as Snape changed into Yue. "By the power of the Sun and Moon, by ancient forces near and far, Illusion and Maze Cards transform all your might and draw your power from my light….Sun and Moon Cards."

The cards changed and the whole corridor seemed to vanish, the combined powers of both cards showing.

"Come on," Hermione said.

They raced down one set of stairs and then the next, people that hadn't gone to bed looking confused. As they ran, Hermione kept her mind focused on the source. Hermione had no idea what would happen once they got there but she hoped that when she did get there some questions would finally be answered.

Suddenly Hermione saw a light and when both of them went through it they found themselves outside.

"What in the world is going on here?" Yue asked.

"I don't know," Hermione said. "But I don't like it."

"Well the presence is gone…for now," Yue said. "I think we need the cards returned."

Hermione nodded and returned the cards back to her. Snape changed back and Hermione was left very confused.

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A/N: Two reviews and you get a new chapter....I hope.