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Always and Forever

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Disclaimer: Harry Potter, and all the characters associated there with belong to JK Rowling, and Scholastic. Also, any similarities to any other work is unintentional. I make no profit from this story. I wrote it, just for fun.


AN: As always, a very special thank you to, Dementor149, for his tireless efforts in helping me with this story.

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Chapter 42

Nightmares

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Harry had only had a couple of Occlumency lessons with Dumbledore in the last few weeks and even those had been rushed. They'd never really had any time to talk about his dreams. Thankfully, Professor Snape had allowed him to leave class early, giving him a chance now to see Dumbledore. With any luck, he'd get some answers before lunch and then have the rest of the afternoon and all of the weekend off to study. At this point, all he knew was that O.W.L.'s started Monday morning, just three short days away.

After giving the last password that he'd used before, the gargoyle moved aside to allow Harry up to see the Headmaster. 'Glad that worked, now if he'll just listen.' Harry knocked on the outer doors.

"Come in." Was the simple reply.

'Guess he's having a time of it too,' thought Harry as he entered Professor Dumbledore's office.

Although he felt it was all still quite necessary, Dumbledore couldn't help but feel bad for all the extra pressure and anxiety he had placed on Harry's already overloaded shoulders. He realized now, that even as strong as Harry was, he too still had his limits. He would have to step up and make himself more available to Harry and stop avoiding him.

"Ah, Harry, good to see you. I know you've been having a rough go of it lately and I have not been there for you… I'm sorry for that, but maybe now. What can I do for you?"

Harry suddenly had mixed feelings, 'He knew I needed help and ignored me, and now he wants to help? Just like last year,' he realized.

Dumbledore saw the conflict on his face, "Harry, please sit… talk to me."

Harry slowly sat down, "Well, Sir," he started gradually getting his thoughts in order. "I'm still having those dreams, nightmares really, and they seem to be getting worse."

Dumbledore sat still as he listened to Harry, his eyes bright and intense. Most people would feel uncomfortable to say the least under his scrutinizing gaze but Harry found it reassuring. To him it meant he was paying attention just as intensely as his look would suggest. Dumbledore nodded once telling Harry to continue.

"Last night, I had one of the most complete dreams yet."

"How so, Harry?"

"Well, Sir, normally I'm already there, wherever there is, but this time it started in the atrium of the Ministry."

"Are you sure, Harry?"

"Yes, sir, I recognized it from the photos in my textbooks."

"Of course, please continue."

"Well, from there I get into one of the lifts and descend to level eleven. After that, I don't recognize anything, I'm pretty sure I've never seen anyplace like it before.

"No, Harry, I am quite certain you have not, level eleven is the Department of Mysteries."

After Harry finished describing the rest of his dream, Dumbledore asked, "I thought you said Sirius was there, Harry.

"Well, he is… sort of… You see sometimes I only see myself getting there and sometimes I'm already there. It's only after I'm there… well that's when normally I see him. And sometimes I see him being tortured and…"

"Ahh, yes… I see what you mean."

"Sir, do you think I'm seeing the future?"

"The future is not set in stone, Harry, you might, perhaps, be seeing one version of it, but the real question is… why are you seeing it at all?"

Harry stared back at Dumbledore, "Do you think this has anything to do with my… er, connection to him? That maybe I'm seeing another vision from Voldemort."

"Does it feel like the other visions?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, pretty much."

Dumbledore looked away for a second before turning back and asking, "Then why is Sirius there?"

"I don't know," Harry said while looking down, then in a softer voice added, "Professor, do you think Sirius is going to die?" Harry hadn't realized it but he was near tears.

"Like I said, Harry, anything can happen, but on the bright side you have made me aware and I assume your godfather as well?" At Harry's nod, he continued, "Well, then together we should hopefully be able to avoid that outcome from happening."

Harry sat up as a new thought occurred to him. "Sir, do you think Voldemort might have finally discovered the connection between us and that maybe he's sending me these visions on purpose… like some sort of trick?"

Dumbledore stared back at him over the top of his half-moon glasses for a moment. "Harry, you said the dreams, or visions seemed the same as the ones you had before, correct?"

Harry nodded yes.

"But this is the first time you have had the same or nearly the same vision more than once?"

Again Harry nodded, "Yes, Sir, that's right."

Dumbledore paused for a second then slowly nodded, "Yes, you may be right about that, Harry, In fact, considering the events from a few nights ago…"

Harry quirked a brow, "Sir?"

Dumbledore eyed Harry for a second before deciding to just tell him the truth. "In a daring mid-night raid, Voldemort managed to breakout ten of his most fateful followers and a couple others from Azkaban. The Ministry will keep it quiet for a few more days while they formulate a response, then I am sure it will be front page news."

Shocked, Harry only nodded, then a few seconds later said softly, "That would explain why I haven't had a vision for a while, until last night. Guess he was too busy to bother with me for a change."

"If he knows about the link; and I am now quite certain he does, then that would make sense," Dumbledore said seriously. "What we do not know is, whether he is just using it to torment you, or if he is using it in a more sinister way." Dumbledore nodded to himself, "Yes, if it is 'some sort of trick,' we will need to be extra careful as to how we respond. However, for now I do not think you need to worry any more about it until after exams. In the meantime I will do some checking and I want you to let me know if you have any more dreams or at least if they are different, okay, Harry?"

Somewhat relieved, though not completely convinced, Harry hoped that Dumbledore would now take him and the visions a bit more seriously, Harry reluctantly agreed, "Thank you, Professor, I will."

"Now Harry if there is nothing…"

Harry quickly cut him off, "Actually, Sir, there is one more thing." Dumbledore looked a little put out but Harry didn't care, it had taken him this long to see Dumbledore so he was going to make the best of it, "It's about Hermione, Sir." Harry went on and quickly explained how she had changed so suddenly and how she'd asked him to stay away. Harry didn't offer his theory as to why and for now, he keep his suspicions about Dumbledore's role in all this to himself. Harry wanted to see how honest Dumbledore was going to be.

Dumbledore tried to look surprised at hearing this, but Harry was sure he'd already known. "I cannot imagine why she would act that way either, Harry, maybe you should just respect her wishes." At Harry's questioning look, Dumbledore added, "At least for now. Give her some time to work things out."

It was easy to tell Dumbledore wasn't going to help, even though he reassured Harry he would look into her actions. Throughout the last part of the meeting with the Headmaster, Harry couldn't shake the idea that Dumbledore was just trying to placate him. As soon as he had brought up the topic of Hermione, he was sure of it and that the Professor was not telling him the whole truth, or at least the whole truth with regards to Hermione. Before Harry knew it, his talk with Dumbledore was over and he was again being rushed out the door.

As Harry made his way to lunch, he kept going over the conversation in his head. There was no doubt left; Dumbledore was behind whatever was causing Hermione to behave the way she was. 'Now, I just have to figure out what Dumbledore is up to,' Harry thought. He knew he'd be very busy for the next few days revising and taking his O.W.L.s, but promised himself he'd work on it any chance he got. As he passed by the Transfiguration classroom, he had another thought, 'Maybe this time McGonagall can help.' He made a mental note to stop in and see her as soon as he got a chance.

~oOoOo~

As lunch was winding down, McGonagall got up and moved to the front of the table to make an announcement. "If I can have your attention please," McGonagall started, "Final exams for the year, along with O.W.L.'s and N.E.W.T.'s will begin in three days on Monday, this June third. They will continue for three weeks until Tuesday the eighteenth for O.W.L.'s and Friday the twenty-first for N.E.W.T.'s. You will take one exam a day, however none all you will have exams everyday of course." After a quick glance around to make sure everyone was still paying attention, she finished, "Sometime after lunch, please see your Head of House for your personal schedules and any special instructions. Although I will repeat this information tonight at dinner, if you see someone who is not here now, please relay what I have told you. Thank you."

Harry, always quick to finish his meal, was one of the first to see McGonagall at the head table for his schedule. He scanned his time-table as he slowly made his way back to the Gryffindor tower.

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Week One

Monday Charms

Tuesday Transfiguration

Wednesday Care of Magical Creatures

Thursday Herbology

Friday Astronomy

Week Two

Monday Potions

Tuesday DADA

Wednesday Free (Divination)

Thursday History of Magic

Friday Free (Arithmancy)

Week Three

Monday Ancient Runes

Tuesday Free (Muggle Studies)

Wednesday N.E.W.T. exam only

Thursday N.E.W.T. exam only

Friday N.E.W.T. exam only

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Not too bad Harry thought, 'Although that first week is going to rough.'

~oOoOo~

It was Tuesday evening, the end of the second day of O.W.L.s. and Harry was happy about the fact that he already had two of his harder ones done; Charms yesterday and Transfiguration today. He still had some tough ones left though, so he still needed to keep up his studies and revisions. 'Well, I can revise some more after my Care of Magical Creatures test tomorrow, right now I'm too tired to care,' He thought as he was leaving the testing hall. Then it occurred to him now might be a good time to try and see Professor McGonagall, so Harry headed for her office.

"Come in, Mr. Potter, how are your exams going so far?" Professor McGonagall asked in her usual stern voice.

She looked fairly tired herself, 'Probably be glad when school is out as well,' Harry thought as he watched her. He also noticed she looked genuinely concerned about him and that made him feel a little better about his visit. 'So far so good, Ma'am."

"Well, I doubt very much that this is a social call, so what should I expect from this visit, Mr. Potter?"

"I was wondering…err, hoping I could talk to you about Hermione again."

McGonagall figured it was only a matter of time before Harry came to her and stopped asking questions and started demanding answers. She knew Harry wasn't the type to let things go and he wasn't going to be easily deterred, not by her or even the Headmaster. If he hadn't been so busy with the D.A. prefect duties and studying for his O.W.L.'s, She was sure he'd had been pounding on her door a long time ago. Now here she was, face to face with him and she could either break her oath to Dumbledore or lie to Harry. In actuality, she didn't want to do either. She closed her eyes and started rubbing the bridge of her nose.

Harry had always been fairly good at reading people, it had been kind of necessary growing up with the Dursleys. And so, after having spent some time with McGonagall last summer, Harry could tell she was at odds with herself. If the reason he was here was about anything else, he might have said, 'Never mind'. However, this wasn't just about anything else, this was about Hermione.

"Professor," Harry started, "I know something's going on with Hermione and I know Professor Dumbledore is involved. I also think the way Hermione is acting is just that, an act… They're hiding something." Harry looked down for a second before going on, "I can't help but feel that somehow it's about me… and if it is, then that makes me responsible for what it's doing to Hermione. I… I can't just leave that alone." Harry paused until McGonagall looked at him, "And judging by the look on your face, I suspect you know what… but don't want to say…" Then a thought occurred to Harry, "Or, maybe you can't say."

"You are more correct than you know, Mr. Potter. You're right, I do know most of what's going on but like you there are also some things that I don't know." She could see the almost pleading look in his eyes, "Mr. Potter… Harry, please believe me when I say, I would never intentionally do anything to hurt you or Miss Granger."

"Well, then tell me what's…"

"I can't, Harry," McGonagall looked down, "It's complicated."

Harry's troubled look compelled her to go on, probably saying more than she should have. "I think I can understand how you might be feeling. Mainly, that everyone is keeping a secret from you, one that you feel you have a right to know." As Harry slowly nodded yes, she added sadly, "Sometimes, it's better not to know." McGonagall looked away for a second as she considered her next words, "Something… dreadful happen a while back, setting into motion what is happening now."

"And you can't tell me anything?"

"Unfortunately, no. I made a promise and took an oath. At the time, it seemed the best and only way to help both you and Miss Granger." McGonagall paused, then added almost as an afterthought, "Circumstances at the time seemed to dictate it was necessary, now though…" McGonagall sighed, "I can only hope that in time, we will both know the truth, the whole truth and that we will also understand why it had to be this way."

They sat in silence staring each other, both were in pain but for different reasons.

"What if you're wrong?" Harry asked softly. It was a simple question that had so much implication.

"I can only tell you this, for the time being all that is happening, has to be. But, if I find or even begin to feel I'm wrong… then you and I will have a long talk."

"Is that a promise also?"

"Indeed, Mr. Potter, it is."

Harry knew that was the best he was going to get for now. Standing, he faced his Professor and while giving her a slight nod, smiled and said, "Thank you, Ma'am, for your time."

~oOoOo~

A whole week had flown by and everybody was busier than usual. For Harry, it meant he was up early, usually before first light. His day started with a workout followed by breakfast and except for an occasional free day, an O.W.L. to take. It ended with more studying after dinner before finally crawling into bed for some much-needed rest.

Hermione's day was almost the same as Harry's, the only real exception was she had one extra classes and so one extra O.W.L. to take. Neville, Luna, and Ginny were also working hard and they all tried to squeeze in a workout whenever they could. Luna and Ginny of course, didn't have O.W.L.s but they did have end of term exams, which left them with very little time to relax. Ron it seemed, had gone into hiding and no longer hung out in the common room. As far as Harry was concerned, that was a good thing. 'Especially for Ron,' Harry thought, since the next time he saw him he was going to give Ron more than just a piece of his mind.

For as long and as hard as his days were, Harry's nights were worse. He was having nightmares every night now. He wasn't sure how much longer he could keep up the pace. His only happy thought was that O.W.L.s would soon be over and then he could slow down.

~oOoOo~

As Harry entered the common room he saw Hermione sitting at a table with Ginny studying. He paused momentarily and smiled as he watched, 'Just like her, she's either studying or helping someone,' he mused.

Sensing his presence, Hermione looked up catching his smile. They locked gazes for a moment before she smiled and turned back to Ginny, "Harry seems to be doing better don't you think?"

Ginny answered after a second of thought, "Yeah, or he's getting better at hiding his feelings."

Hermione smile faltered as she looked back at Harry and watched him as he sat down next to Neville. She was glad to see him smile, he rarely did that anymore and of course she knew why, their breakup. She also knew he was still actively trying to find out what really happened, but lately, there was something more, something else was bothering him as well.

'He looks so tired," Ginny's said, bringing Hermione back from her thoughts.

"Yeah, he does… I'm worried about him."

"I know." Ginny was too, she was actually worried about the both of them.

Harry plopped down on the couch next to Neville and moaned, "Thank Merlin it's Friday," then chuckled to himself as he thought about the twist on the oh-so-true Muggle expression.

"What's so funny?" Neville asked, one brow raised in a look that clearly said, 'I don't get it.'

"Oh nothing… just that old saying."

Neville nodded, "Well, I suppose it's true. It'll be nice to have the weekend off... well except for revisions."

"Yeah, almost half of our O.W.L.s are done, the only tough ones left being Potions, Runes, and DADA, well for me anyway."

"Yeah Potions and DADA," Neville acknowledged a bit more excited, "not that defense will be a problem for you, Harry."

"Nor you, Neville, I've watched you, you're good"

"Thanks, Harry," Neville said as he sat up a little straighter. "You know, I wouldn't be anywhere near as good as I am, if it weren't for you and Hermione."

Harry just smiled, "Oh, I don't know about that… but thanks just the same." Neville was really better than he thought, his only problem was confidence. Changing the subject before it got too weird, Harry said, "Potions will be a bit tricky though, don't you think?"

"Yeah, I suspect you're right about that."

Harry couldn't help but add, "Of course it wouldn't be if we had a decent Professor."

Neville just slowly nodded in agreement and then went back to reading as Harry laid his head back and closed his eyes.

Harry was almost asleep on the couch when Neville's voice woke him from his hazy stupor

"Harry, you alright mate?" He asked. Harry was obviously exhausted and the dark circles under his eyes said it was more than just studying for O.W.L.s.

"Yeah, just tired."

Neville took a good look at Harry and realized that something else was wrong, "Harry, you do look tired, but…ah, is something else bothering you, because you know I'll help?"

Harry cracked an eye open and looked sideways at Neville without turning his head. He could tell his friend was sincere and after closing his eyes again he mumbled through a weak smile, "I know mate, I know." Then after a short silence, Harry forced both eyes open and leaned forward with a small groan of protest and added, "Well, I'm off to bed before I fall asleep down here. See you tomorrow."

Neville watched Harry slowly climb the stairs to their dorm room, but before he returned to his reading he looked over at Hermione. She had been watching Harry leave as well and it was obvious she shared his concern also. Neville shook head, 'That poor bloke never can seem to catch a break.'

~oOoOo~

"Sirius, no…NOOO…!"

Neville and Seamus both woke to the sounds of Harry's screams and were on each side of Harry's bed a moment later, but both were a little afraid to wake him. Neville finally gained a bit of courage and shouted, "Harry… Harry wake up," while shaking his shoulder.

Harry stopped thrashing and slowly opened his eyes and was surprised to see Seamus and Neville staring at him with alarm. He had been so tired when he'd gone to bed earlier, that he had forgotten to put up a silencing charm. Harry now realized his screams from his nightmare had apparently woken up the rest of his dorm mates. "What… what happened?" Was all Harry's foggy brain could think of.

"Woke the whole bloody dorm with your screaming, that's what," Ron said sitting half up in his bed. "Bloody wanker," Ron added before lying back down and rolling over to try and go back to sleep.

"Sorry guys, guess I was having a nightmare… didn't mean to wake you," Harry said sheepishly but then let slip, "normally I put up silencing charms."

Neville and Seamus glanced at each other before Seamus asked, "You mean you're still doing that?"

Neville saw the look that flashed across Harry's face, surprise, and then regret. He obviously hadn't meant to say that. "Why, do you have these all the time?" Neville asked.

"No, no it's just…" Harry couldn't think fast enough, and he really didn't want to lie to his friends, "well, lately, yes almost every night," he finished quietly.

"Blimey, Harry, why didn't you say something?"

Harry shrugged, "I don't know. I guess I'm just used to them… it's not a big deal anymore."

"Does Hermione know?"

Harry turned and pinned Neville was a sharp look, "No, and it's going to stay that way."

"Harry, she might be…"

Harry cut across him, "She found out last year that I was having them. Know what she did?" Neville shook his head no, "She tried to put some runes on my bed to wake her if I was having a nightmare. Fortunately, she couldn't get them to work back then. Can you imagine how many times I would have woke her?"

"Bloody hell, Harry," Seamus sounded a bit surprised, "you can't go on like this, you need to get some help. Maybe you should talk to Dumbledore.

"I have, he wasn't much help." Harry looked away for a second and then turned back. "Look guys, thanks but I'll be all right now, why don't you go on and get back to bed."

"That's a great idea, then maybe we can all get some sleep." Ron mumbled sarcastically.

Seamus gave Ron a nasty look and then turned back to Harry, "What a git, but if you're really okay I think I'll take you up on that, and turn in."

"Yeah, sure, see you in the morning." Harry smiled as Seamus threw a pillow at Ron's head while returning to bed and sliding back under his covers. When he looked back at Neville, Harry knew he wasn't going to get off as easy, "You're not going to let this go are you?"

Neville crossed his arms and slowly shook his head.

"Fine, but not here." Harry got out of bed and motioned to the door.

Harry sat down on the edge of the couch and stared ahead deep in thought. While Neville started a fire before easing himself down in an armchair, waiting for Harry to start.

"I don't know where to begin," Harry said softly.

"Why don't you start with the dreams, Harry, start from the beginning."

Harry turned his head and stared at Neville for a moment while thinking what a good friend he'd become and thought, 'He has a right to know.' Harry took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Have you ever been to the Department of Mysteries?" Harry asked. Then he went on to tell Neville all about his dreams and what he thought they meant.

Neville couldn't believe his ears, he just sat there and stared at Harry.

"You look like you're going to lose it there, Neville." Harry felt better now than he had told him everything. Like a portion of the weight on his shoulders had been lifted. But seeing the look on his friend's face made him feel a little guilty at the same time. Like somehow, he had just dumped some of his problems onto Neville.

Snapping out of his trance, Neville replied in a hushed tone, "Blimey, Harry, how do you do it?"

Raising his eyebrows, Harry asked slightly confused, "Do what exactly?"

"Go on of course. I mean Merlin, life keeps throwing shite at you and yet you carry on…" Neville lowered his head and continued more softly, "I don't think I could do it." He was both amazed at Harry's fortitude and a little ashamed of his own lack of confidence at the same time.

"Neville… I do it, because I have to… I mean what else am I going to do?" After a short pause he added, "Look, someone or something throws shite at you… well you try and get out of the way of it of course and if it misses, great, and if not… well then you deal with it." Harry sighed, "Because if you don't… you'll soon find yourself buried in it."

Harry was watching Neville take it all in. He could see him running his words over in his head and wondering how well he'd be able to handle it. "Neville, I know that your life hasn't exactly been easy either. I don't claim to know all the details and it's really none of my business, but I'm pretty sure you've had to deal with some really hard issues as well."

Neville looked up at Harry wondering what all he knew about his life. He wondered if Harry knew about his parents and if not, if he should tell him.

Harry smiled, "Look mate, what I'm trying to say is, I think… No, I'm sure that whatever shite life throws at you… you'll handle it just fine."

Neville gave Harry a small smile and nodded his understanding, "Thanks, Harry," then shaking his head, "But I'm supposed to be helping you… so, what are you going to do about all this?"

"I don't know. Professor Dumbledore said he'd look into it and at the time, I thought he was finally taking me seriously but..." Harry suddenly feeling slightly lost stopped for a second, then while staring into the fire continued, "It's like he knew something but didn't want to tell me. I don't know, maybe he just doesn't believe me."

"Harry do you really think that?"

"Well, he sure doesn't seem to be doing anything about it, at least as far as I can see."

After a moment of thought, Neville looked up with concern, "Harry, you're not thinking of going to the Ministry by yourself, are you?"

Harry sighed, "No, but yeah, I did think about it. There's just so much I don't know; like how would I get there, how would I get in, or more importantly, when should I go." Harry ran a hand through his hair, "I don't even know if what I'm seeing is real, most likely it's not and it's probably just a trap or something."

"So, in your dreams you don't know when it's going to happen?"

"No. As a matter of fact, I had to talk to Sirius to make sure it hadn't already happened, and that took over a week. He's been very busy and it's really hard to reach him right now. He said it didn't sound good but as long as I stayed in school, I should be all right."

Neville nodded, "Sounds like good advice."

Harry snorted, "Yeah, if I was worried about myself. Neville, I afraid he's not taking this seriously enough either."

Neville and Harry sat quietly for a while, each lost in thought.

"Harry, who else knows about this?"

"No one really, just Sirius, Remus, Professor Dumbledore, and now you."

"What about McGonagall or… Hermione?"

"McGonagall is really busy right now, but yeah, I guess I could try and talk to her about it."

"And Hermione…"

Harry cut him off, "Hermione has her own problems. Please, Neville, don't say anything… you know she would just worry, and I…"

Neville held up his hands, "No problem, Harry, I won't say a word."

Smiling, Harry said thanks and got up, "Well, why don't we try and get some more sleep."

~oOoOo~

By the Tuesday of the third week of exams, the only good thing that had happened was Harry taking the last of his O.W.L.s. Unfortunately, his nightmares were getting worse. Harry tried once again to talk with Professor Dumbledore only to find that he had left the castle and no one would tell him why or even when he'd be back. Harry tried to get in touch with Sirius again but couldn't. Remus was also unavailable, apparently, he was with Dumbledore wherever that was. As a last resort, he approached Professor McGonagall again.

"Mr. Potter, I understand your concern, I really do, and I'm sure the Headmaster is aware as well."

"But he probably doesn't know that… I think Voldemort is almost ready to do something?" Harry said in a rush, starting to get frantic.

"Calm yourself, Mr. Potter, I am quite sure the Headmaster will be back soon and I'll make sure he sees you right away."

Seeing that the conversation was over, Harry looked down for a second and when he couldn't think of anything else to say, he nodded okay.

Minerva could see the desperate look in his eyes and understood how he felt. Not knowing and feeling helpless to do anything. "Mr. Potter, in the meantime I'll do my best to help. I can't leave the school, but I can make some floo calls to see what I can find out."

Harry nodded again, this time with a smile, "Thank you, Ma'am."

~oOoOo~

It wasn't until the next day at lunchtime that Neville had a chance to talk with Harry again, "Well, thank Merlin that's over with," Neville said as he sat across from Harry looking a little more relaxed now that exams were over.

"Yeah, except now that O.W.L.s are done what's going to keep my mind off Sirius?"

"No good news then I expect?"

"No… and the worst part is I can't reach anyone. Professor McGonagall is the only one I've managed to talk to and she wants me to wait for Dumbledore, though she did promise to help."

"Well, what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing for now… but I'm getting a feeling Voldemort is going to do something soon."

Neville was getting more and more nervous as the conversation continued. He knew that look; Harry was planning something. "Harry, what exactly do you mean by, 'Nothing for now?'"

"I mean, that I know I can't just go and run off to the Ministry looking for Voldemort. And like I said, I don't even know when it will happen… or if it's even real.

"So then, you're going to wait for Dumbledore?"

"Yeah… unless Voldemort tips his hand before he gets back."

"Well, then what?"

Harry looked down and sighed, "I'm not really sure… but if I can't get the Professors or… someone to go and check, I might go myself."

Neville sat there in shock while staring at Harry as he thought of how badly that could turn out. Now he wasn't just nervous, he was downright scared, scared for Harry. "Merlin, Harry, you can't be serious… I mean how… how would you even get there and how would you get in, and, and… oh Merlin's hairy bits… What if you did, then what… walk right up to him and say 'Let Sirius go or else!" Neville was getting so excited he was starting to attract the attention of a few students. Some were looking over to see what the commotion was all about.

"Neville! Get it under control mate, people are starting to stare."

Neville looked around quickly and smiled sheepishly, "Sorry."

"Look, I don't know how or what or when or… or anything but I do know I've got to do something." Harry stared back at Neville hoping to convey not only how important this was to him but how personal it was as well. "He's my godfather, Neville, I can't lose him too… he's all I've got left." Harry finished as his voice turned soft at the last bit.

Neville was moved by the emotion in Harry's words. For him, the meaning was clear; these last couple months had been like a living hell for Harry and after losing Hermione, the thought of losing Sirius too was just too much. "Don't worry, Harry, we'll figure something out… hey, tonight at the D.A. meeting we could…"

Harry raised his hands to stop Neville, "No, I don't want anyone in the D.A. involved."

"But they…"

"No… Neville, please, someone could get hurt and I don't think I could live with that."

"Not if they don't go. We could just get ideas and they could help us plan."

Harry raised a brow, "We? Neville, if I go, I'm going alone." Harry was impressed; Neville thought it was crazy to go but he was still more than willing to help.

Neville waved him off, "Yeah, sure. Doesn't mean we still can't help though."

"If I go and the D.A. knows… someone will probably try and follow and if it's a trap, which it probably is… well then they could…" Harry couldn't finish.

Neville knew what he meant and nodded his head in understanding knowing he was right.

If the D.A. knew, then Hermione would know. Neville was pretty sure that was who Harry was worried about the most. Hermione had only just recently rejoined the D.A. She reasoned that she could work with one group while Harry worked another. With little interaction, it really wasn't any different than normal classwork. The more he thought about it, the more he was sure Harry was right. There was no way Hermione would let him go alone if she knew.

A thought occurred to Neville and he had to ask, "Harry, if you're so sure it's a trap, why go?"

Harry shrugged, "Don't really have much choice do I?" At the stunned look on his friend's face, Harry smiled, "Just because I think it's a trap, doesn't mean I have to walk right into it."

Neville relaxed somewhat at hearing that, "You got a plan then?"

"Working on it."

~oOoOo~

Later that night during the D.A. meeting Harry and Neville both seemed distracted and it didn't go unnoticed by some of the others. Ginny and Luna kept exchanging questioning glances back and forth. Hermione had on a neutral face as she took note of how they both were acting. She could always read Harry and she knew he was up to something, 'And Neville knows what.'

As the group broke up for the night Hermione pulled Ginny aside, "Hey, you looked good tonight. Your shield charms have come a long way."

Ginny smiled, Hermione didn't give out compliments for small talk, if she said it, she meant it. "Thanks… Ahh, did you happen to notice how Harry was acting?"

"Yeah, actually I was going to ask you the same thing." Both girls smiled.

Ginny continued, "It was like his mind was somewhere else."

"Exactly, and Neville too… I think he might know what's up."

"Maybe I can ask Luna to talk to him."

"Yeah, that's an idea, he might tell her."

As they reached the common room, Ginny offered, "I'll ask her tomorrow at breakfast but for now I'm going to bed, I'm even too knackered to take a shower."

Hermione made a face and pinched her nose making Ginny laugh. Still giggling, she stuck her tongue out and ran up the stairs laughing.

~oOoOo~

"Luna, I'm not asking you to pressure Neville or anything, just tell him we know something's up and we want to help, if he says no then so be it."

Luna thought that over for a minute and after deciding that it wasn't against any personal moral code, nodded okay. "I'll try and talk to him after lunch, he's studying now."

"Studying for what, O.W.L.s are over?" Ginny asked confused.

"We still have a couple days till end of term you know, he's already working on some of his summer assignments."

More interested in summer break than homework, Ginny just nodded, "Oh…" Then with a smile added, "I guess that's what happens when you hang out with a Claw."

~oOoOo~

Harry had looked for Ginny at breakfast, but being late he missed her. He had wanted to ask her a couple of questions but she left early. 'She sure seems to disappear a lot lately…' Harry stopped and shook his head then chuckled to himself, 'boy, I should talk.' he thought. After spending nearly another hour looking for her around the castle he gave up. He shook his head again and sighed. He'd have to try the twins.

"Well, well, if it isn't our fearless leader." George started.

"What can we do for you?" Fred finished for the two of them.

Harry was always amazed at how they did that so easily, but sometimes it almost gave him a headache. "Well, for starters you can stop doing that."

"What?" They both said together.

Harry smiled, "Never mind. Look I need a favor… you guys willing?"

"Always."

"Great… wait you don't even know what I need."

George turned to Fred with an overly shocked look on his face, "He's right dear brother."

Fred nodded, "So he is."

Both George and Fred turned back towards Harry as George continued, "So… what does little, Harrykins, need?"

Harry was definitely getting a headache, "I need some information about the ministry."

Fred and George looked at each other and then said at the same time, "Father."

Harry smiled, "I wanted to know how to get a visitor's pass or even if one was even necessary to get inside."

"That's easy, Harry." Fred said.

"You don't need a pass to get inside." George took over.

"But you would need a pass to get into some of the special departments."

Harry nodded, "Are they open all the time?"

"Yep, all the time," Fred answered with a smiling nod, happy he and his brother had been able to help. A moment later he glanced at his brother and asked mischievously, "Harry, you're not planning on taking over the ministry, are you?"

Harry laughed but inside he was now slightly worried. The twins may joke a lot but they were no fools and he didn't want anyone to know what he was planning, "No… not yet anyway," he joked back, "No I just have some family business to take care of, that's all."

George and Fred shared a knowing smile. "Sure, Harry, whatever you say," George smirked.

"Do you still want to talk to our dear father, maybe get you a pass to the 'family business department?'" Asked Fred with a smirk of his own.

Harry thought maybe he'd said too much already and knowing the twins were probably the sharpest ones in the whole family he tried to play it down, "Ah, maybe later… let me work out a few things first and I'll let you know."

"Okay, Harry, you know where to find us."

~oOoOo~

That evening at dinner, Hermione looked around as she sat alone. Although she still got a few nasty glares from the Slytherin table once in a while most of the students were just ignoring her these days. For a while, a few guys would wiggle their eyebrows suggestively or something but even that had finally stopped once they realized she really wasn't interested in boys at the moment.

Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, Ginny flopped down beside her, startling her out of her musings.

"Hey." Ginny smiled.

"Hey yourself, any news?"

"Nope, but I think…"

Ginny was interrupted by Luna practically jumping into her seat across from them. Seeing their surprised look at her strange action she offered an explanation, "If you sit down really fast you scare away the Table Blighters," not bothering to explain further as if it was perfectly obvious.

Ginny glanced at Hermione and smiled while trying not to laugh, "Oh, yeah right, hey so did you get a chance to talk with Neville?"

"That's why I'm here, I knew Hermione would like to know also."

Hermione wasn't sure why, but she didn't like the sound of that.

Neville walked in the Great Hall for dinner and scanned the room. He was looking for Harry. After his conversation with his girlfriend earlier he wanted to talk with him again. 'That guy sure is hard to find sometimes.' Neville knew why of course and really didn't blame him but it was still a little frustrating at times. Spotting the twins he walked over hoping they might know his whereabouts, "Hi guys, have you seen Harry, I need to talk to him."

"Not since this afternoon," Fred answered for the both of them. Neville nodded once and then just stood there thinking. Fred glanced at his brother then asked, "I don't suppose it's about the ministry is it?"

Neville looked at them like they both had two heads, each. "Did Harry tell you something about the ministry?"

"No, we told him" It was George's turn to answer.

Now Neville was confused, and it showed on his face as he slowly asked, "Told him what?"

"He wanted to know how to get in, asked about passes and such."

"And we told him," Fred finished, wondering what all the concern was about.

"Bloody hell!" Neville said shocked. Almost in a panic, he looked around quickly and a split second later he spotted Luna talking with Hermione and Ginny. Without saying another word he quickly hurried away towards them.

Fred and George shared a curious glance and nodded once before getting up and following Neville over to the girls.

As Neville sat down next Luna, she turned and gave him a bright smile, "Hi, Nev."

"Hey," Neville smiled back warmly. Then looking at the others his face turned deadly serious, "I think I need to tell you guys something."

Hermione looked over at Luna who had on her trademark smile. It was only a moment ago she had told them that Neville said he couldn't talk about what he and Harry had discussed, that it was personal. However, she added that she was sure he would soon change his mind.

Neville knew he was breaking his promise to Harry but then again Harry wasn't exactly being completely honest with him. Neville told the girls all he knew. He told them about the dreams and about waking up screaming from nightmares. He also told them who Harry had talked to and how none of them were actually helping. They all sat in complete silence for a minute after he had finished.

"So, you're saying he's planning on trying to rescue Sirius all by himself?" Ginny asked with disbelief written all over her face.

George glanced at Fred then back to the group, "So that's why… but how will he know when to go?"

Fred added, "And how is he going to get there?"

It was Ginny who answered their questions, her voice low and soft, "He'll find a way."

Hermione said just as softly, "He should have told us, surely he knows we would help."

Luna after looking around the table and seeing everyone agreeing with Hermione spoke up, "He wants help… but not from us."

"He's afraid… afraid someone might get hurt." Neville said while looking straight at Hermione.

Looking right back at him Hermione countered, "Well, that's just too damn bad."

Luna raised an eyebrow and smiled, if Hermione was cussing, things were going to get interesting.

Hermione went on, "Two can play that game." Getting a nod from everyone, she got down to business, "We need to start working on our own plan and without Harry finding out. So, first…"

~oOoOo~

Everyone had been finished with exams for a few days now except for some seventh years, but by Friday, even the last of them had taken their N.E.W.T.s. So everyone except Harry and a select few of D.A. members were beginning to relax as there wasn't much left to do until school let out. The last week of term was reserved for students to make up tests and such, or to get some last minute help with their summer assignments. And there were some that took advantage of the time to make up any poor or missing work while a few even got a head start on their summer homework, but most just spent the time unwinding with friends. Unfortunately for a select few, their unwinding would have to wait a bit longer.

"Are you sure there's no way to bypass the Floo Network's security?" Hermione was getting upset as she talked with the twins; their transportation planning was going nowhere.

"Positive, there's no way."

"At least not without more work than we have time for."

"Time for what?" Luna asked as she walked into the middle of their discussion.

"Time to find a way around Hogwarts's Floo security," answered Hermione, looking slightly dejected.

"Why not fly?"

"We thought of that but Harry has a Firebolt, so that plus the delay." Said Fred.

"We'd be really late, most likely miss the whole thing," volleyed his twin.

Luna thought for a moment and then smiled, "Well, there are other ways to fly besides on a broom." Surprised, all three looked up at her together with a questioning look. "We could use Thestrals. They're smart and they're fast. Actually quite a bit faster than a broom, even the Firebolt." Luna said, as if all of this were common knowledge.

"Luna, are you sure about that?" asked Hermione, concerned about how she knew that and whether or not it was really true.

"Yep," the young Ravenclaw answered simply.

~oOoOo~

Harry awoke to a mild throbbing in his scar. It was Saturday morning and just barely starting to get light out. Harry had been hoping for a bit of a lie in but unfortunately he'd just had the most intense and complete vision yet. Voldemort had called a meeting to discuss the final plans for the Ministry. Through the vision, Voldemort had all but told Harry personally that tonight was the night, one a.m. to be exact. He was going to steal the prophecy sphere and as he told his followers, maybe trick Sirius Black into coming. That would be an added bonus he had told them as he laughed like a maniac.

The room seemed to be getting lighter and so Harry finally felt it was light enough that he could start his day, although it wasn't going to be anything like he had planned last night. Harry climbed out of bed and set off for the showers. Now that he had a better idea of what Voldemort was going to do, he could finalize work on his own plan. The only problem was, he didn't know if Voldemort had sent him the vision by accident or on purpose. Without that piece of information he didn't know how much of the vision he could believe.

By the time he had finished breakfast Harry had something of a plan. He had decided he wouldn't risk Sirius's life by doing nothing, he wouldn't just sit around waiting for the adults to act. If he couldn't get positive proof that Sirius wasn't going anywhere near the Ministry then he'd go himself and try to warn Sirius before he got caught.

But first, he would try and reach Dumbledore again and if he couldn't, then he'd try Sirius. McGonagall would be his last hope but if he couldn't convince her to act quickly, then he would go, and he'd go alone.

Harry wanted to be inside the Ministry extra early. He hoped that if he was there and waiting by eleven o'clock and Sirius was early, he might be able to warn him and get them both out before Voldemort and his Death Eaters even showed up.

Harry figured it would take about five hours to fly to the Ministry. He also reasoned; he would probably need some time to recover after such a long broom ride, so he scheduled himself an extra hour. Allowing some more time to slip out of the castle and walk pass the wards, plus time to actually get into the Ministry, Harry decided he'd leave at three o'clock. Although it would still be light when he left, by the time he got anywhere near London, it would be dark, and the night would cover his illicit flight.

~oOoOo~

Hermione sat down to lunch with Luna, Ginny, and Neville. "Hi, how's it going?" She asked everyone.

Luna answered first, "Good, I checked the herds earlier and they seem quiet."

Neville spoke up next, "Has anyone seen Harry since breakfast?"

Every day since they had all learned of Harry's dreams, Hermione had been keeping close tabs on him.

"I saw him leave for the library a while ago," offered Ginny.

"Well, if he doesn't show for lunch in the next twenty minutes, I'll check there first," Hermione said, as she scanned the Hall, including the head table. "No Dumbledore or McGonagall, and apparently no Harry," she added further with a sigh.

Neville noticed her expression becoming more concerned and wanted to know what she was thinking, "And what if he's not there?" Hermione turned and looked back at him as he continued, "He did have a rough night of it, maybe he's in the infirmary."

Luna didn't look convinced and Ginny was getting more nervous by the second with all the speculation.

"Well, we could guess all day and it wouldn't do us any good. If he's not in his dorm, the library or the infirmary, then will search the grounds and ask around, Hagrid might have seen him." Then after a moment of thought, Hermione asked, "Does anybody have anything to do after lunch?"

Both the girls said no. "Only thing I have is a meeting with Professor Sprout in greenhouse one," said Neville, "I promised her I would help transplant some Fire Lilies… should be done by four though."

Hermione, deep in concentration looked at him and nodded slowly, "Okay, if he doesn't turn up first, we'll have a good look around and then we'll all meet back here at five. He can't just leave Hogwarts in the middle of the day that fast, so we should be good till then."

"And if no one has seen him by dinner?" Ginny asked.

"Then we think about going after him."

"Hermione, where are you going to be in the meantime?" Ginny wanted to know.

"After I look around, I'll come back here. I'll stay here and study, so you know where to find me if you need me."

"That's a good idea. We should all check in each hour, well except for Neville that is." Luna added.

~oOoOo~

Sitting down at a table in the corner of the library, Harry pulled out some parchment and quill and started to write the letters he would drop off later.

.

Neville,

It happened this morning, Voldemort showed me everything and it's going to happen tonight! I've tried everything I can think of to reach Sirius. I tried my mirror and an owl. I even broke into Umbridge's old office and used her floo. Kreacher said he wasn't home and then laughed, I think he knew something! I couldn't find Professor McGonagall, Flitwick said she had to run a quick errand and with Dumbledore still gone, I don't know who else I can trust to help.

Neville, I know what I said about going alone. I also know there's a good chance that it's a trap, but I hope you can see I have to do something and can understand why I have to go. I do have a plan, granted, it may not be the best but with a little luck it might just work.

By the time you find this I should be long gone so please don't try and follow me. I know I'm a total arse for not telling you in person. Please understand it's not that I don't trust you, I just couldn't stand it if you or anybody else in the D.A. got hurt.

Neville you're a good man and a good friend, and you are well on your way to becoming a great wizard. If I could ask you one favor; if the worst should happen to me, would you please watch over Hermione? She is the strongest person I know but she'll still need someone.

Your best mate,

Harry.

.

Harry took a moment to gather his thoughts as he started on his second letter, knowing it was going to be quite a bit harder to write.

.

My dearest Hermione…

.

~oOoOo~

Harry had overheard Neville talking about his extra work today with Professor Sprout and knew he wouldn't be back to the dorms until at least a little past four.

'By the time Neville finds the letters I'll be gone,' thought Harry as he carefully sealed Hermione's letter and placed it in an envelope. Then he placed her envelope and Neville's letter in a larger envelope and addressed it to Neville, then left for the tower to drop them off.

Hermione was hurrying around the corner to get to the library and practically ran right over Harry. "Harry!" Hermione yelped startled, but glad to see him none the less.

"Hi." Harry smiled, "Where's the fire?"

"Sorry I… hey, where have you been, we didn't see you at breakfast or lunch?" Hermione asked, trying not to sound too nosy.

"Oh… bad night, went to see Madam Pomfrey for a while then came here."

"Oh, well, I hope you are feeling better," Hermione said sincerely, then looked down starting to feel a little uneasy.

Harry tilted his head a little as he studied her, "You okay, Hermione?"

She looked up after a moment and they stared at each other like old times, "Yeah, I'm fine."

Harry nodded although he wasn't buying it, "Right, well I'm running late so ah, I'll see you later, okay?"

Harry stayed still for a few more seconds just staring into her eyes, almost as if he were trying to memorize them, she thought.

"Yeah, okay, later." Hermione finally answered, happy that she'd found Harry still in the castle. Then as she made her way more slowly to the library, she thought, 'I guess Neville was right about the infirmary.'

~oOoOo~

Harry left the letters on Neville's bed, then grabbed his stuff and after he had securely tucked everything away, Harry donned his invisibility cloak and started towards the front gates with his Firebolt. Harry quickly slipped outside where he took a last glance back, hoping it wouldn't be the last time he saw the only place he had ever called home.

~oOoOo~

Neville had only been in the greenhouse with Professor Sprout for about thirty minutes, and already she could tell his mind was elsewhere. "Neville, you have to be careful where you grab hold," she told him again

"Yes, Ma'am, sorry." Neville apologized sheepishly.

A moment later as Neville was transferring one of Fire Lilies to a larger pot, he stumbled. Afraid he might drop the delicate plant he reached up with his free hand to get a better hold on it. It had all happened so fast. Neville had squeezed the plant unintentionally and it responded by emitting a large ball of fire. "Whoa!" Neville yelled stepping back, only to trip again. Neville fell backwards slamming into the wall and knocking down a large box of potting soil, which of course landed right on top of him.

Professor Sprout hurried over and after ensuring Neville was unhurt said, "I'm not sure just how much more of your help I can endure today." Then with a smile she reached down and helped her favorite student up. "Neville, something is obviously on your mind. Why don't you go and get cleaned up and we'll will finish this some other time."

Neville stood up and shook most of the dirt off, "You're right, Professor, sorry."

"No problem, now go on and I'll see you later."

"Thanks," Neville said with a smile as he turned and hurried away.

"Probably some girl," she thought out loud with a laugh. Pomona would find out later just how wrong she was.

~oOoOo~

Hermione had only stayed in the library for a few minutes before leaving for the Great Hall again. She figured, that if she happened to run into Harry again she would just say she had only needed to look something up. Once back, she sat down at her usual spot and got out a book to read. 'Well, at least I know he hasn't run off to do something stupid,' Hermione thought, 'still…' Something in the back of her mind was nagging at her but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. With a sigh, she looked down at her book and tried to relax.

~oOoOo~

Neville practically flew up the stairs to his dorm room, he was in a hurry to get a quick shower and a change of clothes so he could be back down in the hall by three to meet the girls. As Neville started to undress on his way to the showers, something on his bed caught his eye, "Oy, what's this?" He said to nobody. Neville opened the envelope and pulled out two letters. Upon seeing the second letter was for Hermione, his heart started to race. He quickly pocketed hers and started reading his own. "Bloody hell," he whispered, "I've got to find the others." Forgetting all about the shower, Neville threw his robes back on and raced for the Great Hall.

"Blimey… watch it, Neville!"

Hearing a commotion at the entrance to the hall, Hermione looked up. Neville had literally come crashing into the hall. As he ran up to Hermione and Ginny, he was quite the sight. His robes were misbuttoned and there was dirt everywhere, and because he'd run all the way he was now out of breath as well.

Seeing his distress, Hermione quickly asked, "Neville, what's wrong!"

"Yeah, looks like you blew up the greenhouse," Ginny finished with a smirk, causing Seamus who had shown up right behind Neville, to chuckle.

Neville just glanced at her for a second and then looking back at Hermione managed a raspy reply, "Harry!" Neville then handed her his letter, forgetting all about hers in his pocket.

Hermione took the letter and as she read, her hand started to shake. But she refused to lose control, she needed to think. Slamming her fist down, she handed the letter to a startled Ginny. "Damn it, how could I be so stupid." She'd been so relieved to see him and eager to avoid an awkward conversation, that his 'Running late,' comment hadn't registered till now.

"Hermione, there's no way you could have known," Neville said gently.

"I saw him, just a while ago; he said he was running late!"

Ginny asked the obvious, "Late to what?"

"Exactly…We've got to hurry. Ginny, Seamus, try and find Luna. Neville, find Fred and George. We'll meet out back on the path to Hagrid's in fifteen minutes… GO!"

As they all raced from the hall, nobody noticed the white-haired boy sitting at the Slytherin table watching with great interest.

~oOoOo~

A short while later, Hermione, Ginny, Seamus, and Luna, watched as Neville and Fred ran up.

"Where's George?" Ginny asked.

"Right behind us," Fred answered, then looking at Hermione added with a worried look on his face, "he could be a problem."

Hermione was about to ask why when she saw him. George was hobbling as fast as he could but there was no doubt he had hurt himself and couldn't run. With one eyebrow raised, annoyed, she asked, "What happened?"

Fred turned back to her, "We were working on a leg jinx and…"

She cut him off, "Never mind…"

George had finally made up to the group, "Sorry, Hermione."

Hermione was mad at first but it faded fast as she saw how sincere he was. "Don't worry about it… I've got a new job for you."

Everyone now turned and looked at Hermione. It was really amazing to see her in action as she rearranged their plans on the fly not wasting any time. It also good to see the old Hermione for a change. "George, get yourself down to the Quidditch pitch and grab a broom, fly to Hogsmeade and get hold of the Order, but remember who you can talk to."

"Right," George said, and he was off.

"Alright the rest of us will make our way into the forest and then fly to the Ministry. Has everybody got everything... including your wands?"

After a quick double check by Hermione, the group set off to find the Thestrals.

~oOoOo~

Harry had finally reached London and was bearing down on the Ministry building. The ride had been worse than he expected, long, cold, and to top it off, it had rained half of the way. Once he had left Hogwarts, he hadn't wanted to use any magic for fear of giving himself away. Then, trying to find the Ministry in downtown London at night proved tougher than he thought possible. Landing silently in an alleyway across from the phone booth that was his portal into the actual building, Harry took a step and almost fell over. 'Whoa, guess it's going to take a few minutes to get some feeling back,' thought Harry.

Looking around, Harry spotted a small coffee shop just across the street, "Perfect," he said aloud. He'd get warmed up there while he reviewed his plans for his next move.

About fifteen minutes later, Harry could finally feel his hands and feet again and was ready to go. Unfortunately, he had never been able to get any details on the inside layout of the Ministry, so he still didn't know exactly where to go once inside, he'd have to play it by ear.

Harry had just exited the small shop and was about to cross the street when he heard a familiar voice.

Hermione and the rest of the group had disillusioned themselves and with the cover of darkness were almost invisible. True to her word, the Thestrals knew exactly where to go, just as Luna has said they would. As they made their approach into the alley, Hermione saw him for a moment just before he disappeared, causing her heart to suddenly speed up. Getting six Thestrals and six people into the dark narrow alley at night didn't happen as quietly as she had hoped. And, like Harry, they hadn't planned on being so numb after the long flight. Therefore walking without falling down or stumbling was proving to be very difficult.

"Bloody hell, I can't feel my feet."

Hermione gave Fred a look that clearly said, 'Neither can we, but keep it down.'

"Think Harry is already inside?" Neville whispered.

"No, I saw him a moment ago… but now…"

"Now I'm right here," Harry said with a bit of anger, cutting her off.

"Eep," Luna squeaked, Harry had been standing right behind her, "Harry, give a girl a heart attack why don't you."

Not knowing yet who all had followed him, he had ducked under his invisibility cloak right after he heard them coming. Harry didn't smile, he wasn't amused, "What are you guys doing here, how did you find out so fast?"

Neville gave him the short version of what happened, "… and then we flew here on the Thestrals and here we are."

Harry looked around, "What Thestrals?"

As a whole, the group turned around and sure enough they were gone.

"Well, we didn't ask them to stay, so I imagine they went back home," Luna said in an even voice.

"Great… just great," Harry knew he couldn't send them back now. 'Not that they'd go anyway,' said a little voice in his head. "Alright follow me, let's get you warmed up," Harry said looking at a shivering Hermione as he led them back to the coffee shop.

As they sat drinking their coffee, the tension in the air between Harry and Hermione was so thick you could cut it with a wand. The rest wanted to know what was going to happen next, but no one was brave enough to ask.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, Harry while looking straight into Hermione's eyes broke the silence, "I can't believe you… and after what you said about…"

Hermione interrupted him, "I know what I said… but… I." She broke eye contact and stared at her hands, "I couldn't let you do this alone."

"We couldn't let you go it alone, mate," Neville's voice was determined.

Harry looked around at his friends; Neville, Fred, Ginny, Luna, and Seamus, but his gaze stopped on Hermione as he let out a sigh of defeat. "Fine, but know this… it's probably a trap, you all realize what that means, right?" Slowly they all nodded. "I'm hoping to get in and back out with Sirius before trouble shows up, but a lot can go wrong."

"Harry, that's why you need our help."

He turned to Fred, "And where's your other half?"

"Oi, bringing the cavalry of course."

Harry shook his head and half laughed, "Should have figured… Right, well here's the plan so far…"

.

AN: Don't know the exact distance from Hogwarts to London, or the average speed of Harry's Firebolt or Thestrals, so I just took a wag. If you happen to know, please drop me a line.

AN2: There is somebody leaving anonymous guest reviews with just a letter or two. Does anybody know what that's about? Is it a joke or some kind of code?

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