CHAPTER ELEVEN: Guardian of the second Duel Realm Stone

"Hermione, did you ever imagine that someday you would marry Harry?"

If Hermione had not been sitting down, nor was lucky enough to have a book in front of her to force herself to concentrate on, she would have lost her total composure. She looked at Ginny, who was giving her the most innocent, sincere look, which only made the situation that much more uncomfortable for Hermione.

"I mean have you ever thought that someday you might get married to Harry?"

"Ginny" Hermione began, sighing, "Harry and I we won't get married because the whole situation is impossible the idea of us getting married is completely preposterous and"

"I know, I know you're not together. You're with Ron, Harry's old enough to be your older brother but I'm just asking"

"Why?" She asked suspiciously.

"Just curious" Ginny softly replied. She sighed, then glanced upon a couple of tables besides them. Mainly the Slytherin table.

Hermione followed her young friend's gaze, then as if a enlightened dawn settled on her

"Oh, Ginny don't tell me that you have taken a fancy to that git, Malfoy!"

The sixteen year old blushed, "If given the chance Draco is quite cute"

Hermione shuddered, "Ginny! Draco Malfoy ewww!"

Ginny laughed, "Hermione! That's what you said about Ron before you and him became an item! C'mon, I mean, at least give Draco a considerate once over give him an unbiased glance please? For me?"

The seventeen year old sighed, "Okay for you" She looked ahead, regarding the slick blond devil himself.

Malfoy was working away on a parchment, while his two goons stared obliviously into space. From Hermione's observation, Malfoy had grown over the past few years. He had let his hair grow longer and become more sleek and snow blond than ever. And just like Ron and Harry, Malfoy had allowed Quidditch to give him the athletic build body that actually caused some girls—not just Ginny—to swoon.

"Hmm" Hermione found herself saying, then upon realizing that she was checking out the complete ass that would sneer "Mudblood" to her face, her eyes widened and her hand immediately covered her mouth.

Ginny giggled fiercely, "Mione!" Her eyes were blazing with amusement. "You're blushing!"

Hermione shook with revulsion. "Eww! Oh my God!" She shuddered even more. "Never again! Never!"

"He's quite handsome" Ginny winked at Hermione, "If you give him the chance to be."

"Never again!" Hermione cried, covering her eyes, placing her head down.

"Oh, Mione"

"I have enough problems already I don't need to be checking out that complete prat if Harry or even worse Ron were to find out"

"Find out what?"

Hermione and Ginny gazed up, recognizing the voice immediately.

Harry made his way up to the girl, "Hello, ladies. Hey, Ginny boy, you've grown up, haven't you? Let me guess, Ron has put out a warning among the male population now? Putting out immediate hits upon those guys giving you an undeserved once over?"

Ginny, who was once the shy girl around Harry, laughed good and naturally. Rolling her eyes, "Knowing my brother definitely! He even almost gave poor Neville a black eye just for borrowing a quill from me!"

"Ron" Harry sighed, smiling. "He's always been the protective type, if I recall." He quickly glance at Hermione upon that statement, but then moved his gaze upon both girls.

"Well, there's a fine line, Professor Potter, between protective and obsessive!" Ginny sighed.

"Yes there is" He trailed off, though the tone in his voice indicated much more than he gave away.

Harry glanced around, "So, where is the old boy, eh? I really don't figure him to be the type of guy to leave his two ladies unattended with Mr. Malfoy within the same proximity after yesterday's lovely performance, I still believe that they are still foes of the sort?"

"That's because I don't have anything truly to lose to that bastard"

Hermione, Ginny, and Harry looked up at the arrival of Ron. He had his broomstick slung over his shoulder, while his book bag was around the other. He quickly made his way towards them, though his eyes were staring daggers at Harry.

Before Harry could speak, Ron dropped his bag and broom loudly next to Hermione, causing the vibrations to emit an obvious loud sound. This caused everyone in the Grand Hall to turn their heads towards them.

"You have quite a way of making yourself known, Ron." Harry commented.

"I thought we had an understanding yesterday, Professor Potter." Ron growled, placing a protective hand on Hermione's shoulder.

"Understanding, yes. A complete agreeing understanding not likely." Harry's green eyes were sparkling mischievously.

Both Hermione and Ginny glanced at each other, obviously unaware of the mysterious exchange between the two men.

"Mr. Weasley," Harry then spoke in his authoritative mannerism, "I wish to speak to you for a moment in private."

"I have a class soon, Professor." Ron gave Hermione this look, then turned to Harry. "We both do."

"It's not a question, Ronald. I must speak to you at once." Harry strained himself from picking apart Ron's stubbornness.

"It can certainly wait, Professor. We have Potions next and I doubt that Snape will excuse us for being late to his class. You know how he is remember, you used to be in our class." With that, Ron picked up his belongings, and stormed out of the Hall.

Hermione followed him, then sighed. She got up, collecting her things.

"Hermione," Harry spoke softly.

"Professor Potter Ron is just worried about the upcoming Quidditch game against Slytherins not to mention that I have been pushing him in his studies there's a lot on his mind, so whatever it is you wish to speak to him about, I suggest that it wait until the end of the school term." Hermione met eyes with Harry upon saying those words. She gave him a helpless smile, then walked off to follow Ron.

Harry watched her leave, a forlorn look in his eyes that was quite obvious to young Ginny.

"She was so heartbroken when you left, Harry. Ron was there for her and loved her when she needed it most. You can't hate her for loving him back with as much dedication as he has given her."

"I don't hate her, nor do I hate Ron, for loving each other." Harry spoke. He gave Ginny a small smile. "Well, I must be off. Have to get ready for my next class."

"I'll see you later, Professor."

"It was good talking to you again, Ginny. I hope to talk with you again." He squeezed her shoulder, beaming at the young lady before him.

"Same here." Ginny returned the smile, then turned back to her parchment.

Harry would have left right there and then, but as he glanced over at Ginny again, his eyes fell upon her parchment. His eyes widened, and he softly gasped at what was before him.

"Ginny" He quickly sat down besides her, his eyes on her drawing.

"Professor?" She regarded him, and was curious as to why he was staring at her drawing so intently.

"What are you drawing, Ginny? Tell me." He spoke urgently.

A bit self conscious, "Um I really don't know an amulet, I guess I actually saw it in a dream once and well," She passed the parchment to Harry, "It was in my hand and it was so beautiful after I woke up, the image stayed with me even now"

Harry gazed from the drawing to Ginny, and kept on looking back and forth until a quiet revelation settled upon him. With a pleased smile, "You're the one."

"What?" Her eyes gazed at him curiously.

Harry grabbed her hand, urgency in his voice. "Ginny, listen to me come with me at once please, this is very important"

"What?" Her voice squeaked.

"I need you to follow me. C'mon please, Ginny." His eyes were soft, yet very anxious and fierce.

"Okay" She quietly replied, a bit fearful of the livid look in his eyes. Ginny stood up, gathering her things.

Harry grasped onto her arm, leading her out of the Grand Hall. Harry knew that he was drawing a bit of attention to them, but time was of the essence. Especially now that he has found her.

Once they were alone in his classroom, Harry stared hard at Ginny. "Hold out your dominate hand. That's the hand in which you use quite often, you got that?"

Ginny held out her right hand, "Uh huh"

"Close your eyes, and picture the amulet—this amulet, the one in your dreams—in your hand. Now as you are picturing it, a soft voice will whisper to you this incantation. To yourself, I want you to listen to those words and utter that incantation. You hear me? Give in to the words, the sensation. Don't be scared it's all right trust me, okay?"

Though the urgency in his voice scared her, there was something so trusting, so natural in what he was asking her.

These past few weeks, the amulet dream kept plaguing the youngest Weasley. Every night, she would have these dreams of a beautiful rich blue stone just within her grasp. And of another stone, yet it seemed to belong to this other man. A stranger that wasn't a stranger. Ever since those dreams came to her, Ginny felt a surge of confidence inside that she never knew she possessed. It was as if that stone, that amulet, gave her a strong power within her.

Closing her eyes, she held out her hand and quietly allowed this power to grow within her


~~~~**~~~~

"WHERE IS SHE?!"

Harry and Dumbledore, whom were in deep conversation in Dumbledore's office, were loudly interrupted by the storming in of one very angered Ron Weasley. Close behind were surprisingly both Hermione and Draco Malfoy.

"What the hell did you do with my sister, Potter?!" Ron, though only an inch smaller in height than Harry, and the obvious age gap, lunged at his former friend with as much wrath and fury as a raged bull.

"Ron!" Hermione gasped, while Draco grabbed Ron, holding him back.

"Let go of me, Malfoy!" Ron growled.

"Don't think so, Weasley." Draco replied, "It would do no good to attack the one person who knows the whereabouts of Ginny."

"Where the hell is my sister?!"

"Ronald, please" Dumbledore spoke calmly. "Calm down. Mr. Malfoy is right. It would do no good demanding an explanation in such an irrational way."

"How can I calm down?! My sister is missing! No one has seen her! Her professors say that she hasn't been to class, and the last person she has been seen with is non other than the Famous Harry Potter—whom we all know for a fact that before his return that only two years ago has vanished without a trace himself!" His face was as red with anger as his own red hair. If there was one thing that Ron Weasley was infamous for, it was his very passionate, if at times uncalled for, temper.

"Ron, just calm down, please" Harry spoke, concern in his eyes towards his friend. "If you just take a deep breath and sit down, I will explain to everything that I can concerning your sister's whereabouts."

"Ron please, listen to him" Hermione suddenly spoke, her voice soft and soothing. Placing a hand on his arm, "Please just do it if not for me, than for Ginny."

Ron challenged Harry with his eyes, determining whether or not he should trust his words. Deciding that he has nothing to lose, he closed his eyes and took that deep breath. Upon opening his eyes, he challenged Harry once more. "Don't give me a reason to just lunge at you right now and break your neck, Potter."

"If you don't, I will, Weasley." Draco unexpectantly snarled as he helped Ron to a seat, though his eyes were also on Harry suspiciously.

Harry glanced questioningly at Dumbledore, wondering whether or not he should kick Malfoy out. But Dumbledore only acknowledged that it was perfectly all right for Draco to remain.

Malfoy sat in the other seat, while Ron took the one that Harry once occupied. Hermione sat herself on the arm rest of Ron's chair, but just to spite Harry, Ron made sure that Hermione sat on his lap.

Dumbledore sat back on his chair, while Harry remained standing. His eyes had caught Ron's intention, yet steadied his gaze upon Hermione. Hermione glanced from both Ron and Harry, and just sighed sadly.

"Ginny is in safe hands, Ron. She's with a very good friend of mine whom I myself would trust my life with. In fact, she is the one person that for the missing two years I had to depend my life on. Ginny is with her right now, and I promise you, Ron, that she will be out of harm's way."

"I want to know where the bloody hell is she. And why did she have to leave." Ron growled again, refusing to believe that Ginny was indeed safe until he had gotten the full details.

"That I cannot tell you, Ron." Harry softly replied.

"The hell you can't!" Ron attempted to shot up from his seat, but then remembered that Hermione was still on his lap and standing up abruptly would cause her harm.

"Ron please" Hermione hushed him, lovingly place her arms around him.

"Potter!" Malfoy stood up, his own eyes blazing. "Where is she?"

"And why does her whereabouts concern you so, Mr. Malfoy?" Harry asked, crossing his arms.

Ron, though was obviously upset with Harry, managed to turn his furious eyes from Harry to Draco. "For once, I have to agree with Potter. Why are you so interested in my sister's absence?"

Draco's eyes slint in frustration. "Does it matter why I'm concerned about Ginny? What matters is where she is and if she is fine!"

"Malfoy, if in any way you lay a single finger on my sister, after I'm through with Potter, I will so hurt you!" Ron snarled at him.

"Stop it!" Hermione cried. "All of you, stop it! I have had enough of all the resentment between you boys! It's not only childish but stupid! And for once, Malfoy has a point!" She looked at Harry, pleadingly, "Harry please, where is Ginny? And if you can't tell us where Ginny is, can you at least give us something that assures us that she is indeed safe and being well taken care of. Anything, Harry. Please"

The moment Harry met with Hermione's brown eyes, he knew that he will never ever be able to resist her ever again. He knew that beyond the shadow of the doubt, Hermione was to be his one true weakness. He had never grasped that until now.

Sighing, "Okay" His eyes looked upon Hermione's, "Just give me a moment." Harry closed his eyes, and held out his hands.

Murmuring words and encircling his hands, Harry summoned up an enchanting crystal orb. The light shimmering from the orb nearly blinded Hermione, Draco and Ron. Harry soon opened his eyes and laid his hands below the orb, causing it to float mere inches from his palms.

"There she's safe she's with Alecentra" He uttered, holding out the orb so that Hermione, Draco and Ron could gaze into it.

Within the crystal object, they saw Ginny Weasley with the same woman that Hermione saw in Harry's picture frame. She seemed to be teaching young Ginny a few spells and a few other magical moves.

"Within at least seventy-three days, which is two months and about thirteen days our time, Ginny will be one year older. She may return back to Hogwarts, but it is unlikely. Now as I was talking to Dumbledore, there will be a couple of necessary arrangements made. Dumbledore has sent an owl to your parents, Ron, concerning Ginny's absence. Technically, Ginny has been selected for a special assignment that is of grave importance. Though she will be gone for a short time, much will change"

"You mean like the same changes that you went through, Potter?" Ron raised an eyebrow.

Hermione's eyes widened as realization set in. She knew exactly what had happened to Harry, at least for the most part concerning where he was and partially why. If Ginny had also left with this Alecentra woman

"So will she be gone for two years our time as well?" Hermione asked.

"Our time?" Draco and Ron caught what Hermione asked. Ron turned to Harry, "What the bloody hell did Hermione mean by our time'?"

"It's quite complicated, Ron" Harry began.

"Just spill, Potter." Malfoy snapped.

"Ginny is in a place," Harry began with much hesitation. "Where time moves faster than ours. As I have said, at least two months and a few days from now, Ginny will be one year older. As you have noticed with me, what I am saying is the ultimate proof. I am no longer the young man that I should have been with you three I have aged a few years same thing will happen to Ginny."

Hermione gasped at the thought of young Ginny being older than her. For the past two years, she had become like the older sister Ginny never had. Now the roles might change

Ron sat in his chair with disbelief. Through his protective nature, that had been his way of showing Ginny how happy he was to be her big brother. Now, it looks like she will play the older sibling role to not only him, but also to the twins, Fred and George!

Malfoy well, a strange sensation filled his body at the thought of young Ginny aging much faster than him but the sensation was not as strong as the thought of not seeing the red hair girl for a long period of time.

"So where exactly is she then?" Ron peered closer into the orb, watching his little—or soon to be older—sister with avid concern.

"The most I can tell you America" Harry simply stated.

"So you're telling me that she's going to pick up on that annoying American accent like you have, Potter?" Ron smirked, for giving Harry a sincere tease.

"No doubt." Harry teased back by thickening his accent.

"This is unbelievable" Ron sighed.

"Yes it is but rest assured that Ginny is indeed safe. As far as her schooling is concerned, everything has been taken care of. Within no time, she will be back at Hogwarts for there are some still unfinished business here that I will be needing her for."

Harry closed the orb by sealing his hands together. He gazed upon the three students before him, giving them a small smile. "Look, you don't have to take my word when I say that she is in good hands. But for now, you need to trust me and have faith that she is fine."

"It's going to take a whole lot of time before any of us can ever trust you again, Potter." Ron spoke frankly. Glancing at Draco, "Well, at least for Hermione and I to trust you you never really had Malfoy's trust even before you left."

Surprising everyone yet again, Draco had a small sincere smile on his face. "For once, I'm going to have to agree with Weasley."

"Okay, now I must ask you to leave. Professor Potter and I still have some pressing matter to go over" Dumbledore stood up, "And I do believe that you three still have classes to attend?" He raised his eyebrow, giving them a knowing smile.

Hermione stood up immediately, giving Dumbledore and Harry a small smile. "Thank you. At least we know that Ginny is okay. Right?" She gave Ron this look.

Ron looked from Hermione to Harry. Reluctantly, he stood up, his eyes on Harry. "My sister is not in any type of danger, is she?"

Harry just returned Ron's stare, then after a few seconds of silence, "She's safe, Ron. She's with Alecentra, and Alecentra will take care of Ginny."

For some reason, that was not the answer Ron was looking for. He looked upon Harry with new suspicion. If Hermione had not placed her hand within his, Ron would still have stared down at Harry. "Ron c'mon if Harry—I mean—Professor Potter says that Ginny is in good hands, then she's in good hands. Please let's go"

Harry watched as Hermione tug on Ron's hand, practically leading him out the door. She gave Harry this trusting, yet somewhat apologetic, look. He sighed as he watched them leave the room.

Draco had stood up and remained in the office even at Hermione and Ron left. He gave Harry the same suspicious look that Harry knew only too well and turned to leave. However, he felt a strong hand clasp onto his shoulder.

"Draco don't make me place a memory wipe spell on you." He heard Harry whispered to him dangerously. Draco turned, meeting eyes with the boy that he once, and even still, loathed. What he saw somewhat startled him for Harry's emerald eyes held so much wisdom and danger in them. He gave Draco a look which said "I know that you know some things you should not know."

"What?" He found himself squeak in quiet fear.

"During the time I was gone, I have grown to give you the benefit of the doubt. Draco, I have trust in you now. Hard to believe, but I do. Don't make me regret it." Harry said, releasing his hold on Draco.

Draco gulped, nodded his head, then turned to leave.

"Harry" Dumbledore began.

"He saw us, Albus." Harry watched Draco leave, then turned away to his former Headmaster. "Draco saw us, Ginny, Alecentra and I. He saw us"

~~~~**~~~~


"Harry I don't—I don't understand!" Ginny exclaimed, more confused than ever. She clutched the blue stoned amulet in her right hand, staring up at Harry with perplexed eyes.

"Ginny, you are the one I've been—we've been—waiting for!" Harry pulled out his own amulet. "Look, Ginny. You're just like me I mean, you are the second guardian to the Duel Realm Stones!"

"The what?! Duel Realm Stones?" She glanced from both Harry's amulet to the amulet within her own hand.

Giving her a small smile, "I guess I should start from the beginning." He reached over for Ginny's amulet. Placing it around her neck, "With everything we do, there are always two choices to be made. Up or down, left or right, light or dark. There are two choices to everything. Because of that there existence two worlds. Ginny, there existence an alternative universe that is parallel to our own. Are you following me so far?"

Ginny just nodded, though she still somewhat confused.

He gave her a small smile, and laughed. "It's okay, Ginny. It took me a while to comprehend everything as well. But with time, you will understand it all including why I had to leave" He fell silent, his eyes downcast before raising them up to look into Ginny's eyes. "And why you must leave immediately as well."

"What?!" She squeaked. Shaking her head, "No no, no, no, no! I—I can't!"

"Ginny" His voice was calm, and eerily trusting. He gulped and felt a sudden sense of deja vu as he then said, "Yes, I can't tell you exactly why you must leave. And because of this lack of legitimate reason it will give you cause to stay but you can feel that inside of you that you must leave! Something inside of you has given you the reason to leave for it is the same reason that was inside of me, Ginny. You know I am right."

His heart went out to the young woman before him. He knew exactly how she felt for he had felt the same way too. She was confused, scared, hesitant, yet also knew that she must do the hardest thing she had to do and that was to leave behind what has been like another home to her, including leaving the people she cherished most. Summoning up all the courage within her, Ginny held her head up and said, "If I have to leave I'm ready, Harry"

"Ginny, no one is truly ready for something as big as this" He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, looking at her squarely in the eyes.

Suddenly, Alecentra orbed in, startling Ginny. Alecentra gave Ginny a kind smile that both comforted and scared her.

"My, my is it just me or does everyone that I have ever met always give me that distrusting look?"

"I believe that it is truly you, my dear Alex." Harry laughed. To Ginny, "Ginny, this is Alecentra. This is the woman that will teach and train you the magical lessons far beyond that can be taught here at Hogwarts." To Alecentra, "Alex, this is Ginny Weasley. The keeper of the second Duel Realm Stone."

Alecentra smiled warmly at Ginny. She then turned to Harry, "Are you ready to take her to the alter world?"

Harry nodded, then turned to Ginny. "Ginny?"

The young lady glanced from Harry to this woman, Alecentra. Briefly gazing upon the amulet "Okay"

Ginny held up her stone, facing the up. With her innermost instincts, "Alta uneria luminoso!" She cried.

The amulet glowed a hauntingly blue, sending out a deafening whoosh of light to allow a portal to open up to them.

Ginny gasped at the sight before, as well as the power within herself to cause such magic. She glanced at Harry, giving him this stunned "Did I do that?" look.

Harry laughed, smiling a proud grin at the young lady. "It's alright, Ginny." Placing a hand on the small of her back, "I'll wait for you on the other side," Holding up his own white stone, "I need to hold up the portal on the other side in order for you to pass. That's why they are called the Duel Realm Stones. Someone always needs to help keep the door open." He cast a smile at Alecentra, "You got her?"

Alecentra nodded, "Just go, Harry."

He winked at Ginny, "I'll see you on the other side, kiddo." With that, he bounded into the portal.

In a blink of an eye, he had vanished. Ginny just gasped and stared at where he had disappeared.

"Luminoso uneria alta!" Ginny heard Harry proclaim from the other end, causing the portal to change from the deep blue of Ginny's amulet to the brilliant white that was Harry's own.

Alecentra smiled at Ginny's perplexed look. "It's okay, Ginny. This means that Harry is now holding up the portal on the other end."

Ginny sighed with relief. She placed her hand back down, tucking the amulet under her robe, then took a tentative step towards the portal. Looking at Alecentra, "Just jump right in?"

Alecentra nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. She was about to say more, but her eyes momentarily flickered onto something behind Ginny.

"Alecentra?" Ginny softly called out, concerned. "You are coming with me, right?"

The woman shook it off, though her eyes still remained on something within the shadows of the classroom. Not wanting to worry the young lady, she turned back and smiled at Ginny. "Yes, yes I am coming with you come now just jump right in there, I'm right behind you"

Ginny gulped, took a deep breath, then bounded right in there. Alecentra remained in front of the portal, contemplating whether or not she should

"Alecentra!" She heard Harry cry out. "Come now!"

She stood there once more, then quickly vanished just as the portal closed up.

~~~~**~~~~

"Alecentra had seen him, Dumbledore. She saw Draco watching us watch Ginny as she used the stone. Do you realize just how dangerous those stones can be if they were to fall into the wrong hands?"

"I am sure that Mr. Malfoy would not release such information, especially since he knows not of its true importance, Harry." Dumbledore assured his young protegee.

"I would not be so sure, Albus." Harry sighed his eyes on the door. "I would not be so sure"