(A/N: Okay, just read it and then submit a review. This is just the first chapter, and I will only continue writing if enough people like it. It may move a bit slow at first, but don't let that discourage you from reading it. If you really like it, put it under your favorites and check back for chapter-add-ons. (Is that a word?) Anyway, read! Oh, and the first part was in another one of my stories, but I decided it would work best in this one -- long story, just in case someone read Year 5.)

Disclaimer: All characters belong to J. K. Rowling.





The Accomplices - Chapter One







Harry Potter leaned over the edge of the Astronomy Tower. He saw flashes of himself, challenging death, and diving to the black ground beneath him. If he did, at least he wouldn't have to be killed by Voldemort. It was then that Harry started to see life -- his life -- in a different perspective. As he grew older, the thought of Voldemort no longer brought fear and worry of death. Voldemort was now a dull thought that seemed as average to Harry as procrastinated homework. p

Voldemort was a part of being Harry Potter, and that part kept getting smaller. Harry turned his eyes to the sky once more and caught sight of the brightest star in the sky -- Sirius. Harry was the godson of a convicted murderer, friend of a half giant, youngest seeker at Hogwarts in a hundred years, a focal point of the wizard world, and eternal foe of the most feared wizard of all time. He'd past a pack of enchantments (with some help of his friends) to capture a stone that brought money and life forever to save the world, talked to snakes, fought with the memory of his eternal foe, not to mention a basilisk, saved his best friend's sister's life , blown up his aunt, almost killed his godfather, warded off hundreds of dementors, been a Triwizard champion, dueled with his eternal foe ( Voldemort, for the slower people), practically died twice, been gravely injured five times, and was expected to save the world up until his seventh year at Hogwarts. Yet, this was a normal life for that boy. So, it was while looking up into the heavens that Harry decided to except this. p

Dumbledore stepped up behind Harry, and placed a hand on his shoulder, Harry, not knowing Dumbledore was even there, jumped and nearly fell off the balcony. p

"Sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to startle you," Dumbledore said, gently. p

"That's okay, professor," Harry muttered. p

"Come with me," Dumbledore gestured to the open doors into the castle. p

A few minutes later (not to Harry's surprise), he was sitting in Dumbledore's office. He wasn't the only one. Sirius was there, for this Harry was thankful, but so were a few other people Harry didn't know, but one looked strangely life old Mrs. Figg.p

"I'm sure it was quite a surprise to wake up and find yourself at Hogwarts," Dumbledore smiled. p

"Not really," Harry murmured to himself," things like this happen to me a lot." p

It was mid-July, and not very long ago, Harry had been lying on his bed at the Dursley's. He must have fallen asleep, but when he awoke -- just as Dumbledore said -- he found himself at Hogwarts castle. He got up and began to wander around when Professor McGonagall came bustling towards him. "Wait on the Astronomy Tower," she had said, and Harry hadn't argue. p

"Harry," Dumbledore continued, "I believe that you should spend the duration of your summer vacation here, at Hogwarts. If you don't mind?" p

Did he mind? Did he mind! Almost an entire summer away from the Dursley's! p "Of course not, professor," Harry grinned. p

"Good, I figured you'd feel that way," Dumbledore pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill, "Now, I believe that your trunk is waiting in the dorm for you. It was conveniently already packed when Minerva got it from Privet Drive. p

"Harry, I'm afraid that you weren't called to Hogwarts this summer just to get you away from the Dursleys. I'll explain exactly why you're here later. Perhaps when Miss Granger arrives -- ." p

"Hermione's coming?" Harry interrupted. p

"Yes. We sent owls to both Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger, asking if they'd like to come and stay with you. Unfortunately, Mr. Weasley is going to Egypt for the remainder of the summer. His parents feel that it's safer there of the moment, and they can visit Mr. Bill Weasley. But Miss Granger said she'd be delighted to come. Of course, she did make me promise that I'd leave the library open for her. Anyway, you'd best get some sleep. You're dismissed." p

Even though he was dismissed, Harry hung around for a few more minutes to talk to Sirius, before making his way to Griffindor Tower. p

For the next four days, Harry was left pretty much to himself. Dumbledore refused to explain the situation until Hermione arrived. So, Harry practiced quidditch on his Firebolt, visited Dobby in the kitchens ( The other houselves were always grateful to Harry for keeping Dobby from "helping" them.), read in the library, and took trips out to Hagrid's cabin to see Fang. (Hagrid was away on business for Dumbledore.) After his first couple of days, he got a letter from Hermione. p

Harry,

How are you? I do hope everything's alright. I'm so worried. I'm planning to come Saturday. I'll stay there for the rest of the summer. Ron wrote and said he's "stuck" in Egypt. Maybe he'll wise up and check out the local history -- maybe not. Anyway, have fun with your freedom over the castle!

Love,

Hermione i

True to her word, Hermione showed up on Saturday. She dashed into the common room,

where Harry was reading a book, and gave him a hug ("Hermione!"). But it felt so good to see another person he cared for and who cared for him, that he hugged her in return. p

"Oh, Harry, when Dumbledore wrote me, I thought something was wrong! What happened? Why're we here?" Hermione pulled away from Harry's embrace. p

"He hasn't told me anything, yet. He said to wait for you," Harry sat down in an armchair, closing his book. p

"Hmm," Hermione pondered over something for a moment, then said, "It's a shame that Ron couldn't come." p

"Yeah," Harry sighed, "But Dumbledore's right, it's safer in Egypt." p

Hermione then looked as if she was going to cry right then and there. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she began to tremble. p

"Don't cry, Hermione," Harry panicked, "We'll see Ron at the start of term -- ." p

"It's not that!" Hermione wailed, gripping the arm of Harry's chair for support, "He's back. You-Know-Who is back, and I don't want any of out friends to get killed or hurt -- especially Ron and you," she said "you" very softly, as if she didn't want to scare Harry, but he knew that Voldemort was after him. p

She then flung her arms around Harry again, crying freely now. p

"I've already hugged you once," Harry mumbled into Hermione's bushy hair. p

Hermione laughed, weakly between sobs, and sat down next Harry. She wiped her wet eyes with the sleeve of her robes and cleared her throat, "Harry, you can't try to go looking for and take revenge out on Voldemort. Don't tell me you won't," she held her hand up to his open mouth, "Because you went after the Philosopher's Stone when everyone told you not to, you went after the basilisk, and who'd you end up meeting -- Voldemort! You ran after Sirius when you thought he was a murderer -- well, you ran after Ron, who was with Sirius -- and you almost killed the poor guy. I just don't want you to chase after Voldemort, because you're really no match for him, and you might get k-k-killed, oh Harry!" and she (You guessed it!) pulled him into a hug. p

"Hermione, this is getting ridiculous! How many times are you going to hug me!" Harry exclaimed. p

"Until I can be sure you're not going to die!" Hermione sobbed on Harry's shoulder. p

It was then that Sirius and Dumbledore came in through the portrait hole. It must have been quite a shock to them when they saw this scene. Hermione was now crying hysterically on Harry's shoulder, arms around his neck, and Harry was patting her on the head, trying to clam her down. Harry looked up at Sirius's inquiring gaze and shrugged. p

"Hermione?" Dumbledore whispered, gently, "I need to talk to you and Harry." p

Hermione lifted her head from Harry's shoulder and wiped her eyes furiously, choking back more tears. Gradually regaining her composure, she took a seat of her own between Sirius and Harry. p

Dumbledore resumed talking, "I apologize for my vague letter you received, Hermione. I do hope it didn't worry you too much. Now, I suppose both of you would like an explanation as to why I called you here." p

Harry gripped the chair arm, readying himself for the blow. Sirius sent comforting glances Hermione's way, who was fumbling with the hem of her robes. p

"Harry, did you tell Ron and Hermione what happened a few weeks ago?" Dumbledore asked. p

"With Voldemort?" Harry asked, even though he knew exactly what Dumbledore meant, "Yes, I told them." p

"Therefore, you and Hermione both know that Voldemort is back and becoming more and more powerful as we speak. Death Eaters are running to his side to support him, and without the consent of the Ministry of Magic, we can't put any of them in Azkaban. While we have certain people working on creating allies and spying on Voldemort's inner circle, we have no one to fight the Death Eaters -- ." p

"Wait, professor," Harry spoke up, "Fight the Death Eaters? Voldemort's the problem. He's the one trying to take over the world -- ." p

"Harry, Voldemort is not our problem at the present time. He's not going to attack until he can be certain he'll win, you see? But according to sources I have, Voldemort is sending his Death Eaters to not only kill enemies of his, but to attack people, towns, Hogwarts, the list goes on. This is different than last time. Obviously, Voldemort's had thirteen years to come up with a new strategy -- this is it. He's not going to just kill people and burn their houses and then be done with it. He's going to slowly torture the magical community, hoping for their surrender. We can't let any of this happen. Now, this is where to two of you come in. Harry, Hermione, we need you to fight the Death Eaters and their curses and tortures. You'll also be asked to gather information -- ." p

Hermione made a strange noise in her throat and began to speak, "Professor, we're just kids. We don't know spells complex enough to fight anyone, let alone Death Eaters!" p

"Sirius, perhaps you would like to explain this part," Dumbledore looked to the convicted murderer. p

Sirius nodded and launched into an explanation, "You won't be using complex spells to fight complex spells, but good magic to fight evil magic. Over the summer, Dumbledore and the other professors will be teaching you how to use this good magic. It's difficult at first, but we all have complete faith that both of you will be able to use it magnificently. It will, however, take the two of you and your friendship to pull it off." p

"But, what about Ron?" Harry asked, afraid that his best friend wouldn't be involved in any of this. p

Dumbledore frowned, "I'm sorry to say that Mr. Weasley won't be able to assist you. This will all be hard enough for him to add the weight of the missions." p

"Why?" Hermione gasped. p

"That is between the Weasley family," Dumbledore said. p

Harry opened his mouth to say something, but thought better of it. Hermione sighed, and placed her forehead into the palm of her hand, "I still don't understand any of this. Harry and me go on missions? Good magic? No Ron? I-I -- ." p

"I'm sure that both of you and Harry will understand the whole situation better tomorrow when you begin your training. Let Mr. Weasley take care of himself, and -- ." p

"Professor," Harry interrupted, "I have a question." p

"Yes?" p

"Why are you sending Hermione and me? Can't you get a couple of fully trained wizards?" p

"No, I couldn't. Harry, the magic required is very special. Not just anyone can perform it, but I'm positive that you and Hermione can. Also, there are skills and gifts that you both attain, but you haven't discovered them yet. Trust me. Be in the Great Hall at noon tomorrow." p

And with that, Dumbledore left the common room. p

"I have to go back to Remus's," Sirius said, getting up from the chair. p

"You have to leave?" Harry asked, his hopes of a few days with his godfather sunk. p

"Yes," Sirius gave them each a reassuring smile. He too left, leaving Harry and Hermione to their confused thoughts and questions. p

The next morning, Harry awoke from a dreamless night in good spirits. He didn't care what tasks lay ahead of him; he was at Hogwarts and that was all that mattered. It was just after dawn, and birds soared across the pink sky. Harry doubted Hermione would be awake, but decided to go to the common room anyway. As he descended the spiral staircase, he thought about how strange it was to be the only boy in his dormitory and how quiet Griffindor Tower was without the other students. p

Harry jumped the last two steps, and he found himself face to face with Hermione. p

"Oh, I was just coming to wake you up," Hermione yawned. p

She was in a flowery, pink dressing gown, and her hair was sloppily pulled into two bushy pigtails. p

"Why? It's so early," Harry said, walking past her to sit in an armchair. p

"I don't know. I was tired of being the only one up. I'm used to the noise of Parvati and Lavender spending three hours to get ready. That dorm is too quiet when its just me. I also had a nightmare," Hermione finished, apprehensively. p

"What about?" Harry asked. p

"I can't remember. I just know that it was a nightmare. Doesn't that ever happen to you?" p

"Yeah, I guess." p

Hermione walked to the other side of the room, picking up a book on the table. She snuggled up in a chair, propping the book on her knees. That was when Harry noticed something was missing. p

"Where's Crookshanks?" p

Hermione looked up from her book, "I didn't bring his this year. Mum and Dad are talking care of him. I thought that whatever Dumbledore wanted with us might take up all my time. And I guess I was right. Harry, what do you think we'll be doing?" p

Harry thought about it for a moment, then came to a conclusion, "I've no idea." p

Hermione sighed and turned back to her book. Around eight o'clock, Dobby came in with their breakfast. Harry hadn't realized how hungry he was until he sank his teeth into the delicious toast. p

"Man, I'm hungry," he said. p

Hermione sat there, twirling her fork, but not eating. p

"You okay?" Harry asked, between mouthfuls. p

"Yeah," Hermione whispered, then forced some food down. p

Noon finally came and the two went to the Great Hall, where they found Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. p

"Good morning, Harry, Hermione," Dumbledore beamed, "If you'd follow me." p

He lead them into the room the champions were sent to the year before. The people in the pictures snoozed contentedly. Harry recognized Violet, the Fat Lady's friend. They always seemed to get drunk together. Hermione, who'd never been in this room before was looking around curiously. Dumbledore gestured for the two to take seats, so they chose a couple of high-back chairs next to the fireplace. p

"Today, we'll start the beginning of your training. Unfortunately, the first part you must complete will be one of the most difficult. Professor McGonagall, care to elaborate?" Dumbledore said. p

McGonagall bit her lower lip, carefully choosing the words to say, "Harry, Hermione, in order to succeed as a team, you first have to become a team." p

The puzzled looks on their faces made McGonagall backtrack and begin again, "What I meant to say was. . .was -- you'll need to know each other very well -- ." p

"Professor," Hermione cut in, "we already do." p

"Yes, you know each other, but. . . but -- ." p

"Minerva," Dumbledore smiled, "please allow me to try." p

McGonagall looked taken aback but stepped into a corner, nonetheless, allowing Dumbledore to speak. p

"When fighting Death Eaters and breaking curses, you must not let yourselves become weak and vulnerable. The magic we will be teaching you is based on the good inside of you both and your bond of friendship. You'll have to know each other inside and out. Each others deepest fears, secrets, and ambitions. When on these missions, you'll have to communicate with each other without words and make split-second decisions together. You'll have to be very close to the other. Nothing must break your bond of friendship. This is part of the reason why I believe it's best if Mr. Weasley doesn't help -- ." p

"What? Ron's my best friend!" Harry spat. p

"Yes, and a brave young man, but he has certain weaknesses that would bring you all down." p

Hermione had a look about her face that showed she knew what Dumbledore meant: Ron's jealousy and quest to be his own person. But that look was soon replaced by one of discomfort, "You're saying that we -- we have to know everything about each other?" p

"Almost everything, yes," Dumbledore responded. p

It was Harry's turn to look uncomfortable. Hermione was a good friend of his, but he didn't want her to know practically everything about him. p

"I'm aware that this will be difficult for both of you, but this job must be done, and you two are the only ones that can do it properly. I'm certain of this." p

"Why are we the only ones!" Harry burst. p

"You will see. Now, spend the afternoon interrogating each other, so to speak. Find out as much as you can by word of mouth. There are more steps to this, and tomorrow will be a draining day. You're free to go." Dumbledore finished quickly, not allowing time for more questions. p



"Harry, no offense, but I don't like the idea of you knowing my deepest secrets and such." p

Harry and Hermione were stretched out by the lake in the bright afternoon sun. p

"Neither do I, but it's obvious Dumbledore needs us desperately for -- whatever he wants us to do." p

Hermione rolled over on her stomach and began to pick at the grass, "Where should we start?" p

Harry sighed. p

An hour later -- p

"Most embarrassing moment?" Hermione giggled. p

Harry propped up against at tree nearby and thought about what he should say, "Fainting when that dementor came onto the train in our third year." p

Hermione laughed and said, "Do you remember when -- ." p

Soon they were reliving the night they rescued Sirius. p



As they walked back in the dusk light, Hermione looked over at Harry. His hair was messier than usual (if that was possible). She had never really thought about what went on inside Harry's head. She'd never considered what his most embarrassing moment was, or who he'd had a crush on last year (Cho Chang!). Then, she felt a pang of guilt at her next thought. 'I'm almost glad Ron wasn't here.' p



"How did it go yesterday?" Dumbledore asked, from behind his desk. p

"Okay," Harry said. He was nervous about what Dumbledore was going to make them do next. Although, Hermione had been very understanding the day before -- especially when he'd told her he once like Cho (He wasn't sure if he did anymore.). p

"Did you learn a lot about the other person you didn't know?" p

"A little," Hermione answered. p

"Well, a little isn't good enough," Remus Lupin stepped up behind the kids, startling Hermione so much, she had to clutch her quickly beating heart. p

"Professor Lupin!" Harry exclaimed, jumping from his seat. p

The professor stepped forward and embraced Harry in a fatherly type hug. Hermione laughed to herself, thinking about the night before last when she kept hugging Harry out of hysterics. p

Dumbledore cleared his throat to get everyone to turn their attention to him again, "Harry, Hermione, Professor Lupin will be the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year. He will also be training you to defeat the Death Eaters." p

Harry and Hermione were absolutely thrilled about this. Maybe this training wouldn't be so bad, now. p

"Anyway, please sit back down Harry. We need to get to work, right now. There's only a month and a half until the other students return, and you have to be trained by then, so let's get cracking!" Lupin rubbed his hands together out of excitement. p



Later that night, Harry and Hermione entered to common room, tired and shaken. It had been an eventful day. Lupin taught them how to tell what the other was feeling. It wasn't a spell, but it had started out that way. Now, they could just do it. That hadn't been too bad. They could usually tell what the other was feeling without magic. What was really draining though was learning how to read each other's minds. Harry didn't like this part one bit. He didn't want Hermione reading his mind. He wasn't angry at Hermione about this -- after all, he could read her mind. p

"Why is Dumbledore making us do this!" Harry cried out, exasperated. p

Hermione stretched out in a chair, but Harry plopped down on the floor in front of her.p

"And I know what you're thinking!" he continued, "We're not just going to give up. This is our privacy!" p

Hermione concentrated on the next thing Harry thought, "How could you think that!" p

"What?" Harry asked, listening to Hermione's thoughts, "I did not think that!" p

"Yes, you did -- oh, you thought it again!" p

"Well, you're not thinking anything of the kind! You're thinking about -- ." p

Hermione read his thoughts before he could speak them. p

"Oh yeah!" p

Soon they were broken out in uncontrollable laughter -- reading each others thoughts. p



That summer turned out to be a very eventful one. Harry began to think that his life only became action packed and complicated when he was at Hogwarts, but he loved it -- even if he hadn't realized that, yet. p

His and Hermione's training had been vigorous and sometimes vicious, but they were both amazed at the difference that a month and a half made. Lupin had taught them so many useful spells and defenses. They could detect when someone was lying, make objects move, disappear, and appear by simply concentrating together, and pause time. When they did this, everything around them stopped, except for themselves. They could do things at their leisure, take enough time to think of a spell, or prepare to dodge one heading for them. Dumbledore also showed them how to apparate. It was a bit complicated, but you could apparate on Hogwart's grounds if you knew the right spell. Added to these things were many other tricks. p

As the training progressed, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Lupin's expectations of a very close friendship were confirmed. Harry and Hermione had become closer than he and Ron had been. Having to read each other's mind and working together all the time, they both knew the other almost as well as they knew themselves. They still did, but talk really wasn't necessary. Loads were said to each other by just one glance. Of course, they had been through so much together. p

When they weren't training, exploring the castle was their priority. They had visited every other house's common room (Griffindor's was the best!), mastered trick staircases and hidden corridors, discovered shortcuts, and found the most interesting places. Hermione's favorite room was filled with cozy chairs and pillows, a piano was in the corner, and music could always be heard. Harry personally like the Hogwart's Quidditch Hall of Fame. He found out that there was a plaque devoted to him for having been a young seeker. p

All of the ghosts, mermaids, and owls knew the two friends. And as long as Harry and Hermione were there Hogwarts was full of excitement. (Gag! Gag! Cliche! Cliche!) Remus Lupin had even renamed them the Second Marauders. They were having such a great time that Hermione forgot to study! p



A couple of days before term started, Harry and Hermione apparated to Diagon Alley to get their school supplies. As they walked down the road to Gringott's a familiar family came into view. p

"Harry! Hermione!" Ron Weasley waved from the steps of Gringott's Wizard Bank. p

'Oh, it's Ron. What do we tell him?' Hermione thought. p

'Umm. . .tell him we'll tell him what we've been doing later. I think we can tell him the truth, but we need to ask Dumbledore first.' Harry thought in return. p

"Hey, Ron!" Hermione called back, running with Harry over to where Ron was. The entire Weasley family was now embracing the two in hugs and hellos. p

"Did you agree to meet here? Why didn't you write me?" Ron looked slightly hurt, "I get letters in Egypt too, you know." p

Hermione panicked for a second. 'We forgot to write letters to Ron! He must hate us! Hate us!' p

'Clam down!' Harry glanced at Hermione. p

"We'll tell you later," Harry whispered, in Ron's ear. p

"Oh," Ron whispered back. p

They went in to get their money and set off with Ron for school stuff a few moments later. p

"What's going on!" Ron demanded, "Why're you both here?" p

Harry looked around the street to make sure prying ears weren't anywhere near. 'I'm going to tell him.' p

"Hermione and I've been at Hogwarts this summer. You got an owl too, so you should

know that. Favor for Dumbledore. We might be a little busy this year." p

That was not near enough for Ron. He burst with a hundred other questions. Most of which involved why they'd be busy. p

"We can't tell you anymore," Hermione said, gently. 'Now he's going to be mad.' p

'Yeah, I suspect so. Just great!' - Harry. p

It was obvious Ron was trying to be as understanding as he possibly could. He numbly nodded his head and went off to find a book. p

'Hermione, there's a leaf in your hair.' Harry thought, looking over at Hermione. p

'Urgh, everything gets stuck in my hair.' She began to feel through her bushy ponytail, discovering the oak leaf and jamming it in her pocket. ' Don't look so superior!' She thought in an annoyed tone. Harry had been smirking as she pulled the leaf out. Hermione continued. 'Your hair is pointed in fifty different directions!' p

Harry laughed, then Hermione. When Ron returned with a copy of Crystal Gazing his two best friends were laughing hysterically at the insults that were going back and forth in their heads. p

"What's so funny?" he asked. p

"Nothing," Hermione answered. p

Harry straightened up and looked at his watch, "Oooh, Hermione, we've got to go. We promised Dumbledore --." p

"Yeah, okay. Bye, Ron. See you in a few days," Hermione followed a waving Harry out of the store, laden with bags full of books. p



"I hope Ron's not too upset," Hermione sighed. p

Harry and Hermione were in a room that had been enchanted to make it look like the outdoors. They were sitting on plush green grass, leaning against a couple of rocks, playing Exploding Snap. p

"He'll be alright. We can always pretend that we're not doing anything, and that Dumbledore just wanted to inform us on what could happen," Harry said, placing the winning card on top of the deck. It exploded. p

"When do we go on out first mission?" Hermione asked, collecting the cards. p

"I'm not sure, but I heard Lupin tell McGonagall it'd have to be soon." p



The night of the feast was when the difficulties began. Ron was friendly enough and tried to talk to Harry during the feast. Ron's talk about the Chudley Cannons was interesting for about one minute, and then he began to ramble on. At this point, Hermione kept thinking a conversation to Harry about a Revolving Spell, which he found more interesting. They must have had a glazed look in their eyes because Ron became startled. p

"Hey, guys. Why're you staring at each other like that?" p

"Huh?" Harry asked, looking over at Ron. p

"Oh, wait, I get it. You two like each other! You're going out!" Ron burst. p

Hermione dropped her fork. 'He thinks I'm going out with Harry!' p

'Hey!' p

'Sorry, Harry! But --.' p

'He thinks I'm going out with Hermione!' p

"N-no, you're mistaken, Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. p

"That has to be it!" Ron said, talking more to himself than Harry and Hermione, "And that'd explain why they were at Diagon Alley together!" p

"Ron," Harry began, but the Weasley twins beat him to it. p

"Hey, Ronniekins, what's going on?" George asked, from down the table. p

"Harry and Hermione are going out!" he yelled back. p

'Well, now the whole house thinks we are! This is awful! I don't want to go out with you!' Hermione thought. p

'Come on!' Harry growled in thought. p

They got up and left the table. p

"Where are you two going?" Fred asked, slyly. p

"To talk outside," Harry replied, quickly.p

They really went to the Griffindor common room. p

"I say we levitate his bed tonight and make it spin around until he goes flying off!" Harry punched his fist. p

"Harry, you know it was just a misunderstanding. Ron didn't mean us any harm." p

"How can you be so certain," Harry demanded. p

"Because I know Ron, and I thought you did, too." p

Harry sighed a sigh of surrender. p

"Let's practice making things disappear and reappear. We're not as good at that." p

"Fine," Harry said, glumly. p

Being able to do extensive magic was great fun. In ten minutes time, all of the common room's furniture was gone, leaving a clean slate. Harry could feel the magic surging through him as he filled the room with trees and bushes. Hermione had gotten off track and was blowing sugary bubbles out of her wand tip. They were both running around, trying to catch the bubbles in their mouth. They collided at one point, falling to the floor, laughing. Harry picked Hermione by the waist and raised her as high in the air as he could. He was swinging her around when Ginny Weasley walked in. p



Ginny laid in bed, staring at the canopy above her. 'He loves Hermione -- not me. I'm glad I told Ron, though.' p



"Ron, how many times do I have to tell you! I don't like Hermione, and we're not going out!" Harry yelled. p

Neville, Seamus, and Dean were congregated on Seamus's bed, watching Ron and Harry argue. p

"You have to like her! Ginny told me what was going on in the common room during the feast!" p

"Oooh, what?" Dean interrupted, receiving a glare from Harry. p

"There were trees and bubbles in the common room, and Harry was spinning Hermione around on his shoulders!" Ron screamed. p

"He's gone mad, Harry," Seamus announced. p

"It's true," Harry mumbled, where it was barely audible. p

"What!" Neville, Seamus, and Dean said at once. p

"But, I don't like her! We were just practicing what we came to this school to learn -- magic!" Harry finished in a tone of finality, exiting the room.p

"Ron doesn't understand anything!" Harry spat, looking down at the common room floor. p

"That's because we can't tell him anything!" p

Harry grunted in reply. Hermione bent the corners of the book in her lap, deep in thought. p

"Harry, we can't be worrying about this when we need to concentrate on school and the missions, which could start any day now. McGonagall told me so." p

"They keep saying that, but we don't know when it will start or what we'll be doing!" Harry practically screamed. He made a china plate appear in his outstretched hand and then threw it into the fire out of anger. p

"Harry, calm down," Hermione pleaded. p

Normally, Harry would retaliate, but he looked over at Hermione, read her thoughts, decided her feelings, and subdued himself. This was how it was going to be, he could argue with Ron, his best friend, but no longer could he yell or fight with Hermione, his accomplice. p



'Harry! Harry!' p

Harry jumped at the sound of his name. Was someone calling him? Or was that just his imagination? He sat up in bed, and slowly pulled back the curtains of this four poster. Nobody was there. p

'Harry! Listen to me!' p

Was that Hermione's voice? p

'Hermione? Are you in my head?' p

'Yes. I thought you'd never wake up!' p

'Well, stop doing that! You scared!' p

'But it's an emergency!' p

'The missions?' p

'Not exactly.' p

'What's wrong?' p

'Ginny's missing.' p

'Missing? Ginny?' p

'Yes, but don't wake Ron. Just come over to the girl's dormitory, and wear your invisibility cloak.' p

'What happened!' p

'Get over here!' p

'Fine.' p

Harry pulled on his bathrobe, grabbed the cloak, and snuck out of the room. A few

minutes later, he found himself walking down the deserted corridors, listening to Hermione's thoughts. They decided it was best to read each other's minds instead of taking a chance that Filch or Mrs. Norris would hear them. p

'Oh, Harry, it frightened me so much. Everything was really strange. She must be walking around in her nightgown because her robe was left hanging on the post, and she doesn't have her wand. . . .' p

'I still don't understand why you're so worried. You, me, and Ron have snuck out of the tower hundreds of times since we've been here, and no one came looking for us -- except that stupid cat.' p

'Harry, this is different. Ginny was very upset when she went to bed, and I'm just --.' p

'Shhh. I hear something.' p

'I'm not talking out loud! You're reading my thoughts!' p

' Yeah, but I can't hear with you in my head!' p

'Well -- .' p

'And don't start giggling.' p

Harry stopped at the corner of a long corridor that led to the Astronomy Tower. He heard a faint crying. p

'Hermione, someone's crying down there.' p

'Is it Ginny?' p

'Umm. . .I'm not sure. Let's go.' p

They inched down the hall, trying not to make a sound or step out from under the Invisibility Cloak. It was indeed Ginny Weasley that was propped up against a suit of armor, her face buried in her hands, weeping, but she was not alone. Ron was sitting right next to her, cradling her as best he could in his arms. Harry tapped into Hermione's thoughts, and was surprised to hear that she wasn't thinking anything. She was just staring at brother and sister, crying in the hallway. p

'Come.' Harry tugged at Hermione's hand and guided her down the hallway. They were standing only a few feet away from the siblings when Ron and Ginny began talking about the very two people they weren't aware were in the hall with them. Harry knew that Hermione wanted to leave and give them privacy, but Harry was still upset with Ron and thought he deserved for his privacy to be invaded. p

"Do you really think he loves her?" Ginny sniffled. p

A grave expression passed across Ron's face, " Harry doesn't love Hermione." p

"But you said -- ." p

"Forget what I said, I was just being jealous." (This made Harry feel relieved. He didn't have to be mad at Ron anymore.) p

"Do you like her?" p

"Who, Hermione?" p

"Yes, stupid," Ginny sighed. p

Ron looked down at his sister's tear-stained face, "A little, yes." p

Harry thought Hermione was going to faint. He could feel her body going limp and sensed that she was in shock. He had to grab her under the arms and inch her closer to the wall, so she wouldn't fall to the floor. p

"Well," Ginny continued, "what are they up to then?" p

"I don't know," Ron replied, stony faced, "You say there were bubbles? And trees?" p

"And he was spinning her around." p

Ron stared at his feet, concentrating, "Maybe they really were practicing magic," he sighed, "Come on, Ginny. We need to get back to the common room." p

Ron and Ginny lifted themselves from the base of the suit of armor and stretched. Harry could hear Ron saying as they walked away, "And don't go running around in the middle of the night by yourself anymore. Harry's already saved your life once." Harry wished Ron hadn't done that because the next sound was of Ginny's sobs. p

'Hermione. Are you alright?' p

'Ron likes me.' p

'Yeah, I heard.' p

'Are you not the least bit surprised!' Hermione pried. p

'No, not really. He seemed pretty jealous last year when you went to the ball with Krum.' Harry thought back, pulling Hermione down the hall to the common room. p

'And you didn't tell me! I would have liked to have known that -- that -- .' p.

'-- Ron likes you.' Harry smirked. p

Hermione might not have been able to see the amusement on Harry's face, but she sensed it and playfully punched him in the shoulder ( a very un-Hermione thing to do, may I point out ). p

'Do you like Ron?' Harry asked, as he apparated them into the common room so he wouldn't have to awaken the Fat Lady. p

'No, but it's funny that he likes me.' p

Harry grinned again. p

'And will you stop doing that!' Hermione laughed, sliding our from underneath the Invisibility Cloak. p

"Good-night, Hermione," Harry yawned, and started up the stairs to the dormitories, but before he vanished from sight, he made a little beating heart inscribed with Ron and Hermione appear in Hermione's hand. He received a blow from a miniature Bludger in the back of the head. p



The next morning at breakfast, Ron relayed the latest quidditch scores to Harry. Hermione kept herself from thinking messages to Harry. It obviously distracted him, and she didn't want another row like the night before. p

"What's on our schedule for this morning?" Ron asked Hermione. p

"Oh, that's right!" she exclaimed, and withdrew something from her bag. p

Hermione handed Harry and Ron their schedules that she'd gotten from McGonagall earlier that morning. Once Ron looked down at his paper, Hermione sent Harry a look that meant they needed to talk later. Harry quickly mouthed 'okay', and returned to his bacon and toast. p

"Urgh, we've got Potions first. Double Potions! They're torturing us!" Ron moaned. p

"Well, we better go then," Hermione said, gathering her things. p

Ron suddenly remembered that he'd forgotten to put quills in his bag, so he ran back up to the common room while Harry and Hermione walked to potions. p

"What did you want to tell me?" Harry asked, under his breath. p

"When I went to get our schedules, McGonagall said to meet her in Dumbledore's office at midnight tonight. They want us to um. . .gather some information for them. . .I think it might be our first mission!" Hermione finished, excitedly. p

Harry allowed the idea to turn over in his mind a couple of times before he looked over and smiled at Hermione. Then he began to feel nervous. What if something went wrong? Death Eaters? Danger? A flash crossed his mind -- diving from the Astronomy Tower. This was all a part of being Harry Potter, and he couldn't help that. Yeah, the missions were going to be excellent, even if Ron couldn't come. p



During Harry and Hermione's afternoon break, Lupin insisted that they practice spells they had learned over the summer. p

"You never know what could happen," he kept telling them. p

They met in an empty room in the dungeons, and when they first walked in, Harry was strongly reminded of the Slytherin common room, even if there wasn't any furniture in the deserted classroom. p

"Okay, why don't we try something easy to start with?" Lupin smiled, "Pause time." p

Harry and Hermione hadn't practiced this outside of the lessons. Both were a bit afraid they'd permanently stop time. They raised wands -- p

"No wands," Lupin grinned, mischievously, "Marauders don't need wands." p

Harry suddenly remembered the title as the Second Marauders Lupin had given them during the summer. He thought of Sirius and his father -- best friends. He hadn't realized the warm expression on Hermione's face. She'd been reading his thoughts. p

"Alright," Hermione whispered. p

'How do we do this without our wands?' Harry thought. p.

'Just think about what you want to do.' Hermione laughed. p

Harry concentrated very hard on pausing time and muttered the spell over and over in his head. He had to do this. He could do this. He would -- p

"Harry!" Hermione called. p

Harry looked up at Hermione. He hadn't hear a sound except for her voice. p

"We did it!"she squealed, jabbing a finger in Lupin's direction. He was frozen in a standing position. p

"So, what do we do now?" Harry asked. p

"Well, everyone and everything is completely still -- in the wizard world anyway. Want to go do something to the Slytherins?" p

It amazed Harry how fun Hermione could be when time was paused and she didn't have to worry about being caught by a teacher or getting blamed for something she wouldn't have had "time" to do. p

"What did you have in mind?" Harry asked. p

"Did you hear what happened to the Slytherins!" Lee Jordon came through the portrait hole, practically skipping. p

"What?" Fred called from the other side of the room. p

"One second all of the Slytherins are just sitting in their classrooms, the next, they all have snakes wrapped around their heads, purple hair, green skin, and worts. And that Malfoy kid also had a couple of ferrets running around on his desk. It took Flitwick, McGonagall, and Trelawny an hour to get rid of all the snakes!" Lee announced to the entire house. p

Everyone started clapping, cheering, and laughing. p

"Finally they got what was coming to them!" someone yelled.p

"Ruddy brilliant," George murmured, "Who did it?" p

"No one knows," Lee said, mysteriously. p

'Mission accomplished.' Hermione thought. p

'Yeah, mission -- mission! Hermione, what time is it!' Harry panicked. p

'Eleven-thirty! We better go!' p

'How are we going to get out without anyone seeing us?' p

'Go up to your dormitory and apparate.' p

'Got it. See you in a few minutes. Dumbledore's office.' p

Harry and Hermione got up and went to their dormitories as discreetly as they possibly could. Once Harry pushed open the door to the fifth year boy's room, he checked to make sure no one was in view. It was clear. He grabbed his wand from the bedside table, swished it around a couple of times, and apparated out of the room. p

Ron pulled himself out from under his bed. He'd been looking for his History of Magic report that had fallen out of his ripped bag earlier, and he could have sworn that Harry's legs and feet had just disappeared. p



"Thank-you, Minerva, but -- oh, here they are!" Dumbledore smiled cheerfully as Hermione apparated in his office, followed by Harry. p

"Hello, professor," Harry said. p

"Take a seat. Take a seat. I need to explain what you'll be doing tonight," Dumbledore motioned to the chairs beside him. p

Harry and Hermione took seats, each a bit nervous. p

"Alright, to business. Harry, do you remember a Mrs. Figg?" p

Harry was startled by the strange question and had to think if he knew a Mrs. Figg, "Yes. She lives a couple of streets away from the Dursleys." p

"That's correct, but she's also a witch that has been keeping an eye on you since you were a year old. She's in trouble, and the two of you need to get her out of it." p

"What's wrong!" Hermione gasped. p

"Lucious Malfoy has her stationed at his home under the Imperious Curse. Now, sources tell me that the Inner Circle is having a meeting tonight, and Mr. Malfoy won't be at his house. Therefore, this is the perfect opportunity to go and get her. However, you can't bring her back here while she's under the Imperious Curse. There's no telling what Lucious has her believing right now. You must break the curse for her. This has never been known to happen, but you'll be able to think of something. Work together. Together. Now if you will both apparate to the Malfoy's house -- ." p

"Professor," Harry interrupted, "How are we supposed to break the curse? How do we know what room she's in? Is she strong enough to apparate? Can -- ." p

"Harry, I can't help you," Dumbledore said. p

"What! Why? Do you expect us to go in there -- ." p

'You're yelling at the headmaster, Harry.' Hermione thought in a disapproving tone. p

"Please," Dumbledore spoke, calmly, "The reason I cannot help you is that I don't know how. The magic that Lupin has taught you to feel and acknowledge is a magic that has developed specifically for you. Good magic works by bonds of friendship or the inner magic and power each of you individually possesses. I told you that there are things you can do that you're not aware of. This is still true. You see, this magic is your own, personalized magic. That's why wands and spells aren't required. You create the magic, not just repeat it. Harry, Hermione, you will come up with a way to break the curse. I have every confidence that you will, but you must leave now before it's too late." p



Ron Weasley dashed into the common room, searching for his little sister. Ginny was sitting by the fireplace, playing Wizard Chess with Colin Creevey. p

"Ginny," Ron ran over to her. p

"Ron, what is it?" she dropped her bishop, looking alarmed. p

"Come with me." p

Ron grabbed her by the wrist and led her out of the common room and into the hall. p

"We're not supposed to be out here this late. Everyone's about to go to bed," Ginny said, exasperated. p

"You didn't seem to care much about being out of the tower last night!" Ron huffed. p

"Well," Ginny bit the bottom of her lip, "that was different." p

"Sure, anyway, I have to tell you something." p

"What?" she put her hands on her hips. p

"Harry just disappeared." p

"Maybe he went to the kitchens to get some food, or -- ." p

"No, Ginny, I don't mean that I can't find him. I mean he disappeared. He was standing in our dormitory, then he kind of -- of vanished." p

Ginny screwed up her face, trying to think about what Ron was telling her, "Like he apparated?" p

"Yeah, like that, only you can't apparate in Hogwarts, besides, Harry doesn't know how to." p

"Ron?" p

"Yeah?" p

"Is Hermione in there?" p

"Hermione? Why wouldn't she -- oh." p

Harry groped for anything to hold onto, but all that surrounded him was air. Then he felt something run through is clawing fingers. He grabbed hold, and -- p

'Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Harry let go of my hair!' i

' Whoops, sorry. Where are we?' Harry thought, glad that Hermione was next to him. P

' Somewhere in the Malfoy's house.' i

'I guessed that, but which room?' i

'How am I supposed to know!' i

'I have an idea.' i

'What?' i

'Let's pause time, then we can move around and get some light.' i

'Oh, that's a brilliant plan! We can also find Mrs. Figg while it's paused!' i

Harry and Hermione concentrated on the pausing of time, and once Harry felt a surge of power leave his body, he opened his eyes. It was still pitch black, and he couldn't tell if it had worked or not yet. p

'Hermione?' he thought, just in case they hadn't really paused time. p

'Harry? Should we get some light in here?' she asked. p

'Yeah.' i

"Lumos," Hermione whispered into the darkness. p

The beam from Hermione's wand showed a small broom closet. Which was really a broom closet, for there were several superb racing brooms hanging from the walls. Harry gaped at the newest broom that had come out -- FireStreak -- brother to his Firebolt. p

"Harry, what time is it?" Hermione asked, tugging at the sleeve of his robes to get his attention. p

"Huh," Harry mumbled, eyes not leaving the broom. Thinking it was a stupid question. p

"It is not stupid," Hermione snapped, grabbing his wrist and looking at his watch. p

"Why do you want to know?" p

"Good. Your watch has stopped. We can leave this dreadful closet," she sighed, pulling Harry away from the brooms and out of the closet. p

They stepped out into a magnificent entrance hall, with marble floor tiles and several chandeliers. There were a couple of houselves frozen next to a table, holding feather dusters. Hermione made an unrecognizable noise in her throat and began peering into the rooms that lined the entrance hall. Harry, on the other hand, was walking around in circles thinking the possibilities over. p

"Hermione, we're in the Malfoy's house. There's no telling what kind of dirt we could collect while we're here. I say the first place we go is the drawing room. Remember Ron and I told you that while we Crabbe and Goyle, Malfoy said they had a bunch of Dark Arts stuff under the drawing room floor -- ." p

"Harry, that's not shy we're here though. Fun as that sounds," she smirked, "we have to find Mrs. Figg." p

Harry gave another one of this famous sighs of surrender and slowly followed Hermione up the stairs. p

Meanwhile, back at Hogwarts -- p

"Dumbledore," Remus Lupin looked into the small, oval mirror, "you're telling me that this is what is going on right now?" p

"That is correct." p

"But they've paused time. We can't be looking at the present. We can't be breathing."

"Oh, I have my ways. . .but that is not important right now. We must see how well they work together on this mission. I want to make sure they don't need anymore training. I want tem to be prepared to face Voldemort." p

Lupin looked back down at the mirror, which didn't show his reflection in return, but a vision of what Harry and Hermione were doing at that exact moment, "But you told them they weren't expected to face Voldemort. They're not trained for Voldemort!" he cired. p

"I didn't want to make them nervous. Besides, I'm afraid all the training in the world wouldn't help them with Voldemort. It's more of fate. Harry's fate." p

"Then what's Hermione need for?" p

"Did you ever think that Miss Granger might be a part of Harry's fate?" p

Lupin gave Dumbledore a quizzical expression. p

"He needs her desperately," Dumbledore replied, simply. p

"Doesn't he need Ron Weasley as well? I'm sorry, but I'm not understanding where you're coming from." p

"Mr. Weasley's is a different fate from Harry and Hermione's." p

Lupin nodded that he was beginning to understand, then opened his mouth as if to ask another question. It hung open for several seconds, but closed again. p

"Go ahead and ask your question, Remus." p

"What is Harry and Hermione's gifts? You told them they both had unique talents and gifts." p

"Don't you think that being able to perform a magic that most adult wizards aren't capable of is enough of a gift?" p

"I'm surprised they haven't done as much as they are capable of and have been taught around the castle. I know if Sirius, Peter, me and James -- ." Lupin stopped abruptly, "But there's more to it than that, isn't there? Something is different about Harry Potter and Hermione as well. Voldemort had a reason to kill Harry when he was a baby, still does; now he has a reason to kill Hermione too. Doesn't he?" p

Dumbledore stared soberly back at Lupin. p

Harry and Hermione had found Mrs. Figg in an upstairs bed chamber, sitting stiff and frozen in an elaborate arm chair. p

"She looks -- Petrified," Harry whispered (Although no one would have heard him even if he had screamed it). p

"Well, she's paused in time," Hermione remarked, knowingly. p

"I'm surprised she couldn't throw off the Imperious Curse," Harry said, thoughtfully. p

"Well, not everyone's Harry Potter," Hermione said, still a bit sour over the fact that Harry had been able to throw off the curse in Moody's class and she hadn't. p

Hermione immediately regretted what she had said and looked over at Harry apologetically, "I'm so sorry." p

"It's okay. I know you didn't mean it like that. You hang around Ron too much, do you know that?" Harry ended with a laugh. He himself hung around Ron whenever he got the chance. Just because he knew more about Hermione, didn't remove the fact that Ron had been his first real friend. p

"Anyway," Hermione pressed on, clearly wanting to get to business, "how do we unfreeze her or whatever it is that we have to do? But without unpausing time. We certainly don't want to be caught in here." p

"Umm," Harry responded, "didn't Dumbledore say something about how we invent the magic?" p

"Oh, yes, of course!" Hermione exclaimed, "Harry, you're a genius! We use Good magic, so we make it -- ." p

"Then let's do it," Harry mumbled, wishing he were back at the castle already. p

"How?" Hermione looked over at Harry. p

"I-I don't know. Haven't you read anything about Good magic?" p

"No. I don't think it's something that can be expressed in words," she said, distraught.

Harry was trying to concentrate on all the things that Lupin had taught them. There didn't seem to be anything that would help them in this situation. He looked at Mrs. Figg, and began to think of Privet Drive and his pre-Hogwarts days. Mrs. Figg had always been nice, even if she had owned a lot of annoying cats. Harry reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder, wondering if she had known his parents. Possibly she once taught them? p

Then it happened. p

A few seconds after Harry had placed his hand on the old woman's shoulder, a feeling of electricity and energy shot through his fingertips. His fingers turned bright green, and there was warmth moving up his arms and legs. He could see Hermione's shocked expression, but instead of tapping into her thoughts, like he meant to (He felt incapable of speaking.), all he could hear were choruses of unfamiliar words echoing in his head. What were they? Chants? No. Warnings? No. Spells? Yes. The energy was coursing through his entire body now, giving him a throbbing headache. What was going on! He recognized that his lips were forming silent words. Hermione was dancing around him, trying to decide what to do to help him. Then, as quick as it started it was all over. p

The headache was gone, his fingers were their regular color, and there were no more pulsating spasms of energy shooting through him. He gaped at Hermione, waiting for her to say or do something, but all she could do was stare at Mrs. Figg. Harry, dimly aware ofwhat would face him if he turned around, looked over his shoulder and down at the woman. She was blinking and taking sharp breaths. Hermione stepped away, frightened, "How did you do that?" She barely whispered. p

"I don't know," Harry said, "Maybe it was something to do with Good magic." p

Hermione was still lost for intelligent words. p

"You try it," Harry suggested, his heart beating fast. What was going on? p

Hermione looked at him incredulously. p

"Come on," he persisted, "I unfroze her, somehow. See it you can knock her out of the Imperious Curse." p

Full of trepidation, Hermione stepped up to Mrs. Figg, who was sitting in the chair, staring blankly into space. p

"Dumbledore said we shouldn't bring her back while she's under the curse," Harry reminded Hermione. p

Hermione nodded and like Harry, put a hand on Mrs. Figg's shoulder. The woman didn't move or even acknowledge Hermione's touch. Harry could see that Hermione was concentrating very hard on the task at hand, and there were moments when Mrs. Figg would voluntarily open her mouth or drum her fingers, but something was wrong. Then Harry felt a tug near his heart, and that same electric feeling was passing through him once more. Hermione was pulling some of Harry's magical power to herself. How was that possible? A dim, green light shone from Harry, and he saw Hermione jump back in shock as if something had hit her. She must have received what she'd wanted because the next moment Mrs. Figg had aroused. p

Harry and Hermione both let out a sigh of relief and exhaustion. Harry walked over to Mrs. Figg and waved a hand in front of her face to see if she was out from under the curse. p

"Oh, hello, Harry, dear. How long have I been here? Did Albus send you?" p

Harry and Hermione exchanged amazed looks. p



"That's incredible," Lupin breathed, leaning on the edge of Dumbledore's desk. p

Harry and Hermione had just relayed the night's event to Dumbledore, Lupin, and Arabella Figg. Dumbledore and Lupin had watched it all, but Mrs. Figg didn't have a clue as to what was going on. p

"It seems that you can call upon help from the other," Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully, "That must be how Hermione pulled power from Harry." p

Dumbledore had been most interested in this part of the story. It hadn't been known to happen before. Of course, neither had breaking the Imperious Curse set by a different wizard, but he had had the upmost confidence that they'd achieve that. p

"Yes, you two are most interesting wizards. However, you still need rest. I must insist that you both get to bed." p

Harry and Hermione slowly made their way to the common room. The castle was unusually quiet, but then again it had to be three o'clock in the morning by that time. They had been too tired to apparate and decided to take the chance of being caught by Filch. Once they reached the dormitory steps, Harry and Hermione traded good night hugs and departed to their rooms. p

Harry saw Ron's silhouette through the bed curtains. It looked like he was hunched over a book. p

"Ron?" Harry whispered. p

No response. p

'He probably doesn't want to talk.' Harry thought, pulling back his four poster curtains. p

'Harry, I'm trying to go to sleep.' A girl's voice was in his head. p

'Sorry, Hermione. Didn't mean to think that to you.' i

Harry fell on his bed and entered a blissful sleep. p



What seemed like hours later, Harry awoke to complete silence. He got out of bed and went to look out the window. It was still pitch black, and the moon was shining high above the horizon. Puzzled, Harry checked his watch. It wasn't ticking, and not a hand was moving. He and Hermione had forgotten to unpause time! He had to wake her up, but he wanted to be certain first. A quick glance at Ron's hunched silhouette told him that he was right. p

'Hermione! HERMIONE!' i

She wasn't waking. p

Harry made his way to the girl's dormitory. Leaning over he bed, he saw she was out of it. He poked her with his wand, shook her shoulders, and yelled in her ear. It wasn't until he said, "Maybe there's a spell I could use in some book." that she stirred. p

"Somebody say something about a book?" Hermione asked, groggily. p

"It's me," Harry said, lighting the fire in the torch brackets with a wave of his hand. p

"What?" Hermione snapped. p

"We forgot to unpause time," Harry explained. p

Hermione gasped and jumped from her bed, "We should go somewhere else, just in case someone's awake." p

Harry nodded and they went out into the hall. The now normal feeling of incredible power grew in him until he was sure that everything was right again. He let go of Hermione's hand, and they departed. p

Hermione stumbled back in her room, extinguished the lights, and was making her way to bed when Harry thought something to her. p

"Harry Potter get out of my head!" she laughed out loud before collapsing in bed. p

Ginny Weasley widened the crack between wall and bathroom door, her face falling. p



The next day in Charms, Professor Flitwick gave a lesson on making objects appear out of nowhere using a wand and complicated spells. Harry and Hermione were bored. The other classmates were having much trouble with the charms, including Ron who was practicing with Harry and Hermione in the back of the room. p

"I just don't see how you do it," Ron moaned for the hundredth time, "You two make it look easy." p

'If he only knew the half of it!' Harry thought. p

He and Hermione had been pretending to say the spells and make the objects appear with their wand but were really using Good magic. When no one was looking, Harry made a painting of Malfoy being tortured appear, but Hermione forced him to get rid of it. Their act had been working well up until the point that Flitwick walked by to observe. He asked Harry to demonstrate after Ron and Hermione to follow Harry. Ron didn't produce anything but a wisp of smoke. Then it was Harry's turn. He held out his wand and said the spell to make a chest of drawers appear. However, he had been thinking about lunch, and a four course meal complete with after dinner mints popped up. Flitwick stared at Harry and then the meal, Harry, meal, Harry meal, then he took Harry's wand. p

"Make a grandfather clock appear -- without your wand," he squeaked. p

"But I need my wand, sir." p

"No -- you don't." p

'What am I supposed to do?' Harry asked Hermione. p

'Pause time and we'll go ask Dumbledore.' i

They paused time and left the classroom in search of the headmaster. p

"You want us to let everyone know!" p

It was Hermione who was yelling at the headmaster this time. p

"You shouldn't have to hide your unique talents. You both need to be in advanced classes. You can do all the magic, but you still need to practice. Or else you wouldn't have to go to classes. I knew this would happen. Besides, you're wasting valuable mission time by practicing spells you could do before they taught it to you. I'm encouraging you to let everyone know. Perhaps if the world knows, the Dark side will be less eager to capture either of you." p

There was no argument. Dumbledore always knew best. But Harry still didn't want people to know. It would make him even more of a prodigy. Hermione was with him this time though. That was the only reason he was going to reveal it. p

"But don't tell anyone about the missions. Alright?" Dumbledore almost looked severe. p

They agreed. p



"But I need my wand, sir." p.

"No -- you don't." p

Harry and Hermione had unpaused time and were left to deal with Flitwick. Harry thought it was stupid and pointless to let everyone know what they could do. He hated attention. Hermione gave him an encouraging look that meant 'I'll tell my secret too.' Harry smiled, and the next instant, an elaborate grandfather clock appeared beside Flitwick. Harry's wand was still in the professor's hand. Flitwick gasped. Hermione, rather hesitantly, cleared her throat and made another more intricate clock appear beside Harry's. p

"Showoff," Harry grinned. p

Ron was staring from Harry to Hermione, Harry, Hermione, Harry, Hermione, the clocks. Then he fainted. p

"Mr. Weasley will be fine!" Professor McGonagall snapped. Ron had been out cold for an hour, and Harry and Hermione were standing outside the infirmary, badgering the professor. They'd go visit him, but Madam Pomfrey had become even more strict over the summer vacation, and refused to let anyone visit him until he had almost fully recovered. McGonagall clutched her papers and books tightly and stormed down the hallway. p

"She's in a sour mood today," Harry remarked, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. p

"Do you want to go see him?" Hermione quietly suggested. p

"But we're not allowed." p

"We pause time, go in there, unfreeze Ron, answer his questions, and unpause time. That simple." p

Harry considered the plan for a moment. He hadn't talked to anyone besides McGonagall and Hermione since he and Hermione had revealed their "secret". No one knew why they were able to perform magic without wands and didn't know the extent of their abilities, and Harry knew everyone was bound to be inventing all sorts of crazy reasons for their gifts. He wasn't sure if he was prepared to face anyone, even Ron. What would happen now? Harry was seriously beginning to doubt Dumbledore's judgement. Nonetheless, he nodded his head, and they began to concentrate on pausing time . . . . p

(A/N: I'm going to skip some stuff that happens after that and cut right to the good stuff. Let's just say that they tell Ron, but he's not to thrilled. It'll explain more in the next chapter. I apologize for being a bit vague in these last few parts, but I promise the story intensifies in Chapter two. Whew! Chapter one was LOOOOOOOOONG!!!! Did you enjoy it? Please Read and Review.) PLEASE, PLEASE, PUT UNDER FAVORITES AND CHECK BACK FOR NEW CHAPTERS!!! Oh, and i love reviews :) 368writer