Title: Harry Potter and the Veneficus Quies (3/16)
Author: Atlantis Potter
E-mail: atlantispotter@yahoo.com
Category: Romance, Mystery
Keywords: Year 5, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Petunia
Rating: R
Spoilers: All Four Books.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A/N: Please R/R! If you like it, let me know. If you hate it, let me know!

Chapter Three: The Dragon Mirror


Harry looked at his Aunt Petunia in absolute horror. The world seemed suddenly very unreal. How could his aunt be a witch? She had always treated him horribly. Wasn't she the one who had locked all of his supplies in the closet under the stairs? Of the entire Dursley family, Petunia had been the worst. Harry could escape Dudley and ignore Vernon but the hate he had always felt from his aunt had been the most horrible thing of all. A part of Harry had always wished she'd been more matronly to him. But she hadn't. She had been awful.

The past few days' events rushed at Harry. He was sucked into a whirlwind of exams, books, spells, kisses, pain and the never ending "I'm a witch". Without further ado, Harry did the only thing he was capable of. He simply let himself go. Collapsing on the floor, he began to cry. The silent cry of pain and overwhelming confusion. Not saying a word, Hermione bent next to him and held his hand.

He looked at her and saw a look of pure terror on her face. She was as frightened as he was. He looked at the blond witch, who looked as if she wanted to vanish on the spot. Finally, a peak at Petunia revealed that she too was crying.

Another jolt of emotion ran through Harry, although this time it was a horrible anger. The tears dried as he gathered himself into a standing position.

"Why, then, have you been the most horrible wench for the past fourteen years?"

Hermione gasped as Petunia winced.

"Tell me, Harry, do you know about the Dragon Mirror?"

His lack of response urged Petunia on.

"Maybe you should sit down, Harry."

"I am sitting," he replied from his spot on the kitchen floor.

"A thousand years ago, at the time of the Founding of Hogwarts, Rowena Ravenclaw, a great seer, enchanted a mirror as a gift to Salazar Slytherin. The mirror would behold the future only to the pure at heart. Of course, Slytherin was never able to see into the Mirror. If he looked too deeply in an attempt to discern anything, the Mirror would temporarily blind him. He scorned Rowena for the gift and threatened to destroy it. However, it could not be destroyed. He finally hid the Mirror in a deep tomb, purely out of hatred for Rowena. Obviously, she was crushed. The Mirror had been a beautiful and priceless gift-"

"Petunia, what does this have to do with me?"

She looked saddened, but she held her ground. "Harry, I know I haven't given you much these years, but please, listen?"

He looked at her blue eyes, which were clear and bright and full of a pain he couldn't understand. "Fine."

"It was not discovered until much later in the early 20th century. Found by the wizard Grindewald, it showed the young man a great future of power and omnipotence. The young wizard had still been pure of heart. He saw this future and became consumed with the idea of an absolute power. He consulted the mirror, for he had not yet begun his killings and Dark Arts studies. It is unknown how Grindewald became immersed in the Dark Arts, but he was no longer able to use the Mirror. He still kept it in his castle, for it symbolized power. Then one day a young maiden in the castle stopped to gaze at the Mirror. She saw the defeat of Grindewald by an even more powerful wizard. When Grindewald heard this unfounded prediction, he killed the girl. Shortly thereafter, he began to lose the war. The Light side was winning and suddenly from the depths of the Light army came a young wizard by the name of Albus Dumbledore. Grindewald was defeated in one duel and Dumbledore inherited the Mirror."

"I don't see what this has to do with anything," he interrupted her again. She paused, giving him another look. Her jaw set in agitation as she continued her story.

"Dumbledore kept the Mirror in his office, but he never looked into the depths of it. Dumbledore has never wished to know the future for certain. Your mother had been in there one afternoon, visiting Dumbledore. It was after she had already left school. You were just a few months short of one at the time. She saw the continuation of the Dark War. She saw the death of herself and James. She saw you live. She saw everything in that Mirror, Harry. After confronting Albus, he told her that it was up to her as to what she would do.

"Your mother came to me. I had gone to Beauxbatons instead of Hogwarts and was not familiar with the Mirror. Your mother's friends knew very little of me, with the exception of James. She had been terribly angry with me when I chose Beauxbatons and scorned me for not attending Hogwarts, but we eventually worked through our differences. She came to me and we formulated a plan. Based on what she had seen in the Mirror, your mother begged that if anything were to happen, I would take you in. However, she saw that you would be hunted, even as a baby. Even if the Dark Lord was gone, his followers would be furious. We had to hide you. I quit my acting career-"

"Your acting career?"

"Yes, I was an actress after finishing my schooling and travelled over Britain performing in wizarding drama troupes."

Harry's eyes widened as the facts clicked in his mind. The name and the disappearance…even the eyes. "You're Amarante Zinia?"

She nodded. "Zinia is my stage name, yes. I left for you Harry. Your mother and I searched for a way to hide you and we found that a girl we had grown up with had passed away. We had all been friends when we were older, but when your mother was accepted to Hogwarts and we confided in her why, she was jealous and called both of us freaks and swore she would never speak again. We broke a lot of wizarding laws, but I obliviated her husband's memory of the death before an obituary was ever released."

"That doesn't explain why you've been so horrible to me all this years," he spat out.

"The only excuse that I may offer was your protection Harry. The wizarding world expected a strong, independent boy. You were a wonderful child, but I had to act like Petunia Dursley. You resisted and became the young man you are today. Your parents would be very proud of you."

"How did Vernon know about my parents though? What would make him say the horrible things he did about them?" Harry said softly, his mind still trying to work through all this new information.

"I had already assumed the identity of Petunia. He found you on the step, right where I expected you to be. I had led him to believe that I'd always had a sister who was different than him and he automatically hated her. Vernon is very real and very hateful."

"Does Dumbledore know?"

"Of course. He has helped as much as possible along the way. For years, I've had Dumbledore bind my magic. There was no way you could know of the magic world. Of course, very few others knew. Arabella knew because she was one of the operatives assigned to protect you. The only other two people on the planet are Drs. Richard and Rachel Granger."

At this Hermione cried out. "What do you mean?" Her face was very red and she looked shocked.

Petunia gasped and covered her mouth, "Oh no, you weren't supposed to know. Oh my, Hermione, I'm not sure I should be the one to tell you this."

Hermione looked at her, her facial expression a mixture of horror and anger. "You can't just say that and then not explain!"

Amarante looked torn. She winced and sighed before continuing, "Your parents aren't Muggles. Fancy that two of the most powerful wizards of our time are being forced to live as Muggles. They are very powerful, almost as much as Harry's parents. You are no muggleborn, my dear."

"But they're dentists!"

"What did you expect them to be, psychics?"

"How could I have not known? Wouldn't others have recognized my name?"

"Not likely. Your parents went into hiding nearly 17 years ago. The name Granger became taboo in the wizarding world because so many felt betrayed by them. The good witches and wizards felt deserted and the name was almost as bad to say as Voldemort. Anyone who even noticed the surname would think it a coincidence. Granger isn't exactly an uncommon name."

Hermione looked as Harry felt. Their worlds were shattering to pieces around them. Her parents were wizards; his aunt was a witch. They clung to each other, both lost and feeling very alone.

The slamming of the front door broke the silence in the kitchen.

"Ami! Are you here? Is everything alright?" The man who could only be Rick Granger shouted as he came dashing into the kitchen, brandishing his wand. "I was sitting at home enjoying a glass of sherry with my wife when the alert charm goes off. Did something happen?"

It was at this point that Rick noticed Harry and Hermione on the floor of the kitchen. Their backs were to the refrigerator, hands clasped tightly together. Paling, he knelt in front of his daughter.

"Hermione, darling, are you alright?"

"Dad, you're really a wizard?"

"Yes."

"M-Mum too?"

He nodded, moving closer to her and reaching a hand out to touch her face.

She turned away, wiping away a tear. "Why couldn't you tell me?"

"We had to protect you, Hermione." He waited for a reply. "Please, look at me."

Hermione burst into tears and collapsed against Harry. Deciding that he'd had enough news for one afternoon, Harry pulled her to her feet and put his arms protectively around her. She leaned against him and without a word to the adults, they went upstairs.

He led her into the guestroom and without much prompting, she climbed onto the bed and lay back against the pillows, her face wet with tears.

He looked at her for a moment before sitting next to her and pulling her into a big hug. "Shh… it'll be okay, Mione," whispered Harry as he smoothed her chestnut hair away from her face.

"Harry, how can it be true? We've been lied to our entire lives. How is that protection?"

"I don't know, Hermione."

"They've deprived us, Harry. They took away the lives we were meant to have."

A knock sounded on the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Harry."

"What do you want, Aunt Petunia, er… Amarante?" he answered through the closed door, irritation evident in his reply.

"I wanted to give you this. And call me Ami," she said as she opened the door.

Harry took the letter from her outstretched hand. She bowed her head and backed out of the room, closing the door. Harry looked at the parchment in his hand. It looked ages old and his name was scrawled in an unfamiliar hand. Taking a deep breath, he broke the wax seal (purple with a flower he did not immediately recognize) and shakily opening the letter.

Dear Harry,

Your father and I have spent years fighting in this war against Voldemort. When I became pregnant with you, we seriously questioned whether or not we could continue our fight, or give up so that your life would in no way be risked. I hope that one day you can forgive us for deciding to continue our battle. We never wanted to see you grow up in a world where that darkness pervaded the way of life.

By now, I'm hoping that Amarante has come forward with the story of the Dragon Mirror. She is to give you this letter on your 17th birthday, unless it became absolutely necessary that you know the truth.

I hope that you can forgive us for this too, but I hope you can understand why we had to do it. I hope you know that it was for your protection.

I am hoping that you will never see this letter, that what I saw will never come true, but if it does, know that your father and I will always be watching over you. Know that we have always had dreams for you. Hogwats, Gryffindor, Quidditch (though that was mostly your father, I'm terrified of flying.), all the wonders that are out there are within your reach Harry.

Always remember that we love you and that you are never alone. I know what Amarante will have to do if she is to act the part of Petunia, but she has always loved you and spoiled you the most of any of us. There is another girl who is in your year at Hogwarts, you may know her, Hermione Granger. Her parents were dear friends of ours and she is in a situation very similar to yours. Maybe you know her or are friends with her and can help each other through the pain that this has undoubtedly caused you.

I'm sorry that you had to find this out at such a late date, but there was no other way. We will always love you, Harry.

Mum and Daddy

Harry choked back a sob. It was true. All of it. His life had been mostly a lie. He absently handed the letter to Hermione. The truth. It had been there in the flowing script of his mother, written in an Ever-changing Ink Quill. Ami had not lied. Hermione read the letter much faster than he could and turned her gaze to him.

"Harry, are you alright?" she asked quietly, after reading the letter.

"No. Are you?" he answered, not looking at her, but at the palms of his hands.

"No, but what can we do, Harry? We can't erase the past. In a sense, I'm rather excited that my parents are wizards. But we've been lied to and even though I understand why, it hurts."

Harry hugged her, "Shall we go downstairs?"

Hermione nodded, grasping Harry's arm for support on their short journey to the kitchen.

The blond witch was seated at the table with Amarante, Rick and another chestnut haired witch who looked strikingly like Hermione. Harry had seen her parents before, at the train station and in Diagon Alley, but he felt as if he was looking at them for the first time. They were slightly different. Hermione's mother's hair was curly, rather than straight as it had been at Diagon Alley. Her father's hair was brown with grey flecks, as it had been, but he looked much younger. He realised that they must have had some disguise and couldn't help but look at them, feeling as if they were complete strangers.

"Mum!" Hermione cried, running to the woman, her earlier anger gone.

"Oh Hermione! I'm so, so sorry. Please forgive me. I wanted so badly to tell you, but I couldn't. Do you understand?" Rachel Granger asked, her eyes wet with unshed tears.

"Of course," sobbed Hermione, clinging tightly to her mother.

"Harry, this is Dr. Rick Granger, Hermione's father. This is Dr. Rachel Granger and to my left is Arabella Figg," Amarante gestured to each person sitting at the table, looking determined to get to whatever business she appeared to have.

"Figg?"

"Yes, Harry, I am old Mrs. Figg. Watched you since you were ickle Harry," she said, smiling broadly at him, her voice light.

Harry glared, not in the mood for amusing antics. Arabella bowed her apology and stared at her hands.

"There are a few things we need to clear up. Rachel and Rick know about the return of Voldemort. They are beyond recognition at this point, but there are a few minor details they must attend to before Hermione can return home. I am safe, as is Arabella. However, you cannot tell a soul about this. Not Ron or Ginny. No one. You will jeopardize the lives of many people if you do. We are not the only ones in hiding. There are countless others. This won't be easy, but it's necessary. Right now, there is only one thing we can do."

"Please do not say 'memory charm'," begged Harry, the fear that his new knowledge would disappear scrawled across his face.

"Harry, have you heard of the Fidelius Charm?"

"Of course, it's how Pettigrew betrayed my parents."

"Very good. Rick, Rachel and myself have been called back to Dumbledore. He needs our help in this new war. However, we can't just show up in Diagon Alley. We need you and Hermione to become our secret-keepers."

Hermione and Harry nodded their agreement without hesitation. Ami began in great detail to describe how the charm would work. Hermione would be the secret-keeper of the Grangers and Harry would hide his aunt. They all began discussing the procedure when the doorbell rang. All at once, Rick and Rachel disappeared and Arabella became an old lady again. Harry and Hermione hid in the small coatroom off of the kitchen while his Aunt 'Petunia' answered the door.

"Ah, Ami, my dear, how are we this fine evening? Where are Rick and Rachel? Is Arabella here?" Albus Dumbledore said as he entered the kitchen, "Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger, do come out of the coat room, what would Mr. and Ms. Weasley think?" Dumbledore teased, eyes twinkling mischievously.

Harry silently thanked Merlin. He was relieved to see Dumbledore. The idea that Dumbledore had known all along made everything much easier to digest. Not surprisingly, Dumbledore knew what had transpired that evening. He turned to Hermione and Harry.

"Harry, Hermione, what you are about to do may be one of the most important things you'll ever take part in. Are you positive that you will be able to hold this secret?"

"Yes, Professor Dumbledore. They were able to keep a secret for fourteen years to save our lives, and that was without the help of a spell. Surely we can do the same for them," Hermione announced, sounding much braver than she looked. Dumbledore nodded and began explaining how the spell would work. Once everything was explained and it was made sure that Harry and Hermione understood completely, Dumbledore began a slow incantation.

With a few muttered words, Harry, Amarante, Hermione, Rick and Rachel were transported to a darkened room. Dumbledore stood in the dim light in the centre. Harry noticed the tall walls, made entirely of a rough looking stone. The room was empty save three chairs in the middle of the room, directly before Dumbledore. Without instruction, Hermione and her parents went to the chairs, Hermione sitting in the middle of her parents.

Dumbledore withdrew his wand from a pocket in his robe and held it before them. His voice deepened as he began another slow incantation. Harry saw a fine mist began to settle over the scene in front of him and the voice of Dumbledore echoed through the smoky veil, low and confident, but muffled. He heard the voice of Hermione's father, sounding as if he was repeating the words that Dumbledore had just spoken. The haze surrounding the group thickened and Rachel too repeated Dumbledore's incantation. The haze became impenetrable and all Harry saw was faint shadows. The voices were muffled, but he recognised Hermione's voice beginning to speak. The mist suddenly faded and loud and clearly, he heard Hermione and Dumbledore say "Fidelius!" There was a blinding flash of light. The entire area went black for a moment before the same dim light that was there when they entered came up. Hermione sat alone, facing Dumbledore, he was holding his wand lowered at his side. She shook her head slightly, turning to the left and to the right before standing up and moving to where Ami and Harry were. She nodded wordlessly at them, directing them to where Dumbledore was standing.

Dumbledore motioned them to the two chairs directly in front of him. Ami and Harry sat down and took out their wands as Dumbledore began to chant. Ami turned to face Harry, placing her wand directly over Harry's heart. She mumbled the words Dumbledore had spoken and a thin band of blue light connected Harry's chest to the tip of Ami's wand. The mist that Harry had seen around Hermione and her parents appeared around him and Ami. He noticed that Ami had spoken, she had faded. By the she had finished, she was fuzzy around the edges and looked slightly transparent. He was so focused on the fact that his aunt was slowly disappearing that he almost forgot to repeat what Dumbledore was asking him to. He repeated the words slowly, fumbling over the unfamiliar pronunciations of the foreign language. He finished and the blue banded from Ami's wand deepened. Ami faded further as Dumbledore began to speak and the fog around them thickened. Harry took his own wand, as instructed, drawing it between himself and Ami. A red band appeared and fused with the blue as Dumbledore spoke. He looked at Harry, giving a nod to him. In unison, they uttered the final incantation and the two beams of light completely fused, exploding in a flash of purple light. He felt more than saw the soul of his aunt enter his own. He felt her presence next to him only briefly before once more, there was blackness. The room lightened and Harry closed his eyes, surprised to see Ami, just as she stood, right next to him. Slightly unnerved, he opened his eyes and looked at Hermione, attempting to ascertain some sort of reaction. There was none and in an instant, he and Hermione were back on Privet Drive.

Harry felt very alone in the house, even with Hermione standing by his side. Dumbledore appeared once more in the kitchen.

"Very good, Harry and Hermione. I am going back to the school. Should you need anything, owl me. Thank you for all that you have done today. The world may one day thank you."

With that, Dumbledore was gone. Arabella Figg strutted into the living room.

"So, where are they?" she chided.

Harry and Hermione looked horrified.

"Only joking. Now, off to bed with you. In the morning, we'll talk about the rest of the summer."

Harry and Hermione walked up the stairs, having not said two words to each other since the incantation. Harry attempted to break the silence.

"Can you see them when you close your eyes?"

"Yeah, it's really weird. I can see wherever--. I don't think it's a good idea to talk about this Harry."

"You're probably right. Err, well, here's your room. Goodnight, then."

"Goodnight, Harry," she said solemnly, looking at the floor. She closed the door and he continued to his bedroom. He suddenly wished he could communicate with Ami or anyone for that matter; the house felt so empty.

Just as his mind wished it, he felt a sudden spark in his mind.

Hello?

Harry! Is something wrong?

No. Ami? What's going on?

I suppose, it's a mind link. So that we can communicate. Did you need something?

Well, I was wondering, since you're a witch and all, what are you going to do about Vernon?

Vernon has left me. He took Dudley to live in Kent. I had to pretend I was very hurt. It was quite difficult, but let's not forget that I am an actress.

Won't he be wanting the house back?

No, he assured me that if I let him take Dudley and signed the papers quietly; I could take the house and car.

Had you two been fighting?

Yes, constantly. You see, the magic bind wore off this winter. I woke up in the morning and Vernon was on the roof. He'd been snoring the night before. He was right upset. Ever since then, the marriage has been on the rocks. Not that I minded too horribly, of course.

I'm sure.
Harry responded, giggling as he did so.

Did you need anything else?

Are you in the house?

Of course, I'm lying in bed right now, watching Eastenders.

Oh, sorry to have disturbed you.

It's all right. I was actually hoping to talk to you for a while.

I'm sorry that I got so upset earlier.

Believe me, Harry, I expected it. I've been wanting to tell you since the morning I found you on my doorstep. You always were my favourite nephew.

Aren't I your only nephew?

Completely beside the point. I want to apologize to you as well. Harry, I know I've been awful the entire time you have stayed here. I had to, I hope you understand, but that doesn't make it all right.

I do understand. And I don't think it's something that necessarily heralds an apology. The letter from my mum cleared up the entire situation in my mind. It's too late now to change anything.

Right you are Harry.

What is the rest of the summer holiday going to be like?

Well, I do believe that in two days' time you have an exam. You and Hermione will take your exams. Arabella will be staying for the duration of the holidays. We can't very well have the neighbours thinking that two teenagers are living alone in the house. What would they think?
Harry felt her smile. I haven't decided what we'll do for your birthday yet. Fancy a visit to the zoo? Again the smile. For the last two weeks of August, you and Hermione will be off to the Burrow. I'll be heading to Hogwarts at that point. Dumbledore has arranged for me to stay there until I no longer need a secret-keeper. Then I will move permanently to the wizarding world and enter the limelight by being amazingly found after all those years.

What happens if Sirius is cleared?

What do you mean?

Well, he's my godfather. But since you are a blood-relative…

Didn't you ever wonder about your godmother Harry?

You're my godmother? Of course, you are! How could I not have thought of that?

I'll let that one slide; you've had a rough day.

Thanks. Well, I'm heading off to bed now.

All right. Goodnight Harry. We'll need to limit this mind talking. It could be dangerous.

All right, good night Ami.

Harry felt the connection close. Almost instantly, his eyes became heavy and he was barely able to turn off his light before falling asleep.

***


Harry did not awake the next day until noon. He made his way down to the kitchen, where Hermione sat, still in her nightclothes. There was a note from Arabella, saying that she'd be out for the day.

As Harry walked to the sink for a glass of water, he glanced outside the window to the backyard.

The garden had been cleaned up for the summer and it was the first time he'd noticed. There were several patches of flowers in full bloom, along with shrubs and other plants, all of which created a very welcoming atmosphere.

"I saw the garden. Looks beautiful. There's a hammock strung up out there with my name on it. I'm taking my book and about a pitcher of lemonade," Hermione said, looking up from her breakfast.

"That sounds like a good idea. Mind if I join you?"

"Not at all, as long as you read. That's my plan and I'd prefer not to have it disrupted." She smiled at him and he was relieved to see it. She looked much lighter than she had yesterday and her eyes were no longer rimmed in red.

"Sounds good. I was thinking I should start reading Hogwarts: A History anyways." He returned her grin as she tossed her bunched up napkin at him.

"Great idea. There could be questions on the exam tomorrow."

"Maybe."

Harry grabbed an orange and retreated to his room. Much to his surprise, it had again changed.

The room was full of books. There was a large desk, which looked fully stocked, and the general atmosphere of the room was much friendlier, but the bed was gone, as were all of his things. Of course, Ami had magically altered the room. On the desk, he found a small piece of parchment.

"Aparecium," muttered Harry. The ink appeared on the parchment, just as expected.

Good morning, Harry! Sorry for the change in décor! I advise you try the room next door, you may find it to your liking.

A


Indeed, Harry did like it. Dudley's old room had been completely redone. His bed was large and covered in a soft duvet cover. A wardrobe held new clothes, all Harry's size. His Firebolt was propped in the corner. A large desk revealed drawers full of parchment, quills, schoolbooks, potion ingredients, owl treats and food, and a sundry of other wizard things.

Hedwig's cage was perched in the corner and a window seat flanked by bookcases completed his new room.

Harry dashed down the stairs.

"Hermione! You have to see this!"

"What is it Harry?"

He nearly dragged her up the stairs and led her first to his room. She was amazed at the change and immediately dashed to her own.

It too had changed. There was all new furniture. Books and a doorway directly into the new library that used to be his old room pleased Hermione. The bed was larger than Harry's and reminded him of the beds in Gryffindor tower. It was covered in a white duvet and surrounded by white, semi-opaque curtains.

When he showed Hermione the library, she gasped in surprise. Immediately she rushed to the closest shelf, running her fingers along the spines of the books. Finding a title she liked, she snatched it off of the shelf. She picked another one and handed it to Harry.

"Hogwarts: A History. That's what I love about you Mione. I get an entire bookcase full of Quidditch books and you still insist I read this."

"Here's how I see it Harry. I'm going to get into the program. I can feel it. I want a friend with me and you are the most likely candidate."

"Err… thanks, but what about Ron?"

"Ron's wonderful, really. But in my opinion, you're a much stronger wizard."

"But he probably knows the wizarding world better than I do."

"Doesn't matter. Harry, don't you understand what this program is all about?"

"Not really, I guess," he replied, wondering how Hermione could possibly know what it was all about.

"It's like a boot camp, Harry. They are finding the best and brightest at Hogwarts to train in this new war on Voldemort. My guess is that these tests are going to find our MQs. Once that is established, they'll begin forming their army. We'll practically be aurors, Harry."

Harry was floored. Surely that couldn't be the reason for this program? Then he realized that it had to be the reason. Why else would they have something like this?

"Hermione? What's an MQ?"

"Well, you know what a Muggle IQ is, right?"

"Yeah, Dudley's was pretty low."

Resisting the urge to snicker, Hermione continued, "It's like an IQ, but rather than intelligence, its magic."

"Ah, I see."

They continued their discussion of the test until they'd reached the hammock in the backyard. Once there, Hermione stuck to her guns. The talking stopped abruptly and with a wave of her hand, the pitcher of lemonade that Hermione had been levitating settled gently onto the glass, along with two glasses. Harry offered to pour their drinks as Hermione settled into the hammock, her book already cracked open.

Harry stretched out on the hammock next to Hermione placing his head at opposite the end. Harry was more calm and content than he had been for ages. He settled in and opened the book that Hermione had been on about for nearly five years.

***


They'd been sitting outside for about an hour when an owl flew into the yard. The small owl stopped on the hammock and began twittering around excitedly. Harry scooped up Ron's owl, Pig, who had been jumping on Hermione's legs. The owl was carrying two envelopes and had taken off just as Harry had untied the last string.

"Bloody Pig," he cursed picking up an envelope addressed to Hermione. He handed it to her and opened the letter from Ginny.

Good afternoon! I just thought I'd drop you a line, as I won't be seeing you until the end of the summer. I already miss you. Please write me soon.

Gin


Harry guessed that Ron's letter to Hermione had been very similar. Concentrating his focus on a piece of parchment in his new desk and a quill sitting on top of it, Harry mentally summoned the two objects out into the backyard. He was shocked when they floated into his open hand. He looked up and noticed Hermione watching him, "Very good. Quite a distance."

"Really?"

"Of course. And to think, you probably thought you couldn't even do it. I hate to say it, but I told you so," she said, a smile spreading across her face as she looked back down at her book.

"Yes, well, you are Hermione Granger. You know everything."

"Careful. I do believe I have a big, bad boyfriend to beat you up."

Harry shuddered, completely taken by surprise. Hermione and Ron. Ginny and me. The events of the past two days had caused Harry to completely forget the kiss. What had happened? He saw himself sitting with Hermione on the floor of the kitchen. Her soft hand was being held in his gently, but she was clenching his as if there were no tomorrow. He looked. The nail indentations were barely visible on the back of his hand. They had been through so much. They had both been so scared.

Hermione sat up with a jolt as if she were having the same thoughts as him.

"Heh." He looked at her, readjusting his glasses.

"Yeah," she replied looking down at the book in her lap.

Harry stood slowly and repositioned himself on the soft green grass. Hermione stretched out fully on the hammock, as if Harry lying there had been an impediment to her comfort.

Frowning, Harry contemplated this new development. He liked Ginny, he was sure of that now. However, Hermione had been with him every step of the way through this business with his aunt and through the pains from the scar. She had held his hand and he had held hers. It had meant nothing. He had not been unfaithful to Ginny. It was as if the opposite was true. It was if the letter from Ginny had somehow made him unfaithful to Hermione. She had been there for him. She was his best friend. How had he betrayed her?

"Harry?" said Hermione, almost breathily.

"Yes?" said Harry, startled.

"Can you please pour me another glass of lemonade?"

Harry did as asked and shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.

It dawned on him slowly throughout the afternoon. By dinner he was unable to explain the feeling of guilt churning in his stomach. Hermione had stood by his side as he had hers. She had helped him and nursed him and held him. Yet when he was with Ginny, he had felt whole again, untouched by every worry in his life. It was of she had the ability to make him forget the terror there world was now facing, but where had Ginny been during this crisis? At the Burrow, and though that technically could not be helped, it still made a difference to him.

"Hermione! Harry! It's time for tea!" Arabella called through the kitchen window.

Relieved that the tense afternoon was finally over, they picked up their things and went to the kitchen. Arabella had made a superb meal of bangers and mash, which Harry had to admit, tasted better than his aunt's. After dinner, the three settled in front of the telly for a movie.

Harry headed to bed shortly thereafter. He had lain down in his bed, ready for a good night's sleep. The exam would most likely be arriving in the morning and he wanted to be on his toes and at his best, but sleep would not come. Harry stared at the ceiling, which had been enchanted like the one at Hogwarts in the Great Hall. The sky was a deep, dark blue. The night was clear and the thousands of summer stars glittered coldly. Harry felt disconnected from the world. Everything had been turned upside down. He was still unsure of his aunt. His instinct told him that he deeply wanted to trust her. There was something holding him back and he wasn't sure what. He was more scared than anything else. He was scared for his parents. What had it been like to know when and how you were going to die? He was scared for Hermione. Would she be able to see her parents anytime in the near future? She couldn't very well go home. There were no visible adults there. If any of the Death Eaters made the connection between her and her parents, Hermione would be even more hunted. Now, she was wanted by association; if they found out, it would be a personal vendetta against her.

Harry was barely asleep when he heard the gentle creek of the door to his bedroom. The light, padded footsteps crept to his bed. He felt the far side of the bed sink, as someone crawled onto, no, into, his bed. He felt Hermione's small form curl up next to him. Gingerly, he opened his eyes.

"Mione? Are you alright?"

"Oh, Harry, I had the worst dream. Voldemort tortured me. He put me under Imperius. I told him Harry. I told him where they were. He apparated, with me being pulled along, to wherever they were and he killed them, right in front of me. He turned the wand on me, but you swept in and saved me. But, Harry. I told.

" "Mione, you can't tell under Imperius. The Fidelius Charm doesn't work like that. The secret-keeper has to willingly give up their secret. It'll be ok."

"Harry, can I stay here with you? I'm so scared."

"Of course, but only if I may ask you a question."

"Alright."

"Are you dating Ron?"

"Not officially. He kissed me and that was really it. I like him very much though. Why? Does me being in here bother you?"

"No. I just had the weirdest feeling," Harry explained. He launched into the feelings he'd had that afternoon in the garden.

"Harry, I understand completely. I was thinking the same thing. I guess this is going to take some getting used to. The truth is that even though you and Ron were both my best friends, you have always been the better friend, but I suppose that's because I've liked Ron for so long that I started to see him on a different level."

Harry nodded. He was getting sleepy and told Hermione so. However, he looked over and she had already drifted asleep, curled up against him. He relaxed and listened to her breathing, deep and slowly.

Eventually, Harry joined Hermione in sleep, thinking about her nightmare until he was completely out.

***


Harry awoke slowly the next morning. His ceiling was showing a shimmering dawn, emblazed with vibrant shades of red and orange. The sun had already started to burn off the fog that had settled over the night. It was going to be a warm day, perfect summer weather. Harry looked at his new alarm clock which read "My aren't we up early this morning?" He laughed and turned to Hermione. She was snuggled amongst the many fluffy pillows heaped onto his bed. He had never seen her look more content but he supposed that was because he'd never seen her asleep. Harry picked out some of his new clothes and went into the bathroom to get showered.

When Harry emerged from the bathroom, he'd found that his spirits had lifted greatly. The windows in the house were opened and the smell of summer wafted through the upstairs corridor. He was clean and the events of the previous couple of days had retreated to the back of his mind. For the first time in a few weeks, Harry's mind was alert and he felt ready for the exams that would be arriving shortly.

Hermione had awakened during the time he'd been showering. He found her in the kitchen with Arabella. Her hair was still dripping and she looked better than she had in many, many months. When he entered the kitchen, she grinned at him.

"Good morning, Harry! Isn't it a beautiful day? Arabella has made us a superb breakfast and we were just thinking how nice it would be to eat out back on the table in the garden."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea."

They carried the fresh-baked muffins and fresh-squeezed orange juice outside. There were delectable summer fruits, eggs, tea, and milk. They immediately began eating, filling the silence in between bites with conversation about the food, the weather and, of course, the exam. As soon as breakfast was finished, Arabella banished the dishes to the kitchen and they settled in the grass to catch some sun.

At around ten o'clock, Harry's heart jumped as he heard the quick flapping of wings. Two large owls swooped into the yard and each dropped a parcel to the Hogwarts students. Hermione gave Harry a nervous smile as they carried the packages indoors. Hermione headed to the library and Harry to his bedroom. Before disappearing behind the doors to the library, Hermione turned to Harry.

"Good luck. I know you'll do fantastic."

"Thanks Mione. Good luck to you too."

Harry settled at his desk. He opened the package and a single piece of parchment fell out, along with two quills and a small, black box. He looked at the parchment.

Good morning Harry Potter. It is now time to begin your entrance exam to the Hogwarts School of Intensive Magical Study. When you are ready to begin, activate the small box enclosed by saying the necessary charm. Your first test will be in Transfiguration, followed by Charms, Potions theory, curses, History of Magic, Divination theory and ending with Magical Creatures. Please try your best to answer each question and perform each task with as much accuracy as possible. You will have three hours within which you may complete the exam. It is recommended that you do not leave any questions blank and you do not rush through this test. Take your time and best of luck.

Harry activated the small black box. Almost immediately, a voice swelled from the box.

"Welcome to the entrance exam for the Hogwarts School of Intensive Magical Study. Your first test this morning will be in Transfiguration. Please note the first question on the enclosed piece of parchment."

Please transform this button into a beetle.

Harry looked at the box, which was now a button. Muttering the charm, he watched as the button grew, sprouted legs and hurried to prevent it from scuttling across the desk. It changed back into the box almost instantly.

"Please continue with the next question."

Harry did so and the Transfiguration exam went on for twenty minutes. The Charms portion of the exam was practical, Potions theory was a written exam (Harry thanked his lucky stars), curses was also a practical exam which ended with Harry feeling horrible for the spider that had surfaced from the box only to suffer from curse after curse. History of Magic was a written exam with a short essay on the founding of Hogwarts. Harry was thrilled to learn that the Divination test had only multiple-answer questions. He wasn't sure if the exam graders would take to kindly to a load of made-up fatal predictions on the part of Harry. His final exam was the easiest. It involved matching characteristics with various magical creatures.

Harry finished the exam is just over two hours. As soon as he'd laid down his quill, the parchment, quills and box disappeared, leaving a small note behind.

You have finished your entrance exam. You will be notified of the exam results in three weeks' time.

Folding his arms across the desk, Harry let out an audible sigh. The exam had been simple enough but he was still worried to let Hermione down. What if his transformations hadn't been fast enough or his recollection of the founding of Hogwarts wasn't right? He had a feeling that Hermione would be upset with him if he didn't get accepted into the school.

There was a knock on the door and Hermione peeked her head in.

"Are you done?"

"Yeah, I just finished. How do you think you did?"

"Oh Harry! It was so easy! I think I'll definitely get in. At least, I hope I do."

"I'm sure you will. You're the smartest witch I know."

"I'm nervous now. I hate waiting."

"Oh, I'm sure it'll fly by."

"I hope so."

"Let's go find Arabella so that we can celebrate getting these things over with."

With that, Harry and Hermione dashed down the stairs, happy at the moment to be rid of their most pressing concern.