Title: Harry Potter and the Veneficus Quies (10/16)

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. The song used in this fic is "Angel" by Sarah McLaughlan.

A/N: Please R/R! If you like it, let me know. If you hate it, let me know! Thank yous are at the bottom of each chapter.

Harry Potter and the Veneficus Quies

Chapter Ten: Angel


Christmas arrived at Hogwarts with plenty of snow, ice, and Christmas glitter. Two weeks before the end of term, the usual decorations began appearing. Pine trees from the Forbidden Forest were everywhere, in the halls, classrooms, the Great Hall, and even the bathrooms. The suits of armour had begun singing their carols and Arabella had given up on Dark Arts Charms and started teaching the IMS students nifty little Christmas charms. The Christmas Spirit was everywhere and everyone was unusually cheerful, everyone except Harry.

Ginny had not even looked in his direction since the night of their break-up and he hadn't seen her much in IMS since then. Ron was angry with the pair of them and Harry figured it was because Ron had still held onto the hope of his dream working out in the end.

Hermione had played the go-between. Ginny constantly wanted her companionship, which left Harry to his own devices most of the day.

He was sitting on a window seat in the IMS common room looking out on the grounds. There was, as usual, a snowball fight going on and one side had magically erected a large snow fort, complete with moat and towers.

Sighing, he snuggled deeper into the blanket that was wrapped around his shoulders. The common room was empty; most of the IMS students had gone home. The Weasleys had stayed at Hogwarts over the holidays and of course, Hermione was there. Other than that, very few students remained.

Christmas Eve was quiet. It was only Harry and Hermione in the common room and Hermione had advised him that break would be a perfect time to work on the project that had been assigned by Professor Trelawney. Against his better judgement, Harry was writing an analysis of the prediction that Trelawney had made during third year. It was causing his suppressed feelings of guilt to resurface, but he ignored the nagging remorse and attempted to work on his paper objectively. Currently, he was outlining the series of events predicted by Trelawney. Hermione's project was heading on a much different course. In one of her older books, she had found mention of a prophecy, namely The Prophecy. Of course, she couldn't find information anywhere else, not even the restricted section. She had been begging Harry to take a trip with her to London to find out more about it, but he refused.

"Do you think we ought to head to dinner?"

"It might not be a bad idea," answered Hermione, not looking up from her notes. Books surrounded her; she was grasping a highlighting quill and covering anything that might even have an indirect relation to her prophesy.

"Hermione, let's go…"

"Hold on!" she snatched up a tiny volume and flipped through it. "Aha! Something about four…"

"Hermione!" Harry snatched the volume from her.

"Harry! Give that back! Are you turning into Ron? What's wrong with you?"

"Mione, it's Christmas. Put down the book and enjoy the holidays. Please?"

She looked deep into his eyes and Harry had to fight to pull his gaze away from hers. "Alright," she whispered, setting her books on the floor and standing up slowly. Without a word, she walked towards the Entrance Hall and Harry followed.

Hermione gasped when she entered the Great Hall.

Everything in the room was covered in glistening silver and white. The soft snow falling in the Great Hall impressed Harry and Hermione was fingering the pine needles on the closest elegantly decorated tree. He noticed the tears in the corners of her eyes, but he didn't say anything. By the time they had reached the large, central table, the brightness was gone and she had recovered.

Most of the Hogwarts staff was gone for the Holidays. Snape, McGonagall, Arabella and Flitwick were the only remaining teachers other than Dumbledore, who was lazily stirring his tea.

"Ah, wonderful, we're all here now," Dumbledore commented as Harry and Hermione walked up to the table.

Supper was a casual affair. A spread of sandwiches, different soups and warm drinks helped to take the chill off of the air. The mood was light-hearted, even as everyone sidestepped any mention of the Yule Ball tomorrow night. As of yet, it was unknown who was attending with whom.

After dinner, Harry and Hermione retired to their dorm. Harry yawned and waved goodnight to Hermione as soon as she had unlocked their door. She returned the gesture and turned towards her own door.

***

The midnight knocking had become familiar to him in the past weeks. She rarely waited for an answer and usually entered his room without any greeting or words, whatsoever. Christmas Eve was no different. She glided into his room, silent as the night, and walked carefully to the side of the bed. She climbed in and pulled herself close to him.

For weeks, they had slept this way. Without touching. After the separations from Ginny and Ron, something had changed between Harry and Hermione. On the surface, they were the same as before. It could even be said that they were better friends for it, looking to each other for comfort and advice.

At night, they were different. The tension was palpable, yet neither knew why. And so, each night, they slept in Harry's bed, a foot apart, yet both felt as if they could not be any closer.

***

A pounding on the living room door woke Harry up the next morning. Hermione shot off of bed at the sound of Ron's voice, guilty standing off to the side of Harry's bed. Together, they walked to the living room and Harry answered the door.

"Happy Christmas Harry! Happy Christmas Hermione!"

"Happy Christmas Ron…" they both answered, rather suspicious of their estranged friend.

"Oh, stop all that rubbish, at least for today! It's Christmas. Come to the Gryffindor common room, Ginny's already there. We can all open presents together."

Hermione practically ran for her dressing gown and Harry did the same, at a much slower pace.

Ron hadn't been lying. The majority of students that had stayed for the holidays were Gryffindors and they were all gathered in front of a large Christmas tree. Ron had taken the liberty of gathering gifts for Hermione and Harry and leaving them under the tree.

The opening of gifts flew by. Harry and Hermione had decided to exchange gifts that night, so they were left to enjoy the gifts of the others. The gifts piled up and eventually the mountain of presents under the tree had greatly diminished. All of the students sat around the common room, wrapped in dressing gowns and blankets. A few of the seventh year girls had summoned hot chocolate and everyone was happily sipping their warm drinks and conversing about the holiday.

After some time, people began heading towards their dorms. The Weasley Twins were trying to organize a snowball fight and many had obliged. Harry and Hermione declined, Hermione declaring that she was anxious to get back to her prophecy and Harry wishing to take a nap.

When they returned to their room, they headed in separate directions to get their gifts. A few minutes later they were back in the lounge.

"Happy Christmas, Harry," Hermione said as she handed him a large, colourfully wrapped package. He looked nervously at the small package in his own hands. He handed it to her, "I hope you like it."

She smiled at him as she took the gift and tore off the wrapping paper. He did the same. "Wow, Hermione, what are these?"

"Witches' Balls."

"Er..."

"Oh, Harry, get your mind out of the gutter. They're an ancient type of magic. In the Middle Ages, glass blowers would make them to trap evil spirits and protect them. Do you like them?"

"Yes, of course," Harry said, peering into the clear, glass sphere. He looked at the gift still in Hermione's lap. She looked down and began opening the box.

"Oh, Harry, how beautiful," she whispered as she pulled a small, silk pouch from the box. He had ordered it especially from Madam Malkin and it matched perfectly against her blue dress robes.

"Open it," he instructed her.

She did and pulled out the silver band inside.

"It's a headpiece. I thought it would look nice for the ball tonight. And you can use the pouch as well, it should match your dress perfectly."

She nodded at him as her face fell and he couldn't puzzle out the strange mood that suddenly enveloped her. He ignored it. "There's something else too."

Inside was a small book, Clearing Your Thoughts: An Instruction in Pensieves. "You've been so upset and stressed out lately that I thought you could use a Pensieve to clear your head."

"Oh, Harry, these gifts are so thoughtful, thank you so much!" she said, pulling him into a hug. He hugged her back, breathing in the smell of her hair. Milk and honey... it reminded him of summer.

They pulled apart, arms still lingering in an embrace. "Merry Christmas, Hermione," Harry breathed.

"Merry-" she didn't finish her sentence. She sat looking into his eyes with her mouth slightly open.

Harry stared back at her, taking in her deep, chocolate gaze, her full lips, and her soft breathing. His breath caught in his throat as he pulled back, "Hermione, I'm going to go take a nap before getting ready for the Yule Ball, I'll talk to you later."

"Right, the Yule Ball."

They both stood and walked to their rooms without turning back to look at one another.

***

It was nearly seven o'clock when Harry decided to get ready for the Yule Ball. He had spent most of the day lying in his room before heading out to join the others in the snow. He had knocked at Hermione's door, but she had either ignored him or been out. He hadn't seen her since that morning and hoped that she was all right.

He showered and went to his room, pulling the dark silver dress robes from his wardrobe. They were still in the plastic bag that they had been packed in after he had purchased them. Tearing the bag, he took them off the hanger, the odd, silky material flowing through his fingers. They had looked good on him in the store, but he had felt that the material was a bit girly. Still, he put them on, tried to do something with his hair, and looked at the bottle of Cologne on his dresser. It had been a gift from Sirius. The label on the bottle read Givon Galt Wizard's Cologne and Harry was deathly afraid of it. It smelled ok and the label on the bottle matched the label inside his robes, but he wasn't sure if that mattered. However, Harry wasn't sure how to put it on. Did he just apply a little bit? Was it a full body spray? He stood contemplating the bottle for a few minutes before picking it up and heading to Hermione's room.

"Hermione? Can I come in?"

"Sure."

"You aren't going to blind me are you?"

"Just come in."

He opened the door and was shocked to see her in lying in her bed with the covers pulled up to her chin. She had no makeup on and her hair looked bushier than ever.

"Hermione! Why aren't you ready to go?"

"I'm not going. I don't have a date and my ex boyfriend will be there, looking devestatingly handsome and ignoring me. What a grand way to spend Christmas. And besides, my hair looks horrible."

He noticed that she had been crying and walked over to sit on her bed. She allowed him to pull her into his arms.

"Hermione, why don't you put your dress robes on? I'll help you with your hair and you'll be ready in no time."

"Harry, I don't want to go."

He stood up and walked to her wardrobe with an exasperated sigh. He yanked the door open and pulled out the midnight blue gown. "Do you see this gown? You love this gown and it looks fantastic on you! Get up Hermione, I promise you'll have a wonderful time."

She just looked at him and without waiting for an answer; he strode from their dorm and across to Ginny's. He rapped sharply on the door. Cadence opened it, dressed in a lavender gown.

"I need you and Ginny to come with me, now. Please."

She just cocked an eyebrow at him before calling for Ginny and in no time the girls had shut Harry from Hermione's room.

He heard various incantations and a lot of bustling about as he waited. In ten minutes, the door opened and Ginny stepped out, "She's ready. You can go in, I'll see you later," she nodded without meeting his eyes and Cadence followed her from the room. Harry waited until they had left before walking into Hermione's bedroom.

She was standing in the middle of the room, with her leg propped on a stool and fastening the strap on her shoe. She looked up as he came in and stood herself up straight.

The glow around her couldn't be ignored. The gown looked perfect against her chestnut hair, which was curled and piled on top of her head. The band he had given her shown brightly and accented the silver in her dress. Her makeup was tastefully done, accenting her best features naturally. Her eyes were lined in navy, pulling them out and making them look much bigger. She smiled at him and he had never seen anything more beautiful.

"You look amazing," he managed to choke out.

"You're not looking so bad yourself. Are you ready to go?"

He nodded at her. He wasn't sure when they had decided to attend together, but at that moment, he wasn't one to argue. He offered his arm, and she took it gingerly. Together they made their way to the Great Hall.

They were, of course, running late. Many Hogwarts students had come back for the Yule Ball and the remainder of the holidays. The Great Hall was bustling with activity when they got there and Harry could hear laughter, loud music and general chatter when he neared the doors.

Much to Harry's surprise and Hermione's chagrin, all activity stopped when they entered the room. Slowly, the partygoers turned to look at the pair standing in the entrance. Girls pointed at Harry and boys nodded appreciatively at Hermione, who was blushing furiously and looked on the verge of tears. Harry carefully steered her towards a table where Ron, Ginny, Lavender, Neville, Cadence, and a few other Gryffindors were sitting.

Dinner began shortly after Harry and Hermione arrived. Ron was munching happily on a piece of chicken when he picked up his goblet. He took a long sip and proceeded to spit the contents all over his plate.

"Ick! What is that?"

Hermione took a small taste from her goblet. "It's a very weak wine, probably lingonberry."

"Why do we have wine?"

"A special treat perhaps. It's very weak, there's probably hardly any alcohol in it, if there's any at all."

Ron made a sour face before taking a small sip of his wine again. This time he slowly savoured the flavour and after a moment smiled. "It's actually quite good."

The rest of the group began drinking and eating again. Hermione and Ron retreated back to ignoring each other and the earlier bit of conversation was forgotten.

Immediately after dinner, the dancing began. Harry and Hermione were both content to sit for some time, conversing occasionally, but mostly watching the other dancers.

At the beginning of one of the slow songs, Hermione pulled Harry out of his seat and they went to the dance floor. He was even more content holding her in his arms as they swayed in time to the music.

"Are you glad you came?" he queried.

"Actually, I am, otherwise, I would have sulked in my room all night and I wouldn't have been able to make such a dramatic entrance."

He laughed and just as she had turned her gaze in the same direction as his, he saw Ron kiss Lavender. The couple were about twenty feet to Harry's left and he had been casually watching them all night, waiting for something to happen and hoping that he could prevent Hermione from seeing it. However, she caught the kiss in full and immediately jumped back from Harry. The startled look on her face made Harry's heart freeze and within an instant she was fleeing from the Great Hall. Ron and Lavender pulled apart as she tore from the room and Ron took off after her. Harry stood where he was and watched as everyone looked after Hermione and Ron for a few moments before returning to their dancing. Lavender was still in the same position, her face redder than anything Harry had ever seen and her fists clenched at her sides. Harry waited for her to move and she took off in the direction that his best friends had just fled in.

He waited about two seconds before apparating after her and collided with her at the entrance to IMS.

"Lavender, wait, what are you doing?"

"I'm going in there and getting my boyfriend. Now, get out of my way."

Harry stood gaping at the blond-haired witch who looked ready to pounce on him at any second. Without a thought, he moved aside.

She slammed the door open and it crashed loudly against the interior wall of Harry's dorm. He peeked around the door after she walked through and saw Hermione crouching on the couch and Ron sitting next to her. His hands were frozen in mid air as if he'd been explaining something to her. She had her head buried in her hands, but looked up through puffy, red eyes when Lavender slammed into the room.

"Ron, you either leave with me or I leave you."

"Lavender, that's hardly fair."

"I don't care! Ron, I'm your girlfriend, not her. You dumped her, remember?"

Ron was now standing and looked back and forth between the two girls. Reluctantly, he turned and walked to Lavender, who was waiting with her hips on her hands. She made a grab for his hand and she led him from the room. Over his shoulder, Ron through one, last pleading look at Harry, who was far too absorbed in Hermione.

As the door slowly closed, Harry bent down to meet Hermione's downcast gaze. "Mione?"

"It's official, Harry, he no longer wants me."

"Hermione, you have to get past this."

"I know, Harry, I know."

"Then what's wrong?"

"I just wanted so badly for tonight to be fun, and now-now it's ruined."

"It's not," he said, as he stood up and planted a quick kiss on the top of her head. Within a few quick strides, Harry had reached his dorm. He walked to the trunk and immediately found what he was looking for. He carried it into the living room and set the object down on the table, with his back turned to Hermione, blocking her view.

"Harry? What are you doing?"

"Lusi."

"Happy Christmas all you lovebirds out there! This is the Sorcerer of Love broadcasting to you live from Newcastle on this very Merry Christmas. You're listening to 109.8 SLUV, your favourite twenty-four hour Muggle Love station. Up next, we've got one of your favourites and mine…"

Harry vaguely recognized the opening chords of the song beginning to drift from the wizard wireless.

"Hermione, may I have this dance?"

She looked up at him, the brightness in her eyes unable to conceal the smile there. She took his offered hand and he gently pulled her off of the couch. He wrapped her in his arms and she leaned against him, both beginning to lose themselves in the Muggle love song.

"Spend all your time waiting for that second chance,
for a break that would make it okay.
There's always some reason to feel not good enough
and it's hard at the end of the day.
I need some distraction oh! beautiful release,
memories seep from my veins."

"Let me be empty oh! and weight-less
and maybe I'll find some peace tonight.
In the arms of an angel, fly away from here,
from this dark, cold hotel room
and the endlessness that you fear."

"You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel,
may you find some comfort here."

"You're so tired of the straight line,
that everywhere you turn
there's vultures and thieves at your back."

"Storm keeps on twisting,
keep on building the lies that you make up for all that you lack.
It don't make no difference escaping one last time,
it's easier to believe in this sweet madness
Oh this glorious sadness that brings me to my knees.
In the arms of an angel, fly away from here,
from this dark, cold hotel room
and the endlessness that you fear."

"You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel, may you find some comfort here..."

Her sobs had subsided during the course of the song. She had straightened herself up and looped her arms around his neck. Her head was pillowed softly on his chest and his chin rested on the top of her head as he took in the smell and feel of her.

As the song drew to a close, Hermione lifted her head to meet his gaze. Harry again felt himself falling, falling hopelessly into the depths of her coffee eyes. Ever so slowly, almost imperceptibly, she lifted her chin.

As her soft, supple lips brushed his, Harry felt as if a great weight was lifted from his chest. He melted into her subtle kisses. Too soon it was over and she was pulling back.

"Thank you…" she whispered in his ear before planting a light kiss on the soft spot just below it. She turned and walked to her room.

His glazed eyes followed her progress before he sunk to the couch.

***

"Harry! It's time to get up!" said a small voice.

Harry groggily opened his eyes and blinked several times before his vision cleared. A small child with unruly red hair and deep blue eyes was standing on the foot of his bed jumping up and down.

"It's Christmas! Wake up, Harry! Santa was here! We have to go wake up mummy and daddy!"

"Hold on a second Hank. I'll be down in a minute."

The little boy bounded from the room and Harry heard the running footsteps in the hallway towards his parents' bedroom. Harry pushed himself off of the bed and his feet searched for his slippers. Pulling on his robe, Harry stood up and headed towards his little sister's room. Cheryl was standing in her crib, her red curls sticking to her forehead and covering her bright green eyes. She grinned as he drew closer and held up her chubby arms.

"Hey, Cherie… Happy Christmas," he cooed softly, scooping her out of the crib.

"Hawwy!" she giggled.

He laughed and carried her down the stairs.

His mum and dad were waiting with Hank in the lounge room. They all grinned at him when he entered and he moved to kiss his mum good morning.

As soon as Harry had sat down, Hank ran to the tree and began distributing gifts to everyone.

The gifts piled up and shortly after they were all unwrapped, Lily left to make tea. James was holding the three-year-old Cheryl in his lap, who was happily bouncing up and down holding some new toy. Eight-year-old Hank was in the corner of the room, hovering on his new toy broomstick.

The doorbell rang and Harry removed himself from the couch, scattering bits of wrapping paper and ribbon as he did so. He reached the door as it opened, admitting his aunt and uncle.

"'Lo Harry! Would you grab the baby for me?" said Ami, motioning to the year old Maggie she was juggling on her hip. Harry took the baby and stepped aside to admit Ami and Sirius, who was carrying Tesia- Tess, the infant, followed by their twin daughters, Lizzie and Lucy and watched their oldest daughter Joy bring up the rear. As Harry was closing the door, he heard another voice.

"Harry! Hold up! Open the door!" called Arabella, who was struggling with her five-year-old son, Max. Remus was carrying several large bags and a cake box. Harry also spotter the Grangers making their way up the driveway, his girlfriend Hermione touting her little brother Will along behind her.

Lily appeared next to him. "There's my sweetie!" she squealed, gathering up Maggie. "Hiya, Angel!" she said, rubbing her nose against the baby's. Peals of delighted laughter rang out in the entryway as more guests entered. The Grangers had reached the door and Harry met Hermione, who hugged him and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Happy Christmas Love!" she said, hugging him tightly. Rachel Granger was next, squishing him in an embrace.

"Rachel!" called Lily, gathering her close friend into a tight squeeze. James had come in from the lounge room and had gathered the guys in the corner, where they were talking loudly about Christmas presents and some Quidditch game or another.

"Shall we all head into the lounge?" asked Lily, gesturing towards the open door. The large, chattering group obliged. Harry and Hermione immediately claimed the loveseat, but were instantly joined by Lizzie, Lucy, and Max. The children were all scrambling around the room, playing with new toys, shaking unopened presents, and generally creating a bunch of noise.

Harry was content, watching his closest family and friends interact. Dinner was the usual holiday affair with all the trimmings. His favourite times were always those spent with this large, unorthodox family. They were all happy and comfortable with their unusual group, bound as a family by all means except blood.

Immediately after dinner, a knock came at the door. Harry, though surprised, excused himself to answer it.

An older, grey haired gentleman was standing at the door. He greeted Harry with a soft smile and before a word was spoken, Harry's memories came flooding back to him.

"Tristram?"

"Good evening, Mr. Potter, Merry Christmas."

"Er, Merry Christmas."

"Harry? Who's at the door?" called his dad from the dining room.

"It's, erm, Tristram!" he called back.

"Well, bring him in here!"

Harry was confused by his father's reaction, but admitted Tristram anyhow.

"Thank you," the old gentleman bowed and led the way back to the dinner table.

"Tristram! So glad you could drop by, have a seat!" said James, smiling broadly at the elder gentleman. The conversation carried on where it had left off, this time including Tristram.

After twenty or so minutes, Harry noticed that he taken a seat at the head of the table. From his vantage point, he was able to see everyone in his extended family. They were all cheerful, laughing and loving, unaware of the strangeness brought by Tristram being at the table. As he watched, the light in the room dimmed and the image of his relatives faded. A few moments passed and only Tristram remained.

"He is a very powerful man, Harry. Don't you see that?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Tristram."

"Lord Voldemort, Harry, can give you everything you always wanted. Your family, your love, even your best friend, just as you desire."

"You and I both know that's impossible."

"I'm going to have to disagree with you, Harry. He can give you want you want, but he must have something in return. You know what he wants Harry."

As quickly as the dream had come, it was over and Harry woke up, finding himself half falling off of the couch. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, giving his head a good shake afterwards. His first thought was Hermione and he rushed to her door, knocking softly before he entered. She was lying on her large bed, tucked under the white duvet. Her soft, deep breathing filled the room and Harry immediately breathed easier. He shut her door and returned to his own room.

His dress robes were severely wrinkled. He threw them haphazardly over the back of a chair and quickly changed into his pyjamas. Unhesitatingly, Harry headed back to Hermione's room and climbed back into bed with her.

She awoke when he pulled back the covers. "Harry, is everything alright?"

"Yeah, I just had a dream. Ask me in the morning."

No answer came, as she had rolled over and gone back to sleep. He settled himself in and she moved back to him, snuggling against his chest. He dropped an arm around her and allowed himself to drift off.

***

For the second day in a row, they were awakened by a loud knock on their outer dorm door. They both stretched slowly and made their way to the living room, where the incessant tapping was growing louder. Harry opened the door and found Professor McGonagall poised, ready to continue her knocking.

"Both of you! Get dressed and report to Gryffindor Tower immediately!"

The look on her face sent the two Prefects into action. Quickly, they dressed and Flooed to Gryffindor Tower.

The scene that met their eyes was unnerving, to say the least. In one corner of the room, a group of students huddled around a sixth-year, who was reading from the Daily Prophet. In huddles around the room, there were students crying, being comforted or comforting. Near the windows in a grouping of chairs, sat another cluster of students that included the Weasleys. Harry noticed Ginny immediately. Her hair was messy and her eyes were rimmed in red. Ron had a protective arm around her and he too looked like he had been crying. Fred and George were standing close by and Neville was seated at Ginny's feet, holding onto her hand and murmuring comforting words to her.

Harry and Hermione noticed the Weasleys and made a beeline for the group. When Ginny saw Harry coming towards them, she jumped up and met him halfway. As soon as he was within range, she threw her arms around his neck and began sobbing wildly against his shirt. Ron walked up to Harry and Hermione.

"Ron, what happened?" asked Hermione softly.

"There- there was an attack on the Ministry. Hundreds of Ministry workers were killed. Percy was injured pretty bad and my dad is in a coma." More hysterical sobs from Ginny. "I guess the Minister of Magic called all members back to the Ministry for some emergency work. I guess there have been a lot of Death Eater uprisings lately. So, Connelly arrived just as the Death Eaters stormed the building."

Every student in the common room had been listening intently and you could have heard a pin drop in the room when Ron had finished talking. Everyone turned as the creaking hinges on the portrait door opened. Professor McGonagall entered.

"There's too be an address by the Minister of Magic in fifteen minutes in the Great Hall."

Her announcement brought the room to life. Students began getting up and heading to their rooms. Harry noticed that especially the girls began fussing, checking their hair and clothes in various pocket mirrors.

"Oh honestly, he's not that cute," said Hermione, with a trace of disgust in her voice.

Ginny just nodded and the two girls walked arm in arm out of the common room. Ron turned to Harry as soon as they were out of earshot.

"Is she doing ok?"

"Ron, why do you care?"

"No matter what happened between Hermione and I, she still is and always will be one of my best friends. I still care about her, even if I'm with Lavender."

"She's fine."

Ron gave Harry an appraising look before turning on his heel and going back to his room.

Harry wished he could just sink into one of the chairs by the fire but instead he headed towards the Great Hall, anxious to hear what the Minister of Magic would say.

Many of the other Hogwarts students were already in the Great Hall, but surprisingly, the front row of seats was practically empty. Harry headed in that direction, planning on saving several seats.

Ginny and Hermione caught him up shortly. They were all seated when Ron, Neville, Lavender, and several other Gryffindors met them. Many of the IMS students joined them as well.

Slowly, students trickled in and the hall was filled in no time. Everyone sat in silence as an entourage including Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Bernard Connelly slowly walked to the front of the room. They reached the small stage and parted, leaving Minister Connelly to walk to the podium.

"Good morning, students of Hogwarts and citizens of Wizarding Britain. It is on this day that I speak to you with the gravest of voices. This morning, at approximately eight thirty, there was an attack on the Ministry of Magic. Over 150 Ministry workers were killed and countless more were injured. It has been confirmed that the attack was staged by a group of Death Eaters. It has also been confirmed that our worst fear has come true. Ladies and gentleman, I must inform you that Lord Voldemort has risen and is once again planning a reign of terror on the wizarding world and possibly the muggle world."

"Just a few moments ago, I ended a conversation with President Rearden, head of the United States Wizarding Council, in which is was decided, along with the heads of other wizarding governments, that a State of Emergency has been declared in the Wizarding World. We have been receiving reports that other attacks have been made on other government seats throughout the world."

"As it was set forth by the Wizarding Council in the year 1978, should a worldwide State of Emergency be declared, it is within the power of the Ministry of Magic to declare Emergency rule. Therefore, the Wizarding Council of Great Britain has been dismissed. As acting head of the government, I have been given full power of the Ministry of Magic until the Emergency is over. Thank you."

Even Dumbledore expected the announcement. The gravest silence settled upon the room as the Minister of Magic exited the room, surrounded by a group of aurors. The students shifted nervously in their seats, waiting for their Headmaster to say something. Dumbledore stood slowly and walked to the front of the podium.

"You are all dismissed and may return to your houses."

***

"Hermione? Could I talk to you?" Harry called to Hermione, who was walking several feet ahead of him with Ginny.

"When we get back to IMS," she responded, not meeting his gaze.

He only nodded and followed the two girls back to IMS. When they reached the common room, Ginny turned to go to her dorm and Hermione waited behind for Harry. They walked in silence to their dorm. Once inside, Harry turned to Hermione and pulled her into a hug. She rested against him, barely hugging him back.

"Hermione, I'm sorry for this morning."

"What about this morning?"

"You know, for Ginny hugging me like that. I just… wanted to make sure you weren't upset."

"Why would I be upset?"

"Well, because of what happened last night."

She blushed a little, giving him a small smile and a shrug, "Harry, what happened last night- it didn't mean anything. It was just one of those times, you know, where you get caught up in the moment. We were both a little tipsy from the wine and we were both upset. It happens."

Harry gaped at her. "It didn't mean anything?" he asked her incredulously.

"No. Did you think it did?"

"I- I guess not."

"Harry, please, don't do this. I can't do this. I just can't. I don't want anything to change between us. I can't bear to lose another best friend."

Harry was at a loss for words. He couldn't identify his feelings for her and he had to admit that she had a point. He looked at her, trying to ignore the fear in her eyes and the tears beginning to form in the corners. "Fine. Then nothing will change."

He left her and walked to his own bedroom, shutting and locking the door behind him. A small envelope lay on his bed, with his name scribbled hastily. He tore the seal and pulled out a worn, frayed piece of parchment. He studied it carefully for a few moments before it clicked. He tapped it lightly with his wand, muttering a few words.

"What the hell?"

***

Sorry these have taken so long to get up! I was on vacation and when I came back, FF.Net wasn't up. Thanks to everyone who reviewed chapter eight. Also, thanks to my Beta Reader Elliott. For updates, art, and ficlets visit The Power of Three! at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/powerthree .
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