Chapter 4: London, England

For a few blissful, wonderful moments Harry was sure he had died, but his moment of joy was shattered when two loud voices ripped through the blackness of his mind, and the feeling of sharp rock points digging uncomfortably into his back surfaced.

How did he survive?

Shouldn't he be dead?

Then he remembered why he had fallen from the tower wall in the first place. Hermione was alive.

Hermione was alive

Closing off his muddle thoughts Harry turned his attention to the loud voices around him, his eyes firmly shut.

For goodness sake Ron! Its not as if I pushed him off the wall! a female voice cried.

Well you practically did! What were you thinking surprising him like that! said another voice, obviously male.

Well your the one you brought me up there in the first place!

I didn't expect you to kill him!

I did not kill him!!

Very nearly you did!

Honestly Ron, he just fainted and I saved him long before he hit the ground, he's just fine!

WELL ITS YOUR FAULT HE FELL IN THE FIRST PLACE!

Lower your voice Ron! He needs to wake up naturally! And he can't to that if your blubbering around like an idiot!

An idiot! Im not the one who bloody tried to kill my best friend

I DIDN'T KILL HIM!!!!

Now whose yelling, Miss Know-it-all?!

Oh shove off Ron you insufferable git!

By now Harry had registered that it was none other than Hermione and Ron fighting, the familiarity of it brought a small smile to his chapped lips. Wisely, Harry stirred before the two could start fighting again.

Shh, Ron he's waking up!

No bloody duh! And don't make him pass out again!




Harry interrupted with a loud groan as he opened his eyes and shifted on his back, sending shots of pain through his body. After his vision cleared he looked up to see Ron and Hermione bending over him, both with worried expressions painted all over their features. Harry took a quick moment to drink in the new Hermione, still reeling in the fact that she was alive.

Slowly, his body protesting the slightest bit of movement, he sat up, his head throbbing and his back full of pins. Are you all right Harry? Ron asked throwing a glare in Hermione's general direction. Yeah just fine for falling a hundred feet to the ground, Harry grumbled his head pounding.

Oh I'm terribly sorry Harry, I didn't mean it! Hermione cried glaring right back at Ron, her face contorted in a mixture of anger and worry. Looking up at her Harry smiled gently, but found to his disappointment that Hermione wouldn't meet his eye. Biting down a frown he let Ron pull him up, dusting him self off stiffly.

Suddenly, as if shot by a sudden burst of knowledge,, Ron turned to Hermione expectantly, How did you get here any way, not that I don't want you here or anything, he added quickly. Hermione's face grew grave almost instantly, and a shadow of remembrance darkened her eyes. Lets go inside, this is going to take allot of explaining, she said evenly, refusing to look at either of the men. Harry nodded, Come on this way then, he said and guided her forward, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

Hermione's alive.

The realization was still taking its slow time in sinking in. Harry just found it strange to glance over and see Hermione walking beside him. It was like back when they were kids, always side by side, ready to defend their school, together. Harry shook his head and turned to the path ahead of him.

The castle doors were open during the day, unlocked, though closed, and they were was used up until sunset when everyone was ushered back inside. The doors were high and arched, with faded engravings carved into the thick oak wood. Harry pushed his hands on either side and open the doors easily.

Carefully, as not to drawn attention, Harry led Hermione and Ron past the loud, people filled Great Hall. Down one long hall they walked, Hermione glancing about at her new surroundings, ever alert. Harry wondered at this, but pushed it aside as a mere act of caution.

Here we are, Harry muttered as they halted in front of a plain wood door near the back of the long hall way. From his belt Harry pulled forth a right of keys, carefully selected the right one, and opened the door quickly, motioning them inside.

The room was small and barely furnished, a small circular table sat in the middle of the room, five chairs set around it. A small window let a beam of light into the room.

No one should hear us in here, Ron said nodding his head. Hermione did not seem quite as convinced, but said nothing and was the first to sit, Harry and Ron both seating themselves on either side of her.

Why are you here? Harry blurted out suddenly, inwardly cringing at the harshness of the question. Hermione didn't seem to notice and sighed, leaning back heavily in her chair. It's quite along story actually, so make yourselves comfortable, she said and Harry nodded quickly, eager to her her story.

With a deep, slow drawn breath, Hermione began:

As you both know it has been long presumed I died about thirteen years ago. But quiet the contrary. I escaped the clutches of the Death Eaters, not unscathed mind you, but I escaped, making a long story short of course. I ran blindly, at first, hiding in the forests, and barns of homes I ran into, but then I met up with someone interesting, we'll someone's really. I was trekking through the trees of some unknown forest when I happened upon, Ginny Weasly and Albus Dumbldore,

She paused a moment as she let the words sink in, Harry felt his heart twinge at the name of Dumbledore, but he was long past true sadness and tears. Ron on the other hand was emotionless, and started at Hermione blankly, his feelings unreadable. When neither man said anything Hermione continued.

Well Ginny was just fine, having escaped before the Death Eaters attacked the school, but Dumbldore...... he was dying, I new it the moment I arrived. He wasn't bleeding or broken, in fact he didn't even really seem to be suffering, I could just feel it. It was like the whole world was crying or some such, I my self started crying. He called me over to him, for he was sitting with his back against a tree. I knelt beside him crying, tired and hurt myself, and he told me things I'll never forget.

Hermione was lost in her own world now, her eyes far of f and distant as she remembered the painful past. Harry felt him self begin to lose himself, lose him self in the past he feared so much, and he began to shiver. But Hermione kept on, not noticing.

He said to me, Hermione my dear girl, It rests in you know, I suspect young Harry has fled by now, I believe Ginny here knows where he is, or soon will, but you must not go to him unless there is no other hope. The Order Of The Phoenix is scattered, ripped apart, it's up to you Hermione to hold out, to create a new defense, or all is truly lost. I leave you with my house, you shall find it in these woods if you look hard enough, and I leave you Fawks, once you find him.' A flicker of inner pain flashed across his features then, but he didn't stop, even though both he and I knew these were his last moments. Hermione remember that as long as there are those loyal to me, I am never gone, he gripped my hand and said, Nitwit,!Blubber!Oddment!Tweak! remember that Hermione..... and tell Harry not to lose faith, there's always a way.... then.....then he died

Hermione's voice caught firmly in throat, as she fought back her tears and the wave of sadness that quickly seeping through her. It was the first time she'd ever told anyone of Dumbledore's death, and it pulled at her, like a fishing hook tugging at her very soul. Careful she took a few shaky breaths, and calmed her aching heart.

Harry was silent, his body quivering slightly, as his own mind filled with the memories of the past. He could hear the screams, the screams of his class mates ringing in his ears, as they met their doom. He could fell the heat, the heat of the castle burning as it slowly caught fire, turning everything to ash. And he could remember the feeling, the feeling of loss and suffering so intense he had choked with it.

Harry! HARRY! Ron's loud, concerned call ripped him from his thoughts and Harry found himself shivering on the ground, his eyes tightly shut. He opened them slowly and saw the fear in his best friends eyes, fear that Harry had caused. Stiffly he climbed from his place on the floor and returned to his chair, his body weakened by the onslaught of memories.

Maybe I should stop there for now, Hermione whispered, her worry and fear creeping into her steady voice. Harry shook his head fervently and looked up to meet her eyes with a cold stare, No, I need to know how you got here, and why, he said this sternly leaving no room for discussion.

Hermione looked aghast and something new registered in her eyes, pity. Harry grimaced and turned away in disgust, pulling his black robe firmly about him, an out ward attempt to hide his feelings.

Go on Hermione, what happened next, Ron urged glancing at Harry and moving closer toward Hermione to take her hand in his. She nodded, gripping his hand tightly and started to speak again, a bit more softly this time.

Me and Ginny left after that, and we made a plan. She was to go off and find you two, for she already new where you where anyway, here of course, and I was to begin the making of the new Order of the Phoenix, so nicely called a Lost Hope by many. Ginny was to keep in contact with me through a secret door she was to build here once she arrived, which she did quickly nd secretly, so neither of you would know. It wasn't until now that we needed to use our secret connection.

Where is this door anyway? Ron asked curious. Hermione shook her head, I'll show you later, but that's not the point, she told him firmly and continued.

Well you see our new rebellion was found out, how I'm not sure, though I suspect that the other side may have gotten hold of Neville Longbottom, my second in command.

Ron scoffed at this but Hermione ignored him.

A month ago Draco Malfoy broke into my home, Dumbledore's old home, along with at least one Dementor, and a Balik,

Harry's head snapped up at this and he noticed Hermione's jaw harden at the very thought of Draco Malfoy, he wondered if there was more to Draco's appearance, but he knew better than to interrupt. Ron on the other hand didn't

What the bloody hell is a Balik? he blurted out his face contorted in confusion. Hermione gave an exasperated sigh.

Its one of the Dark Lords creatures, lizard like with poisonous fangs. But that is not the point, she said again her voice stern, Ron shut his mouth firmly.

Well Malfoy knew everything, he knew I was the rebellion leader, he knew the way to my home and the passwords into my house, so I immediately ran to my followers, and I decided to come find you, but it wasn't till now that Ginny was able to fully open the door for me to come.

Hermione stopped, her story finished, but Harry wasn't satisfied.

What can we do? I mean what so special about us?

Hermione grimaced visibly, having clearly hoped he wouldn't ask that question. Slowly she answered, still unsure how best to break it to him, and how best to convince him.

Well you both know that most of the Dark Lords Creatures can't be hurt by magic, and brute force takes allot of time, and allot of lives. Well there is one thing that could be of great assistance, in fact that might even help us gain some footing, maybe even regain our freedom.

Oh and pray tell, what would that be? Ron asked sarcastically, clearly not believing there was such a thing. But Hermione's gaze was focused on Harry, her face serious.

And Harry, you carry that one thing we need, she said at last and glance at his waist. Harry followed her gaze to the sword at his hip. The sword of Grodric Griffyndor. Harry gulped and suddenly realized where Hermione was going with this.

Well here then take it, he said and removed the sword from his belt, offering it to her with shivering hands. Hermione glanced at the sword who's hilt shone in the beam of white light that slipped through the window, the ruby glowing as if on fire. Slowly she shook her head, and raised her head to meet his eye.

No Harry, only you can use this sword, only the one who first pulled the Sword from the hat can use it (A/N umm no pun involved, lol). Dumbledore made that very clear our second year...

Well he was wrong! About me and about this sword!!! he cried desperate to escape the struggle she was dragging him into.

Hermione's features took a drastic change, they went from desperate and pleading to commanding and angry, and Harry instantly saw why Dumbldore had asked her to lead the new rebellion.

HARRY POTTER! WAKE UP! The past is gone, done and lost! There's nothing we can do to change it, so move on! No one blames you for any of this, None of this was your fault.!..... She bellowed but something in Harry snapped at her hurried remarks and he rose angrily from his chair.

What do you know about my past! You weren't there, you haven't seen what I've seen! he cried his face contorting in livid anger, but Hermione didn't even flinch.

Maybe not, but I'm not the one who's hiding from the danger around me, locking myself in some hell hole so I don't have to do my part, I'm not the one who cowers in fear and pretends that nothings happening. I'm not the one who hides in the past and drowns in self pity she said in a deadly whisper and the room was quiet as death, not a sound issued from the three. Ron was shocked speechless, and Harry was so angry it took him a long moment to register his words.

HOW DARE YOU! he screamed his whole body shacking with anger and hurt. YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT MY PAST OR HOW THINGS ARE! I'M PROTECTING THESE PEOPLE! SAVING THEM FROM THE DANGER YOU WANT TO DRAG THEM INTO! AND I WANT YOU OUT NOW! TAKE YOU STUPID, HOPELESS CAUSE AND GET OUT!!!!!! the words slipped past his lips before he had time to realize what he was saying, and suddenly he softened slightly as he saw the intense pain slip across her features. Suddenly Hermione's jaw hardened but her face grew emotionless and she looked at him Camay.

Who are you fooling Harry, your not protecting these people, your only delaying their deaths. Ginny's told me all out your crops failing and your water supply, your people are already dead anyway. Unless we do something. Get you head out of the past and open your eyes! Look at what's happening around you for bloody sake! Your putting a death sentence on all your people and your self! Get over your own selfishness and help fight for the cause you used to hold so dear, she paused for a moment then in a voice so soft Harry could barely hear it, she said, Its what your father would have done. Its what Dumbledore would have done, he had faith in you Harry, as long as we have faith in him, I know we stand some chance. Do it for Dumbledore, do it for your father, don't let their deaths be in vain.

That did it, everything clicked within Harry , everything that he believed had died in him long ago erupted from some deep place inside him. Defiance, hope and bravery issued forth in hot waves. So over come was he by his emotions that HArry fell slowly back into his chair. The grief was still there, the guilt to, but it was but a small ache, like a scar. There was a hope now, to redeem himself and an inner need to avenge all the people he loved, who had died at the hands of the Dark Lord.

Harry's eyes turned from their dull green to the fiery burst of light they had been in his youth. Slowly he looked up and met Hermione's steady gaze.

What must I do.