Harry returned to the apartment in a very sour mood. Ron had to work at the ministry that afternoon, but Hermione was seated on the couch, paperwork strewn all about her. She looked up when Harry returned.
"How did it go?" Hermione asked, with a tone of doubt in her voice as she took in the look on Harry's face.
"Greatuntil I found out she had a fucking boyfriend."
"HarryI'm sorry" she got up and walked towards him. She felt a great pity for him just then. She knew he really liked Rose and for a moment she thought he had escaped his loneliness. She held out her arms to give him a hug, but to her surprise he shot, " I don't need your pity, Hermionejust leave me alone."
Hermione stumbled back, feeling a great hurt at these words. Harry just then realized what he had said.
"Damnit! Hermione, I'm really sorry. I don't know what's come over me. God" he sat down heavily, " I really thought she was the onethe bloody, fucking oneshe tried to tell me, I'll give her thatbut would I listen? NoI just had to keep pouring my bloody heart out."
Harry looked up at Hermione. A tear was rolling down her face. He quickly got up and clamped her in a hard embrace.
"It's all right, MioneI'm so sorry. I can't believe I said that"
"It's not that Harry," she said, forgetting her hurt, "I'm sorry this had to happen to you of all peopleyou deserve her most of anyone."
"Yes, but she doesn't feel that way about me," Harry said, feeling like he would throw up after admitting that fact.
"I some how doubt that"
Harry pulled away slowly and looked at Hermione's tear-stained face. He gently kissed her on the forehead and watched her face break into a slight smile.
"So what have you been doing?" He said, looking around at the strewn papers. He was trying very hard to forget his present grief.
"WorkI think I'm actually getting somewhere on this curejust some tricky formulas I need to work out. I must admit it's the most challenging thing I've ever worked on."
"And that's saying something," Harry said with a slight laugh.
"So how has your elf case been coming?"
"Shit! I've been so wound up in my own little world I totally forgot about my assignment. I need to get back to themI feel so sorry for Orienhe's lost his wife, and close to loosing his own son. I feel like I should help him."
Hermione smiled weakly, "When will you have to go?"
"As soon as possibleI'll wait till Ron gets back though."
"I'll miss you" she said giving him another hug.
"You too."
*************
Harry felt a feeling of weightlessness as he flew through the air on his broomstick, now the Infinitum17. Hermione had helped him get a map that would take him to Thinderfell.
It had been hard to persuade Ron that he was all right. Ron had taken the news of Rose's boyfriend worse than Harry did. He started to curse like a mad man and called Rose a few things Harry wouldn't hear of. Harry had to put a silencing charm on Ron so he'd shut up about it.
Then Ron became all sorry, and tried to persuade Harry not to gohe might hurt himself. Harry smiled at the thought of Ronhe was so loyal to himhe was so lucky to have Ron as a friend.
Harry zoomed pass trees and lakes until finally after a couple hours, he saw the familiar white village. He wasn't quite sure where to land, but he decided to do it in a large field right outside the front gates.
He landed with ease and hopped off his broom to find himself surrounded by about a dozen elves. He was surprised at their stealth.
"Who are you and what is your business?" one of the elves asked with contempt in his voice.
"I am Harry Potter. I am on business with Lord Orien. I am here to help."
He then recognized the face of one of the elves, it was Rieltus. He stepped out and said, "He speaks the truth. I have met this man. Let him through."
The other elves nodded and proceeded to open the shining ivory gates.
"I will lead you to Lord Orien," Rieltus offered.
Harry nodded and followed the elf through the winding streets, until they reached the familiar building Harry had once stayed in before. Rieltus walked inside and spoke in quiet conversation to the elf standing guard. He returned and said, "Harry Potter, Lord Orien is not in at the present. He is on a walk with his daughter, Tharthoniel. Would you like me to take you to him?"
Harry thought over this. He would hate to interrupt Orien, but he thought they did not have much time to waste.
"Take me to him," Harry ordered.
Rieltus nodded and gracefully hopped down the marble stairs. He led Harry out through the back gates and into another field; the field where Harry first met Thaurthoniel. Harry had no idea how Rieltus knew where to find Orien but soon Harry could see two specks of dark green on the horizon.
Harry and Rieltus quickly walked towards the two other strollers, until the faces of Orien and Thaurthoniel were in view.
"Lord Orien, may I presentHarry Potter."
Orien stopped and smiled at Harry.
"Hello, my friend. You have come to help me."
"Yes, if it is needed. I found myself becoming restless at home thinking of the aid that is needed here."
"You are very kind, Harry. Help from anyone is treasured indeed. But I will not send you out today. Rest; you will need the energy for tomorrow. You can go and search with my best, if you wish."
"I do."
"Very well. Let Thaurthoniel take you to your room. I need to speak with Rieltus for a moment."
"Thank you, my Lord," Harry responded, trying to sound as important as he could.
Harry looked at Orien and then Thaurthoniel who had stepped forward.
"Follow me, Harry Potter," she said, her tone giving Harry slight chills down his skin. She was so seductive.
Harry left the company of the other two men and proceeded to walk beside Thaurthoniel. Harry felt clumsy next to her natural grace. She walked as though she were floating- part of the wind. They walked in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Suddenly Harry realized, she wasn't leading him back to the city.
"Where are you leading me?" he asked suddenly, stopping to a halt.
She stopped as well and looked back at him, her pale gray eyes boring into his face. He stared back at her, not able to tear his eyes away, for fear her wondrous face would disappear.
Before he knew it, she had walked up to him so that there were only about two inches between their faces.
"Why are you doing this for us, Harry Potter?"
Part of Harry wanted to run away from this beautiful temptation standing in front of him, but another part wanted to make love to that beautiful face.
"BecauseI don't know."
Harry thought that sounded really stupid at the moment, but with her face right in front of him he really couldn't think straight.
To his surprise, Thaurthoniel smiled and before he could do anything she had pushed her face forward and kissed him softly on the lips.
His first reaction was to pull away. He broke away from the tempting kiss and stumbled backwards a few steps. He looked at Thaurthoniel who was staring back at him with a calm expression on her face.
"Why.what was that?" Harry managed to sputter.
Thaurthoniel smiled and began to walk towards Harry, very slowly.
"You are lonely, Harry Potter. I wanted to give you something you long for. You long for love. You have given me hopeI wish to give you something in return."
"Love isn't given," Harry retorted, "It is earned."
"You think I do not know that? I, who know all?"
"I don't understand-" but before Harry could say anything else, he was being smothered in another kiss, this one more passionate. Where is this coming from? He wondered. But this time he gave into it. Her lips took control of his. It felt too good. How long had it been since he kissed a woman like this? He needed it. He wanted it.
An eternity passed before they parted. Harry was breathing heavily. Thaurthoniel had a look of sadness upon her face.
"What is the matter?" Harry asked.
"How is it that you are so good, Harry Potter?"
"Harryjust Harry" he interrupted
"HarryI am troubledI have lived my life in seclusion, only opening up to my father and brother. Now my father is dying and my brother is gone. For a time I felt lost. But then I saw youyou came through the fields. Before you came I dreamed of lovea love of two souls. When I awoke, I played a song I had never heard before on my fluteit came to me like magicbut it called to you Harryand you came. You are the one. You are the one to save us all. You are my love, Harry." She looked away as a tear trickled down her face.
"But you do not love me in return. It was not meant to be."
This all came as a blast to Harry. This was all happening so fast. Here he was, trying to escape one love escapade and found himself trapped in another.
"ThaurthonielI barely know you"
"Yesbut that is only a small part of it. When you truly love someone, you can feel it. You know it the moment you see them. You may not know what the exact feeling isbut it is there, in the back of your minda longing, that when fulfilled, will be the most blinding happiness you have ever felt."
Harry was speechless. He did not know what he felt. He knew what he wanted thoughhe wanted to love her. He wanted to make love to her. He wanted what he had longed for ever since he was bornto love and be loved in return.
He stepped forward confidently. Wizard and elf looked at one another. Both knew the longing that was contained in the other soul. Harry pulled her to him. She gave in. They made love for what seemed like an eternity in that little grove. Harry was oblivious to the outside world. He only knew his current bliss. But in the depth of his heart, he knew it was a false happiness.
***************
"Hey! I'm home!" Ron called when he returned from a stressful day of work. Ludo was his good friend, but sometimes he could be simply impossible to work with. Ludo was going to lead the Department right into debts and lies, and it was Ron's job to keep him clear from it- not easy.
"Hermione?" He called again, wondering where she could be. When she didn't answer, he began to look around the house. He walked past his own messy room, towards hers. He realized the door was shut. He knocked quietly. He heard shuffling and then the door slowly opened.
"Mione! What's wrong?" Ron asked surprised when he saw her tear-stained face and a crumpled piece of paper in her hand.
"Oh, Ron" she sighed. She looked like she was about to collapse, so Ron quickly stepped forward and wrapped his long arms around her.
"What is it?"
"It'sit's my cousinshe died." She said the last two words with a sob. Ron didn't know any of Hermione's cousins personally, but he knew she was particularly close to oneRachel.
"Was it Rachel?"
"Yes" she said sobbing into his shoulder.
"Shhhhhit's okay" Ron said soothingly. He didn't have much practice in comforting, but his mother had done it plenty of times for them, so he had an idea of it.
"Noit's not okayshe shouldn't have diedshe was on a plane, going to see her motherand it crashed"
Ron had heard of planes. They were big machines that carried lots of people to where they wanted to go.
"I'm so sorry, Hermione," he said from the bottom of his heart. It tore him apart to see her like this. He held her tighter. Her arms limply grasped his shirt as she reciprocated the tight embrace.
She cried a little while longer. They stayed in that same position, Hermione's sadness draining both of them.
Finally she let go of his shirt and slowly pushed herself away. She looked pitifulher eyes puffy and her face blotchybut Ron saw eternal beauty within that face. She looked at him for a whilea single tear falling down her cheek.
Ron touched his hand to her soft face and gently swiped the tear away. Hermione brought up her hand and rested it on the one that was on her face. She smiled weakly.
"No more tears," Ron said hopefully. He looked at her with an anxious expression on his face. He didn't think he could take any more.
"Thank you for being there" she said softly, entwining her fingers through his hand and slowly bringing it from her face.
Ron looked at her and a strange impulse came over him. He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to touch those salty lips and make everything better. He wanted to love her.
He slowly leaned in, and to his delight so did she. Everything seemed to be going in slow motion to him. It seemed like an eternity before their lips finally touched.
It was a soft touch, her lips were already moist from her tears and Ron wanted to be gentle, but passion overcame him.
They began to kiss harder, mouths open to one another. A tingling feeling overcame his body. He felt weightless. He was consumed in this one kiss. At that time he would have done anything to stay in that moment forever.
She extracted her hand from his and wrapped her arms around his neck, gently smoothing his hair. In return he wrapped his hands around her waist, slowly sneaking them under her shirt.
They began to kiss in earnest. She was now pulling against him. He gave in, and let her lead him into her bedroom. He gently laid her on the bed, still kissing her like there was no tomorrow. She pulled away for a second, and looked into his eyes.
"I love you Ron," she said in a whisper.
"I love you toomy Hermione."
***************
Harry awoke slowly the next morningconfused for a moment of where he was. Then the memories of the night before flooded into his head and he felt his stomach twist into a knot.
He had slept with Thaurthoniel. It had been a very beautiful and refreshing experience, but he knew he did not love her. Or did he? He was so confused at that moment.
He rolled over onto his back and stared at the ceiling. He breathed out a deep sigh and turned his head to find that Thaurthoniel was not beside him.
A familiar sound filled his ears then. It was a fluteplaying the same haunting melody as before. It gave Harry a slight chill down his body. It was so movingand knowing.
Harry got up and saw that his boxers and pants over in the corner.
He quickly jolted over and slipped them on, still wondering where the music was coming from. He then realized in the enormous room there was a small balcony protruding from one of the french doors.
He quietly crept over towards them and peered out through the windows. He saw Thaurthoniel standing there, looking out over the city, playing her flute. She looked so peaceful.
He silently opened the door and let the slight breeze wisp over his bare chest.
The cool sun beat down on his white chest. Harry felt drugged by the heat and smiled.
Thaurthoniel finished her song with a long, hanging note that seemed to play in Harry's mind. It was a song that need an endingit was incomplete. Harry suddenly frowned.
"What is wrong?" Thaurthoniel had turned around and was staring at Harry with her liquid gray eyes. She was wearing a loose white gown, tied around the waist with a glittering gold rope. She looked like a goddess.
"Nothing," Harry said quickly. He didn't want her to know of the doubtful thoughts plaguing his mind.
"Today you must go," she said with a sadness in her deep voice, "Father has made arrangements for you to go out with our best group of spies."
Harry nodded, not sure of what to say.
"I will always remember you"she said softly, so that Harry could barely hear her.
He felt an overwhelming gush of guilt and pity come over him. He knew he didn't love her as much as she seemed to love him. He slowly approached her and placed his hand under her dainty chin. He lifted it up a little so she was looking at him with eyes that pierced his heart. Piercedbut not penetrated.
He wanted to say so muchbut all he could do was softly kiss her. So much was contained in that kissbut it was a good-bye, he could not say in words.
A small, glittering tear slid down her perfect face.
"Good-bye Harry Potter."
"As to you, Thaurthoniel. I leave you with this."
He conjured a rose, a perfect, white rose.
Thaurthoniel took it and gazed at it's beauty. It seemed to shine against the white of the city. She held it to her nose and breathed in slightly. She smiled as she smelled the sweet aroma.
"It is beautiful." she sighed.
"You are beautiful, my elven princess. Good-bye to you."
Harry turned and swept through the doors. He couldn't stand the pain the sight of her caused him. He wished he could give himself to herbut he barely knew herand that was not enough for him.
He had received orders the night before at the feast that the spies should meet at the single tree atop the field.
As Harry began to sweep through the whistling grass, he heard a slight voice in the wind.
"I love you."
*************
Hermione woke early the next morning, with Rons arms wound around her bare body. For the first time in a long time she felt completely whole and happy. She was lying with the man she loved.
She could hear his soft snores and she silently giggled. She couldn't believe what happened last night. It had been somagical. It was like something clicked. They were meant to be together.
Then a feeling of guilt came to her. Rachel had diedand she had slept with a man that very night. Tears filled her eyes at the thought, but then Ron stirred.
A sudden jult of nerves seared through her body. What would they say? Their whole friendship had changed now. Things were going to be very different.
He released her body and turned over on his back. He gave a very large yawn that reminded Hermione of a puppy dog. She was watching him intently as he slowly pulled his arms up and stretched them into the air. He then let the plop back down on the bed. Finally his eyelids began to open. He blinked a couple times, letting the light adjust and rubbed them with his hands a little. He then stopped suddenly and quickly looked over to find her staring at him with a charming smile on her face.
"Hello," he said in slight surprise.
Suddenly Hermione felt very awkwardshe didn't know how to explain this. What was Ron thinking now?
"Ronlast night"
"Was the best night of my entire life," he cut off as he slowly bent his head down and kissed her sweetly and pulled away lingering. She smiled against his lips and then lay back against the bed with a relieved sigh.
"Wow" Ron said suddenly to himself.
"What?" Hermione retorted slapping him lightly on his bare chest, which was sprouting a few hairs.
"I can't believe you love me back"
She laughed openly finding it was funny she was thinking the same thing.
"Of course I doyou're the most wonderful man I've ever met. Of course you have a temper like anythingbut that just makes you sexier"
Ron chuckled and turned over to look at her. She did also and closed her eyes as he ran his hand down her face and played with her hair.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered.
She opened her eyes and leaned in to kiss him again. This time the kiss was with more passion and eagerness — a kiss that would last the whole rest of the morning.
*************
"Welcome, Harry Potter," the familiar voice of Rieltus said as he approached the cluster of elves. They all looked camouflaged in green tunics and brown leggings. Harry had borrowed some clothes as well, but looked very out of place even still.
"As we have all gathered, I would like to say a few words before we begin. We shall all go our separate ways, but if you find you are in danger, blow the whistle you find in your pocket." And suddenly, Harry felt a slight bulging in his side pocket. He reached his hand inside and slipped his fingers around, what felt like a carved wooden whistle.
"The sound is louder than you think," Rieltus added as he took in the doubtful faces.
"We shall meet here again when the sun has set. Good luck to you all."
They dispersed. Elves began swiftly trotting into the woods. Harry quickly dashed towards the nearest entrance but paused and looked behind him as he reached the fringe. He took in the rolling fields and glowing white city. He felt a strange lurch in his stomach, but he turned around and took his first step into wilderness.
************
Three hours had gone by and Harry was deep into the woods. He had run into a couple of elves on his way in, but now he was sure he was quite alone.
At first he felt clumsy and loud in the woods, but soon his stealth in the wilderness lesson came back to him. He breathed slowly and walked on the sides of his feet. He began to avoid roots and crackling leaves, and was now traveling at a faster rate.
He was not quite sure what he was looking for. A sign, a person, a sound?
He had begun to sweat heavily, his dark garments absorbed the sun. He decided he would take a short rest on a log for a little bit.
He plopped himself down and wiped his brow, sighing inwardly. He slowly looked at his surroundings. Thin trees were growing all around him and their bright green leaves gave the air an eerie tint.
But something had caught Harry's attention. He thought he had seen something black move in the corner of his eye. He didn't immediately react, so as not to disturb whatever it was. He got up slowly and turned towards the direction of where he saw it.
Nothing was there. For a moment Harry had thought he was seeing things, but then something pounced on him.
He groaned as he was knocked to the ground with a thug, the attacker standing over him, with his knees on his back. Harry had had practice for this, though. He quickly jolted over, knocking the other man off balance and started punching him.
He had a black cloak on and the hood was covering most of his face. Harry stopped punching him for a second and growled, "Who are you?"
"Harry?" the voice asked suddenly, sounding shocked.
Harry quickly released the man and jolted backwards.
"Who the hell are you?" he asked again, with an apprehension in his tone.
The man got slowly to his feet. Harry could tell he had injured the man for he groaned and panted with the action of standing up. The man pulled back the hood so Harry could see his face. Harry gasped in shock and horror at what he had done.
"Sirius!"
Harry rushed forward to help his godfather who was bleeding from the mouth and sporting a black eye. But before he could tend to the wounds, Sirius had grabbed him by the arms and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Harry," he said gruffly. Harry couldn't believe this. He hadn't seen Sirius in two years. Right before Voldemort was defeated, Harry told Sirius to go into hiding. He knew Sirius was Voldemort's next victim and Harry didn't know how to contact him or where to look once he was defeated.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked amazedly as he pulled away from the hug.
Sirius gave Harry a long look. It looked like he was going over things in his head first.
"I'm on an assignment here. UhI'm not sure if I can tell you more than that. But believe me Harry, I wanted to find you. Two years in seclusion is a long time and I've wondered about you every minute of it. But what I have been working on requires my secrecy and quiet."
Harry nodded. He really wanted to know what was going on with his godfather, but Sirius's tone was firm. Harry just looked at the ground in frustration. Sirius sighed and patted Harry on the arm.
"You are looking for Sentonius, aren't you."
It took Harry a while to figure out who Sentonius was, but then it clicked that it must be Orien's son. He had never asked bout his name.
"Yesit is all so strange. You know about it?"
"I hear things. Orien comes to see me sometimes as well."
Harry nodded again. Silently figuring that Sirius's assignment had something to do with the disappearance of Orien's son.
"Dark is rising yet again, Harry. But I do not think you will find him here. I have searched this area high and lowno sign of him."
"What do I do?" Harry asked desperately.
"Do not worry, Harry, this is not your battle."
"But it will be, if we do not stop this evil while it is weak."
Sirius nodded thoughtfully.
"I will join you," he commented confidently.
Harry nodded but gasped in surprised when he noticed Sirius's face was back to normal.
"What"
"A nifty elven spell I picked up. I should teach it to you one day. Don't even need a wand. It was tiring at first, but once you get good enough at it, you become stronger."
"Where should we go?"
"Follow me."
Harry and Sirius explored deeper and deeper into the woods. Sirius was as quiet as a whisper and he moved like the wind. Harry followed clumsily, until the sky began to turn a pink-orange.
"We should turn back," Harry said, disappointment in his voice from not finding anything, "We agreed we'd meet at first dark."
"Right. "Sirius replied. He looked disgruntled. "Don't give up hope Harry. These woods are huge. Evil could be anywhere."
Harry nodded, knowing this was true, but could not help feeling like he had failed.
************
Rose sighed deeply as she neared Harry's apartment. She quickly checked the address Fred had given her.
Fred, along with George, had become quick friends with Rose when they were introduced at the wedding rehearsal. They had all gone out to lunch and had clicked immediately. Rose had their sense of humor and she loved how they could make her laugh about anything.
She had talked to Fred after the wedding and had gotten Harry's address. She knew Fred was very suspicious of her intentions, but she didn't care. She needed to fix things up with Harry.
The address was correct. She stopped for a breath outside, by a fence. She leaned against it, going over things in her head. What would she say when she saw him? Would he even be there?
She was confused about how to act, but one thing she knew was sheshe felt something deeply for him. Was it love? She barely knew him. But something was there, something more than what she had with Greg. She had dumped him the day after the meeting of him and Harry. She knew Harry had felt something for her, and was truly flattered by it, but how did he feel now?
She shuddered slightly. She watched a couple walk past her, hand in hand. Her heart yearned for something like that. She then decided she had to get this over with. If anything was going to happen, she had to do something about it. She quickly stood up straight and marched over to the entrance of the apartment building.
She walked over to the front desk and asked the man where Harry Potter lived.
"Tha' wuld beh rum ferty'five," he said with a heavy Scottish accent.
"Thank you," she said softly. She seemed to have lost her voice. Her legs felt numb with anxiety as she climbed the stairs to the second floor.
After what seemed like an eternity, she reached the door. She started at the door for a while, and then felt her arm raising, and knocking. Her stomach jumped as she heard a voice calling, "Coming!"
Quickly the door opened where a woman was standing. She had big bushy hair that rested on her shoulders along with a big smile. This must be Hermione.
"Hello, may I help you?" she said pleasantly.
"Hi, I'm Rose Wood. I was wondering if Harry was in." Rose felt highly awkward now. She noticed a sign of regret on Hermione's face.
"Oh no, Rose, I'm sorry. He's off working on his case and I really don't know when he'll return." Her face really looked sorry. Rose felt her stomach lurch. He wasn't there. She now felt embarrassed.
"Ohoh, I'm sorry for bothering youthank you" Rose began to turn away, feeling herself blushing, but then Hermione cut in.
"But, listen, I was just sitting down to lunch. Harry has told me so much about youwhy don't you join me?"
Rose didn't know what to think about this invitation. She felt awkward eating lunch with a woman she barely knew and she wondered what sort of things Harry had told her about. But she felt accepting would be the best and most polite thing to do.
"Oh thank you! That'd be wonderful."
"Great! Come on in."
**********
"You have returned empty handed?" Rieltus asked as Harry returned with Sirius lurking behind him.
"Yes, I am sorryI searched as far as I could. No luck." Harry then realized the apprehensive looks on the elves faces as they took in the black figure of Sirius.
"Ohthis is Sirius Black, my godfather," Harry introduced. Sirius nodded curtly.
"We shall return to the city," Rieltus said in a sullen tone.
The silent party walked slowly back towards Thinderfell. Sirius had wished to come back with Harry, talk to Orien for a while.
They finally reached the white, shining gates that looked silver in the starlight. When they came back into the main tower, a guard came up to Harry and Sirius.
"Harry Potter, Lord Orien wishes to speak to you. May I take you to him?"
"Yes. He may come too," Harry added as the guard looked doubtfully at Sirius. Nonetheless he nodded and led them up winding stairs into a well-furnished room with a wooden table in the middle with carved wooden chairs all around it.
"HarrySirius!" Orien said surprised. "You have found him."
"Yes, we were lucky enough to come upon each other in the woods," Sirius said in a friendly tone, giving a wink in Harry's direction.
"What is it you wanted?" Harry asked curiously.
"I wish to send you home, Harry." Harry began to protest but Orien shushed him with a hand. " Harry, I have lost hope in retrieving my son. The world is too big to search. I am stopping the troops, I feel guilty enough making them suffer for my own grief." Harry felt a horrible urge to weep again. The sorrow of this poor elf flooded into his own heart. "You may go home. I know you are wanted there. You have people waiting to tell you something," he said knowingly. Harry wondered at what this could be, but continued to listen. "Please, do not bother yourself with my pain. I have learnt to suffer, for it is what I have done most of my life. But it has not been for nothing. Evil will never prevailonly love. Only love will prevail."
"I will go with you," Sirius stated to Harry. Harry turned to Sirius, who had a sorrowful expression on his face. Harry's heart felt lightened by this news though.
"I am sorry, Orien," Harry said softly as he turned to leave. Sirius had given Orien a hug. Harry was surprised at this act of friendship between them.
"Good-bye OrienI know all will turn out well." Sirius had hope in his voice.
With that the two men left Lord Orien to his sorrow.
*************
Rose laughed heartily as Hermione finished telling her the story of when she, Harry and Ron defeated the twelve-foot troll in their first year. Hermione found herself liking Rose right off the bat.
She didn't know why the impulse to invite her in came over her, but she had a feeling it was an inner knowing that she was the one for Harry. And her heart leaped for him as she found that she had dumped her boyfriend. She just hoped Harry hadn't been too hurt.
"Oh, RoseI'm so glad you could come."
"Oh me too! Thanks so much for having me, especially without even knowing me."
"I had a feeling you needed to talk," Hermione said this, hoping to get an insight on Rose's thoughts.
"Yeah, my life is so confusing right now"
"Harry?" Hermione asked, hoping she wasn't crossing any lines.
Rose looked up quickly. She didn't look surprised, but more relieved.
"Yes," she said with a sigh.
"He really likes you Rose."
"God, I really like him as well. It may sound really stupidbut it was like love at first sight," she blushed at admitting this, but Hermione smiled encouragingly, respecting her for her honesty, "The first moment I saw him, my stomach seemed to have melted. Everything he said was like magic" she quickly averted her eyes, turning even redder.
"Don't worryI think it's sweet," Hermione said understandingly.
"I just hope I haven't ruined it."
"I don't think so."
Rose smiled and glanced down at her watch. She gasped when she realized the time.
"Oh my God! It's already four o'clock! I have a rehearsal I need to be at in thirty minutes. Hermione, thanks so much for everythingit's been really nice talking to you."
"Pleasure," she said with a toothy smile.
Rose quickly got up and rushed to the door.
"Bye!" she said in a hurry.
"See you around," Hermione said with a chuckle as Rose slammed the door and thumped down the stairs.
**************
"How are we going to get home?" Harry asked doubtfully.
"I know the spellit's elven," Sirius replied. Harry's mind quickly made a turn back to the memory he had of it. Thaurthoniel
Should he say good-bye? No, he had better not dig deeper into the mess he had made.
"Ready?" Sirius asked, bringing Harry back to the present.
Harry nodded soberly, this had been an emotionally weakening trip.
Sirius had grabbed Harry's hand and was now muttering the familiar spell. Before Harry knew it, he was flashing through the air and soon felt concrete under his feet and the sound of the street in his ears.
Harry opened his weary eyes to find that he and Sirius were in an alleyway next to his apartment. He felt the familiar exhaustion come over him
"Follow me," Harry said softly.
Sirius nodded, patting Harry on the back. It was good to have Sirius there.
Harry and Sirius walked out into the sunlight and Harry turned to the right and looked upon his home. It gave him a warm feeling in his heart knowing he would find Ron and Hermione there. But then that warm feeling burst into flame as he watched as a blonde woman in a tan trench coat leave the building. Rose.
He watched her quickly fly down the stairs and walk in the other direction. She did not see him. Harry started to feel himself fill with emotions. Confusion, anger, sadnesshope. Why had she been in the apartment building?
Suddenly Harry felt a slap on the back.
"Harry? Are you alright?" Sirius was giving Harry a worried stare.
Harry realized he had stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and was gazing at the street in front of him, where now the spec of Rose could be seen.
"Yeahyeah, I'm fine," Harry said absently.
"Something you need to tell me?"
"Let's get inside first," Harry replied starting forward again, "I really need to take a nice cool shower and get some things clear in my mind."
"Alright then. Soare you living with anyone?"
"Oh! Ron and Hermione!" Harry realized he hadn't informed Sirius of anything.
Sirius nodded as they slowly climbed the stairs.
"How're they doing?"
"Great as everwell, here we are."
Sirius had a worried expression on his face.
"Don't worry, Sirius," Harry said soothingly as he pulled out his key.
Sirius nodded and smiled, "It's good to see you again Harry."
Harry turned the key and smiled at Sirius. He slowly pushed the door open and they proceeded to enter.
"Hello?" Harry called out.
He soon saw Hermione emerge from her bedroom, with a big grin as she saw Harry and then gasped as she realized Sirius was with him.
"Harry"
She looked overwhelmed. The blow of Sirius's disappearance had been hard for her too.
"We're home now," Harry said with a happy smile.
She walked slowly up to Harry and gave him a tight and suffocating hug. He didn't care, it felt good to have that feeling back againthe feeling of home and people who really cared about you.
"You're not leaving here for a long time" she said forcefully as she pulled away.
Harry grinned and kissed her on the forehead. She then turned to Sirius.
"Merlin, Sirius" she said exasperatedly, but she walked right up to him and gave him a big hug as well. He looked startled by this sudden show of affection but he smiled and reciprocated, lightly patting her on the back.
"HowI meanwhy are you here?" she asked amazedly as she pulled away.
"Harry and I met in the woods where he was looking for Orien's son. I decided I would come back with him. I can not believe how much I have missed."
"Well, your not going to be leaving for a while either," she said decidedly. "Ron should be here soon," Harry noticed a blush coming over her face as she said this, " Let's get dinner ready shall we?"
And with that, the three reunited made their way to the kitchen to make a gourmet welcoming feast.
*************
Harry's heart was truly happy now that he had seen his best friends again. Ron had been ecstatic when he had found Harry had returned.
But Harry couldn't help but notice that he and Hermione had been acting strangely. Whenever they looked at each other, they sort of blushed and smiled knowinglylike they knew something Harry didn't.
He thought of these things as he stood overlooking the city on his balcony. But he soon heard the door behind him open and close quietly.
Harry looked around quickly to find Sirius standing in the dark.
"Things on your mind?" he asked.
"Yes," Harry said with a sigh. "And you?"
"Always," Sirius returned quietly.
"What do you know Sirius?" Harry asked, wondering if Sirius could give him some information on this elf case.
"Not enough, but still some. I know that evil is rising yet again, Harry. We may have defeated Voldemort, but not evil entirely. I listen, Harry. And the work I am involved with has helped also. I have heard of a new dark lordby the name of Mercanian. He has gained power and support of the remaining death eaters, and his first plan is to try and gain more support within greater allies. But at the same time, I have no doubt, he is trying to kill his greatest opponentyou."
Harry gave a shudder. "Do you know anything else about this Mercanian?"
"Not really. I know he is young. Surprisingly young to have gained so much power. I have no doubt he is directly involved in the kidnapping of Orien's son. If only there was a way to know"
Sirius trailed off. Harry shivered slightly as a slight breeze ruffled his clothes.
"Be careful, Harry," Sirius said, sadness in his voice.
"I will."