Author's Note:
Thanks to everyone who reviewed that first chapter! You are all amazing, and I would love to thank you for your awesome reviews! This chapter is a lot more action and romance filled, I promise!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters, events, and places. I am here for my pleasure as well as your own! All I own is the plot!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
If a lot of people review, and enjoy the story, I will write a sequel or two, and a prequel. I already have the basic plot outlines for those, so we'll see! Keep an eye out, they may come out when this one is done!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"We ought never do wrong when people are looking"- Mark Twain
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter Two- Revelations
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hermione valiantly held her breath, but squeezed extremely hard on Harry's hand, cutting off his circulation. Sirius, Remus, McGonagoll, and the other professors all drew in their breath sharply, and readied their wands. Snape just stared coldly.
Dumbledore gazed mildly at Hagrid over his half-moon spectacles. "Thank, Hagrid. Professors, please return to your houses, and make sure the students haven't seen this mark. We have no use for panic." The teachers remained. "Please. I assure you, Voldemort will not be attacking this night." Several flinched at You-Know-Who's name, but turned and headed back to the safety of Hogwarts' Castle.
Harry and Hermione remained, feeling quite unsure of their true purpose here. Hermione was still holding onto Harry's hand, and was not inclined to let go any time soon.
Dumbledore turned towards them. "Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger, please follow me to my office."
The two seventh years hurried after their esteemed Headmaster.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dumbledore said the password to his office, (Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans) and entered through the sweeping staircase, Harry and Hermione right on his tail. Dumbledore was walking extremely quickly, making it hard for the two younger students to keep up.
Dumbledore sat down behind his desk, which was piled high with scrolls and other documents, and pointed to the two chairs in front of him. "Sit, won't you?" he asked.
Harry and Hermione were quick to comply. Harry tentatively asked, "Sir, why are we here?"
Dumbledore smiled easily at them. "You are here because that I feel you two could be the key to Voldemort's downfall."
Hermione's eyes grew huge. "But sir. . . Harry should be the only wizard, beside yourself of course, that is capable of tackling Voldemort. I'm just Hermione Granger. A short Mudblood, who he sees as another enemy to kill. What could I possibly have to do with this?"
Dumbledore twinkled down at her. "My dear Ms. Granger, you have magical ability beyond any of our wildest dreams. While young Harry here has more raw talent, Hermione has not only an amazing back of talent, she has the natural gift to become one of the most powerful magical folk in the world."
Hermione couldn't speak, for once. She just opened her mouth, then closed it, then opened it again. "Professor. . . I'm speechless." Her voice sounded amazed.
Harry couldn't help himself. He laughed out loud.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled more than ever, but he refrained from saying anything.
Hermione gave Harry a dirty look, then turned back to the Headmaster. "Um, Professor, why are we two the key to Voldemort's downfall?"
Dumbledore's look turned grave. "I fear I cannot tell you, Miss Granger, until I choose to reveal all the secrets wrapped up in this web of mystery known as life."
Hermione opened her mouth to speak again, but Harry cut her off. "Okay, Professor. Well, we really should be leaving. See you later, Professor Dumbledore." He grabbed Hermione's hand, and pulled her through the doorway.
Dumbledore looked over his spectacles, than smiled softly, and said, once they were out of earshot, "I hope God continues to blesses you, Harry. I hope he does."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry pulled the struggling Hermione all the way up to the Gryffindor prefects' dorms. Hermione was still protesting, but he pulled her into her room, and locked the door behind them.
Hermione stared at him, "Now why'd you go and do that, Harry?" she asked, her voice exasperated.
Harry sat down next to her on her four-poster bed. "Dumbledore will tell us when he's good and ready, Hermione. Don't push him."
"I know, Harry! I just wanted to see what more information I could gather from him!" Hermione trailed off, realizing that Harry was right. "It's just hard to take all this information sitting down. If I am to be the downfall of Voldemort, I want to be able to go out and finish him, not just stay here studying for some dumb test!"
Hermione's explosion was something that greatly amused Harry. "Hermione, calm down. We will deal with Voldemort in time, and when that time comes we will deal with all of our secrets as well."
Hermione sighed again, and flopped down on her bed, shivering. "Harry," she started. When he nodded, she continued, "Will you stay in here with me tonight? I want to talk to you."
Harry raised his eyebrows into his hairline. "Stay here? With you? In the same room?"
"Yes Harry," Hermione laughed. "Dumbledore won't mind. I just need to get all my feelings out. I'm so confused. . ."
Harry drew in a deep breath. "Okay. I'll stay with you. But, um, where shall I sleep?"
"You can stay in my bed. I don't mind." Hermione said this calmly, but inside, her brain was reeling from the simple suggestion.
Harry stared at her. "Um, okay. Uh, let me get my-er-pajamas." He positively fled the room.
Hermione snuggled deeper under the covers, wondering just what she had gotten herself into.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hermione awoke in the morning to find herself pressed up against Harry's chest. Their arms were entangled, as were their legs. She couldn't help but feel content, and (guiltily) snuggled a bit closer.
They had stayed up late that night, talking about all of their feelings. Harry had been extremely patient with the hyper Hermione, and showed her that he truly understood her confusion in all of this. Why *had* she been chosen as the one to help Harry kill Voldemort?
Harry had told her he felt the same way when he found out that his fate was connected to the downfall of Voldemort. He didn't know why this was his destiny, but he had chosen to accept it, and try to fulfill it as best he could.
Hermione wasn't sure she could do that, but she would sure as hell try.
"Hermione?" Harry's voice was groggy and questioning.
Hermione quickly disentangled herself from Harry. "Erm, I was cold?" she suggested quickly, to cover for being caught in such a compromising position.
Harry blushed red. "Oh, okay." He rolled out of bed, and crossed over to the door, cracking it open a tiny bit. "Good," he said, "Lavender and Seamus aren't out in the room. They would probably be suspicious if they found out we slept together." He went redder. "Er, well not slept together, but. . . Erm."
Hermione nodded. "Yeah, I understand."
Harry nodded thankfully, and quickly fled to the security of his own room. Hermione sighed and changed into her customary black robes. She brushed her untamed hair, and pinned her shiny prefect badge onto her chest. Yes, she was ready to go outside and face the world.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In Charms, Flitwick announced that a Dueling Club was to be started. His squeaky voice told the class that Professor Snape and himself would be the heads of the club. The first meeting would be primarily an instructional meeting, the next would be actual duels between students. It would be on a first come, first serve basis. After a certain number of losses, one would be kicked out of the club and a new person let in.
Since this class was the Expert Charms class, they were all allowed first slots into the club. Some opted not to join just yet, as memories of the second year Dueling Club were still too fresh in their minds. But the majority did sign up. Hermione and Harry exchanged glances when Lavender refused to sign up, and Ron took his name off shortly after she did that.
Overall, the day was quite boring, and no mention of the Dark Mark had interrupted any of the classes. The students, Harry and Hermione aside, did not know it had ever even been fired into the black sky.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dumbledore had called a meeting for the seventh year Prefects, as well as the Head Boy and Girl. He smiled at all of them when they filed in and took seats around their Headmaster.
"Now, you were called here to discuss the new Dueling Club. It has been kept from you that last night, the Dark Mark was fired into the sky by a Death Eater." He paused, and the shock of the students was no surprise to Dumbledore. "It is because of this that Dueling Club has been required of all the prefects."
Lavender raised her hand, "Why is it required, sir?"
Dumbledore's grin ceased. "In the event that Voldemort," the students, Harry aside, winced at You-Know-Who's name, "attacks our school, it will be up to the staff and the Prefects (for the most part) to defend it. It is your duty to save your classmates."
The Prefects all gained an air of importance, but Draco Malfoy looked bored. Lavender raised her hand once more, "Sir, I didn't sign up for the Dueling Club."
Dumbledore smiled again. "Do not fret, Miss Brown. All of your names have already been entered in the roster. You will all have a place in the Dueling Club."
Lavender exhaled angrily but kept her mouth shut. Dumbledore dismissed them, and the students all exited. Harry left talking to Seamus, and didn't even see Hermione try to frantically catch his eye.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Harry!" Hermione called down the hall.
Harry turned and regarded his friend, "Yes Hermione?"
"Can I talk to you for a moment?" she inquired.
Harry nodded then turned and told Seamus not to wait up for him. Seamus raised his eyebrows, then ran back to the Gryffindor prefects room. Harry looked back at Hermione. "What is it, 'Mione?"
She glanced up at him, her chocolate brown eyes glowing with emotion. "Harry, I'm scared."
Harry sighed. He thought she had gotten over this. Yet, he didn't voice his thoughts, and instead pulled Hermione into a hug. "Why are you scared, Herms?"
"I'll make a fool of myself in the Dueling Club."
Harry couldn't help himself, he began to laugh. "Hermione, you are the top student in all of Hogwarts. How on Earth could you make a fool of yourself in a club that tests your knowledge of spells and enchantments?"
"Harry, I may have memorized more spells than the average fifty-year-old wizard, but that doesn't mean I will know how to use them correctly. Sure, I can command them, but can I really inflict pain on another person? What if I'm paired against you? What if, to beat you, I have to hurt you?" Tears began to fall from her brown orbs. "I'd chicken out. I'd back down, I wouldn't be able to do it."
Harry squeezed her, and rested his chin on top of her head. "'Mione, sometimes in order to protect someone, you have to hurt them. What if, if we're facing Voldemort, you have to use a spell to hurt me, just to distract Voldemort, which will leave you with the opportunity to kill him? I don't want you to hesitate in a situation like that. Don't worry, I'm very used to pain by now." He touched his scar, and green eyes clashed with brown.
"But Harry, that's what I'm worried about. You've had so much hurt in your life. I couldn't bear to cause you more."
Harry hugged her tightly again. "'Mione, I know that you would never mean to hurt me. Therefore, any pain that you cause me is always perfectly justified. And I can accept that." Without thinking, he kissed her cheek. "But I do thank you for your sweet concern."
Her eyes were wide with shock, and Harry felt himself go bright red when he realized just what he had done. "Oh, I'm sorry. . ." he murmured.
Hermione glanced up at him, "Don't be," she whispered, then pressed her lips against his.
Harry wasn't sure what Hermione was feeling, but he knew that he was flying atop the clouds.
Notes to My Reviewers:
Peaches N Cream: Thanks so much! And yes, it is Harry/Hermione! They are definitely my favorite ship, hands down, no contest! I absolutely hate Ron/Hermione, so NEVER, EVER expect that from me!!
FawkesnFlame and Moony: Thank you for your review! It is really, really nice to know that people actually anticipate the arrival of new chapters from me!
Sew2100: I really appreciate the comment on my writing. I have been working for years to get my writing to this level, and your comment means the world to me!
Please, increase my reviews next time around! Love,
Singin_in_the_rain
Thanks to everyone who reviewed that first chapter! You are all amazing, and I would love to thank you for your awesome reviews! This chapter is a lot more action and romance filled, I promise!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters, events, and places. I am here for my pleasure as well as your own! All I own is the plot!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
If a lot of people review, and enjoy the story, I will write a sequel or two, and a prequel. I already have the basic plot outlines for those, so we'll see! Keep an eye out, they may come out when this one is done!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"We ought never do wrong when people are looking"- Mark Twain
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter Two- Revelations
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hermione valiantly held her breath, but squeezed extremely hard on Harry's hand, cutting off his circulation. Sirius, Remus, McGonagoll, and the other professors all drew in their breath sharply, and readied their wands. Snape just stared coldly.
Dumbledore gazed mildly at Hagrid over his half-moon spectacles. "Thank, Hagrid. Professors, please return to your houses, and make sure the students haven't seen this mark. We have no use for panic." The teachers remained. "Please. I assure you, Voldemort will not be attacking this night." Several flinched at You-Know-Who's name, but turned and headed back to the safety of Hogwarts' Castle.
Harry and Hermione remained, feeling quite unsure of their true purpose here. Hermione was still holding onto Harry's hand, and was not inclined to let go any time soon.
Dumbledore turned towards them. "Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger, please follow me to my office."
The two seventh years hurried after their esteemed Headmaster.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dumbledore said the password to his office, (Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans) and entered through the sweeping staircase, Harry and Hermione right on his tail. Dumbledore was walking extremely quickly, making it hard for the two younger students to keep up.
Dumbledore sat down behind his desk, which was piled high with scrolls and other documents, and pointed to the two chairs in front of him. "Sit, won't you?" he asked.
Harry and Hermione were quick to comply. Harry tentatively asked, "Sir, why are we here?"
Dumbledore smiled easily at them. "You are here because that I feel you two could be the key to Voldemort's downfall."
Hermione's eyes grew huge. "But sir. . . Harry should be the only wizard, beside yourself of course, that is capable of tackling Voldemort. I'm just Hermione Granger. A short Mudblood, who he sees as another enemy to kill. What could I possibly have to do with this?"
Dumbledore twinkled down at her. "My dear Ms. Granger, you have magical ability beyond any of our wildest dreams. While young Harry here has more raw talent, Hermione has not only an amazing back of talent, she has the natural gift to become one of the most powerful magical folk in the world."
Hermione couldn't speak, for once. She just opened her mouth, then closed it, then opened it again. "Professor. . . I'm speechless." Her voice sounded amazed.
Harry couldn't help himself. He laughed out loud.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled more than ever, but he refrained from saying anything.
Hermione gave Harry a dirty look, then turned back to the Headmaster. "Um, Professor, why are we two the key to Voldemort's downfall?"
Dumbledore's look turned grave. "I fear I cannot tell you, Miss Granger, until I choose to reveal all the secrets wrapped up in this web of mystery known as life."
Hermione opened her mouth to speak again, but Harry cut her off. "Okay, Professor. Well, we really should be leaving. See you later, Professor Dumbledore." He grabbed Hermione's hand, and pulled her through the doorway.
Dumbledore looked over his spectacles, than smiled softly, and said, once they were out of earshot, "I hope God continues to blesses you, Harry. I hope he does."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry pulled the struggling Hermione all the way up to the Gryffindor prefects' dorms. Hermione was still protesting, but he pulled her into her room, and locked the door behind them.
Hermione stared at him, "Now why'd you go and do that, Harry?" she asked, her voice exasperated.
Harry sat down next to her on her four-poster bed. "Dumbledore will tell us when he's good and ready, Hermione. Don't push him."
"I know, Harry! I just wanted to see what more information I could gather from him!" Hermione trailed off, realizing that Harry was right. "It's just hard to take all this information sitting down. If I am to be the downfall of Voldemort, I want to be able to go out and finish him, not just stay here studying for some dumb test!"
Hermione's explosion was something that greatly amused Harry. "Hermione, calm down. We will deal with Voldemort in time, and when that time comes we will deal with all of our secrets as well."
Hermione sighed again, and flopped down on her bed, shivering. "Harry," she started. When he nodded, she continued, "Will you stay in here with me tonight? I want to talk to you."
Harry raised his eyebrows into his hairline. "Stay here? With you? In the same room?"
"Yes Harry," Hermione laughed. "Dumbledore won't mind. I just need to get all my feelings out. I'm so confused. . ."
Harry drew in a deep breath. "Okay. I'll stay with you. But, um, where shall I sleep?"
"You can stay in my bed. I don't mind." Hermione said this calmly, but inside, her brain was reeling from the simple suggestion.
Harry stared at her. "Um, okay. Uh, let me get my-er-pajamas." He positively fled the room.
Hermione snuggled deeper under the covers, wondering just what she had gotten herself into.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hermione awoke in the morning to find herself pressed up against Harry's chest. Their arms were entangled, as were their legs. She couldn't help but feel content, and (guiltily) snuggled a bit closer.
They had stayed up late that night, talking about all of their feelings. Harry had been extremely patient with the hyper Hermione, and showed her that he truly understood her confusion in all of this. Why *had* she been chosen as the one to help Harry kill Voldemort?
Harry had told her he felt the same way when he found out that his fate was connected to the downfall of Voldemort. He didn't know why this was his destiny, but he had chosen to accept it, and try to fulfill it as best he could.
Hermione wasn't sure she could do that, but she would sure as hell try.
"Hermione?" Harry's voice was groggy and questioning.
Hermione quickly disentangled herself from Harry. "Erm, I was cold?" she suggested quickly, to cover for being caught in such a compromising position.
Harry blushed red. "Oh, okay." He rolled out of bed, and crossed over to the door, cracking it open a tiny bit. "Good," he said, "Lavender and Seamus aren't out in the room. They would probably be suspicious if they found out we slept together." He went redder. "Er, well not slept together, but. . . Erm."
Hermione nodded. "Yeah, I understand."
Harry nodded thankfully, and quickly fled to the security of his own room. Hermione sighed and changed into her customary black robes. She brushed her untamed hair, and pinned her shiny prefect badge onto her chest. Yes, she was ready to go outside and face the world.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In Charms, Flitwick announced that a Dueling Club was to be started. His squeaky voice told the class that Professor Snape and himself would be the heads of the club. The first meeting would be primarily an instructional meeting, the next would be actual duels between students. It would be on a first come, first serve basis. After a certain number of losses, one would be kicked out of the club and a new person let in.
Since this class was the Expert Charms class, they were all allowed first slots into the club. Some opted not to join just yet, as memories of the second year Dueling Club were still too fresh in their minds. But the majority did sign up. Hermione and Harry exchanged glances when Lavender refused to sign up, and Ron took his name off shortly after she did that.
Overall, the day was quite boring, and no mention of the Dark Mark had interrupted any of the classes. The students, Harry and Hermione aside, did not know it had ever even been fired into the black sky.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dumbledore had called a meeting for the seventh year Prefects, as well as the Head Boy and Girl. He smiled at all of them when they filed in and took seats around their Headmaster.
"Now, you were called here to discuss the new Dueling Club. It has been kept from you that last night, the Dark Mark was fired into the sky by a Death Eater." He paused, and the shock of the students was no surprise to Dumbledore. "It is because of this that Dueling Club has been required of all the prefects."
Lavender raised her hand, "Why is it required, sir?"
Dumbledore's grin ceased. "In the event that Voldemort," the students, Harry aside, winced at You-Know-Who's name, "attacks our school, it will be up to the staff and the Prefects (for the most part) to defend it. It is your duty to save your classmates."
The Prefects all gained an air of importance, but Draco Malfoy looked bored. Lavender raised her hand once more, "Sir, I didn't sign up for the Dueling Club."
Dumbledore smiled again. "Do not fret, Miss Brown. All of your names have already been entered in the roster. You will all have a place in the Dueling Club."
Lavender exhaled angrily but kept her mouth shut. Dumbledore dismissed them, and the students all exited. Harry left talking to Seamus, and didn't even see Hermione try to frantically catch his eye.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Harry!" Hermione called down the hall.
Harry turned and regarded his friend, "Yes Hermione?"
"Can I talk to you for a moment?" she inquired.
Harry nodded then turned and told Seamus not to wait up for him. Seamus raised his eyebrows, then ran back to the Gryffindor prefects room. Harry looked back at Hermione. "What is it, 'Mione?"
She glanced up at him, her chocolate brown eyes glowing with emotion. "Harry, I'm scared."
Harry sighed. He thought she had gotten over this. Yet, he didn't voice his thoughts, and instead pulled Hermione into a hug. "Why are you scared, Herms?"
"I'll make a fool of myself in the Dueling Club."
Harry couldn't help himself, he began to laugh. "Hermione, you are the top student in all of Hogwarts. How on Earth could you make a fool of yourself in a club that tests your knowledge of spells and enchantments?"
"Harry, I may have memorized more spells than the average fifty-year-old wizard, but that doesn't mean I will know how to use them correctly. Sure, I can command them, but can I really inflict pain on another person? What if I'm paired against you? What if, to beat you, I have to hurt you?" Tears began to fall from her brown orbs. "I'd chicken out. I'd back down, I wouldn't be able to do it."
Harry squeezed her, and rested his chin on top of her head. "'Mione, sometimes in order to protect someone, you have to hurt them. What if, if we're facing Voldemort, you have to use a spell to hurt me, just to distract Voldemort, which will leave you with the opportunity to kill him? I don't want you to hesitate in a situation like that. Don't worry, I'm very used to pain by now." He touched his scar, and green eyes clashed with brown.
"But Harry, that's what I'm worried about. You've had so much hurt in your life. I couldn't bear to cause you more."
Harry hugged her tightly again. "'Mione, I know that you would never mean to hurt me. Therefore, any pain that you cause me is always perfectly justified. And I can accept that." Without thinking, he kissed her cheek. "But I do thank you for your sweet concern."
Her eyes were wide with shock, and Harry felt himself go bright red when he realized just what he had done. "Oh, I'm sorry. . ." he murmured.
Hermione glanced up at him, "Don't be," she whispered, then pressed her lips against his.
Harry wasn't sure what Hermione was feeling, but he knew that he was flying atop the clouds.
Notes to My Reviewers:
Peaches N Cream: Thanks so much! And yes, it is Harry/Hermione! They are definitely my favorite ship, hands down, no contest! I absolutely hate Ron/Hermione, so NEVER, EVER expect that from me!!
FawkesnFlame and Moony: Thank you for your review! It is really, really nice to know that people actually anticipate the arrival of new chapters from me!
Sew2100: I really appreciate the comment on my writing. I have been working for years to get my writing to this level, and your comment means the world to me!
Please, increase my reviews next time around! Love,
Singin_in_the_rain