Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of his friends, Ms. Rowling
does.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I did borrow some excellent ideas from some of the best H/Hr stories ever, on this site. I can keep naming all, but the few great writers that inspired me were: Rachel A. Prongs, E.C.R Potter, Ryoko blue and heaven, Eternal fire, Jae Potter, Zimmeron and more. Thank you guys. I read and re-read your stories tonnes of times.
******************************************************
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jordan : Here ya go!
Flame-the-Phoenix: Thanks a lot for the advice. I am trying my best to follow it. Throw more as you feel fit.
sew2100 : Thanks! But not so fast (about kicking CHO)....
coolone007: It is a cliffie...(he.he.he). If you guessed it's Cho, think again. I don't want to give anything away, but you will know in the next chap.
catgirl (soccerstarz518@aol.com): Thanks!
Lilly Goddess : I don't like Cho (unless she is gorgeous in the third movie), but don't jump to conclusions. If I have learnt one thing from JKR, it is throwing curves....
Tony: Here ya go!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~~*~*
Chapter 14: Grand Escapades
* * *
A Recap....
"Harry, What happened? Who is it?" asked Ginny as Hermione looked expectantly into Harry's face.
"It was.....CHO CHANG!" blurted out Harry drawing a gasp from everyone.
Back to present....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All six looked at each other with horror. They couldn't believe that the Ravenclaw would plot something like that.
"I think we can prove it if we can find Cho in the infirmary, I mean, Hermione has hurt her.....right?" asked Ginny expectantly.
Hermione nodded and all six ran towards infirmary.
At the entrance they almost ran into Pansy and Blaise who were coming out of the infirmary.
"Draco, why are you running like that? And why are you hanging with the Gryffindors?" asked Pansy with a sneer on her face.
"None of your concern Pansy. What are you doing here?" Draco retorted back.
"Well.... I had a detention to fill and She is just keeping my company", replied Blaise quickly, while Pansy looked disinterested.
Harry, Ron, Lavender and Hermione ignored them and ran inside. They rushed to madam Pomfrey.
"Madam Pomfrey, Where is Cho Chang?" asked Harry breathing heavy.
"Cho Chang? Why would she be here?" asked madam Pomfrey rather surprised.
It was the Gryffindors turn to be surprised.
"You mean, she did not come here to heal her injuries?" asked a perplexed Hermione
"What do you mean injuries? Is she hurt?" asked a concerned madam Pomfrey.
"Never mind. Sorry for bothering you", said Harry rushing out towards Draco who was still arguing with Pansy.
Harry sent Draco a message mentally to stop all arguments and accompany him towards Great hall for breakfast.
Once in the Great hall, Harry walked towards Ravenclaw table and looked at Cho who was animatedly talking with Terry boot. There were no injuries what so ever and she looked normal.
Cho looked at Harry, a bit puzzled but pleased about his visit to Ravenclaw table.
"Cho, Why did you ask me password to Dumbledore's office?" asked Harry politely.
"Oh! I just wanted to complain about the Slytherins troubling few first year's near Ravenclaw common room as my complaints to Filtwick or Snape were not acted upon", replied Cho still confused.
"Oh..." said Harry "Did you talk to him?" without knowing what else to ask.
"No, But I will", replied Cho, expecting him to talk more.
"See you around Cho", said Harry and walked back to her disappointment.
Though Hermione trusts Harry, she couldn't help become tense as Harry stood there speaking with Cho. She looked at him expectantly as he walked back.
'So? What did she say?' asked Hermione in her mind via telepathy.
'Nothing. She wanted to complain about Slytherin. But she didn't do yet' broadcasted Harry to all the Order members. He heard Draco groan a little and Ginny giggle.
'All right, we did hit a snag there. What do we do now?' asked Harry again.
'Leave that to me. I will research and get the proof' suggested Hermione making Ron laugh. She glared at him making him concentrate back on his food.
'No need. I actually tried to read her mind and I didn't find anything suspicious, except for jealousy towards you, Hermione' said Harry to Hermione through his mind
Hermione kept silent.
'Remember everyone, we have a special session on exploring wandless magic. It seems like no one is getting it yet', announced Harry making Ron groan this time.
Later Harry informed about their failed allegation to Dumbledore and went back to classes. Harry, Draco went to Ancient Runes, Hermione to Arithmancy while Ron, Lavender went to Divination and Ginny to fifth year potions.
Late that night the Order of Light gathered in the dungeons for practicing Wandless magic.
"Concentrate on the magic. Feel the power. Feel it flow through you", suggested Harry to all his friends.
Draco was concentrating real hard and suddenly he got his wand into his hands from over 10 feet. Ginny was jumping with joy.
"Good job Draco. Now, continue concentrating on throwing simple curses out", said Harry.
In no time Ron got over the basics and so did Ginny. They both were laughing as they cursed each other with the tickling curse. Draco on the other hand was helping Lavender understand the idea behind it, while Harry helped Hermione.
For some weird reason, Hermione couldn't get to do the wandless magic. Finally after Lavender achieved some basic spells they decided to break up.
"Harry, Do you think I will be able to do it?" asked Hermione doubtfully.
"OfCourse Hermione. You are inhibiting yourself from letting the magic flow freely. Once you get past that you will easily do it", replied Harry.
* * *
Soon the final of Quidditch arrived. Gryffindor against Slytherin.
'Harry!' shouted Draco mentally.
'What is it Draco?' replied Harry.
'Where the hell are you? Dumbledore wants to see you immediately' said Draco in his mind.
'Sure, I will be there in a few minutes' responded Harry. Soon, the six assembled in Dumbledore's office.
"Harry, We received information that they are planning to kidnap anyone of your friends to lure you to Voldermort", said Dumbledore.
All six looked at each other.
"If my information is correct, they might try it tomorrow, during the Quidditch final", continued Dumbledore.
"We can take them anytime, anywhere professor", replied Draco confidently.
"Only if they fight fair Mr. Malfoy", completed Dumbledore.
"Anyway, I want all of you to be careful. Keep in sight of each other and keep talking mentally, particularly when you are outside the castle", suggested Dumbledore.
All of the six nodded.
The next morning before the Quidditch match, Harry met up with the Order again.
"Listen. Me, Draco, Ron and Ginny will be on team. So we can look after each other. But I am worried about You and Lavender. So you two sit in the stands close to the teacher's section and that way we can be assured of everyone's safety", said Harry. Hermione nodded.
After a brief session in the training room the teams arrived on to the field.
"For Gryffindor, Weasley, Creevey, York, Finnigan, Thomas, Captain and Seeker POTTER!" shouted Dennis Creevey. He took over from his brother last year after Colin got into the team.
"For Slytherin, Leroy, Bullstrode, Chapman, Crabb, Goyle, Captain and Seeker Malfoy", announced Dennis with a bit if disinterest.
Soon the Bludgers, Snitch and the Quaffle were up in the air and the whole stadium cheered. Harry was carefully looking around and so is Draco and Ron. They were not as bothered about the outcome of the game as the safety of their friends.
Harry looked into the stands and to his horror found only Lavender in the seat. He quickly flew towards the stands and approached Lavender.
"Lavender, where is Hermione?" asked Harry.
"She wanted to check something in the library, Harry. She said she would be here in a jiffy", said Lavender.
Harry simply nodded and flew back, but he failed to notice a cloaked figure sneaking into the castle walking along the walls.
Harry quickly sent a message to Hermione telepathically.
'Mione, Where are you? Are you alright?' asked Harry. 'Of course Harry. I am perfectly fine. I just finished researching here. I will be there in a few minutes. Get the snitch for me (smiles beautifully)', said Hermione.
Harry smiled back and went looking for it. However good friend Draco has become, he wouldn't want to throw the game away to Harry. He was tailing Harry where ever Harry went.
Soon they tailed the snitch and Harry kicked his broom to keep up with the snitch. Harry and Draco raced after the snitch at amazing speeds. The whole stadium concentrated on them as they sped after the snitch. Slowly Harry leveled with the snitch. As he did, the snitch dropped a couple of feet down and Harry swooned on the snitch, to his side, hanging upside down with his legs crossed on the firebolt, and caught the snitch. Swiftly, he completed the loop and returned back on top of the broom to the deafening shouts of support of Gryffindors.
The whole stadium erupted into cheers and as he landed all his friends ran up to him. He realized Hermione is still absent.
'Hermione', called Harry. There was no response.
'Mione!' shouted Harry mentally. But there was no response.
Harry quickly alerted Ron, Draco, Ginny and Lavender. They all ran from the patting audience into the castle and straight into the library. The library was empty as even Madam Pince was watching the game and there was Hermione's quill on the floor. Her books were intact on the table. There was a parchment on the books.
Harry tentatively picked it up and read it.
Mr. Potter!
We have something important that belongs to you. Come and get her if you can.
Hail Dark Lord!
There was a dark mark on the parchment.
Harry crumbled on to the floor sobbing like a kid. Ron, Draco, Ginny and Lavender grabbed the parchment and read it. All of their faces went pale. Ron and Draco ran to Dumbledore and explained him everything.
Harry stopped talking to everyone. He constantly tried to communicate with Hermione, but without any response. McGonagall, Snape, Sirius and Arabella searched for any clues in the library but found none.
"Harry, be strong. Nothing will happen to Ms. Granger", said Dumbledore
Harry merely stared at Dumbledore and looked down again. They were all grieved to see Harry go through so much pain of loosing his love. Sirius was in near tears and stayed with Harry all the time.
Dumbledore walked into the center of library and asked everyone to clear. He pointed his wand towards Hermione's table and muttered, "Revealo nuper eventus"
A silvery screen kind of thin appeared and Hermione appeared on the screen, reading a book seriously.
Harry stood up shivering with pain and affection. It was like watching a movie, a rerun of recent events to be precise. Hermione smiled to herself, probably due to the discussion she had with Harry.
After a few minutes, she heard some sound behind her and as she turned back, she saw a cloaked figure cursing a sleeping spell on her. She immediately fell down. The cloaked figure smiled wickedly and placed a parchment on the books. Then the figure drew a small rock and held Hermione. As the port key activated they disappeared from the library.
Harry once again started crying and fell on to a chair. He couldn't bear anything happening to Hermione and in such bad times. He was scared out of wits for what might be happening to her.
"Mr. Weasley, Please help Harry to his dorm and stay with him. He needs his friends more than ever", suggested Dumbledore.
They all nodded and helped Harry to his feet. Ron, Harry, Draco, Ginny and Lavender walked into the Gryffindor Common room. That was the second time for Draco in the Gryffindor common room. He sat on the couch next to Ginny. Ron went upstairs to help Harry to bed.
Lavender couldn't just sit around and wait.
'I have to do something. I have to find where Hermione is. But how do I?' she thought.
Ron came back and sat next to Lavender.
"How is he doing?" asked Ginny
"He is like a zombie. He is just lying on the bed and staring into space", said Ron sadly.
"Who would have thought, Trelawney would have predicted it for sure", said Draco sarcastically.
Ron and Ginny smiled at it, but Lavender looked at him thoughtfully. Draco thought that the comment offended her. But before he could say anything, Lavender ran up to her dorm.
Draco looked at Ron who merely shrugged. Ginny wanted to go after Lavender.
"Let her be for some time Gin", said Ron.
Meanwhile, Lavender sat on her bed with a crystal ball in front of her. She knew her gift on divination and now is probably the best time to utilize it. She closed her eyes and cleared her mind. Then she concentrated on Hermione strongly and stared into the crystal ball. Slowly the swirling mist gave way to a blurry but sharpening image.
Lavender gasped when she saw Hermione alone and unconscious in a small cell. It was pitch dark all around. She tried hard to peer for more details. She found a wooden door with some carvings on it. There whole room spanned 8 feet wide and 12 feet long with some blankets around. The only light source was from a very small window on the top. Soon there was some motion and two cloaked figures walked in. They stared at Hermione, took her wand and walked away.
Lavender broke her concentration and ran all the way to the common room. Ron, Ginny and Draco stared at her like she was mad. But She was far from caring. She ran all the way into the boy's dorm and shook Harry awake.
"Harry, Harry, wake up. I saw Hermione", Lavender nearly shouted.
Harry jolted up from the last words of Lavender.
"Where Lav? How?" asked confused.
Ron, Ginny and Draco walked into the dorm to find Lavender explaining what she saw in the crystal ball. Everyone listened holding breaths.
"You mean...that shi...stuff works", wondered Ron aloud.
"Shut it Ron", hissed Ginny
They immediately ran to Dumbledore to explain him all the events that happened.
* * *
Hermione woke up groggily. The last thing she remembered was someone stunning her. She looked around to figure out where she was. She couldn't place anything. To her horror her wand was not with her. Hermione stood up and looked around for her wand.
"Looking for this? Hermione", laughed someone from the shadows.
Hermione was alarmed with the voice.
"Viktor?" asked hesitantly.
Viktor krum walked out into her vision, holding her wand.
"My dear Hermione. How have you been? I am back for you. Nothing can separate us anymore", said Viktor dropping the wand at a corner.
"Stop it Viktor. Let me go now", said Hermione
"How can I Hermione? I luv you", said Viktor mockingly "better than Potter"
"Shut up Viktor. You can never even compare yourself with Harry" hissed Hermione.
"Why Hermione? What's so special about him? Is it because he defeated dark Lord? He may just fail to do so again", said Viktor with a grin.
"Viktor, I treated you as a good friend. How could you do this? Why are you doing this?" asked Hermione feeling helpless.
"Friend! I don't want to be your friend. I want something more and I am going to have it, like it or not", laughed Viktor evilly and started to advance on her.
Hermione backed off to the wall. She tried desperately to message Harry telepathically. But Hermione's mind is still clouded and couldn't concentrate properly.
Finally she hit the wall and Viktor pushed her hands to her side, held at the wrists. Hermione desperately tried to get away but he was too strong.
"Don't worry Hermione. It will feel so good that you will be asking for more", sneered Viktor trying to catch her lips.
Hermione cringed. "Please Viktor", she desperately begged.
"That's it. Beg like that. Besides you won't have much of a choice after the dark Lord kills that pathetic Potter boy and then you", laughed Viktor again.
That hit a nerve. Hermione was furious, so much so that her whole body tensed up. Viktor failed to notice the growing anger in her face. Suddenly, out of nowhere.
WHAM!
Viktor was pushed away into the wall behind him so hard that Hermione thought his back broke.
"wat the....", Before Viktor can retaliate, Hermione waved her hand again making him hit the other wall with as much force.
"Never insult Harry in front of me....EVER!" shouted Hermione
With great difficulty Viktor took his wand out and cursed, "stupefy". Hermione was oblivious to all that is happening. She was so furious; she could feel heat emanating from her face. The curse hit her head on. Astonishingly, the curse went straight into Hermione. She just absorbed it.
"NO WAY", muttered Viktor. He started panicking.
Then she realized. She was not only able to do wandless magic, but also able to absorb curses. By absorbing the curse, she absorbed the magic in the curse into her own system, making her temporarily stronger.
Hermione immediately tried to communicate with Harry.
'HARRY'
'Hermione? Where are you?'
'I don't know Harry. But they put me in a room.'
Meanwhile, Lavender and Ginny were researching in the restricted section of the library.
"Here Lav! A port key is simple to prepare as long as the destination is very clear in mind. Remember the destination clearly, charm an object to become magical by saying "licentio magus ritus" and then spell 'transmitto capt alio', followed by a word or a time for activating it, if needed. To return to the point of origination, finish the spells with 'transmitto redeo' ", finished Ginny.
Lavender nodded, still doubtful about it.
"Gin, are you sure we can do this?" asked Lavender hesitantly.
"Positive. Besides, we are not ordinary witches, remember", smiled Ginny.
"Let's do it", Lavender nodded.
Lavender closed her eyes and remembered Hermione and the room she saw in the crystal ball into great detail. Then she pulled her quill and placed all the necessary charms.
"Ready?" asked Lavender.
Ginny made sure both of them are ready and nodded. They both touched the port key and immediately felt a tug at the navel.
They both landed on each other, dazed from the travel.
'Remind me never to travel using a port key.' Sighed Lavender.
'Ginny! Where are you?' shouted Draco mentally.
'Draco, err.... We made a port key and are in some sort of a dungeon. We plan to get Hermione from whatever this place is' replied Ginny.
A few seconds of silence and suddenly panicked voice came to them.
'YOU! WHAT?' yelled Draco.
'Draco, don't panic. We can take care of ourselves. Tell Ron not to worry about Lavender' replied Ginny coolly.
'But Ginny, you could have told us' came an exasperated Ron's voice.
'Alright, that is enough. Just wait for us' responded before cutting the connection.
They both tiptoed along a dungeon like corridor. They looked around the corner to find a couple of death eaters walking their way.
'Ginny, we need to get rid of them without making any sounds' said Lavender mildly panicking.
'leave it to me' said Ginny smugly.
She took a couple of small miniature fishnets and threw them at the approaching death eaters.
Before they could realize what's happening, the small nets increased in size and tightly bound the two and gagged them automatically.
'That's Weasleys wizard wheezes for you' grinned Ginny.
Both continued tiptoeing along the corridor.
* * *
Hermione ran outside the door and tried to find a way out.
"Granger, you can't run away from us", shouted the same woman that kidnapped her, from end of the corridor. Before she could do something, someone pulled her hand. She tried to push them away.
"Herm, it's me", said Lavender standing next to Ginny.
Ginny immediately drew her wand and stunned the cloaked figure. Though they could do wandless magic, it was not as effective as their wand.
"How did you?...." Was all Hermione could say.
"Herm, are you alright?" asked Ginny concernedly.
Hermione simply nodded and hugged both her best friends and started crying. She never thought she would see them again.
Meanwhile, Viktor came out from the cell and tried to curse them. But Lavender muttered some spell and Viktor almost froze. She immediately pulled the port key and in an instant all three were tugged back to Hogwarts.
* * *
Harry, Ron and Draco were seated concernedly along with Sirius, Remus, Arabella, Severes, McGonagall and Dumbledore in the library.
Suddenly, three girls stumbled, steadied themselves and smiled sheepishly.
Harry was ecstatic on seeing Hermione back. He ran and hugged her to his heart with all his strength.
"I am glad to have you back Mione", said Harry with tears flowing down his cheeks.
"Me too Harry....me too" said Hermione kissing his cheek.
"Lav, What the hell you two were thinking by going away like that", shouted a concerned Ron. Lavender glared at him but was interrupted by Dumbledore.
"Ms. Brown, Ms. Weasley. As much as I am thankful, I really want all the details of events that transpired in the last four hours", said Dumbledore taking a chair.
Both Lavender and Ginny looked at each other and started telling the events happened. After that Hermione explained things that have happened to her in the captivity. Harry hugged her when he heard what she went through.
"I am impressed Ms. Brown, Ms. Weasley, on your successful mission of locating Hermione, making and using a port key and fighting the death eaters" paused Dumbledore.
"I also want to congratulate Ms. Granger upon successfully discovering her ability of Curse absorption along with wandless magic", said Dumbledore making Hermione go pink.
"But I will have to ask you not to repeat such feats without telling anyone" said Dumbledore smiling.
Both the girls nodded innocently.
Harry hugged Hermione again and kissed her softly. He then turned towards Lavender and Ginny.
"Lavender, Ginny. Thank you very much. I don't know what I have done if anything happened to her", said Harry.
"Don't Harry. Hermione is our friend too. Is this too much to do for a friend?" asked Lavender smiling.
Harry shook his head smiling as Hermione hugged Lavender and thanked her again. Draco didn't give them a chance at Ginny.
"Harry, it's not Cho who kidnapped me. I also encountered the cloaked woman in those dungeons. She is different. She is taller than Cho and probably stronger. I just can't place her voice", said Hermione thinking.
"Stop thinking Mione. We will sort it out later. I am just glad you're safe and back. I owe Lavender and Ginny my life. I am sorry I was not there when you needed me", said Harry hugging her as they walked to their common room.
"Harry, It's my fault that this happened. I should have stayed at the Quidditch game", said Hermione shaking her head.
Harry silenced her with a deep kiss.
* * *
Draco walked slowly towards the library with a letter in his hand. He found Lavender, Ron, Harry and Hermione doing their homework. He just plopped next to them and sighed.
"What happened Draco?" asked Hermione concernedly?
Draco just smiled weakly and gave the letter to her. It read:
Draco!
I am completely disappointed in you. I planned so much for you and did all the things to make you happy. But your rejection of serving our master is a very bad decision on your part.
I give you a last chance. If you do not choose to come to us and choose to stay with that muggle loving fools, you are no longer a son for me. You are not welcome at the manor and you will not get a knut from me. All your Gringotts accounts are cleared.
Lucius Malfoy.
Hermione passed the letter to Lavender and Ron.
"I am sorry Draco", whispered Hermione.
Harry immediately looked up at him, straight into his eyes.
"Draco. I will support your studies and any expenses you might incur..." paused for a second. He knows that Malfoys don't accept favor. He continued "...till you can repay" completed Harry hopefully.
"And Draco, You can stay with us at the Burrow for summer", said Ron placing a hand on Draco's shoulder.
Draco did not know what to say. Here are the people he tormented for years and they are helping him at the first chance they get.
Harry just nodded understanding how Draco felt.
"Thank you so much guys. You don't know what it means to me. I only feel bad that I didn't find you early", said Draco, thankfulness showering through his eyes.
"And we are glad we found you, Draco", said Lavender smiling softly.
"Who is glad about what?" asked Ginny walking into the library and pecking Draco softly.
Hermione told her all that has happened and Ginny hugged Draco.
"Who would have known? A Slytherin living with Gryffindors", laughed Ginny.
Harry looked at all the laughing faces. Sure there are dangers hiding around the corners, but it is their moment to seize, their moment to cherish. Even if he were to die, he would happily do so feeling glad he had such wonderful friends.
Hermione squeezed his hand softly, smiling at him.
'Every cloud has a silver lining', thought Harry kissing Hermione.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Aww... How much ever I try, I keep landing into fluff and Romance. God help me. Sorry if this chapter is boring. The story is coming to an end soon. A few more chappies to go and hopefully, the ending will be a blast (of the action I planned). I got to go and invent more spell and curses (cackles evilly.....)
Love you all!
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I did borrow some excellent ideas from some of the best H/Hr stories ever, on this site. I can keep naming all, but the few great writers that inspired me were: Rachel A. Prongs, E.C.R Potter, Ryoko blue and heaven, Eternal fire, Jae Potter, Zimmeron and more. Thank you guys. I read and re-read your stories tonnes of times.
******************************************************
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jordan : Here ya go!
Flame-the-Phoenix: Thanks a lot for the advice. I am trying my best to follow it. Throw more as you feel fit.
sew2100 : Thanks! But not so fast (about kicking CHO)....
coolone007: It is a cliffie...(he.he.he). If you guessed it's Cho, think again. I don't want to give anything away, but you will know in the next chap.
catgirl (soccerstarz518@aol.com): Thanks!
Lilly Goddess : I don't like Cho (unless she is gorgeous in the third movie), but don't jump to conclusions. If I have learnt one thing from JKR, it is throwing curves....
Tony: Here ya go!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~~*~*
Chapter 14: Grand Escapades
* * *
A Recap....
"Harry, What happened? Who is it?" asked Ginny as Hermione looked expectantly into Harry's face.
"It was.....CHO CHANG!" blurted out Harry drawing a gasp from everyone.
Back to present....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All six looked at each other with horror. They couldn't believe that the Ravenclaw would plot something like that.
"I think we can prove it if we can find Cho in the infirmary, I mean, Hermione has hurt her.....right?" asked Ginny expectantly.
Hermione nodded and all six ran towards infirmary.
At the entrance they almost ran into Pansy and Blaise who were coming out of the infirmary.
"Draco, why are you running like that? And why are you hanging with the Gryffindors?" asked Pansy with a sneer on her face.
"None of your concern Pansy. What are you doing here?" Draco retorted back.
"Well.... I had a detention to fill and She is just keeping my company", replied Blaise quickly, while Pansy looked disinterested.
Harry, Ron, Lavender and Hermione ignored them and ran inside. They rushed to madam Pomfrey.
"Madam Pomfrey, Where is Cho Chang?" asked Harry breathing heavy.
"Cho Chang? Why would she be here?" asked madam Pomfrey rather surprised.
It was the Gryffindors turn to be surprised.
"You mean, she did not come here to heal her injuries?" asked a perplexed Hermione
"What do you mean injuries? Is she hurt?" asked a concerned madam Pomfrey.
"Never mind. Sorry for bothering you", said Harry rushing out towards Draco who was still arguing with Pansy.
Harry sent Draco a message mentally to stop all arguments and accompany him towards Great hall for breakfast.
Once in the Great hall, Harry walked towards Ravenclaw table and looked at Cho who was animatedly talking with Terry boot. There were no injuries what so ever and she looked normal.
Cho looked at Harry, a bit puzzled but pleased about his visit to Ravenclaw table.
"Cho, Why did you ask me password to Dumbledore's office?" asked Harry politely.
"Oh! I just wanted to complain about the Slytherins troubling few first year's near Ravenclaw common room as my complaints to Filtwick or Snape were not acted upon", replied Cho still confused.
"Oh..." said Harry "Did you talk to him?" without knowing what else to ask.
"No, But I will", replied Cho, expecting him to talk more.
"See you around Cho", said Harry and walked back to her disappointment.
Though Hermione trusts Harry, she couldn't help become tense as Harry stood there speaking with Cho. She looked at him expectantly as he walked back.
'So? What did she say?' asked Hermione in her mind via telepathy.
'Nothing. She wanted to complain about Slytherin. But she didn't do yet' broadcasted Harry to all the Order members. He heard Draco groan a little and Ginny giggle.
'All right, we did hit a snag there. What do we do now?' asked Harry again.
'Leave that to me. I will research and get the proof' suggested Hermione making Ron laugh. She glared at him making him concentrate back on his food.
'No need. I actually tried to read her mind and I didn't find anything suspicious, except for jealousy towards you, Hermione' said Harry to Hermione through his mind
Hermione kept silent.
'Remember everyone, we have a special session on exploring wandless magic. It seems like no one is getting it yet', announced Harry making Ron groan this time.
Later Harry informed about their failed allegation to Dumbledore and went back to classes. Harry, Draco went to Ancient Runes, Hermione to Arithmancy while Ron, Lavender went to Divination and Ginny to fifth year potions.
Late that night the Order of Light gathered in the dungeons for practicing Wandless magic.
"Concentrate on the magic. Feel the power. Feel it flow through you", suggested Harry to all his friends.
Draco was concentrating real hard and suddenly he got his wand into his hands from over 10 feet. Ginny was jumping with joy.
"Good job Draco. Now, continue concentrating on throwing simple curses out", said Harry.
In no time Ron got over the basics and so did Ginny. They both were laughing as they cursed each other with the tickling curse. Draco on the other hand was helping Lavender understand the idea behind it, while Harry helped Hermione.
For some weird reason, Hermione couldn't get to do the wandless magic. Finally after Lavender achieved some basic spells they decided to break up.
"Harry, Do you think I will be able to do it?" asked Hermione doubtfully.
"OfCourse Hermione. You are inhibiting yourself from letting the magic flow freely. Once you get past that you will easily do it", replied Harry.
* * *
Soon the final of Quidditch arrived. Gryffindor against Slytherin.
'Harry!' shouted Draco mentally.
'What is it Draco?' replied Harry.
'Where the hell are you? Dumbledore wants to see you immediately' said Draco in his mind.
'Sure, I will be there in a few minutes' responded Harry. Soon, the six assembled in Dumbledore's office.
"Harry, We received information that they are planning to kidnap anyone of your friends to lure you to Voldermort", said Dumbledore.
All six looked at each other.
"If my information is correct, they might try it tomorrow, during the Quidditch final", continued Dumbledore.
"We can take them anytime, anywhere professor", replied Draco confidently.
"Only if they fight fair Mr. Malfoy", completed Dumbledore.
"Anyway, I want all of you to be careful. Keep in sight of each other and keep talking mentally, particularly when you are outside the castle", suggested Dumbledore.
All of the six nodded.
The next morning before the Quidditch match, Harry met up with the Order again.
"Listen. Me, Draco, Ron and Ginny will be on team. So we can look after each other. But I am worried about You and Lavender. So you two sit in the stands close to the teacher's section and that way we can be assured of everyone's safety", said Harry. Hermione nodded.
After a brief session in the training room the teams arrived on to the field.
"For Gryffindor, Weasley, Creevey, York, Finnigan, Thomas, Captain and Seeker POTTER!" shouted Dennis Creevey. He took over from his brother last year after Colin got into the team.
"For Slytherin, Leroy, Bullstrode, Chapman, Crabb, Goyle, Captain and Seeker Malfoy", announced Dennis with a bit if disinterest.
Soon the Bludgers, Snitch and the Quaffle were up in the air and the whole stadium cheered. Harry was carefully looking around and so is Draco and Ron. They were not as bothered about the outcome of the game as the safety of their friends.
Harry looked into the stands and to his horror found only Lavender in the seat. He quickly flew towards the stands and approached Lavender.
"Lavender, where is Hermione?" asked Harry.
"She wanted to check something in the library, Harry. She said she would be here in a jiffy", said Lavender.
Harry simply nodded and flew back, but he failed to notice a cloaked figure sneaking into the castle walking along the walls.
Harry quickly sent a message to Hermione telepathically.
'Mione, Where are you? Are you alright?' asked Harry. 'Of course Harry. I am perfectly fine. I just finished researching here. I will be there in a few minutes. Get the snitch for me (smiles beautifully)', said Hermione.
Harry smiled back and went looking for it. However good friend Draco has become, he wouldn't want to throw the game away to Harry. He was tailing Harry where ever Harry went.
Soon they tailed the snitch and Harry kicked his broom to keep up with the snitch. Harry and Draco raced after the snitch at amazing speeds. The whole stadium concentrated on them as they sped after the snitch. Slowly Harry leveled with the snitch. As he did, the snitch dropped a couple of feet down and Harry swooned on the snitch, to his side, hanging upside down with his legs crossed on the firebolt, and caught the snitch. Swiftly, he completed the loop and returned back on top of the broom to the deafening shouts of support of Gryffindors.
The whole stadium erupted into cheers and as he landed all his friends ran up to him. He realized Hermione is still absent.
'Hermione', called Harry. There was no response.
'Mione!' shouted Harry mentally. But there was no response.
Harry quickly alerted Ron, Draco, Ginny and Lavender. They all ran from the patting audience into the castle and straight into the library. The library was empty as even Madam Pince was watching the game and there was Hermione's quill on the floor. Her books were intact on the table. There was a parchment on the books.
Harry tentatively picked it up and read it.
Mr. Potter!
We have something important that belongs to you. Come and get her if you can.
Hail Dark Lord!
There was a dark mark on the parchment.
Harry crumbled on to the floor sobbing like a kid. Ron, Draco, Ginny and Lavender grabbed the parchment and read it. All of their faces went pale. Ron and Draco ran to Dumbledore and explained him everything.
Harry stopped talking to everyone. He constantly tried to communicate with Hermione, but without any response. McGonagall, Snape, Sirius and Arabella searched for any clues in the library but found none.
"Harry, be strong. Nothing will happen to Ms. Granger", said Dumbledore
Harry merely stared at Dumbledore and looked down again. They were all grieved to see Harry go through so much pain of loosing his love. Sirius was in near tears and stayed with Harry all the time.
Dumbledore walked into the center of library and asked everyone to clear. He pointed his wand towards Hermione's table and muttered, "Revealo nuper eventus"
A silvery screen kind of thin appeared and Hermione appeared on the screen, reading a book seriously.
Harry stood up shivering with pain and affection. It was like watching a movie, a rerun of recent events to be precise. Hermione smiled to herself, probably due to the discussion she had with Harry.
After a few minutes, she heard some sound behind her and as she turned back, she saw a cloaked figure cursing a sleeping spell on her. She immediately fell down. The cloaked figure smiled wickedly and placed a parchment on the books. Then the figure drew a small rock and held Hermione. As the port key activated they disappeared from the library.
Harry once again started crying and fell on to a chair. He couldn't bear anything happening to Hermione and in such bad times. He was scared out of wits for what might be happening to her.
"Mr. Weasley, Please help Harry to his dorm and stay with him. He needs his friends more than ever", suggested Dumbledore.
They all nodded and helped Harry to his feet. Ron, Harry, Draco, Ginny and Lavender walked into the Gryffindor Common room. That was the second time for Draco in the Gryffindor common room. He sat on the couch next to Ginny. Ron went upstairs to help Harry to bed.
Lavender couldn't just sit around and wait.
'I have to do something. I have to find where Hermione is. But how do I?' she thought.
Ron came back and sat next to Lavender.
"How is he doing?" asked Ginny
"He is like a zombie. He is just lying on the bed and staring into space", said Ron sadly.
"Who would have thought, Trelawney would have predicted it for sure", said Draco sarcastically.
Ron and Ginny smiled at it, but Lavender looked at him thoughtfully. Draco thought that the comment offended her. But before he could say anything, Lavender ran up to her dorm.
Draco looked at Ron who merely shrugged. Ginny wanted to go after Lavender.
"Let her be for some time Gin", said Ron.
Meanwhile, Lavender sat on her bed with a crystal ball in front of her. She knew her gift on divination and now is probably the best time to utilize it. She closed her eyes and cleared her mind. Then she concentrated on Hermione strongly and stared into the crystal ball. Slowly the swirling mist gave way to a blurry but sharpening image.
Lavender gasped when she saw Hermione alone and unconscious in a small cell. It was pitch dark all around. She tried hard to peer for more details. She found a wooden door with some carvings on it. There whole room spanned 8 feet wide and 12 feet long with some blankets around. The only light source was from a very small window on the top. Soon there was some motion and two cloaked figures walked in. They stared at Hermione, took her wand and walked away.
Lavender broke her concentration and ran all the way to the common room. Ron, Ginny and Draco stared at her like she was mad. But She was far from caring. She ran all the way into the boy's dorm and shook Harry awake.
"Harry, Harry, wake up. I saw Hermione", Lavender nearly shouted.
Harry jolted up from the last words of Lavender.
"Where Lav? How?" asked confused.
Ron, Ginny and Draco walked into the dorm to find Lavender explaining what she saw in the crystal ball. Everyone listened holding breaths.
"You mean...that shi...stuff works", wondered Ron aloud.
"Shut it Ron", hissed Ginny
They immediately ran to Dumbledore to explain him all the events that happened.
* * *
Hermione woke up groggily. The last thing she remembered was someone stunning her. She looked around to figure out where she was. She couldn't place anything. To her horror her wand was not with her. Hermione stood up and looked around for her wand.
"Looking for this? Hermione", laughed someone from the shadows.
Hermione was alarmed with the voice.
"Viktor?" asked hesitantly.
Viktor krum walked out into her vision, holding her wand.
"My dear Hermione. How have you been? I am back for you. Nothing can separate us anymore", said Viktor dropping the wand at a corner.
"Stop it Viktor. Let me go now", said Hermione
"How can I Hermione? I luv you", said Viktor mockingly "better than Potter"
"Shut up Viktor. You can never even compare yourself with Harry" hissed Hermione.
"Why Hermione? What's so special about him? Is it because he defeated dark Lord? He may just fail to do so again", said Viktor with a grin.
"Viktor, I treated you as a good friend. How could you do this? Why are you doing this?" asked Hermione feeling helpless.
"Friend! I don't want to be your friend. I want something more and I am going to have it, like it or not", laughed Viktor evilly and started to advance on her.
Hermione backed off to the wall. She tried desperately to message Harry telepathically. But Hermione's mind is still clouded and couldn't concentrate properly.
Finally she hit the wall and Viktor pushed her hands to her side, held at the wrists. Hermione desperately tried to get away but he was too strong.
"Don't worry Hermione. It will feel so good that you will be asking for more", sneered Viktor trying to catch her lips.
Hermione cringed. "Please Viktor", she desperately begged.
"That's it. Beg like that. Besides you won't have much of a choice after the dark Lord kills that pathetic Potter boy and then you", laughed Viktor again.
That hit a nerve. Hermione was furious, so much so that her whole body tensed up. Viktor failed to notice the growing anger in her face. Suddenly, out of nowhere.
WHAM!
Viktor was pushed away into the wall behind him so hard that Hermione thought his back broke.
"wat the....", Before Viktor can retaliate, Hermione waved her hand again making him hit the other wall with as much force.
"Never insult Harry in front of me....EVER!" shouted Hermione
With great difficulty Viktor took his wand out and cursed, "stupefy". Hermione was oblivious to all that is happening. She was so furious; she could feel heat emanating from her face. The curse hit her head on. Astonishingly, the curse went straight into Hermione. She just absorbed it.
"NO WAY", muttered Viktor. He started panicking.
Then she realized. She was not only able to do wandless magic, but also able to absorb curses. By absorbing the curse, she absorbed the magic in the curse into her own system, making her temporarily stronger.
Hermione immediately tried to communicate with Harry.
'HARRY'
'Hermione? Where are you?'
'I don't know Harry. But they put me in a room.'
Meanwhile, Lavender and Ginny were researching in the restricted section of the library.
"Here Lav! A port key is simple to prepare as long as the destination is very clear in mind. Remember the destination clearly, charm an object to become magical by saying "licentio magus ritus" and then spell 'transmitto capt alio', followed by a word or a time for activating it, if needed. To return to the point of origination, finish the spells with 'transmitto redeo' ", finished Ginny.
Lavender nodded, still doubtful about it.
"Gin, are you sure we can do this?" asked Lavender hesitantly.
"Positive. Besides, we are not ordinary witches, remember", smiled Ginny.
"Let's do it", Lavender nodded.
Lavender closed her eyes and remembered Hermione and the room she saw in the crystal ball into great detail. Then she pulled her quill and placed all the necessary charms.
"Ready?" asked Lavender.
Ginny made sure both of them are ready and nodded. They both touched the port key and immediately felt a tug at the navel.
They both landed on each other, dazed from the travel.
'Remind me never to travel using a port key.' Sighed Lavender.
'Ginny! Where are you?' shouted Draco mentally.
'Draco, err.... We made a port key and are in some sort of a dungeon. We plan to get Hermione from whatever this place is' replied Ginny.
A few seconds of silence and suddenly panicked voice came to them.
'YOU! WHAT?' yelled Draco.
'Draco, don't panic. We can take care of ourselves. Tell Ron not to worry about Lavender' replied Ginny coolly.
'But Ginny, you could have told us' came an exasperated Ron's voice.
'Alright, that is enough. Just wait for us' responded before cutting the connection.
They both tiptoed along a dungeon like corridor. They looked around the corner to find a couple of death eaters walking their way.
'Ginny, we need to get rid of them without making any sounds' said Lavender mildly panicking.
'leave it to me' said Ginny smugly.
She took a couple of small miniature fishnets and threw them at the approaching death eaters.
Before they could realize what's happening, the small nets increased in size and tightly bound the two and gagged them automatically.
'That's Weasleys wizard wheezes for you' grinned Ginny.
Both continued tiptoeing along the corridor.
* * *
Hermione ran outside the door and tried to find a way out.
"Granger, you can't run away from us", shouted the same woman that kidnapped her, from end of the corridor. Before she could do something, someone pulled her hand. She tried to push them away.
"Herm, it's me", said Lavender standing next to Ginny.
Ginny immediately drew her wand and stunned the cloaked figure. Though they could do wandless magic, it was not as effective as their wand.
"How did you?...." Was all Hermione could say.
"Herm, are you alright?" asked Ginny concernedly.
Hermione simply nodded and hugged both her best friends and started crying. She never thought she would see them again.
Meanwhile, Viktor came out from the cell and tried to curse them. But Lavender muttered some spell and Viktor almost froze. She immediately pulled the port key and in an instant all three were tugged back to Hogwarts.
* * *
Harry, Ron and Draco were seated concernedly along with Sirius, Remus, Arabella, Severes, McGonagall and Dumbledore in the library.
Suddenly, three girls stumbled, steadied themselves and smiled sheepishly.
Harry was ecstatic on seeing Hermione back. He ran and hugged her to his heart with all his strength.
"I am glad to have you back Mione", said Harry with tears flowing down his cheeks.
"Me too Harry....me too" said Hermione kissing his cheek.
"Lav, What the hell you two were thinking by going away like that", shouted a concerned Ron. Lavender glared at him but was interrupted by Dumbledore.
"Ms. Brown, Ms. Weasley. As much as I am thankful, I really want all the details of events that transpired in the last four hours", said Dumbledore taking a chair.
Both Lavender and Ginny looked at each other and started telling the events happened. After that Hermione explained things that have happened to her in the captivity. Harry hugged her when he heard what she went through.
"I am impressed Ms. Brown, Ms. Weasley, on your successful mission of locating Hermione, making and using a port key and fighting the death eaters" paused Dumbledore.
"I also want to congratulate Ms. Granger upon successfully discovering her ability of Curse absorption along with wandless magic", said Dumbledore making Hermione go pink.
"But I will have to ask you not to repeat such feats without telling anyone" said Dumbledore smiling.
Both the girls nodded innocently.
Harry hugged Hermione again and kissed her softly. He then turned towards Lavender and Ginny.
"Lavender, Ginny. Thank you very much. I don't know what I have done if anything happened to her", said Harry.
"Don't Harry. Hermione is our friend too. Is this too much to do for a friend?" asked Lavender smiling.
Harry shook his head smiling as Hermione hugged Lavender and thanked her again. Draco didn't give them a chance at Ginny.
"Harry, it's not Cho who kidnapped me. I also encountered the cloaked woman in those dungeons. She is different. She is taller than Cho and probably stronger. I just can't place her voice", said Hermione thinking.
"Stop thinking Mione. We will sort it out later. I am just glad you're safe and back. I owe Lavender and Ginny my life. I am sorry I was not there when you needed me", said Harry hugging her as they walked to their common room.
"Harry, It's my fault that this happened. I should have stayed at the Quidditch game", said Hermione shaking her head.
Harry silenced her with a deep kiss.
* * *
Draco walked slowly towards the library with a letter in his hand. He found Lavender, Ron, Harry and Hermione doing their homework. He just plopped next to them and sighed.
"What happened Draco?" asked Hermione concernedly?
Draco just smiled weakly and gave the letter to her. It read:
Draco!
I am completely disappointed in you. I planned so much for you and did all the things to make you happy. But your rejection of serving our master is a very bad decision on your part.
I give you a last chance. If you do not choose to come to us and choose to stay with that muggle loving fools, you are no longer a son for me. You are not welcome at the manor and you will not get a knut from me. All your Gringotts accounts are cleared.
Lucius Malfoy.
Hermione passed the letter to Lavender and Ron.
"I am sorry Draco", whispered Hermione.
Harry immediately looked up at him, straight into his eyes.
"Draco. I will support your studies and any expenses you might incur..." paused for a second. He knows that Malfoys don't accept favor. He continued "...till you can repay" completed Harry hopefully.
"And Draco, You can stay with us at the Burrow for summer", said Ron placing a hand on Draco's shoulder.
Draco did not know what to say. Here are the people he tormented for years and they are helping him at the first chance they get.
Harry just nodded understanding how Draco felt.
"Thank you so much guys. You don't know what it means to me. I only feel bad that I didn't find you early", said Draco, thankfulness showering through his eyes.
"And we are glad we found you, Draco", said Lavender smiling softly.
"Who is glad about what?" asked Ginny walking into the library and pecking Draco softly.
Hermione told her all that has happened and Ginny hugged Draco.
"Who would have known? A Slytherin living with Gryffindors", laughed Ginny.
Harry looked at all the laughing faces. Sure there are dangers hiding around the corners, but it is their moment to seize, their moment to cherish. Even if he were to die, he would happily do so feeling glad he had such wonderful friends.
Hermione squeezed his hand softly, smiling at him.
'Every cloud has a silver lining', thought Harry kissing Hermione.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Aww... How much ever I try, I keep landing into fluff and Romance. God help me. Sorry if this chapter is boring. The story is coming to an end soon. A few more chappies to go and hopefully, the ending will be a blast (of the action I planned). I got to go and invent more spell and curses (cackles evilly.....)
Love you all!