A/N:

Brendan: You'll probably read this two months later, but that link doesn't work any more. The website moved on to other things (darn them!) but I assure you that it specifically hosted an interview clearly stating that H/H was to happen in the future books.

BraveSpiritGryffindor: It's not sad that Hermione didn't hug Ron in the movie! It's brilliant! Besides, he didn't want to be hugged… Harry did ^_^; Thanks a bunch!

Archforge: Wow. You reviewed on every chapter. Thank you so much!

Naomi Silverwolf: Oooooo… you're very thoughtful, aren't you? Quite tryna figuring out what'll happen! You'll ruin the surprise! Thanks!

Max Lonewolf: Wow, you're really into the H/H stuff, aren't you? You timed the big H/H hug! Awwwwww! Aren't they cute? And I just realized that their first meeting in COS was flirtatious. My, have they grown into their parts! Thanks, Max!

Sparkle Tangerine: GREAT review! I'm really glad that you liked my last chapter! It was differcult… but this chapter was a bit easier, except for the new spells (new spells, you say? Yep! *giggles with glee*)

xT-Zealot: I don't mind spiders, and I'm a girl! I can squish them… what I don't like is that SPLAT sound they make when you crush their little bodies. Ew… I just grossed myself out. Anyways, thanks so much for adding my fic to your favourites!

DragonBlond: I liked the spider part! What's wrong with you people! They're only eight-legged creatures with great, shiny eyes and fur on their disgusting bodies! My dad likes Ron the best, though, because of his facial expressions… and he's funny. Yeah, okay, I give! Ron is funny! No, not Ron, Rupert is funny! There. I settled that… *folds arms in satisfaction*

Animefairy: Oh, that's very nice of you! But don't go skipping sleep to read this… you wont remember the chapters! Anyways, thanks!

E.C.R Potter: I don't trust Pansy either. But just wait to see what happens! Hehe! Thanks!

Liza: Thanks for your review!

Thefly: Yeah, yeah, yeah. You won't nag me that much… but don't stop now, it's doing me so much good! *snicker* Thanks! Keep up the naggin'!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD H/H ROMANCE!

I hope you all get your true heart's desire (Herms did!)

…~'*'~…

The castle grounds were free of snow; spring was in the air. The strange peacock like birds were flourishing on the grounds again and the trees were dripping with water. Hermione's feet absorbed the green grass and then sprang back to life as she walked around the grounds, breathing deeply, letting the fresh air fill her lungs. People were everywhere, enjoying the day.

Hermione could be properly happy again. Her and Harry were together, more or less, but it was a necessity to keep it all hushed up. Nevertheless, Hermione could vividly remember that silly, stricken look on Harry's face when he saw he for the first time after they admitted their feelings. And the crocked half grin he gave her melted her insides and made her stomach go aflutter.

She had nearly forgotten that she was half asleep when she admitted her feelings to him. But he mustn't have even considered going to his dorm when he answered her with just those few words. It was but a dream; a very genuine dream.

Hermione had woken up early, got dressed and left the castle to wander around, knowing that she, Harry and Ron were to see Hagrid sometime this afternoon. He had owled Harry and asked them to meet him on the south side of the castle, and since the day was wonderful, they only were too happy to agree.

As Hermione crossed a small brook she, Harry and Ron were at the day the Anika Ball was on, she spotted two students descending down the lawn towards her. She heard Ron's noisy, bothersome voice.

"Blasted-end Skrewts! Curse of the Boogies, quicksand… who knows?"

Hermione's heart rose a few feet realizing who they were and who spoke next. She ran up to them.

"Ron, all I'm saying is that it's just a lesson. We wont do anything as drastic as… quick sand? Why would you think that?"

Hermione stopped in front of them and placed a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder.

"What are you on about now?" she asked him. He looked at her, smiling sheepishly, and handed her something. It was a piece of parchment. As Hermione read it, she realized that enjoying the first sights of spring was immediately crossed off her list. Wizard's Dueling Challenge and Lesson, it read.

"It's at noon in the grand hall," said Ron wretchedly, "And if it's like the last one, I'll be partnered with Malfoy. It's getting worse and worse every time, I tell you. You do know about the duel, don't you?" he added at Hermione.

Hermione shook her head, handing the paper back to Harry.

"Well, if we're going to it, we'd better visit Hagrid now, don't you think?"

"Yeah," said Harry absentmindedly, watching Hermione, "Yeah, let's go."

Harry, Ron and Hermione started across the lawn to the other side of the grounds, south of the castle, towards Hagrid, who was just next to the stream. The closer they got to him, the more Hermione wanted to leave in the other direction. He had several new creatures Hermione had never seen before, and he was feeding them what looked like lettuce; when they walked even closer to him, Hagrid looked up – and chuckled, his beetle black eyes sinking into his head with happiness as he laughed.

"What're you laughing at?" Hermione asked him curiously as she, Harry and Ron stopped in front of him.

Hagrid was far away from answering, however. He looked from Harry and Hermione, and said, "You both look like Lily an' James, it's hard ter believe!"

Hermione blushed, and to save the humiliation, she looked at the bizarre creatures that Hagrid was feeding. They were disgusting – they were completely covered in brown fur. They had mouths around the edge of them, filled with sharp teeth, and two big eyes that looked like bizarre Muggle lamps perched on what was most likely the top of their heads. They had short, stubby feet like those of a green salamander. Hermione thought they looked like oddly brown potatoes – they even had to lumps and knobs.

"Uh, Hagrid," said Ron, watching one of the creatures worriedly as one of them shuffled towards his leg, a long pink tongue protruding from it's row of teeth, "What're these?"

"Wompilers," said Hagrid, "Dead useful things. An' Siamoen gave me permission the feed 'em some lettuce," he raised his handful of green lettuce suggestively, "an' he knows we don' get them at Hogwarts. They only hatch them here in Dryconderoga."

"Hatch?" repeated Harry, bending down and prodding one of the Wompilers with his finger.

"Of course! The Herbology Professor they have 'ere hatches 'em in the greenhouses. Says I can take 'em for a short walk," said Hagrid proudly.

Hermione watched Hagrid throw a head of lettuce at one of the Wompilers, which caught it and with a slurp, swallowed it whole. So Hagrid had met another strange creature that he'd probably sneak to Hogwarts with him. It was a repeating process: Hagrid takes illegal creature from school; creature gets stuffed under Hagrid's bed for hiding; Harry, Ron and Hermione find the illegal creature; Harry Ron and Hermione attempt to convince Hagrid to return the illegal creature to the wild. It was all so original.

"But… you're not taking them back to Hogwarts, are you, Hagrid?" said Harry, peering closely at Hagrid, who frowned.

"Er… no, of course not!" he looked shocked, "I'm teh keep 'em in their cages when I'm not with 'em, locked away… so I can't keep 'em." Then he folded his hands in front of him, tottering back and forth on his heels very suspiciously. Harry, Ron and Hermione exchanged worried glances.

"Hagrid, I don't want to find that thing in your hut. It's probably illegal to keep them as a personal pet," reasoned Hermione.

"Hagrid, did you hear about Malfoy?" said Ron suddenly, as though struck by a sudden thought, "You did hear about him, didn't you?"

"Oh, yeah. Dumbledore mentioned it this morning," said Hagrid, beaming, "I wan'ed to tell yeh he said that he'd be back ter normal in a couple 'o days. Nasty little number he got himself in, eh?"

"Yeah," said Harry, "Nobody knows who did it to him, either. All the Slytherins went mad, though, nobody wanted to go near him."

"But you volunteered to help 'em to the Infirmary. Siamoen told me," Hagrid added, noticing their confused looks, "Yer father would've done the same thing with Snape when they were in school," Harry, who was watching a Wompiler, suddenly looked up at him with interest, "I remember this time when Snape was just gettin' the hang of makin' potions when one of em' backfired. James an' yer Mum carried him all the way teh the infirmary."

Hermione looked at Harry, and was relieved to see him speechless with happiness. Instead of replying, he bent down and petted one of the Wompliers, much to Hermione's disgust.

"They're not that bad, Hermione," said Ron, who was kneeling next to one of the Wompilers and scratching under its chin (it made a strange noise, like a cross between hissing and purring).

"Don't be ridiculous, Ron," argued Hermione, "Everything to you is harmless, isn't it? But it was you who was bitten by Norbert, wasn't it? Honestly, that thing has rows of sharp teeth!"

"But they don't use them for tearing people to pieces, though, do they Hagrid?"

"Well, not 'people'… lettuce, but not humans," said Hagrid, scratching his enormous chin, "Maybe dragon liver an' the Kelpie kind… but not human'."

Ron looked up at him, frowning. Hermione smiled, noticing that he had no idea what a Kelpie was.

"If you had read useful books instead of comics, you would know how dangerous Kelpies are," said Hermione smartly, "A Kelpie is demon that can take many shapes, but it prefers the shape of a horse. It lures unwary people onto its back then swims to the bottom of a lake or river to devour the rider, letting the entrails float to the surface." Hermione watched Ron and Harry's faces contort to horror for a moment before adding, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, chapter twelve."

Harry and Ron both jumped back from the Wompilers and wiped their hands on their robes, disgusted with themselves. Hagrid chuckled lightly.

"Listen, you three, I got to put these back before they get bored an' want the spoil summat," said Hagrid gruffly, "Besides, yeh got yer duel to look towards, eh?"

Hermione nodded slowly and left up the sloping lawn again with Harry and Ron. She looked over her shoulder and watched as Hagrid gave them a furtive glance and pulled out several collars and ropes out of this mole-skin overcoat to tie the Wompilers with.

"Hagrid wouldn't bring one back to Hogwarts, would he?" Hermione said, ejecting a bit of reason into her voice as they entered the grand hall, "I mean… w-would he?"

Harry and Ron didn't answer, for something had caught their eye the moment they walked inside the hall. Neville, who was talking to a group of harassed-looking first year Gryfindors, gave out a squeal, realizing that they had walked inside.

"Hermione! Dumbledore wanted you to-to go to the Infirmary!" he said in a rush or words, hurrying towards them, his round face pink with exhaustion, "He asked me to send you there. I've been looking for you everywhere!"

 "What, Neville? Why?" said Hermione in confusion, unaware that all the people in the hall were watching with interest.

"I dunno, he didn't say. He told me to tell you to go right away."

Harry looked from Neville to Hermione. "Malfoy's in there. I'll go with you."

"No! She has to go alone. But Malfoy can't hurt her, Dumbledore's there as well. He can't pull one over when he's around," said Neville darkly, "The Dueling Lesson's going to start in half an hour, but it wont take long."

Hermione looked around the hall. Professors Kohl and McGonagall were moving the house table to the side of the hall with a small motion of their wands; Siamoen, Flitwick and various students were clearing the floor of everything else. They had already started preparing.

Hermione nodded to Neville and turned to Harry and Ron.

"I'll try to be back before the Lesson starts. Don't worry about me," said Hermione.

She silently stepped closer to Harry and grasped his hand. He gripped it tightly.

"If Malfoy does anything, tell us so we can… knock some sense into him," said Ron, his ears turning red, "I'm not very good at Transfiguration, but I can make him have the legs of a ferret. And the nose too… that would be worthwhile, wouldn't it?"

Hermione smiled, gave Harry's hand a final goodbye squeeze and left them.

She passed students heading to the hall, all in which were holding their wands and talking in excited whispers. Hermione started down the corridor from where they were coming, going the opposite way and passing classrooms with Dryconderoga students pouring out of them. A few people looked at her, noticing where she was from and that she was going the opposite way they were.

Hermione approached the Infirmary door, and with a small hesitation, she pushed it open and walked inside.

The Matron was sitting at her desk like Hermione has seen her once before, reading a newspaper. She looked up at Hermione and smiled, gesturing to the other end of the Infirmary, where only one bed was occupied, which had the curtain drawn.

Hermione nodded in determination and descended down the long lines of beds until she saw Dumbledore, sitting in a chair on the other side of the occupied bed, where the drawn curtain stopped. She was disgusted to see Malfoy sitting up, his arm in a sling and a grimace on his face. His hair was not sleek and back, but all over the place and his face was not pale, but a little flushed.

"You wanted to see me, Professor?" Hermione asked Dumbledore.

Dumbledore nodded, patting the seat of the chair beside him as he packed away the wrappings of a chocolate frog. Hermione shook her head, but came closer. She didn't want to sit near Malfoy when he was like this.

"Fair enough," said Dumbledore, pulling out another sweet. He unwrapped it and looked at Hermione "Surbert lemon? I'm rather fond of them."

"Er… no thank you, Professor. I, uh… just ate."

She and Malfoy waited a minute until Dumbledore had finished. When he did, he put the wrapper in his pocket, brushed off his hands, then looked around the Infirmary.

"Do you know why I asked Mr. Longbottom to bring you here, Miss. Granger?" he asked Hermione, who shook her head, "So I ask you… were you around Mr. Malfoy when he was injured?"

Hermione shook her head again.

"Harry, Ron and I just entered the common room and found him… on the ground," said Hermione quietly, "Everyone was around him."

"And did you see him get injured when you were in the corridor? Did you, perhaps, see anything unusual?" Dumbledore asked.

"No, sir. We just came back from the owlrey to write a letter to Sir-" Hermione stopped herself before saying anymore, about to clap her hand over her mouth from saying too much. But more calmly, she added, "- my parents, just to check up with them. We didn't meet anyone or see anything."

Dumbledore nodded gravely, understanding what she was saying perfectly. Hermione felt that odd feeling again, like she was being questioned with the facts that he already knew. But what did he know?

"And you didn't see Mr. Malfoy?"

"No, not at all that morning. Why? Should I have?" said Hermione.

"I apologize if I'm making you feel as if I'm inquisitive with you, but I'm just fitting a few puzzles that were seemingly misplaced," said Dumbledore, his eyes sparkling behind his half-moon spectacles, "But I believe that the facts have become understandable now."

Hermione had almost forgotten that Malfoy was in the room. She jumped when he spoke.

"Understandable? What's that supposed to mean?" he said angrily, "I almost died!"

The matron, who wasn't listening to their conversation until now, shouted across the room, "You did not almost die, you nasty little bugger. You had a simple knock to the head and a broken leg! And you refuse to get rid of that silly sling, now that your arm has healed! I swear, I'd get you to scrub the bedpans for another detention, if I was your Professor!"

Malfoy shoot that Matron a nasty look. Hermione realized that she wasn't kidding when she said those things about Malfoy the day she and Harry brought him into the Infirmary. She inwardly smiled.

"Well, I mean to say that the facts have become more clearer than before," started Dumbledore, his beard twitching. Then he said, more seriously, "Did you hear the words Malfoy was speaking when you brought him here?"

Hermione thought back to that day. Harry leant over Malfoy, trying to get him to respond to his words, but he could only moan and… utter the single word 'rat'. He did it throughout the entire time that she and Harry brought him to the Infirmary.

"H-he kept saying 'rat', Professor. I thought he went mad."

Dumbledore nodded, "Does that sound significant to you at all?"

Hermione shook her head, wondering what he was getting at.

            "Can you think of nothing? You did not meet a single student on your way to the common room; you did not see Malfoy get injured; he used the word 'rat' when it would be painful to even make a sound," said Dumbledore slowly, "The last thing he remembered had obviously struck him as something momentous, and he felt that he needed to tell someone." Her peered closely at Hermione.

            "The first person he spoke to… was Harry."

            "Precisely. And why do you think Mr. Malfoy felt it was important for Harry to hear the word 'rat'? Why did he speak the word to him?"

            Hermione wracked her brain in thought, aware that both Malfoy and Dumbledore were watching her concentrate.

            "Because a rat was the last thing he saw after he was attacked," said Hermione slowly, "But that's ridiculous. Whey would a rat attack him?"

            Suddenly, something flashed past her thoughts. The night she had first met Sirius Black in person; the night Remus Lupin befriended his old acquaintance; the night Ron lost his pet rat to Lupin… Peter Pettigrew. Why hadn't she realized it sooner?
            "It was Wormtail!" gasped Hermione, "But how did he… I-I don't understand."

            Dumbledore leaned back, folding his hands in his lap.

            "In his Animagus form, Peter is difficult to find and almost as difficult to avoid. He has followed us to this very castle for a purpose," said Dumbledore, "and it could be for any reason. His Master may have sent him on a mission, yet it includes this castle, or something inside it."

            "But… what if he's after Harry?" said Hermione, her voice trembling slightly.

            "He would not do such a thing as that. He is a panicky character, Peter, and he would never think of accepting a mission to destroy Harry on his own."

            "Too bad. If he wasn't such a coward, he would have attacked Potter and not me!" hissed Malfoy.

            "Do not be too sure, Mr. Malfoy. I mean to say that you are a Slytherin and the Dark Side favours your house in particular. You come from a long line of Slytherins and your father is indeed a powerful wizard. Peter attacked you for an unknown reason, not because you were the target nearest him."

            Hermione looked at the floor, thinking. Dumbledore was right. There was no reason that Peddigrew attacked Malfoy. There was no visible reason for him to follow the Hogwarts students to Dryconderoga at all.

            "Sir," said Hermione softly, "That night of the third task – the tournament – Peter Pettigrew was with Harry. And so was You-Know-Who. And Harry escaped. D'you think… is it possible for You-Know-Who to send Peter here to fetch Harry and bring him back to his Master?"

            She did not truly want to know the answer; Dumbledore sighed heavily, shaking his head from side to side.

            "I requested for you to come here, not Harry, for a reason," he told her, "You see, Harry needs those dueling lessons… to prepare for anything that challenges him. He has his hands full, that boy. He just needs to be taught how to handle any situations. But he's doing a fine job," Hermione held her breath, "So yes, it is possible."

            Hermione felt sick. She but her face in her hands and took a deep breath, fighting tears.

            "Granger," spat Malfoy, looking a little afraid, "If Potter can suffer through a torture, I think he can at least avoid a stupid rat. Besides, it was me who was attacked and I didn't do anything! I'm sure that you'll look after him, though, wont you? Like you always do?"

            Hermione looked up and glared at Malfoy, his face a little disoriented through the tears that were clouding up her eyes, "Pettigrew is dangerous and I don't want to see Harry attacked by a… stupid rat! And your father's a Death Eater, Malfoy, so it's safe to say that you've hurt plenty of people!"

            She had touched a nerve. Malfoy's mouth dropped open and his arms tensed, looking far angrier then he was expected to be in the Infirmary, but Dumbledore stopped whatever he could've done.

            "Enough. Miss. Granger, please proceed to the dueling lesson in the grand hall," he said, getting to his feet, "And Mr. Malfoy, I'd much prefer you to go to your common room."

            Hermione agreed. She left the Infirmary, her thoughts dull and her throat sore and dry. Without speaking to any stragglers who passed her on their way to the lesson, she took her wand from her trunk in the girl's dormitories and left the common room. She didn't feel the need to hurry; she had no need for the lesson. But Dumbledore was right… Harry had to prepare.

            Hermione entered the Grand hall and found that everyone, from all three schools, was there. There was a long platform reaching both ends of the hall in the center of the room and the students were crowding around it, all holding wands and all looking excited. Hermione stood on her tiptoes, looking around for Harry and Ron. But she needn't go far.

            Someone seized her shoulder and whirled her around. It was Ron, and Harry was just behind him, grinning.

            "C'mon, we got places right next to the stage," said Ron.

            Harry led them both to a very good spot where they could see everything. Hermione looked down the platform and saw Professors Kohl, Siamoen and… Dumbledore. How did he get there so quickly?

            Hermione watched Dumbledore in awe, and for a moment, she could swear he winked at her...

Harry gently nudged Hermione. "You OK?"

Hermione tried to look at Dumbledore again, but he had turned and started talking to Siamoen.

"Yes… I'm fine."

A moment later, a loud bang made everyone jump. Professor Kohl, who was now standing alone at the end of the platform, had her wand raised for silence. Most people went quiet, except for Neville, who was so surprised by the loud noise that started spluttering.

"Your attention please," said Professor Kohl loud enough for the entire hall to hear. Seamus clapped a hand over Neville's mouth to quiet him, "Thank you. Now… for those of you who do not know me, I am Professor Kohl, the headmistress of Nockernia. I have kindly been allowed to teach these three fine schools an advanced lesson of dueling."

Professor Kohl had a gift of keeping silence, just like Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall comprised. She slowly started to walk down the platform, her pale, kind face turning to everyone as she went.

"There is more to dueling than blocking and disarming unwanted curses, as some of you may have encountered," continued Professor Kohl, "The disarming charm is used to deactivate an enemy with his or her wand, but does not injure them unless the one using it is a powerful individual. The blocking curse not only blocks unwanted spells but also drains the user's energy significantly. Can anyone tell me why?"

Harry leaned away from Hermione, knowing that her arm would shout upwards into the air.

Professor Kohl looked around and spotted Hermione, "Yes? Miss…"

"… Granger, Professor," said Hermione as Professor Kohl stopped on the stage in front of them, "Blocking curses drain the users energy because the shield that is generated by the spell is very powerful and requires the magic from the user. The more powerful the user is, the less energy is drained."

Professor Kohl smiled with crimson lips. "I couldn't have put it better myself, Miss. Granger." She started down the platform again, "With that in mind, realize that you do not always need a blocking curse. You can just simply move out of the way or retaliate with a stunning curse to save your energy. You must defend yourself, yes, but you must also retaliate.

"Do not let your opponent kick you when you are down. If they should sink to as low as that, they expose themselves as a coward. But suppose the stunning curse is not enough with a strong opponent. You may need to do more damage, not just temporarily preventing your opponent's strikes. If so, you'll need an attack curse."

Professor Kohl stopped at the end of the platform and searched the crowd of awe-struck students. Ron nudged Hermione's arm violently.

"Hermione," she said quietly, "I think… I think Dumbledore's watching you."

He was looking down the platform, pointing to where the Professors stood. Hermione did too, but saw that Ron was wrong; Dumbledore was avidly watching Professor Kohl, nowhere to where they were standing. Hermione stared at Ron, puzzled.

"He was, I swear it."

"You there. What's your name?"

Ron and Hermione jumped. They hadn't noticed Professor Kohl, who was in front of them on the platform now, standing over them. Her small, dark eyes were on Ron.

"What is you name, boy?" she repeated.

This time, it was Hermione's turn to elbow Ron in the ribs.

"R-Ron Weasley, Professor," choked Ron.

Hermione knew what was going to happen. Professor Kohl straightened up and motioned with her hand for Ron to get on the platform, which he did, rather uneasily. He looked around, realizing that everyone was watching, and tried to escape, but Professor Kohl stopped him.

"Ron Weasley. You are from Hogwarts, Gryffindor house, are you not?" Professor Kohl asked Ron in a louder voice so everyone could hear. Ron nodded fervently, "I'll use you as an example. Now, please take out your wand."

Ron dug deep inside his pocket and pulled out his wand.

"Repeat after me," Professor Kohl brought out her own wand from a pocket of her dress robes, raised it high in the air and brought it down, "Vivaci!"

"Vivaci!" said Ron, repeating her wand movements. She smiled at him in delight.

"Excellent," she said, turning back to the watching students, "Now listen carefully. This is a difficult spell to learn; most able wizards only produce a small impact. But what makes this particular spell useful is you can change the amount of force you desire," Ron's mouth fell open, looking more worried than before, "You need to concentrate on your ideal impact and do it quickly, because your opponent may attack before you react."

Ron looked at the Professor in horror as she turned to face him.

"Mr. Weasley. Please stand in the center of the platform," said Professor Kohl, and Ron moved a few steps to the center, "in your ready stance – yes, like that – now, raise you wand."

Ron, legs spread and wand raised, anxiously waited for more instructions, unaware of everyone watching. Harry and Hermione looked at each other – this was going to be good.

"I want you to concentrate on your ideal impact. And as he does, everyone watch the end of his wand," instructed Professor Kohl.

Ron clamped his eyes shut, holding his wand directly in front of him, and concentrated hard. The room was silent and everyone was watching the tip of Ron's wand, for any sort of reaction, and one moment later, when Ron's ears were starting to turn red in effort, a burst of light erupted from his wand tip. Hermione lifted her hands to her eyes to block the light, and so did everyone else, but it didn't last for long.

Ron was still standing on the platform, his eyes open and staring avidly at his own wand. The hall burst into applause, the Hogwart's students louder than the rest.

"Excellent!" said Professor Kohl in delight, "That was brilliant for a first attempt. You produced a very small amount of energy because you wanted for it to happen. You'll notice that your energy has faded just slightly, but you'll regain it all later. The exhaustion is not permanent."

Professor turned and searched the crowd of students.

"I will need a second volunteer."

No sooner were the words out of her mouth when a quick voice from the crowd of nervous faces said, "I will volunteer".

A girl hoisted herself onto the platform. Getting to her feet, she fixed her crimson dress robes, took a deep breath and took her wand from her sleeve. A small grimace appeared on her lips as she looked at the panic-stricken student in front of her.

Hermione seized Harry's arm – it was Marindernia.

"Excellent," said Professor Kohl, "I believe you know the spell?"

"Yes," said Marindernia and Ron stepped back in apprehension.

There was a wave of murmurs rippling through the watching crowd of students. Harry and Hermione watched with bated breath – Marindernia positioned herself in the center of the platform, legs spread and steady, and raised her wand high above her head. A few of her friends whispered words of encouragement, which she ignored. Her violet eyes were set unswervingly on Ron.

Professor Kohl couldn't look any happier.

"Now… Mr. Weasley and Miss. Cuapauil will demonstrate the use of stealth – avoiding curses, while defending themselves. Remember… it's all in the mind. Concentrate and your wand will construct an extraordinary amount of force. But just to be safe, I will put a spell on you each so no injury will be done. It will not affect the amount of force done to you at all."

She approached Ron, who was trembling now, and pointed her wand at him. She did a sort of complicated wave, muttered something, and her wand burst red for a moment. She did the same thing to Marindernia. Whatever it was, it seemed to Hermione that it wasn't working. She bit her lip and squeezed Harry's arm tighter.

Ron got into his dueling stance, wand tremulous and face white as a sheet. Maindernia hadn't moved from her position and she was eyeing him with extreme dislike; her eyes had disappeared under her brow.

The air was dense and the whispering had stopped. The headmasters were watching in interest; Professor Kohl backed up to the very back of the platform.

Hermione held her breath, tightened her grip on Harry's fingers and waited.

"On a count of three," shouted Professor Kohl, "Three – two – one – go!"

Ron panicked. He quickly raised his wand, and roared, "S-stupify!"

His wand tip exploded with a burst of light and shot straight at Marindernia. But, unbelievably, with the loud gasps from the surrounding crowd of students, Marindernia dodged the curse, nearly falling on her back in the process. But she didn't panic. In fact, in a response, she pointed her wand at Ron.

"Vivaci!" she shrieked.

A burst of light erupted from her wand at once. It didn't even look as though she had concentrated at all; it hit Ron hard in the chest, and with some screams from the crowd, he was sent flying through the air past the watching students, right across the platform, shouting in absolute terror the entire way.

"Ron!" shouted Harry in horror.

He and Hermione leaned against the platform, looking down it, and watched as Ron hit the opposite wall with a crack. The Professors mildly watched him, not panicking at the least.

"Do you think he's alright?"

"What did she do to him?"

The hall burst into chatter at once, everyone looking over the heads of the people in front of them. Hermione did too, and saw that Ron was getting to feet. He wasn't hurt.

"You're protected, Mr. Weasley, there cannot be any harm done to you," said Professor Kohl calmly, ushering him towards her, "Please come here, I need one more demonstration."

Hermione looked at Marindernia. So did everyone else. She was still on her feet, in the middle of the platform, wand raised and a foul look in her eyes. Ron, who was going back to his place, stopped dead in his tracks.

"I'm backing out," he said heavily, "I'll like to keep my head, thanks."

And with the eyes of everyone in the hall on him, he walked to where Harry and Hermione were standing and jumped down from the platform to the ground.

"Are you OK?" Hermione asked him at once.

But she noticed that Professor Kohl had watched Ron reached them. But her eyes were no longer on Ron… she was looking beside him, at Harry.

Hermione's heart gave a sickening jolt.

"Harry Potter, do you care to volunteer?" Professor Kohl asked Harry, "Champion against champion. It'll tie you down until the next task."

The whispering started again, like little hissing fires. The people around Hermione stared.

"Go for it, Harry, she's a bloody menace," urged Ron quietly, "She's making Hogwarts look bad."

Harry looked at Hermione, waiting for her to saying something – anything. But she found that her voice had gone.

"All right," agreed Harry.

He put both hands on either side of the platform wall pulled himself up. Standing, he looked down at Hermione from the platform. He nodded to her, as some sort of a reassurance and turned to Professor Kohl. The whispering stopped at once.

"What must I do?" Harry said, glancing at Marindernia.

Professor Kohl considered him for a moment. "You have been watching and you have leant the attack curse, am I right?" Harry nodded curtly, "Then you may be capable of conducting this new spell – the Rimonis curse.

"The Rimonis curse is advanced and highly dangerous. In fact, some countries in the east dismiss it as unlawful. But it is very useful for… removing unwanted enemies," continued Professor Kohl loudly as she paced the platform, around Harry and Marindernia, "You cannot control the Rimonis curse. It does not extinguish energy, as it draws the magic from the user. But magic is easily restored alone, so it is not of any loss. But the pain, when used efficiently, can be great."

She stopped near Harry.

"My dear Marindernia has learnt this particular curse in her third year," she said. Hermione wasn't sure if she was speaking to Harry or the other people in the room. "so you all may find that Harry will be inexperienced," she pulled out her wand, as did Harry, "Now Harry, just repeat the wand movements your dear friend demonstrated, and say the words-" she paused, watching Harry, for he had already raised his wand.

With a hollow, expressionless voice, Harry said quite loudly, "Rimonis Oculus!"

Hermione watched, as though in slow motion, as the watching people's faces twisted in horror and a brilliant feeling of warmth erupted in the air. Some girls screamed… Ron gripped his hair with his hands… Professor Kohl and Marindernia watched Harry with a look of enormous interest they wouldn't dream of showing before. Harry's wand did something incredible.

It was as though someone had turned off the sound. The voices around Hermione seemed to have deafened and there was a bright light issuing from somewhere in the midst of it all. Hermione felt Ron seize her arm, his grip tightening… and his voice filled her ears.

"What was that? Harry!"

Hermione screamed – with no sudden admonition, she felt herself burning. Her very neck was on fire. She reached up, pushed aside her necklace and laid a cold hand on where she had felt it, her head trobbing with pain.

"Hermione!"

Ron's voice came from somewhere. She looked up, hand still on her neck and a pained grimace on her face. She still felt Ron's hand clamped tightly over her wrist and… she realized that her neck was normal again. She straightened up.

Harry was standing on the platform, wand raised. It emitted a soft glow, the endings of a curse. Every face was in awe and all eyes were on him. The headmasters were watching in surprise. Professor Kohl had a hand over her heart.

"That," she said, "was impossible. You're magic… it must have disappeared!"
            Harry lowered his wand, his face expressionless. Hermione felt that he knew every eye was on him… put he didn't act any differently. His eyes were so bright that they looked as though… they were burning. Without a word, he reached up and touched his forehead.

"My magic is still here," he said softly, "I can feel it in me."

"Can you?" questioned Professor Kohl, "Well… that's ridiculous. Goodness knows how you learnt that curse, boy, but I assure you that a boy such as yourself…"

"It is not impossible," said Harry suddenly, in a very firm voice that made Hermione feel shivers up her spine, "because I just did it. I… haven't learnt the spell. I just understood it."

Marindernia stood, looking dully at Harry. Professor Kohl pulled herself together. She pulled up her sleeves and motioned for Harry and Marindernia to come nearer. She still wanted to do the demonstration.

But Marindernia didn't move.

"I will withdraw from this foolish display of magic," she said, "I am not a competitor. I haven't the strength, nor the power, to duel him," she looked at Harry. So did everyone else. Hermione was biting her lip so hard she tasted the salt of blood, waiting. "I cannot lose, dishonoring my school. Not here, in front of him."

And she did what Ron had done. She jumped off the platform and turned to look at Professor Kohl, who looked surprised.

"Marindernia. Your withdrawing of something as simple as this brings dishonor to Nockdernia of its own accord! Do you dare to defy against you own school?"

Hermione watched Marindernia. She looked very much different than when she was dueling Ron. Her skin was pale and her eyes were dull… but they were watching Harry.

"He underestimates himself. I do not want to become his enemy," she lowered her head and, amazingly, bent her knees to an unmistakable bow. "I am sorry."

Then she turned and left the hall.

…~'*'~…

"The Rimonis curse is advanced and highly dangerous. In fact, some countries in the east dismiss it as unlawful…you cannot control the Rimonis curse. It does not extinguish energy, as it draws the magic from the user… but the pain, when used efficiently, can be great."

Hermione awoke, shivering in her damp nightgown. She was sleeping on the sofa in the Gryffindor common room. The blanket she had draped over her was lying on the floor and the fire that was lit before she went to sleep was only emitting a soft glow.

She sat up, rubbing her red and swollen eyes. The clock across the room said it was only five in the morning. This left Hermione to wonder what on earth to do. She was originally waiting for Harry, who wasn't seen since the dueling lesson, to arrive in the common room, but there was no point for it now. He had probably arrived and went to his dormitory without waking Hermione. But Hermione couldn't blame him. What had happened was not something to mention.

She was shivering noticeably now. Getting to her feet, Hermione was suddenly aware of the dull pain on her neck again. It was the same feeling that had hit her when Harry was on the platform. But it was so faint that Hermione nearly missed it.

She reached up to touch where she felt the pain, and was about to push aside her necklace like she had done before… but with a sickening jolt from the pit of her stomach, she realized that nothing was there. He necklace was gone.

BANG!

It was loud enough to make Hermione jump back a few feet and almost loose her footing. It sounded like something behind knocked over, just behind the door leaving the common room. Out of pure instinct, Hermione looked around her, spotted her robes lying on an armchair and searched them for her wand in a panic but… she didn't have it with her. But perhaps she didn't need it. It could just be Neville tripping over a bit of carpet or even a clumsy House Elf. So swallowing hard and hoping that she would find Neville facedown in the corridor (though it didn't sound all too good), Hermione approached the door, pulling on her robes.

She wrenched it open and stood back – and found nobody. Instead there was something that made her stomach dissolve. There, scattered across the ground, were the parts of a suit of armor. It was just knocked over; the helmet was rattling to a stop and the arms had just rolled over to the wall. And up ahead, on the opposite shadow, was a retreating shadow.

This wasn't good.

Hermione instantly broke into a run, leaving the door wide open.

"Hey! Wait!" she shouted down the corridor, "STOP!"

They whoever it was didn't obey. Hermione ran the lengths of the corridor and turned sharply. She saw the person, who was dressed in all black, run down the second corridor. They had their back to her and there were no visible characteristics of them for Hermione to get even a slight idea to whom it was. She didn't know why, but Hermione felt that this person, whoever it was, had done something wrong. Something very wrong.

"Stop! Please!"

She followed them, finding her way around pillars and statues by the little light the narrow windows let in. The person in front of her, however, had almost run into another suit of armor as they continuously looked over their shoulder. They seemed very panicky, more than Hermione.

It was when Hermione saw the person skid to a stop and turn to run down another corridor when she realized this chase wouldn't go on for too much longer. He ran, out of all places, down the corridor to the north tower, which Hermione knew was a dead end; the door was locked. She finally came to a complete halt at the end of the corridor, panting for air.

The person was franticly rattling the doorknob and pounding on the door with their fist, but kept their right hand at their side. They were trapped.

Hermione took a deep breath and said, quite strictly, "Who are you?"

The person lowered their hand from the resolute door and turned to look at her over their shoulder. They were trembling.

"I-I don't want any trouble," they stuttered in a deep, frightened voice.

Hermione peered closely at what was obviously a man, stepping nearer, but he recoiled, raising a hand in surrender.

"I only d-do what I'm t-told," he stammered as Hermione narrowed her eyes at him, "I don't want a-any trouble. None at a-a-all."

Hermione could only make out the man's chin and mouth, under his hood. She still had no idea who he was… but she was positive that he was harmless.

"Who are you?" repeated Hermione more firmly.

The man's rattling breath stopped for a moment. He stared at Hermione for a moment, as if debating something. But the dreadful, demanding look in Hermione's eyes made him reach up and pull down his hood. Hermione's breath caught in her throat.

She had seen this man before. His pointed, rat-like face and short, stubby hair triggered a forceful hate in her stomach. He had several bruises and cuts on his face, and now that Hermione knew who it was, she wasn't surprised why this man was afraid. But she was glad… she would rather have such a horrible man suffer.

"W-Wormtail?" gasped Hermione.

The man's eyes darted around the room as if praying for some way of escape. But then, his cold, lifeless eyes landed on Hermione's furious face.

"I-I don't w-want any trouble," he repeated.

 Hermione stared at him. She felt a considerable amount of anger welling up inside her now; she hadn't seen this man since her third year, but what he did… he sold Lily and James Potter's souls to Lord Voldemort. He had blamed Sirius Black for his own murder and was the reason Sirius was on the run for his life. He practically killed Harry's parents… and caused Harry so much grief. Hermione hadn't felt so livid in her life.

"You don't want any trouble?" hissed Hermione angrily, "You don't want any trouble? YOU KILLED HARRY'S PARENTS!"

Wormtail shook his head vigorously, "No! No… I didn't! M-my master killed Lily and J-James."

"And you sold their souls to him! You were their secret keeper!" roared Hermione, advancing towards him, "THEY TRUSTED YOU!"

He trembled even harder now, recoiling against the wall at Hermione's advance. His bottom lip trembled wordlessly.

"Harry's always upset now. He has no family to fall back on. He had horrible relatives that treat him like dirt! And you did it….you killed Harry's parents!" shouted Hermione even louder.

Wormtail shook his head, as if internally doubting the entire thing. Hermione watched with narrowed eyes as he raised his right hand. She was startled to find that his hand, however, didn't look normal. It was like a thick, shiny glove. And what was more astonishing was what he held in it.

"I-I didn't mean for any trouble to h-happen," he stuttered.

Dangling between his fingers was a gold chain with a familiar emerald pendant.

Hermione's mouth fell open.

"You-"

"I-I didn't mean to hurt y-you – someone w-was coming, I p-panicked," said Wormtail in a hurry. He glanced at Hermione's shoulder very briefly and said, "I was sent – he'll kill me if I don't obey!"

Hermione watched him. What was he on about? Who would kill him? And why did she have her necklace?

She raised a hand for it back, "Please. Give it back."

But Wormtail fretfully shook his head.

"I-I can't! He'll…he'll kill me if I don't obey!" he repeated, "But… I do have something-"

He reached inside a pocket of his robes and pulled out something. Hermione, thinking it was a wand, jumped back, startling him. He dropped whatever he held with a frightened squeal.

"I'm s-s-sorry," he said, a look of pure terror on his face, "I-I have to go… your friend will b-be in danger w-when I leave. I'm not supposed to… I-I can't…" he took another fleeting glance around him for a way of escape and looked Hermione in the eyes, "Tell Harry P-Potter that he must be c-careful. My Master has plans for him!"

He took a deep, rattling breath and nodded to Hermione. Then, before Hermione could question him, he disapparated without a trace.

"Wait! What will happen to Harry?" Hermione called out in the darkness. She franticly looked around her, but saw nothing, "WAIT!"
            But he was long gone. The only sound now was the harsh winds whipping at the windows and the steady gasps of air coming from Hermione.

She had just spoken to Peter Pettigrew, one of Harry's worst enemies, and yet… she felt the smallest bit of sympathy towards him. Someone was going to murder him if he didn't do something, obviously. And he was so frightened. Hermione leaned against the wall, breathing fast. She put her face in her hands.

It dawned on her that she should have done something. His master was planning to kill Harry!

Hermione sniffed and looked around, remembering that Wormtail had dropped something. She found, in the place where he was standing, a small, harmless-looking book.

Hermione curiously picked it up and peered closely at the cover. It was very old, well around fifty years old, and brown with peeling gold letters on the front. She carefully brushed off the surface of it and read the letters:

Advanced Guide to Defense Against the Dark Arts, by Erma Devinston.

And turning the cover of the book to the moonlight shining from one of the windows, Hermione discovered more writing on the bottom. It was a small square, a place to write the name of the owner. And looking at it, trying to put each smudged letter together, Hermione's breath caught in her throat when she realized the letters formed a written name:  James H. Potter.

…~'*'~…

A/N: I NEED SNOW! I mean to say, isn't Canada supposed to cold half of each year? And it's only a few days until Christmas. Funny. Last year, it wasn't a white Christmas until Christmas Eve. I'll keep my fingers crossed…

Anyways, this chapter was very differcult. The next one will be even more so, since this story is nearing its end. But I promise you… it'll be good ^_^; Man, will it ever be good! So, as always, I'll try to type in every moment of my spare time to finish this. I'm no quitter… except for my Vampire's Curse story. That reminds me… what would you say if said, "gee, I wonder if I could finished The Vampire's Curse. I found this dusty floppy under my desk and it has nearly all the chapters… I thought I'd lost them. And I still have the written parts of it. Should I post it again, then finish it?" I dunno… by the sounds of it, some of you were pretty bummed out that I deleted it *cough, cough* Katie *cough, cough* So… should I?

Have a GREAT Holiday and drive safely!