Author: Atlantis Potter
E-mail: atlantispotter@yahoo.com
Category: Romance, Action/Adventure
Keywords: Year 6, Harry, Hermione, IMS, Magus
Rating: R
Spoilers: All Four Books.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Harry Potter and the Wand of Ariel
Harry grinned at Hermione as they settled onto the couch, having greatly enjoyed spending the day with her, despite her obvious avoidance of any serious discussion.
After lunch, they had taken a walk into Hogsmeade and spent the afternoon browsing in the shops. After a couple of hours, they had gone into the Three Broomsticks and bought enough butterbeer for an army. Harry had put his wandless magic and control to the test by floating the packages containing their purchases along in front of them. He'd explained to Hermione in great detail his lessons with McGonagall. By the time they had reached the gates, she had taken their packages from his control and was instead having him try various spells.
"Don't you think this is a bit unnecessary?"
"Of course not. Try a summoning spell."
"Hermione. What exactly are you trying to prove?"
"I'm not trying to prove anything. I'm merely seeing for myself and trying to understand what Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore are talking about."
He rolled his eyes at this. "What do you want me to summon then?"
"I don't know. Erm, how about that stone?"
He summoned the small stone she had pointed at and with a wave of his hand, sent it towards her. She moved to catch it and nearly lost the balance of their things. Harry waved his other hand and caught them mid-fall. He looked at her, a slight smile playing over his lips as he raised his eyebrow at her.
"Alright, alright. I get your point," she replied, grinning and sliding her hand into his. They walked up the lane leading towards the entrance, chatting happily. As they moved closer, the door to the castle was flung open and Rachel Granger hurried out the door to meet them.
"Hermione! I'm so glad you're back!" she cried, pulling her daughter into a tight embrace.
"Oh, Mum, it's so good to see you," Hermione replied, returning her mother's hug.
"Harry, your aunt is waiting for you in the Entrance Hall; you don't mind if I borrow Hermione for a bit, do you?"
"Of course not." He smiled at the pair, who had their arms looped around each other and were both beaming. "I'll see you at dinner, Hermione."
"Bye," she answered as they turned and walked down towards the lake.
Harry watched them for a moment before turning and walking into the castle. Ami was waiting just inside and smiled merrily at him.
"Did you two buy enough butterbeer?" she enquired, raising her eyebrows as she peeked through the various packages.
"I sure hope so. We need it to last for a good portion of the school year."
"Indeed. Well, then, I suppose we ought to put it away." She picked two of the packages out of the air and began moving towards IMS. Harry followed, glad to have the load lessened even just a little. They walked into the dormitory and Harry couldn't help but smile to himself. In the few hours that Hermione had been back, she'd already livened up the dormitory. There were books stacked on the table, a few rolls of parchment on the countertop, a few robes tossed onto the lounge and her owl's perch in the corner of the room.
After they had put all of the butterbeer away (Ami laughing the whole time), they walked out of the room and headed back towards the main part of the castle.
"Are you glad to have Hermione home?"
He nodded. "It was sort of lonely."
"I know. I wish we could have spent more time together this summer, but you wouldn't believe the missions Dumbledore has sent us on. Outside of Hogwarts, we're completely invisible and it's a huge asset. No cloaks or charms needed."
"What sort of missions?"
Ami shrugged. "Information retrieval. Even a bit of spying. Though Sirius and Remus tend to do that more."
"Sirius and Remus? How are they spying? Shouldn't they be staying in the castle?"
"Not really. Dumbledore has done his best to insure their safety and as long as they aren't worried, I can't be worried."
"I suppose."
"Rachel and I were both so relieved when Dumbledore asked us to work with you. It's a nice change of pace to be back at the castle. And Rachel is just tickled that Hermione is back. I think she was a bit irked at her for staying away so long."
"She wasn't the only one."
Ami grinned knowingly at him. "So is there still nothing going on between you two then?"
Harry turned his gaze towards his aunt and paused a moment, trying to word his response properly. "I suppose that there is nothing official going on between Hermione and me."
"Ah. Nothing official," Ami said, the smile evident even in her tone of voice.
"So, you speak six languages?"
Ami let out a laugh that echoed softly in the cavernous hallway they were currently strolling through. "Oh Harry, you're a real treat," she said as she shook her head, "Yes, I speak six languages. I look forward to teaching them to you. Languages are a very special tool. The gift of being able to master a language is a far greater thing than any commonplace magic. The gift of word is something to be prized by humans and to know how to express your words in several forms is an ever greater prize."
"Are spells cast differently in other languages?"
"It really depends on the base of the language. The Latin based languages, as well as English, all use Latin roots for incantations. Germans use a very archaic form of German. Obviously, Middle Eastern countries use an Arabic base and it depends on the country in Asia. It can be very confusing to perform spells from other countries."
"But I thought it was all based on will? That it didn't really matter about the incantation?"
"That's basically true. Spells are a bit more complex than that, at least the ones you're going to be learning now. I think you'll find this school year to be really fascinating. Arabella has asked for my assistance on some things. You'll be practicing Dark Arts this year."
"Practicing?" Harry asked, incredulous.
"Yes, Arabella and Dumbledore have decided that it is necessary for you to learn some of the basic Dark Arts. It will be a great weapon for you to understand how they work, which plays into the second part of what you'll be studying this year."
"What's that? Cursing friends and family?"
"Oh, Harry, really," she answered, rolling her eyes. "It's not like Arabella is going to be teaching you how to cast Avada Kedavra on squirrels, you'll be learning the actual Dark Arts instead of how to just defend against them."
"That hardly seems safe. What with a known Death Eater among us."
"Ah, and who would that be?"
"Malfoy," Harry spat out.
"I see. Draco Malfoy. He's an interesting case. Raised by a father who is so immersed in the Dark Arts that actually using a Light spell would cause his tongue to fall out of his mouth, but tempered by a mother with a conscience."
"How did Lucius and Narcissa end up together?"
"I'm not sure. Narcissa never really divulged that tale of woe to me. I think it has something to do with her father, who longed to be a Dark wizard, but didn't possess the skill."
"And Narcissa and Snape?"
"I'll tell you when you're older."
"I'm nearly 16!"
"That you are. You should be at least 50 before hearing that story."
Harry gave her an exasperated look and she laughed at him again.
"Go on, Harry, ask me another question. I'm having fun."
"Arabella said there's a curse on Malfoy's family."
"There is. The Malfoys liked to pretend that they were directly descended from Salazar Slytherin. The actual descendents got angry with them, as they were a less, how shall I say this… well off? family, and the name Slytherin was their only claim to fame. About two hundred years ago, the matriarch of the family cast a curse over Lucius Malfoy's great, great, great grandfather. Ever since that time, their family line has been marred. By all rights, Draco should most likely be a full Magus, but because of the curse, he's only half. That's why he can't become an Animagus."
"But Hermione can. And I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't have some of the other Magus powers as well. Can she have the Magus powers?"
"Some, if not all, but not to the same degree as you. For example, because of your Magus abilities, you could potentially master over a hundred different languages. Hermione could maybe grasp between five and ten. I've learned six through lessons and living in those cultures. Harry, you could read an ancient language and not ever speak it for ten years, and if for whatever reason, you actually had to speak it, you would know it and be able to pronounce it perfectly."
"I think Hermione is beginning to develop that telepathy thing you and Rachel were talking about."
"I don't doubt it. That particular power manifests itself in females much quicker. It's a girl thing," she said lightly, winking at him.
Harry rolled his eyes again. "That's exactly what I need, Hermione reading my thoughts."
"Hmmm…the way I see it, you shouldn't be having any thoughts that you wouldn't want Hermione reading." She smirked at him, though it was a teasing smirk, not the awful, angry ones that he was used to.
He smiled at her and for one of the few times since the end of fifth year, he was happy. He had been thrilled to have Hermione back and the conversation with his aunt made him feel comfortable around her. He was beginning to think that it would be very nice to have someone like Aunt Ami in his life.
"Would you look at the time, Harry! It's nearly time for dinner. Are you going to bring some of that butterbeer?"
"Nah, I think the house elves will have something."
"Gillywater, most likely, at least if Minerva has anything to say about it." She winked again. "I'm going to stop by my quarters for a few minutes before dinner. I'll see you in the kitchen."
"See you." He waved as his aunt turned down an adjacent corridor. He continued walking towards the kitchens, finding the large still life and tickling the pear in a few short minutes.
Loud chattering greeted his ears as soon as the painting closed behind him. Going a little farther into the kitchen, he saw Hermione, Rachel and Professor McGonagall sitting around the table. Hermione was describing in great detail the plans for the wedding and the other two women were both smiling, though Professor McGonagall's smile was much more contained than Rachel's beaming grin.
"Oh, they have the most beautiful flowers for the ceremony! Penelope was showing me pictures of the different arrangements. Great white roses, intertwined with some other flower, a very pale pink one--"
"Hibiscus?" Rachel interrupted
"No, I think they just are smaller roses. They look different though, more like garden roses than long stem."
"Oh, they sound beautiful."
"They are. The wedding is going to be amazing, like something out of a fairy tale. I'm so excited for it."
Harry cleared his throat as he made a bit of a production walking towards the table. He'd only been in the room a few moments and already talk of the wedding was beginning to bore him. The three people seated at the table all smiled at him in greeting and he noticed that Hermione seemed to be blushing slightly.
"Good evening."
"'Allo, Harry. We were just discussing the wedding," Rachel said.
"I overheard. Are the Weasleys all excited?"
The sudden change in temperament was tangible.
"They're pleased that Percy and Penelope are getting married, yes, but the air in the house is still rather solemn." Hermione seemed to be concentrating on her hands as she said this and Harry felt a tinge of guilt at being hurt by her leaving. He was getting anxious to talk to her after dinner.
The awkward silence was broken by more familiar voices entering the kitchens. Dumbledore, Snape, Ami, Arabella, Sirius and Remus walked into the room. Joyous greetings were spread around as everyone sat down at the table. Harry was pulled into a fierce hug by Sirius, and though it was quick, he was surprised by the display of affection. He noticed that Sirius once again looked pale and slightly worn, unlike the last time that Harry had really had a good look at him. Remus didn't look much better either, and Harry began to worry about the missions that Ami had been talking about earlier.
Everyone at the table began conversing at once. Harry couldn't help but laugh as the familiar faces moved around him, mouths chatting happily and laughs ringing out in the large kitchen...
They all heard the portrait slam again and quick footsteps moved towards them. Harry turned around and nearly came face to face with none other than Narcissa Malfoy.
"Good evening everyone, sorry I'm late. I got held up at home." She looked at Dumbledore for a moment, who merely nodded and motioned for her to take a seat. She did so, opting to sit right next to Harry. She looked at him, offering a polite smile, before turning to talk to Snape.
The conversation started up again and Harry soon found himself talking to Remus and Sirius about the Quidditch finals coming up.
"I think that the Catapults have got a real shot at it this year. The Cannons play like they have something to prove, and it's going to cause a real problem come the final round, if they make it that far," Sirius was saying between sips from his goblet.
"The Cannons have got something to prove." Hermione spoke up over the general din of conversation. "Everyone thinks that their glory days are over and they've finally got a chance at proving them all wrong."
"Yes, but if they play like that, they're sure to lose. They should play to play, not to prove anything."
"But it's the need to show everyone what they're made of that's gotten them this far. Since Wood was traded, they've regained a spirit that everyone except their most devoted fans thought was long dead."
The table had quieted and the diners were now listening to the ongoing conversation between Sirius and Hermione. Harry listened as Hermione ticked off points about how the Cannons had improved. She spoke animatedly and he was shocked to hear her using proper terminology. He shook his head as she gave a play-by-play recount of a match a few weeks ago. Was this his Mione? The girl who studied during the school Quidditch matches?
Hermione finished her diatribe and looked pointedly at Sirius, who had his eyebrows raised in amazement. The silence is the room was deafening and Harry found that he was beginning to squirm slightly, anticipating who would talk next.
Much to his surprise, the first noise to break the silence did not come from either Hermione or Sirius, but rather from right behind Harry.
He once again heard more footsteps and turned to see Malfoy moving silently towards the ever expanding table.
He caught sight of his mother and stopped dead in his tracks.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy, so glad you could join us. Won't you have a seat?" Dumbledore said after a long pause. He looked between Draco, who looked a cross between ashamed and furious, and Narcissa, who looked suddenly as if she very much wanted to cry.
Without a word to anyone, Draco sat and house elves once more brought him his dinner.
Needless to say, the meal was much quieter and there was a tense air to the room. Everyone was mostly silent as they finished their meals.
After they finished their meals, Dumbledore rose up from his chair, clearing his throat as he did so.
"This evening at ten o'clock, there will be a meeting of the Order. Harry, Hermione, I would very much appreciate it if you would attend. Draco, you are welcome also." Draco gave Dumbledore a stony look as his answer, to which Dumbledore only nodded. He looked at Harry and Hermione, eyebrows raised. They both nodded.
"Very well." There was no jovial sentiment or odd ramble to his statement. He nodded to each side of the table in turn and quickly left the kitchen soon after.
As if on cue, everyone else did the same thing. Harry walked around the table to meet Hermione and they made for the portrait, now both suddenly very anxious to talk.
Harry settled himself in the corner of the sofa, stretching his legs onto the table. Hermione was washing up, leaving him to ponder exactly what he wanted to say to her.
Her dormitory door creaked open and she walked into the room, looking refreshed and slightly nervous. She smiled at him, not quite letting it reach her eyes. She settled on a chair, keeping her distance from him and appearing to be sitting very much on the edge of her seat, ready to jump at a moment's notice. She opened her mouth, looked at him and closed it again, knitting her eyebrows as she did so.
"Harry?"
"Hermione."
"I-" she paused again and bit her lower lip.
He watched her for a moment before laughing and standing up. Her eyes widened as he walked towards her. He stood directly in front of her and offered his hand.
"Come talk to me Hermione. It's just a conversation, not a standoff." He smiled at her then and she visibly relaxed as he did so. Taking his hand, she allowed herself to be pulled towards the couch.
He sat back into his previous position and she stretched out next to him, resting her head against his chest.
"I'm sorry. I guess I'm sort of nervous."
"About what?"
"I'm not sure. I've had a few weeks to think this all over and I had this whole bit planned out."
"What were you going to say?"
"It doesn't matter. When I saw you, it all dissolved into meaningless drivel."
"Is there such a thing as meaningful drivel?"
"I doubt it."
"Didn't think so. Do you mind if I start?" he asked, becoming serious and looking at her.
"Of course not."
"Good. I've spent the last few weeks alone," he started, watching her cringe slightly, "and I've had plenty of time to think all this through. But the first thing I want to ask you is, why did you leave?"
She sighed against him before pulling herself up and turning to face him.
"Arthur died Harry."
He looked at her with very wide eyes. "Hermione! I know that!" he said, exasperated.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I know you know that. I'm just trying to make a point. Arthur died and I was trying to do what I thought was right. One of my best friends needed me. Mrs. Weasley has done so much for me, for us, over the years and I went there because I thought I could help them out."
"But Hermione, I needed you. And Ron has his whole family, that whole huge support system."
The look in her eyes made him wish he had kept his mouth shut.
"That's not fair. I can't choose between the two of you. Especially after the fact."
"You did choose, Hermione. You chose Ron."
"Harry! I can't believe that! You're asking me to justify why I went to my best friend's house after his father died. I can't believe that I'd have to do that and to be honest, I don't even think I should give you the satisfaction of a response. I shouldn't have to justify anything to you." She stared at him and held her hands on her hips, having jumped off of the sofa to stand in front of him.
He blinked, shocked by her outburst. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."
She sighed again and let herself fall onto the couch, putting her head in her hands. She stayed that way a moment before running her hands over her face and looking towards him again.
"It was a mess Harry. You know how the whole family always seems so strong and together? It wasn't like that at all. It was like Arthur was the keystone in the family. It surprised me, because I always thought it was Molly. But it wasn't. Bill, Charlie, Percy, the twins-they were all there. And yet it was like a group of complete strangers living in the same house. Molly was trying to plan the wedding, which Percy and Penelope were trying to prevent. Ginny was refusing to talk to anyone. And then a few days after we came home, the strangest air settled over the house."
"What was it?"
"It was like they made an effort to get on with their lives. But it wasn't the Weasley family. It was just a bunch of redheaded actors who didn't know the lines and kept missing their cues. The guys sat for six straight hours in the living room and talked about nothing except Quidditch. And everyone sat there with them and I swear to you, that's all we talked about."
"I don't know if I could have handled that."
The mood lightened considerably as she laughed. "Oh, it was awful. I've never wanted to know that much about the Cannons. Really, that orange is such an awful colour."
Harry nodded. "I love Quidditch, but six hours?"
Hermione was shaking her head and grinning. "You don't have to tell me. And after that, there was another change. It was like everything went back to normal. And it got so hectic."
"Why didn't you come home?"
"I tried. Molly kept insisting I stay."
He gently took her hand in his. "I'm glad you're here now."
"So am I. It's so wonderful to be back. I missed you and my mum a lot."
"Did you have a good time with your mum this afternoon?"
"Oh, it was wonderful. I've missed her so much. It's so interesting that you're going to be working with her. She said that I was welcome to join the sessions, as long as that was all right with you."
"That would be fine."
"Good. She mentioned that she gave you some books to read?" Hermione looked as if she would devour the books in one sitting given the opportunity.
"Yeah, remind me later to show them to you."
"How is the Pensieve coming along?"
"I'm ready to finish it."
"Oh, that's wonderful, Harry. I'm sure Dumbledore is anxious to see it."
Harry just nodded as she continued talking about the reading she done about Pensieves. As she began discussing the merits of a marble bowl over a granite bowl, Harry interrupted her.
"Hermione?" he said, taking her other hand and clasping them both in his own hands.
"Hmm? Oh, I'm sorry." she mumbled as she looked down at their joined hands and smiled.
"Where do we go from here?"
"What do you mean?" She looked at him for a moment, her confusion evident in her eyes. He raised an eyebrow and she instantaneously grasped his meaning. "Oh! About us…"
"Yes. Hermione, is there an us?"
She smiled softly and gazed at him. "I certainly hope so."
He grinned at her. "So do I."
Their matching grins subsided and they stared at one another.
Harry wasn't sure who made the first move but before he knew what was happening, Hermione's lips were on his and he was slowly falling into her kisses. She kissed him softly, letting the moments pass by languidly.
"I missed you so much."
"You said that already."
At quarter to nine, Harry walked back into the lounge. He had dressed in denim jeans and a t-shirt. Hermione was standing in front of the coffee table, wearing a deep blue robe.
"Are we to wear robes?" Harry asked, looking once at Hermione before looking at his own clothing.
"I'm not sure, I suppose so. I just came out here and they were sitting in packages on the table. Yours is right there," she gestured towards a thin, wrapped box sitting on the table.
Harry crossed the room and picked up the parcel, tearing off the brown paper. A non-descript box was inside. He took off the lid and saw deep purple robes.
"Purple? Eh."
"Oh, Harry. Just put them on, I'm sure they'll look fine."
He raised an eyebrow at her before putting on the heavy robes. After adjusting them a bit, he signalled to Hermione that he was ready and she led the way from the room.
They walked silently through the halls, heading towards Dumbledore's office. Professor McGonagall was waiting for them, dressed in robes of very dark grey. She nodded to them and they followed after.
Harry wasn't sure how long they walked for, but he was beginning to wonder if they would make the ten o'clock meeting. They were trekking through another unknown part of Hogwarts, having walked down several flights of stairs until Harry was sure they must be under the castle.
Their footsteps echoed on the stone floor and Harry figured they must be halfway to Hogsmeade before McGonagall stopped in front of an ancient looking door. She turned to them.
"Please put your hoods up," she instructed them, doing the same thing. When they had done so, she nodded again. "They're waiting for us. Please do as you are instructed."
She knocked three times on the door and it slowly creaked open. Harry involuntarily shivered at the noise.
They walked into a dimly lit room. Harry blinked several times, allowing his eyes to adjust. The only light in the room seemed to be coming from some sort of orb at the centre of a large, rectangular table. Quickly scanning his eyes over the room, Harry saw eleven figures seated at the table and three empty chairs. One of the empty chairs was seated next to a tall figure wearing what appeared to be dark green robes. The other two were near the middle of the table.
Wordlessly, McGonagall directed them towards the empty chairs and moved to sit in the other. When they were settled, the figure in green began to speak.
"A millennium ago, the Order of Ariel was formed to protect the wizarding world should a dark evil ever arise. Slowly, times changed and over the years, the Order disbanded. Nearly two decades ago, we reinstated the Order against the Darkest evil we have ever known. It is today that we once again meet in the Chamber of the Order to induct two members into our numbers."
Harry could feel Hermione's eyes boring into him, but he denied the urge to look in her direction. He looked toward who he now figured was Dumbledore. He watched Dumbledore slowly turn the thick parchment pages of a very ancient leather volume. "As is an ancient and standard rite of the Order, we may begin tonight by the Sharing of Powers. I ask that each of the eight members of the Order share one special ability with our new members."
Harry watched in amazement as each of the eight figures seated on the sides of the table rose. They all murmured a variation of a spell that Harry couldn't even begin to recognise. After the speaker had finished the incantation, he or she would place the wand an inch above the glass orb. A string of light would flow from the wand and into the orb, lighting it up in strange colours. They went around the table and when the last person had spoke, Dumbledore cleared his throat.
The two figures at the other end of the table stood, as did Dumbledore. Dumbledore lifted the heavy book from the table and turned a few more of the pages.
Harry's heart jumped into his throat as Dumbledore began to speak. Mage. Once more, he felt Hermione's eyes on him and he turned to face her. She was staring at him, eyes wide and he could almost see her mind turning. He took a deep breath as the feeling of calm washed over him. He closed his eyes, picturing the words in his mind.
Powers unite, bound by the Order.
Harry's eyes shot open and he looked again at Hermione. She had her eyes closed and was listening intently to Dumbledore's words. He turned to face Dumbledore, concentrating on every syllable and accent of his words. Unsure of what had just happened, Harry concentrated his efforts into understanding the words. Suddenly, the members at the table stood at once and turned towards the end of the table where the last couple was sitting. They all spoke at once.
Protect.
The glass orb brightened blindingly and Harry averted his eyes towards Hermione. It dimmed slightly and Harry turned back. All at once, a great burst of light shot from the orb and straight at the inductees. Once again, Harry turned away from the bright light.
He shut his eyes, expecting to feel something strange wash over him. He opened his eyes a bit, trying to figure out what was going on. He looked towards the end of the table, where the two mysterious figures had been sitting, the pair that had not added anything to the orb. Dumbledore's words echoed in his mind.
Eight members.
He quickly pictured the table in his mind. Eight members. Four on each side of the table, plus he and Hermione, and McGonagall and Dumbledore. He shook his head confused. Who was being inducted?
The unknown couple at the end were standing now, bathed in a yellow, iridiscent light. The orb was floating above them, casting the light onto them.
The room was almost instantly thrown into darkness. Harry blinked again. His mind was reeling, trying to process everything that had just happened. Who was being inducted? Had he understood Mage? And what exactly was this Order? He looked in the direction of Hermione and in the same instant, felt her hand on his leg, searching for his hand. He reached for her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers, which he noticed were shaking slightly. He squeezed lightly.
After a few long moments, two torches by the entrance flickered on. Dumbledore was standing there, ushering members of the Order out. Harry and Hermione stood, hands still clasped and followed after the others. They all walked in silence down the stone passage.
The walk back to IMS wasn't nearly as long as the walk to the Chamber of the Order. Harry and Hermione went their separate ways with only a chaste kiss, each mentally exhausted. Harry had barely removed his robes when he collapsed onto his bed, mumbling Nox before his eyelids grew heavy and he was sinking into a dreamless sleep.
The week passed in relative quiet. Harry and Hermione juggled working on the journal and lessons with Ami and Rachel. Harry also spent a great deal of time working on his Pensieve.
"Are you nearly finished?"
"Nearly. I just have to put this potion stuff into the bowl."
"What kind of bowl did you end up getting?" Hermione asked from her spot on Harry's bed. She had surrounded herself with the books from Rachel and was burying her mind in information.
"The white marble one."
"With the Aramaic runes or the Egyptian hieroglyphics?"
"Erm, I think the Aramaic."
Hermione looked up and raised her eyebrow. "You aren't sure?"
"I don't remember what I told McGonagall."
"It makes a big difference, you know."
"I know. I'm pretty sure it's the Aramaic. I remember reading that those were more conducive to properly sifting through memories."
Hermione just nodded and went back to her readings. They fell into a comfortable silence once more, Harry stirring his potion and waiting for it to become the proper clear colour.
"Ron is coming back today," Hermione said after a few minutes, without looking at him.
Harry stopped stirring the potion. "What?"
"Ron. He's coming back today. The wedding is in two days. All the Weasleys will be here."
"Oh."
Hermione said nothing and Harry waited a few moments before returning to the potion.
The liquid inside his cauldron was a milky white colour. He stirred it, holding his wand steadily over the top of the cauldron and making a slow swirling motion, which was slowly beginning to tire his wrist. As the potion began to clear, he stopped stirring again.
"Hermione?"
"Hm?"
"Are we going to tell him?"
"Tell him what?"
"About us?"
She finally looked up at him, giving him a measuring look. "I suppose that that's up to you."
"Do you want me to tell him?"
She shrugged. "That seems like a conversation you should have with him. I guess I'm sort of enjoying this time where it's just us. Without all the other factors that seem to run everything else."
Harry nodded and started stirring again. "Do you think he'll be upset?"
"I hope not. Honestly, we broke up how long ago? And it wasn't working anyhow; he was too involved with Lavender. And I really think there's something between him and Parvati."
"Hm. A ladies' man, then?" Harry chided, winking at her.
"Indeed. I think you should tell him. He'd probably kill us if we don't tell him."
"Probably. I guess I'll talk to him tonight after dinner."
"I'm sure that'd be best."
The room fell silent again. Harry continued the monotonous stirring, beginning to believe that making a Pensieve was perhaps the most time stealing task he had ever undertaken.
Finally, after what felt like hours and every switching back and forth between his wrists several times, the potion was as clear as glass.
"Hermione, I think it's ready."
She jumped out of her nest of books and stumbled over to the work table.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes, my legs are asleep, but other than that, I'm fine. Let me see it."
He showed her the clear substance.
"It looks as it should, I believe. At least going on what the research says…"
Harry nodded. "I'm going to go call McGonagall on the fireplace and see if I can come pick up the basin."
"Good idea. The sooner we get this finished, the closer we'll be to solving this puzzle."
Harry walked out of the room, shaking his wrists to loosen the tight muscles. He walked over to the fireplace and tossed a handful of the special Floo powder into the flickering flames. He took a deep breath and grimaced as he stuck his head into the purple flames.
After calling McGonagall (and grimacing because of the strange tickling sensations from the flames) and going to pick up the basin, he returned to find Hermione somewhat anxious to get started.
"Perhaps we ought to wait until later," he suggested, looking at her excited features.
"Wait for what?"
"Ron to get here."
"Why would Ron want to watch you sieve your memories into a Pensieve?"
"Alright, we'll do it now. Maybe we'll finish before dinner."
He set the heavy basin onto the work table, next to his cooled cauldron. Hermione handed him the wooden ladle that Snape had given him, expressly for this purpose. He dipped the ladle in, looking once more at the book laid out next to him. He followed the instructions to a 't' and was soon standing next to the bowl, holding his wand at the ready.
"Now what do you do?"
"I say this charm, and start putting the memories into the bowl."
"Do you want me to stay with you?"
Harry pondered this, his mind running over what he had read in the manual on Pensieves. "It's best if you don't. It doesn't sound like the most pleasant of tasks."
"You're sure?"
"I'm sure."
She walked to the bed and picked up a few of her books and some parchment. She walked towards him and kissed him softly on the lips. "Good luck."
In lieu of an answer, he slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, planting a firm kiss on her mouth.
She grinned at him, a faint blush coming over her cheeks. "Right then. See you at dinner, if not before."
He gave her a lopsided smile and watched her leave the room before turning back to the table. He held his wand to his temple and muttered the words that he had read time and again.
No book could prepare him for the odd feelings coursing through his mind. He felt as if someone had opened up his mind and was picking through his thoughts and he had never felt so vulnerable. His instinct told him to draw his wand away from his temple, and as his arm moved toward the basin, the feelings of invasion subsided and a wave of relief washed over him. He continued the motion of placing the wand at his temple and pulling the individual memories from his thoughts.
The scenes in the graveyard flashed in his memory like photographs as he sifted them away. He felt oddly removed from his memories as he placed them into the basin. They remained in his conscious thoughts, though as shadows of his former memories. His eyes watched the swirling contents of the bowl as each memory merged into the depths. An image would appear, brighten, swirl and fade into a silvery substance.
Nearly two hours later, his experiences in the graveyard were in the Pensieve. He placed his wand on the desk and settled onto his bed, weary from the spells. He heard a soft knock on his door and after a moment, Hermione walked into the room.
"Harry? Are you all right?"
"Tired. I finished though."
"Finished? Already?"
"It's quick work really. I'm pretty sure that I put everything in there. There's lots more I want to add later, after Dumbledore sees it. It seems so much easier than writing in a diary."
"But it seems so taxing," she observed as she sat next to him and began to slowly rub his shoulders.
"I doubt it's standard practice to put so much in at once. Dumbledore only placed a few memories into his Pensieve the afternoon where I first saw it. He didn't seem bothered."
She made a noise of agreement and pulled slightly back slightly on his shoulders until he readjusted himself and lay down against the pillows. She rested against him and he looped his arms around her, planting a kiss on the top of her head.
"Harry! Hermione! Are you here?"
Harry eyes shot open and he moved quickly off the bed. He tiptoed across the room, making sure not to make Hermione, and opened the door leading to the lounge.
"Ron?"
"Harry!"
His redheaded friend was standing in the entry from the common room, holding a valise and a backpack.
Harry crossed the room and was surprised when Ron pulled him into a hug. "Good to see you. Where's Herm?"
"She's asleep. I've been working on my Pensieve." He cringed slightly, reminding himself that it was not a lie.
"Ah, that's good."
Ron set his things down in the corner of the room and settled onto the sofa. Harry sat in a chair opposite him and Ron immediately began to discuss the upcoming wedding.
Harry half listened for awhile before suddenly interrupting Ron. "There's something we need to talk about."
Ron sighed and nodded. "I know. There is."
"Oh. Well… do you want to start then?" Harry asked, shifting uncomfortably in his chair.
"Sure. Well, you know my past with Hermione. I'd say that you probably know it better than we do. But this summer was different. We got along smashingly, hardly fault at all. The point, Harry, is that I think I'm still crazy about her. And I think we have a chance to get back together and make it work."
Harry couldn't have been more surprised than if Draco Malfoy had walked through the door wearing a purple cape and told him that he was eloping with Hedwig.
"Hermione? You're still crazy about Hermione?"
"Yes. Isn't that great? Think about it, Harry. It'll be just as it should. Maybe there's even a chance of reconciliation between you and my sister?"
Harry sputtered wordlessly, staring at Ron with very wide eyes.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that? Don't you think it'll fly?"
"Erm."
Suddenly, the door from Hermione's room opened and Hermione stepped out, looking refreshed from her nap. Harry turned his gaping stare towards her, wondering where she had come from.
"Ron! I'm so glad you're back!"
He was beaming at her and nearly leapt out of his chair to hug her in greeting. She returned his embrace and raised her eyebrow at Harry over Ron's shoulder.
Harry couldn't help the twinge of jealously as he shrugged and stared at the back of Ron's head.
"You talked to Harry then?"
"Yes. We talked everything through."
"That's wonderful!" She smiled at both of them and walked over to sit on the couch, as close to Harry's chair as she could be. She grinned at him, not noticing that Ron was, in fact, beaming at her.
Ron nodded and sat next to her. "Do you suppose we all ought to head to dinner then?"
"That sounds great. I'm starved." Hermione beamed at both of them.
"Me too. It was a long trip."
Hermione nodded. "Harry has been working all afternoon. Are you hungry?"
Harry looked at them both, his stomach churning. "I've suddenly lost my appetite."
Thanks to everyone who review WA2. Also, thanks to Elliott, Neil and Julien, my beta readers. Please review! For updates, art, and ficlets visit The Power of Three! at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/powerthree .