A/N- Thanks for the reviews guys! Some of you commented that you wanted to see what was going with Harry and don't worry, he's definitely making an appearance in this chapter and others! But this is first and foremost an R/H fic-I figured Harry has a big enough part in the books, no need to give him the starring role here! All right, I hope everyone enjoys this- please keep the reviews coming!
Disclaimer- I own no rights to Harry Potter characters or places. The lyrics at the end are from Celine Dion's song "If That's What It Takes." That song's kinda the theme of this story-download it, it's awesome. It almost made me cry. Seriously.
~*~
Bend 'Til I Break
~*~
Hermione walked to the Great Hall by herself on a rainy Wednesday morning. She had never felt so alone. It had been five days since Ron had left, and she was completely miserable. No letters had come from him or Harry, and no new summons had come.
More than anything, she wanted to be there, fighting beside them. She had no idea why Dumbledore hadn't asked her to come as well. It confused and infuriated her that she had to sit at the castle while they were risking their lives. Usually, whenever they were in danger, she was in just as much.
Hermione sighed deeply, not really looking where she was going and bumping into someone.
"Sorry." She mumbled, looking up to see a horrible smirk twisting across Pansy Parkinson's face.
"Hey, Granger. What's wrong? Worried that your boyfriend and little Potter are going to get themselves killed?" She laughed, but Hermione could tell that she was just as tired and worried as Hermione.
"At least my boyfriend's fighting for the right side." Hermione said viciously.
Pansy's face darkened. Draco Malfoy had left Hogwarts mysteriously during their 7th year, and it was rumored that he'd gone to join his father and the rest of the Death Eaters, who had broken out of prison and gone on an infamous killing spree, eliminating more muggle-borns in three months than had been killed in Voldemort's entire first reign of terror.
"The losing side, you mean." Pansy spat back.
Hermione met her eyes with a steely glare, trying to think of something horrible to say back but too tired to be very clever. But Pansy wasn't done yet.
"They're going to die, Granger. Both of them. And you know it. I hope Draco gets to kill Weasley-he told me if he saw anyone from that horrible family in the battle, he'd personally take care of them. He's really very good at the Dark Arts, Hermione. I bet that there won't even be enough of Weasley left to take home. And you know Voldemort will personally take care of Potter-he's had it coming for seven years."
Hermione slapped her so hard that a dark red handprint appeared on Pansy's cheek.
"Wow, Granger. Didn't know the truth would upset you so much." Pansy smiled, walking off to the Slytherin table.
Hermione was practically shaking with anger as she watched her go. She was wrong. They were coming back. But even as she thought this, her eyes were burning with tears. What if Pansy was right? Dumbledore's Army was losing…was it only a matter of time?
~*~
Hermione sat at the almost deserted Gryffindor table next to Ginny Weasley. She was the only one left not in the battle of the whole Weasley family, and it was tearing her apart.
"Why doesn't Dumbledore ask us to come? We'd help them. I can't stand just waiting here!" Ginny growled, pushing her breakfast away from her miserably.
"I know." Hermione leaned on one of her hands, looking up at the gray-clouded ceiling.
The Owl Post swooped in them, but neither girl even really noticed until two letters landed right in front of them. Hermione tore hers open anxiously, praying it was from Ron or Harry. It wasn't. Dumbledore's recognizable, swirling cursive nearly filled the whole page. Hermione's eyebrows went together curiously as she began to read.
Dear Miss Granger,
I know you're probably upset with me for calling your two best friends into service. I realize this must be incredibly difficult for you, but I need both of them fighting with me. They have both faced things that many other students have not, and I'm sure Mr. Weasley will prove as valuable and brave as Mr. Potter already has.
You're probably wondering why I did not ask you to join us as well. Well, the simple answer is that I need you at Hogwarts. A spy for my army has just received news of a possible attack on Hogwarts, and I have already sent McGonagall back to help protect the castle. I need students who I can trust to fight against Voldemort's efforts to take over this school. I know I'm asking a lot of you, but please, help organize and lead the students. They need someone with your intellect and courage right now, Miss Granger.
The attack will supposedly begin on March 17th. Please be on your guard and work hard in the time you have to get everyone prepared. Thank you for your service.
`Albus Dumbledore
Hermione put down the letter with slightly shaking hands. She felt a horrible fear rising in the pit of her stomach. If an attack on Hogwarts took place, many students would be too afraid to fight. Many of the Slytherins might even help Voldemort's armies. They would have a very small group of people who would rise up against them.
She looked over at Ginny, who was reading her letter with the same expression of fear. She figured it said about the same thing.
"Hermione…" Ginny put down the letter in shock.
"It's all right, Gin. We can do this. We've got to do this." Hermione told her, hugging her tightly and trying to sound brave.
Just then, they saw McGonagall enter the Great Hall and stand where Dumbledore usually gave his announcements. The teacher's table was nearly deserted- Hagrid and Snape had left the moment the war had started, along with any other able-bodied teachers. The only ones left were Professor Flitwick, Professor Grubbly-Plank, Madame Pomfrey, Professor Sprout, Firenze, and many other barely known replacements. Hardly teachers worthy of leading an army, Hermione thought miserably.
"As I'm sure many of you are now aware, one of Voldemort's Armies is coming to attack Hogwarts." McGonagall said rather bluntly.
Many students let out sounds of indignation and shock, many didn't look surprised, and many Slytherins smiled conspiratorially at each other.
Hermione kept her arm tightly around Ginny as McGonagall's speech continued. Ginny's face dissolved from shock into determination during the speech.
"To prepare for this attack, all classes are cancelled. We must begin to prepare for battle- we've got to train. Dumbledore has kindly sent one of his best soldiers back to assist us." McGonagall looked towards the Great Hall's doors.
A bruised, beaten, but grimly determined Charlie Weasley entered. Ginny tensed slightly, smiling at the sight her brother.
"All right, hello everyone. My name is Charlie Weasley, and I've been fighting for Dumbledore for two years, and I've trained dragons since I left Hogwarts seven years ago. I've brought my three best dragons back to help us protect the castle. They're very well-trained, but they need someone to guide them. I can do one, but I need two other students who will learn to control the others. Any volunteers?"
Ginny's hand shot up in the air. Charlie looked at her skeptically.
"Gin, I really don't think-"
"Oh, come on, Charlie, you've shown me loads of times. I probably know more than anyone else." She argued immediately.
Charlie still looked a little worried, but nodded.
"All right, we still need one more."
Ginny's longtime boyfriend, Dean Thomas, raised his hand. She smiled at him as Charlie nodded, and they both walked to the front of the Hall.
Professor McGonagall stood up again.
"We also need students who can act as leaders during the fight…and as the only Head Boys or Girls who are left, I would ask if Hermione Granger, Anthony Goldstein, Padma Patil, and Pansy Parkinson would be willing to take on this task?"
Hermione looked over at Pansy across the Hall. Pansy glared right back. Hermione realized that she could very easily turn on them at the last second and lead hundreds of students to their death.
"I'll do it, Professor." Hermione said loudly.
"Yeah, we will too." Anthony gestured at Padma sitting next to him, who nodded.
"Miss Parkinson?" McGonagall looked at her.
Pansy hesitated for a moment, and then stood up defiantly.
"This is ridiculous. Most of us," she motioned to her fellow Slytherins, "would like nothing better than to see Dumbledore and his army rot on the battlefield for what he's done to our family and friends!" Some Slytherins chorused agreement, some looked suddenly very uncomfortable.
"By family and friends, I assume you mean supporters of Voldemort." McGonagall said icily.
"That's right." Pansy nodded, still looking very arrogant.
"Who agrees with Miss Parkinson on this? Stand up." McGonagall looked at the Slytherin table.
About twenty or so Slytherins stood up, looking just as pleased with themselves.
"Comotosis!" McGonagall ripped her wand from her robes, aiming it at them.
All the Slytherins standing fell over with a dull thud on the ground.
Hermione smiled to herself.
"What was that?" Anthony whispered.
"Temporary coma spell. They'll be out for a few weeks." Padma grinned.
Anthony smiled as well.
"Good for McGonagall."
McGonagall cleared her throat, acting as if there weren't twenty students unconscious on the ground.
"I'd ask you to please take them to the Hospital Ward, Madame Pomfrey, but not to wake them until the attack is over. We need to stand together, or we'll fall divided. Is there anyone else who feels differently?" She looked around the Great Hall with a glare.
Every student shook their heads "no."
"Good then. Charlie, take Miss Weasley and Mr. Thomas out front and let them start to learn how to handle the dragons. Miss Granger, Mr. Goldstein, Miss Patil? If you'll come to the front with me, we'll begin our defense lessons for this morning."
~*~
Ron lay on his back on the cold, hard cot, staring at the ceiling of his tent. The army had just moved to a new location, and they'd been walking all day through a storm. He hadn't even seen Harry in the four days he'd been with the army, and so far, they'd only encountered a small straggler group of Voldemort's vampires. The legion Ron had been traveling with had disposed of them after a fairly long fight; they were some of Voldemort's hardest creatures to kill since magic had no affect on them.
It hadn't been so bad thus far… he missed Hermione terribly, but hadn't had a chance to write her yet. He knew she must be going out of her mind back at Hogwarts, just waiting around for any news. Oh well, he thought to himself, at least she's safe.
Just then, the flap to Ron's tent opened.
"Ron?" A very familiar voice asked as a very familiar face looked in.
"Harry!" Ron sat up, smiling widely.
Ron got out of bed, and they did the guy-hug, patting each other's back quickly. Harry already looked much older than when he had left three weeks ago, and one of his robe's arms was torn with a large, jagged cut underneath. It looked like it had been there awhile, and was starting to heal.
"My legion just got here, and I heard you had been called from Hogwarts. I had to come see how you were doing." Harry smiled, sitting down on Ron's cot as Ron sat on the ground.
"Well, I got summoned five days ago-"
"Did Hermione totally lose it?" Harry smiled sadly.
"Er…yeah, she was pretty upset. I just can't figure out why Dumbledore doesn't summon her as well! Not that I'm not glad, but-"
"Haven't you heard?" Harry looked surprised.
"Heard what?" Ron looked up at him blankly.
"Voldemort's attacking Hogwarts, Ron. That's probably why Dumbledore hasn't asked her to come. He'll need someone to lead everyone who's still left." Harry said gravely.
Ron's face went white.
"You're kidding."
"No- we just got news of it yesterday. Charlie Weasley, he was in my legion, he went back to Hogwarts with some dragons to help."
Ron felt his stomach clench with worry, and he suddenly felt like he would be sick.
"Ron, it's all right. She can do this-it's Hermione we're talking about." Harry grinned.
Ron realized grimly that it didn't matter where either he or Hermione were. Darkness was rising in many forms and with many faces, and it didn't matter if she was at Hogwarts, what he thought was the only place he wouldn't have to worry about her. She was still in danger, and then there was nothing he or Harry could do now to protect her.
~*~
When the storm rises up, when the shadows descend
Every beat of my heart, every day without end
I will stand like a rock, I will bend till I break
Till there's no more to give, if that's what it takes
I will risk everything, I will fight, I will bleed
I will lay down my life, if that's what you need
Every second I live, that's the promise I make
Baby, that's what I'll give, if that's what it takes
~*~
Disclaimer- I own no rights to Harry Potter characters or places. The lyrics at the end are from Celine Dion's song "If That's What It Takes." That song's kinda the theme of this story-download it, it's awesome. It almost made me cry. Seriously.
~*~
Bend 'Til I Break
~*~
Hermione walked to the Great Hall by herself on a rainy Wednesday morning. She had never felt so alone. It had been five days since Ron had left, and she was completely miserable. No letters had come from him or Harry, and no new summons had come.
More than anything, she wanted to be there, fighting beside them. She had no idea why Dumbledore hadn't asked her to come as well. It confused and infuriated her that she had to sit at the castle while they were risking their lives. Usually, whenever they were in danger, she was in just as much.
Hermione sighed deeply, not really looking where she was going and bumping into someone.
"Sorry." She mumbled, looking up to see a horrible smirk twisting across Pansy Parkinson's face.
"Hey, Granger. What's wrong? Worried that your boyfriend and little Potter are going to get themselves killed?" She laughed, but Hermione could tell that she was just as tired and worried as Hermione.
"At least my boyfriend's fighting for the right side." Hermione said viciously.
Pansy's face darkened. Draco Malfoy had left Hogwarts mysteriously during their 7th year, and it was rumored that he'd gone to join his father and the rest of the Death Eaters, who had broken out of prison and gone on an infamous killing spree, eliminating more muggle-borns in three months than had been killed in Voldemort's entire first reign of terror.
"The losing side, you mean." Pansy spat back.
Hermione met her eyes with a steely glare, trying to think of something horrible to say back but too tired to be very clever. But Pansy wasn't done yet.
"They're going to die, Granger. Both of them. And you know it. I hope Draco gets to kill Weasley-he told me if he saw anyone from that horrible family in the battle, he'd personally take care of them. He's really very good at the Dark Arts, Hermione. I bet that there won't even be enough of Weasley left to take home. And you know Voldemort will personally take care of Potter-he's had it coming for seven years."
Hermione slapped her so hard that a dark red handprint appeared on Pansy's cheek.
"Wow, Granger. Didn't know the truth would upset you so much." Pansy smiled, walking off to the Slytherin table.
Hermione was practically shaking with anger as she watched her go. She was wrong. They were coming back. But even as she thought this, her eyes were burning with tears. What if Pansy was right? Dumbledore's Army was losing…was it only a matter of time?
~*~
Hermione sat at the almost deserted Gryffindor table next to Ginny Weasley. She was the only one left not in the battle of the whole Weasley family, and it was tearing her apart.
"Why doesn't Dumbledore ask us to come? We'd help them. I can't stand just waiting here!" Ginny growled, pushing her breakfast away from her miserably.
"I know." Hermione leaned on one of her hands, looking up at the gray-clouded ceiling.
The Owl Post swooped in them, but neither girl even really noticed until two letters landed right in front of them. Hermione tore hers open anxiously, praying it was from Ron or Harry. It wasn't. Dumbledore's recognizable, swirling cursive nearly filled the whole page. Hermione's eyebrows went together curiously as she began to read.
Dear Miss Granger,
I know you're probably upset with me for calling your two best friends into service. I realize this must be incredibly difficult for you, but I need both of them fighting with me. They have both faced things that many other students have not, and I'm sure Mr. Weasley will prove as valuable and brave as Mr. Potter already has.
You're probably wondering why I did not ask you to join us as well. Well, the simple answer is that I need you at Hogwarts. A spy for my army has just received news of a possible attack on Hogwarts, and I have already sent McGonagall back to help protect the castle. I need students who I can trust to fight against Voldemort's efforts to take over this school. I know I'm asking a lot of you, but please, help organize and lead the students. They need someone with your intellect and courage right now, Miss Granger.
The attack will supposedly begin on March 17th. Please be on your guard and work hard in the time you have to get everyone prepared. Thank you for your service.
`Albus Dumbledore
Hermione put down the letter with slightly shaking hands. She felt a horrible fear rising in the pit of her stomach. If an attack on Hogwarts took place, many students would be too afraid to fight. Many of the Slytherins might even help Voldemort's armies. They would have a very small group of people who would rise up against them.
She looked over at Ginny, who was reading her letter with the same expression of fear. She figured it said about the same thing.
"Hermione…" Ginny put down the letter in shock.
"It's all right, Gin. We can do this. We've got to do this." Hermione told her, hugging her tightly and trying to sound brave.
Just then, they saw McGonagall enter the Great Hall and stand where Dumbledore usually gave his announcements. The teacher's table was nearly deserted- Hagrid and Snape had left the moment the war had started, along with any other able-bodied teachers. The only ones left were Professor Flitwick, Professor Grubbly-Plank, Madame Pomfrey, Professor Sprout, Firenze, and many other barely known replacements. Hardly teachers worthy of leading an army, Hermione thought miserably.
"As I'm sure many of you are now aware, one of Voldemort's Armies is coming to attack Hogwarts." McGonagall said rather bluntly.
Many students let out sounds of indignation and shock, many didn't look surprised, and many Slytherins smiled conspiratorially at each other.
Hermione kept her arm tightly around Ginny as McGonagall's speech continued. Ginny's face dissolved from shock into determination during the speech.
"To prepare for this attack, all classes are cancelled. We must begin to prepare for battle- we've got to train. Dumbledore has kindly sent one of his best soldiers back to assist us." McGonagall looked towards the Great Hall's doors.
A bruised, beaten, but grimly determined Charlie Weasley entered. Ginny tensed slightly, smiling at the sight her brother.
"All right, hello everyone. My name is Charlie Weasley, and I've been fighting for Dumbledore for two years, and I've trained dragons since I left Hogwarts seven years ago. I've brought my three best dragons back to help us protect the castle. They're very well-trained, but they need someone to guide them. I can do one, but I need two other students who will learn to control the others. Any volunteers?"
Ginny's hand shot up in the air. Charlie looked at her skeptically.
"Gin, I really don't think-"
"Oh, come on, Charlie, you've shown me loads of times. I probably know more than anyone else." She argued immediately.
Charlie still looked a little worried, but nodded.
"All right, we still need one more."
Ginny's longtime boyfriend, Dean Thomas, raised his hand. She smiled at him as Charlie nodded, and they both walked to the front of the Hall.
Professor McGonagall stood up again.
"We also need students who can act as leaders during the fight…and as the only Head Boys or Girls who are left, I would ask if Hermione Granger, Anthony Goldstein, Padma Patil, and Pansy Parkinson would be willing to take on this task?"
Hermione looked over at Pansy across the Hall. Pansy glared right back. Hermione realized that she could very easily turn on them at the last second and lead hundreds of students to their death.
"I'll do it, Professor." Hermione said loudly.
"Yeah, we will too." Anthony gestured at Padma sitting next to him, who nodded.
"Miss Parkinson?" McGonagall looked at her.
Pansy hesitated for a moment, and then stood up defiantly.
"This is ridiculous. Most of us," she motioned to her fellow Slytherins, "would like nothing better than to see Dumbledore and his army rot on the battlefield for what he's done to our family and friends!" Some Slytherins chorused agreement, some looked suddenly very uncomfortable.
"By family and friends, I assume you mean supporters of Voldemort." McGonagall said icily.
"That's right." Pansy nodded, still looking very arrogant.
"Who agrees with Miss Parkinson on this? Stand up." McGonagall looked at the Slytherin table.
About twenty or so Slytherins stood up, looking just as pleased with themselves.
"Comotosis!" McGonagall ripped her wand from her robes, aiming it at them.
All the Slytherins standing fell over with a dull thud on the ground.
Hermione smiled to herself.
"What was that?" Anthony whispered.
"Temporary coma spell. They'll be out for a few weeks." Padma grinned.
Anthony smiled as well.
"Good for McGonagall."
McGonagall cleared her throat, acting as if there weren't twenty students unconscious on the ground.
"I'd ask you to please take them to the Hospital Ward, Madame Pomfrey, but not to wake them until the attack is over. We need to stand together, or we'll fall divided. Is there anyone else who feels differently?" She looked around the Great Hall with a glare.
Every student shook their heads "no."
"Good then. Charlie, take Miss Weasley and Mr. Thomas out front and let them start to learn how to handle the dragons. Miss Granger, Mr. Goldstein, Miss Patil? If you'll come to the front with me, we'll begin our defense lessons for this morning."
~*~
Ron lay on his back on the cold, hard cot, staring at the ceiling of his tent. The army had just moved to a new location, and they'd been walking all day through a storm. He hadn't even seen Harry in the four days he'd been with the army, and so far, they'd only encountered a small straggler group of Voldemort's vampires. The legion Ron had been traveling with had disposed of them after a fairly long fight; they were some of Voldemort's hardest creatures to kill since magic had no affect on them.
It hadn't been so bad thus far… he missed Hermione terribly, but hadn't had a chance to write her yet. He knew she must be going out of her mind back at Hogwarts, just waiting around for any news. Oh well, he thought to himself, at least she's safe.
Just then, the flap to Ron's tent opened.
"Ron?" A very familiar voice asked as a very familiar face looked in.
"Harry!" Ron sat up, smiling widely.
Ron got out of bed, and they did the guy-hug, patting each other's back quickly. Harry already looked much older than when he had left three weeks ago, and one of his robe's arms was torn with a large, jagged cut underneath. It looked like it had been there awhile, and was starting to heal.
"My legion just got here, and I heard you had been called from Hogwarts. I had to come see how you were doing." Harry smiled, sitting down on Ron's cot as Ron sat on the ground.
"Well, I got summoned five days ago-"
"Did Hermione totally lose it?" Harry smiled sadly.
"Er…yeah, she was pretty upset. I just can't figure out why Dumbledore doesn't summon her as well! Not that I'm not glad, but-"
"Haven't you heard?" Harry looked surprised.
"Heard what?" Ron looked up at him blankly.
"Voldemort's attacking Hogwarts, Ron. That's probably why Dumbledore hasn't asked her to come. He'll need someone to lead everyone who's still left." Harry said gravely.
Ron's face went white.
"You're kidding."
"No- we just got news of it yesterday. Charlie Weasley, he was in my legion, he went back to Hogwarts with some dragons to help."
Ron felt his stomach clench with worry, and he suddenly felt like he would be sick.
"Ron, it's all right. She can do this-it's Hermione we're talking about." Harry grinned.
Ron realized grimly that it didn't matter where either he or Hermione were. Darkness was rising in many forms and with many faces, and it didn't matter if she was at Hogwarts, what he thought was the only place he wouldn't have to worry about her. She was still in danger, and then there was nothing he or Harry could do now to protect her.
~*~
When the storm rises up, when the shadows descend
Every beat of my heart, every day without end
I will stand like a rock, I will bend till I break
Till there's no more to give, if that's what it takes
I will risk everything, I will fight, I will bleed
I will lay down my life, if that's what you need
Every second I live, that's the promise I make
Baby, that's what I'll give, if that's what it takes
~*~