Disclaimor: All things Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling.

Thank you Corazon for all your help and advice with this story and beta reading it!

AN: Please remember this is a Pre-OotP story.

Chapter 29

Severus and Lupin had been in Dumbledore's office going over different plans but each idea was flawed greatly leaving no room to work with it. Severus finally had an idea but he needed to work out some things and excused himself.

*Hermione, are you almost through with class?*

~Yes, why?~

*Please meet me in my chambers after class.*

~Of course.~

Twenty minutes later Severus had finished explaining his idea.

"I don't see why it wouldn't work, but would this mean everyone would find out about us? They believe using shields for the Unforgivables is not a reality." Hermione asked.

"I believe we can keep it a secret since they know you are more powerful."

"We need to test this."

"I asked Dumbledore and Lupin to meet us in the training room at 4."

"Good, it gives me enough time to take a quick shower," Hermione got up and headed for the bathroom.

Severus heard Hermione start the shower and he grabbed a book to read. After reading the same page five times he knew he only had one option. He set the book down and started to strip to join his lover in the shower.

At 4 o'clock, Severus and Hermione entered the training room to see Dumbledore and Lupin talking. Severus went on to explain his idea and said they would need to test it.

"Yes we do. Remus, would you agree to the curses being thrown at you?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes," Lupin answered.

Lupin, Severus and Hermione stood together with Lupin in the middle. Dumbledore prepared to throw a few curses. Everyone said they're ready and Dumbledore threw the Imperius curse.

"Visadlio," Severus and Hermione say at the same time.

Dumbledore told tell Lupin to walk backwards and it didn't work. He then tried the Cruciatus curse. It didn't get past their shields either.

"Let's try it with only one shield," Severus suggested.

The others agree and Severus puts the shield up for the Imperius curse but it didn't get blocked.

The others were disappointed but Hermione stepped forward, "Let me try."

Hermione stepped in place while Severus moved away.

"Imperio," the Headmaster threw again pointing his wand at Lupin.

"Visadlio," Hermione casts.

Dumbledore tells Lupin mentally to sit down but it isn't working.

"Professor Lupin, will you agree to Cruciatus?" Hermione asked tentatively.

"Yes, I believe you can block it."

"Crucio," Dumbledore tested.

Hermione put up the shield and the curse did not affect Lupin. Everyone was quite pleased that they have away to protect Harry now. They all agree Hermione will protect Harry only. Severus will try to protect the others around Harry and Hermione so no one can get to close to them. "I think we should allow Ron, Draco and Ginny to protect Harry and Hermione from Death Eaters. Severus, you can concentrate on both. Sirius and I can also protect Harry and Hermione from Death Eaters if we need to. We need Harry to focus on Voldemort alone and not worry about his back." Lupin suggested.

"Lupin is correct. I can do my best for the three groups but my main goal is to keep Potter and Hermione safe, considering. I've noticed Draco and Ms. Weasley capable of casting decent shields and Mr. Weasley adequate at the counter-curses," Severus grudgingly admitted. *Do not tell anyone I said that!* Severus mentally said to Hermione when he saw her grin.

~You're no fun lover.~

*That's not what you said in the shower.*

Hermione blushed and shook her head smiling.

"Severus, would you mind terribly if Sirius joined you during training? He could use the practice actually," Dumbledore stated.

Severus' expression turned to pure hatred but he relented, "As long as you make it clear that Lupin and I are instructing not him."

"Thank you Severus," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.

"Albus, if the dog challenges me to a duel, I do not plan on turning him down," Severus sneered.

Dumbledore and Lupin knew who would win the duel easily and not even because of Severus' ability to block curses. Severus was a master at dueling before the change with Hermione.

"Of course, but try not to injure him too much. Remember you are on the same side. Hermione, I know we told Remus for obvious reasons, but I do not see the need to let Sirius know."

Hermione was relieved since enough people knew about her abilities already, "Thank you Professor."

~~~~~

The next lesson the following week everyone was in the training room. Dumbledore also attended to inform them of the plans. "Severus and Remus have come up with a plan to protect Harry and enable him to use his wand against Voldemort," Dumbledore started.

Black, Harry, Ron, Ginny and Draco had their full attention on Dumbledore, the other two adult wizards, Lupin and Severus along with Hermione were standing back a little just watching.

"Sirius and Remus will be a team protecting Harry from Death Eaters. Ron, Ginny and Draco will be doing the same. Severus will be protecting both teams but his main goal will be protecting Hermione and Harry from Death Eaters. Hermione will be protecting Harry from Voldemort. I will have other supporters fighting Death Eaters also," Dumbledore explained. "Are there any questions?"

Black instantly spoke up, "Hermione protect Harry from You-Know-Who? How is she supposed to do that? Distract him with her wiles? Remus and I would be a better choice, hell even Snape would be a better choice!"

The students were shocked at Black's statement; Dumbledore and Lupin were quiet, waiting for Hermione or Severus to say something. Hermione was boiling with anger and so was Severus. "Albus, reign your dog back in or I will." The others could hear the anger and hatred in his tone.

"I'm not his dog! And trusting Harry to a witch with no dueling experience against the most powerful Dark Wizard ever is foolish," Black roared.

"Black I'm going to..." Severus started toward the man.

"Enough!" All startled and stared at Hermione, Severus turned to look at her. Even though she might regret it some day she needed to show them she could protect Harry. "Professor Dumbledore, may I ask you to have everyone swear to a wizard's oath on what they see and hear?"

Dumbledore understood what she was going to do, "Do you five each give your wizard's oath not to repeat what is about to be said or seen?"

The four students agreed but Black, "Albus this is..."

"Sirius you either agree or leave now," Dumbledore said in his most commanding tone that was rarely heard from him.



To Be Continued...