The Beginning to End All
Chapter 4 (Was it all just a mistake?)
Harry slid his finger under the red ribbon breaking the seal. Suddenly the
letter can to life flipping out of Harry hands and floated in the air.
"It's a bloody howler!" Ron exclaimed
But before anybody could reply the letter began to speak.
"So, these are the people the famous Harry Potter has to help take me
down." the voice of Voldemort was clear and precise, a shiver ran down
Harry's spine remembering all the other times he had heard the wizard talk to
him. He reached out a hand with the intention of ripping the letter in to
pieces he didn't care what information it might contain. Before his hand could
enclose its self round the paper it jerked out of the way high about their
heads looking down at them.
"Now, now Harry, that's not polite." The letter shook back and forth
like a shaking head. "I tried to teach you manners before, looks like you
still need a few more lessons." Harry mind flashed back to the 3rd task of
the triwaizd competition something he hadn't through
about for a long time now. The letter glided through the air and stopped right
in front of Snape. "Severus I'm disappoint in you, betraying your master, a
task punishable by death." The letter grinned wickedly. "If you're
lucky it might be quick and painless," there was a silence all around the
room while they waited for the letter to continue, "but I wouldn't count
on it."
Everyone was astonished what kind of trick was Voldemort playing at? Could he
be setting some kind of trap? This is what the Dark Lord wanted, to keep them all
confused when really his only really reason was to torment Harry. Let him know
he knew about his little mudblood of a girlfriend, make him sweat a little wondering
what he would do. Keeping Harry's mind else where during their final battle
would give him the advantage he needed, the letter finally settled back on
Harry.
"If you have any last requests or good byes to say Harry I guess you
better start, cause the next time we meet you won't be walking away afterwards,
that I can promise you," The letter gilded closer to Harry's face and
whispered in his ear. "I can also promise you Harry your death won't be
painless and definitely won't be quick…" There was a pause the letter
drifted over to Hermione and circled her a few time before making its way back
to Harry. "Not bad, for a mudblood, and by the way I would be careful of
where you partake in certain activities!! I mean you never know who might be
watching." And with that the letter disappeared in a puff of smoke.
After a few moments of silence they were suddenly broken by the obvious voice
of Ronald Weasley. "That was it, that's all he
wanted to do, threaten Harry and Snape, what was the bloody point."
But Harry knew the real reason for the letter; Voldemort wanted him to know
he'd seem them. He knew about the change in his and Hermione's relationship, he
could just picture the evil smirk on Voldemort's face
at this very moment thinking up more ways we could torment him.
"He's playing with us!" Harry let out a small laugh and shook his
head "That's all his doing bloody
playing with us."
"Well we can't let him," Hermione voice sounded clearly round the
room. "We just have to carry on not let him get to us, its just trick to
throw us off and make a mistake."
The sound of Hermione voice brought Harry mind back to reality Voldemort knew
about them, knew about Hermione. At that moment his mind snapped back into action
he had a plan. He turned to face Adam's again and with a determined looking his
eyes set to work.
"Adam's did you or your men hear anything else during the attack, a
possible date, time or anything."
"I did" Richard's piped up. "One of the death eaters said
something about catching them off guard, and being out numbered."
"He could've been talking about Hogsmeade."
Snape suggested
"I don't think he was sir, it sounded to me like it was for a future
event, like they were looking
forwards to it."
"Ok," Harry thought about this for a few seconds. "If that's the
case Voldemort must know we're low in numbers and that more are on their way.
He's probably changed the attack for this weekend, Saturday maybe Sunday, which
gives us 3 days to prepare."
"Why this weekend." Minerva asked
"Because Monday is when the rest of the aurors
arrive. Draco and Ginny are due here tomorrow but no one else after that till
Monday."
People looked troubled if that was the case surely they would be defeated.
Hundreds of death eaters against 20 aurors, they
didn't stand a chance.
"Right here's what we're going to do." Harry walked up to the table
running his hands through his hair.
"Ron are your parents still over in Romania with Charlie?"
"Yeah," Ron looked puzzled by Harry's question "There for
another 2 weeks." What had his parents got to do with the up coming battle
with Voldemort?
"Good … Neville I want you after this meeting to send an Owl to the
ministry. Let them know with need as much help as possible, as many fighters as
they can dig up and I want them here by Thursday morning…" Harry paused
unsure if he should continue. "I also want a portkey,
to Romania here as soon as possible." Neville
looked a little confused but nodded, Harry would know what he was doing Neville
would just have to trust him.
"Minerva" Harry continue turning to face his old Professor. "I
want you to look up those protection
binding spells Hermione found and prepare to cast them, Snape …" He turned
to face the potions master. "She'll need your help with the potion it
needs starting tomorrow."
The protection binding spells were a very old and ancient spell used over
Centuries ago. Hermione had found mention of them during one of her research session
at the ministry. It was a spell combined with a potion which old wizard use to
use to protect their homes. They would let nobody out or in expect the chosen
few. It starts off with a potion which is extremely complex and needs many
expensive not to mention rare ingredients. After a day of preparing, hairs from
all the people who needed to be able to cross the barrier are added thus making
the spell have no effect on them. The spell itself is bound to a number of
individuals; (known as the protectors) this sets up an invisible force field
around the area keeping everyone else out. The only way for the spell
to be broken if not done naturally is by killing the entire amount of protectors which can range from 1 to 100. If the
spell worked there was no way Voldemort was getting inside the castle.
"The last thing we want is for Voldemort and his death eaters to be
running around the castle, we need to keep them outside where we can see them.
Minerva I want you, Poppy, Lavender and Ginny when she get here to be the
Protectors of the spell."
"Harry you can't …" Ron wasn't happy with his girlfriends being put
in such as dangerous position.
"You will stay inside during the battle where it is safe, and then there
is no way of the spell being
broken." Harry finished ignoring Ron completely, then
turned to Poppy as he continued. "Starting from tomorrow I want everyone
to be taught the basic level of first aid. If we are going to be out number I
want everyone able to heal their own injuries straight away."
"Harry we are still going to be out numbered no matter what happens."
Remus pointed out I mean with the ladies inside that leaves us with how many
…" he looked around the room counting. "With Draco that leaves 16 of
us, what if the ministry can't send anymore that's not enough to beat over a
100 death eaters."
"It has to be, because if he attacks we don't have a choice. 15 of us will
have to do." Harry walked over to Poppy and continued explaining exactly
what he wanted done. Remus looked confused! Where Harry had got 15 from he had
no idea. There was him and Sirius, Ron, Draco, and Neville. Dumbledore, Snape,
7 aurors and then Harry and Hermione that made 16,
Remus looked over at Sirius who had also recounted and was also a little
puzzled.
"Harry there's 16 of us." He pointed out think it was really quite
obvious
"No there isn't" but still Harry
didn't look at them
"Then my dear boy, who may I ask wont be fighting." Dumbledore spoke
up from the other side of the room. Harry looked up he's eyes glanced over at
Hermione who was still standing near Neville but he looked away before anyone
notice.
Hermione how ever saw and things finally began to fall into place and the anger
from earlier was beginning to rises up once again.
"Don't you even think about it!" She ordered
taking a set forward. Everyone turned and looked at her confused at what she
was suggesting "Harry I warning you don't you dare."
"I'm not getting into another fight with you
Hermione." There was a coldness in he's voice which he
hardly ever spoke to her with, but it didn't put her
off one bit.
"You have no right, it's my choice you can't do it I wont let you do
it." She advanced closer to Harry but Sirius grabbed her elbows from
behind and pulled her back. "You can't let him do this, Ron tell him" She turned to Ron expecting him to stand up
for her but he hadn't a clue what she was talking about. "Sirius talk to
him, tell him he can't do this." She twisted her head to face Harry's
Godfather the one man who usually managed to talk sense into him.
"Hermione I haven't got a clue what your talking about."
Sirius apologised. That's when Harry spoke up.
"Hermione's not fighting." Everyone looked at him shocked. Hermione
had fought beside Harry since this war began her and Ron, since before the war
way back to the first year at Hogwarts.
"Harry" Ron questioned taking a step forward, Sirius still held
Hermione tightly as she tried to break free.
"Hermione's using the portkey and going to Romania, as soon as it arrives." He
turned to Neville. "I need you to get that owl off straight away
Neville."
Neville Longbottom had change a great deal since he's
Hogwarts days. Now a much fitter young man he was tall though still a little on
the larger size but he had defiantly toned up. Neville started to make he's way
to the door but just as his hands was about to enclose around the handle ...
"Neville you open that door and I'll curse you into next week, you know I
can do it." Hermione yelled at him. She turned to Harry her face pleading
with him. "Harry don't do this, I'm a good fighter you know that! I can
take care of my self just as well as anyone in this room. Please"
Harry's eyes meet hers and there was a long silence "I'm sorry" was
all he managed to say.
Hermione pulled herself from Sirius grip facing Harry. It looked like she was
about to let him have it when a few tears escaped her eyes. Calmly she spoke
"I am not leaving this castle and the only way of making me is if you flew
me to Romania yourself." And with that she turned
and walked out the door slamming it shut behind her.
Harry clenched his fist and leaned his back up against the cool wall. He
couldn't believe she was being this difficult, she'd heard the damn message he
knew that Voldemort would aim for her to get at him. He stood still a few
minutes calming himself down until it started.
"What the hell was that?" Ron roared at him, "How could you do
that to her?"
"I can't believe you just did that" Came from Lavender.
"Have you completely lost your mind?" Snape asked.
And that's how it continued for a few minutes, question after question,
everyone angry and trying to figure out what had made him do such a thing. They
were just about to battle with the biggest dark lord ever with only a handful
of soldiers and he's just sent away one of their best fighters, people were amazed.
Surprisingly the only two people who didn't say a word were Sirius and
Dumbledore.
Harry's head began to spin and the voices seemed to merge in to one dull drone
gong on and on, he could fill the anger building up inside him. He banged his fists
again the wall in one loud thump hoping it would make him fell better and clear
his mind. Everything went quiet, not a voice could be heard. Harry slowly opened
his eyes and looked around, shattered glass lay everywhere; on the floor, on
the table, in people's hair. It was then he realised
what had happen, the windows had exploded as he lost his temper and the result;
everyone was showered with piece's of glass.
Quickly he made for the exit as he approached the door swung itself open
allowing him through and slammed itself shut behind him.
**************************
Harry made his way along the corridor towards Hermione's room,
he knew that was where she would go. He had to talk to her,
he couldn't leave things like they were not with the final battle so close he
had to sort everything out. As he reached her door he put his hand on the
handle and found it locked.
"Hermione…" he waited "Hermione let me in" he said through
the door.
"No, leave me alone Harry" she shouted back.
Harry calmed him self "Herms we need to talk."
"I have nothing to say to you, leave me alone." Harry
knew she was angry but busting into her room was not going to solve this
problem.
"Herms open the door…" again he waited, nothing.
"If you don't I will, no spell you know can keep this door locked
to me you know that."
The sound of movement could be heard from within, Hermione was making her way
to the door she opened it a few inches but didn't let him in.
"What do you want, come to order me to go to Romania again, well as I said before I'm
not going. Live with it" And the door slammed
shout once again
"Hermione …"
Before he could finish what he was about to say the door once again flung open
this time all the way.
"How do you think you can get away with doing this, I've work just as hard
as any one in that room more than most. I've trained just as much as you and Ron, I've been in battles before I know who to handle
myself."
"Hermione I …."
But she continued "I can't believe you would do this, even attempt to do
it." She turned and headed back into her room leaving the door open, Harry
followed closing it as he went.
"I can't believe you would do this." Hermione was on the verge of
tears. She couldn't believe Harry was trying to send her away. This day
couldn't get any worst after such a wonderful start it had just been down hill
since. First Harry didn't speak to her then he tried to say sorry. Next he's
sending her half way across the world, what the hell was wrong with her.
"Hermione listen to me..." Harry grabbed hold of both her hands
forcing her to face him. Her brown eyes glistening, her cheeks wet from where
her tears had fallen. It broke his heart to see her like this for him to do
this, but he had to. She had to understand why. Harry had to make Hermione see
that she was in danger if she stayed there. Voldemort knew about what had
happen between them, he was going to use her to bring him down. It scared Harry
to think that if
Voldemort made him choose over Hermione or the rest of the world he would
choose her in a heartbeat, for the simple fact it wouldn't be a world worth
living in if she wasn't a part of it. Hermione needed to understand that this
is for her own good, for her safety not because he wanted to get rid of her,
Harry never felt as safe as he did when Hermione was at he's side but
right now her life was in danger and he wasn't going to let that bastard hurt
her.
"Hermione listen to …Will you please look at me." He tugged on her
hands pulling her closer till she raised her head, the tears still there.
"You have to understand this is the best thing …."
"The best thing?" Hermione pulled her hands
from Harry's "The best thing." She was fuming "For who Harry? For me? Is this the best thing for me? She shouted her
question tears freely flowing once again down her already stained cheeks. Her
eyes stun from all the crying but she couldn't stop her self.
Harry was taken back by her sudden out burst, he had thought she had calmed
down a little but obviously he was mistaken. Harry looked up at her and saw she
was standing there hands on her hips in a typical Hermione pose. He searched
for the words but nothing came to him, speechless he just stood their.
When Hermione saw that he wasn't going to say anything it only caused her rage
to increase. She walked right up to him so their faces were inches apart.
Normally being this close to Harry would cause Hermione heart to race from the
close proximity and her cheeks to flush but not this time. Her heart was
already trying to break free of her chest and her cheeks burnt like that were
on fire. "You didn't answer me Harry, is this what's best for me?"
She paused seeing if he would say anything temping him to object to her
closeness and move back, but he did. Harry stood his ground. "Or is this
what's best for you?"
"Hermione…" Harry growled through he's teeth. "I am doing what
is best for you."
Hermione threw hand arms in the air and turned away from Harry decreasing the
tension which had begun to build.
"Why can't you admit it?" She flopped down on to the sofa her eyes
not leaving his for a second. "Just admit it Harry and make it easier on
the both of us."
"And what am I meant to admit."
Hermione let out a rather loud breath, she was frustrated. Why couldn't he just
say it was a mistake, why must he keep pretending he had no idea what she was
talking about?
"That what happened between us this morning was a mistake, just the heat
of the moment, and you're sending me off to the middle of no where is to make
it more comfortable for you." She looked down at her hands, the little bit
of confidence she had finally fading not wanting Harry to see just how hurt she
was. "That it would just be easier if I wasn't here."
Harry walked up to the sofa and knelt down on the floor right in front of
Hermione; he lifted his hands and wiped away the tears which were falling down
her cheeks. It broke his heart to see her cry she had such a beautiful face it
shouldn't be spoiled with tears. The anger had gone, replaced with sadness with
regret.
"Is that was you think?" Hermione didn't answer him but he saw the
answer in her eyes. "Is that what you want?"
"You tell me."
Harry pushed him self up to his feet and turned away from her "God
Hermione can we just stop doing this." Annoyances sounding in his voice as
he ran his fingers through his already messy hair making it stick up even more.
Confused Hermione stood up, tears gone now and enraged once again. "Stop
what?"
"Stop playing these games." Harry turned "For once can't you
just answer a simple question."
"Me answer a simple question; take your own bloody advice." And with
that she took off towards the door, the sudden need for fresh air over powering
her. Harry didn't make a move to stop her which she was glad of as she grabbed
her robe and reached out for the door handle she heard Harry behind her.
"I just trying to protect you, can't you see that?"
She let out a sigh leaning her forehead against the door she so could feel the
coolness of the wood.
"Why me?" Her voice was quiet barely loud
enough to be heard. Turning she leaned up against the door with a fear that her
legs would give away any minute. "Why me? Why not
Ron? Sirius? Lavender? Why me?"
Once again Harry remain silent
"It's a simple question Harry, why me? Why send me halfway across the
world to be safe."
Still Harry made no attempt to answer.
"Christ Harry answer the blood quest…"
"I love you!" He exclaimed, in an exasperated tone. Hermione looked
at him not sure if she heard
correctly. "That's why" Harry replied, but much more softly, his eyes
locking with hers "Because I'm in love with you."
**********************************************
Authors Note's
I hope you like this chapter it took me a while to write it! For some reason it just didn't seem right, so please reviews and let me know what you think.
I like to thank ….
Ramy
Angelgurl06
bookworm
Emerald eyes22
harrynmione
Usha88
SpeillboundWriter
TimeGold
LinNicole
Hawkeye10
midnight-arrow1
for all there lovely reviews and if I missed anyone out I'm so sorry. Thanks.
Its shouldn't be too long till I post the next chapter so please keep a look out.
Thanks
Love
Angel-Flea