A/N: Thanks for the review BferBear. I'm sorry that the second chapter
confused you. If you need to, you can e-mail me at CoUrT_RaDcLiFfE@yahoo.com, and I can help sort things out. Please, please read this! This was my first ever HP fanfic, and I know it probably isn't very good. But, please, just read it. I take criticism as long as it isn't a full-blown flame. Please, don't flame me, I'm a new writer!! Ok, thanks
for listening to my rant.
Love,
RoSe~DaWsOn~HeRmIoNe~WeAsLeY
Chapter Three: Hermione's Troubles and Draco's Change of Heart
Hermione tried to sleep that night. She didn't understand why Harry hated her. Yes she did. She was fooling herself again. She had lied to the one person she loved with all her heart and soul. Harry had always been there for her, and what did she do? She made him lose all trust in her. She turned over, but still could not sleep. The dream came more frequently now. The one she feared so much..
The darkness was back again. Ron stood on one side of Hermione, Draco on the other. " Hello. I am Ari. You know who I am Hermione. Or, at least, you will. I am the Ruling Heir. I am the one who refused to let James and Lily sacrifice themselves for their son. Harry. How is he?" Ari asked. " Sad. I saw him crying. Why?" Ron asked. " You three have supposedly died. Natalie and he believe that Voldemort killed you, and took your bodies." Ari said. Hermione blanched. " What can we do to get back to him?" she asked. " You can't. You have to stay in the mortal world, or the muggle world as you call it, for 7 years. You will not be allowed contact with anyone you know, especially Jenna, Natalie and Harry. They cannot know you are alive until the seven years are up." Ari said. " No! That isn't fair." Hermione shouted. " You were to die. The reason you three survived was."
Hermione was startled awake at 3 am. She was hungry, as she had not eaten that night, or for five days. She stood, and looked down. She wore her muggle sleeping clothes, pajama bottoms and a tank top. She grabbed up her curly hair, still slightly bushy, but at least manageable, and put it in a ponytail. She walked down the stairs, careful to jump the last two steps as they squeaked something horrible. She walked to the kitchen door, but stopped when she saw a light flicker on. She peered in the small window above the railing that stood outside the kitchen, and saw Harry and Ron talking. " Harry, mate, you gotta tell her. If Hermie doesn't start eating Talie is gonna freak." Ron said. " I can't. She lied to me." Harry whispered. " Tell me how she lied." Ron said. " She didn't tell me." Harry started, but Ron cut him off. " She didn't tell you. She didn't lie, she just didn't say anything." Ron said. Hermione heard her stomach growl, and knew she had to eat soon, or she'd faint. She gathered her courage like an iron façade, and, carrying Rowena's diary with her, walked into the kitchen. She saw Harry and Ron's heads snap up at her entrance, but she tried to ignore it. She walked to the pantry, pulling out a bowl. She magicked up a box of her favorite oatmeal, peaches and cream, and some hot water. She mixed it, and began to eat, with Ron and Harry staring at her every move. She watched Harry's emerald eyes through the corner of her own tawny ones, and saw all the emotion there. So, he did care and still loved her. She wouldn't say sorry first. She refused. Harry watched his Mione eat, and knew his feelings were still there, and as deep as ever, but he wouldn't say sorry first. He refused. Hermione ate all her oatmeal, magicked the bowl to the sink, and rinsed it clean. She washed her hands, drying them with a towel. She washed her spoon, splashing herself and the floor with water. "Removere hydros." Hermione muttered, removing the water from her tank and the floor. Carefully levitating the bowl and spoon back to their proper places, Hermione picked up the diary of Rowena Ravenclaw, and walked out. Harry let out a huge sigh when she stepped out. Even Hermione's presence was enough to drive him up the wall. " Harry, you have to tell her. When she walks into a room, you freak out and don't speak. How do you plan to get through Christmas tomorrow when we will be right next to her?" Ron asked. " I will find a way." Harry said, walking past Ron. Harry just didn't know how he would find that way.
Hermione woke again at 6, and didn't even try to fall asleep again. She dressed in her muggle jeans and a tank top. She grabbed up her Hogwarts cloak, and decided to go for a walk outside the Burrow. She left her hair down, as she would take her shower when she returned. She traveled to the hill where Harry, Ron and the Weasleys would always play Quidditch. She sat underneath the tree where she and Harry had waited out a rainstorm in 6th year. She remembered her fear of staying alone with Harry, for fear she'd let her feelings out. Hermione had never had to worry about these kinds of things when she was an innocent muggle child, and not even when she was in 1st year, and had not yet known Harry and Ron. Yet if she had never known Harry or Ron, she would not have found the love of a lifetime, or the friendship she now treasured. She rested her head on the rough bark of the old tree, and imagined herself far away, away somewhere.
" Hello again Hermione." Ari said. " Hello Ari." said Hermione. Draco and Ron were not with her this time. " Hermione, you will stay here until Ron and Draco come back, then you will have your home built up in the muggle world, where you three will stay, living together, until your seven years are up." Ari said. " Could you, somehow, send Harry a sign? To not give up hope maybe?" Hermione asked. " That I can do." Ari said.
Hermione woke when she heard yelling and hysterical crying. She looked up to see Harry, Ron, Natalie, Fred, George, Percy, Bill, and Charlie coming up the hill, shouting her name. She checked her watch. It was 1:30 in the afternoon. She had slept for 7 and half hours up here. She stood just as Harry looked at the tree. " Hermie!" Natalie shouted, tears streaming down her face as she embraced Hermione. " Hullo Natalie." Hermione said. Harry stood alone, watching her, and she watched him. She walked to him, and embracing him, she whispered, " I will never hate you, or never not love you, and for as long as I draw breath, you will be the one to hold my heart." Harry kissed her hair, and cried silent tears into her cloak. She felt the wetness, and she motioned to the others to leave. She lowered herself to the ground, and held Harry as he cried. She stroked his hair and cradled him as he shook with his tears. When he lifted his head, eyes sparkling with his tears, some still falling, Hermione smiled. " You aren't as immune to feelings as you would like us to believe, are you?" Hermione whispered, her own tears mixing with Harry's as they sat cheek to cheek. Harry wiped away one of Hermione's own tears, and kissed her eyelids gently. " I'm sorry, so sorry I don't think words can say how much." Harry said. " You tried to protect me, and I lied to you." Hermione said. " No. You tried to protect me, and give me the life I have always wished for. I also want to say I haven't gotten your Christmas gift yet. I wanted it to be special, and I haven't found one yet, but I promise I will." Harry said. " I don't care. I do have yours though." Hermione withdrew the letter, actually two letters, that were seventeen years old.
Harry:
Hello son. I am James Potter, and your mother is Lily. We know how much you must be hurting because of what we could not do, but please do not blame Hermione. She kept your mother from dying from grief because she could not save you. I want you to know, as does your mother, that we love you, always have, and always will. Never lose hope. We will never leave you, as long as you believe in yourself.
Your father,
James Harry:
My son, I miss you so. I love you, and I have always been there, if not in the way you would like. James and I have always wished we could have stayed with you, but the Ruling Heir would not have it. So, in our place a special girl named Hermione Granger saved you. You may never meet her, as she never said anything of you in seventeen years, but I want you to know that we owe her your life. I love you Harry, and nothing, death or anything, will keep me from saying that.
Your mother, with all her love,
Lily Harry looked up at Hermione, stunned. " James and Lily gave that to me the day they died, making me promise that even if I never saw you again, that I would find someway to get it to you." " Thank you. This is the best thing I could have ever gotten." Harry said. And it was. It proved that his parents had loved him, and had tried to save him. Harry and Hermione stood, walking back to the Burrow, and walking back to Hogwarts.
" Never lose hope Harry." Lily Potter stood on Harry's left, James on his right. " Mum?" Harry asked. " Hello. I miss you." Lily said. Harry didn't know if he could reply. His throat seemed to be closed off. " I miss you too Mum, Dad." Harry said. " We miss you too. I have always wished I could have been there to watch you grow, to have held you when you cried." Lily said, coming to Harry.
" Mum, I want you to be here." Harry said. Lily just smiled, and handed Harry something.
" This is something I want you to give Hermione. She will tell you what it is." Lily said.
" Harry, never, ever lose faith in her." James said.
Harry awoke, next to Hermione, still clutching the small object his mother had handed him. It was a ring. It was a small, slight gold ring, a bright red ruby glittering on the top, inscribing on the sides, sliding all the way around the band. It read:
Chiue aslasd sdiasir adiaise deisir erised lasdk alsdoe aidomcd saodoaoe Harry didn't know how, but he knew what it meant:
The Ring will be the savior of her, and her desire for him will grow ever more as the years pass. Never had Harry seen something this beautiful. " Mione. Wake up." Harry shook her awake, and watched as her sleep-clouded tawny eyes adjusted to the brightness of day. " Mione, can you tell me what this is?" Harry asked urgently. " Harry, that is the Ring of Absolute Power!" Hermione breathed, reverent. " What?" Harry asked. " Yes. Your mother had it in her possession when she died. She was the Heir to Ravenclaw, as your father was the Heir to Gryffindor. Only Gryffindor can give it to Ravenclaw, and only Ravenclaw can wield it." Hermione said. " That I know, but why?" Harry asked. " Because in the prophecy, I get the ring from you 4 months prior to the Night Of Complete Magic. It is December 25, four months prior to the Night." Hermione said. " We now need the pendant." Harry said. " Natalie will have that." Hermione said. " How are you so sure?" Harry asked. " Because she receives it from Ron the same day I get the Ring from you." Hermione said. " You've read up on this, haven't you?" Harry asked. " Yeah. When have I not read up on something that threatens us?" Hermione asked. " Never." Harry said.
Draco Malfoy sat with Ginny Weasley and Anna Laurence in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor. He was still equipped with his wand, as the Death Eaters had not detected it. He still had not told the two 6th years that he was an Auror. Ginny still did not trust him, and Anna refused to be near him. " Ginny, I am not who you think I am. I am an Auror. I will prove it." He pulled out his wand, and a piece of blank parchment. " Prove it? That is a blank piece of parchment." Anna said. Draco waved it, muttered, "Apperatio Writh." Writing appeared, and Draco handed it to the two girls. " I told you. I am an apprentice Auror. I can't do everything yet, but I think I can get us out of here. I have to, or Harry, Ron, Hermione and Natalie will come to get us, and that is exactly what Voldemort wants." Draco explained. " What does all this have to do with the Heirs?" Anna asked. " I have to be there by March 31st, or the prophecy will be changed, and all four Heirs will die." Draco said. " You are the one known as the Protector, aren't you?" Ginny asked. " Yes, I am. I have to be there, to save Natalie and Harry, or they will die, and there will be no chance for Ron and Hermione. Or me." Draco said sadly. He thought of Jenna in these moments. She, Hermione and Natalie, and finally Harry and Ron had befriended him, and he would sacrifice his life to keep their trust. " You are to die too, aren't you?" Anna asked. " Yes. I sacrifice myself for the last two Heirs." Draco said. " How many people know this?" Ginny questioned. " Only you two." Draco said. " May my faith keep you safe." Anna said.
Harry watched Hermione sleep, and knowing this might be the last time he saw her, he whispered, " May this prayer be enough for you to know my love." He got up, and went to get Ron. He and Ron were going to infiltrate Malfoy Manor, and get the three out.
Hermione awoke, and knew that he wasn't there. Sobbing from the adjoining room told Hermione that Ron had gone as well. " He left too, didn't he?" Hermione asked Natalie. " Yeah. He left a note for me though." Natalie handed the tear spotted parchment to Hermione:
Natalie:
I'm sorry I have to leave. I know I haven't always acted like a boyfriend to you. That is because I have never thought of you as my girlfriend, but my soul mate. I love you so very much, and knowing that some day soon I will have to leave you; tears me up inside. I love you Talie, and I hope that you have always known that.
Ron
Hermione had tears in her own eyes when she finished the letter.
" I never knew Ron to feel this way." Natalie said.
" Me either." Hermione sniffled.
" I really wish I could tell him how I feel. But it looks like I don't have a choice about it, do I?" Natalie asked solemnly.
" Please, Natalie, don't say that. I know that you wish he knew, but- I understand. I want Harry here, and out of danger. God, I'd do anything to be there where he is." Hermione said. As if responding to an unspoken plea, the ashes in Alachua's jar began to glow.
" What in the world is going on?" Natalie asked as suddenly, the ashes flew out and began shaping a phoenix. The phoenix was bright red, and striped with gold and silver streaks. She came and settled on the bed, and began tugging on Natalie.
" She knows where they are." Natalie immediately realized.
" Get dressed." Hermione said, dashing for her uniform and robe.
They had taken a hold of Alachua and had been whisked into the air. They had traveled for about 30 minutes when they landed in front of a huge, dark manor. The symbol of Slytherin House, a huge serpent, was emblazoned on the door.
" Creepy." Hermione said.
" Defiantly." Natalie replied. The door was the only entrance. Hermione and Natalie took out their wands, holding them at the ready should anyone try to attack them. They approached the door, and Natalie gingerly pushed it open. The air was stale, but no attackers jumped out of the heavy shadows. Hermione and Natalie kept their wands out anyway, but were less fearful.
" Now what do we do?" Hermione asked.
" Look for Ron and Harry, and hope we run into Ginny, Anna, and Draco." Natalie replied. They walked down the hallway, and down three flights of steps. They must be in the dungeon, Hermione thought. Cells lined the right and left sides, and Hermione gestured Natalie closer.
" You check the right side, I'll take the left, and let off sparks if you find them."
" Ok." Natalie walked away, and so did Hermione.
Hermione was about to give up hope. She hadn't found any of the 5 missing people, but as she passed the last cell she saw Anna, Ginny, and Draco asleep inside.
" Draco." Hermione whispered. He jolted awake, and he smiled when he saw her.
" Hermione! How, what?" He stuttered.
" Never mind that now. Can the Alohomora charm work on the cell?" she asked.
" No. I've tried." He said.
" Damn. Light Magic is the only way, but I can't use it alone." Hermione said.
" Why?" he asked.
" Harry has to be with me." She said.
" What if I am?" Harry said. Startled, Hermione turned right into his arms.
" Oh, god, Harry!" Hermione whispered.
" You came. I can't believe it." Harry said.
" Are you mad?" Hermione asked.
" Yes and no." Harry replied.
" We have to use the Light Magic to let them out." Hermione said.
" I know. Ron and Natalie used it to set Ron and I free." He said.
" What spell do we use Ron?" Hermione asked.
" Lieiuos Friemo." Ron said automatically.
" You've learned all your spells, haven't you?" Draco asked. Just then, Anna and Ginny woke.
" Ron!" Ginny shouted.
" Shhh! Don't yell. We could be caught." Hermione said as she smiled at her future sister. Anna smiled back, and cast a questioning glance at Harry.
" Give me your hand Mione." Harry said. She did, and closed her eyes. Visions of Harry flashing before her eyes, she whispered, " Lieiuos Friemo."
" Yes!! You did it!" Draco said as he helped Ginny and Anna from the cell before he himself came out. They managed to escape Malfoy Manor, and take hold of Alachua, and start the flight home. To Hogwarts.
" Do we just walk in?" Ginny asked of the four 7th years.
" Yes. Dinner will have started, but I don't think we'll cause too much of a distraction." Draco said.
" Is there a reason why I don't believe you?" Hermione asked.
" Because I don't believe it myself." He replied.
They walked in, but not the way Draco had said. The entire room fell silent, and Dumbledore stood, as did the entire school. George Weasley, who, with Fred tailing, came up to the filthy 7, broke the silence.
" Goodness gracious. You all SMELL!!" he shouted.
" Thanks George." Ron said. Ravenclaws, Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and even some Slytherins craned their necks to look at the 7, who were covered in mud, slime from the dungeons in the Manor, and blood in Draco, Ron, and Harry's cases. Hermione would ask about the blood later. Right now they had to go before the school decided to come up to them. But before Harry and Hermione could escape, Dumbledore called them up to his seat. They walked carefully up to his seat, next to the Gryffindors, and Oliver gave Hermione a pat on the shoulder as she passed.
" As you know, you are Head Boy and Girl, and you still have your duties. However, I know that you also are our Heirs. If you feel you cannot hold these positions, I will have two other students take them." He said. Hermione immediately blanched. She had wanted to be Head Girl ever since she was in 1st year, and had been able to get it after getting the most OWLs of anyone at Hogwarts, ever. Hermione had succeeded in getting 20 OWLs, the most you could get, and she was also proud of getting the highest Potions grade, even if Snape had tried to fail her.
" No! I mean, please Headmaster, I have wanted to be Head Girl for a while now, and I really would like to keep my position." Hermione said.
" I would too." Harry said.
" Alright then, please meet in the Great Hall at midnight, and you will begin your midnight watchings." Dumbledore said. Harry turned to look at Hermione, yet she wasn't there. Dumbledore shot three red sparks out at the crowd of students who had immediately started panicking. Harry turned to Oliver and Charlotte, who sat at the Gryffindor table, and they shrugged. Natalie shot into the Hall, Ron and Draco following, and Natalie ran up to him.
" Harry! You have to call her back! Hurry! The Ring has taken her to meet Voldemort." Natalie shouted. Harry turned to Dumbledore, who said, " Follow me."
They ran to Dumbledore's office, and in there Harry found the Sorting Hat.
" Put it on. It will tell you where Hermione is." Draco blurted. Harry did as he said, and was immediately spoken to.
" Hello Harry Potter. You are here for the whereabouts of Hermione Granger, aren't you?"
" Yes! Please tell me where she is!"
" Have no fear, my boy, I will take you and the others there. Tell Natalie Austin to take your hand, and then tell Ronald Weasley to take hers, and then tell Draco Malfoy to take his. Now, you will be taken to His hideout in Malfoy Manor. Hermione Granger is already there, and Lord Voldemort is trying to get the Ring and Pendant, so you cannot defeat him on the Night. He is using the Crutatious Curse on her, yet she has not relented. Do not show your anger in physical form Harry Potter, or he will know you are there. She is suffering physical and emotional pain to save you. Remember this. Now tell the others what to do. Are they ready? Then here we go!"
The four friends landed at Malfoy Manor, and Natalie saw Harry's angry tears.
" What?" she asked.
" He is using one of the Unforgivable Curses on her." Harry said, his tears still falling, at a more fearful pace.
" I swear we will get her back Harry." Draco said. They walked into the castle, and to the Room Harry had seen in his dream, back in 4th year.
" Hello Harry Potter." Voldemort said, right as the foursome walked into the room.
" Let her go." Harry said through clenched teeth.
" I like Miss Granger where she is." He answered, and that is when they saw her. Bound and gagged, she was clearly in the throws of the Crutatious Curse.
" Hermione!" Ron yelled, taking a step towards her.
" One more step Weasley, and I kill her now." Voldemort said, rising to his feet. Ron clenched his fists, but did not move.
" You cannot do this." Harry shouted.
" Oh but I can. Granger has supreme power, power that can someday rule over mine. I plan to get rid of that threat today. The longer you talk Potter, the longer she stays alive." He twiddled his wand between his fingers, and Harry felt his tears again
" Your parents were strong too. They would have stayed, but she wouldn't have it. They were taken away, and Granger put in their place. She managed to save you, and trick me. But no longer. She is strong in Light Magic, as you must be, or she could not use it." Voldemort watched Harry, and Harry watched Voldemort. Waiting for him to let his guard down. Harry saw Natalie, and Ron, but no Draco. He was not there. Harry knew his plan, could feel it, and all he and the others needed to do was keep him talking.
" Oh, so your saying a seventeen year old girl is stronger than you ever were?" Natalie asked, catching on when she noted Draco's absence.
" Silly girl! I said she would one day be more powerful than me. She will not live to see that day." Voldemort must have seen Draco at the same time Harry did, for he shouted, " Malfoy! I knew you had betrayed us, but this far?" Draco stood, and stared down his old master.
" I never worked for you. I was on the side of Light since I was born. I met with Dumbledore when I was three years of age. He said I was to act the way I was born, and to never show my true colors until the time was ripe, and now it is. I choose to be on the side of Light with Potter, Granger, Weasley and Austin. And unless you kill me, I will bring you down." Draco said.
" Brave words Malfoy. Brave words indeed. But not enough to save Granger." He said.
" Wrong." Draco said. Hermione, unconscious, and floating in air near Draco, vanished before Voldemort could do anything.
" You will pay!" Voldemort screamed as the four others disappeared as well.
Hermione lay in the Gryffindor common room, had landed right on Oliver Wood's lap when Draco, Natalie, Ron, and Harry arrived.
" Sorry Wood. I haven't gotten very good at that yet." Draco said, watching as Harry lifted Hermione in his arms.
" We have to take her to the Hospital Wing." Ron said, as Harry, Ron, Natalie, and Draco rushed from the room, most of Gryffindor Tower following. They raced throughout the hallways, gathering more students as they found the Hospital Wing and Ron banged on the door as hard as he could.
" I have patients you know. Oh my goodness! What has happened to Miss Granger?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
" Voldemort, Crutatious Curse." Harry panted as he and the others rushed inside.
" Set her here," she said and Harry laid Hermione gently upon a bed.
" She will stay here for tonight, and should she not awaken." she looked at Harry, and he blanched.
" She will. I have faith in her." He said sternly.
" Alright Potter. You cannot stay." Madam Pomfrey said.
" But, I must, I won't leave her." Harry protested.
" You will be lucky if she has her memory." She said, and Harry started.
" What do you mean?" he asked.
" The Crutatious Curse is very powerful, and she was subjected to it for over 20 minutes. She could have lost some and even all of her memory. If she recognizes you, then that's wonderful, but if not..."
" No! What would happen then?" Natalie asked.
" You, Potter, could not use Light Magic." She said. Harry turned away, and the others following, he walked silently from the room.
" Regular classes begin again tomorrow, so all students should return to their dormitories, and begin their homework." McGonagall's magical voice shuddered through the hallways as Natalie, Ron and Harry did their homework. Natalie looked at Harry when she saw him throw his bottle of ink at the wall. It exploded near a group of first years, causing them to scream.
" Harry! Anger won't help." Ron said.
" Why did this have to happen to her? Why her? She hasn't done anything." Harry walked away from the others, up to his dormitory.
" He'll be ok. I hope." Natalie said.
Harry bolted to the Hospital Wing as soon as he woke up, nearly running down Professors' Snape and McGonagall, and tripping a Gryffindor 1st year, and then nearly running straight through Nearly Headless Nick. When he arrived, he carefully opened the door so as not to alert Madam Pomfrey, and walked to Hermione's bedside. She was sleeping now, and Harry prayed she still had her memory.
confused you. If you need to, you can e-mail me at CoUrT_RaDcLiFfE@yahoo.com, and I can help sort things out. Please, please read this! This was my first ever HP fanfic, and I know it probably isn't very good. But, please, just read it. I take criticism as long as it isn't a full-blown flame. Please, don't flame me, I'm a new writer!! Ok, thanks
for listening to my rant.
Love,
RoSe~DaWsOn~HeRmIoNe~WeAsLeY
Chapter Three: Hermione's Troubles and Draco's Change of Heart
Hermione tried to sleep that night. She didn't understand why Harry hated her. Yes she did. She was fooling herself again. She had lied to the one person she loved with all her heart and soul. Harry had always been there for her, and what did she do? She made him lose all trust in her. She turned over, but still could not sleep. The dream came more frequently now. The one she feared so much..
The darkness was back again. Ron stood on one side of Hermione, Draco on the other. " Hello. I am Ari. You know who I am Hermione. Or, at least, you will. I am the Ruling Heir. I am the one who refused to let James and Lily sacrifice themselves for their son. Harry. How is he?" Ari asked. " Sad. I saw him crying. Why?" Ron asked. " You three have supposedly died. Natalie and he believe that Voldemort killed you, and took your bodies." Ari said. Hermione blanched. " What can we do to get back to him?" she asked. " You can't. You have to stay in the mortal world, or the muggle world as you call it, for 7 years. You will not be allowed contact with anyone you know, especially Jenna, Natalie and Harry. They cannot know you are alive until the seven years are up." Ari said. " No! That isn't fair." Hermione shouted. " You were to die. The reason you three survived was."
Hermione was startled awake at 3 am. She was hungry, as she had not eaten that night, or for five days. She stood, and looked down. She wore her muggle sleeping clothes, pajama bottoms and a tank top. She grabbed up her curly hair, still slightly bushy, but at least manageable, and put it in a ponytail. She walked down the stairs, careful to jump the last two steps as they squeaked something horrible. She walked to the kitchen door, but stopped when she saw a light flicker on. She peered in the small window above the railing that stood outside the kitchen, and saw Harry and Ron talking. " Harry, mate, you gotta tell her. If Hermie doesn't start eating Talie is gonna freak." Ron said. " I can't. She lied to me." Harry whispered. " Tell me how she lied." Ron said. " She didn't tell me." Harry started, but Ron cut him off. " She didn't tell you. She didn't lie, she just didn't say anything." Ron said. Hermione heard her stomach growl, and knew she had to eat soon, or she'd faint. She gathered her courage like an iron façade, and, carrying Rowena's diary with her, walked into the kitchen. She saw Harry and Ron's heads snap up at her entrance, but she tried to ignore it. She walked to the pantry, pulling out a bowl. She magicked up a box of her favorite oatmeal, peaches and cream, and some hot water. She mixed it, and began to eat, with Ron and Harry staring at her every move. She watched Harry's emerald eyes through the corner of her own tawny ones, and saw all the emotion there. So, he did care and still loved her. She wouldn't say sorry first. She refused. Harry watched his Mione eat, and knew his feelings were still there, and as deep as ever, but he wouldn't say sorry first. He refused. Hermione ate all her oatmeal, magicked the bowl to the sink, and rinsed it clean. She washed her hands, drying them with a towel. She washed her spoon, splashing herself and the floor with water. "Removere hydros." Hermione muttered, removing the water from her tank and the floor. Carefully levitating the bowl and spoon back to their proper places, Hermione picked up the diary of Rowena Ravenclaw, and walked out. Harry let out a huge sigh when she stepped out. Even Hermione's presence was enough to drive him up the wall. " Harry, you have to tell her. When she walks into a room, you freak out and don't speak. How do you plan to get through Christmas tomorrow when we will be right next to her?" Ron asked. " I will find a way." Harry said, walking past Ron. Harry just didn't know how he would find that way.
Hermione woke again at 6, and didn't even try to fall asleep again. She dressed in her muggle jeans and a tank top. She grabbed up her Hogwarts cloak, and decided to go for a walk outside the Burrow. She left her hair down, as she would take her shower when she returned. She traveled to the hill where Harry, Ron and the Weasleys would always play Quidditch. She sat underneath the tree where she and Harry had waited out a rainstorm in 6th year. She remembered her fear of staying alone with Harry, for fear she'd let her feelings out. Hermione had never had to worry about these kinds of things when she was an innocent muggle child, and not even when she was in 1st year, and had not yet known Harry and Ron. Yet if she had never known Harry or Ron, she would not have found the love of a lifetime, or the friendship she now treasured. She rested her head on the rough bark of the old tree, and imagined herself far away, away somewhere.
" Hello again Hermione." Ari said. " Hello Ari." said Hermione. Draco and Ron were not with her this time. " Hermione, you will stay here until Ron and Draco come back, then you will have your home built up in the muggle world, where you three will stay, living together, until your seven years are up." Ari said. " Could you, somehow, send Harry a sign? To not give up hope maybe?" Hermione asked. " That I can do." Ari said.
Hermione woke when she heard yelling and hysterical crying. She looked up to see Harry, Ron, Natalie, Fred, George, Percy, Bill, and Charlie coming up the hill, shouting her name. She checked her watch. It was 1:30 in the afternoon. She had slept for 7 and half hours up here. She stood just as Harry looked at the tree. " Hermie!" Natalie shouted, tears streaming down her face as she embraced Hermione. " Hullo Natalie." Hermione said. Harry stood alone, watching her, and she watched him. She walked to him, and embracing him, she whispered, " I will never hate you, or never not love you, and for as long as I draw breath, you will be the one to hold my heart." Harry kissed her hair, and cried silent tears into her cloak. She felt the wetness, and she motioned to the others to leave. She lowered herself to the ground, and held Harry as he cried. She stroked his hair and cradled him as he shook with his tears. When he lifted his head, eyes sparkling with his tears, some still falling, Hermione smiled. " You aren't as immune to feelings as you would like us to believe, are you?" Hermione whispered, her own tears mixing with Harry's as they sat cheek to cheek. Harry wiped away one of Hermione's own tears, and kissed her eyelids gently. " I'm sorry, so sorry I don't think words can say how much." Harry said. " You tried to protect me, and I lied to you." Hermione said. " No. You tried to protect me, and give me the life I have always wished for. I also want to say I haven't gotten your Christmas gift yet. I wanted it to be special, and I haven't found one yet, but I promise I will." Harry said. " I don't care. I do have yours though." Hermione withdrew the letter, actually two letters, that were seventeen years old.
Harry:
Hello son. I am James Potter, and your mother is Lily. We know how much you must be hurting because of what we could not do, but please do not blame Hermione. She kept your mother from dying from grief because she could not save you. I want you to know, as does your mother, that we love you, always have, and always will. Never lose hope. We will never leave you, as long as you believe in yourself.
Your father,
James Harry:
My son, I miss you so. I love you, and I have always been there, if not in the way you would like. James and I have always wished we could have stayed with you, but the Ruling Heir would not have it. So, in our place a special girl named Hermione Granger saved you. You may never meet her, as she never said anything of you in seventeen years, but I want you to know that we owe her your life. I love you Harry, and nothing, death or anything, will keep me from saying that.
Your mother, with all her love,
Lily Harry looked up at Hermione, stunned. " James and Lily gave that to me the day they died, making me promise that even if I never saw you again, that I would find someway to get it to you." " Thank you. This is the best thing I could have ever gotten." Harry said. And it was. It proved that his parents had loved him, and had tried to save him. Harry and Hermione stood, walking back to the Burrow, and walking back to Hogwarts.
" Never lose hope Harry." Lily Potter stood on Harry's left, James on his right. " Mum?" Harry asked. " Hello. I miss you." Lily said. Harry didn't know if he could reply. His throat seemed to be closed off. " I miss you too Mum, Dad." Harry said. " We miss you too. I have always wished I could have been there to watch you grow, to have held you when you cried." Lily said, coming to Harry.
" Mum, I want you to be here." Harry said. Lily just smiled, and handed Harry something.
" This is something I want you to give Hermione. She will tell you what it is." Lily said.
" Harry, never, ever lose faith in her." James said.
Harry awoke, next to Hermione, still clutching the small object his mother had handed him. It was a ring. It was a small, slight gold ring, a bright red ruby glittering on the top, inscribing on the sides, sliding all the way around the band. It read:
Chiue aslasd sdiasir adiaise deisir erised lasdk alsdoe aidomcd saodoaoe Harry didn't know how, but he knew what it meant:
The Ring will be the savior of her, and her desire for him will grow ever more as the years pass. Never had Harry seen something this beautiful. " Mione. Wake up." Harry shook her awake, and watched as her sleep-clouded tawny eyes adjusted to the brightness of day. " Mione, can you tell me what this is?" Harry asked urgently. " Harry, that is the Ring of Absolute Power!" Hermione breathed, reverent. " What?" Harry asked. " Yes. Your mother had it in her possession when she died. She was the Heir to Ravenclaw, as your father was the Heir to Gryffindor. Only Gryffindor can give it to Ravenclaw, and only Ravenclaw can wield it." Hermione said. " That I know, but why?" Harry asked. " Because in the prophecy, I get the ring from you 4 months prior to the Night Of Complete Magic. It is December 25, four months prior to the Night." Hermione said. " We now need the pendant." Harry said. " Natalie will have that." Hermione said. " How are you so sure?" Harry asked. " Because she receives it from Ron the same day I get the Ring from you." Hermione said. " You've read up on this, haven't you?" Harry asked. " Yeah. When have I not read up on something that threatens us?" Hermione asked. " Never." Harry said.
Draco Malfoy sat with Ginny Weasley and Anna Laurence in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor. He was still equipped with his wand, as the Death Eaters had not detected it. He still had not told the two 6th years that he was an Auror. Ginny still did not trust him, and Anna refused to be near him. " Ginny, I am not who you think I am. I am an Auror. I will prove it." He pulled out his wand, and a piece of blank parchment. " Prove it? That is a blank piece of parchment." Anna said. Draco waved it, muttered, "Apperatio Writh." Writing appeared, and Draco handed it to the two girls. " I told you. I am an apprentice Auror. I can't do everything yet, but I think I can get us out of here. I have to, or Harry, Ron, Hermione and Natalie will come to get us, and that is exactly what Voldemort wants." Draco explained. " What does all this have to do with the Heirs?" Anna asked. " I have to be there by March 31st, or the prophecy will be changed, and all four Heirs will die." Draco said. " You are the one known as the Protector, aren't you?" Ginny asked. " Yes, I am. I have to be there, to save Natalie and Harry, or they will die, and there will be no chance for Ron and Hermione. Or me." Draco said sadly. He thought of Jenna in these moments. She, Hermione and Natalie, and finally Harry and Ron had befriended him, and he would sacrifice his life to keep their trust. " You are to die too, aren't you?" Anna asked. " Yes. I sacrifice myself for the last two Heirs." Draco said. " How many people know this?" Ginny questioned. " Only you two." Draco said. " May my faith keep you safe." Anna said.
Harry watched Hermione sleep, and knowing this might be the last time he saw her, he whispered, " May this prayer be enough for you to know my love." He got up, and went to get Ron. He and Ron were going to infiltrate Malfoy Manor, and get the three out.
Hermione awoke, and knew that he wasn't there. Sobbing from the adjoining room told Hermione that Ron had gone as well. " He left too, didn't he?" Hermione asked Natalie. " Yeah. He left a note for me though." Natalie handed the tear spotted parchment to Hermione:
Natalie:
I'm sorry I have to leave. I know I haven't always acted like a boyfriend to you. That is because I have never thought of you as my girlfriend, but my soul mate. I love you so very much, and knowing that some day soon I will have to leave you; tears me up inside. I love you Talie, and I hope that you have always known that.
Ron
Hermione had tears in her own eyes when she finished the letter.
" I never knew Ron to feel this way." Natalie said.
" Me either." Hermione sniffled.
" I really wish I could tell him how I feel. But it looks like I don't have a choice about it, do I?" Natalie asked solemnly.
" Please, Natalie, don't say that. I know that you wish he knew, but- I understand. I want Harry here, and out of danger. God, I'd do anything to be there where he is." Hermione said. As if responding to an unspoken plea, the ashes in Alachua's jar began to glow.
" What in the world is going on?" Natalie asked as suddenly, the ashes flew out and began shaping a phoenix. The phoenix was bright red, and striped with gold and silver streaks. She came and settled on the bed, and began tugging on Natalie.
" She knows where they are." Natalie immediately realized.
" Get dressed." Hermione said, dashing for her uniform and robe.
They had taken a hold of Alachua and had been whisked into the air. They had traveled for about 30 minutes when they landed in front of a huge, dark manor. The symbol of Slytherin House, a huge serpent, was emblazoned on the door.
" Creepy." Hermione said.
" Defiantly." Natalie replied. The door was the only entrance. Hermione and Natalie took out their wands, holding them at the ready should anyone try to attack them. They approached the door, and Natalie gingerly pushed it open. The air was stale, but no attackers jumped out of the heavy shadows. Hermione and Natalie kept their wands out anyway, but were less fearful.
" Now what do we do?" Hermione asked.
" Look for Ron and Harry, and hope we run into Ginny, Anna, and Draco." Natalie replied. They walked down the hallway, and down three flights of steps. They must be in the dungeon, Hermione thought. Cells lined the right and left sides, and Hermione gestured Natalie closer.
" You check the right side, I'll take the left, and let off sparks if you find them."
" Ok." Natalie walked away, and so did Hermione.
Hermione was about to give up hope. She hadn't found any of the 5 missing people, but as she passed the last cell she saw Anna, Ginny, and Draco asleep inside.
" Draco." Hermione whispered. He jolted awake, and he smiled when he saw her.
" Hermione! How, what?" He stuttered.
" Never mind that now. Can the Alohomora charm work on the cell?" she asked.
" No. I've tried." He said.
" Damn. Light Magic is the only way, but I can't use it alone." Hermione said.
" Why?" he asked.
" Harry has to be with me." She said.
" What if I am?" Harry said. Startled, Hermione turned right into his arms.
" Oh, god, Harry!" Hermione whispered.
" You came. I can't believe it." Harry said.
" Are you mad?" Hermione asked.
" Yes and no." Harry replied.
" We have to use the Light Magic to let them out." Hermione said.
" I know. Ron and Natalie used it to set Ron and I free." He said.
" What spell do we use Ron?" Hermione asked.
" Lieiuos Friemo." Ron said automatically.
" You've learned all your spells, haven't you?" Draco asked. Just then, Anna and Ginny woke.
" Ron!" Ginny shouted.
" Shhh! Don't yell. We could be caught." Hermione said as she smiled at her future sister. Anna smiled back, and cast a questioning glance at Harry.
" Give me your hand Mione." Harry said. She did, and closed her eyes. Visions of Harry flashing before her eyes, she whispered, " Lieiuos Friemo."
" Yes!! You did it!" Draco said as he helped Ginny and Anna from the cell before he himself came out. They managed to escape Malfoy Manor, and take hold of Alachua, and start the flight home. To Hogwarts.
" Do we just walk in?" Ginny asked of the four 7th years.
" Yes. Dinner will have started, but I don't think we'll cause too much of a distraction." Draco said.
" Is there a reason why I don't believe you?" Hermione asked.
" Because I don't believe it myself." He replied.
They walked in, but not the way Draco had said. The entire room fell silent, and Dumbledore stood, as did the entire school. George Weasley, who, with Fred tailing, came up to the filthy 7, broke the silence.
" Goodness gracious. You all SMELL!!" he shouted.
" Thanks George." Ron said. Ravenclaws, Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and even some Slytherins craned their necks to look at the 7, who were covered in mud, slime from the dungeons in the Manor, and blood in Draco, Ron, and Harry's cases. Hermione would ask about the blood later. Right now they had to go before the school decided to come up to them. But before Harry and Hermione could escape, Dumbledore called them up to his seat. They walked carefully up to his seat, next to the Gryffindors, and Oliver gave Hermione a pat on the shoulder as she passed.
" As you know, you are Head Boy and Girl, and you still have your duties. However, I know that you also are our Heirs. If you feel you cannot hold these positions, I will have two other students take them." He said. Hermione immediately blanched. She had wanted to be Head Girl ever since she was in 1st year, and had been able to get it after getting the most OWLs of anyone at Hogwarts, ever. Hermione had succeeded in getting 20 OWLs, the most you could get, and she was also proud of getting the highest Potions grade, even if Snape had tried to fail her.
" No! I mean, please Headmaster, I have wanted to be Head Girl for a while now, and I really would like to keep my position." Hermione said.
" I would too." Harry said.
" Alright then, please meet in the Great Hall at midnight, and you will begin your midnight watchings." Dumbledore said. Harry turned to look at Hermione, yet she wasn't there. Dumbledore shot three red sparks out at the crowd of students who had immediately started panicking. Harry turned to Oliver and Charlotte, who sat at the Gryffindor table, and they shrugged. Natalie shot into the Hall, Ron and Draco following, and Natalie ran up to him.
" Harry! You have to call her back! Hurry! The Ring has taken her to meet Voldemort." Natalie shouted. Harry turned to Dumbledore, who said, " Follow me."
They ran to Dumbledore's office, and in there Harry found the Sorting Hat.
" Put it on. It will tell you where Hermione is." Draco blurted. Harry did as he said, and was immediately spoken to.
" Hello Harry Potter. You are here for the whereabouts of Hermione Granger, aren't you?"
" Yes! Please tell me where she is!"
" Have no fear, my boy, I will take you and the others there. Tell Natalie Austin to take your hand, and then tell Ronald Weasley to take hers, and then tell Draco Malfoy to take his. Now, you will be taken to His hideout in Malfoy Manor. Hermione Granger is already there, and Lord Voldemort is trying to get the Ring and Pendant, so you cannot defeat him on the Night. He is using the Crutatious Curse on her, yet she has not relented. Do not show your anger in physical form Harry Potter, or he will know you are there. She is suffering physical and emotional pain to save you. Remember this. Now tell the others what to do. Are they ready? Then here we go!"
The four friends landed at Malfoy Manor, and Natalie saw Harry's angry tears.
" What?" she asked.
" He is using one of the Unforgivable Curses on her." Harry said, his tears still falling, at a more fearful pace.
" I swear we will get her back Harry." Draco said. They walked into the castle, and to the Room Harry had seen in his dream, back in 4th year.
" Hello Harry Potter." Voldemort said, right as the foursome walked into the room.
" Let her go." Harry said through clenched teeth.
" I like Miss Granger where she is." He answered, and that is when they saw her. Bound and gagged, she was clearly in the throws of the Crutatious Curse.
" Hermione!" Ron yelled, taking a step towards her.
" One more step Weasley, and I kill her now." Voldemort said, rising to his feet. Ron clenched his fists, but did not move.
" You cannot do this." Harry shouted.
" Oh but I can. Granger has supreme power, power that can someday rule over mine. I plan to get rid of that threat today. The longer you talk Potter, the longer she stays alive." He twiddled his wand between his fingers, and Harry felt his tears again
" Your parents were strong too. They would have stayed, but she wouldn't have it. They were taken away, and Granger put in their place. She managed to save you, and trick me. But no longer. She is strong in Light Magic, as you must be, or she could not use it." Voldemort watched Harry, and Harry watched Voldemort. Waiting for him to let his guard down. Harry saw Natalie, and Ron, but no Draco. He was not there. Harry knew his plan, could feel it, and all he and the others needed to do was keep him talking.
" Oh, so your saying a seventeen year old girl is stronger than you ever were?" Natalie asked, catching on when she noted Draco's absence.
" Silly girl! I said she would one day be more powerful than me. She will not live to see that day." Voldemort must have seen Draco at the same time Harry did, for he shouted, " Malfoy! I knew you had betrayed us, but this far?" Draco stood, and stared down his old master.
" I never worked for you. I was on the side of Light since I was born. I met with Dumbledore when I was three years of age. He said I was to act the way I was born, and to never show my true colors until the time was ripe, and now it is. I choose to be on the side of Light with Potter, Granger, Weasley and Austin. And unless you kill me, I will bring you down." Draco said.
" Brave words Malfoy. Brave words indeed. But not enough to save Granger." He said.
" Wrong." Draco said. Hermione, unconscious, and floating in air near Draco, vanished before Voldemort could do anything.
" You will pay!" Voldemort screamed as the four others disappeared as well.
Hermione lay in the Gryffindor common room, had landed right on Oliver Wood's lap when Draco, Natalie, Ron, and Harry arrived.
" Sorry Wood. I haven't gotten very good at that yet." Draco said, watching as Harry lifted Hermione in his arms.
" We have to take her to the Hospital Wing." Ron said, as Harry, Ron, Natalie, and Draco rushed from the room, most of Gryffindor Tower following. They raced throughout the hallways, gathering more students as they found the Hospital Wing and Ron banged on the door as hard as he could.
" I have patients you know. Oh my goodness! What has happened to Miss Granger?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
" Voldemort, Crutatious Curse." Harry panted as he and the others rushed inside.
" Set her here," she said and Harry laid Hermione gently upon a bed.
" She will stay here for tonight, and should she not awaken." she looked at Harry, and he blanched.
" She will. I have faith in her." He said sternly.
" Alright Potter. You cannot stay." Madam Pomfrey said.
" But, I must, I won't leave her." Harry protested.
" You will be lucky if she has her memory." She said, and Harry started.
" What do you mean?" he asked.
" The Crutatious Curse is very powerful, and she was subjected to it for over 20 minutes. She could have lost some and even all of her memory. If she recognizes you, then that's wonderful, but if not..."
" No! What would happen then?" Natalie asked.
" You, Potter, could not use Light Magic." She said. Harry turned away, and the others following, he walked silently from the room.
" Regular classes begin again tomorrow, so all students should return to their dormitories, and begin their homework." McGonagall's magical voice shuddered through the hallways as Natalie, Ron and Harry did their homework. Natalie looked at Harry when she saw him throw his bottle of ink at the wall. It exploded near a group of first years, causing them to scream.
" Harry! Anger won't help." Ron said.
" Why did this have to happen to her? Why her? She hasn't done anything." Harry walked away from the others, up to his dormitory.
" He'll be ok. I hope." Natalie said.
Harry bolted to the Hospital Wing as soon as he woke up, nearly running down Professors' Snape and McGonagall, and tripping a Gryffindor 1st year, and then nearly running straight through Nearly Headless Nick. When he arrived, he carefully opened the door so as not to alert Madam Pomfrey, and walked to Hermione's bedside. She was sleeping now, and Harry prayed she still had her memory.