CHAPTER 13
Premonition
Needless to say for Harry, the second his feet hit the grounds everything in his world begun to move in slow motion. Landing in a clearing just a little less than ten minutes from his first home, Harry realized instantly that he wasn't prepared for what he was about to face.
"My Parents are buried here?" Harry asked walking down a small stone passageway that reminded him very much of the walkway leading to his home in Godric's Hollow. "Yes Harry, this spot was built shortly after their death in remembrance of their sacrifice. It is a memorial to the people in the town that knew your parents" Sirius answered leading the way down the winding path.
"I have not been back here since the day I escaped Azkaban" Sirius spoke quietly, and Harry could here the emotion in each word. "I'm sure they would understand Padfoot, for me it has been five years" Remus spoke walking up next to his friend, and placing an arm around his shoulder. "Come, let us put the past behind us." He finished leading Sirius past a beautiful arrangement of gardens, and into burial grounds themselves.
Upon entering the small area, Harry instantly broke down in tears. Although it was the end of October, and freezing cold outside the memorial, where Harry now stood it was sunny and warm while a gentle ray of sunlight shone on both Lily, and James's headstones.
"Mum, Dad" Harry whispered to himself, he had pictured this moment for quiet some time but had never known what to actually say. Grasping a tighter hold on Cho's hand Harry stepped of the small brick path, and walked to where he was standing directly in front of his parent's graves.
"Mum, Dad' Harry repeated to himself, this time kneeling down to show both respect, and to steady his breathing. Realizing that he had been avoiding this day for most of his life, Harry placed his head at the foot of his mother's grave where he properly mourned for his lose, by soaking the warm soil with his tears.
How long Harry stayed like that, no one really knows. In the arms of Cho, and with the reassuring hands of Remus, and Sirius on his shoulders, Harry was allowed to gain a sense of closure. Bye the time he finally stood up, and wiped the tears from his face, it was past lunch and everyone was feeling both tired, and hungry.
"Harry, would you like to go back to Hogwarts now?" Sirius asked as delicately as he could. Leading both Harry and Cho from the burial grounds, and into more of garden areas, Sirius waited a reply. "Not right now Sirius, I would like to stay here for just a little longer" Harry answered taking a seat on a grass hill, just under a blooming tree with white flowers.
"I am sorry about earlier, I mean, you shouldn't have to see me like that." Harry spoke to Cho, just after both Remus, and Sirius apparated away to get some food "Harry, don't be a git, I understand more than others how hard it is for you to be here, I mean I am sure I was much worse at my parents funeral than you were here" Cho spoke, all the while running her hands through Harry's unruly hair, and laughing as he begun to snore.
"Rest now love, it will only get easier from here on out" Cho whispered leaning back against the tree, and closing here eyes as well.
"What's this, what's going on?" Harry asked himself jumping from the ground, and pulling his wand. In front of him Harry could make out Dumbledore, and Sirius battling a group of deatheaters, but what surprised him the most was that he could see himself clutching Cho in his arms lying next to the headstone of his mother.
"This is a dream." Harry said to himself. "Realizing that he was unable to hear anything going on, and only watch. Walking slowly over to Dumbledore, and Sirius, Harry took in everything that was happening; feeling that for some reason there was more to this. "This is a unusual dream." He said to himself watching as Dumbledore, and Voldermort exchanged hexes. Turning to inspect the area, Harry was surprised at the amount of destruction, but even more at the fact he had just witnessed Dumbledore fall to a flash of green light.
"Dumbledore, Harry shouted running over to the headmaster, and reaching down. He was unable to hear a word being said, but could tell that Dumbledore had died. "Noooo" he shouted standing, and aiming his wand at Voldemort. "Aveda Kedavara, Aveda Kedavara" He shouted realizing once again that this was only a dream, and that he was unable to use magic.
"Harry, Harry wake up, come on" Harry heard as his eyes shot open. "Cho, oh thank Merlin your safe" Harry said pulling the stunned, and crying Cho into a tight embrace. "Harry, your scaring me." Cho answered, and Harry simply hugged her tighter.
"I'm sorry Cho, I didn't mean to." Harry answered regaining some composure, and pulling away from Cho just slightly. Harry could tell she was frightened by the look in her eyes.
"Cho, how did we get here?" Harry asked suddenly realizing he was standing just above where he had seen Cho and himself during the dream. Stepping back respectfully, and turning from the headstones, Harry asked again.
"Cho?" He asked loosing himself in her eyes. "You walked over here Harry," She answered not daring to break the eye contact. "You don't remember" she asked, and Harry noticed the fear in here eyes return.
"I remember having a dream, well more of a nightmare, but I don't remember getting up and walking over here" Harry answered looking around, and over to where he had seen Dumbledore fall. What meet his eyes startled him, for where once stood a small statue of a baby angle laid the broken remains.
"Did I do that?" He asked knowing the answer. "Yes Harry, you shouted the killing curse twice, both hit the statue," Cho answered, and Harry pulled her into him once more. "It was only a dream" He said to himself a few times taking some deep breaths. Deciding to change the subject, Harry turned once again back to his parent's graves, and pulled out his wand.
"Harry, what are you doing?" Cho asked as Harry raised his wand hand high into the air. "Protecting them" He replied as a shining ball of Red, Silver, Green, Yellow, and Blue begun to form growing larger as he continued to speak an incantation. Placing the ball directly over his parents' graves, Harry watched patiently as it slowly drifted into the earth, Vanishing below the grass.
"Harry, what was that?" Cho asked again, this time Harry answered as he turned to here. "This will insure that they rest in peace, No one can desecrate this sight" Harry responded suddenly getting a flash vision of his nightmare, and realizing that the only two areas not damaged from the battle were the graves themselves.
"It was only a dream," Harry said to himself shacking the image from his mind, and taking a hold of Cho's hand. "Let's go, I think we have been away from Hogwarts for long enough" Harry said, and the two turned around just as both Remus, and Sirius returned with a pop. "What is it, what happened?" Sirius asked almost immediately looking at the two with concern.
"Only a dream" Harry answered beginning to walk the path that lead to the main road. "Lets not worry about it now, lets enjoy our lunch, but at home" he finished, and with a sudden blaze of red flames, the four found themselves standing in the kitchen of Potter Manor.
After enjoying a rather good lunch, and spending some time in his home, Harry decided he was ready to return to school. "Thank you, all of you." he said to Sirius, Remus, and Cho. "Although I know that this has not been easy for any of you, and that you would rather of spent the day in Hogsmeade, this really meant a lot to me." Harry finished a silent tear running down his cheek.
"Harry, we owed it to your parents to be there" Sirius answered pulling his godson into a hug. "What else is family for" Remus finished off roughing up Harry's head as the four gathered around the fireplace where they would travel back to Hogwarts
"Well, well, well. Potty and his orphan girlfriend return. How was your visit with the dead, hope it inspired you to join them." Malfoy said the second Harry, Cho, Remus, and Sirius arrived at the entrance Hall.
"That is twenty points from Slytherin Malfoy, make another comment like that and I will make it detention for a week." Remus responded almost instantly reaching out, and calming Harry.
"Big deal," Malfoy responded pushing past the four, and with his flanking goons he entered the school. "Don't listen to him Harry, he just a ....," Cho begun to say reaching out a hand, and taking Harry's.
"A deatheater" Harry finished her sentence watching the three enter the school. "What I want to know is how did he know?" Harry asked turning around and looking at the three.
"Not us." They said in unison, clearly meaning it, for the look in Harry's eyes told them he was serious on finding out. Softening suddenly Harry looked past the three to Hermione, and Ron who had just reached the steps. "Never mind, I think I just figured it out." Harry said as the two joined them. "Ehh Ron, let me guess Malfoy." Harry said smiling at his friend's black eye.
"That bloody git hit me from behind, I swear if Hermione hadn't held me back I would have." Ron spoke as the five rolled their eyes. Deciding to go in, and enjoy the Holiday dinner.
"Over the next few weeks the daily life of Hogwarts had returned. Being that no one had heard from Voldermort, and his death eaters for close to a month, tensions were low, and overall most students were enjoying the holiday buzz.
This of course was everyone except Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Cho. Over the month of November there studies had gone from outrageous to out of control. Every night they dragged themselves into bed late, and woke up early the next morning to train. By the time the weekend before the holiday was upon them, they were so exhausted from their continued studies, and extra classes that they chose to sleep through the feast that night in an attempt to catch up.
"Harry, Harry wake up" It was Ron this time, "Come on mate you promised to teach me wandless magic today" He said pulling back the covers, and opening a window. "Ron, what in the blazes" Harry shouted reversing what Ron did with a wave of a hand. "That's it Potter, Get up" Ron shouted grabbing the glass of water Harry kept next to his bed, and tossing it on top of Harry's head.
"Ron, I was enjoying that dream." Harry shouted jumping out of bed as he was now soaked. "Sorry mate, but you promised" Ron laughed leaving while Harry changed. "By the way, Hermione told me she figured out the last spell we need before we begin to transform. We figured we would try today, and surprise McGonagall tomorrow by transforming for her." Ron finished stepping out of the room.
Seconds later Harry reached the common room wearing only his pyjama bottoms, and breathing heavy.
"Were is it, where is the spell" He asked, making a bee line for Hermione. "Right here Harry." Hermione answered, she had been startled by Harry and begun to laugh as she searched for the parchment. "Ah, here we are." She said pulling it from a small book, and handing it to Harry.
Reading the incantation and process with record speed, Harry smiled as he put the parchment down, and turned to the others. "Well, guess now is as good as a time as any." He said, raising his hand above his head, and speaking the needed incantation. Moments later Harry begun to glow, and as he was levitated from the ground, a white light appeared by his hand, only to vanish within him.
"What happened? You didn't change." Ron was quick to point out, as Harry's feet touched the wood floor. "Sure I did Ron, you see the spell is just the first step to transforming, well more like the second to last step, but let me show you what I mean." Harry spoke, all the while reaching out a hand toward Ron, and concentrating on changing it into a paw.
"Harry, what are you doing?" Ron asked after five minutes, and nothing. "Ron, haven't you read anything, I mean before we can transform we must first channel our magic. Animagi transformation is a highly advanced form of wandless magic, and I'm sure it will take us a long time to master it.." Hermione broke off, as Harry let out a small scream.
"Harry, what is it?" She quickly asked, only to gasp as Harry's arm had transformed into that of a lions. "But, but that is impossible, I mean McGonagall said.." Hermione stopped, as Harry transformed his arm back, seemingly out of breath.
"Wow mate, how did it feel?" Ron questioned, as Harry took a seat in the chair near the fire, clutching at his shoulder. "Painful Ron, very painful. I think I rushed it a bit too much." Harry answered, and before he knew it, he had passed out.
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"Harry, Harry wake up." "Is he okay, I mean what happened." "Harry, come on mate wake up." Ron shouted. Harry had been out for a good ten minutes before he was showing signs of recovery, and Hermione, Ron, and Cho were in a stage of panic.
"Should we go get a professor, McGonagall maybe?" Hermione asked, Cho and Ron looked at her like she was crazy only to snap back to Harry as he spoke. "No, no Hermione. McGonagall would be furious if she knew we were advancing so fast. I mean to be honest I think we may be pushing it." Harry spoke, as he struggled to sit up.
"Harry, what happened?" Cho asked, she had not been able to get a clear answer from Ron, and Hermione. "Nothing to worry about sweetheart, I just went a little to far, we will have to take it a bit slower." Harry answered; he had climbed to his feet, and was now looking at his three friends.
"Well, I am not sure about all of you, but that is enough training for me." Harry said as Cho picked up the paper with the spell on it, and looked at Harry with shock. "I think I'll go back to bed, I am feeling a bit tired" He finished running to his room.
"Come on Harry, you promised" Ron yelled, He had followed Harry to his room, and was now pounding on the locked door. "Ron, later." Harry sighed, wandlessly putting up a silencing spell. "I swear I will never get any.." Harry begun, only to stop as a hand clasped over his mouth, and he was pulled to his bed.
"Cho, how did you.." Harry begun, to ask, He could tell it was her by the magical signatures that surrounded her. Cho however did not respond, but instead she kissed him passionately for a few minutes before vanishing with a blast of blue flames.
Later that day when Harry finally decided to get up, he meet his friends in the great hall for lunch. Lucky for Harry it was Saturday. He had slept in much longer than he wanted, but feeling refreshed and reenergized, Harry took a seat loading his plat with food.
"Finally, I was about to send Cho after you." Ron said as Harry sat down. "I'm sorry you three, I just haven't been sleeping well." Harry answered, realizing to late that he needed to keep his mouth shut. "Why?" was the question that all three asked in Unison, and Harry silently cursed himself for not guarding his words.
"Its just a silly nightmare, I first had it when I was away for Halloween, every night since, it has been the same." He answered looking directly into Cho's eyes, and she instantly knew it was effecting him.
"Harry, don't you think this is important enough to tell us about, I mean we made a pact to always look after each other." Hermione said crossing her arms, and looking directly at Harry.
"Hermione, there is no reason to get you all worried over it." Harry answered once again catching Cho's piercing blue eyes, and revealing more of his hidden emotions. "Harry, that is just like you, you never seem to realize how something as small as this could be the difference of something huge." Hermione almost shouted getting up, and storming out of the great Hall.
"What did I say?" Harry asked, looking between both Ron, and Cho. "She's been like that all morning mate, don't worry about it." Ron responded, and both Harry and Cho noticed he had not made eye contact.
"You know something don't you, come on what is it?" Cho asked as Harry turned all his attention on his friend who was now desperately trying to avoid the conversation. "You didn't, you did, and she's what?" Were the three questions Harry asked catching Ron's stray thoughts?
"Harry, you promised, you promised" Ron shouted turning to his friend in rage, as his face turning a bright shade of red. "Calm yourself Ron, I did not read your thoughts, you more or less sent them to me." Harry answered; He had stood with Ron, and was holding his hands up in a defending manor.
"Now that I know however, can you answer my questions" Harry asked again as Ron sat down putting his face in his hands. By now Cho was getting frustrated. Not having the ability to read minds she was completely in the dark, and when her questions went unanswered, she too stood up, and stormed out of the hall.
"Sorry Harry, I didn't mean." Ron begun to say, only to stop as Harry cut him off. "Oh no you don't" Harry replied, pulling out his wand. "Accio SilverBullet" He said hoping his broom could find a way to him. "Accio Nimbus 2000" Ron followed, figuring the cool air would do them good. Both Harry and Ron waited for their brooms to arrive before making there way into the front courtyard, and kicking off.
"I am your best friend Ron, trust me with your problems mate, I can help" Harry said as the two begun to climb above the snow covered grounds.
"So, you and Hermione kicked it to the next level eh?" Harry asked, He was avoiding the more serious part of the conversation for now. "It just happened" Ron answered flushing even reader. "Ron, everyone knows you are meant to be together, don't be embarrassed about it" Harry replied patting his friend on the back.
"I can tell something else is bothering you however, care to enlighten me?" Harry asked only catching a few or Ron's thoughts and still having some questions. "Harry, I don't know what to do, if Mum and Dad found out they would kill me, I mean I am only 16. I am not old enough to be a dad." Ron answered, and Harry almost fell of his broom from shock.
"She's p.p.p.p.pregnant" Harry shouted, he was having trouble gaining control over his broom, and he was staring at Ron. Ron, who was once again hiding his face in his hands, mumbled something like "She isn't sure", and Harry broke out laughing. "This isn't funny Potter." Ron shouted glaring at Harry. "What am I going to do?" He asked hoping, or more praying Harry had an answer.
"Well first thing I suggest is calm down. I mean I can't believe it took me so long to find out, how long have you known?" Harry asked. "Three hours" Ron answered, and Harry had to laugh again. "Well maybe I figured it out fast enough after all. Tell me, did you use well." Harry asked, and Ron knew what he was saying.
"Hermione cast a spell" Ron answered, and Harry smiled. "Ron, this is Hermione we are talking about, if she cast a spell you have nothing to worry about. I suggest you have her go to Madame Pomfrey to get tested. That, or have her tell Cho. I know she has been studying to become a MediWitch." Harry stated pointing to the ground where the two quickly landed.
"You won't tell anyone will you?" Ron asked as they reached the front doors, and pulled them open. "Your secret is safe with me Ron, but do what I told you, relax, then find out for sure. Both will help reduce your blood pressure." Harry said again, unable to hold back the grin.
Deciding that he was no longer hungry, and figuring instead he would talk to Hermione, Ron left Harry by the entrance to the Library, and went off in search of her. "Good luck mate" Harry said as his friend walked off. "Unlucky bloke." He mumbled to himself going off in search of Cho. When he found her, Harry was pleased to see she was smiling.
"Hey beautiful, everything alright?" He asked coming up behind her, and kissing her cheek "It is now Cho answered turning around. "Where's Ron?" she asked as Harry put his arm around here. "Off to find Hermione, they have a few things to talk about." Harry answered looking around, and realizing they were standing by the entrance to the dungeons.
"Say Cho, what were you doing down here?" Harry asked suddenly feeling slightly uncomfortable. "She was waiting for you Potty" came the response from a boy hiding in a dark corner, and Harry instantly realized why.
"Malfoy, what are you doing here?" Harry asked turning from Cho, and pulling his wand. "Setting a trap for you." Malfoy answered, and with a wink Harry fell to the ground as the words "Stupefy" were shouted from the women he had just embraced.
Needless to say for Harry, the second his feet hit the grounds everything in his world begun to move in slow motion. Landing in a clearing just a little less than ten minutes from his first home, Harry realized instantly that he wasn't prepared for what he was about to face.
"My Parents are buried here?" Harry asked walking down a small stone passageway that reminded him very much of the walkway leading to his home in Godric's Hollow. "Yes Harry, this spot was built shortly after their death in remembrance of their sacrifice. It is a memorial to the people in the town that knew your parents" Sirius answered leading the way down the winding path.
"I have not been back here since the day I escaped Azkaban" Sirius spoke quietly, and Harry could here the emotion in each word. "I'm sure they would understand Padfoot, for me it has been five years" Remus spoke walking up next to his friend, and placing an arm around his shoulder. "Come, let us put the past behind us." He finished leading Sirius past a beautiful arrangement of gardens, and into burial grounds themselves.
Upon entering the small area, Harry instantly broke down in tears. Although it was the end of October, and freezing cold outside the memorial, where Harry now stood it was sunny and warm while a gentle ray of sunlight shone on both Lily, and James's headstones.
"Mum, Dad" Harry whispered to himself, he had pictured this moment for quiet some time but had never known what to actually say. Grasping a tighter hold on Cho's hand Harry stepped of the small brick path, and walked to where he was standing directly in front of his parent's graves.
"Mum, Dad' Harry repeated to himself, this time kneeling down to show both respect, and to steady his breathing. Realizing that he had been avoiding this day for most of his life, Harry placed his head at the foot of his mother's grave where he properly mourned for his lose, by soaking the warm soil with his tears.
How long Harry stayed like that, no one really knows. In the arms of Cho, and with the reassuring hands of Remus, and Sirius on his shoulders, Harry was allowed to gain a sense of closure. Bye the time he finally stood up, and wiped the tears from his face, it was past lunch and everyone was feeling both tired, and hungry.
"Harry, would you like to go back to Hogwarts now?" Sirius asked as delicately as he could. Leading both Harry and Cho from the burial grounds, and into more of garden areas, Sirius waited a reply. "Not right now Sirius, I would like to stay here for just a little longer" Harry answered taking a seat on a grass hill, just under a blooming tree with white flowers.
"I am sorry about earlier, I mean, you shouldn't have to see me like that." Harry spoke to Cho, just after both Remus, and Sirius apparated away to get some food "Harry, don't be a git, I understand more than others how hard it is for you to be here, I mean I am sure I was much worse at my parents funeral than you were here" Cho spoke, all the while running her hands through Harry's unruly hair, and laughing as he begun to snore.
"Rest now love, it will only get easier from here on out" Cho whispered leaning back against the tree, and closing here eyes as well.
"What's this, what's going on?" Harry asked himself jumping from the ground, and pulling his wand. In front of him Harry could make out Dumbledore, and Sirius battling a group of deatheaters, but what surprised him the most was that he could see himself clutching Cho in his arms lying next to the headstone of his mother.
"This is a dream." Harry said to himself. "Realizing that he was unable to hear anything going on, and only watch. Walking slowly over to Dumbledore, and Sirius, Harry took in everything that was happening; feeling that for some reason there was more to this. "This is a unusual dream." He said to himself watching as Dumbledore, and Voldermort exchanged hexes. Turning to inspect the area, Harry was surprised at the amount of destruction, but even more at the fact he had just witnessed Dumbledore fall to a flash of green light.
"Dumbledore, Harry shouted running over to the headmaster, and reaching down. He was unable to hear a word being said, but could tell that Dumbledore had died. "Noooo" he shouted standing, and aiming his wand at Voldemort. "Aveda Kedavara, Aveda Kedavara" He shouted realizing once again that this was only a dream, and that he was unable to use magic.
"Harry, Harry wake up, come on" Harry heard as his eyes shot open. "Cho, oh thank Merlin your safe" Harry said pulling the stunned, and crying Cho into a tight embrace. "Harry, your scaring me." Cho answered, and Harry simply hugged her tighter.
"I'm sorry Cho, I didn't mean to." Harry answered regaining some composure, and pulling away from Cho just slightly. Harry could tell she was frightened by the look in her eyes.
"Cho, how did we get here?" Harry asked suddenly realizing he was standing just above where he had seen Cho and himself during the dream. Stepping back respectfully, and turning from the headstones, Harry asked again.
"Cho?" He asked loosing himself in her eyes. "You walked over here Harry," She answered not daring to break the eye contact. "You don't remember" she asked, and Harry noticed the fear in here eyes return.
"I remember having a dream, well more of a nightmare, but I don't remember getting up and walking over here" Harry answered looking around, and over to where he had seen Dumbledore fall. What meet his eyes startled him, for where once stood a small statue of a baby angle laid the broken remains.
"Did I do that?" He asked knowing the answer. "Yes Harry, you shouted the killing curse twice, both hit the statue," Cho answered, and Harry pulled her into him once more. "It was only a dream" He said to himself a few times taking some deep breaths. Deciding to change the subject, Harry turned once again back to his parent's graves, and pulled out his wand.
"Harry, what are you doing?" Cho asked as Harry raised his wand hand high into the air. "Protecting them" He replied as a shining ball of Red, Silver, Green, Yellow, and Blue begun to form growing larger as he continued to speak an incantation. Placing the ball directly over his parents' graves, Harry watched patiently as it slowly drifted into the earth, Vanishing below the grass.
"Harry, what was that?" Cho asked again, this time Harry answered as he turned to here. "This will insure that they rest in peace, No one can desecrate this sight" Harry responded suddenly getting a flash vision of his nightmare, and realizing that the only two areas not damaged from the battle were the graves themselves.
"It was only a dream," Harry said to himself shacking the image from his mind, and taking a hold of Cho's hand. "Let's go, I think we have been away from Hogwarts for long enough" Harry said, and the two turned around just as both Remus, and Sirius returned with a pop. "What is it, what happened?" Sirius asked almost immediately looking at the two with concern.
"Only a dream" Harry answered beginning to walk the path that lead to the main road. "Lets not worry about it now, lets enjoy our lunch, but at home" he finished, and with a sudden blaze of red flames, the four found themselves standing in the kitchen of Potter Manor.
After enjoying a rather good lunch, and spending some time in his home, Harry decided he was ready to return to school. "Thank you, all of you." he said to Sirius, Remus, and Cho. "Although I know that this has not been easy for any of you, and that you would rather of spent the day in Hogsmeade, this really meant a lot to me." Harry finished a silent tear running down his cheek.
"Harry, we owed it to your parents to be there" Sirius answered pulling his godson into a hug. "What else is family for" Remus finished off roughing up Harry's head as the four gathered around the fireplace where they would travel back to Hogwarts
"Well, well, well. Potty and his orphan girlfriend return. How was your visit with the dead, hope it inspired you to join them." Malfoy said the second Harry, Cho, Remus, and Sirius arrived at the entrance Hall.
"That is twenty points from Slytherin Malfoy, make another comment like that and I will make it detention for a week." Remus responded almost instantly reaching out, and calming Harry.
"Big deal," Malfoy responded pushing past the four, and with his flanking goons he entered the school. "Don't listen to him Harry, he just a ....," Cho begun to say reaching out a hand, and taking Harry's.
"A deatheater" Harry finished her sentence watching the three enter the school. "What I want to know is how did he know?" Harry asked turning around and looking at the three.
"Not us." They said in unison, clearly meaning it, for the look in Harry's eyes told them he was serious on finding out. Softening suddenly Harry looked past the three to Hermione, and Ron who had just reached the steps. "Never mind, I think I just figured it out." Harry said as the two joined them. "Ehh Ron, let me guess Malfoy." Harry said smiling at his friend's black eye.
"That bloody git hit me from behind, I swear if Hermione hadn't held me back I would have." Ron spoke as the five rolled their eyes. Deciding to go in, and enjoy the Holiday dinner.
"Over the next few weeks the daily life of Hogwarts had returned. Being that no one had heard from Voldermort, and his death eaters for close to a month, tensions were low, and overall most students were enjoying the holiday buzz.
This of course was everyone except Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Cho. Over the month of November there studies had gone from outrageous to out of control. Every night they dragged themselves into bed late, and woke up early the next morning to train. By the time the weekend before the holiday was upon them, they were so exhausted from their continued studies, and extra classes that they chose to sleep through the feast that night in an attempt to catch up.
"Harry, Harry wake up" It was Ron this time, "Come on mate you promised to teach me wandless magic today" He said pulling back the covers, and opening a window. "Ron, what in the blazes" Harry shouted reversing what Ron did with a wave of a hand. "That's it Potter, Get up" Ron shouted grabbing the glass of water Harry kept next to his bed, and tossing it on top of Harry's head.
"Ron, I was enjoying that dream." Harry shouted jumping out of bed as he was now soaked. "Sorry mate, but you promised" Ron laughed leaving while Harry changed. "By the way, Hermione told me she figured out the last spell we need before we begin to transform. We figured we would try today, and surprise McGonagall tomorrow by transforming for her." Ron finished stepping out of the room.
Seconds later Harry reached the common room wearing only his pyjama bottoms, and breathing heavy.
"Were is it, where is the spell" He asked, making a bee line for Hermione. "Right here Harry." Hermione answered, she had been startled by Harry and begun to laugh as she searched for the parchment. "Ah, here we are." She said pulling it from a small book, and handing it to Harry.
Reading the incantation and process with record speed, Harry smiled as he put the parchment down, and turned to the others. "Well, guess now is as good as a time as any." He said, raising his hand above his head, and speaking the needed incantation. Moments later Harry begun to glow, and as he was levitated from the ground, a white light appeared by his hand, only to vanish within him.
"What happened? You didn't change." Ron was quick to point out, as Harry's feet touched the wood floor. "Sure I did Ron, you see the spell is just the first step to transforming, well more like the second to last step, but let me show you what I mean." Harry spoke, all the while reaching out a hand toward Ron, and concentrating on changing it into a paw.
"Harry, what are you doing?" Ron asked after five minutes, and nothing. "Ron, haven't you read anything, I mean before we can transform we must first channel our magic. Animagi transformation is a highly advanced form of wandless magic, and I'm sure it will take us a long time to master it.." Hermione broke off, as Harry let out a small scream.
"Harry, what is it?" She quickly asked, only to gasp as Harry's arm had transformed into that of a lions. "But, but that is impossible, I mean McGonagall said.." Hermione stopped, as Harry transformed his arm back, seemingly out of breath.
"Wow mate, how did it feel?" Ron questioned, as Harry took a seat in the chair near the fire, clutching at his shoulder. "Painful Ron, very painful. I think I rushed it a bit too much." Harry answered, and before he knew it, he had passed out.
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"Harry, Harry wake up." "Is he okay, I mean what happened." "Harry, come on mate wake up." Ron shouted. Harry had been out for a good ten minutes before he was showing signs of recovery, and Hermione, Ron, and Cho were in a stage of panic.
"Should we go get a professor, McGonagall maybe?" Hermione asked, Cho and Ron looked at her like she was crazy only to snap back to Harry as he spoke. "No, no Hermione. McGonagall would be furious if she knew we were advancing so fast. I mean to be honest I think we may be pushing it." Harry spoke, as he struggled to sit up.
"Harry, what happened?" Cho asked, she had not been able to get a clear answer from Ron, and Hermione. "Nothing to worry about sweetheart, I just went a little to far, we will have to take it a bit slower." Harry answered; he had climbed to his feet, and was now looking at his three friends.
"Well, I am not sure about all of you, but that is enough training for me." Harry said as Cho picked up the paper with the spell on it, and looked at Harry with shock. "I think I'll go back to bed, I am feeling a bit tired" He finished running to his room.
"Come on Harry, you promised" Ron yelled, He had followed Harry to his room, and was now pounding on the locked door. "Ron, later." Harry sighed, wandlessly putting up a silencing spell. "I swear I will never get any.." Harry begun, only to stop as a hand clasped over his mouth, and he was pulled to his bed.
"Cho, how did you.." Harry begun, to ask, He could tell it was her by the magical signatures that surrounded her. Cho however did not respond, but instead she kissed him passionately for a few minutes before vanishing with a blast of blue flames.
Later that day when Harry finally decided to get up, he meet his friends in the great hall for lunch. Lucky for Harry it was Saturday. He had slept in much longer than he wanted, but feeling refreshed and reenergized, Harry took a seat loading his plat with food.
"Finally, I was about to send Cho after you." Ron said as Harry sat down. "I'm sorry you three, I just haven't been sleeping well." Harry answered, realizing to late that he needed to keep his mouth shut. "Why?" was the question that all three asked in Unison, and Harry silently cursed himself for not guarding his words.
"Its just a silly nightmare, I first had it when I was away for Halloween, every night since, it has been the same." He answered looking directly into Cho's eyes, and she instantly knew it was effecting him.
"Harry, don't you think this is important enough to tell us about, I mean we made a pact to always look after each other." Hermione said crossing her arms, and looking directly at Harry.
"Hermione, there is no reason to get you all worried over it." Harry answered once again catching Cho's piercing blue eyes, and revealing more of his hidden emotions. "Harry, that is just like you, you never seem to realize how something as small as this could be the difference of something huge." Hermione almost shouted getting up, and storming out of the great Hall.
"What did I say?" Harry asked, looking between both Ron, and Cho. "She's been like that all morning mate, don't worry about it." Ron responded, and both Harry and Cho noticed he had not made eye contact.
"You know something don't you, come on what is it?" Cho asked as Harry turned all his attention on his friend who was now desperately trying to avoid the conversation. "You didn't, you did, and she's what?" Were the three questions Harry asked catching Ron's stray thoughts?
"Harry, you promised, you promised" Ron shouted turning to his friend in rage, as his face turning a bright shade of red. "Calm yourself Ron, I did not read your thoughts, you more or less sent them to me." Harry answered; He had stood with Ron, and was holding his hands up in a defending manor.
"Now that I know however, can you answer my questions" Harry asked again as Ron sat down putting his face in his hands. By now Cho was getting frustrated. Not having the ability to read minds she was completely in the dark, and when her questions went unanswered, she too stood up, and stormed out of the hall.
"Sorry Harry, I didn't mean." Ron begun to say, only to stop as Harry cut him off. "Oh no you don't" Harry replied, pulling out his wand. "Accio SilverBullet" He said hoping his broom could find a way to him. "Accio Nimbus 2000" Ron followed, figuring the cool air would do them good. Both Harry and Ron waited for their brooms to arrive before making there way into the front courtyard, and kicking off.
"I am your best friend Ron, trust me with your problems mate, I can help" Harry said as the two begun to climb above the snow covered grounds.
"So, you and Hermione kicked it to the next level eh?" Harry asked, He was avoiding the more serious part of the conversation for now. "It just happened" Ron answered flushing even reader. "Ron, everyone knows you are meant to be together, don't be embarrassed about it" Harry replied patting his friend on the back.
"I can tell something else is bothering you however, care to enlighten me?" Harry asked only catching a few or Ron's thoughts and still having some questions. "Harry, I don't know what to do, if Mum and Dad found out they would kill me, I mean I am only 16. I am not old enough to be a dad." Ron answered, and Harry almost fell of his broom from shock.
"She's p.p.p.p.pregnant" Harry shouted, he was having trouble gaining control over his broom, and he was staring at Ron. Ron, who was once again hiding his face in his hands, mumbled something like "She isn't sure", and Harry broke out laughing. "This isn't funny Potter." Ron shouted glaring at Harry. "What am I going to do?" He asked hoping, or more praying Harry had an answer.
"Well first thing I suggest is calm down. I mean I can't believe it took me so long to find out, how long have you known?" Harry asked. "Three hours" Ron answered, and Harry had to laugh again. "Well maybe I figured it out fast enough after all. Tell me, did you use well." Harry asked, and Ron knew what he was saying.
"Hermione cast a spell" Ron answered, and Harry smiled. "Ron, this is Hermione we are talking about, if she cast a spell you have nothing to worry about. I suggest you have her go to Madame Pomfrey to get tested. That, or have her tell Cho. I know she has been studying to become a MediWitch." Harry stated pointing to the ground where the two quickly landed.
"You won't tell anyone will you?" Ron asked as they reached the front doors, and pulled them open. "Your secret is safe with me Ron, but do what I told you, relax, then find out for sure. Both will help reduce your blood pressure." Harry said again, unable to hold back the grin.
Deciding that he was no longer hungry, and figuring instead he would talk to Hermione, Ron left Harry by the entrance to the Library, and went off in search of her. "Good luck mate" Harry said as his friend walked off. "Unlucky bloke." He mumbled to himself going off in search of Cho. When he found her, Harry was pleased to see she was smiling.
"Hey beautiful, everything alright?" He asked coming up behind her, and kissing her cheek "It is now Cho answered turning around. "Where's Ron?" she asked as Harry put his arm around here. "Off to find Hermione, they have a few things to talk about." Harry answered looking around, and realizing they were standing by the entrance to the dungeons.
"Say Cho, what were you doing down here?" Harry asked suddenly feeling slightly uncomfortable. "She was waiting for you Potty" came the response from a boy hiding in a dark corner, and Harry instantly realized why.
"Malfoy, what are you doing here?" Harry asked turning from Cho, and pulling his wand. "Setting a trap for you." Malfoy answered, and with a wink Harry fell to the ground as the words "Stupefy" were shouted from the women he had just embraced.