Chapter 9
Disturbance
Before they knew it, it was over. Harry and Hermione lingered behind, "Harry, what's wrong?" she asked. "I'm not quite sure, all I know is I'm going mad," said Harry seriously. "Mad?" said Hermione now looking deeply concerned. "Yep," Harry responded, "Madly in love with you." Hermione punch him in the shoulder, "Harry! Don't worry me like that!" she said, "Now there really is something bothering you, I can feel it." "I shoved Malfoy with my mind and I felt drained since," said Harry as he put his arm around her. After looking around, Harry asked Hermione, "Do you mind if I carry you?" with a small twinkle in his eye. Hermione consented as long as he put her down before they got to the Fat Lady. She rested her head on his chest, "Harry," she started, "would you take me to the end of term dance?" "Well, I don't know," Harry started. Hermione tried to kick him, "Just joking Herm, of course, I would love to, I'll have the most beautiful, wonderful partner in the whole school. Hermione smiled at him. Harry set her down just before reaching the Fat Lady, "Harry," Hermione started, "Herm…" Harry started, they were getting closer and closer…
"Hey guys, what are you doing?" asked Seamus. Hermione looked quite like a Basalisk, "You… you…," Hermione started to get flushed, "IDIOTIC, MORONIC, DEMONIC LITTLE SLIMY…" Her language got quite bad, "Hermione, stop," whispered Harry. Seamus looked shocked, "She's had a bad day," he said as though observing the weather, "How do you put up with that?" "Quite easily," said Harry taking a little offence. Hermione ran up the rest of the stairs to her room. "What's with her anyway?" asked Seamus. "Wrong place, wrong time Seamus," replied Harry making his way up the stairs. He knocked on Hermione's door, "WHAT?!" came the somewhat angry reply. "Can I come in?" Harry asked. The door opened a crack, "Yes," Hermione said opening it all the way then sitting down on her bed. "Why is it, whenever we get close… someone always WRECKS it," she finished angrily. Harry walked in and shut the door, then locking it he turned and sat down next to her, "I don't know, maybe someone thinks it's funny," said Harry. Hermione looked at him, "Then they've got a sick sense of humor," she said. Harry smiled, "I love it when you're angry, you look so beautiful, so wonderful, so indescribable." He said quietly into her ear. "Oh Harry, quit it," she said turning pink, "Just wait until you feel it directed toward you," she laughed. "Your laugh is so heartwarming and inspiring." Harry continued. Hermione turned delicately pink again. They started to move closer… closer…
KNOCK KNOCK Hermione looked about ready to rip someone's head off, and the person behind the door sounded awfully good. "Herm, no please, you asked me not to overdo it, I ask you for the same thing," Harry whispered hurriedly. Hermione gave him a look, "What?" she said harshly in an acid voice, "I swear if it's not important I am going to rip your head off." "Hermione?" asked Professor Dumbledore's quiet voice, "What would prompt you to do that?" Hermione was looking murderous, "I'm a little busy Professor, can this wait?" she asked. "No, I'm sorry to say it can't," replied Dumbledore. Hermione looked a little upset, "Just a moment Professor," she said. She turned to Harry, "Oops again," she said looking irritated. "Hermione, no matter what…" said Harry. Hermione opened the door a crack and stepped out, once again keeping her leg in the door, "Yes Professor?" she asked. "Is Harry around?" he asked with a smile. Hermione blushed, "Why do you ask Professor?" Hermione replied avoiding answering. "Well, all the prefects and Head Boy and Girl must attend a meeting we are having in two days at 11:00 pm, okay?" Dumbledore replied. "Yes Professor, I'll tell Harry," she said. Dumbledore winked at her when he left, "What was that about?" asked Harry. "There's a meeting for all prefects, Head Boy and Girl, in a few days," replied Hermione. Harry nodded, "Okay, I guess," he replied. Hermione lay down, "Well, I'm going to bed," she said. Harry sighed, "Me, too, I guess," he said smiling. He got up, Hermione pulled him down, "Where do you think you're going?" she asked holding him. "No where I guess," he laughed. They curled up for bed, falling asleep quickly.
The next morning Hermione smiled, it was Saturday, maybe she and Harry could look around. She remembered the remark made by the hat, it is within, she wondered if Harry was right that it meant within the castle. She laid there, Harry wasn't awake yet, so she enjoyed his warmth and closeness.
Harry awoke a few minutes after Hermione, she had closed her eyes and was waiting, Harry moved closer and she felt him pull her hair behind her ears, she turned around, Harry smiled at her. "Good morning Herm," he said quietly. Hermione smiled, "Good morning Harry," she replied. Harry leaned down to kiss her. KNOCK KNOCK! Hermione groaned softly, "Harry, this is irritating," she said quietly. "I know," replied Harry as he dropped back down. "What?" asked Hermione irritably. "Hermione, would you come down and have breakfast with me?" came Ron's voice. Hermione was about to answer sharply when Harry put his finger on her lips, "Please Herm, nicely," he whispered. "I'm busy Ron," she said loudly, "you big git." She finished in a whisper that only Harry could hear. Harry smiled at her. "Come on Hermione," Ron said impatiently, "It's not that early; usually you're the one who gets us up." "Alright!" she said in a very angry voice, "Give me a minute Ron." She turned to Harry, "That big…" she trailed off as Harry smiled at her, their foreheads touched, "Okay," said Ron. Hermione groaned again, "How about we go down together?" asked Hermione. Harry smiled at her, "I don't think Ron was inviting me," whispered Harry. Hermione kicked him, Harry rubbed his shins under their covers, "Don't even think about suggesting that ever again!" said Hermione furiously. "Sorry Herm," said Harry quietly rubbing his shins. Hermione hugged him, "Don't worry about it," she said, "Just don't say anything like that again!"
Harry left through the back door, entering his own room he got dressed. Harry glanced at the door, he heard Hermione's voice, "What's so important that I can't sleep in on Saturday Ron?" she asked. "Well, I've missed you guys," replied Ron. "Okay, but couldn't we have started later?" asked Hermione. "I guess, if you want to…" Ron started. Hermione interrupted, "I'm up now," said Hermione. "Okay, ready to go?" he asked. Harry was almost ready to laugh, "What about Harry?" asked Hermione. "Oh, he err… didn't want to go," said Ron lamely. Harry was stifling laughs. "Really?" asked Hermione, sounding between amused and irritated, "Well that's interesting. Why don't we ask him again?" Harry was laughing out of control now. But, amazingly, Ron didn't hear him, then came the knock. "Yes," Harry said trying to sound tired instead of greatly amused. "You want to come to breakfast?" asked Ron. Harry stifled peals of laughter as he thought of telling the two 'love birds' to go ahead, but he knew Hermione would murder him for saying something; so instead he tried to sound interested, "Sure, Ron, just a moment," said Harry struggling to keep his laughter under control. He wiped off his tears of laughter before opening the door, Hermione raised her eyebrow from behind Ron and rolled her eyes. Ron looked disappointed. "What's with you?" asked Harry feeling laughter threatening to overwhelm him at any moment. "Nothing," said Ron clearly looking like he hadn't wanted Harry along. Hermione's posture and body language told him that Ron was out of luck and she was not even remotely interested. Harry still had laughter intensifying; he barely succeeded in keeping it down. As Ron sat between Harry and Hermione in the Great Hall, Harry noticed Hermione stiffened, she didn't like it.
As they ate, Ron tried to engage her in conversation about Potions; but Hermione was not cooperating, she answered his questions with no opening for prolongation. Harry smiled, he loved Hermione, she was so magnanimous and wonderful but really dangerous and spiteful when she felt other suitors were trying to come between her and Harry. Harry smiled and looked up, Hedwig came in, she landed in front of him with a letter in her beak. Harry took it and scratched her head. He opened it after she flew off,
Harry,
Look for what thou seek, for find it thou shall, halt not, tarry not for shuffle it shall.
Harry took note it wasn't signed, he looked over in Hermione's direction, she wasn't paying attention. He put it in his pocket, he would show her later. He didn't understand what he was supposed to be seeking. Hermione finished and started to get up, Ron followed her out of the hall, Harry started to laugh, but he stopped, he realized that although Hermione's reaction was funny; Ron's was not, he felt there was something wrong now. He didn't know what, only that he must find whatever 'it' is. Harry started for the doors, as he approached he noticed the doors had been sealed, he pushed it as hard as he could, yet he could not move it. He knew what happened, Draco Malfoy probably thought it was funny. Harry sighed, he pulled out his wand and muttered a spell, the doors sprang open. Harry put his wand away as he left, he watched the walls on the way; he noticed that one corridor was different somehow… How he did not know.
When he reached the common room Ron was still trying to get Hermione's attention. Harry ascended the stairs quickly, he pulled out his wand and he sealed his door. He wanted to figure things out, but he could almost feel Hermione's steps on the stairs. He sat down on the floor and reread the letter; it seemed to give no clue to who the author was and what 'it' was. There was a knock at his door, "I'm a little busy can you come back?" he asked. He heard a snort, "Well, if that's how you feel," came Hermione's voice. "Just a moment," Harry said as he pulled out his wand and undid the spell, Hermione came in and shut the door, "Lock it again, Ron's driving me insane," she whispered, she was looking harassed. Harry smiled at her, "Believe me I was tempted to make a comment," he said. "Good thing you didn't," said Hermione. "Why?" asked Harry curiously. "Then I would have whacked you over the head with a particular heavy book," answered Hermione irritably. "At least you'd be paying attention to me," replied Harry with a hug and smile. She sat beside Harry, "What are you looking at?" she asked ignoring him. "I don't know yet, I received it while these two little love birds made all these twittering noises…" Harry trailed off with a stifled laugh. Hermione hit him, "You ever mention that again, you might as well cut your head off, it'll be less painful," Hermione snarled. Harry realized he had made her mad and hugged her, "I'm sorry Herm," he said quietly. She hugged him back, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to take it out on you," she said. Harry smiled, "It's okay, just make sure you still love me in the end," he replied. Hermione blushed, "Harry!" she scolded. "Yes, my dear wonderful Herm?" he answered affectionately. Hermione gave a sigh, "You know you're most difficult boys I've ever dealt with," she said. Harry tried to look affronted, "Why is that Herm?" he asked. "Because, I can't stay mad at you for more than ten seconds," she replied. Harry hugged her again and smiled, "Well, they do say when you're angry to stop and wait ten seconds…" he trailed off. Hermione laughed, "Yeah, you're right," she said returning his embrace. They started going over the letter, bouncing ideas off each other, then Hermione realized something. "HARRY!" she said excitedly, "I figured it out!" Harry looked at her, "Well? What is it?" he asked. "I've wanted to look for the ancient magic the hat mentioned," said Hermione, "I think that's what this note is about." Harry thought seriously for a moment, "You could be right, we've both wanted to look for it," he said quietly, "That reminds me, one of the corridors looks different from the rest." "How?" she asked. "I don't know Herm," he said, "It was more of a feeling."
Harry went out first at Hermione's insistence that he make sure the coast was clear. After Harry gave her the okay they walked down to the corridor, "It was here, but it looks different again," said Harry thoughtfully. Hermione watched Harry for a moment, "Harry, you sure you didn't imagine it?" she asked. "Yes, I am," replied Harry unfalteringly. Hermione nodded, "Okay," she said thinking, "Harry what was that letter again?" she asked. Harry handed it to her. "HARRY!" she said sounding excited again, "It's the first clue." Harry looked at her, "What first clue?" he asked. "Listen," she said, "Tarry not for shuffle it shall. It moves around!"
Harry was stunned, "It moves around? OF COURSE!" he said, "Good job Herm." Hermione glowed at his compliment. Harry and Hermione searched the castle for the rest of the day, nothing showed up. Ron caught up with them in the corridors, "Hi Hermione," he said a little too friendly tone. Harry covered his laughter with a hacking cough, Hermione glared at him. Ron continued, "What you guys doing?" he asked. "Oh, just an experiment," said Hermione, "For Defense against the Dark Arts." "How's it going?" Ron asked just a little too sweetly, Hermione grew aggravated, Harry could almost feel her temper approaching the red zone, "Fine," said Hermione. "Why didn't you invite me along?" Ron asked. Harry smiled to himself, "Because it only takes two people," said Hermione quickly. "Why didn't Harry ask me so you could rest?" asked Ron. If Hermione had been a teapot, not only would she have boiled over, she would have had exploded with a force rivaled only by a nuclear explosion. She turned a very bad shade of red, "Because, it's fun," replied Hermione coolly. "Fun?" asked Ron sweetly. "Yes," replied Hermione monotonously. "Maybe you could show me one time," said Ron. "Harry's better at it," said Hermione quickly. Harry was about to burst out laughing, he quickly excused himself. He went into the next corridor, he started laughing as he entered a classroom. Then he realized this room was different, very different. He could hear Hermione barely managing to not completely chew Ron out.
Harry shook his head, obviously Ron was interested, but Hermione wasn't even close. He waited as Hermione grew angrier and Ron sweeter. Harry sighed, this was going to end very badly, if he didn't stop it. He pushed the door, it wouldn't open. A shadow fell across the room and darkness fell, Harry turned around wand ready. A single light shone from the ceiling. It looked like Neo. "Neo?" Harry asked. "No, I am Another," said the white figure, "Before you enter, you must take one of them and only one. Your choice will choose life or death, for both of you… Remember." He finished disappearing. Harry didn't understand, life or death? Why so? He would, of course, if he could get her away from her new lover boy, take Hermione. He didn't want Ron because he tended to panic, even over little things. But could he now? He didn't want to put Hermione in danger. The door opened of its own accord, Harry walked down the hall, Hermione's body language told Harry one thing, she was about to blow. Harry decided to put a stop to this. "Hey guys, please, that's enough," said Harry quietly. Hermione glanced at him and fell silent, Ron on the other hand looked angry. "Butt out Harry," he reprimanded but sweetly said to Hermione, "We'll finish later honey." Harry backed up; Hermione's facial expression went from bad to appalling; she looked absolutely ready to murder Ron. Harry watched as Ron walked angrily away. He sighed, "Sorry Hermione, I don't like to do that," he said quietly. Hermione smiled at him, "It's okay Harry, it was probably for the best," she replied. "I found it," said Harry, "But there is something else you should know." "What?" asked Hermione. "Herm, it could be very dangerous," Harry whispered, "I would rather you stay here." Hermione's face almost looked like a blowfish, "HARRY JAMES POTTER!" she bellowed, Harry trembled, "HOW DARE YOU TRY TO INSIST I STAY HERE!" "I just want you to be safe Herm, I love your company," said Harry affectionately hugging her. Hermione made an angry snort, "Yeah, so just ask me to stay here then?" she replied. "No, I just want you to know I love you too much to put you in danger," said Harry. Hermione rolled her eyes, "Harry quit doing that," she said quietly. "What?" asked Harry. "You won't let me stay mad at you for more than two seconds," she said returning his hug. Harry smiled, "That's because I don't want you mad at me Herm, that would kill me," he replied lovingly.
Harry and Hermione proceeded into the empty classroom, "Now what are we looking for?" asked Hermione. "I don't know Herm, if you see anything out of the ordinary tell me," replied Harry unsure of what he was looking for. He hoped they would know what it was when they found it. After a few minutes of looking, nothing turned out. Harry looked around, just thinking about what struck him about this room, it was just a general feeling; but where did it come from. Hermione grew discouraged, "Anything Harry?" she asked. Harry continued to stare at one point, Hermione grew concerned, "Harry," she said gently touching his shoulder, "Are you okay?" Harry walked forward and pushed the wall, it stood still, but the room went dark. "Harry?" said Hermione. "Herm?" said Harry. "What do you seek?" asked another voice. Harry thought for a moment, "What do you seek?" asked the voice again. "We seek within, for the second war abhorred," answered Harry. "What do you seek within?" asked the voice. "What is within?" asked Harry. The voice paused, "All power lies within," it responded. "We seek what avails us in the second war," said Hermione. "Then you seek in futility," said the voice, "For that does not lie within, it lies between." "Between what?" asked Harry. "Between," responded the voice, "the ones that hold it." Hermione's temper started to flare; Harry didn't know how he knew that. "Who holds what lies between," asked Hermione hotly. Harry for an unknown reason knew where she was going. "The ones that lie between," answered the calm voice. "WHO IS THAT?" Hermione started to yell. "The ones that feel each other, who can understand each other, the ones who must face the Shadows," said the voice. "Who are you?" asked Harry. "I am time, infinity and power," responded the voice. The room shone with the infinite brightness. Harry shut his eyes quickly, it penetrated his entire being, Harry heard a scream, he immediately knew it was Hermione, "HERMIONE," called Harry, "Where are you?"
Darkness returned, Harry opened his eyes, Hermione was out cold on the floor, "Herm, Herm, are you alright?" Harry shook her awake. 'Harry?' Harry heard her, but Hermione didn't speak. 'Herm?' he thought in surprise. 'What are you doing in my head?' she asked. 'I could ask you the same question,' replied Harry, 'Can you move?' Hermione got up gingerly, "Yeah," she responded out loud, "What was that?" she asked. "I have no idea," Harry responded. "Let's not tell Ron," she said in a small voice. Harry snorted, "Perish the thought," he replied shivering. Hermione and Harry made their way up to the common room while talking about the strange nature of their discovery. Ron met them at the portrait hole, "Hermione, can I talk to you a moment?" asked Ron, Harry nearly growled, it was too sweet for his tastes. The candles dimmed and went out, "About what Ron?" asked Hermione calmly. Harry could feel her anger rising quickly, her thoughts venomous. The strange thing that struck Harry was he felt it as his own anger, Hermione glanced at Harry, 'Please don't!' she thought to him. 'This is getting very irritating," Harry thought for a moment, 'Tell him you're too tired,' he thought with a mental shrug. As Ron tried to light the candles again, he wasn't successful. Harry started upstairs, but before he left, he snapped his fingers, the candles turned back on immediately, "Ron, can this wait until tomorrow?" asked Hermione, "I'm very tired." Harry opened his door and fell on his bed, he was exhausted. Today had been the most strenuous in his life, but he couldn't sleep, he had no idea why. He felt Hermione's anger growing, 'Herm?' he thought exhaustedly, 'What's wrong?' Hermione's emotions continued to rage, 'That guy seems to think I'm actually interested in him,' she replied sounding irked. 'Don't worry about it,' said Harry, 'He'll get over it.' Hermione gave a mental growl, Harry flinched. 'What are you guys talking about anyway?' asked Harry with an interested tone. 'Harry, you ever ask me that again, I swear, you'll never have kids!' she snarled. 'That mean you'd come right now?' asked Harry with an internal smile, 'Maybe then I could sleep, after kissing you good night.' 'That sounds better than this,' replied Hermione. 'Herm, come on, just tell him you're tired and go to bed!' said Harry. 'This guy won't give up!' replied Hermione. 'Yell a little bit, then I'll come down and disturb you two…' Harry started. Hermione interrupted, 'You finish that sentence and you'll regret ever being born!' she growled. Harry still internally smiled, 'I'd still love you more than life itself,' said Harry. Hermione smiled, 'I'd still love you too,' she replied, 'though I wouldn't admit it! Now were you serious that you would come down and disturb 'us'?' 'Yep,' said Harry, 'just give me a reason.'
He heard Hermione scream for a second, he rushed downstairs. "What's going on?" asked Harry in, what he hoped was, a tired tone. "Harry!" said Ron acridly, "You're disturbing us, this is a private moment." Harry tried to look shocked; "Really?" he said trying to keep the smile off his face, "Sorry to hear that. What was Hermione screaming about?" he asked eyeing both of them, Ron was starting to look like he was getting a little close to her, Hermione was thinking along the same lines. Harry was starting to feel protective and threatened. "Mouse," replied Ron, "But please leave us alone." "Well, you two had better get to bed, tomorrow holds the future," Harry said trying to feigned a smile, as he ascended the stairs trying to fight the urge to knock Ron's lights out. Hermione started to follow, "He's right Ron. Good night," she said quickly, once Ron was out of earshot, "Thanks Harry," she said quietly sliding her hand in his. "Frankly, I was starting to feel very protective and threatened," said Harry quietly. "Good, he was trying to kiss me," said Hermione. Harry choked, "What?" he said with disbelieve, "He does that and he won't have any more…" Hermione interrupted him, "Harry, you know you're the only one that I will ever like kissing," she smiled. Harry and Hermione each went to their own room and got undressed.
Hermione was about to knock on his door, but before she could Harry opened it. Hermione sat on his bed as Harry locked his door, "If he knocks on my door, I'll take the alternate route," yawned Hermione. Harry lay down, Hermione curled up with him, Harry smiled sleepily… It was nice to have her next to him, Harry's threatened feeling vanished, but his protective one remained, he felt he had to protect her from everything that could ever threaten her… He pulled her hair behind her ears, she smiled with closed eyes. Harry kissed her neck, she smirked, "I think Ron would be jealous," she said. Harry drew her closer, "Than he'd better leave you alone," replied Harry kissing her again. He knew Hermione was very loyal to him; his problem was people bugging her. They curled up closely and fell asleep.
"Hermione!" called Ron. Hermione grumbled as she got up, Harry pulled her back down, "No, let me take care of it," said Harry. Harry walked to his door and pulled it open, "Please Ron, I'm trying to sleep," he said sounding irritated. "Hermione's not answering," said Ron. "Well, obviously because this is Sunday, she is trying to sleep in, especially, since you were up so late," said Harry then Harry closed his door. Hermione smiled at him from his bed, he heard Ron making his way downstairs. "Thanks Harry," she said quietly. Harry curled up next to her, "We don't have to get up," he said. "I guess," she smiled again. Hermione turned around, "How'd that get rid of him?" she asked. "No idea," replied Harry, "I just told him the truth." "YOU TOLD HIM WE WERE…" she started to yell. Harry clasped a hand over her mouth, "No, of course not, I told him that you were obviously trying to sleep in," replied Harry, "Don't attract him, please!" Hermione looked pacified, "Okay," she said, "Then that's fine, I just don't want him to become a problem." They slept on and off, each enjoying the others warmth and comfort. Sunday was passing slowly still, Hermione and Harry finally got up. Hermione left for her room to get dressed. They decided on sitting by the lake, they noticed a lot of them were 'couples'. Harry took her to the lakeside in an alcove. The sun had already risen, but not over the mountains. It was cool in the shade, "Harry," said Hermione. "Yes Herm?" replied Harry. "What are we going to do about Ron?" she asked. "I don't know yet," he replied. Hermione put her arm around him, "Well, I hope we come up with something soon, he's really starting to irritate me," she said quietly. Harry almost felt time slow down, he heard his own heartbeat, he turned around, he could hear footsteps, they had triggered this response. "Herm, someone is coming," said Harry quietly, he slipped into the trees, "Visum non." He disappeared, Hermione started to follow suit when Ron came into the alcove. She silently groaned. "Hello Hermione," he said quickly sitting down next to her. Harry was now starting to get very irritated, he realized it was Hermione's irritation he was feeling, Ron's advances were now starting to feel threatening to Harry. Hermione glanced in Harry's direction, she looked extremely uncomfortable and she knew Harry was feeling extremely protective. Harry thought a moment, Hermione closed her eyes sensing what he was going to do, he whispered to himself the wind blew, sand kicked up, waves splashed. Harry smiled slightly, Ron was trying to urge Hermione to get going, Hermione just sat there waiting for it to calm down. Sand stung Ron, he started coughing, he ran for it.
As soon as he was out of sight Harry smiled quietly and sat beside Hermione, instead of saying something he just kissed her. "RON!" she nearly screamed, she saw it was Harry, 'Oh, Harry,' she sighed in relief, but then yelled at him, "DON'T DO THAT! I thought you were Ron.' Harry smiled at her; the winds died, "Much better," said Harry with a small smile. Hermione laughed, "How'd you do that?" she asked. Harry considered for a moment, 'I don't know Herm, I just did,' he replied and finished out loud, "Never stopped to consider it." They sat there for a while, Hermione leaned on his shoulder. Harry put his arm around her, 'Why do you think we can hear each other's thoughts?' asked Harry. 'I don't know, but it's great for private conversation,' replied Hermione. Harry laughed, 'That's true,' he said. They finally got up and made their way back to the castle for lunch. Harry and Hermione sat next to each other, Ron came in just as they finished. "Good morning Hermione," said Ron sweetly. Harry was starting to bristle with anger. "Good morning Ron," Hermione answered in a stiff voice. Harry realized the anger wasn't his own, it was Hermione's. He was feeling threatened when Ron sat next to Hermione, he didn't understand why. Ron continued with the same thing as the day before. Harry was quite frankly getting tired of it. 'Herm, I'm going, this is really starting to bug me,' Harry told her. 'How do you think I feel?' she asked irritably. 'Sorry, I know, how can we get both of us out of this?' he asked, 'What about an invisibility spell?' Hermione gave a mental sigh, 'Sure, right, that'll get rid of him for about ten seconds,' she replied sarcastically. Harry sighed, 'I know Herm, what other options do we have?' he asked. 'None,' she replied. 'Hey, animagii transformation,' Harry said, 'Under an invisibility spell.' 'That might work,' said Hermione thoughtfully. 'Shall I?' asked Harry. 'No, we have to get out of sight first,' said Hermione nearly rolling her eyes. "Hey Ron, I've got some work to do," said Hermione. "Me too," said Ron, "What homework?" "Teacher's homework," replied Hermione, knowing where he was going. "Okay, I'd still love to help you," said Ron quickly. Hermione got up, Harry was already in the hall, "Visum non," he muttered, he disappeared. Hermione quickly got around the corner before Ron caught up, Harry grabbed her. Ron looked down the hall, it was empty. "Weird, how does she do that?" Ron said out loud, "Well makes her all the more lovely." Harry nearly walloped Ron for saying that, Hermione stopped him, 'Perfect way of giving away our position,' thought Hermione a little snappishly. Harry gave a mental sigh, 'You're right. Sorry, I am feeling a little threatened by his attitude, I don't know why," replied Harry. Hermione hugged him, 'I know you're being protective,' she said quietly, "and I love it." They transformed into their animal forms, Harry as a male Phoenix and Hermione into a female Phoenix. They both burst into flame.
They stood on the bank of the lake as the sun set. Harry sat down; Hermione sat in front of him and leaned back, "Harry," she said quietly, "This is what makes everything worth it." Harry smiled, "You are what makes it worth it to me," he replied lovingly. Hermione blushed, "I love you too Harry," she answered. Hedwig landed on Harry's shoulder, "Hey Hedwig," said Harry as he pulled a letter from her leg, he looked at the front it read:
Harry Potter. He opened it and pulled out a letter.
Harry,
You found what you seek, now seek what you did not find, seek it well, for it will not come with time, sacrifice is true, heart is pure, remember death, for help it will in the fullness of time. Riddles in darkness, cast the light of knowledge to dispel the darkness of our Riddles shadow.
Hermione looked at Harry, "What does that mean?" she asked. Harry looked worried, "I don't know," he replied.
