Chapter 19

Gifts

The next morning Hermione woke up early and smiled, she still remembered last night. Harry was still holding her, she bordered on grinning; she loved him, more than she could ever tell him. Harry started stirring; whenever one woke up, the other wasn't far behind. She turned around and kissed him, "Good morning Harry," she said quietly. Harry smiled.

"Enjoyed teaching last night?" she asked hinting. Harry turned slightly red at her allusion.

"Not really," he replied.

"I enjoyed it," she said smiling.

"You would," said Harry smiling back.

"Why's that Mr. Potter?" she asked in mock seriousness.

"I'm not going to explain it to you!" he said furiously his face turning redder.

Hermione giggled again, "Maybe you could just propose?" she asked, "Make it easier on both of us."

"Maybe," said Harry with a hint of another smile.

"It's not too much of a change," smiled Hermione.

Harry smiled back, "But, when I can propose I want it to be special," he said.

Hermione groaned, "Harry, I don't want special, I want you to just get down on one knee and ask. Preferably even before getting up off your knee after you beg my dad for permission!" she replied.

"But, I still want to do something a little special. Please Herm; after I ask permission, I want you to be able to tell our kids about it…" Harry said trailing off.

Hermione smiled again, "I like that," she said.

"Like what?" asked Harry.

"That is a nice term 'our kids'," she said kissing him.

Harry smiled back again, "I'm glad you like it," he said after she finished. He was already secretly thinking of a wonderful way to propose to her.

Mrs. Granger walked in, "Harry, Dumbledore just wrote us, he wants you to return early," she said.

Harry nodded, "When?" he asked.

"Now," Mrs. Granger replied, "He also said you can stay here during the summer." She smiled at both of them.

"What about Hermione?" he asked.

"I don't know, he specifically stated you," Mrs. Granger answered.

Harry and Hermione looked at each other, "I'm not going then," said Harry.

Hermione looked worried, "What did he want?" she asked.

"He didn't say," replied Mrs. Granger, "but Harry, you have to go."

Harry held Hermione's hand, "I don't think I could," he answered quietly.

"Harry, ask Dumbledore if she can come when you get there," said Mrs. Granger.

Harry sighed, Hermione smiled at him encouragingly, 'Harry, I'll be fine.'

Harry looked at the floor, "You sure?" he asked out loud.

"Yes," Hermione answered.

Harry whispered under his breath, a green fire appeared, "Hogwarts," he said disinterested, looking at Hermione's beautiful and loving face. He disappeared in a flash of green flames.

Harry found himself in the Gryffindor common room, Dumbledore was waiting, "Hello Harry," he said.

"Why didn't you let Hermione come?" Harry asked immediately.

"I didn't want to make this known," replied Dumbledore, "If I am right you have a special gift, would you like a cookie?" Dumbledore waved his hand and the box of cookies flew towards Harry.

Harry held up his hand and it stopped, "No thank you, but yes, you're right, so? Hermione knows," Harry said impatiently.

"She does?" Dumbledore asked his eyebrows raised, "How long have you known?" Harry sighed, he glanced at a chair, it dragged across the floor quickly.

Harry sat, "A while," he said, "Luckily, I changed Malfoy's memory before he could say anything."

"Draco Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes, he attacked me, I defended myself, but I changed it slightly, so he thought I was holding a wand," said Harry yawning slightly because it was still early.

"Harry, memory charms can be broken," said Dumbledore.

"I know Professor, but not this one," replied Harry, "He won't figure it out, it was too subtly changed."

"Hermione may come then, if she already knows," said Dumbledore.

"Not only does she know Professor, she has the gift, she just hasn't gotten the hang of it yet," Harry said, he looked off into the distance. Hermione popped out of the fire. Harry had a chair dragged behind her.

She sat, "Hello Professor," she said quietly.

"Hello Hermione," said Dumbledore.

"Professor," she started.

"I wanted to ask Harry about a certain gift he has," answered Dumbledore, "I want you two to be very careful this year." He got up and started for the portrait hole.

"Professor," said Harry, "We will."

Hermione waited until Dumbledore left. "What gift?" she asked.

"Oh, magic without a wand," replied Harry.

"That all?" she asked putting her arm around him.

He smiled, "Yeah."

"You want to stay here for the rest of Christmas break?" he asked.

"Sure," she smiled.

"I'll go tell mum ," Harry smiled.

Hermione smiled back at him, "Maybe one day, but not yet  Harry," she replied. Harry kissed her before disapparating.

A few seconds later, Harry was back. "Well?" she asked.

"She said it was fine," Harry said.

Hermione yawned, "Well, I'm going back to bed," she said.

Harry smiled, "I'm tired too," he replied. Hermione started up the stairs, Harry followed. She stopped at the top, Harry purposely bumped into her.

"Sorry," he laughed hugging her.

She smiled, "Yeah , right ," she replied pulling him tighter around her. She looked into his eyes, his love evident to her. Hermione opened her door, Harry whispered good night.

Hermione snorted, "Yeah sure ," she said pulling him in, "Like I could ever  have a good night without you ."

Harry and Hermione stood for a moment, just looking into each others eyes. Hermione lay down, Harry behind her. She turned around, "Harry?" she started quietly.

Harry kissed her gently, "Yes?" he asked. She smiled, a light in her eyes. Harry kissed her more passionately. Hermione's pajama shirt had slipped a little higher, Harry slid his arms around her now bare stomach. She around his neck, Hermione pulled back a little, they touched foreheads. They had to stop now. Hermione groaned silently, another year seemed so much… But she knew it would be worth the wait, they loved each other unconditionally and if that was so, both of them would wait for that year, they could get married in the summer after their graduation. They both felt so tempted to kiss again, Hermione turned around and Harry curled up with her. They fell asleep enjoying each others company.

The next morning Hermione felt refreshed, she looked at her watch, it was late, but she felt great. She felt Harry holding her, she sighed, it was time to get up. "Harry," she said quietly.

"Yes?" he answered.

"Time to get up," Hermione smiled.

Harry tickled her. "Hey," she laughed, "Don't do that."

"Okay, then don't tell me it's time to get up," Harry smiled.

Hermione turned around, "Hmm, I figured you want to get up with me," she said.

"Yeah, I do, but that doesn't mean I want you to get up right now," Harry smiled.

Hermione laughed, "Okay, I get it," she said getting up. Harry pulled her back down.

"Harry!" she scolded. Harry ignored her and kissed her instead.

Hermione giggled, "But Harry," she said in a muffled voice, "I have to get up." Harry pulled back, he smiled at her. Hermione almost lost her will to get up.

"Harry!" she scolded again.

Harry laughed, Hermione sighed, "You enjoyed it Herm, admit it," said Harry.

"Okay I enjoyed it," Hermione admitted, "but that doesn't mean I don't have to get up."

"Okay, okay Herm," Harry sighed giving up.

Hermione smiled at him, "However, I can stay for ten minutes," she replied. Harry smiled back at her as she curled up with him.

Harry and Hermione entered the Great Hall 20 minutes later. Dumbledore smiled at them, a few people had stayed over Christmas. Harry sat with Dumbledore on one side and Hermione on the other. They ate and disappeared. Dumbledore smiled to himself, it was almost like having Lily and James back. But Dumbledore worried, Voldemort had been to quiet up until now, nothing like this had ever happened in the first war, something was up… Something big.

Harry and Hermione were flushed from running along the lake, they both thumped down onto the beach, watching as the squid swam effortlessly on the water. Hermione sat in front of Harry and leaned back.

Harry held her, she sighed, "I wish this would last forever," said Hermione watching as the sun reached into the sky. Harry smiled as the light hit Hermione's hair, she looked like an angel descended from the sky… Everything disappeared, only Hermione was left. Harry squeezed her, Hermione smiled.

Time passed slowly. "Harry," came a voice.

Hermione groaned, "I hate it when that happens," Hermione whispered.

"Yes Professor Dumbledore?" responded Harry.

"You shouldn't wander out of the castle Harry," he smiled, "There are many dangers now."

Harry smiled back, "Oh, I'm not worried… these grounds are protected. But you are right, there are many dangers," Harry replied. Harry helped Hermione up and they started towards the castle with Dumbledore.

Harry and Hermione settled down in the common room, they were both itching to go for a walk outside, it was a little chilly but not bad. This winter had been mild. Hermione held Harry's hand quietly. Then she moved over and started cuddling, Harry could feel her inner battle, he couldn't blame her, he wanted to get out of the castle too. Harry felt his vision go in and out of focus for a moment.

Harry shook his head, "Whoa," said Harry.

"What?" asked Hermione hugging him.

"I just felt my vision go then come back," he replied. Hermione slid her arms around his. "That reminds me, is your wound better?" he asked.

"Yeah, much, but I haven't really looked, it's not in a good spot," Hermione answered as she smiled.

"Would you like me to describe it for you?" Harry smiled back.

"Sure," she replied. She pulled up the back of her shirt,

"Ouch, that had to hurt," Harry said.

"Is it really bad?" she asked tentatively.

"Not the scarring, it just looks like whatever made it had to hurt," Harry answered.

"Well, you should know, you saw it," replied Hermione enjoying the sensation of Harry running his fingers gently across her back; it didn't seem to hurt anymore.

"It gives you character," Harry commented.

Hermione ribbed him hard, "You know absolutely nothing  about girls," she said acidly, "They don't want that  type of character."

"Maybe not," said Harry, "But I  think it looks good. You will always be beautiful." He smiled as he slid his arms around her bare waist.

 Hermione shivered, "Really?" she asked, "Why?"

"Because, you've proved your friendship and love beyond a shadow of a doubt," responded Harry with a smile. She pressed back into him, Harry hugged her.

They sat there for a few minutes, "Harry, would you really propose to me?" she asked.

"Maybe, I don't know," replied Harry. Hermione ribbed him again.

"Okay, okay, yes I would, in a heartbeat," he admitted.

"Why don't you?" she asked.

"Because, we're too young," smiled Harry. Hermione was about to rib him again,

"Okay, okay, because I have to get permission," said Harry with a smile. He had it, but he wasn't going to tell her  that, he wanted to surprise her. He finally got up and went to his room, Hermione groaned. She had wanted to cuddle more. Once Harry was out of sight he held out his hand and a ring glowing with a light within it appeared; it had taken him a few weeks  to put it together, but she was worth it to him and this was something no one else could make, ever.

Hermione fell onto her own bed, she sighed, would Harry ever get around to asking her dad? She would now have to wait now, at least for a few months, until Harry could  ask. She groaned out loud, she didn't know how long she could wait; she wanted him to ask so badly that it hurt her that he couldn't. She tried to close her eyes but she couldn't sleep. Her mind was racing with questions.

There was a knock at the door, "What?" asked Hermione sounding muffled as she talked through her pillows.

"Can I come in?" came Harry's voice. Hermione got up and opened it, Harry came in and sat on her bed, she in turn sat on his lap and leaned back, this time Harry didn't fall.

Hermione smiled, "You're getting better at this," she said.

Harry pulled up her shirt to look at her scar, "Thank you," he said as he rubbed it.

Hermione closed her eyes, it felt so good, "Harry, when are you going to ask my dad?" she asked.

Harry smiled, "Soon enough," he replied continuing to run his fingers over her scar. Hermione was now feeling sleepy, Harry held her quietly as she fell asleep. He put her down gently.

As he turned to leave, Hermione grabbed his hand, "Where you going?" she asked sleepily.

"I was going to let you sleep," answered Harry.

"Get in here," she said irritably.

Harry smiled, "You sure?" he teased. Hermione gave him a yank, Harry laughed as he fell on her.

Hermione smiled, "Yes," she replied. Harry put his arms around her, she started to drift off, Harry kissed her before she fell completely asleep. Harry enjoyed her warmth, but felt himself starting to drift off, he pulled her more tightly to him.

Hermione awoke, it was really early, she looked at her watch it was 1:00 in the morning. The rest students were arriving today, Harry was moaning in his sleep, Hermione shook him awake, Harry sat up quickly and shivered. "What is it Harry?" she asked.

"I… I dreamed about Voldemort," he replied.

"What about him?" she asked.

"He's going to attack Hogwarts," Harry answered.

Harry felt her arms slide around and hug him, 'she is really wonderful,' he thought returning her embrace.

"Let's go back to sleep," said Hermione turning around. Harry held onto her tighter than usual, Hermione noticed.

"Harry," Hermione started, "What can I do to calm you down?"

Harry smiled, "Be your wonderful self." Hermione smiled back, she curled up more with him, he started to drift off to sleep, this time she turned around and kissed him. Harry smiled dreamily, "I love you too," he said just before he fell asleep.

Hermione enjoyed his warmth; she glanced at him and thought, 'Yeah, more than a dozen kids sounds perfect.' Harry unconsciously laid his head on hers; she smiled again as she fell asleep.

The morning found Harry and Hermione on the beach, finishing a picnic as the sun peeked over the mountain tops. The dawn stretched and yawned as the day approached, Hermione leaned back onto Harry's chest. It seemed to Harry the perfect start to the day.

Hermione sighed, "This is the life Harry," she said.

"Yeah," replied Harry, "The most beautiful  girl in the entire world leaning against you… How could it get better?"

Hermione laughed, "Maybe she asks you if you want to study with her…?" she hinted.

Harry smiled, "Sure, accio," he responded.

His books came flying out the common room window, "Harry, you're supposed to do that with a wand!" scolded Hermione.

Harry sighed, "Sorry Herm, I forgot," he replied with a smile.

"Well, don't forget when the other students arrive," said Hermione, "That may look a little suspicious." Harry smiled at her as he pulled her hair back. Hermione closed her eyes enjoying Harry's touch, Hermione sighed with contentment.

Harry kissed her forehead lightly, she smiled at him. "Harry, it doesn't seem like anything could ever go wrong right now does it?" she asked.

"You're right, it doesn't," replied Harry softly, "Just remember this during the bad times, it will carry us through."

Hermione kissed Harry, "I know, but I hope we have few bad times and many good times," she said as she pulled back and continued leaning against him. She picked up Harry's transfiguration book and started reading it to him. Harry listened attentively, Hermione had really helped him pull up his grades in Potions and Transfiguration just by forcing him to read the book before school began. He lay down on the sand; Hermione continued to read while lying on his stomach.

Harry stroked her hair, "Harry, are you trying   to distract me?" asked Hermione.

"No," replied Harry.

"Well, you're doing a good job of it," she said trying not to show home much she really enjoyed it.

"Sorry, I just like to do that," he smiled.

Hermione sighed, "Well, I like it too much, I can't read," she smiled, "Want me to continue?"

"Yes, but I still want to stroke your hair," Harry laughed.

Hermione put down Harry's book and turned around, she smiled at Harry, "I know you're being affectionate Harry, but I really want to finish the last two pages!" she said.

 "Really? Last two?" asked Harry eagerly.

"Yes, then we're done," she said.

"Well, continue then praytell," Harry smiled. Hermione lay back down and continued to read, Harry listen attentively again, but this time he was fighting the urge to continue stroking her hair.

She finished and put the book down, "Now  you can continue," said Hermione. Harry sat up and started rubbing her shoulders, Hermione sat up, this felt good.

"You're very stiff," said Harry.

"Yep, have been all my life," replied Hermione laughing.

Harry kissed the back of her neck, Hermione enjoyed it. "Harry," she said softly.

"Yes Herm?" he asked.

"I really wish you would hurry up and ask my dad," she said.

"All in good time," said Harry smiling.

The rest of the students were supposed to arrive in an hour, Hermione was very reluctant to end their time there; she was enjoying it far too much.

Harry grudgingly brought it up, "Herm, the other students are going to arrive soon," he said quietly.

"I know Harry, I just don't want you to quit… please," she replied.

Harry stopped rubbing her shoulders and slid his arms around her, "All good and bad things come to an end Herm, it is the memories of good things past and hope for the future that make it worth living through the bad times," Harry said while kissing her cheek.

Hermione sighed, "I know," she said quietly as she leaned back, "I hope this time will come again."

Harry smiled, "Herm, I don't, you know why?" he asked.

Hermione turned around, "Why?" she asked sounding hurt.

"Because I know that something even better is coming up Herm; we must never wish for the past, only hope for the future," Harry replied hugging her.

Harry saw the other students arriving, "Herm, let's go, the others are arriving," Harry said.

Hermione groaned, "I wish we had more time," she whispered.

"We will, later, now we have to attend the feast," Harry said close to her ear. He stood up and gave Hermione a hand.

"You ready?" asked Harry.

"No," Hermione replied as they made their way back to the castle.

Dumbledore met them at the entrance, "Harry, Hermione, you do know you are sitting at the Head table?" he asked.

"No," replied both Harry and Hermione looking at each other, "We were going to eat with our Houses."

"There are two seats right next to each other at the Head table, you can take those," said Dumbledore with a twinkle in his eye. Harry and Hermione walked into the Great Hall, it was decorated as usual but it looked different since the House tables had been placed on the floor. Harry and Hermione walked hand-in-hand up to the staff table, they took their seats next to each other. Most of the other teachers were already seated and talking about upcoming subjects. Harry and Hermione started discussing what they were going to teach for their different classes. The students started filing in, Harry and Hermione felt funny not being among them.

They looked at each other, 'This feels weird!' thought Hermione.

'I know, does it ever!' replied Harry. Ron waved to them, Harry and Hermione waved back. Something was bothering Harry about Ron, he wondered if he was right…

Dumbledore took a seat beside Harry, "I think it is time to give you both a proper introduction," said Dumbledore smiling at Harry and Hermione.

"That's not necessary Professor," said Hermione turning red.

Dumbledore stood, "Welcome back, I hope you all had a wonderful  Christmas. Normally there are no announcements; however, we finally have had our two new permanent teachers join our ranks… instead of our hospital wing," Dumbledore said with a smile as he glanced at Hermione and Harry, "Harry Potter, who will be teaching Defense against the Dark Arts, and Hermione Granger, who will be teaching Potions." The students clapped, Harry and Hermione turned a deeper shade of red.

"Now that's all, tuck in!" Dumbledore finished. Plates of delicious food appeared before them, Harry and Hermione dug in, as did the rest of the students.

"He forgot to add Potter to the end of your name," Harry whispered to Hermione.

Hermione choked, "You haven't even proposed," she scolded. Harry suppressed laughter and though Hermione wouldn't admit it, so did she.

The room slowly emptied after the last crumb disappeared. Harry and Hermione arrived at the Gryffindor common room, Ron greeted them, "How was your Christmas?" he asked.

"Great," replied Harry.

"Anything new?" he asked.

"Like what?" asked Harry nervously.

"Well, I'd hate to think you guys did anything like kiss, but that would be something new," he said directly.

Hermione, who was still drinking, choked, "What?" she asked in a hoarse voice.

Ron laughed, "That answers my question," he commented.

Hermione turned red but pushed it down, "That's none of your business Ron," snapped Hermione irately as Harry frowned slightly. Ginny smiled from the corner, Hermione saw her expression and turned even redder.

"Why you pinkin…picking on me?" asked Hermione.

Ron smiled, "Because, I had a question for you," he said.

"What?" Hermione asked irritably.

"What do you do for a girl you like?" Ron asked.

Harry smiled, "Who?" he asked.

Hermione now looked very interested, "Who Ron?" she asked.

"Could you just answer my question?" Ron replied.

"Well, depends on the girl," started Harry.

"It's different for each one, according to their personality, most like…" Hermione interrupted.

"Flowers, picnics, surprises, and other things like that," finished Harry.

Hermione smiled, "Hey Harry, I guess you have learned a thing or two," Hermione commented.

"Grabbing them as you head very fast towards them…" Harry whispered in her ear.

Hermione laughed, "I don't know about that one," she said, "You might kill them too."

Harry smiled, "I was very careful about that," he replied.

Ron sighed, "Well, I'm not going to tell you who yet," said Ron, "She's got a boyfriend already."

"Ron, don't you dare, it's not nice to do that to people," scolded Hermione.

"If I were to steal you from Harry, how would I do that?" Ron asked ignoring her scolding.

"You can try but you won't succeed," said Harry shrugging.

"and I'll knock your block off for trying," snapped Hermione.

"Well, how would I go about trying?" Ron pursued.

Hermione sighed, "The best way would be to find a weak spot in the relationship, if you're vulgar enough to try it," she said.

"Like what?" Ron asked.

Hermione sighed again, "I don't know, Harry and I don't have a weak spot in our relationship for an example, but most relationships have weak spots and it is usually easy to find if you spy on them for a while, it will become apparent," said Hermione, "But Ron, I swear you try to come between me and Harry and I'll…"

"I wouldn't do that!" said Ron feigning affrontment, "I just want to know what to go for."

Harry watched him carefully, "Hermione?" he asked.

"Yes?" she answered looking at him, he tapped his head, "Harry no! That's an invasion of privacy and you know it!"

'So? We do it to each other all the time,' thought Harry.

"Well you have my permission to do that, you don't have his," Hermione snapped.

"Have who's what?" asked Ron.

"Stay outta this," snapped Hermione.

Harry shrugged, "Okay, never mind," he replied looking out the window.

"My Lord, everything is ready!" said Wormtail. "Very good Wormtail, attack them now," responded Voldemort looking in a mirror. "But my Lord you aren't coming are you?" Wormtail asked. "Yes, I am coming," said Voldemort, "It is time to finish this, once and for all."

"My Lord, everything is ready!" said Wormtail.

"Very good Wormtail… attack them now," responded Voldemort looking in a mirror.

"But my Lord, aren't you coming?" Wormtail asked.

"Yes, I am coming," said Voldemort, "It is time to finish this." Voldemort sneered, "Once and for all."

Harry fell off his chair, "Harry, are you alright?" asked Hermione rushing to his side, he sensed her growing concern, 'What happened?'

'I'll tell you about it later,' replied Harry who had heard her mental request, as well as her words, "Yeah, I'm fine."

Ron looked curious, "What happened Harry?" he asked.

Harry hesitated, "Umm, just slipped," Harry answered, he didn't know whether he wanted to tell anyone yet, other than Hermione of course.

Hermione gave a fake yawned, "I'm going to bed," she said.

"Good night," said Ron as she walked quickly up the stairs and out of sight. Harry watched for a moment.

"Harry," started Ron, "How did you and Hermione get together in the first place?"

Harry thought a moment, "I don't know Ron. So many things happened to Hermione and I that… It just happened," Harry lied he knew exactly why, but he didn't want to answer Ron's question nor admit what happened…

'Besides,' he thought quietly, 'Neither Hermione or I want to discuss it with anyone other than between us.' Harry smiled before starting upstairs too, Ron followed him, at the boys' staircase Ron stopped and said good night to Harry. Harry continued, Hermione, he guessed, was already in her room.

Harry found out he was wrong when he opened his door and closed it behind him, Hermione was waiting for him. "What took you so long," she smiled.

Harry smiled back, "Oh, Ron asked me something, that's all," Harry said.

"Okay, now tell me what happened," Hermione said.

"Just a vision," answered Harry.

"Well?" Hermione said.

 "Well what?" replied Harry.

"What was in your vision?" she restated irritated by his evasiveness.

"Oh, nothing really important, I'm fine now," Harry said.

"Well then I'm going to bed," Hermione smiled giving Harry a hint.

"Okay, see you in the morning," Harry smiled, pretending to miss her hint.

Hermione's entire countenance changed, "HARRY JAMES POTTER," she started to yell, " YOU BET YOU'RE SLEEPING ALONE!"

Harry backed off, "Hey Herm, I was fooling around," he said advancing and hugging her, "I didn't mean to upset you."

Hermione laughed as he let go, "I know, I was the one that fooled you," she said glancing at him mischievously before escaping and closing his door.

Harry hurried and got on his pajamas, Hermione knocked. "Come in," he said. Hermione opened the door and sat on his bed, "You tired?" she asked lying down.

"Yes," Harry replied. Harry lay down next to her; he kissed her neck a couple times. Hermione giggled and turned around, Harry kissed her deeply. Hermione curled up with him and started to fall asleep. Harry felt sleepy now, but he attempted to stay awake for a little while, enjoying Hermione's company. Even if she was asleep, but he quickly began to nod off.

Hermione woke up first, she turned around, as she started to say "Good morning Harry," Harry kissed her on her lips.

She giggled, "Harry!" she said in a muffled voice. Hermione got up and withdrew to her room. Harry got up slowly and got dressed. The day was still asleep, he looked out over the grounds. Today… was somehow different; the air seemed to be frozen, waiting. Harry went for a walk around the perimeter of the Dark Forest, he made a decision and plunged into it. He walked towards the clearing where he had last seen the centaurs. He sat in the clearing and waited, he knew they would come.

Harry detected their presence before they made themselves known, "Centaurs," Harry said strongly, "I come before you on a grave matter." An arrow flew; Harry spun around and caught it in mid-air.

"This is not the time for fighting amongst ourselves; we all have a common enemy, after he is finished with us. You are next!" Harry said in an authoritative voice, snapping the arrow as he reached 'next'.

Centaurs surrounded the clearing. "There are few who can catch a Centaur arrow," said one, "Perhaps we should listen to him."

"No, he is a wizard, he cannot be trusted," replied another.

"This is not the time for old wounds, if old wounds get all the attention, soon the new ones will bleed us to death," Harry snapped.

All the Centaurs were listening now, "Voldemort will attack, maybe today, maybe tomorrow. It will remain unknown, as will the outcome, until we all unite and say, 'WE WILL NO LONGER FIGHT AMONG EACH OTHER, THERE IS NO WIZARD OR CENTAUR, THERE IS ONLY US WHO WILL NOT QUIETLY DISAPPEAR. WE WHO WILL FIGHT FOR OURSELVES,'" Harry said in a loud voice.

"The old differences are strong, Voldemort is not our concern," said an older Centaur.

"Not now, but he will eventually turn his attention to you, and when  that happens he cannot be stopped! The line must be drawn HERE this far, no farther," Harry replied.

"This future has already been written in the stars," said an old Centaur, "I have foreseen this battle, we cannot win."

Harry turned to him, "The heavens tell not the future, they tell of times long past," he responded, "This battle lost so long ago, if we do not hang together , THEN BY GOD , WE WILL HANG SEPARATELY." The Centaurs seemed nervous now. "Who will lay aside the old differences, who will protect the future, who will build the future. Whether by sweat or blood, who will die for the future of all?!" asked Harry. The Centaurs looked at one another, their leader stepped forward, "When the time comes, we will help you," he said. Harry nodded, the Centaurs raced off into the forest. Harry sat a moment; he knew from that moment, he was now the general of their last hope…

He got up and left for the castle and his class.

When Harry arrived he sat and waited for the students to file in, Hermione came in, "Harry? Where have you been?" she asked.

"I've been… growing and shaping the future for our children, I'll have to explain it later," Harry answered with a smile.

Hermione sat on his lap, "Okay, but you know you're supposed to tell me everything, that was part of our deal," she said quietly.

"I know and I will tell you, when the time is ripe," replied Harry sliding his arms around her and hugging her.

Hermione smiled, "Okay, I guess I have to admit I've been keeping a couple secrets from you too," she said.

"Like what?" asked Harry.

"Oh, just something I've been wanting for a long time," Hermione leaned back against him.

"What?" he asked.

"Oh, I'll tell you when the time is ripe," she said echoing his words. She got up and sat in the front and then the other students started filing in, Ron among them.

"Good morning Ron," said Harry.

"Morning Harry," responded Ron. Harry still had reservations about teaching Ron anything, but he couldn't do anything about it right now.