Chapter 4 - Back in the House of Black

Harry and Hermione came tumbling out of the fireplace and rolled halfway across the room, knocking into a table and causing some glassware on it to hit the floor and shatter.

Hermione felt like she had just been beaten by a bunch of little fists. A trip through the floo network was always uncomfortable, but going two at a time was just plain painful.

She moaned trying to push Harry off her. They had landed with Harry sprawled on top of her. Harry rolled off and lay on his back next to Hermione. "Are you ok," he asked, sounding as bruised as she felt.

"Uh huh," was all she could manage. "That had to be one of the stupidest things you've ever done."

"Sorry," said Harry resentfully. "Maybe if I had had a few more minutes I could of come up with a less stupid plan. I guess I just thought anything was preferable to you being turned over to Fudge."

Suddenly the door burst open and just over them flew two stunning spells. Harry's hand shot out keeping Hermione pinned to the floor. "Harry, Hermione," someone shouted.

Harry pulled himself into a sitting position. "Professor Lupin."

"What are you doing here?" Growled another voice. Mad-eye Moody advanced on Harry and Hermione and extended his good hand to Hermione and helped pull her to her feet.

"It's a long story," said Harry getting up.

"Oh my God, Ron!" shouted Hermione suddenly taking a step toward the fire. "We left him. We have to go back."

"We can't," said Harry simply.

Hermione looked at him accusingly.

"I'm sorry, Hermione. I didn't want to leave him there, but I had to do something. He'll be fine. Dumbledore's still there and once everything calms down."

"Have you lost your mind? He attacked the Minster of Magic." Hermione was feeling slightly hysterical.

"Attacked the Minister! All right you two, I want to know what's going on now. Does Dumbledore need the Order?" Asked Moody.

"Harry you're bleeding," said Lupin, pulling out a handkerchief and handing it to him.

Harry accepted it, put it to his forehead and held it there.

"Now, tell us what's going on," said Lupin.

Harry took a deep breath and began telling the story. Hermione interrupted occasionally, but mostly stayed quiet. Lupin could only stare when he finished, but Moody immediately sprang into action. He left the room abruptly and was gone for about five minutes before he returned.

While he was gone Lupin forced Hermione and Harry to sit. He then kneeled in front of Hermione and looked at her with concern. Immediately Hermione's eyes filled with tears. Lupin put a comforting hand on her shoulder and said firmly. "Everything will be ok."

Hermione gave him a small smile, though she didn't really feel it in her heart.

Moody came back into the room and had his traveling cloak on. "Lupin, you'll need to prepare for some visitors. I've called an emergency meeting of the Order tonight."

"Where are you going?" Asked Harry.

"Never you mind that, boy." Said Moody gruffly. "The two of you will be staying here for the night at least." He turned back to the door, but stopped before exiting. "And no owls," he called over his shoulder and left.

Lupin turned and smiled at Hermione and Harry. "It will be a few hours before everyone is here. Why don't the two of you get some rest."

Harry was about to protest, but Hermione stood suddenly. "Yes, I'm tired. I think I will lay down for a bit."

"You remember where your old rooms were?"

Harry and Hermione nodded and Lupin turned and left them.

Hermione started to follow him out, but stopped when Harry called after her. "Hermione."

She turned and looked at him.

"I'm sorry," he said simply.

Hermione could only stare at him frowning slightly.

"I shouldn't have left him. I just. The only thing I could think about was getting you safe."

"Stop," said Hermione.

"No, I."

"No, stop. You have nothing to be sorry about. I'm sorry."

They didn't speak for several minutes. After a while, Harry sighed. "I shouldn't have come here. I should have sent you on alone."

"Is it hard being back here?" Asked Hermione.

"No." Suddenly Harry seemed angry. His face set and he pushed past Hermione.

"Harry," Hermione called, but he kept going.

Hermione sighed and followed quietly. She made her way upstairs to the bedroom she and Ginny had shared the last time they had been there. She stretched out on one of the beds and was asleep almost before her head hit the pillow.

A few hours later, the door to the room creaked open. Hermione opened one eye sleepily. It was Harry. He approached and sat at the edge of her bed.

"What is it, Harry?" She asked. "Is everyone here? Is the meeting starting?"

"No," he said quietly.

"Then what," she said sitting up and wrinkling her brow.

"I was just worried about you. I wanted to make sure you were ok."

She smiled. "Thanks, I'm fine."

"Did you sleep ok?"

"Mm hmm," she said yawning and stretching.

Harry stared at her rather intensely, "you know I'd never let anything happen to you."

"I know," said Hermione slowly. She searched Harry's face. He was acting strange.

"And I'd do anything for you.

"Are you ok, Harry. You're acting a bit odd."

Harry reached out and pulled Hermione toward him. He brushed her lips with his own. Hermione pulled away, surprised. "Harry?"

"I'm sorry, Hermione. I can't help how I feel." He leaned in again and kissed her with more energy. Hermione felt lost. She was only vaguely aware of the softness of his mouth. Her hands encircled his neck and she leaned into the kiss.

Harry broke the kiss and whispered her name, "Hermione."

The sound of his voice sent a cold chill through her and she raised her hands and pushed him away. "This isn't right," she said softly.

Harry grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to him roughly. He kissed her hard on the mouth.

"Harry," she gasped pushing him away again. "What are you doing?"

He reached for her again, but for the first time Hermione noticed that his eyes, which were usually a beautiful green, were black. She inhaled sharply and jumped off the bed. When she looked back he was gone. Hermione wrapped her arms around herself and bit back the sob threatening to come up.

A sudden knock at the door startled her and she started violently. She didn't answer immediately and the person knocked again. "Hermione," called Lupin. "Are you awake?"

"I'm. I'm awake," she said breathing unsteadily.

Lupin opened the door. "Is everything alright?"

She nodded, shaking slightly.

"No it's not. What happened?" Asked Lupin advancing toward her.

"It happened again," she whispered.

"What? Another vision?"

"Yes."

"What was it this time?"

Hermione looked down uncomfortably.

"Hermione?"

"It was nothing," she said dismissively. "Just a figure in a cloak. It was gone almost immediately."

Lupin searched her face, uncertain. "I don't think you should be left alone anymore. It's not safe."

"I'm fine, really."

"Come on," said Lupin grimly putting an arm around her shoulder. "Dumbeldore's here. He wants to see you before the meeting."

Hermione nodded and allowed him to lead her out of her room and downstairs. The house was just as she had remembered it, dark and foreboding. She saw movement out of the corner of her eye and turned to look, but nothing was there. She wondered if Kreacher was still lurking around taking order's from Mrs. Black's mad portrait.

Dumbledore was standing alone in a room with a great round table. Lupin led Hermione in and then left and closed the door behind him. Hermione looked at Dumbledore and waited for him to speak, though a thousand questions ran through her head.

"You're looking tired, Miss Granger," he said kindly.

"I'm ok."

"I hope your trip through the floo network wasn't too painful. Going in two at a time is extremely dangerous. If Harry had not been able to hang on to you, you might have been thrown out too soon or even stuck."

Hermione couldn't hold back her questions any more. "Is Ron ok? Was the Minister very angry? Is Ron going to be expelled?"

"Yes. Yes. And No," said Dumbledore smiling slightly. "Mr. Weasley is fine. The Minister was very put out, but considering the offense took place at Hogwarts, I have persuaded the Minister to allow me to see to Mr. Weasley's punishment."

Hermione smiled for the first time since she left Hogwarts.

"Now we have to figure out how we are going to deal with you. For starters you are going to have to tell the Order about what you have been seeing, giving as much detail as possible."

"Why?"

"Because, we must know what Voldemort is planning. The visions he is feeding you may have some logical meaning behind them."

"Sir, can't I be inducted into the Order? I'm ready to fight now. I don't want to just be his passive victim."

"No, Miss Granger," said Dumbledore seriously. "The Order is for over-aged Witches and Wizards who have already left school. In fact, once you have given your account to the Order, you will have to leave."

"But you're going to be talking about me. I have a right to know what's happening."

"I normally would agree, but in this case I'm afraid you're going to have to trust my judgment."

Hermione wanted to argue but couldn't see the point. She was hardly going to sway Dumbledore once he made up his mind.

There didn't seem to be any more to say, which was a good thing because members of the Order began filtering in. Dumbledore indicated for Hermione to take a seat next to him.

The first few members to enter were people Hermione had seen before but didn't know their names. After about a minute Professor Snape entered, but barely acknowledged Hermione. Then Molly and Arthur Weasley came in.

Mrs. Weasley immediately approached Hermione and gave her a warm hug followed by Mr. Weasley, who also leaned over to hug her.

"How are you, dear," said Mrs. Weasley.

"I'm fine," said Hermione reassuringly.

"Hermione, if you need anything I want you to come to Molly or myself," said Mr. Weasley seriously. "You don't have to go through this alone."

A great feeling of affection filled Hermione, "Thank you, Mr. Weasley." They smiled at each other and then Hermione asked, "have either of you seen Harry? I haven't seen him for a couple of hours and he was a bit upset."

Molly and Arthur exchanged a glance.

"What?"

"He'll be fine, dear."

"What do you mean?"

Arthur smiled sadly at her. "It's hard for him to be here. There are a lot of memories. But don't worry," he said noticing her frown. "Remus is with him."

They were interrupted when Dumbledore stood and looked as if he was ready to address the group. Molly and Arthur took the seats nearest to Hermione and the din of conversation in the room disappeared.

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," began Dumbledore. "This emergency meeting has been called to answer the newest threat from Voldemort."

Hermione was surprised by the general lack of reaction around the room when Dumbledore said Voldemort's name.

Dumbledore briefly explained what had been happening to Hermione over the last couple of weeks and more importantly what had just happened the night before, then he turned to her and asked her to give the details of her visions and her previous night's experience to the Order.

Hermione stood nervously and began recounting her experiences with as much detail as she could remember. When she got to her attack the previous night she looked at Professor Snape directly and named the person she thought responsible. He didn't betray the slightest emotion.

She had just begun to tell of the latest vision she had had less then half an hour ago when the door to the meeting room opened admitting Professor Lupin and Harry. They sat in the back of the room directly in front of Hermione.

She stopped speaking and looked uncomfortably at Harry. Several members of the Order turned slightly in their seats to see her distraction. Dumbledore leaned close to Hermione and whispered, "please continue."

Hermione looked down and mumbled the rest of what she had to say, leaving out the part where the phantom Harry had kissed her. She never looked at Harry to see his reaction to the news that Voldemort had used his likeness against her. She didn't need to.

When she had finished, Dumbledore asked her to wait outside. She passed Harry half expecting him to join her, but it seemed he was allowed to stay. Closing the door behind her, she sat heavily in an empty seat and waited.

Almost immediately, the Black's house-elf Kreacher appeared. Hermione watched him warily. She didn't want to be unkind, but in truth she was much too tired to listen as he muttered insults at her under his breath. Unfortunately, it seemed Kreacher was oblivious to this.

"Another mudblood, sent to besmirch by Mistress's home. We are overrun with them," he mumbled lowly.

"Hello, Kreacher," Hermione sighed.

"The mudblood is speaking to Kreacher. She would not dare if my Mistress was still alive."

Hermione chose to ignore Kreacher. She closed her eyes against the light that was making her aching head pound all the more. Kreacher continued his maniacal ramblings.

"Mudbloods and traitors. Just wait, soon Kreacher will not be bound to them and then his real family will come."

The last sentence out of Kreacher's mouth caught Hermione's interest. "What do you mean you're bound to us?"

Kreacher's face filled with disgust. "This mudblood..." he began, but out of nowhere Harry came flying past Hermione and grabbed Kreacher's pathetic piece of sackcloth in his fist.

"You, shut up."

"Harry," said Hermione sharply grabbing hold of his arm.

Seething with anger, Harry reluctantly released Kreacher. Kreacher seemed completely unabashed and continued his muttering. "Now that Master Black is dead, Kreacher wonders why all these Mudbloods and traitors are still coming here."

"That's none of your concern," said Harry. "Just be glad you still have a home here. You think it's bad here? I've seen how people like the Malfoy's treat their house elves."

Kreacher turned boldly toward Harry. "You are not fit to wipe my family's shoes. Just because Master Black has left the family home to you does not make you part of the family."

"What?" whispered Hermione.

Harry aimed a kick at Kreacher and shouted, "get out of here." Kreacher scuttled off continuing his mutterings well after he was out of eyeshot and probably after he was out of earshot as well.

Hermione turned to Harry perplexed. "What did he mean by that?"

"Nothing," said Harry crossly.

"Harry."

"I said nothing, will you just drop it, Hermione," he said raising his voice angrily.

"You stop it right now." Said Hermione equally angry.

Harry looked at her. "What's the matter with you?"

"Don't you dare act like I'm the crazy one, Harry Potter. You've been in a foul mood ever since we got here." They stared at each other defiantly for several seconds and then an involuntary smirk passed over Hermione's face. Harry rolled his eyes, but couldn't stop the bubble of laughter that burst from him.

"Come on, Hermione, let's go upstairs." The two of them trooped upstairs and sat in Harry's room. Harry sat on the edge of his bed and Hermione sat across from him on the bed Ron usually occupied.

"So Sirius left this place to you?" Began Hermione tentatively.

"Yeah," said Harry glumly. "Though for the life of me I can't understand why he would think I wanted it. He hated this house."

"Maybe he wanted you to have something of his."

"It's not like he knew it was going to happen."

Hermione didn't have to ask what he meant. "Harry, he was in the Order. I mean, none of us knows what's going to happen." Hermione's eyes looked far off.

"Are you frightened, Hermione?"

Hermione looked into Harry's eyes and smiled sadly. "Sometimes." She paused. "Are you?"

Harry smiled back, "sometimes."

"What about now?" Asked Hermione turning serious.

Harry shook his head.

"Oh," said Hermione feeling embarrassed.

"I'm too angry to be frightened."

"Angry? Why?"

"Because I'm tired of Voldemort going after the people I...," he paused awkwardly. "The people in my life," he finished lamely.

"I'm going to be ok, Harry. You don't have to worry about me."

"I always worry about you," he said honestly.

They were interrupted by a sharp knock on the door and before either of them could say anything Professor Snape barged in.

"Potter, leave," said Snape abruptly.

Harry didn't move. He narrowed his eyes at Snape and Hermione could see that he had no intention of doing anything Snape asked.

They stared unblinking at each other.

"Did you need to speak with me Professor Snape? Because I don't mind if Harry stays," said Hermione quickly.

"Unfortunately, that is not up to you. The Headmaster has asked me to speak to you alone."

Harry stood, his eyes never leaving Snape's. "I'll wait right outside."

Harry kept the door open as he left and Snape strode over and slammed it shut. Hermione waited expectantly for Snape to begin and he did without delay.

"The Headmaster wants you to learn Occlumency, Miss Granger."

"That makes sense," said Hermione. She had been expecting this at the very least. "Are you going to be teaching me?"

"Yes," said Snape.

"What else?" She asked.

"What else?" Snape repeated.

"Yes, what else was discussed? What else is being done?"

Snape sneered, "nothing that you need to concern yourself with."

"If it has to do with me then I have the right to know," she replied stubbornly.

"Miss Granger, I am not here to argue with you. I am here to teach you Occlumency. And I do hope you will be a more promising student than Potter was."

Hermione's eyes flashed with anger.

Snape seemed amused by her. "That is why the Dark Lord chose you."

Hermione felt confused. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, that when I insulted Potter, you experienced an intense emotional response."

"What does that have to do with Voldemort choosing me?"

"Do not speak the Dark Lord's name," hissed Snape. "And use the brain that you are forever showing off."

Hermione glared at him, but considered his words. There had to be a reason that she was experiencing the visions. In the past, Voldemort had put Harry through this, to great effect.

"I'm sorry sir, but Vol... umm... he couldn't lure me into a trap the same way he lured Harry a year and a half ago."

"You mean the way he lured all of you into a trap," said Snape sneering.

"Right," said Hermione. "How could he hope that would work again?"

"We don't know that that is his intention," said Snape simply.

"Then what is his intention?"

"Come on, Miss Granger. Longbottom would have figured it out by now."

Hermione set her jaw and she began to feel stirrings of hate bubble in her.

Snape sighed, "The Headmaster agrees and I concur, that the Dark Lord is using your attachment to Potter against him."

"Against Harry? How?"

"Think, Miss Granger, think. He has already successfully lured him away from Hogwarts."

Hermione's heart began pounding with the realization. "Then send him back," she said breathlessly.

"If only it were that easy," said Snape. "First, after his foolhardy stunt at school this morning, he is in serious trouble with the Ministry and second," Snape paused and smirked. "I highly doubt he'd voluntarily leave you alone. Potter has proven time and time again his need to play the hero."

Hermione's former words, spoken by Snape in so unfeeling a manner, felt like a slap in the face. "Harry does not play the hero. Harry is a hero. He's saved more people's lives than you ever will."

"Yes, and he's cost a few too."

Hermione fumed, "you wouldn't say any of this if Dumbledore were here."

Snape ignored her and muttered to himself. "This is going to be as difficult as I thought. I warned Dumbledore."

"What are you talking about?"

"I am talking about your affection for Potter. It is those feelings that you are going to have to learn to shut down. But I see very little chance of you ever being able to do that."

Hermione said nothing and Snape went on muttering to himself sounding very annoyed. "As if I had nothing better to do than teach a silly little love- struck girl to control her hormones."

"I am not a little love-struck girl," shouted Hermione. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't feel that way about Harry. He's my friend. That's all."

"Really," began Snape. "Then why didn't you tell the assembly the truth about your vision with Potter?"

Hermione blanched but quickly recovered herself. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Do not play stupid, Miss Granger," snarled Snape. "You did not disclose the whole truth of what you saw. Don't bother lying."

Hermione felt her face redden and to her horror, her eyes started filling with tears. "How did you know?"

"Anyone who has any skills with Legilimency knew you were lying. Now, what happened?"

Hermione glared at the man before her. For the first time in her life she truly felt as if she hated the man.

"What happened?" He repeated.

Reluctantly she admitted, "he kissed me."

Snape looked almost satisfied. "If that is so, then the Dark Lord knows what you have successfully hidden from even yourself."

Hermione sank back onto the bed feeling uncomfortable and completely confused.

Snape walked to the door. "When I return, I expect that you will have dealt with these emotions. The only way you can be taught to shut them down is to acknowledge that they are there."

Hermione didn't answer and since Snape was finished, he left the room.

Outside, Harry stared in astonishment as Snape passed him in the hall. As if as an afterthought, Snape turned to Harry and spoke under his breath. "You'd be well advised to check your emotions too. Do not for a second believe that the Dark Lord doesn't know the extent of your affection for Miss Granger. It will be both your downfalls if you are not careful."

Then Snape swept away leaving Harry as uncomfortable and confused as Hermione was just feet away.