Chapter 15:
Technology and Magic
By: Chronos the Fallen Angel
Author's Note: I've given up on quotes, too hard.
I've finished my marching band camp already and have about a week until school starts for me. I hope to get out two more chapters before that happens. (Damn it all, took me three weeks to get this chapter out. Damn it, Damn it, Damn it.)
Again please review my story, I know it may be bad, but read it anyway and review, I'll take constructive criticism, but no flames.
Again, J.K. Rowlings owns Harry and the gang, DC owns Supergirl and the Specter (Hal Jordan), and I own Roland Childe and the plot.
* * * * * *
And so the days passed quickly as everyone waited to return to Hogwarts. Roland never told Hermione about his decision to judge Steven, and neither did Harry. He thought that it would be too hard on her mind; the idea of something that happened to her would be the death of someone else. Hermione would blame herself. But Harry promised himself that he would tell, but there was never appropriate time for him to do so.
But Roland did explain more about familiars to them. He even gave Hermione a book about them, which she had memorized just before he left. Harry made Hermione promise not to cast the spell though, not until Roland returned so he could teach it to them properly. She pouted for a few moments before he used his pet name for her. They had a snuggling session in their room afterwards. Hermione was smiling again as they read Winnie the Pooh again.
Roland and Heather left a few days early; she wanted to see her parents again before she left for Hogwarts and dragged Roland along with her, not that he was complaining. A small smile was on his face as they left. Harry and Hermione could only return it.
Ron had invited them over to his house for the rest of the summer, and despite that being just a few days before they returned to Hogwarts, Harry and Hermione thought that it would be fun to see Ron again. They were going to make the trip shortly after Roland and Hermione left.
Moony came down the stairs, and walked over to the fire place. He found Hermione sitting with a book in her lap and Harry having a vivid conversation with Tonks. "You have everything right," he asked, and sat down next to Tonks. She smiled at him.
"Yeah, we do, Moony," Harry replied, "I even pack those extra scrolls you gave us, you know the new spells."
"Right," Moony said, he rubbed his chin the beginnings of a beard were showing, but like the rest of his hair, it was a very light color, close to white almost. "I almost forgot about those spells."
"They're new ones the Dumbledore received right?" Tonks asked.
"Yeah, supposedly they're elemental magic, what ever that means." Moony shrugged his shoulders.
"Elemental Magic," Hermione repeated as she turned a page. "Magic derived from the six basic elements. Air, Water, Fire, and Earth are the most common, followed by Light, and the rarest being Shadow." Harry walked over to her and looked at the book she was reading. "That's the one the Professor Jordan made you get right?" she nodded and continued to read. "How far are you in it?"
"The middle," she said, "But I don't understand it that much."
"Here, maybe I can help," Harry sat down next to her, and wrapped an arm around her.
"Let's start at the beginning." Hermione closed the book then reopened it at the beginning. Harry just nodded and began to read softly out loud, so that only they could hear each other. Every once in a while, Harry would stop and try to explain something to Hermione, and then she would correct him. Moony and Tonks quietly left the couple to themselves, they had a meeting with someone, Moony said as they left. Once they were gone Hermione sighed and rested her head on his shoulder.
"You okay," Harry asked.
"I'm not looking forward to today," she said, and turned the page.
"Why not?"
"We can't share a room anymore," Harry frowned, she was right. Ron didn't know that they had shared a room for the past two months. "And I'm afraid that the nightmares will come back." He just sat there, thinking about it, he too was worried, but about a different thing. He had gotten used to sleeping with her, that Harry doubted he could fall asleep with out her by his side. "I can't even fall asleep without one of your songs anymore." Hermione began to pout, and was near tears.
"There are ways we can make this work, 'Mione," Harry replied, "I can play you a song in your room before you go to bed, that isn't too hard. And if one of your nightmares comes back, you can always come to my room." Hermione looked up at Harry and smiled; he returned it and kissed her forehead. "Just remember that you are the strongest person I've met."
"Thanks, Harry," Hermione said, and sniffled a bit.
"You can always come to me." Harry said his turned and faced her. "Remember that amulet I gave you?" Hermione nodded; she pulled it out of her blouse and showed it to him. "I'm always there for you, in your heart and your memories. And you're always in mine." She wrapped her arms around his chest.
"Thank you Harry," she repeated.
"No prob', 'Mione," Harry said, and pulled away slightly. He softly kissed her forehead. "Now, let's finish this chapter, and go get some lunch." She nodded, and they sat back down, this time, Hermione on his lap, the book in hers. With in minutes of them reading each page to each other, they had finished the chapter.
"c'mon," Hermione stood up and pulled Harry with her. "I'm hungry."
"Okay, I'll make it for you," Harry wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him.
"Thanks," she replied. They walked together over the kitchen, talking about the chapter that they had just read. Apparently, it was rather hard to determine what element a person was. They hadn't even covered the characteristics of an element. "So what element do you think you'll be?"
"I don't know," Harry replied, they had read that often soul mates were elements of the opposite color. "They all seem cool. What about you?"
"I was thinking Air," she said, and nodded, confirming her thoughts. Harry smiled at her; she was original half way through the book when he walked over to her so she must have figured out the characteristics. "That would make you Earth, Harry."
"Really," Harry smiled, "why do you think that?"
"Because," Hermione smiled, "you're brave, loyal, strong, and most of all," she paused for a moment, and stopped moving. She stepped right in front of Harry, and looked up at him. "You're my soul mate." She stood on her tip- toes, and kissed her boyfriend. When they pulled away, both had large smiles on their faces, and were a bright shade of red.
"But of course," Harry replied and kissed her again.
"You can't be serious," Moony said.
"Dead serious," Roland's voice replied. Hermione looked at Harry fro a moment, before pulling him toward the sound of the voices.
"But you're going to kill someone!" Moony yelled.
"Don't you think I know that," Roland replied, "but this is an order I can't refuse. If I do, the boy will not be shown any mercy." Hermione saw Roland pacing back and forth in the kitchen, his trench coat open and dancing as he walked. "How did you find out?"
"Professor Jordan told us of your decision," Tonks said, he just stared at them.
"What are they talking about, Harry?" Hermione asked.
He couldn't keep it from her anymore. "Roland has been asked by his." Thinking of the word he paused. "I don't really know who asked him, but he has to decide whether or not Steven will live past this year." She gasped. "Shh, not to loud." Hermione fell to her nears and her eyes were beginning to tear up.
"But why?" she asked; Harry followed her to the floor, and hugged her. "Why does he have to die?"
"Because of his choice to hurt you, Hermione," Roland said, he appeared right in front of him. He knelt down and looked them both in the eye, despite his sunglasses hiding his. "He made a choice and now he has to accept the consequences. As I have to live with mine." He looked down at the ground. Moony and Tonks appeared right behind him
"But why does he have to die, couldn't he just be placed in a prison or something?" Hermione asked. Harry knew her well, she hated to see any one die, let alone because of her.
"This isn't your fault, 'Mione," Harry said, "Steven took advantage of you, but I do agree with you, he doesn't deserve to die."
Roland sighed. "As do I." All eyes were on him. "One of the promises I have made was I was never to kill a human being. And with this order, I have to. So I stand at a crossroad in my life."
"What are you going to do?" Hermione's eyes glazed over with tears. Harry knew that she was as torn up with this as Roland was.
"I don't know, but when the time comes, I will make the right decision." He stood up. "Now for the reason of me being here." He pulled a book out of long trench coat, and showed it to Hermione. "I believe that this book is better then the one the Professor Jordan made you buy." Roland's wand appeared in his hand and he casted a spell over it. "Here's one for you too, Harry." Both in his hand he handed them to Harry and Hermione. "I also have no doubt that you too will probably want a familiar, but Professor Dumbledore needs to decide whether or not you can handle one." Hermione wasn't even paying attention any more, her book was already opened and she was reading it. Moony and Tonks disappeared, talking about something involving the word demon. Harry didn't catch all of it.
"Thanks, Roland," Harry said, standing up. He placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder, who quickly whispered a thank you. He couldn't help but smile.
"I'd thought she'd act this way." Harry looked back up at Roland. "We're going over to a friend's house; probably meet you at King's Cross."
"That's fine, just take good care of her, alright?" Harry nodded. "Good, tell Moony that he's wrong about me." Roland turned all black and collapsed into the pile of black sand that he often did. Harry sighed and looked back at Hermione. She was peacefully reading the new book, leaning against his leg for support.
"You wouldn't believe how better this book is Harry; it explains every single detail about the elements." Hermione turned the page, and rested her head on her hands. Harry rubbed her hair. "Stop that, you're disturbing me."
"At least get something to eat before you start reading again." Harry took her arm and lifted her up; Hermione's hands firmly grasped the book.
"But-"
"No buts, 'Mione," Harry replied, and pulled her towards the door; she pouted for a moment, but quickly accepted his arm around her waist. Hermione even closed the book. He thought that Moony and Tonks went back to the kitchen but only found a note that they had left. Order business, see you at King's Cross. -Moony-
"What's that about, Harry," Hermione asked she see took out some bread from the cabinet.
"I guess we're on our own until we go to the Burrow." He handed the note to her, and took the bread. Hermione walked over fridge and removed some lettuce, cheese, meats and anything else they like on their sandwiches. "Not that I mind."
"Good, you can read with me that new book we got," Hermione turned around and walked over to the table. Slowly she began to make two sandwiches for them. Harry took a seat next to her and opened up his book. He slowly began to read it but stopped when Hermione placed a plate in front of him. "Here you go."
She walked around to where he was sitting and sat next to Harry, a plate in her hand as well. "Thanks, 'Mione," Harry replied. He shifted she that she was under his arm, and able to read the book.
"You're welcome," she barely got out, shoving her sandwich in her mouth and swallowing it. "Now where was I?" Hermione reached up to turn the page, but Harry stopped her. "Hey!"
"Just wait for me," he replied, and in two seconds, his sandwich was gone, "And let's head back to the study, it's more comfortable in there." Hermione grinned and pulled Harry toward the study, both their books in her hand.
"Shh, they are still here," a man's voice said. Harry and Hermione stopped died in their tracks. He quickly pushed Hermione behind him.
"I know that," a woman replied. "We've been watching the Floo Network for this house and seen no active since they went to Diagon Alley. And today doesn't count, we knew that both Lupin and Tonks left already."
"Does that mean that Demon is still here?" a young boy's voice asked. Harry sworn he heard it before.
"No, one of our spies saw them leave last week," the man replied. "This is where you prove yourself, Neo Death Eater."
Harry looked at Hermione; he saw her eyes glaze over white. A small smile crossed over her face. He gladly returned. After all their training in the Danger Room back in the X-mansion, Harry and Hermione had become a flawless team when using their mutant abilities. He focused for a moment, before his skin became rock hard and his strength grow. Suddenly that feeling disappeared. He looked over at Hermione and saw a confused look on her face.
"Did it work?" the man asked again.
"Yeah, my aura is canceling out all energy in this place, magic or mutant," the boy said, "it doesn't matter." A small period of silence came before the boy said. "They're doomed."
"Fine then," the woman replied. "I want the girl." Some one cracked their knuckles loudly; Harry could only assume it was the woman.
A scream came from the direction of the voice and Harry saw a man in a green and white mask come charging forward at them. He wore black robes, and had a long sword pointed at Harry. He quickly put himself in between Hermione and the man. "Death to the Boy-who-Lived!" he yelled as he ran. Harry kept on praying for his powers to come back. And his wand was in the study, along hers and their weapons. /what a way to die, protecting the girl I love,/ he thought. He closed his eyes and just waited for the sword to pierce him. But it never came. One eye at a time, Harry opened them and saw a black sword stuck in the middle of the man. Roland's image quickly faded in.
"You forget that I am no ordinary wizard," Fallen's dark voice said, Harry was confused as he wasn't in his costume of Fallen, but spoke just the same. His hand grasped the hilt of the sword and twisted it before pulling it out. The man fell to the ground but no blood was spilt. "Damned promises." He turned around. "You two alright?" Roland's voice had returned to normal. Harry nodded and looked behind him at Hermione; she was holding his shirt tightly, her eyes held tightly shut.
"Scared, other then that," Harry said. "Fine." His sight returned to Roland, "What are you going to do?"
"Remove those who have intruded here," he smiled at Harry. "Protect her, your powers will returned shortly." He ran off, disappearing down a hallway.
"Who in Merlin's ghost are-" the boy asked before Harry heard a loud crack. He felt a sudden rush of energy and his body hardened to the point of stone. He looked down at his skin and saw that it was a pale white. /marble,/ he thought, /a nice color. Hermione always liked it./
"Where is the other one?" he growled, Harry heard teeth clatter against each other.
"I-I don't know," the boy said, "She went off some where."
"Ooo," a woman's voice said behind Harry. He suddenly realized that Hermione was no longer holding his shirt. He snapped around and stared at the woman. She too wore black robes but didn't bother hiding her face. Long black hair fell down to her shoulders, and her cold blue eyes stared at him. "Is the little boy worried about his girlfriend?" The woman had Hermione grasped tightly, a knife to her neck. "Well he should be, after I get done with her, you won't even be able to-" she didn't even get another word out before a gush of wind blew past Harry and threw her down the hallway. Hermione turn transparent and allow the blade to pass through her. Her long brown hair was dancing in the air and Harry saw her eyes glaze over a white haze.
"Don't ever threaten me or Harry," she pronounced each word with her full anger.
Roland came flying around the corner and stopped to see her floating in the air. He shook his head and said softly. "Thou hath no fury like that of a woman's scorn." Harry couldn't help but smile as he ran over to her.
"Thata girl," Harry said to her and softly wrapped his hands around her waist. Hermione jumped, but quickly relaxed into his arms. "I knew you were strong."
"Thanks, Harry," she blushed as she pushed the hair out of her face. Roland floated past them, his black aura up. A black sword appeared in his left hand and picked up the woman in the other. "What do you think he's going to do?"
"I don't know, 'Mione," Harry replied, "but it isn't going to be pleasant for any one to watch."
"I truly doubt your lord will be happy with this performance, now will he?" Roland had the tip at the neck of the woman, holding her up by her robes. She shook her head. "Believe me, I will be worse then he will if you do not cooperate with me." She just nodded. "Good." Roland dropped the sword to his side but still held her up. "What is the purpose of killing Hermione?"
"The Dark Lord believes the best way to hurt the boy is through the ones he loves," Roland's hand shifted to her neck.
Hermione gasped and there was a long period of silence before she spoke up again, "What are the Neo Death Eaters?"
"I will not-" the woman started but stopped when she couldn't breathe anymore. Roland's hand had tightened so much that her eyes looked like they were budging out.
"You will answer her," Roland growled.
"The Neo Death Eaters are the Dark Lords new recruits, both wizards and mutants." Hermione gasped as the last words came out.
"So it true?" Harry asked.
"yes, there are more wizarding mutants then ever before and because of the way Muggles and Wizards alike treat them, they are flocking to the Dark Lord."
"I knew that damned idea of prejudice would be the end of you humans." Harry wanted to ask him what he meant by the last part of his statement but stopped. "Go and tell Voldemort that I'm hunting for him. And mark my words; I don't miss when I fire." She dropped the woman and she quickly disapparated.
"Why did you let her go?" Harry asked.
"Because," Roland walked over to other end of the corridor and disappeared. He quickly returned with the boy. Harry gasped when he saw him. It was a kid from Hogwarts, the same year as them. Harry thought that he was from Slytherin, but he couldn't remember. "I've got the one I wanted." He looked at the boy, whose nose was obviously broken from the sight of blood dripping down it. "He'll give Dumbledore the info he needs."
"What about the ministry?" Harry asked.
"Oh," Roland looked at the other man, he waved a hand and the man was bond up by black cords, covering his mouth and tying up his body. "They can have him when they get here, he isn't going any where. This kid is more important. Living proof of the Neo Death Eaters." He turned around. "I want you two to head to your friend's house now. Take everything with you." He dragged the boy right behind him.
"Where you going?" Hermione hadn't let go of Harry yet, a smile on his face, as she rested on his chest.
"I'm taking him to Dumbledore right now," he began to walk toward the door. "The rest of the Order is going to love this." Roland opened the door and disappeared along with the kid, in his usually way. His voice remained for a few moments. "I'll meet you there to discuss this."
"C'mon," Harry said once Roland was gone. "You heard him, 'Mione. Roland told us to go, and as he is your legal guardian-"
"Don't remind me," she laughed, "he's more protective then my parents ever were." Hermione started to walk away.
"I see that it's easier to talk about them," Harry placed an arm around her.
"Yeah, it gets easier over time," Hermione sighed, "I just wished they could see me marry you." Harry laughed. "Don't you laugh at me, Harry Potter. I have my dreams too."
"And since when did you think I would marry before you before we started going out?" Harry asked.
"I-I," Hermione was stuttering before she looked at the ground. "I had my fantasies, Harry Potter, thank you very much." She started to walk again.
"I knew it," Harry stopped and jumped in front of her. "How long?" Hermione stared up at him.
"How long what?" Hermione tried to get past him, but Harry kept on stepping in front of her. "Harry, we have to get going."
"That can wait, how long?" she stepped to the other side and he followed.
"Please, Roland asked us to leave."
"No, how long, 'Mione?" Harry crossed his arms and stood their adamant.
"Fine," Hermione pouted, "since third year, when it was just you and me saving Sirius. I felt so safe and happy when it was just you and me." Harry quietly wrapped his arms around her. "It really hit me when Viktor asked me to the dance our fourth year and I saw you with someone else. You never really know how much something means to you when you can't reach it." She began to sob. "And when Steven asked me out it, I was so excited that you were worried about me." Harry started to say something. "I know it could've just been a friendly gesture but, when I looked into your eyes the night we had our fight, I knew that you're truly cared about my safety and happiness. That's why you agreed not to argue with me or Steven about us going out. You wanted me to be happy. And for a time being, I was."
"I'm sorry I didn't do anything," Harry said, "But you're right, I wanted you to be happy, and you kept on saying you were so." He kissed her forehead. "Enough with depressing matters," Harry mocked Roland; Hermione laughed and looked up at him. "Thata girl, now like he said, we need to go." They walked toward the study and the fireplace, Harry's arm around Hermione and smiles on both their faces. In silence, but with smiles, they picked up their trunks and lugged them over to the fireplace. With a simple word, it expanded to fit both of them and their trunks, along with Hedwig's cage and Harry's guitar case in. "Ready?"
Hermione nodded, and took a handful of Floo powder. She was holding her trunk up. Harry stood right next to her, Hedwig's cage in one hand, his trunk in the other and his guitar under his arm. "The Burrow," She said loudly, and in a puff of green smoke they were gone.
* * * * * *
They arrived at the Burrow only to find Mrs. Weasley running around the house, cleaning it. "Oh dear, we've got some more guests now," she said, and walked over to the chimney.
"Hello, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, and dusted himself off. The soot rose in the air and he started to cough.
"I knew we should have cleaned it out," she replied, and casted a spell over both of them, and the soot disappeared. Mrs. Weasley turned and began to clean up the rest of the house, sending things to their proper places. It had changed since the last time Harry saw it, a lot cleaner. Everything looked newer for some odd reason. The burrow seemed bigger too.
"Hello, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said, she too had a confused look on her face. Mrs. Weasley stopped where she was cleaning and looked over at them.
"You're alive?" She asked, Hermione just nodded. In a swift movement, Mrs. Weasley was across the room and had both of them in a tight hug. "I read in the paper that you two died and then when Ron came home saying that you two weren't, I-I-"
"Quite alright, Mrs. Weasley," Harry replied, as she put them down. "But it's nice to know that people care."
"You poor dear." Mrs. Weasley turned to Hermione. "Do you need a place to stay or anything, really just ask."
"Its fine, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione nodded, "my cousin's adapted me. He's the one that saved us too."
"He saved you from dementor?" Mrs. Weasley led them over to the table. "Please sit down. What's his name?"
"Roland Childe," she replied, "he took us in are a school where he went to." Hermione paused and looked around. "Say, where is everyone?"
"I have no idea where Arthur is, Ron is with George and Fred, who are minding their shop; making a good deal of money too," she started, "send us some every month. That reminds me of something." Mrs. Weasley stood up and walked over to one of the draws. "They were saving your share of the money, after all Harry you did get them started."
"thanks," Harry took the envelope and opened it up. Inside was a single piece of parchment, Harry read it slowly.
"What is it Harry," Hermione asked, and Harry handed it to her.
"They've given me partial ownership of their shop, 'Mione," Harry said.
"Really?" Hermione took it from him, surprised. "It seems legal."
"Fred and George didn't believe that you died, so they said that they would donate you portion of the profits to St. Mungo's until you return." Mrs. Weasley started to wipe the tears from her eyes. "We were all so worried about you. But Dumbledore kept saying that you were in the safest of hand, even better then his. I just thought he was saying that you had died but," she blew her nose in a napkin from the table. "Here you are."
"Yeah, that was something, wasn't it," Roland appeared at the back door. "Hello again, Mrs. Weasley."
"This is the second time we've met and I still don't know your name," she said and walked over to let him.
"Roland Childe," he replied and held out his hand as he came in, "I'm Hermione's legal guardian."
"You save them, but-" she started, but Mr. Weasley came in.
"Really Roland, this knew news is great," he said, reading the report. "Dumbledore is already interrogating the boy."
"That's good to hear," Roland nodded, "but I could have had the info in a few minutes."
"Yes, we know," Mr. Weasley replied. "But it was a good thing after all."
"Arthur, you know this man?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Ah, yes," he said, "he's the newest member of the Order." Roland towered over everyone, and Mr. Weasley had to look up at him. "He's a shadow elemental, and a weapon's specialist, correct?"
"That's what I put on my resume." Mr. Weasley took a seat at the table along with Mrs. Weasley. "Sorry, I can't stay any long. Mr. Weasley has agreed to look after you too until I met you at King's Cross." He apparated away; /probably back to Heather,/ Harry thought.
"Roland's a good man," Mr. Weasley started, "brought us this boy who he claimed was a Neo Death Eater." He paused for a moment. "Powerful too, last week, why I believe that it was last week that he defeated single- handedly all the Death Eaters and the Dementor that attacked Diagon Alley."
Harry's jaw dropped and Hermione just stared. "How do you know about that?" Harry asked slowly.
"Dumbledore told us," he said, "Now about you two, Roland asked that we'd watch over you until he returns."
"So we heard," Harry shot Hermione a look saying that 'we need to talk.' She nodded. "Did he say why?"
"No, but it seemed rather important that someone protect you while he was away." He looked over the large Grandfather Clock that was in the living room. Ron, Fred, and George were traveling and within moment, their hands on the clock read home. "It seems that everyone else who is coming for lunch is home." Harry noticed that Bill's picture was missing from the
"Where's Percy?" Hermione asked.
"Working for the Ministry," Mr. Weasley shook his head, "we're on speaking terms now, but it's uneasy. He still has too much faith in Fudge."
"And Ginny?" Harry added. Neither of the youngest red head's parents said anything. Finally Mrs. Weasley changed the subject. "What would you two like for lunch?"
"Anything you make, mum," Ron said. He appeared in the back door and walked in, hugging his parents as he past them.
Fred and George appeared right behind him. "Hello mum," Fred said.
"Hello Dad," George added. Both had huge eyes when they saw Harry and Hermione sitting in front of them. "Say Fred, isn't that?"
"I believe it is, George," Fred replied, "Harry, Hermione?" They nodded. "Drat, George, we lost." He started to take money out of his pocket and handed it to Ron.
"That's an unfair wager, brother," George said, "you met them last week."
"And you still took it," Ron said. Harry looked up at his old friend. Ron had grown a lot over the summer; he was taller, probably taller then Roland. He wasn't as thin as he was last year. "Harry and Hermione, it's good to see you again." He shook Harry's hand and gave Hermione a friendly hug. "And I'm sorry about the way I acted at Diagon Alley. I thought it over and I'm happy for you two, I really am."
"You mean?" George asked, and Ron shook his head. "Damn it all, Fred we've lost another one." This time, George took the money out of his pocket and handed it to Ron. The twin took seats across from Harry and Hermione. "Dad, we've got some business to discuss with you."
"Ron; why don't you show Harry and Hermione to their rooms?" Mrs. Weasley said, she got up and started to pull pots and pans out of the cupboards. Ron nodded, and Harry and Hermione got up. Harry calmly walked over to their trunks and picked up both of them. Hermione grabbed his guitar case and Hedwig's cage. She let the snow white owl out and it flew out one of the open windows. She smiled and hurried over to Harry's side. Harry silently returned it and they walked up the stairs.
"So," Ron started, "where were you guys this summer? I tried owling you but Pig didn't know where you were. He always came back tired as ever too."
"Sorry," Harry replied, "we were in America, with Roland."
"Really, where?"
"At an institute for the gifted," Hermione added to Harry's statement. "Roland goes there along with his wizarding school."
"Gifted how?" Ron stopped and stared at them. Hermione glanced at Harry who nodded. He knew that it was probably better to tell Ron then to keep it from him.
"Promise not to tell anyone?" she asked, shyly. Ron nodded slowly at her. "Okay, while we were there, we learned that it was a place where mutants could be safe and learn how to control their powers." Ron's eyes lit up, but Hermione just continued. "Roland told us that; he, along with me and Harry are mutants." None of the friends said anything; Harry shifted the trunks in his hands.
"If I show you something, promise not to tell anymore," Ron asked sheepishly.
"Yeah, why?" Harry replied.
"You can put your stuff in my room for now, Harry." Ron motioned toward his room. Harry silently did as he was asked. "Follow me." He started to walk down the hallway; Hermione waited for Harry and followed Ron. "About two weeks after we came back from Hogwarts, Ginny began to have problems."
"Ron, its natural for a girl to have problems at her age, its call puberty," Hermione said, Harry could tell that Ron was blushing as red as his hair. Harry couldn't help but laugh.
"No, not that," Ron said and stopped at Ginny's door. He began to search his pockets for something.
'what are you looking for?" Hermione asked.
"Mum gave me and Dad each a key for Ginny's room."
"But why-"
"Because she locks it up." Ron removed a key from his pocket and unlocked the door. He opened it just a bit. "Ginny?" he quickly slid the key back into his pocket.
"What is it, Ron?" her voice came from inside, "and who did you bring with you? I know it's not Mum or Dad." Hermione looked up at Harry with a surprised look painted across her face. He could only return it.
"No Gin," Ron replied, "its Harry and Hermione. They wanted to see you."
"Tell them to go away, Ron," She said, "I don't want to talk to them or anyone."
Ron closed the door and turned to Harry and Hermione. "Now remember that you promised," Ron asked.
"We know Ron," Harry replied, "if there's anything that we can help with." Harry took Hermione's hand and she gently squeezed it.
"Okay then," Ron opened the door back up, "we're coming in Gin." He started to open the door, but someone was stopping him.
"Go away Ron," Ginny yelled. "Just leave me alone."
"Now, Ginny," Ron pushed harder, but couldn't move it, "you know better then that." The door slammed shut thought. "Damn it all."
"Ron," Harry stepped forward, "I could open it."
"No offense, Harry," Ron said, "but you're probably not stronger then me."
"You'd be surprise, Ron," Harry walked over to the door. He turned the knobbed and opened it just a bit. "Ginny, it's your friend Harry. I just want to help."
"You can't help," Ginny yelled from behind the door, Harry started to open it, but he, like Ron, was stopped by something. "Just leave me alone." He placed his foot in the door way to stop it from closing. He cracked both knuckles before returning his hands to the door.
"You have 'til the count of three." Harry didn't move; he kept the door prodded open only a bit. "One.Two...THREE!" Harry focused all his energy into his stone form and increasing his strength. His skin flashed a dull white for a moment, and in the moment, Harry pushed. With a single push the door busted opened, and he fell into the room. He could have sworn he heard a small yelp, like one of Ms. Figg's cats would make when it got hurt. The room was pitch-dark, and Harry couldn't see anything. "Ginny?"
"Go away," Ginny sounded as if she was in tears. Hermione came in, followed by Ron. "Just leave me alone."
"Ginny, it's alright," Hermione said, "Harry and I can help." Ron walked over and opened the window shades wide. The sun poured in and Harry saw a small tail dancing in the corner. It was connected to a small figure, cowering and crying. "My god." Hermione rushed over to the young girl's side and wrapped her in a big hug.
"Like I said," Ron started again to Harry, "she began to transform two weeks after we left Hogwarts. It was slow, and some nights we could hear her scream. After about a week, it was complete, and Ginny refused to come out of her room. Mum and I often brought her food up to her, and Dad would read her stories like he would when she was little. He installed a bathroom just for her, so that way she wouldn't have to sneak around the house."
"Why?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, afraid probably, afraid of people's reactions," Ron started; Harry didn't even have to explain the question, he knew what it was. "She thinks she all alone, that one else is going through what she it. Ginny's biggest fear is that she can't go back to Hogwarts. Which is hogwash in my opinion."
"But look at me," Ginny turned and Harry finally saw her transformation. She had three small whiskers on her cheeks, and fur covering her entire face, probably her entire body too, a bright orange color with patches of white. Harry could see Ginny's pointy-ears through her hair and a more obvious detail was her tail, curled beneath her legs. "I'm a freak."
"Ginny," Hermione tried to comfort her, "you're not alone. Harry and I are in the same boat with you."
"You're," she wiped a tear from her face with her sleeve. "Mutants?"
"Yes," Harry replied; his voice soft and kind. "I control the earth, so much more too."
"And I control the air," Hermione replied.
"And Roland," Harry started but paused. He immediately ran out of the room.
Hermione called back to him. "What is it Harry?"
"Roland can help," he yelled back up. Harry was already out the front door and looking around when Ron followed. He whistled immediately Hedwig came flying to him. She landed on his shoulder and nibble on his ear. "Good girl," Harry said to his owl.
"What are you doing?" Ron asked, standing next to him. Hedwig hopped over to Ron's shoulder and said hello.
"Roland knows more about illusion spells then anyone else I know," Harry said, "and he has created devices that hide other mutants' appearance."
"So he can help?" Hedwig flew back to Harry.
"I think so," Harry replied, "he may also have some answers." He walked inside with Hedwig and up to Ron's room. Pulling his quill and a piece of parchment out, he began to write a letter to Roland. Hermione walked over with Ginny covered pieces of cloths, hiding the way she looks. They sat down on Ron's bed, and Hermione looked around. "Hey Ron, there isn't another bed in here."
"I know," Ron appeared at the door way and walked over to his sister. "I just wanted to help Ginny first before I showed you to your rooms."
"Your dad get a promotion?" Hermione asked. She too noticed that their house was a lot bigger then before, a lot cleaner too.
"Yeah," Ginny said, "or something like it, he's in charge of the entire Muggle division with the Ministry. From Misuse of Muggle Artifacts to Muggle Management."
"He must've been happy," Hermione replied.
"He was," Ginny removed the hood from her head, a small smile come upon her face. "I've never seen dad so excited and then this happened. Now a days, he just glum and everything. It's all my fault." That smile quickly disappeared.
"Ginny, what happened to you isn't your fault." Hermione placed a friendly arm around her.
"No it wasn't," Harry said, he motioned for Hedwig to come over to him. She had flown over to Ginny who was petting her. "But that doesn't mean we can't do anything about it." Hedwig landed on his arm and Harry placed the letter on her leg. "Take this to Roland, alright?" His owl nodded and flew off through the open window. "Now we'll wait and see."
"Thanks," Ginny said, a smile returning to her face. "You're the best friends anyone can have." Hermione hugged the young girl.
And so they waited for Hedwig's return; in the mean time, they talked about their new classes and everything. Ginny was back to her normal mood, even laughing toward the end of their session. Mrs. Weasley stopped at Ron's room and just watched them, talking and having fun. Ginny was winning their fifth game of Exploding Snaps when Roland appeared. "Mr. Childe," Mr. Weasley said from down stairs, all their faces lit up. The sun was setting, and the moon was already rising in the air. "What a pleasant surprise. Please come in."
"Thanks, Arthur," Roland voice carried, "I'm not staying long though, just here to help Virginia." His boots could be heard walking across the wooden floor and up the stairs, he stopped at the door way. "I see your making it a habit to call on me when you can't solve the problem, huh Harry?"
"That makes since," Harry stood up and shook Roland's hand. "Can you help her?" he looked over at Ginny, who was rather scared by Roland. He wore his black trench coat and sunglasses, even his hat was on, but it was his aura and manner which he carried himself. Hermione stood up and quickly moved over to Harry's side.
"Yes," Roland walked over to her and crutched down in front of her. "Hey."
"Hey," Ginny replied, "You're Roland?"
He chuckled, "yes, I've been called that, yes." He took off his hat and stood up. Without moving, a black chair appeared behind him. Roland spun the chair so the back was facing Ginny and sat down in it. "From what Harry tells me, you've become a mutant."
"Are you blind or something?" Ginny snapped. She quickly looked down at her lap.
Roland stared at her with his sunglasses and slowly removed them. Instead of the hollowness that he usually had, Roland's eyes were a pale white, that of a blind man. "At times yes." Ginny gasped when she saw what he hid. He slowly put them back on. "Now about your condition. Technically, you are a mutant, but then again so is everyone in this room." He looked at Ron, who was jaw-dropped. Roland's gaze returned to Ginny. "Do you know why?" the little redhead shook her head. "By definition, a mutant is someone who has abilities that normal humans do not. Their DNA is different then a normal human. So, by that definition, a wizard is also a mutant, right?"
Ginny nodded again. "But what sets a wizard mutant from a regular wizard is that fact they have more access to their powers. Every single mutant ability can be duplicated by magic. Like yours." Roland paused and let what he said sink in. "What has happened to you is called a Partial Animagus transformation. Usually, this is an accident that happens and can be corrected using magic, but with you it is different. I am like you in that sense. I too have a Partial Animagus transformation." Roland stood up and removed his coat, showing the tight sleeveless shirt he wore. He quickly removed it. "Harry, Hermione Ron, can you move back a few feet. Either that or to the side."
Roland rarely went without a shirt, even when they were working outside in the mansion. On his back he had a large tribal tattoo. The scars that Roland once had on his right arm and shoulder were gone. He was well built, every breathe he took flexed muscles most people didn't know they had. Hermione giggled as he did this. Roland sighed and concentrated for a moment; two black bumps appeared on his back and slowly began to grow into large crow wings. His faced was full of pain as he did this. "And yes, I can fly with them," He smiled at Ginny, who simply gazed at him with awe and reverence. Roland flapped them once or twice, showing them off.
Slowly the wings returned to his body, and Roland put his shirt and coat back on. He sat down with a smile on. "What I said before about this being different is true. You've achieve a degree of energy that isn't normal available to most humans. I call this energy the life essence, because it allows us to live. Corny, I know, but it's the true. Now must humans don't have access to this essence, this energy. But you have people like wizards who can access only a large amount of it, but it has varied uses, limited in the amount they can access in terms of use. Then you have mutants, who have a limited amount they can access, but it's more concentrated then a wizard's."
"But when combined," Hermione interrupted, "you have more access to the energy, right?" Roland looked at her.
"Correct," he replied, "And you become more powerful, because it combines both the wide range of use with a concentrated amount. This amount you can access grows over time, which means the older the wizard, the more powerful he or she is. Like Dumbledore." Roland looked back at Ginny and began rub his chin. "Now the funny thing is that when a person becomes a mutant, or even begins to show that they are becoming one, it means that they had a tragic event happen in their life. And from what I heard about you from Harry and Hermione-" Harry shot a look at Hermione who just blushed, "you didn't have that traumatic life. Granted the event that happened when you were twelve was pretty traumatic, but if you didn't show that you were a mutant then, something seriously worse happened since. Do you mind me asking what happened?"
"No," she snapped again, Roland jerked back a little bit surprised by the outburst.
"Okay,' Roland replied, and rubbed the back of his head. He decided to change the subject. "About the cure." Ginny's face lit up quickly. "There is a spell that I can cast to return you to your normal appearance; you would lose all your abilities that you gained with this new access to the life essence."
"Then do it," Ron asked.
"Virginia would become a Muggle then," Roland looked back, a frown on his face. "And I doubt she'd want that. But there are other ways to fixing this predicament. Over time you can learn how to return to your normal state, after all this is just like an Animagus transformation. But in the mean time, I can teach you and your brother many spells, also, there is a device that I can use to hide you appearance, but I don't really know why."
"Because I look like a freak," Ginny snapped again.
"Only in your mind," Roland said, "I'll show you something that would make you think otherwise." He turned to Harry, Ron, and Hermione for a moment. "Can you guys leave? This is for Virginia's eyes only. She'd understand it more then you would." Hermione nodded and pulled both of them outside.
"Why'd you do that, Herms," Ron asked; she grimaced at his nickname, but didn't say anything. "I wanted to see too."
"Because he asked us to leave, Ron," Hermione replied, "there's obvious something that he doesn't want us to see."
"If he does anything-" Ron started to overreact, but Harry placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Relax man," Harry said, "he knows what he's doing. Roland just has a lot of things he keeps them secret, for our own protection."
"Like what?" Ron asked.
"Like what I just showed Virginia," Roland opened the door. He slowly walked back and sat back down. Ginny's sees stared straight forward, confused and dazed.
"What did you show her?" Ron rushed over to his sister and shook her shoulders. The little redhead snapped out of her trance.
"Remember your promise, Virginia," Roland said, "So you understand when I say your not a freak now, right?" she shook her head. "Good." He reached in his pocket and produced a small watch. "This watch hide your appearance, creating a holographic image of what you look like without your mutation. Don't worry about it; once you put it on and turn it on, this machine simply takes your image before you had access to all that energy. It'll work even at Hogwarts, trust me on that. There are also spells that I can teach you to cast when you don't want to wear the watch." Ginny held out her hand and Roland gave it hear. She quickly put it on.
"How do you turn it on?" she asked, admiring its design.
Roland reached over and pressed a button. A quick flash of light around Ginny then she looked like her old self. She giggled like a little school girl. "That button turns it off too," he said, "it's not water proof, but that's why I'll teach you spells too."
"Today?" Ginny asked excitedly. Roland shook his head. She frowned a bit, but the excitement was still visible. "When then?"
"When we return to Hogwarts, Virginia," he replied. "But I need to get to my other friends' house; she's probably worried about me." Roland noted the feelings of the girl as he spoke. There was a large sense of respect, and /damn it all. She likes me,/ he thought. He could tell that she was forming a small crush on him, and from what the memories of Hermione were telling them, it wasn't going to be small. "And Virginia?"
Ginny was looking at her palms, but her eyes sparked up the moment he said that. /I can't break her heart,/ he thought. /damn it./ "never mind." Roland walked out of the room, his mechanical mind racing, trying to find an easy way of telling her that he doesn't like her.
"Thanks, Roland," Harry got out just before he left.
"No prob," he yelled back, "see you in a few days, that is, if you don't need my help." Harry turned to say something else but was caught by surprise. There was a loud scream and everyone ran down stairs.
"He didn't have to do that," Molly said, patting her chest. She was leaning against the sink, breathing hard.
"What happened?" Arthur came rushing in, his expression showing that he was worried. Harry looked over at Fred and George who were just staring forward.
"Roland," Molly started, "he came down, said good-bye then just vanished."
"Oh," Arthur replied, "okay, if no one is hurt or anything." His eyes looked around again; they passed over the four of them, but quickly came back to Ginny. "Ginny, what happened?" Molly looked over and ran to her daughter, her heart filled with joy. Fred and George quickly came over too.
"Ginny, is that really you?" Molly asked; she knelt down in front of daughter; her eyes began to fill up with tears as the youngest red head nodded. "My god," Molly hugged her tightly, "what did he do?"
"Roland hid the appearance," Ginny replied, the excitement showing in her voice. "he gave me this watch and said that he was going to teach me some spells to hid it until I can transform back to normal."
"You mean it's reversibly?" Molly asked. Ginny nodded again.
"Roland called it a Partial Animagus transformation," Hermione started, "he said that when it happened through magic, it's can be simply reversed though a spell. But this is different. Ginny did become a mutant. But I didn't get something. Roland explained it like becoming an Animagus was easy or something. Like all it takes is a certain degree of magic."
"But it is," Arthur replied, "the potion that they make so you can become one takes months and can kill someone if made wrong. That the only hard part." He walked over to Ginny. "Having a certain amount of magic would make sense; after all, Animagus wizards are usually powerful wizards outright." He picked up the wrist that held Ginny's new watch. "This it, hon?" Ginny nodded. "How does it work?" Ginny pulled her wrist away. "Okay, I'll look at it later." But her father did offer her a happy smile. "But I'm so happy you're happy."
"Thanks, Dad," Ginny was smiling again. Molly released her daughter and Arthur hugged her tightly.
"Hey, you know what this means, Fred," George looked with an ecstatic look on his face.
"I do believe that your right, George," Fred replied, "I believe a shopping trip for little Virginia is in order, don't you George."
"I agree, Fred," George smirked, "and I'm thinking right now." They grabbed Ginny's hand and began to pull her toward the fireplace. Thunder cracked outside and Ginny stopped dead in her tracks. Harry watched as she quickly ran over to the window, and ran back upstairs. Rain had begun to pour down outside. He heard a door slam shut upstairs. No one moved, and only the sound of the rain hitting the roof could be heard.
"What was that about?" Fred asked.
"Really, you'd think she'd never seen rain before," George added.
"Fred, George, really," Molly reprimanded. "You know your sister's condition."
"It more then that, Mum," Ron said, "That device isn't water proof and Roland didn't teach us any spells yet." He walked over and sat at the table.
"Oh, okay," Arthur said, "but there are other possible solution instead of hiding in her room."
The lightning cracked outside, and Hermione moved closer to Harry. She looked up at him and smiled, unsure of what to think. Harry returned it and kissed her on the forehead. He looked back up and saw the rest of the Weasleys talking about what had happened. Ron was explaining what Roland said and everything. Mr. Weasley nodded every once in a while, squirming in his chair he was so excited.
"You okay?" Harry asked silently, hoping no one would hear. Another bolt crashed outside. "'Mione?"
"A red one," she said, staring outside. "A red lightning bolt."
Harry turned looked where she was staring at. Again another bolt crashed, and he saw it too. There it was a red lightning bolt. The form of it held much longer then a normal one would be, almost three seconds. "What is that?" another bolt crashed in the distance, this time from the middle of the sky.
"I don't know," Hermione replied. "When Roland brought back our trunks from the ministry, red lightning hit right in front of us."
"Us?" Harry cocked an eyebrow.
"Yes us; Storm and I were in the green house." Hermione smirked at Harry, and he couldn't help but smile. "As I was saying a red lightning bolt hit in front of us, and when the dust cleared from the crater, all the trunks were there he was in the center of it, a single black mass. But it wasn't his normal form either."
"What's normal with him?" Harry asked, and Hermione slapped his arm.
"Be nice, Harry," she replied playfully, "No, this form had horns and a tail and wings."
"Odd, but what isn't- hey," Harry got hit again.
"Remember what I said, Harry," Hermione looked back up at him. The storm was dying down, the lightning gone entirely, only rain continued to come down. "The lightning didn't look too far away, did it?"
"No, too close if you ask me," Harry replied.
"Let's go check it out, Harry," Hermione said.
"But, 'Mione," Harry started, but it was too late, she was pulling him toward the door. "Fine, we aren't just going to walk over there though."
"True," Hermione smiled at him, he watched her eyes turn a dull white. "I'm floating over there, and you're going to 'surf' the ground, as you often put it."
Harry sighed and rubbed the back of his head, he looked around. He didn't like running out on the Weasleys like this but, when ever Hermione got an idea in her mind, she rarely let go of it. It was better if he went with her. At least he could protect her and himself. "Fine, 'Mione," he said, "but at the first sign of trouble, or anything dangerous happens, we're heading back. Alright?"
"Alright," Hermione smiled and pulled Harry out into the pouring rain. It started up again, both the rain and the red lightning. This time you could tell that it was getting closer. The moment they stepped outside Hermione pulled toward Harry, into his arms.
"Do you want me to carry you, then?" Harry replied, a smile on his face. Hermione hit him softly, and started to pull away, but the lightning cracked and the thunder boom. She was back in his arms, shaking slightly. "I'll take that as a yes." He chuckled as he picked her up. "A few minutes ago, you couldn't wait to go. And look at you now."
"Shut up Harry," Hermione replied, and punched in lightly in the chest. "And no, you don't have to carry me." She pulled away just enough to float on her own. "Just stay near me, alright?"
"Yes, dear," Harry said, and he focused for a moment, and his skin turned a light shade of brown, the color of sand. His raven black hair became a dark brown, but his eyes remained their emerald color. "Ready to go?" she nodded, and clenched his fists and pulled the ground upward. He was slowly raised into the air, only a few feet off, but enough for him to push along. Hermione followed right next to him, she was only a few inches off the ground though. They raced along, toward the source of the lightning.
The red lightning was crashing in an open field a few miles from the Burrow. Harry stopped reached there before Hermione, and saw the horrible sight. It was a demon, or so he thought. Two large ram-like horns were coming from it forehead, curving back so they followed his hair line. The skin of his creature was scattered between red and black, obviously following a pattern. The hands had long claws on them, curving inward to his palm. His feet were clawed too, along with a single claw coming from the back of the heel. Two large bat-like wings were coming from his back, and the creature was flapping them to he remained in the air. The unearthly voice that he spoke with boomed over them. Harry stopped Hermione just as she came to the field. They both heard this creature speak. "Devil's servant," it said, booming with the thunder. A red lightning bolt crashed behind it. "You have been found guilty of crimes against the society of man."
"Fuck you," another creature yelled to the man, Harry looked out and saw man standing the field, or was it. He couldn't tell.
"Let's get closer," Hermione said, she landed next to Harry and started to walk toward the field. He stretched out a hand and stopped her. "C'mon Harry, we both wanted to see this." He sighed, and thought for a moment. Hermione was right; he did want to see it.
"Fine then," Harry replied, he lead the way, closer to the angry creature.
"And with my final judgment," the creature yelled. Lightning struck the large broadsword that he held. "I shall remove you from this realm." The creature dove down toward the other man, his sword ready for an attack. The man yelled at the creature, but quickly realized what was going to happen and ran away, toward Harry and Hermione. They stopped creeping forward, and remained still, hoping that the man wouldn't come near them. The beast's speed must have increased, for Harry watched as the man was cut down. The beast was only a few yards away from Harry and Hermione. "I sentence you the seventh ring of Hades, enjoy your stay." A sinister scowl was on the creature's face. "Any last words.
"Who are you to judge me?" the man said. The beast waved a hand over the man, and a dark blue light was shown over them. Harry couldn't see the man any move as he was hidden by the tall grass. But something told him that he had seen what the man looked like before. "Who are you to judge those who are like you?"
"I have been sworn by Ka-Tet to this job," the creature boomed, lightning crashed in the background, Hermione looked for shelter in Harry's arms. He held her tightly, rubbing her hair. "And I shall finish it." it swung the sword once around its head before slamming it down in to the ground. Or what Harry hoped was the ground. He was wrong. A demonic scream came from the man, and Hermione shook just as badly as when the thunder boomed. A blue liquid sprayed the area, some of it landing on Harry's face, he quickly wiped it off. But paused as it smelt like blood. "May Karona have mercy on your worthless soul."
He pulled the sword out and flew off. Harry just stared forward and Hermione shook in his arms, crying. He could've sworn her whispering a soft pray for the man. Rain began to pour down, and soon the thunder and lightning started again, just regular old thunder and lightning.
By: Chronos the Fallen Angel
Author's Note: I've given up on quotes, too hard.
I've finished my marching band camp already and have about a week until school starts for me. I hope to get out two more chapters before that happens. (Damn it all, took me three weeks to get this chapter out. Damn it, Damn it, Damn it.)
Again please review my story, I know it may be bad, but read it anyway and review, I'll take constructive criticism, but no flames.
Again, J.K. Rowlings owns Harry and the gang, DC owns Supergirl and the Specter (Hal Jordan), and I own Roland Childe and the plot.
* * * * * *
And so the days passed quickly as everyone waited to return to Hogwarts. Roland never told Hermione about his decision to judge Steven, and neither did Harry. He thought that it would be too hard on her mind; the idea of something that happened to her would be the death of someone else. Hermione would blame herself. But Harry promised himself that he would tell, but there was never appropriate time for him to do so.
But Roland did explain more about familiars to them. He even gave Hermione a book about them, which she had memorized just before he left. Harry made Hermione promise not to cast the spell though, not until Roland returned so he could teach it to them properly. She pouted for a few moments before he used his pet name for her. They had a snuggling session in their room afterwards. Hermione was smiling again as they read Winnie the Pooh again.
Roland and Heather left a few days early; she wanted to see her parents again before she left for Hogwarts and dragged Roland along with her, not that he was complaining. A small smile was on his face as they left. Harry and Hermione could only return it.
Ron had invited them over to his house for the rest of the summer, and despite that being just a few days before they returned to Hogwarts, Harry and Hermione thought that it would be fun to see Ron again. They were going to make the trip shortly after Roland and Hermione left.
Moony came down the stairs, and walked over to the fire place. He found Hermione sitting with a book in her lap and Harry having a vivid conversation with Tonks. "You have everything right," he asked, and sat down next to Tonks. She smiled at him.
"Yeah, we do, Moony," Harry replied, "I even pack those extra scrolls you gave us, you know the new spells."
"Right," Moony said, he rubbed his chin the beginnings of a beard were showing, but like the rest of his hair, it was a very light color, close to white almost. "I almost forgot about those spells."
"They're new ones the Dumbledore received right?" Tonks asked.
"Yeah, supposedly they're elemental magic, what ever that means." Moony shrugged his shoulders.
"Elemental Magic," Hermione repeated as she turned a page. "Magic derived from the six basic elements. Air, Water, Fire, and Earth are the most common, followed by Light, and the rarest being Shadow." Harry walked over to her and looked at the book she was reading. "That's the one the Professor Jordan made you get right?" she nodded and continued to read. "How far are you in it?"
"The middle," she said, "But I don't understand it that much."
"Here, maybe I can help," Harry sat down next to her, and wrapped an arm around her.
"Let's start at the beginning." Hermione closed the book then reopened it at the beginning. Harry just nodded and began to read softly out loud, so that only they could hear each other. Every once in a while, Harry would stop and try to explain something to Hermione, and then she would correct him. Moony and Tonks quietly left the couple to themselves, they had a meeting with someone, Moony said as they left. Once they were gone Hermione sighed and rested her head on his shoulder.
"You okay," Harry asked.
"I'm not looking forward to today," she said, and turned the page.
"Why not?"
"We can't share a room anymore," Harry frowned, she was right. Ron didn't know that they had shared a room for the past two months. "And I'm afraid that the nightmares will come back." He just sat there, thinking about it, he too was worried, but about a different thing. He had gotten used to sleeping with her, that Harry doubted he could fall asleep with out her by his side. "I can't even fall asleep without one of your songs anymore." Hermione began to pout, and was near tears.
"There are ways we can make this work, 'Mione," Harry replied, "I can play you a song in your room before you go to bed, that isn't too hard. And if one of your nightmares comes back, you can always come to my room." Hermione looked up at Harry and smiled; he returned it and kissed her forehead. "Just remember that you are the strongest person I've met."
"Thanks, Harry," Hermione said, and sniffled a bit.
"You can always come to me." Harry said his turned and faced her. "Remember that amulet I gave you?" Hermione nodded; she pulled it out of her blouse and showed it to him. "I'm always there for you, in your heart and your memories. And you're always in mine." She wrapped her arms around his chest.
"Thank you Harry," she repeated.
"No prob', 'Mione," Harry said, and pulled away slightly. He softly kissed her forehead. "Now, let's finish this chapter, and go get some lunch." She nodded, and they sat back down, this time, Hermione on his lap, the book in hers. With in minutes of them reading each page to each other, they had finished the chapter.
"c'mon," Hermione stood up and pulled Harry with her. "I'm hungry."
"Okay, I'll make it for you," Harry wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him.
"Thanks," she replied. They walked together over the kitchen, talking about the chapter that they had just read. Apparently, it was rather hard to determine what element a person was. They hadn't even covered the characteristics of an element. "So what element do you think you'll be?"
"I don't know," Harry replied, they had read that often soul mates were elements of the opposite color. "They all seem cool. What about you?"
"I was thinking Air," she said, and nodded, confirming her thoughts. Harry smiled at her; she was original half way through the book when he walked over to her so she must have figured out the characteristics. "That would make you Earth, Harry."
"Really," Harry smiled, "why do you think that?"
"Because," Hermione smiled, "you're brave, loyal, strong, and most of all," she paused for a moment, and stopped moving. She stepped right in front of Harry, and looked up at him. "You're my soul mate." She stood on her tip- toes, and kissed her boyfriend. When they pulled away, both had large smiles on their faces, and were a bright shade of red.
"But of course," Harry replied and kissed her again.
"You can't be serious," Moony said.
"Dead serious," Roland's voice replied. Hermione looked at Harry fro a moment, before pulling him toward the sound of the voices.
"But you're going to kill someone!" Moony yelled.
"Don't you think I know that," Roland replied, "but this is an order I can't refuse. If I do, the boy will not be shown any mercy." Hermione saw Roland pacing back and forth in the kitchen, his trench coat open and dancing as he walked. "How did you find out?"
"Professor Jordan told us of your decision," Tonks said, he just stared at them.
"What are they talking about, Harry?" Hermione asked.
He couldn't keep it from her anymore. "Roland has been asked by his." Thinking of the word he paused. "I don't really know who asked him, but he has to decide whether or not Steven will live past this year." She gasped. "Shh, not to loud." Hermione fell to her nears and her eyes were beginning to tear up.
"But why?" she asked; Harry followed her to the floor, and hugged her. "Why does he have to die?"
"Because of his choice to hurt you, Hermione," Roland said, he appeared right in front of him. He knelt down and looked them both in the eye, despite his sunglasses hiding his. "He made a choice and now he has to accept the consequences. As I have to live with mine." He looked down at the ground. Moony and Tonks appeared right behind him
"But why does he have to die, couldn't he just be placed in a prison or something?" Hermione asked. Harry knew her well, she hated to see any one die, let alone because of her.
"This isn't your fault, 'Mione," Harry said, "Steven took advantage of you, but I do agree with you, he doesn't deserve to die."
Roland sighed. "As do I." All eyes were on him. "One of the promises I have made was I was never to kill a human being. And with this order, I have to. So I stand at a crossroad in my life."
"What are you going to do?" Hermione's eyes glazed over with tears. Harry knew that she was as torn up with this as Roland was.
"I don't know, but when the time comes, I will make the right decision." He stood up. "Now for the reason of me being here." He pulled a book out of long trench coat, and showed it to Hermione. "I believe that this book is better then the one the Professor Jordan made you buy." Roland's wand appeared in his hand and he casted a spell over it. "Here's one for you too, Harry." Both in his hand he handed them to Harry and Hermione. "I also have no doubt that you too will probably want a familiar, but Professor Dumbledore needs to decide whether or not you can handle one." Hermione wasn't even paying attention any more, her book was already opened and she was reading it. Moony and Tonks disappeared, talking about something involving the word demon. Harry didn't catch all of it.
"Thanks, Roland," Harry said, standing up. He placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder, who quickly whispered a thank you. He couldn't help but smile.
"I'd thought she'd act this way." Harry looked back up at Roland. "We're going over to a friend's house; probably meet you at King's Cross."
"That's fine, just take good care of her, alright?" Harry nodded. "Good, tell Moony that he's wrong about me." Roland turned all black and collapsed into the pile of black sand that he often did. Harry sighed and looked back at Hermione. She was peacefully reading the new book, leaning against his leg for support.
"You wouldn't believe how better this book is Harry; it explains every single detail about the elements." Hermione turned the page, and rested her head on her hands. Harry rubbed her hair. "Stop that, you're disturbing me."
"At least get something to eat before you start reading again." Harry took her arm and lifted her up; Hermione's hands firmly grasped the book.
"But-"
"No buts, 'Mione," Harry replied, and pulled her towards the door; she pouted for a moment, but quickly accepted his arm around her waist. Hermione even closed the book. He thought that Moony and Tonks went back to the kitchen but only found a note that they had left. Order business, see you at King's Cross. -Moony-
"What's that about, Harry," Hermione asked she see took out some bread from the cabinet.
"I guess we're on our own until we go to the Burrow." He handed the note to her, and took the bread. Hermione walked over fridge and removed some lettuce, cheese, meats and anything else they like on their sandwiches. "Not that I mind."
"Good, you can read with me that new book we got," Hermione turned around and walked over to the table. Slowly she began to make two sandwiches for them. Harry took a seat next to her and opened up his book. He slowly began to read it but stopped when Hermione placed a plate in front of him. "Here you go."
She walked around to where he was sitting and sat next to Harry, a plate in her hand as well. "Thanks, 'Mione," Harry replied. He shifted she that she was under his arm, and able to read the book.
"You're welcome," she barely got out, shoving her sandwich in her mouth and swallowing it. "Now where was I?" Hermione reached up to turn the page, but Harry stopped her. "Hey!"
"Just wait for me," he replied, and in two seconds, his sandwich was gone, "And let's head back to the study, it's more comfortable in there." Hermione grinned and pulled Harry toward the study, both their books in her hand.
"Shh, they are still here," a man's voice said. Harry and Hermione stopped died in their tracks. He quickly pushed Hermione behind him.
"I know that," a woman replied. "We've been watching the Floo Network for this house and seen no active since they went to Diagon Alley. And today doesn't count, we knew that both Lupin and Tonks left already."
"Does that mean that Demon is still here?" a young boy's voice asked. Harry sworn he heard it before.
"No, one of our spies saw them leave last week," the man replied. "This is where you prove yourself, Neo Death Eater."
Harry looked at Hermione; he saw her eyes glaze over white. A small smile crossed over her face. He gladly returned. After all their training in the Danger Room back in the X-mansion, Harry and Hermione had become a flawless team when using their mutant abilities. He focused for a moment, before his skin became rock hard and his strength grow. Suddenly that feeling disappeared. He looked over at Hermione and saw a confused look on her face.
"Did it work?" the man asked again.
"Yeah, my aura is canceling out all energy in this place, magic or mutant," the boy said, "it doesn't matter." A small period of silence came before the boy said. "They're doomed."
"Fine then," the woman replied. "I want the girl." Some one cracked their knuckles loudly; Harry could only assume it was the woman.
A scream came from the direction of the voice and Harry saw a man in a green and white mask come charging forward at them. He wore black robes, and had a long sword pointed at Harry. He quickly put himself in between Hermione and the man. "Death to the Boy-who-Lived!" he yelled as he ran. Harry kept on praying for his powers to come back. And his wand was in the study, along hers and their weapons. /what a way to die, protecting the girl I love,/ he thought. He closed his eyes and just waited for the sword to pierce him. But it never came. One eye at a time, Harry opened them and saw a black sword stuck in the middle of the man. Roland's image quickly faded in.
"You forget that I am no ordinary wizard," Fallen's dark voice said, Harry was confused as he wasn't in his costume of Fallen, but spoke just the same. His hand grasped the hilt of the sword and twisted it before pulling it out. The man fell to the ground but no blood was spilt. "Damned promises." He turned around. "You two alright?" Roland's voice had returned to normal. Harry nodded and looked behind him at Hermione; she was holding his shirt tightly, her eyes held tightly shut.
"Scared, other then that," Harry said. "Fine." His sight returned to Roland, "What are you going to do?"
"Remove those who have intruded here," he smiled at Harry. "Protect her, your powers will returned shortly." He ran off, disappearing down a hallway.
"Who in Merlin's ghost are-" the boy asked before Harry heard a loud crack. He felt a sudden rush of energy and his body hardened to the point of stone. He looked down at his skin and saw that it was a pale white. /marble,/ he thought, /a nice color. Hermione always liked it./
"Where is the other one?" he growled, Harry heard teeth clatter against each other.
"I-I don't know," the boy said, "She went off some where."
"Ooo," a woman's voice said behind Harry. He suddenly realized that Hermione was no longer holding his shirt. He snapped around and stared at the woman. She too wore black robes but didn't bother hiding her face. Long black hair fell down to her shoulders, and her cold blue eyes stared at him. "Is the little boy worried about his girlfriend?" The woman had Hermione grasped tightly, a knife to her neck. "Well he should be, after I get done with her, you won't even be able to-" she didn't even get another word out before a gush of wind blew past Harry and threw her down the hallway. Hermione turn transparent and allow the blade to pass through her. Her long brown hair was dancing in the air and Harry saw her eyes glaze over a white haze.
"Don't ever threaten me or Harry," she pronounced each word with her full anger.
Roland came flying around the corner and stopped to see her floating in the air. He shook his head and said softly. "Thou hath no fury like that of a woman's scorn." Harry couldn't help but smile as he ran over to her.
"Thata girl," Harry said to her and softly wrapped his hands around her waist. Hermione jumped, but quickly relaxed into his arms. "I knew you were strong."
"Thanks, Harry," she blushed as she pushed the hair out of her face. Roland floated past them, his black aura up. A black sword appeared in his left hand and picked up the woman in the other. "What do you think he's going to do?"
"I don't know, 'Mione," Harry replied, "but it isn't going to be pleasant for any one to watch."
"I truly doubt your lord will be happy with this performance, now will he?" Roland had the tip at the neck of the woman, holding her up by her robes. She shook her head. "Believe me, I will be worse then he will if you do not cooperate with me." She just nodded. "Good." Roland dropped the sword to his side but still held her up. "What is the purpose of killing Hermione?"
"The Dark Lord believes the best way to hurt the boy is through the ones he loves," Roland's hand shifted to her neck.
Hermione gasped and there was a long period of silence before she spoke up again, "What are the Neo Death Eaters?"
"I will not-" the woman started but stopped when she couldn't breathe anymore. Roland's hand had tightened so much that her eyes looked like they were budging out.
"You will answer her," Roland growled.
"The Neo Death Eaters are the Dark Lords new recruits, both wizards and mutants." Hermione gasped as the last words came out.
"So it true?" Harry asked.
"yes, there are more wizarding mutants then ever before and because of the way Muggles and Wizards alike treat them, they are flocking to the Dark Lord."
"I knew that damned idea of prejudice would be the end of you humans." Harry wanted to ask him what he meant by the last part of his statement but stopped. "Go and tell Voldemort that I'm hunting for him. And mark my words; I don't miss when I fire." She dropped the woman and she quickly disapparated.
"Why did you let her go?" Harry asked.
"Because," Roland walked over to other end of the corridor and disappeared. He quickly returned with the boy. Harry gasped when he saw him. It was a kid from Hogwarts, the same year as them. Harry thought that he was from Slytherin, but he couldn't remember. "I've got the one I wanted." He looked at the boy, whose nose was obviously broken from the sight of blood dripping down it. "He'll give Dumbledore the info he needs."
"What about the ministry?" Harry asked.
"Oh," Roland looked at the other man, he waved a hand and the man was bond up by black cords, covering his mouth and tying up his body. "They can have him when they get here, he isn't going any where. This kid is more important. Living proof of the Neo Death Eaters." He turned around. "I want you two to head to your friend's house now. Take everything with you." He dragged the boy right behind him.
"Where you going?" Hermione hadn't let go of Harry yet, a smile on his face, as she rested on his chest.
"I'm taking him to Dumbledore right now," he began to walk toward the door. "The rest of the Order is going to love this." Roland opened the door and disappeared along with the kid, in his usually way. His voice remained for a few moments. "I'll meet you there to discuss this."
"C'mon," Harry said once Roland was gone. "You heard him, 'Mione. Roland told us to go, and as he is your legal guardian-"
"Don't remind me," she laughed, "he's more protective then my parents ever were." Hermione started to walk away.
"I see that it's easier to talk about them," Harry placed an arm around her.
"Yeah, it gets easier over time," Hermione sighed, "I just wished they could see me marry you." Harry laughed. "Don't you laugh at me, Harry Potter. I have my dreams too."
"And since when did you think I would marry before you before we started going out?" Harry asked.
"I-I," Hermione was stuttering before she looked at the ground. "I had my fantasies, Harry Potter, thank you very much." She started to walk again.
"I knew it," Harry stopped and jumped in front of her. "How long?" Hermione stared up at him.
"How long what?" Hermione tried to get past him, but Harry kept on stepping in front of her. "Harry, we have to get going."
"That can wait, how long?" she stepped to the other side and he followed.
"Please, Roland asked us to leave."
"No, how long, 'Mione?" Harry crossed his arms and stood their adamant.
"Fine," Hermione pouted, "since third year, when it was just you and me saving Sirius. I felt so safe and happy when it was just you and me." Harry quietly wrapped his arms around her. "It really hit me when Viktor asked me to the dance our fourth year and I saw you with someone else. You never really know how much something means to you when you can't reach it." She began to sob. "And when Steven asked me out it, I was so excited that you were worried about me." Harry started to say something. "I know it could've just been a friendly gesture but, when I looked into your eyes the night we had our fight, I knew that you're truly cared about my safety and happiness. That's why you agreed not to argue with me or Steven about us going out. You wanted me to be happy. And for a time being, I was."
"I'm sorry I didn't do anything," Harry said, "But you're right, I wanted you to be happy, and you kept on saying you were so." He kissed her forehead. "Enough with depressing matters," Harry mocked Roland; Hermione laughed and looked up at him. "Thata girl, now like he said, we need to go." They walked toward the study and the fireplace, Harry's arm around Hermione and smiles on both their faces. In silence, but with smiles, they picked up their trunks and lugged them over to the fireplace. With a simple word, it expanded to fit both of them and their trunks, along with Hedwig's cage and Harry's guitar case in. "Ready?"
Hermione nodded, and took a handful of Floo powder. She was holding her trunk up. Harry stood right next to her, Hedwig's cage in one hand, his trunk in the other and his guitar under his arm. "The Burrow," She said loudly, and in a puff of green smoke they were gone.
* * * * * *
They arrived at the Burrow only to find Mrs. Weasley running around the house, cleaning it. "Oh dear, we've got some more guests now," she said, and walked over to the chimney.
"Hello, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, and dusted himself off. The soot rose in the air and he started to cough.
"I knew we should have cleaned it out," she replied, and casted a spell over both of them, and the soot disappeared. Mrs. Weasley turned and began to clean up the rest of the house, sending things to their proper places. It had changed since the last time Harry saw it, a lot cleaner. Everything looked newer for some odd reason. The burrow seemed bigger too.
"Hello, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said, she too had a confused look on her face. Mrs. Weasley stopped where she was cleaning and looked over at them.
"You're alive?" She asked, Hermione just nodded. In a swift movement, Mrs. Weasley was across the room and had both of them in a tight hug. "I read in the paper that you two died and then when Ron came home saying that you two weren't, I-I-"
"Quite alright, Mrs. Weasley," Harry replied, as she put them down. "But it's nice to know that people care."
"You poor dear." Mrs. Weasley turned to Hermione. "Do you need a place to stay or anything, really just ask."
"Its fine, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione nodded, "my cousin's adapted me. He's the one that saved us too."
"He saved you from dementor?" Mrs. Weasley led them over to the table. "Please sit down. What's his name?"
"Roland Childe," she replied, "he took us in are a school where he went to." Hermione paused and looked around. "Say, where is everyone?"
"I have no idea where Arthur is, Ron is with George and Fred, who are minding their shop; making a good deal of money too," she started, "send us some every month. That reminds me of something." Mrs. Weasley stood up and walked over to one of the draws. "They were saving your share of the money, after all Harry you did get them started."
"thanks," Harry took the envelope and opened it up. Inside was a single piece of parchment, Harry read it slowly.
"What is it Harry," Hermione asked, and Harry handed it to her.
"They've given me partial ownership of their shop, 'Mione," Harry said.
"Really?" Hermione took it from him, surprised. "It seems legal."
"Fred and George didn't believe that you died, so they said that they would donate you portion of the profits to St. Mungo's until you return." Mrs. Weasley started to wipe the tears from her eyes. "We were all so worried about you. But Dumbledore kept saying that you were in the safest of hand, even better then his. I just thought he was saying that you had died but," she blew her nose in a napkin from the table. "Here you are."
"Yeah, that was something, wasn't it," Roland appeared at the back door. "Hello again, Mrs. Weasley."
"This is the second time we've met and I still don't know your name," she said and walked over to let him.
"Roland Childe," he replied and held out his hand as he came in, "I'm Hermione's legal guardian."
"You save them, but-" she started, but Mr. Weasley came in.
"Really Roland, this knew news is great," he said, reading the report. "Dumbledore is already interrogating the boy."
"That's good to hear," Roland nodded, "but I could have had the info in a few minutes."
"Yes, we know," Mr. Weasley replied. "But it was a good thing after all."
"Arthur, you know this man?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Ah, yes," he said, "he's the newest member of the Order." Roland towered over everyone, and Mr. Weasley had to look up at him. "He's a shadow elemental, and a weapon's specialist, correct?"
"That's what I put on my resume." Mr. Weasley took a seat at the table along with Mrs. Weasley. "Sorry, I can't stay any long. Mr. Weasley has agreed to look after you too until I met you at King's Cross." He apparated away; /probably back to Heather,/ Harry thought.
"Roland's a good man," Mr. Weasley started, "brought us this boy who he claimed was a Neo Death Eater." He paused for a moment. "Powerful too, last week, why I believe that it was last week that he defeated single- handedly all the Death Eaters and the Dementor that attacked Diagon Alley."
Harry's jaw dropped and Hermione just stared. "How do you know about that?" Harry asked slowly.
"Dumbledore told us," he said, "Now about you two, Roland asked that we'd watch over you until he returns."
"So we heard," Harry shot Hermione a look saying that 'we need to talk.' She nodded. "Did he say why?"
"No, but it seemed rather important that someone protect you while he was away." He looked over the large Grandfather Clock that was in the living room. Ron, Fred, and George were traveling and within moment, their hands on the clock read home. "It seems that everyone else who is coming for lunch is home." Harry noticed that Bill's picture was missing from the
"Where's Percy?" Hermione asked.
"Working for the Ministry," Mr. Weasley shook his head, "we're on speaking terms now, but it's uneasy. He still has too much faith in Fudge."
"And Ginny?" Harry added. Neither of the youngest red head's parents said anything. Finally Mrs. Weasley changed the subject. "What would you two like for lunch?"
"Anything you make, mum," Ron said. He appeared in the back door and walked in, hugging his parents as he past them.
Fred and George appeared right behind him. "Hello mum," Fred said.
"Hello Dad," George added. Both had huge eyes when they saw Harry and Hermione sitting in front of them. "Say Fred, isn't that?"
"I believe it is, George," Fred replied, "Harry, Hermione?" They nodded. "Drat, George, we lost." He started to take money out of his pocket and handed it to Ron.
"That's an unfair wager, brother," George said, "you met them last week."
"And you still took it," Ron said. Harry looked up at his old friend. Ron had grown a lot over the summer; he was taller, probably taller then Roland. He wasn't as thin as he was last year. "Harry and Hermione, it's good to see you again." He shook Harry's hand and gave Hermione a friendly hug. "And I'm sorry about the way I acted at Diagon Alley. I thought it over and I'm happy for you two, I really am."
"You mean?" George asked, and Ron shook his head. "Damn it all, Fred we've lost another one." This time, George took the money out of his pocket and handed it to Ron. The twin took seats across from Harry and Hermione. "Dad, we've got some business to discuss with you."
"Ron; why don't you show Harry and Hermione to their rooms?" Mrs. Weasley said, she got up and started to pull pots and pans out of the cupboards. Ron nodded, and Harry and Hermione got up. Harry calmly walked over to their trunks and picked up both of them. Hermione grabbed his guitar case and Hedwig's cage. She let the snow white owl out and it flew out one of the open windows. She smiled and hurried over to Harry's side. Harry silently returned it and they walked up the stairs.
"So," Ron started, "where were you guys this summer? I tried owling you but Pig didn't know where you were. He always came back tired as ever too."
"Sorry," Harry replied, "we were in America, with Roland."
"Really, where?"
"At an institute for the gifted," Hermione added to Harry's statement. "Roland goes there along with his wizarding school."
"Gifted how?" Ron stopped and stared at them. Hermione glanced at Harry who nodded. He knew that it was probably better to tell Ron then to keep it from him.
"Promise not to tell anyone?" she asked, shyly. Ron nodded slowly at her. "Okay, while we were there, we learned that it was a place where mutants could be safe and learn how to control their powers." Ron's eyes lit up, but Hermione just continued. "Roland told us that; he, along with me and Harry are mutants." None of the friends said anything; Harry shifted the trunks in his hands.
"If I show you something, promise not to tell anymore," Ron asked sheepishly.
"Yeah, why?" Harry replied.
"You can put your stuff in my room for now, Harry." Ron motioned toward his room. Harry silently did as he was asked. "Follow me." He started to walk down the hallway; Hermione waited for Harry and followed Ron. "About two weeks after we came back from Hogwarts, Ginny began to have problems."
"Ron, its natural for a girl to have problems at her age, its call puberty," Hermione said, Harry could tell that Ron was blushing as red as his hair. Harry couldn't help but laugh.
"No, not that," Ron said and stopped at Ginny's door. He began to search his pockets for something.
'what are you looking for?" Hermione asked.
"Mum gave me and Dad each a key for Ginny's room."
"But why-"
"Because she locks it up." Ron removed a key from his pocket and unlocked the door. He opened it just a bit. "Ginny?" he quickly slid the key back into his pocket.
"What is it, Ron?" her voice came from inside, "and who did you bring with you? I know it's not Mum or Dad." Hermione looked up at Harry with a surprised look painted across her face. He could only return it.
"No Gin," Ron replied, "its Harry and Hermione. They wanted to see you."
"Tell them to go away, Ron," She said, "I don't want to talk to them or anyone."
Ron closed the door and turned to Harry and Hermione. "Now remember that you promised," Ron asked.
"We know Ron," Harry replied, "if there's anything that we can help with." Harry took Hermione's hand and she gently squeezed it.
"Okay then," Ron opened the door back up, "we're coming in Gin." He started to open the door, but someone was stopping him.
"Go away Ron," Ginny yelled. "Just leave me alone."
"Now, Ginny," Ron pushed harder, but couldn't move it, "you know better then that." The door slammed shut thought. "Damn it all."
"Ron," Harry stepped forward, "I could open it."
"No offense, Harry," Ron said, "but you're probably not stronger then me."
"You'd be surprise, Ron," Harry walked over to the door. He turned the knobbed and opened it just a bit. "Ginny, it's your friend Harry. I just want to help."
"You can't help," Ginny yelled from behind the door, Harry started to open it, but he, like Ron, was stopped by something. "Just leave me alone." He placed his foot in the door way to stop it from closing. He cracked both knuckles before returning his hands to the door.
"You have 'til the count of three." Harry didn't move; he kept the door prodded open only a bit. "One.Two...THREE!" Harry focused all his energy into his stone form and increasing his strength. His skin flashed a dull white for a moment, and in the moment, Harry pushed. With a single push the door busted opened, and he fell into the room. He could have sworn he heard a small yelp, like one of Ms. Figg's cats would make when it got hurt. The room was pitch-dark, and Harry couldn't see anything. "Ginny?"
"Go away," Ginny sounded as if she was in tears. Hermione came in, followed by Ron. "Just leave me alone."
"Ginny, it's alright," Hermione said, "Harry and I can help." Ron walked over and opened the window shades wide. The sun poured in and Harry saw a small tail dancing in the corner. It was connected to a small figure, cowering and crying. "My god." Hermione rushed over to the young girl's side and wrapped her in a big hug.
"Like I said," Ron started again to Harry, "she began to transform two weeks after we left Hogwarts. It was slow, and some nights we could hear her scream. After about a week, it was complete, and Ginny refused to come out of her room. Mum and I often brought her food up to her, and Dad would read her stories like he would when she was little. He installed a bathroom just for her, so that way she wouldn't have to sneak around the house."
"Why?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, afraid probably, afraid of people's reactions," Ron started; Harry didn't even have to explain the question, he knew what it was. "She thinks she all alone, that one else is going through what she it. Ginny's biggest fear is that she can't go back to Hogwarts. Which is hogwash in my opinion."
"But look at me," Ginny turned and Harry finally saw her transformation. She had three small whiskers on her cheeks, and fur covering her entire face, probably her entire body too, a bright orange color with patches of white. Harry could see Ginny's pointy-ears through her hair and a more obvious detail was her tail, curled beneath her legs. "I'm a freak."
"Ginny," Hermione tried to comfort her, "you're not alone. Harry and I are in the same boat with you."
"You're," she wiped a tear from her face with her sleeve. "Mutants?"
"Yes," Harry replied; his voice soft and kind. "I control the earth, so much more too."
"And I control the air," Hermione replied.
"And Roland," Harry started but paused. He immediately ran out of the room.
Hermione called back to him. "What is it Harry?"
"Roland can help," he yelled back up. Harry was already out the front door and looking around when Ron followed. He whistled immediately Hedwig came flying to him. She landed on his shoulder and nibble on his ear. "Good girl," Harry said to his owl.
"What are you doing?" Ron asked, standing next to him. Hedwig hopped over to Ron's shoulder and said hello.
"Roland knows more about illusion spells then anyone else I know," Harry said, "and he has created devices that hide other mutants' appearance."
"So he can help?" Hedwig flew back to Harry.
"I think so," Harry replied, "he may also have some answers." He walked inside with Hedwig and up to Ron's room. Pulling his quill and a piece of parchment out, he began to write a letter to Roland. Hermione walked over with Ginny covered pieces of cloths, hiding the way she looks. They sat down on Ron's bed, and Hermione looked around. "Hey Ron, there isn't another bed in here."
"I know," Ron appeared at the door way and walked over to his sister. "I just wanted to help Ginny first before I showed you to your rooms."
"Your dad get a promotion?" Hermione asked. She too noticed that their house was a lot bigger then before, a lot cleaner too.
"Yeah," Ginny said, "or something like it, he's in charge of the entire Muggle division with the Ministry. From Misuse of Muggle Artifacts to Muggle Management."
"He must've been happy," Hermione replied.
"He was," Ginny removed the hood from her head, a small smile come upon her face. "I've never seen dad so excited and then this happened. Now a days, he just glum and everything. It's all my fault." That smile quickly disappeared.
"Ginny, what happened to you isn't your fault." Hermione placed a friendly arm around her.
"No it wasn't," Harry said, he motioned for Hedwig to come over to him. She had flown over to Ginny who was petting her. "But that doesn't mean we can't do anything about it." Hedwig landed on his arm and Harry placed the letter on her leg. "Take this to Roland, alright?" His owl nodded and flew off through the open window. "Now we'll wait and see."
"Thanks," Ginny said, a smile returning to her face. "You're the best friends anyone can have." Hermione hugged the young girl.
And so they waited for Hedwig's return; in the mean time, they talked about their new classes and everything. Ginny was back to her normal mood, even laughing toward the end of their session. Mrs. Weasley stopped at Ron's room and just watched them, talking and having fun. Ginny was winning their fifth game of Exploding Snaps when Roland appeared. "Mr. Childe," Mr. Weasley said from down stairs, all their faces lit up. The sun was setting, and the moon was already rising in the air. "What a pleasant surprise. Please come in."
"Thanks, Arthur," Roland voice carried, "I'm not staying long though, just here to help Virginia." His boots could be heard walking across the wooden floor and up the stairs, he stopped at the door way. "I see your making it a habit to call on me when you can't solve the problem, huh Harry?"
"That makes since," Harry stood up and shook Roland's hand. "Can you help her?" he looked over at Ginny, who was rather scared by Roland. He wore his black trench coat and sunglasses, even his hat was on, but it was his aura and manner which he carried himself. Hermione stood up and quickly moved over to Harry's side.
"Yes," Roland walked over to her and crutched down in front of her. "Hey."
"Hey," Ginny replied, "You're Roland?"
He chuckled, "yes, I've been called that, yes." He took off his hat and stood up. Without moving, a black chair appeared behind him. Roland spun the chair so the back was facing Ginny and sat down in it. "From what Harry tells me, you've become a mutant."
"Are you blind or something?" Ginny snapped. She quickly looked down at her lap.
Roland stared at her with his sunglasses and slowly removed them. Instead of the hollowness that he usually had, Roland's eyes were a pale white, that of a blind man. "At times yes." Ginny gasped when she saw what he hid. He slowly put them back on. "Now about your condition. Technically, you are a mutant, but then again so is everyone in this room." He looked at Ron, who was jaw-dropped. Roland's gaze returned to Ginny. "Do you know why?" the little redhead shook her head. "By definition, a mutant is someone who has abilities that normal humans do not. Their DNA is different then a normal human. So, by that definition, a wizard is also a mutant, right?"
Ginny nodded again. "But what sets a wizard mutant from a regular wizard is that fact they have more access to their powers. Every single mutant ability can be duplicated by magic. Like yours." Roland paused and let what he said sink in. "What has happened to you is called a Partial Animagus transformation. Usually, this is an accident that happens and can be corrected using magic, but with you it is different. I am like you in that sense. I too have a Partial Animagus transformation." Roland stood up and removed his coat, showing the tight sleeveless shirt he wore. He quickly removed it. "Harry, Hermione Ron, can you move back a few feet. Either that or to the side."
Roland rarely went without a shirt, even when they were working outside in the mansion. On his back he had a large tribal tattoo. The scars that Roland once had on his right arm and shoulder were gone. He was well built, every breathe he took flexed muscles most people didn't know they had. Hermione giggled as he did this. Roland sighed and concentrated for a moment; two black bumps appeared on his back and slowly began to grow into large crow wings. His faced was full of pain as he did this. "And yes, I can fly with them," He smiled at Ginny, who simply gazed at him with awe and reverence. Roland flapped them once or twice, showing them off.
Slowly the wings returned to his body, and Roland put his shirt and coat back on. He sat down with a smile on. "What I said before about this being different is true. You've achieve a degree of energy that isn't normal available to most humans. I call this energy the life essence, because it allows us to live. Corny, I know, but it's the true. Now must humans don't have access to this essence, this energy. But you have people like wizards who can access only a large amount of it, but it has varied uses, limited in the amount they can access in terms of use. Then you have mutants, who have a limited amount they can access, but it's more concentrated then a wizard's."
"But when combined," Hermione interrupted, "you have more access to the energy, right?" Roland looked at her.
"Correct," he replied, "And you become more powerful, because it combines both the wide range of use with a concentrated amount. This amount you can access grows over time, which means the older the wizard, the more powerful he or she is. Like Dumbledore." Roland looked back at Ginny and began rub his chin. "Now the funny thing is that when a person becomes a mutant, or even begins to show that they are becoming one, it means that they had a tragic event happen in their life. And from what I heard about you from Harry and Hermione-" Harry shot a look at Hermione who just blushed, "you didn't have that traumatic life. Granted the event that happened when you were twelve was pretty traumatic, but if you didn't show that you were a mutant then, something seriously worse happened since. Do you mind me asking what happened?"
"No," she snapped again, Roland jerked back a little bit surprised by the outburst.
"Okay,' Roland replied, and rubbed the back of his head. He decided to change the subject. "About the cure." Ginny's face lit up quickly. "There is a spell that I can cast to return you to your normal appearance; you would lose all your abilities that you gained with this new access to the life essence."
"Then do it," Ron asked.
"Virginia would become a Muggle then," Roland looked back, a frown on his face. "And I doubt she'd want that. But there are other ways to fixing this predicament. Over time you can learn how to return to your normal state, after all this is just like an Animagus transformation. But in the mean time, I can teach you and your brother many spells, also, there is a device that I can use to hide you appearance, but I don't really know why."
"Because I look like a freak," Ginny snapped again.
"Only in your mind," Roland said, "I'll show you something that would make you think otherwise." He turned to Harry, Ron, and Hermione for a moment. "Can you guys leave? This is for Virginia's eyes only. She'd understand it more then you would." Hermione nodded and pulled both of them outside.
"Why'd you do that, Herms," Ron asked; she grimaced at his nickname, but didn't say anything. "I wanted to see too."
"Because he asked us to leave, Ron," Hermione replied, "there's obvious something that he doesn't want us to see."
"If he does anything-" Ron started to overreact, but Harry placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Relax man," Harry said, "he knows what he's doing. Roland just has a lot of things he keeps them secret, for our own protection."
"Like what?" Ron asked.
"Like what I just showed Virginia," Roland opened the door. He slowly walked back and sat back down. Ginny's sees stared straight forward, confused and dazed.
"What did you show her?" Ron rushed over to his sister and shook her shoulders. The little redhead snapped out of her trance.
"Remember your promise, Virginia," Roland said, "So you understand when I say your not a freak now, right?" she shook her head. "Good." He reached in his pocket and produced a small watch. "This watch hide your appearance, creating a holographic image of what you look like without your mutation. Don't worry about it; once you put it on and turn it on, this machine simply takes your image before you had access to all that energy. It'll work even at Hogwarts, trust me on that. There are also spells that I can teach you to cast when you don't want to wear the watch." Ginny held out her hand and Roland gave it hear. She quickly put it on.
"How do you turn it on?" she asked, admiring its design.
Roland reached over and pressed a button. A quick flash of light around Ginny then she looked like her old self. She giggled like a little school girl. "That button turns it off too," he said, "it's not water proof, but that's why I'll teach you spells too."
"Today?" Ginny asked excitedly. Roland shook his head. She frowned a bit, but the excitement was still visible. "When then?"
"When we return to Hogwarts, Virginia," he replied. "But I need to get to my other friends' house; she's probably worried about me." Roland noted the feelings of the girl as he spoke. There was a large sense of respect, and /damn it all. She likes me,/ he thought. He could tell that she was forming a small crush on him, and from what the memories of Hermione were telling them, it wasn't going to be small. "And Virginia?"
Ginny was looking at her palms, but her eyes sparked up the moment he said that. /I can't break her heart,/ he thought. /damn it./ "never mind." Roland walked out of the room, his mechanical mind racing, trying to find an easy way of telling her that he doesn't like her.
"Thanks, Roland," Harry got out just before he left.
"No prob," he yelled back, "see you in a few days, that is, if you don't need my help." Harry turned to say something else but was caught by surprise. There was a loud scream and everyone ran down stairs.
"He didn't have to do that," Molly said, patting her chest. She was leaning against the sink, breathing hard.
"What happened?" Arthur came rushing in, his expression showing that he was worried. Harry looked over at Fred and George who were just staring forward.
"Roland," Molly started, "he came down, said good-bye then just vanished."
"Oh," Arthur replied, "okay, if no one is hurt or anything." His eyes looked around again; they passed over the four of them, but quickly came back to Ginny. "Ginny, what happened?" Molly looked over and ran to her daughter, her heart filled with joy. Fred and George quickly came over too.
"Ginny, is that really you?" Molly asked; she knelt down in front of daughter; her eyes began to fill up with tears as the youngest red head nodded. "My god," Molly hugged her tightly, "what did he do?"
"Roland hid the appearance," Ginny replied, the excitement showing in her voice. "he gave me this watch and said that he was going to teach me some spells to hid it until I can transform back to normal."
"You mean it's reversibly?" Molly asked. Ginny nodded again.
"Roland called it a Partial Animagus transformation," Hermione started, "he said that when it happened through magic, it's can be simply reversed though a spell. But this is different. Ginny did become a mutant. But I didn't get something. Roland explained it like becoming an Animagus was easy or something. Like all it takes is a certain degree of magic."
"But it is," Arthur replied, "the potion that they make so you can become one takes months and can kill someone if made wrong. That the only hard part." He walked over to Ginny. "Having a certain amount of magic would make sense; after all, Animagus wizards are usually powerful wizards outright." He picked up the wrist that held Ginny's new watch. "This it, hon?" Ginny nodded. "How does it work?" Ginny pulled her wrist away. "Okay, I'll look at it later." But her father did offer her a happy smile. "But I'm so happy you're happy."
"Thanks, Dad," Ginny was smiling again. Molly released her daughter and Arthur hugged her tightly.
"Hey, you know what this means, Fred," George looked with an ecstatic look on his face.
"I do believe that your right, George," Fred replied, "I believe a shopping trip for little Virginia is in order, don't you George."
"I agree, Fred," George smirked, "and I'm thinking right now." They grabbed Ginny's hand and began to pull her toward the fireplace. Thunder cracked outside and Ginny stopped dead in her tracks. Harry watched as she quickly ran over to the window, and ran back upstairs. Rain had begun to pour down outside. He heard a door slam shut upstairs. No one moved, and only the sound of the rain hitting the roof could be heard.
"What was that about?" Fred asked.
"Really, you'd think she'd never seen rain before," George added.
"Fred, George, really," Molly reprimanded. "You know your sister's condition."
"It more then that, Mum," Ron said, "That device isn't water proof and Roland didn't teach us any spells yet." He walked over and sat at the table.
"Oh, okay," Arthur said, "but there are other possible solution instead of hiding in her room."
The lightning cracked outside, and Hermione moved closer to Harry. She looked up at him and smiled, unsure of what to think. Harry returned it and kissed her on the forehead. He looked back up and saw the rest of the Weasleys talking about what had happened. Ron was explaining what Roland said and everything. Mr. Weasley nodded every once in a while, squirming in his chair he was so excited.
"You okay?" Harry asked silently, hoping no one would hear. Another bolt crashed outside. "'Mione?"
"A red one," she said, staring outside. "A red lightning bolt."
Harry turned looked where she was staring at. Again another bolt crashed, and he saw it too. There it was a red lightning bolt. The form of it held much longer then a normal one would be, almost three seconds. "What is that?" another bolt crashed in the distance, this time from the middle of the sky.
"I don't know," Hermione replied. "When Roland brought back our trunks from the ministry, red lightning hit right in front of us."
"Us?" Harry cocked an eyebrow.
"Yes us; Storm and I were in the green house." Hermione smirked at Harry, and he couldn't help but smile. "As I was saying a red lightning bolt hit in front of us, and when the dust cleared from the crater, all the trunks were there he was in the center of it, a single black mass. But it wasn't his normal form either."
"What's normal with him?" Harry asked, and Hermione slapped his arm.
"Be nice, Harry," she replied playfully, "No, this form had horns and a tail and wings."
"Odd, but what isn't- hey," Harry got hit again.
"Remember what I said, Harry," Hermione looked back up at him. The storm was dying down, the lightning gone entirely, only rain continued to come down. "The lightning didn't look too far away, did it?"
"No, too close if you ask me," Harry replied.
"Let's go check it out, Harry," Hermione said.
"But, 'Mione," Harry started, but it was too late, she was pulling him toward the door. "Fine, we aren't just going to walk over there though."
"True," Hermione smiled at him, he watched her eyes turn a dull white. "I'm floating over there, and you're going to 'surf' the ground, as you often put it."
Harry sighed and rubbed the back of his head, he looked around. He didn't like running out on the Weasleys like this but, when ever Hermione got an idea in her mind, she rarely let go of it. It was better if he went with her. At least he could protect her and himself. "Fine, 'Mione," he said, "but at the first sign of trouble, or anything dangerous happens, we're heading back. Alright?"
"Alright," Hermione smiled and pulled Harry out into the pouring rain. It started up again, both the rain and the red lightning. This time you could tell that it was getting closer. The moment they stepped outside Hermione pulled toward Harry, into his arms.
"Do you want me to carry you, then?" Harry replied, a smile on his face. Hermione hit him softly, and started to pull away, but the lightning cracked and the thunder boom. She was back in his arms, shaking slightly. "I'll take that as a yes." He chuckled as he picked her up. "A few minutes ago, you couldn't wait to go. And look at you now."
"Shut up Harry," Hermione replied, and punched in lightly in the chest. "And no, you don't have to carry me." She pulled away just enough to float on her own. "Just stay near me, alright?"
"Yes, dear," Harry said, and he focused for a moment, and his skin turned a light shade of brown, the color of sand. His raven black hair became a dark brown, but his eyes remained their emerald color. "Ready to go?" she nodded, and clenched his fists and pulled the ground upward. He was slowly raised into the air, only a few feet off, but enough for him to push along. Hermione followed right next to him, she was only a few inches off the ground though. They raced along, toward the source of the lightning.
The red lightning was crashing in an open field a few miles from the Burrow. Harry stopped reached there before Hermione, and saw the horrible sight. It was a demon, or so he thought. Two large ram-like horns were coming from it forehead, curving back so they followed his hair line. The skin of his creature was scattered between red and black, obviously following a pattern. The hands had long claws on them, curving inward to his palm. His feet were clawed too, along with a single claw coming from the back of the heel. Two large bat-like wings were coming from his back, and the creature was flapping them to he remained in the air. The unearthly voice that he spoke with boomed over them. Harry stopped Hermione just as she came to the field. They both heard this creature speak. "Devil's servant," it said, booming with the thunder. A red lightning bolt crashed behind it. "You have been found guilty of crimes against the society of man."
"Fuck you," another creature yelled to the man, Harry looked out and saw man standing the field, or was it. He couldn't tell.
"Let's get closer," Hermione said, she landed next to Harry and started to walk toward the field. He stretched out a hand and stopped her. "C'mon Harry, we both wanted to see this." He sighed, and thought for a moment. Hermione was right; he did want to see it.
"Fine then," Harry replied, he lead the way, closer to the angry creature.
"And with my final judgment," the creature yelled. Lightning struck the large broadsword that he held. "I shall remove you from this realm." The creature dove down toward the other man, his sword ready for an attack. The man yelled at the creature, but quickly realized what was going to happen and ran away, toward Harry and Hermione. They stopped creeping forward, and remained still, hoping that the man wouldn't come near them. The beast's speed must have increased, for Harry watched as the man was cut down. The beast was only a few yards away from Harry and Hermione. "I sentence you the seventh ring of Hades, enjoy your stay." A sinister scowl was on the creature's face. "Any last words.
"Who are you to judge me?" the man said. The beast waved a hand over the man, and a dark blue light was shown over them. Harry couldn't see the man any move as he was hidden by the tall grass. But something told him that he had seen what the man looked like before. "Who are you to judge those who are like you?"
"I have been sworn by Ka-Tet to this job," the creature boomed, lightning crashed in the background, Hermione looked for shelter in Harry's arms. He held her tightly, rubbing her hair. "And I shall finish it." it swung the sword once around its head before slamming it down in to the ground. Or what Harry hoped was the ground. He was wrong. A demonic scream came from the man, and Hermione shook just as badly as when the thunder boomed. A blue liquid sprayed the area, some of it landing on Harry's face, he quickly wiped it off. But paused as it smelt like blood. "May Karona have mercy on your worthless soul."
He pulled the sword out and flew off. Harry just stared forward and Hermione shook in his arms, crying. He could've sworn her whispering a soft pray for the man. Rain began to pour down, and soon the thunder and lightning started again, just regular old thunder and lightning.