Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
Mr. Dursley met the trio at the door with an unusual smile for him. Harry was tempted to think it was genuine but he then noticed Petunia Dursley in the background frowning at him intensely. It was only when she came towards him with arms open wide saying how worried about him she had been, that Harry was convinced that the Dursley's were under some sort of spell. They were ever so pleasant. Hermione was even smiling not sure how to perceive the situation either. It was Professor Snape who quickly explained quietly, that the family had been threatened if they did not finally do right by Harry, that they would be turned into something awful. Being terrified of Dumbledore and not to mention magic, the request was adhered to. Harry, Hermione and Snape had a pleasant breakfast before Snape bid them farewell. He would return later for them. Harry almost forgot that his cousin Dudley was away at school so Hermione could sleep in his room if need be. Both students were hoping by the end of the day, Voldemort would realise that they were not at Hogwart's and leave. But in Harry's mind he knew Voldemort would not give up that easy. He watched Hermione, her face pale in the sunlight as they sat in the garden looking at the roses.
"Hermione, can I ask you something?" he asked with caution. Hermione nodded inhaling the fresh air.
"Do you feel, feel as though you could turn away from good?" said Harry feeling relieved to finally have asked the question that had been on his mind since Hermione had returned. She looked at him sharply, but not without a hint of surprise. She was expecting the question.
"No, some days I feel fine, and then some I have this desire, I can' explain it," she admitted.
"But for the most part you-"
"Yes, Harry, I want to defeat Voldemort, for everything that he has done, but I feel something missing I am not sure what it is," Hermione said as she knew what Harry was trying to say.
Harry felt a tug at his heart, could that something missing be what he was missing?
Hermione stood up and walked over to the roses, fingering them slightly. Harry could see his Aunt standing at the kitchen window watching unimpressed.
"Um, Hermione, do you feel like you don't have anything, perhaps only Hogwarts?" Harry asked realizing that was how he felt deep down.
"Yes, in a way, now my parents are gone, I am also scared that I never get to live the life I dream because I am tied to this fate,"
Harry could have not said it better himself. He wrapped his arms around Hermione hugging her tightly.
She returned the embrace, feeling warmth throughout her body for the first time since her escape. Hermione knew the feeling well and she wanted to hold onto it forever. She hoped she would never return to that cold place that Voldemort had created in her heart.
* * * * * * * * * *
"All students report the hall immediately. Prefects make sure all dorms are empty and everyone is accounted for," the voice rumbled over the speaker as McGonagall braced herself for what was to come.
She watched Dumbledore instruct the seventh years, who had been woken up not long after Harry and Hermione had left. Along with the teachers they were the main line of defence the school had. She could only hope that Dumbledore would last out until Harry and Hermione were ready to take the lead against Voldemort.
Sirius swore under his breath as one of the fourth years explained she had forgotten her wand in her dorm. It was none other than Ginny Weasley. Sirius sighed and quickly indicated to McGonagall that he was going to escort Ginny to the dorms for it. He could only hope that time would be on their side. He hurried alongside the girl, who was almost in tears, reminding himself that she was Ron's little sister every time he felt annoyed with her.
Ginny grabbed her wand and came down stairs into the common room, when they heard two plopping sounds. Two death eaters appeared before them and Sirius pulled out his wand.
"We want Hermione!" they said in unison. Sirius pulled a face.
"Stupefy!" he shouted before either could attack. The one fell to the ground, and the other charged towards Sirius.
Ginny, quick thinking tripped him, and soon Sirius had him bound and gagged.
"Off to Azkaban for you," he muttered. No sooner were the words said the two death eaters disappeared.
"Voldemort has recalled them already?" he said aloud in a surprised tone. Ginny looked at him hoping he was not expecting an answer from her and shrugged. She was just hoping that Neville was all right. Both raced down to the Great Hall, where there were a few injured students. Dumbledore had protected most of the students in a bubble while the seventh years and teachers fought off the death eaters. Voldemort had also sent two death eaters to the Hospital wing, which was deserted in search of Hermione.
"That why two had appeared in the Gryffindor common room," replied Sirius after hearing Dumbledore's version of what happened. He watched Madam Promfery hurry about attending to the injured, while the other students where sent to their houses.
"Voldemort will be back. He will not let go of Hermione that easily. In this case we were lucky that we knew he was coming," Dumbledore paused and then continued.
"I have a feeling he has been receiving help from someone inside of Hogwarts," concluded the Professor as he watched Draco Malfoy leaving.