Chapter 8
The First Challenge
and the Beginning
Hermione ran into Harry's arms and put her arms around his neck, "Shh," Harry said quietly as she shook violently, "It's okay." Harry kissed her forehead, as he picked her up and started for the hospital wing, she fell asleep in his arms.
"What happened to her anyway?" Ron asked Harry and added in a nasty tone, "You finally mess her up really bad?"
"No, this is a result of you and Ahriman messing with her mind so much that she is starting to lose it!" snapped Harry in English, "How dare you… if she is permanently hurt by this… I swear, may God help you…" Harry paused fighting an internal battle, "No, what I should say is, may God save you, from me, for nothing else can…" Harry paused still fighting himself, then snapped, "But for now, I have more pressing matters, so we'll finish this later." Harry continued to the hospital wing.
Ron followed him, "I'll take her, she's my girlfriend," he said. Harry turned around, noticing Hermione had woken up and seen Ron; she started muttering again acting fearful and vengeful.
"It's okay, shh," said Harry comfortingly in the Ancient language hugging and rocking her. "Ron," he said in English without pause, "You don't understand the effect this is having on her. Until she has recovered, I must ask you to leave her alone. As will I, except acting as a translator, unless you know someone else that knows the language she's speaking as well as I do, that is also willing to stick around, now, if she asks for one of us than that one may visit, okay?"
Ron looked slightly angry, "How do I know you will tell the truth about what she says?" he asked.
"Because," said Harry slowly trying to hold his anger in check, "I will. But as I have warned you, anything happens to her…" Harry stopped for a moment, "The only reason she is like this is because you and Shadow have damaged her mind, I hope it will heal but it won't if you or I keep opening old wounds," answered Harry, "That is why." Ron agreed reluctantly, not that he had any choice, and went back to bed. Harry looked down at Hermione, she had fallen asleep as soon as Ron had left. He sighed and started for the hospital wing.
Harry put her down and called for Madam Pomfery. "What? Did something dangerous did we? Headmaster." asked Madam Pomfery.
Harry's face went slightly red in anger, "No," he replied, "Her mind was damaged by Shadow, want me to explain the ramifications of that to you?" Madam Pomfery looked angry.
"But now is not the time for this, could you please get a calming draught?" asked Harry calmly.
Madam Pomfery grabbed it off her shelf, "Here, Headmaster," she said.
Harry sighed in frustration, took it and sniffed it, "Okay, now get me a little bit of…" Harry continued to ask Madam Pomfery for different ingredients, "Good…" he muttered as he mixed them. Then he turned to Hermione, "Drink this," he said quietly holding it to her lips, she drank it reluctantly at first but she realized quickly that it tasted very good. As she finished, she fell asleep.
Harry got up after he had finished, all he could do now was wait; he started to leave, someone grabbed his wrist, Harry turned around, it was Hermione. "It's okay," he said quietly. "Please stay," she said still speaking only in the Ancient language. "You're confused," replied Harry. "No, I'm not…" she started to cry. "Shh, it's okay," Harry said comfortingly. Madam Pomfery watched from the corner as Harry and Hermione conversed. She knew part of what they said, but it was too fast for her.
"Yes," said a voice from behind her, "You remember part of it from your friend, don't you?"
"Yes, part of it," replied Madam Pomfery looking behind her, "Who are you?"
"Michael," replied Michael, "Help them; he is the only one that can lead you out of danger."
"He's too young," she said.
"No, he's not… he reminds me of another young man," said Michael, "One you knew long ago…" Michael disappeared. Madam Pomfery sighed, Michael was right, she didn't know much, but she did know she could trust him. Not to mention he had reminded her…
Harry looked out the window; it was a wonderful beginning to the day, "Who…" started Hermione still only speaking in the Ancient tongue, she stopped for a moment, "HARRY!" she screamed.
Harry quickly appeared at her side, "Are you okay?" he asked.
"No," she cried, she was shaking.
Harry held her for a few moments, "Shh, it's okay, you're safe…" he whispered.
"Leaving her alone?" asked Ron who had just walked in.
"You… you're…" Hermione started to get up, "You are the one who caused all this…"
Harry pulled her back down, "Nothing rash," he said.
"What are you two saying?" asked Ron, "She wanted to hug me and you're stopping her, aren't you?"
Harry shook his head, "You've got a mental problem," he said, "Perhaps I should let her hug you."
"Yeah, maybe you should," snapped Ron.
"I love her too much," replied Harry.
"Then let her go," replied Ron echoing Harry's words from the previous year.
"Fine, I will let her choose," he said. "Go ahead," said Harry to Hermione shrugging at Ron. She got up and walked towards Ron, she muttered angrily.
Ron felt weightless, "What the…?" he asked.
"She doesn't like you," said Harry in a matter-of-fact voice.
"Probably because of something you told her," snapped Ron.
"I don't have to, her memories tell her enough," said Harry, "I have been watching them return, some of them are quite… interesting. Not minding having her memories wiped? You would deserve this fate…" Harry trailed off.
Ron started choking, "Hermione," said Ron, "I didn't mean it; I was scared."
Harry shook his head, "No, you meant it; not only that, you weren't scared," Harry remarked as he listened to her mind, "She broke her rules for both of us."
"What rules?" asked Ron.
"She broke her rules for our telepathic and empathic abilities," he replied, "Do you know what telepathy is?" Ron couldn't answer. "Hermione," said Harry switching to the Ancient language, "let off a little. Please, I care too much about you to allow this to continue."
Hermione glanced at him, "But he…" she started.
"I know my love, but I don't want you to hurt yourself, to lose the innocence you possess…" Harry said quietly.
Hermione growled slightly, Harry flinched as he hugged her, "It's okay, let him go… please, he's not worth it." Hermione looked upset. "This is my department dear," Harry said quietly.
Hermione consented, "Fine," she said dropping Ron.
Ron gasped, "Why'd you do that?" he asked.
Harry sighed, "She still can't understand English Ron," he replied.
"Why not?" asked Ron. "I have no idea," replied Harry, "I'll tell you as soon as I know myself."
"Yes, I can," said Hermione in English. Harry stared at her.
"Hermione?" asked Harry both surprised and hurt, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because, I had to be sure," replied Hermione.
Harry frowned, "Hmm, I guess I underestimated you, sorry," he said hugging her.
"Get your…" Ron started.
"Enough Ron, face it, I'm not interested," said Hermione snappishly.
Professor McGonagall came in, "How is she doing?" she asked.
"I'm fine Professor," said Hermione, "Sorry about hurling you against the wall Professor. I wasn't in my… right mind."
"How long have you been able to speak English?" asked Ron curiously.
"Since… I woke up in Harry's arms, sort of anyway. It wasn't until this morning I completely understood everything going on," she answered.
"What did you hear?" asked Harry.
"Enough, Harry you defended me," replied Hermione then she switched to the Ancient language, "For that, I know you truly love me."
Harry's head hung a little, "I always have, throughout all the pain and suffering…" he replied quietly in the same language.
"Harry, I forgot to tell you the first challenge," said Professor McGonagall not understanding what Harry was saying.
"What is it Professor?" asked Harry.
"The students are supposed to cross the lake while avoiding the creatures in it," replied Professor McGonagall.
"Isn't that a little easy?" asked Harry skeptically.
"Remember, it may not be for second years," replied Professor McGonagall.
"Harry!" said Hermione severely.
"When does the first challenge take place?" asked Harry flinching slightly at Hermione's tone.
"Tomorrow," replied Professor McGonagall, "Luckily Professor Dumbledore set all of it up before…" she stopped, "Well, either way, good luck Headmaster."
Harry nodded, "I have some paperwork to take care of," he said quickly getting up.
Hermione gave him a look only he understood; a look of longing, she was still tired. 'It won't be too long, just till tonight,' said Harry.
"But Harry…" she said in begging voice.
"I still have my responsibilities," said Harry, he finished with a twinkle in his voice, similar to Dumbledore's, he loved teasing her, "As you have continually pointed out to me over the past few years." Hermione groaned; Ron was looking slightly agitated.
"Come on Harry!" she said, 'I don't ask much from you.'
"No, you don't, but I still…" Harry continued.
"Headmaster, I'll take care of it," said Professor McGonagall, "Hermione has had quite an ordeal."
"Yeah… I have, and I should be able to heal, right Harry? Shouldn't I get any special attention I might require?" Hermione smiled quietly knowing she had Harry wrapped around her little finger now…
Harry rolled his eyes, "Yes, you're right," he answered returning her smile. Harry felt strange, he knew something was wrong, not with Hermione though, this was running deeper…
Harry smiled; Hermione was still sleeping in front of him, everything about her was just right. They were back together… or, at least, Harry hoped. He would have to ask her when she woke up. Almost as though hearing his thoughts, Hermione stirred, "Yes Harry?" she asked.
"Herm…" Harry paused unsure.
Hermione growled slightly at him, "Yes Harry, Herm is fine," she said.
"Herm, are we… will you…?" he asked.
Hermione smiled, "Yes Harry, we will, this summer… if you still want to," she finished quickly turning red at her boldness.
Harry sighed and pulled her closer, "Yes, I do want to marry you," he said quietly into her ear, "I have another question for you; do you sense something strange here in Hogwarts?"
Hermione turned around, "Yes, I thought it was my imagination. But you do as well?" she asked.
"Yes, something… dark lies within Hogwarts," Harry said quietly, "I don't know from what, but I have this feeling… it is war coming upon us."
"Perhaps, then you should call the D.A. together," said Hermione.
Harry considered this, "You know, you're right," said Harry smiling at her, "I'm so glad I have you…" Hermione blushed slightly as Harry kissed her. She smiled at this; she knew Harry cared for her…
Harry got up and dressed in his and Hermione's mutual bathroom, Hermione smiled as he returned, "Your turn," Harry said.
Hermione started to get up, but Harry pushed her down into a passionate kiss, "Harry!" she scolded in a muffled voice, "I've got to hurry up." But then she started giggling. They parted, "I love you Harry," she said.
"I love you too," replied Harry. He waited for her. After she got out they went down to breakfast, it was still early, none of the other teachers had arrived yet. Hermione and Harry sat down and ordered. Their orders popped out of thin air, they smiled at each other before beginning, they ate slowly but still none of the other teachers had arrived yet.
"You know…" she started.
"Yeah, today I have the first challenge," finished Harry as he put his arm around her.
"What time is it at anyway?" she asked.
"It's right after breakfast, that's why we got up early remember?" Harry replied.
"Yeah," replied Hermione, "I know. But we still have a few hours…" Her eyes lit up.
Harry smiled at her suggestion, "Sure… Why don't we…" he trailed off. Hermione and Harry went outside, Harry called to his Firebolt, it came quickly. Hermione smiled as she got on, Harry to her surprise got in back of her. "Ready?" he asked slyly. Hermione smiled, she felt more confident since Harry taught her last year, it may have been one lesson, but she and Harry also shared their knowledge with each other. Hermione took off, Harry held on to her tightly, "You're doing very well!" he said over the roaring wind.
"Tell me; how are you going to get across the lake?" she asked.
"Walk," replied Harry with a laugh. As they set down on the opposite side of the lake, Hermione leaned back onto Harry's chest, she felt so safe and comfortable with him. Harry was holding her gently, they both felt so peaceful, war was the furthest thing from their mind… But both knew it would come… eventually.
A few hours later, Harry sighed, "It's almost time for us to get going," he said hugging her.
Hermione turned around and kissed him, "Okay Harry," she groaned, Harry got up and offered her his hand, she reluctantly took it and got up. They mounted Harry's broom and made off for the castle. When they landed they started off for the Great Hall, the entire hall was filled with students, all brimming with excitement; Harry smiled at Hermione, she smiled back.
Harry sat in the Headmaster's chair, he waited until everyone had finished, "Good morning everyone," started Harry, "Today is a special day, the first challenge is to take place in a few minutes, if anyone for any reason does not feel perfectly safe, teachers will be standing by to rescue you, all you have to do is send red sparks in the air. Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT feel bad about failing any of the challenges, remember that it is in failing we learn, in success, what have we gained?" Harry gave a warm, fond smile to all the students, Hermione was again reminded of Dumbledore. "I will be deferring my spot on the judges to Professor Granger, as I will be participating in the challenges." Some of the younger students groaned and Harry ignored them, "That taken care of," Harry clapped his hands together, "Please make your way to the lake." All the teachers got up in unison, the students made their way down to the lake, Harry smiled at Hermione; she held his hand until they parted. They both felt a physical pain from their separation; Harry wondered what caused it. Michael hadn't explained it to him; just that it would happen. Harry turned his attention towards the lake, all the other students attempting it were wearing swimsuits, Harry smiled for the same reason everyone was staring at him, he wasn't…
Hermione muttered and said in an announcer voice, "Welcome contestants, the first challenge is to swim across this lake which is full of dark creatures safely, good luck and first one to start, Jacob Garner!" Harry watched as a contestant jumped in. After he crossed safely another went, then another, only three out of many contestants got caught by a dark creature and had to be rescued. Finally, the only ones left were Ron and Harry, "Ronald Weasley," called Hermione. Ron jumped in and swam as fast as possible; he reached the other side in much less time than anyone else had. After he returned, Hermione called out for the last contestant, "Harry Potter," she announced. Harry smiled as he approached the water. Ron drew near Hermione. "Harry is favored to win," she said.
"Yeah, and you should see him walk on water," Ron said rolling his eyes, he would win; there was no way Harry could beat his time.
Hermione giggled, "Yeah, I'm sure that will be quite a sight," she replied. "I'm surprised you're still talking to me," commented Ron. Hermione sighed, "Yeah, I know, sometimes girls can be real suckers, huh?" she replied scathingly as Harry approached the waters edge, he concentrated, and began to walk. Everyone except Hermione, who knew what he was going to do, and Ron, who didn't care, watched breathlessly…
Harry looked down, it had worked, he was walking on water, but his concentration wavered a moment; he sunk to the bottom of his cloak, he quickly concentrated harder and then he walked very quickly across, Ron groaned, that's why Hermione had used future tense. Harry reached the other side in record time, not surprising everyone. "Now that was not fair," said Ron, "That's like… WAY beyond N.E.W.T'S; if not nearly impossible."
"So?" asked Hermione, "We didn't put a limit on how you could do it." Ron stalked off, his facial expression priceless.
Harry ran back and smiled, "How was that?" he asked.
Hermione laughed until she was quite breathless, "You---you," she gasped, "You should have seen Ron's face," she continued to laugh. Harry kissed her, she stopped laughing, "Now that's how you stop me from laughing," she commented smiling as they parted.
"Yep," replied Harry with a laugh.
"What's the next challenge?" asked Hermione.
"Well, Professor McGonagall gave me the itinerary, I think it's searching for something, I'd have to look," replied Harry.
A few days later; Harry had called the D.A. together for their first meeting this year; before he had been too busy to get everything done, so it had fallen behind. He watched as they entered the arena he had created, their numbers had grown significantly over the past few days, many had come up to him and Hermione asking to join, they all believed what they had heard about what happened at the Ministry two years ago, not to mention Harry's little fiasco in the first challenge, but what impressed them the most was Harry having come back from the dead. Harry sighed, he hoped it wouldn't come to some of these young people dying… but such was war. He hoped adults would step in eventually and help, he doubted the Ministry would but he would have to at least try. Time passed too fast for Harry; it was now time for Harry to make his speech, he hung his head a moment, he knew he must; but that didn't make it easier, the air had a bite of coldness… nearly darkness in it; almost as if foreshadowing the things to come…
The room was full of chatter, "SILENCE," called Hermione in a commanding voice. The room fell silent instantly; Harry smiled, Hermione could be so commanding when she had to be, but Harry knew behind the commanding voice was his soothing, gentle, tender, affectionate, devoted and loving girlfriend; his heart and soul. He knew she had taken to fiddling with her right ring finger while having a regretful look in her eyes. Harry wasn't sure what to do… They were unquestionably growing closer. Harry and Hermione could sense it; they rarely left the other's side. When they did the pain was now physical, not mental. Harry had not built a platform from which to make his speech; it would have been a waste for him, he had… other… ways.
Harry raised his hands, he lifted into the air… everyone except Hermione, who had seen it before, looked shocked, "Fellow D.A. members… my fellow human beings, there is darkness among us… war comes on swift wings, we must be ready to fight!" Harry paused a moment, "I must ask you to practice as never before, for war will soon come upon us, when we meet this darkness. It will be a battle among friends," Harry echoed, "I, too, must face the past, my mistakes, but our bonds of friendships must remain strong, for without them, we will fall into Shadow." Harry stopped, "We will all learn things we never thought possible… both about ourselves and others, but we must continue forward, or the future will be bent by the will of those who attempt to strangle our world." There was a moment of silence, everyone looked at each other.
One called out, "How can we fight? We're only children," he said.
Harry listened quietly, "We can fight because we have the will," he replied, "and NO LONGER can we consider ourselves children, we must" Harry paused, "consider ourselves adults, for in order to save this world from a great evil, we must leave our childhood behind, and grow up into elite wizards, rivaled by no one. I must warn you now; there will be losses, on both sides." Tears formed in Harry's eyes, "We will all lose friends, but it is for the betterment of our posterity. All we can hope is to minimize the losses… on both sides…" Harry paused again, "Yet, as of today, we have a new name, no longer are we Dumbledore's Army… we are… the Light Within." Everyone was stunned into silence but after a few moments rose in cheers, Hermione realized it; Harry was become that adult he had asked them to be… and that mature leader to lead them through danger… hardened by responsibility, but his leadership tempered by his experiences of inhuman treatment at the hands of the Dursleys. His life up until now clicked in her mind, now she understood… it had planned it this way… Harry slowly descended.
When he reached the bottom; she kissed him, some of the Light Within members whistled, "Nice one," said one.
Both Harry and Hermione ignored all the whistles and comments, "You did very well Harry," she whispered in his ear while hugging him.
Harry smiled at her sadly, "Thank you my love," he replied hugging her too. "Are you ready for what may come?" she asked quietly.
"No, but then again, no one ever is," he replied hugging her more tightly.
"I'm always ready to fight by your side…" she whispered.
"I know, but I wish none of us had too," he replied in a whisper.
"We fight for the Shadow," said a voice in the blackness of the Dark Forest, "and WE WILL WIN!" cheers erupted, from dark creatures and wizards alike, "They will lose much more than us!" the voice continued, "We will no longer lie in wait, for the right moment to pounce, for here right now, is the right moment!" More cheers erupted from the crowd, "No longer will the 'monsters' of our world be suppressed and hunted, WE BECOME THE HUNTER! They will treat all of us as equals, no longer as inferiors." the Dark creatures erupted in loud cheers that drowned out the cheers of the wizards.
A Shadow appeared, "Welcome, my faithful First Shadower," he said, "You have done well to assemble them before us."
"Thank you master," said First Shadower, "NOW, OUR LEADER COMES AMONG US!" Cheers erupted again, "Welcome Shadowers, with warriors such as yourselves, VICTORY… is… GUARANTEED," he shouted. The creatures and wizards cheered.
Fire appeared in the trees, it spread and covered the space for their meeting, something emerged… a pillar of fire… it struck the ground, a white something started forming, it turned into a cloak, "No, your victory is not guaranteed, you will fail…" said the figure.
"Ahh, Unwearying Guardian."
Michael didn't react, "We will stop you," he snapped.
"LUCKILY," said the Shadow loud enough for the rest to hear, "You are not ALLOWED to INTERFERE."
"Just watch me…" replied Michael in a voice that silenced the clearing, power, age and wisdom flowed perfectly from his lips and rang true in his voice, "I already have and NOW I will watch that seed planted 17 years ago grow from a mustard seed to a large tree…"
"HA, Harry Potter presents NO challenge," snapped the Shadow.
Everyone except Michael cheered loudly, "DEATH TO HARRY POTTER!" screamed one.
The rest drowned his voice out with even louder cheering. Michael muttered, "Pillar of Fire," he whispered, he looked up and once again fire filled the clearing and his voice rang out through the entire clearing silencing the crowd,
"You may find he is much more a challenge than you think he is," then he disappeared…
"Good, that over with," said the Shadow, "I must ask for 100 volunteers out of our 2,000 strong group."
The First Shadower looked at him, "Why?" he asked curiously.
"The Unwearying Guardian has specially trained people, ones that can control one of the elements," replied the Shadow, "I must train some to do the same thing." Many hands rose into the air quickly.
"They will have to abandon Hogwarts soon," commented Herk.
"Yes," replied Michael, "But that knowledge will come in time; let it reveal itself to them. For now, my past guidance creates the future, even though my concern escalates. All of you know this…"
"That future is, at best, uncertain," replied Herk knowing what Michael was saying.
"Perhaps," replied Michael, "Perhaps not, but they do not understand the implications…"
"True," said Achill, "However, that does not mean they will…" Achill stopped then continued, "Yet, you are the one who understands it; we do not know the future as you do."
Michael glanced at him, "The past betrays the future, Old Flames die in the wind, New Flames rise to meet the challenge. Birth always involves some death, whether human or nature."
"We are above and beyond nature," answered Herk.
"Yes, we are above and beyond it, nevertheless, they are only above nature, not, beyond it," replied Michael, "But yet, this is not a time for us to bicker over what might happen… It is time for us to make sure the future is secured."
"Hi Ron," said Hermione as she went by, "Where were you last night?"
"Had homework," replied Ron with an apologetic look.
Hermione was curious, "Okay," she replied, "Just remember we're not in a peaceable time."
"Yeah, I know," said Ron.
Harry appeared having just finished a class located in that corridor, "Hi Ron," said Harry his suspicions he knew something was just wrong about Ron and he hadn't stopped believing that yet.
"Hello Harry," said Ron.
"What you doing today?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, other than, of course, classes," replied Ron, "See you guys at lunch." Ron left in a hurry.
"What's going on?" asked Hermione.
"I don't know," replied Harry, "I'm going to contact the Ministry, perhaps they will help us."
Hermione nodded, "Our group, including the Centaurs, only has 1000 members," she said.
"Yes, and I believe the Shadow's have only 1000 people as well," replied Harry, "The Ministry's help may be necessary to defeat this evil… I'm also going to teach a small group for recognizance missions."
"Okay, have any idea who?" she asked.
Harry sighed, "No, but I would like to teach you something I haven't ever mentioned to you," Harry said.
"Harry James Potter… Have you been holding out on me?" Hermione asked severely.
Harry kissed her quickly, "Only a little, but when you promise something it's good not to break it," he said.
"Harry… errrr, I can't stay mad at you, can I?" she asked pacified by his kiss.
"I hope not, please… I can survive Voldemort, but being without you… that would kill me…" Harry said softly into her ear hugging her. Hermione smiled, she was glad Harry cared for her so much… They shared everything, well almost everything, Hermione felt his worry; she knew he felt something was wrong, even if he didn't know what.
"You will do a wonderful job leading us," she commented.
"Thank you Hermione, but what is a good head without a wonderful heart and soul?" he asked with a smile.
Hermione blushed slightly, "Oh Harry, you don't do yourself credit," she started, but Harry put his finger on her lips.
"Hermione, you are the heart and soul of the Light Within, not to mention, you are my heart and soul," he said quietly, "You will be instrumental to our success. The head plans, but our heart keeps us alive and our soul keeps us motivated."
Hermione kissed him, "Thank you Harry," she said.
Professor McGonagall approached Harry and Hermione in the hall, "Headmaster, Miss Granger," she called.
Harry and Hermione turned around, "Yes Professor?" they answered at the same time, then looked at each other and laughed.
Professor McGonagall waited until they stopped, "I arranged for you both to take your N.E.W.T's early," she said, "I think this prudent considering your current occupations."
"Sure Professor," answered Harry for both of them, "When do we start?"
"Now, I already have the ministry officials waiting," replied Professor McGonagall. Both Harry and Hermione smiled as they took each other's hand and followed Professor McGonagall.
A few days later, Harry smiled as his first years gathered into his classroom, this time they would be studying a few simple spells. "Good morning class," said Harry cheerily.
"Good morning Professor Potter," they replied. Hermione giggled, she still thought it extremely funny, "Today we have a guest, Professor Granger," said Harry winking at her.
"Good morning Professor Granger," they said.
"Good morning class," she answered winking back at Harry then whispered to him, "It's soon to be Professor Hermione Potter… right?". Hermione's smile carried a suggestion to Harry, he smiled back almost laughing.
"Today, Professor Granger is going to help us by demonstrating how to dispel a Hobplotkin, they are not truly dangerous creatures, but they tend to make a mess out of where they live," Harry smiled; he loved kids, perhaps he would continue to teach instead of becoming an Auror, but who said he couldn't do both?
'You'll have plenty of kids at home Harry,' Hermione whispered with a smile.
Harry smiled back, 'Yep, I hope so…' he replied, "Ready?"
"Yes," replied Hermione.
After this was Harry's seventh year class, since Malfoy had returned, he had something special planned. Harry waited in his classroom; he began to think about what he had witnessed in the past couple days, he was fairly sure he had felt Malfoy thinking about a girl… he wasn't sure who, only that she was a Slytherin and that she was large; though the reasons he knew that were, to say the least… interesting, Hermione hadn't picked up on Harry's empathic scanning. Harry sighed; he didn't like keeping this stuff from Hermione, but he didn't want her angry at him. He was slowly trying to gain intel that might be useful to them during their next encounter with the Shadows. But so far, Malfoy's mind had drawn a blank other than his immediate thoughts. This stuck Harry as strange, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Hermione smiled at him as she entered the room; Harry smiled back, his thoughts interrupted. Harry noticed that Hermione had a slight bulge at her belt line, he knew that she, as he, always carried Prabhakar, one of the only two in existence. This one would be slightly dangerous for the class, but a Dementor always was. Harry had managed to capture the poor Mitsuko the day before. Harry wanted to teach the seventh years how to ward them off, without killing them; Harry felt that there would be more Dementors by the end of this war and he didn't want to lose either his students or the Farrak like Mitsuko. His students poured in as they arrived at class, Harry walked over the closet and opened it, inside was a Dementor, all the students jumped, but it didn't move.
Harry laughed at their expressions, "He's frozen in time," Harry said waving a hand in front of Mitsuko's face, "For now. Today, he is our subject of study."
"What?" asked Malfoy, "Isn't he dangerous?"
Harry laughed, "If you don't want to be put in danger… you might as well die, no where else is completely safe," he replied. Malfoy went red in anger but stayed silent.
"Hermione?" asked Harry.
"Sure Harry," she replied with a smile, she spoke a word in the Ancient language and the Dementor started to move.
Many of the students backed up, Hermione, however, approached Harry and the Dementor, Harry watched it with little interest. The Dementor seemed to consider Harry, but ignored him and went for Hermione.
She spoke, "Prabhakar Jacobus." The Dementor stopped and backed up very fast.
"Good job Hermione," said Harry winking at her, he hadn't had a doubt about her ability,
"Let's see, who's next?" Harry pretended to scan the crowd, "Ahh, Malfoy, thank you for volunteering," Harry smiled almost evilly.
Hermione shook her head, 'You be gentle,' she thought.
Harry snorted, 'With Malfoy?' he asked.
'YES!' Hermione answered in a yelling voice.
Harry flinched, 'Okay,' he said submissively. Malfoy looked like he was about to run from the classroom.
"Don't even think about it," commented Harry, "You'll just have to try later, or fail."
Harry gestured at the Dementor and Malfoy quickly tried, "P-P-Prabhakar Jacobus," he stuttered. The Dementor wasn't even fazed.
Harry spoke quickly, "No," he said in a quiet voice.
The Dementor stopped. "Who wants to try next? Neville?" he asked. Neville smiled at Harry, Harry had confidence in him.
Neville was ready, "Okay Harry," he said.
"Go ahead," replied Harry. The Dementor started forward…
"PRABHAKAR JACOBUS!" Neville shouted willing it to work. The Dementor stopped dead and stood still.
"Good Neville," said Harry with a smile, "Next?"
After all the students had a turn, Harry froze the Dementor again as they filed out. "Hermione?" he asked.
"Yes?" she replied looking at him.
"Would you help me release him?" Harry asked.
"Sure," said Hermione smiling slyly. They waited until all the students left. Harry and Hermione faced each other; they got closer and closer… They necklaces touched and connected, light shone, the Dementor screeched. Their lips touched…
Hermione groaned as Harry pulled back, their foreheads touched, "I love you Herm," he said quietly.
"I love you too Harry," she replied.
"It was worth it," said Mitsuko, "You two are back together again."
"Thank you Mitsuko, I'm glad we could free you again," answered Harry. Mitsuko bowed before disappearing. Harry and Hermione stared into each others eyes for a few moments, neither one moved.
"Harry…" Hermione started.
Harry put his finger to her lips, "Shh, this is the perfect ambush," he said quietly.
Hermione laughed, "What ambush?" she asked her heart pounding…
Harry put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a ring, "Hermione Granger, I ask you for the third time, will you marry me?" he asked on one knee in a begging voice.
"But Harry," said Hermione quietly with a slight smile, "I want you to ambush me again…" she laughed at the look on his face, "But yes… I will." Harry rose and kissed her, Hermione smiled as they parted, but tears were leaking from her eyes, "I thought you'd never ask me again…" she trailed off.
"I had to…" Harry trailed off softly. Hermione put her arms around him neck… Harry slowly slid his arms around Hermione's waist…