Disclaimer: I don't own them. The Harry Potter Universe belongs to J.K.Rowling, Methos and the Highlander Universe belong to Panzer/Davis. No money made, I do this just for fun.

Thanks to: My wonderful beta Cassandra Pierson. You're awesome! Without your encouragement and patience, this story wouldn't exist at all.

And to Deep Emerald, who's opinion helped a great deal to improve my work. Thanks a lot.

All still existing mistakes in here are mine, and mine alone. If you find one, you can keep it.

Chapter 1: The book

"I don't know if this is such a good idea, Sibyll." Minerva McGonagall gave Divination teacher Sibyll Trelawney a worried look. "We have never before moved a book out of the restricted section. There are reasons why this book was stored there."

It was the last meeting before the term was to begin the day after tomorrow, and all the staff had gathered for one last discussion, before the castle was to be once again overrun by students.

"I know that there were reasons, but things have changed. The reason why this book was relegated to the restricted section was a prophecy that - if it had come true - could have caused some damage. But this did not happen. If it had been authentic, the prophecy would have been fulfilled over 95 years ago. This is just a book about a Muggle fairytale. It could be used as an example of imaginative faculty, but I really doubt that there is any real fortune-telling in it." Professor Trelawney sounded as theatrical as ever.

Severus Snape, Potions Master of Hogwarts, sighed in annoyance. He still had much work to do before classes began and this meeting was taking away precious time from his lesson plans.

Sure, and your prophecies do always come true, don't they? Snape thought sarcastically. Why in Merlin's name do we have to waste our time like this? Aloud he said, "I don't see that it will harm anybody to read a book about a Muggle fairytale. And if this prophecy was not fulfilled by the right time it probably never will. So we are talking about fiction, right? Let's give in Sibyll's wish and get over with this."

"I think Severus is right." Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, agreed. He wanted to end this discussion before someone could get really impatient. So he turned to Professor Trelawney and said, "Sibyll, you have permission to remove the book from the restricted area. If that's all for today…" He waited a few seconds for someone to speak up and then dismissed them with the words, "Thank you for coming and see you all tomorrow."

ooOoo

The restless feeling inside his belly grew with every mile they came closer to Hogwarts. Harry sat in the compartment of Hogwarts Express right beside Hermione and twisted his wand around his fingers over and over again. After a few more minutes, Hermione reached out, caught his hand with hers and steadied his movements. "Harry, love, please stop it. It drives me nuts. I am trying to read this really interesting book."

Ron, who sat across these two, could not help but smile. He knew Harry had asked Hermione not to call him 'love' in front of any other students since this new kind of relationship they shared was private and he wanted to keep it as private as possible. The second thing he was smiling about was that, since the first day he had met Hermione - six years ago - there had always been a 'really interesting book'. I guess, some things will never change, he mused.

And last but not least, a phrase like 'It drives me nuts' would have never ever left Hermione's lips if it had not been for the last two weeks. It would have sounded more like 'It is annoying me'. But since Hermione, Harry and Ron had spent some time in New York, staying with Amber, a vivid young Muggle-born witch, 'Mione's speaking habits had changed a little bit. On the other hand – a lot of things had changed over the last few weeks.

It had really not been a surprise to Ron, that Harry and Hermione eventually had discovered their feelings for each other, in fact he had wondered if these two were just denying the obvious attraction or if they were really that blind.

But whatever it had been, they finally got over it on a one week camping tour, sponsored by Hermione's parents. Now that 'Mione and Ron had turned seventeen, - legally adults in the wizarding world - and Harry's birthday was not so far away, they were allowed to go on that trip.

Then, one week later, when they got back to Hermione's house, a letter had been waiting for Harry and that had been a surprise.

A young witch – who turned out to be a former Hogwarts student – had offered a 'study-trip' to New York and Dumbledore's permission had been enclosed. First, they had thought the Hogwarts headmaster had planned this to get them out of some danger, but it had turned out to be Sirius' birthday present for Harry.

The following weeks had been pure fun, not only because life in New York was so totally different to life in Britain or - even more - wizarding life, but because it was the first time the three of them spent so much time together in the holidays, out of need or of being in danger.

It had been the best thing, Ron had ever experienced.

ooOoo

The feeling still grew and Harry tried to convince himself it was only because this was going to be his last year at Hogwarts and because the things between him and 'Mione had changed. It was not because of some strange kind of foreboding or some mysterious opponent rising. The war against Voldemort was already much to private for his taste and they really didn't need another one.

Eventually, Hermione closed her book and looked at her boyfriend: "Ok, Harry, what is it? What is bothering you? And don't tell me 'nothing' 'cause I know you better than that." Harry sighed. "I don't know." he answered. It was no lie, he really didn't know what was wrong with him. "Maybe it's just my nerves," he stated lamely.

"Your nerves?" Hermione gave him her 'you must be kidding me' look and said, "Harry you know as good as I do, it is never just your nerves. So tell me!"

Harry looked at her and as he saw the worry in her face he suddenly felt warm inside. He had seen this look upon her face a thousand times, but this was the first time, it meant more to him. This time her face was the face of the person he truly loved.

"I really don't know, 'Mione. I'm serious. I just feel a little bit - restless." He glanced outside if someone could see them and then placed a quick kiss on the tip of her nose. "Don't worry, love, I will be alright."

Ron smiled a little smile from across them. This was going to be an interesting year.

ooOoo

Professor Adam Priscus sighed and put away the letter he just had received. He knew this had to come. This was the only reason, why he had applied for the job as 'Defence Against the Dark Arts' instructor, three years ago. Now the time had come for young Mr. Potter to fulfil his duties. And Adam really hoped, things would be different this time.

Unfortunately there seemed to be difficulties again. First of all: the incident with the book should not have happened. It had been safe in the restricted section. Adam did not have a clue why, in Merlin's name, Sibyll had such interest in removing it right now. The book should have stayed where it was, but he had not dared to ask for it – because there was no way to explain why it should not be removed. Albus would have been suspicious – and the last thing Adam wanted to happen was that the headmaster found out the real reason, why he stayed at Hogwarts.

Second problem was, that it was only a matter of time until Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger – who had, besides her intelligence, grown to be an amazingly beautiful young witch – would discover the true nature of their feelings for each other. Maybe it had already happened. A distraction like that could cause really big problems.

Which led to the last problem, maybe the worst of all: The only person, who possibly could reveal the true meaning of this book, would be the same person, who was closest to one of the 'main-characters'. And when this happened, it would cause Professor Priscus more than only one bad headache and could endanger the whole mission.

ooOoo

The Hogwarts Express had arrived at the station and the train emptied. When Ron had left their compartment and Hermione was about to follow him, Harry grabbed her arm from behind. "'Mione, wait," he said.

She turned around and looked him in the eyes. "What is it, Harry?" she asked.

"Nothing, ….I just…" he lowered his eyes to the floor "… I just wanted a few last seconds alone with you," he whispered.

"Hey, it's not like we're not going to see each other any more." She joked, trying her best to make him smile.

"I know!" he said in return, quickly making sure there was really no-one around. Then he touched her hips, softly pulled her close and murmured to her lips: "But I am definitely going to miss this…" before finally kissing her parting lips.

Hermione ended the kiss much too early for Harry's taste, stating: "So will I, love, but I am afraid we will have to go now, or we will be late. And I am not quite sure we should start our last year like this." She smiled that special little smile for him, her eyes telling what her mouth did not say. Then she grabbed her trunk, turned around and headed for the door.

Harry watched her for a few seconds, mentally preparing for what had to come. This was their last year at Hogwarts and all of their classmates knew them well. They would find out, sooner or later. He didn't like that thought. It was not because he was ashamed of what he felt for 'Mione, it was because he wanted her for himself. Wanted her to be the only one to know the meaning of a look or a touch. Wanted to protect her from the defamation, that, he was pretty sure, she would have to face. He could imagine what they would say, about the Mudblood finally getting her hands on the "famous" Harry Potter.

He sighed. In fact, over the years there actually had been girls, who had not wanted him, but 'the boy, who lived'. It had been annoying and distressing. And Harry was pretty sure, that it eventually had caused him to deny that he had fallen for Hermione. But deep inside, some part of him had always known, that at some time over the past two years, their friendship had changed into something else. Something he refused to name. Something he was almost sure, Hermione was feeling as well.

Time had shown that he had been right.

ooOoo

A short time later, Harry, Ron and Hermione had finally managed to find some seats where they could sit together at the Gryffindor table. The Great hall was decorated as beautiful as always at the start-of-term feast and soon the sorting hat would begin his work.

Professor Priscus entered the Great hall and took his seat at the staff table. He looked over to the Gryffindor table searching for Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger. He knew that things had changed, the second he saw them. Though this scene might look pretty normal to the others, Adam could see the subtle change in their body language. Every look, smile, touch seemed to scream 'I care'.

Well, that could make things difficult. Emotions tended to mess things up most of the time. But complaining would not help. It never did. He would have to deal with the consequences of this twist of fate. Adam sighed and took a closer look at these two. Potter had changed. Of course Professor Priscus had watched him changing a lot over the last few years, the 'Potter-boy' turning into a young man. A handsome man. One of those people moving with naturally grace, and that kind of personality most people used to call 'charismatic'. For Adam it had only been a matter of time until his body would catch up with his already adult mind. Going through things like the ones Mr. Potter went through, would do that to you.

Though this was not the kind of change that had happened now. But yet, it was a physical one. This young man was not wearing his glasses. Which only seemed to brighten the shining of these amazingly huge, green eyes. Those knowing eyes, now holding so much love for the person in front of him. No wonder Ms. Granger had finally fallen for him. He looked gorgeous. His hair had grown a little longer, but was still as unruly as ever. And since he had not stayed with the Dursleys he had not lost weight. He was perfect. As perfect as he could be expected to be with his DNA.

Ileanna would like that.

ooOoo

It was the end of the feast and the food had disappeared again. The new Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Slytherins and Hufflepuffs were obviously excited and nervous at the same time and the great hall was humming from the noise of cheerful chatting students. Hermione was listening to Neville Longbottom, who was sitting at the opposite site of the table and was excitedly chatting about the job he had been offered. He was about to work at the Ministry as a specialist for herbology after finishing school.

Hermione was so glad everything had turned out to be so good for him. It had taken almost until the middle of the sixth year until Neville had lost his clumsiness and had gained some self-confidence. He was then doing much better at potions and Professor Sprout used to call him 'brilliant' at herbology. Hermione guessed she had told the Ministry about her excellent student. And Neville deserved that big chance.

She looked at Harry, who was sitting beside her. He had been unusually silent the whole evening. Something was still bothering him, but this was definitely not the right moment to talk about it.

Beside her, Harry was brooding. He had felt Professor Priscus' eyes on him, since the teacher had entered the room. It was almost like the other man tried to pierce him with his glare. That was surprising, because normally Harry felt quite comfortable in his Professor's company. He was an creative teacher, strict but fair. The youngest member of the Hogwarts staff. His smile was sympathetic and Harry had never felt charged by him, until now. It was slightly disturbing.

A few minutes later - Hermione was thinking about her own plans for the future - Harry grabbed her hand and tried to get her attention.

"He knows." Harry said worryingly. Hermione gave him a puzzled look. "Who knows what? What are you talking about, Harry?" She looked around hastily, but could sense nothing special. Ron, who sat next to Harry was talking to someone about the Quidditch Championship, turning his back at them, and most of the others around them were paying no attention to them either.

"Professor Priscus." Harry explained and shot a quick look to the staff table. "He was watching us. He knows about us. I can see it. And something tells me, he doesn't like it the slightest bit."

Hermione's face showed disbelieve and worry. "Oh, c'mon, Harry. You are hallucinating. He has watched almost everyone during this evening. Why should he not, he is a teacher, they use to do this, you know? Even Snape was watching us. And he doesn't even like you. Why should Professor Priscus be interested in our relationship?" she whispered.

Harry knew this had to sound strange in Hermione's ears. It even sounded strange to himself. And he did not have an answer to her questions. All he knew was, that he had literally felt the Professors look on him. This was not his imagination. They had been watched.

"I don't know why he has been watching us - all I know is that I am not hallucinating." Harry replied. He would have liked to tell her that this look had made this feeling in his tummy worse, but he did not dare. He knew Hermione would worry about him even more. Instead he forced himself to smile a little. "I'm sorry if I confused you. I guess I was just … being overprotective. I don't want to get you hurt."

The impression on Hermione's face changed, it turned from worried to soft and reassuring. "Thank you, lo…Harry. But there is nothing you have to protect me from. We will handle everything that might come. Don't worry any more." She smiled back at him and rose. "Let's go upstairs. We need the new password and should unpack our trunks. We can meet with Ron at the common room afterwards, ok?"

Harry sighed and rose too. Ron, who had heard her last words turned around and grinned knowingly at him. And Harry still felt Professor Priscus' eyes at him, as he left the great hall and followed Hermione to the Gryffindor tower.