Thanks for all the Reviews! Love them all!! Big thanks to my new beta! You are wonderful!! Hope you all like this chapter. I know things are slow now, but they willb e better soon. :-)
After the feast was over, Harry, Hermione, and Ron were surrounded by their fellow students, wanting to join the DA. The three were overwhelmed by the amount of students who wanted to join. All of the houses, but Slytherin, were eager to begin the extra training and to help any way they could. Soon, the students began leaving the Great Hall, leaving the trio and to their surpass, Draco Malfoy.
Harry noticed him sitting at the end of the Slytherin table, like he was during the feast. He slowly rose from the table and walked over to the three.
" What do you want Malfoy?" Harry asked
"Now now Potter, lets try to be civil."
" Why?" Ron asked glaring at the blonde.
" I wasn't talking to you, weasel."
" Malfoy, if you don't have a good reason for being here, Hermione and I have to meet with Dumbeldore."
" I do have a reason," he said, looking at the trio.
" Are you going to tell us or just look at us? It's giving me the creeps," Ron said, looking slightly uneasy.
" If you would shut your mouth for one minute, I would."
" Ron, let him talk," Hermione said.
Malfoy let out a deep breath. " This isn't easy for me to do. I don't care for the like of you all, but I want to help in anyway I can."
" YOU? You want to help us? The boy who has been a death eater since before he was born! You've got to be kidding me!" Ron said
" I know you don't have any reason to think that won't help, but I hope eventually you all will. I haven't had the best few years. I've learned a lot of things about my father and his family that I don't like. My mum and I have been running from him all summer. Voldemort wants me for some reason - I don't know why and I don't want to go to him. I want to kill that slimy git as much as you do, Potter."
The three were shocked.
* What do you all think? * Harry asked.
* I don't believe him for one second! That ferret is just saying this so he can spy. * Ron said
* I don't know. Moody has been teaching us to trust our instincts and well, I think he may be telling the truth. Besides, if he's not telling the truth, we'll know. The contract he has to sign will be able to tell us if he is in ranks with Voldemort. Besides, if he is telling the truth, we could use him to get more members to join from his house. *
* Harry's right. He's the only one from his house that has shown any interest. I think we should give him a chance. * Hermione said
Ron let out a sigh. * If you guys think its okay. But, the second he steps out of line, I will hex him into next year. *
"Are you three going to say anything? You've been looking at each other for the past five minutes." Malfoy said
" Sorry. Malfoy, here is the contract you must sign. It will know if you are involved with Voldemort. This is your last chance to back out." Hermione stated handing him the contract.
Malfoy looked over the contract. "Who wrote this? Was is you Granger?"
" No," Harry said. "It was your beloved Professor Snape."
" Snape? Never though he would be helping you three."
" Never thought you would be wanting to help us bring your father and Voldemort down," Harry snapped back.
" Point taken. Got a quill?"
Hermione handed him a quill and he quickly signed it. " Don't look to disappointed that this bloody contract didn't eat me alive. Now if that is all, I will be going now," Draco said, as he turned around to leave.
" Wait," Hermione called. "Do you know of any other Slytherin who would be willing to help as well?"
Draco stopped and turned around. "I'm not the most well-liked guy around there now, but I may know a few. Give me a few days."
" Right, just let us know."
Draco nodded his head and continued walking out the door.
" We did the right thing letting him join. He will be helpful." Hermione said, stacking all the signed contracts in a pile.
" I know. I just hope he can get some more to join," Harry said, grabbing the pile from Hermione and standing up from the table.
" I still say I get to hex him if he does anything wrong."
" Ron, try to be civilized. We all need to stand together this year," Hermione said, as they all walked out of the Great Hall and towards Dumbeldore's office.
"I know. I can't just forget about everything he has said about me and my family. How can you Hermione? All those time hes called you a... well, you know what he called you."
" Its hard Ron. I don't let it bother me anymore. I guess, I just got so use to it, that it didn't affect me anymore."
" It should," Harry said. "I'm glad it doesn't affect you as much as it did the first time, but you shouldn't just ignore it. He or anyone else has no right to call you that."
" Harry's right, Hermione. You're the cleverest witch around here. Like Hagrid said before, there isn't a spell you can't do. You don't deserve to be called that."
Hermione stopped walking. " I know," she said. She wanted to stop talking about this. It always made her uncomfortable and she never liked to think about it with her two best friends. She had someone she could talk to about it, they just didn't know about it. " We should really be in Dumbeldore's office Harry. We have to be down in the dungeon soon."
Harry and Ron gave Hermione a knowing look. They both knew she didn't like the topic and always changed the subject. They never wanted to urge her to talk about it, but someday they may have to.
" Right, well you guys have a good night. I'll see you in the morning."
" Night Ron," they said, and finished the walk to Dumbeldore's office in silence.
When they arrived at the entrance of Dumbeldore's office Harry said his name and they both stepped onto the spiraling staircase. They knocked on the door before entering. They were greeted by Dumbeldore, McGonagall, and Mrs. Granger.
" I didn't think you would be down there that long," Dumbeldore said. " I take it went well."
" Very," Harry said and handed him the pile of contracts. " I don't know how many joined, I am pretty sure all the Gryffindors, about half of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws."
" What about Slytherin?" McGonagall asked.
" One so far. Malfoy," Hermione said.
McGonagall and Dumbeldore exchanged looks. "We hoped he would."
" He is going to see if any more of his house will join as well. He asked for a few days."
" Excellent. Now we need to discuss a few things," Dumbeldore said. "Tonight, you will be joining Remus in the Dungeon. You two should be able to handle yourself, but if for any reason you need any help, Charlie has agreed to stay down with you. He will also be helping you Harry. We have told him about the power you three hold over animals and he has agreed to help you all. He is down there right now, with Remus waiting."
" We should get down there. I told him I would be there."
" He knows you had to take care of a few things before you came down. Just be patient Mr. Potter." McGonagall said.
" Sorry. I know he was looking forward to having us down there. Hes been really lonely."
" He knows you will be down there Harry." Mrs. Granger said
" Just one more thing then you two can go. We have re-arranged your schedule for this year. We have decided to give you some more down time. The three of you have been working very hard and I can tell it is running you down. It will be no good if you three are to worn out to fight. We still have some fine tuning to do on them, but you will get them tomorrow with everyone else."
" Will we still taking the same classes as you said before?" Hermione asked.
" Most of them." McGonagall stated.
" Also your training with Mad-Eye is coming to an end. You will still be meeting with him, but soon you will be meeting with Charlie, Snape, Remus, and I in the forbidden forest. If this is where the battle will take place, we need to become familiar with it. We can discuss this in more detail when the time is closer. Now, why don't you two head down to the dungeon? Charlie and Remus will be waiting for you."
" Yes sir," Harry said
" You two be careful," Mrs. Granger said, hugging her daughter.
" We will be, mum," she said, pulling away from her.
Mrs. Granger gave Harry a hug as well and whispered, "I know I don't have to say it, but watch out for her."
Harry smiled. " You know I will." he pulled out of the hug and grabbed Hermione hand as they left the office and walked down to the dungeon.
"They will be okay Mrs. Granger. I doubt they will need Charlie down there, but I know it will put you and Mrs. Weasley at ease," McGonagall said.
Mrs. Granger smiled, "I know Hermione is in good hands. Harry will do anything to keep her safe."
"Hes grown into a very good man. His parents would be very proud of him," Dumbeldore said. "Now, Mrs. Granger, has Hermione said anything more about why she hasn't been able to sleep?"
"No. I can tell she is more rested now, but she won't tell me whats wrong. She did say that Harry hasn't' been getting much sleep now. Is there anything we can do to help them?"
"I wish there was Mrs. Granger, but the fact is they will have to figure it out themselves. Harry has a past of not sleeping well, but is always because of dreams, now I think it may be because he is worried about what is going to happen in the final battle or about Hermione not sleeping." Dumbeldore said.
Mrs. Granger sighed.
" I know its frustrating, but soon this will all be over," McGonagall said.
"I for one can't wait. I know I haven't been involved in all this that long, but I must say I am getting tired of it. That horrible man has robbed Harry of his childhood, that is something he can never get back. It's not fair," Mrs. Granger said, fighting back tears.
" We all feel the same way. Harry has had to grow up to fast. As well as Hermione. It's not fair for either, but when this is all over, they won't have to worry about much." McGonagall said
" I know. We are going to go on a long holiday when it is all over. They deserve it. I think I will go back to my room. I am still trying to figure out what I am going to do with Dudley. I don't know how much good I am going to be as a tutor. I haven't been in school in such a long time."
"You will do just fine, Mrs. Granger," Dumbeldore said. "Why don't I get Dobby to take you back to your room. I am afraid it is not safe for you or Dudley to wonder around alone."
" I understand. Thank you all for letting me stay here."
"You are most welcome. Having you around this year will be a good thing. It will give Hermione and Harry the comfort they need. Harry really seems to find comfort in you."
"Hes a wonderful man, I couldn't ask for a better man for my daughter," She said with a smile, remembering the conversation she had with him earlier.
With a loud pop, Dobby appeared in front of Mrs. Granger. "Mrs. Granger, are you ready to have Dobby take you to your room?"
"Oh, well, yes I am. Thank you for taking time to do this."
"No need to thank Dobby! Any friend of Mr. Harry Potter is a friend of mine. I am bound to him for life, not as a servant, but as a friend."
Mrs. Granger smiled and followed the house elf out of the office.
Harry and Hermione made there way down towards the dungeon and quickly as they could without running.
" It will be okay 'Mione. Don't be scared."
" How can I not be. We are spending the night with a werewolf."
" We may be, but don't forget who the werewolf really is. He won't hurt us."
" Harry we don't know that. What if you can't control him, what if he attacks us?"
" My dad and Sirius were with him most of his time at Hogwarts and he never attacked them. Besides, if we do get in trouble, Charlie will be there to help. You know you don't have to do this. Lupin will understand."
" No I want to, I guess its just natural to feel uneasy it."
Harry stopped and pulled Hermione into a hug. " You know, I won't let anything happen to you. I love you."
" I know Harry. I love you too," she said and gently brushed her lips across his. " Now we better get in there and see if you have any control over him."
" Right," Harry said and pushed the door open to the dungeon.
" Harry, Hermione. I was just about to go look for you two."
" Sorry. We sort of got bombarded by students after the feast and then we had to meet with Dumbeldore." Harry said looking across the room to see a large cage holding the now werewolf form of Lupin.
" Its okay. Now I heard about these new powers you all have. I have to say its very exciting and I am glad that I get to help you all out. Lupin was very excited as well, it was all he talked about up to the point where he transformed."
" I just hope that it works. Do you have any idea on how to go about this?"
" I think for now just go up to the bars and just talk to him, let him get use to your voice and you being around. If he responds well to you we can go from there."
" He can't get out of the cage can he?" Hermione asked looking at the snarling werewolf.
" No. Hagrid and Dumbeldore have been working on this cage for years. Even if he does get through the bars, witch I doubt he can there are several barrier spells placed around them as well. He won't be able to get loose." Charlie said as he watched Harry walk up to the cage and kneel down.
" Lupin, it's me Harry. I don't expect you to recognize me, but that's okay. I said I was going to come stay with you and here I am. I just wish I would of though of this last year. You shouldn't have to stay down here alone." He said looking at the werewolf who was starring back at Harry.
" I think he can tell its you. Just keep talking." Charlie urged Harry.
" Hermione is here too. She a little scared, but she is getting pass it." Harry said looking back at Hermione and smiled. "We have loads of students who sighed up for DA. Even Malfoy joined; he is going to help us get more Slytherin to join. I never though he would want to help, but I guess things change." Harry said as he watch the werewolf creep closer to the where Harry was. Harry smiled. " It's working. He knows who I am."
" Wonderful. Now try giving him a few simple commands, like sit or lay down." Charlie said trying to hold back him excitement.
Harry stood up, looked at the werewolf in the eyes, and firmly said, "Sit."
The werewolf looked at Harry with a slight confused look on his face but did what he was told. Harry smiled and again commanded the werewolf " Lay Down" Again the werewolf looked confused but did what he was told.
" Brilliant!" Charlie said walking up behind Harry. " Dumbeldore will be please this worked."
" I can't believe it worked." Harry said looking at the werewolf who was looking up at him as if wondering what he should do next.
"As if you had any doubt." Hermione said wrapping her arm around his waist. " Not 10 minutes ago where you reassuring me that you could do this."
" I know. I guess when I saw him I lost my confidence a bit."
" That's understandable. Now, its getting late, why don't you to get in to your animagus form and join Lupin. Tomorrow night I want you guys to come down right after dinner so we can try this again and see what else we can do." Charlie said looking at Harry with a big smile.
Harry and Hermione both nodded and quickly changed into their animal forums. Charlie quickly opened the door to the cage and Harry and Hermione ran in. Hermione's panther formed looked around the cage with fear in her eyes. She was scared and Harry and Lupin could tell.
* 'Mione its okay. He won't hurt us. *
* Are you sure? *
* Yes. Come over here and lie down with me. Its been a long day. * Harry said, and lay down on the cold floor of the dungeon. Hermione walked over to him and nuzzled down next to him. The werewolf looked at the two in confusion but ignored them, curled up on the opposite side of the cage, and quickly fell asleep.
Harry awoke the next morning to the feeling on someone petting the top of his head.
" Harry its time to get up. You've got to get ready for class." Lupin said.
Harry let out a growl and opened his eyes to see the human form of Lupin kneeling down next to him.
" Lets go Harry. You to Hermione." he said
Harry let out another growl and changed back into his human form. " Its freezing in here" He said and stood up.
" I know. It's hard to tell when you're covered in fur."
Harry smiled at him. " True." he bent down next to Hermione and began stroking her head. " Come on love, we need to get ready for classes."
The panther slowly opened her yellow eyes and yawned. She looked around the room in highly confusion then changed into her human form as well. Harry offered his hand to help her up. " Its freezing in here" she said.
" Hum, there must be an echo in the room." Lupin said with a smile.
Harry put his arms around Hermione in hopes to warm her up. He bent down and kissed her on the check. " Morning."
" Morning. How long have you been up?" Hermione asked as the three left the dungeon.
" Just a few seconds. Lupin just woke me up before I got you up."
Hermione smiled as she remembered last night. " Harry you haven't told him yet."
" What?" Lupin asked
" Do you ever remember anything from the night you are a werewolf?"
" Not really." He said. " So did it work? Do you have control over me?"
Harry smiled "I do. First, I just talked to you, letting you get use to my voice and to get comfortable around me. After a few minutes, we all could tell you knew it was me. So I asked you to sit, and you did. Then I asked you to lie down, and you did. Thetas as far as we got last night. Hermione and I got here kind of late after the feast."
" The is wonderful! We need to go tell Dumbeldore."
" We have to get ready for classes. I am sure Charlie has told him, but why don't you go ahead." Hermione said.
Lupin smiled. " Right. I will see you two later today." he said and walked towards the direction of Dumbeldore's office while Harry and Hermione walked to their dorm
Once they two where showered and dressed they waited in their common room for Ron. After a few minutes of waiting, Ron emerged from his room.
" Ready for breakfast?" Harry asked.
" I didn't think you guys would have waited. Thanks."
" Of course we would wait." Hermione said.
Ron smiled. " So how did last night go?"
" Great!" Harry said as he told Ron about last night.
" Thets bloody brilliant. I can't believe I am going to say this, but I can't wait to go in to the Forrest and tell that bloody spider a thing or two!"
Harry and Herman laughed as they entered the great hall. Ron quickly walked over to the Raveclaw table and gave Luna a kiss on the check before joining the rest of his table. The three talked to their fellow classmates. They were all excited about starting up the DA and all wondering when it was going to start.
" Are you three going to be teaching it?" Dean asked.
" We will be helping, but Lupin and Victor Krum will be doing most of the teaching. I think Tonks, Moody, and Bill will be helping when they are needed." Ron said.
"When is it going to start?" asked a second year.
" I think next week. We haven't decided yet." Hermione told the table.
"How are you all going to teach so many people at once? I think over half the school has sighed up so far." Lavender asked.
"We are going to test everyone and put them in to three or four groups. The groups will met of different nights and I think once a month everyone will met." Harry said. " But that could change."
" Look!" a third year said, pointing to the ceiling, where hundreds and letters came falling down. " Out time tables are here."
" I don't see why they sent us ours. We already know what we are taking." Ron said
" Ron didn't MaGonagall tell you? They changed our schedules." Hermione said, opening her timetable.
" No. When did you all find out?"
"Last night."
"Oh."
" Sorry Ron. We would have told you, but I guess we thought MaGonagall would have told you, or you heard the meeting last night."
" No I didn't hear. Its okay," he said, looking at his timetable. " What do you guys got?" he asked setting his on the table for them to see.
Harry and Hermione set theirs down as well.
" Looks like we have pretty much the same classes." Hermione said
Monday:
No Morning classes
Lunch
Advance DADA
Care for Magical Creatures
Dinner
Training with Moody.
Tuesday:
Double Advanced Charms
Lunch.
Advance DADA
Advance Transfigure
Dinner
DA Meeting
Wednesday:
Training with Moody
Lunch
Advance DADA
Advance Tranfiguration
Dinner
Care for Magical Creatures
Thursday:
No morning classes
Lunch
Advance DADA
Training with Moody
Dinner
DA meeting
Friday:
Advance Double Potions
Lunch
Advance DADA
Harry: Meeting with Dumbeldore
Hermione: training with Madame Pomfrey
Ron: Muggle studies.
Dinner
Saturday:
After lunch training with Moody
After Dinner DA meeting
" This won't be to bad." Harry said.
" I still have to take muggle studies." Ron said glumly.
" It's not that bad, Ron." Hermione said, looking at their new schedule. " I think we should go back to the common room and read some more of the book. Since we don't have class until after lunch."
" Right. Hermione, do any of those books Hagrid left you have anything to do with spiders?" Ron asked.
" Did I just hear right? Did Ron ask for a book?" Hermione asked
" Very funny." Ron said as the three walked back to their common room
" Sorry. I couldn't resist. I think there are some, you are welcome to look around our room and see if you can find one." Hermione said, as they walked into their room.
" I still can't believe you two are sharing a room." Ron said.
" Its not like we aren't doing anything Ron. Just sleeping." Hermione said sounding a little hurt.
Ron shrugged his shoulders and walked into their room.
"'Mione, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," she said, as she sat down at the table and pulled out the book.
" Yes there is. When you said we were just sleeping, I could tell something was wrong. Are you upset that we are just sleeping together and not doing anything more?" he said sitting down next to her.
"I didn't think it would bother me. I was at ease that there wouldn't be any pressure that you wouldn't expect anything." Hermione said trying not to look Harry in the eye. " But now I feel like you don't want to be with me in that way anymore."
Harry scooted his chair closer to her and grabbed her hands in his. " Hermione, I do want to be with you, it's killing me that we aren't. But after Lupin told me about my parents and how they waited it just felt right to me. I want our first time to be special and I can't think of anything more special than making love to you for the first time on our wedding night. I love you so much Hermione. I don't want you to ever think that I don't want you, because I do." he said and kissed her firmly on the lips.
Hermione smiled and pulled away. " Isn't it usually the other way around. The girl wants to wait for the honey moon?"
Harry laughed. " I guess. I'm sorry I am making you wait."
" Don't be." Hermione said, as she ran her hand through his hair. " Harry we've talked about our wedding and wedding night, but never really about actually getting married. How come?"
Harry looked at Hermione. He wanted to ask her, right there and then. But he didn't have the ring. " Ummm... well..." he stammered just as Ron walked back into the room.
" I found four books on spiders, two on unicorns, and one on werewolves. I think this might help us," he said, looking at his two friends. " Did I interrupt something?"
"No." Harry said silently, thanking Ron's perfect timing.
Ron looked suspiciously at his two friends; he could tell they were talking about something. Harry look relieved that Ron was there, but Hermione looked like she was about to kill him.
" Hermione you okay?" he asked setting the books down.
" Fine," she said, grabbing a book from the pile and began reading it.
Ron looked at Harry. " You okay?" he mouthed
Harry shrugged his shoulders and gave him a look saying, 'I'll tell you later'.
The three worked in silence for three hours, only being interrupted when Crookskanks and Fang decided to chase each other around the common room. After they ran rampid for about 10 minutes a very tired Harry and Ron went back to reading.
The rest of the day went smoothly, except Hermione was not talking to Harry. Ron could tell there was tension between the two. During dinner, Ron finally got Harry alone, to talk to him.
" What happened today, mate?" he asked.
"While you were in our room Hermione and I were talking and she brought up us getting married. I don't want her to know that I am planning on asking her yet, but I almost did today. I think she is upset because I didn't get to answer her when she asked me why we don't talk about marriage."
" She asked you that when I walked in right?"
" Right. I didn't get to answer her. I didn't know what to say."
Ron was silent for a minute before he spoke. " Tell her you want to get married and want to ask her, but not until Voldemort is defeated."
Harry smiled. " That's a brilliant idea."
" Go talk to her before we have to met Moody." Ron said
" Do you know where she is?"
" Library probably. She wanted to work on that essay Charlie gave us today. I can't believe we are the only ones in that class."
" I know. Dumbeldore said something about us having to get to know our way around the forbidden forest better. I guess he thought having us be the only ones in Care for Magical Creatures was the best way without anyone getting too suspicious."
" Right. Well go find Hermione. I will see you back in the common room at 7:30."
" Okay." Harry said, leaving the Great Hall and quickly making his way to the library.
Once he was in he began frantically searching for Hermione, he quickly found her in the creature section of the library.
" Hermione." he said "I am sorry about earlier."
Hermione turned and looked at him. "For what?" she said bitterly
"For not talking to you about us getting married. I want to Hermione, you know I do. But, I want to wait until Voldemort is gone before we move in that direction." he said, stepping closer to her. "I love you Hermione. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But not yet. I have to get him out of the way first. He is the only think stopping me from not asking you right now."
Tears were running down Hermione face. "I'm sorry." she whispered. "Its just you didn't say anything after I asked you, and well I though maybe you didn't want to. I should of known better." she said, burying her face in his chest.
" Its okay 'Mione. I should have said something. Don't cry." he said bending down and kissing the top of her head.
Hermione pulled away and smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too. But we need to get going. Maybe if we get there early, Moody will let us leave early. We still have to stay down in the dungeon tonight." Harry said, as he led Hermione towards their common room.
When they got half way there, they were greeted my Moody.
" We were on our way to training," Harry said.
" I know. Tonight I want you two to go to the dungeon and work with Charlie. I am going to be with Ron working on strategies. I have herd he is an amazing chess player and I could use his help."
Harry and Hermione both smiled. " He is amazing. Good night, Sir. Will you be at the DA meeting tomorrow?"
" I will. See you then."
" Good night Sir." The two said as they turned and walked down towards the dungeon.
After the feast was over, Harry, Hermione, and Ron were surrounded by their fellow students, wanting to join the DA. The three were overwhelmed by the amount of students who wanted to join. All of the houses, but Slytherin, were eager to begin the extra training and to help any way they could. Soon, the students began leaving the Great Hall, leaving the trio and to their surpass, Draco Malfoy.
Harry noticed him sitting at the end of the Slytherin table, like he was during the feast. He slowly rose from the table and walked over to the three.
" What do you want Malfoy?" Harry asked
"Now now Potter, lets try to be civil."
" Why?" Ron asked glaring at the blonde.
" I wasn't talking to you, weasel."
" Malfoy, if you don't have a good reason for being here, Hermione and I have to meet with Dumbeldore."
" I do have a reason," he said, looking at the trio.
" Are you going to tell us or just look at us? It's giving me the creeps," Ron said, looking slightly uneasy.
" If you would shut your mouth for one minute, I would."
" Ron, let him talk," Hermione said.
Malfoy let out a deep breath. " This isn't easy for me to do. I don't care for the like of you all, but I want to help in anyway I can."
" YOU? You want to help us? The boy who has been a death eater since before he was born! You've got to be kidding me!" Ron said
" I know you don't have any reason to think that won't help, but I hope eventually you all will. I haven't had the best few years. I've learned a lot of things about my father and his family that I don't like. My mum and I have been running from him all summer. Voldemort wants me for some reason - I don't know why and I don't want to go to him. I want to kill that slimy git as much as you do, Potter."
The three were shocked.
* What do you all think? * Harry asked.
* I don't believe him for one second! That ferret is just saying this so he can spy. * Ron said
* I don't know. Moody has been teaching us to trust our instincts and well, I think he may be telling the truth. Besides, if he's not telling the truth, we'll know. The contract he has to sign will be able to tell us if he is in ranks with Voldemort. Besides, if he is telling the truth, we could use him to get more members to join from his house. *
* Harry's right. He's the only one from his house that has shown any interest. I think we should give him a chance. * Hermione said
Ron let out a sigh. * If you guys think its okay. But, the second he steps out of line, I will hex him into next year. *
"Are you three going to say anything? You've been looking at each other for the past five minutes." Malfoy said
" Sorry. Malfoy, here is the contract you must sign. It will know if you are involved with Voldemort. This is your last chance to back out." Hermione stated handing him the contract.
Malfoy looked over the contract. "Who wrote this? Was is you Granger?"
" No," Harry said. "It was your beloved Professor Snape."
" Snape? Never though he would be helping you three."
" Never thought you would be wanting to help us bring your father and Voldemort down," Harry snapped back.
" Point taken. Got a quill?"
Hermione handed him a quill and he quickly signed it. " Don't look to disappointed that this bloody contract didn't eat me alive. Now if that is all, I will be going now," Draco said, as he turned around to leave.
" Wait," Hermione called. "Do you know of any other Slytherin who would be willing to help as well?"
Draco stopped and turned around. "I'm not the most well-liked guy around there now, but I may know a few. Give me a few days."
" Right, just let us know."
Draco nodded his head and continued walking out the door.
" We did the right thing letting him join. He will be helpful." Hermione said, stacking all the signed contracts in a pile.
" I know. I just hope he can get some more to join," Harry said, grabbing the pile from Hermione and standing up from the table.
" I still say I get to hex him if he does anything wrong."
" Ron, try to be civilized. We all need to stand together this year," Hermione said, as they all walked out of the Great Hall and towards Dumbeldore's office.
"I know. I can't just forget about everything he has said about me and my family. How can you Hermione? All those time hes called you a... well, you know what he called you."
" Its hard Ron. I don't let it bother me anymore. I guess, I just got so use to it, that it didn't affect me anymore."
" It should," Harry said. "I'm glad it doesn't affect you as much as it did the first time, but you shouldn't just ignore it. He or anyone else has no right to call you that."
" Harry's right, Hermione. You're the cleverest witch around here. Like Hagrid said before, there isn't a spell you can't do. You don't deserve to be called that."
Hermione stopped walking. " I know," she said. She wanted to stop talking about this. It always made her uncomfortable and she never liked to think about it with her two best friends. She had someone she could talk to about it, they just didn't know about it. " We should really be in Dumbeldore's office Harry. We have to be down in the dungeon soon."
Harry and Ron gave Hermione a knowing look. They both knew she didn't like the topic and always changed the subject. They never wanted to urge her to talk about it, but someday they may have to.
" Right, well you guys have a good night. I'll see you in the morning."
" Night Ron," they said, and finished the walk to Dumbeldore's office in silence.
When they arrived at the entrance of Dumbeldore's office Harry said his name and they both stepped onto the spiraling staircase. They knocked on the door before entering. They were greeted by Dumbeldore, McGonagall, and Mrs. Granger.
" I didn't think you would be down there that long," Dumbeldore said. " I take it went well."
" Very," Harry said and handed him the pile of contracts. " I don't know how many joined, I am pretty sure all the Gryffindors, about half of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws."
" What about Slytherin?" McGonagall asked.
" One so far. Malfoy," Hermione said.
McGonagall and Dumbeldore exchanged looks. "We hoped he would."
" He is going to see if any more of his house will join as well. He asked for a few days."
" Excellent. Now we need to discuss a few things," Dumbeldore said. "Tonight, you will be joining Remus in the Dungeon. You two should be able to handle yourself, but if for any reason you need any help, Charlie has agreed to stay down with you. He will also be helping you Harry. We have told him about the power you three hold over animals and he has agreed to help you all. He is down there right now, with Remus waiting."
" We should get down there. I told him I would be there."
" He knows you had to take care of a few things before you came down. Just be patient Mr. Potter." McGonagall said.
" Sorry. I know he was looking forward to having us down there. Hes been really lonely."
" He knows you will be down there Harry." Mrs. Granger said
" Just one more thing then you two can go. We have re-arranged your schedule for this year. We have decided to give you some more down time. The three of you have been working very hard and I can tell it is running you down. It will be no good if you three are to worn out to fight. We still have some fine tuning to do on them, but you will get them tomorrow with everyone else."
" Will we still taking the same classes as you said before?" Hermione asked.
" Most of them." McGonagall stated.
" Also your training with Mad-Eye is coming to an end. You will still be meeting with him, but soon you will be meeting with Charlie, Snape, Remus, and I in the forbidden forest. If this is where the battle will take place, we need to become familiar with it. We can discuss this in more detail when the time is closer. Now, why don't you two head down to the dungeon? Charlie and Remus will be waiting for you."
" Yes sir," Harry said
" You two be careful," Mrs. Granger said, hugging her daughter.
" We will be, mum," she said, pulling away from her.
Mrs. Granger gave Harry a hug as well and whispered, "I know I don't have to say it, but watch out for her."
Harry smiled. " You know I will." he pulled out of the hug and grabbed Hermione hand as they left the office and walked down to the dungeon.
"They will be okay Mrs. Granger. I doubt they will need Charlie down there, but I know it will put you and Mrs. Weasley at ease," McGonagall said.
Mrs. Granger smiled, "I know Hermione is in good hands. Harry will do anything to keep her safe."
"Hes grown into a very good man. His parents would be very proud of him," Dumbeldore said. "Now, Mrs. Granger, has Hermione said anything more about why she hasn't been able to sleep?"
"No. I can tell she is more rested now, but she won't tell me whats wrong. She did say that Harry hasn't' been getting much sleep now. Is there anything we can do to help them?"
"I wish there was Mrs. Granger, but the fact is they will have to figure it out themselves. Harry has a past of not sleeping well, but is always because of dreams, now I think it may be because he is worried about what is going to happen in the final battle or about Hermione not sleeping." Dumbeldore said.
Mrs. Granger sighed.
" I know its frustrating, but soon this will all be over," McGonagall said.
"I for one can't wait. I know I haven't been involved in all this that long, but I must say I am getting tired of it. That horrible man has robbed Harry of his childhood, that is something he can never get back. It's not fair," Mrs. Granger said, fighting back tears.
" We all feel the same way. Harry has had to grow up to fast. As well as Hermione. It's not fair for either, but when this is all over, they won't have to worry about much." McGonagall said
" I know. We are going to go on a long holiday when it is all over. They deserve it. I think I will go back to my room. I am still trying to figure out what I am going to do with Dudley. I don't know how much good I am going to be as a tutor. I haven't been in school in such a long time."
"You will do just fine, Mrs. Granger," Dumbeldore said. "Why don't I get Dobby to take you back to your room. I am afraid it is not safe for you or Dudley to wonder around alone."
" I understand. Thank you all for letting me stay here."
"You are most welcome. Having you around this year will be a good thing. It will give Hermione and Harry the comfort they need. Harry really seems to find comfort in you."
"Hes a wonderful man, I couldn't ask for a better man for my daughter," She said with a smile, remembering the conversation she had with him earlier.
With a loud pop, Dobby appeared in front of Mrs. Granger. "Mrs. Granger, are you ready to have Dobby take you to your room?"
"Oh, well, yes I am. Thank you for taking time to do this."
"No need to thank Dobby! Any friend of Mr. Harry Potter is a friend of mine. I am bound to him for life, not as a servant, but as a friend."
Mrs. Granger smiled and followed the house elf out of the office.
Harry and Hermione made there way down towards the dungeon and quickly as they could without running.
" It will be okay 'Mione. Don't be scared."
" How can I not be. We are spending the night with a werewolf."
" We may be, but don't forget who the werewolf really is. He won't hurt us."
" Harry we don't know that. What if you can't control him, what if he attacks us?"
" My dad and Sirius were with him most of his time at Hogwarts and he never attacked them. Besides, if we do get in trouble, Charlie will be there to help. You know you don't have to do this. Lupin will understand."
" No I want to, I guess its just natural to feel uneasy it."
Harry stopped and pulled Hermione into a hug. " You know, I won't let anything happen to you. I love you."
" I know Harry. I love you too," she said and gently brushed her lips across his. " Now we better get in there and see if you have any control over him."
" Right," Harry said and pushed the door open to the dungeon.
" Harry, Hermione. I was just about to go look for you two."
" Sorry. We sort of got bombarded by students after the feast and then we had to meet with Dumbeldore." Harry said looking across the room to see a large cage holding the now werewolf form of Lupin.
" Its okay. Now I heard about these new powers you all have. I have to say its very exciting and I am glad that I get to help you all out. Lupin was very excited as well, it was all he talked about up to the point where he transformed."
" I just hope that it works. Do you have any idea on how to go about this?"
" I think for now just go up to the bars and just talk to him, let him get use to your voice and you being around. If he responds well to you we can go from there."
" He can't get out of the cage can he?" Hermione asked looking at the snarling werewolf.
" No. Hagrid and Dumbeldore have been working on this cage for years. Even if he does get through the bars, witch I doubt he can there are several barrier spells placed around them as well. He won't be able to get loose." Charlie said as he watched Harry walk up to the cage and kneel down.
" Lupin, it's me Harry. I don't expect you to recognize me, but that's okay. I said I was going to come stay with you and here I am. I just wish I would of though of this last year. You shouldn't have to stay down here alone." He said looking at the werewolf who was starring back at Harry.
" I think he can tell its you. Just keep talking." Charlie urged Harry.
" Hermione is here too. She a little scared, but she is getting pass it." Harry said looking back at Hermione and smiled. "We have loads of students who sighed up for DA. Even Malfoy joined; he is going to help us get more Slytherin to join. I never though he would want to help, but I guess things change." Harry said as he watch the werewolf creep closer to the where Harry was. Harry smiled. " It's working. He knows who I am."
" Wonderful. Now try giving him a few simple commands, like sit or lay down." Charlie said trying to hold back him excitement.
Harry stood up, looked at the werewolf in the eyes, and firmly said, "Sit."
The werewolf looked at Harry with a slight confused look on his face but did what he was told. Harry smiled and again commanded the werewolf " Lay Down" Again the werewolf looked confused but did what he was told.
" Brilliant!" Charlie said walking up behind Harry. " Dumbeldore will be please this worked."
" I can't believe it worked." Harry said looking at the werewolf who was looking up at him as if wondering what he should do next.
"As if you had any doubt." Hermione said wrapping her arm around his waist. " Not 10 minutes ago where you reassuring me that you could do this."
" I know. I guess when I saw him I lost my confidence a bit."
" That's understandable. Now, its getting late, why don't you to get in to your animagus form and join Lupin. Tomorrow night I want you guys to come down right after dinner so we can try this again and see what else we can do." Charlie said looking at Harry with a big smile.
Harry and Hermione both nodded and quickly changed into their animal forums. Charlie quickly opened the door to the cage and Harry and Hermione ran in. Hermione's panther formed looked around the cage with fear in her eyes. She was scared and Harry and Lupin could tell.
* 'Mione its okay. He won't hurt us. *
* Are you sure? *
* Yes. Come over here and lie down with me. Its been a long day. * Harry said, and lay down on the cold floor of the dungeon. Hermione walked over to him and nuzzled down next to him. The werewolf looked at the two in confusion but ignored them, curled up on the opposite side of the cage, and quickly fell asleep.
Harry awoke the next morning to the feeling on someone petting the top of his head.
" Harry its time to get up. You've got to get ready for class." Lupin said.
Harry let out a growl and opened his eyes to see the human form of Lupin kneeling down next to him.
" Lets go Harry. You to Hermione." he said
Harry let out another growl and changed back into his human form. " Its freezing in here" He said and stood up.
" I know. It's hard to tell when you're covered in fur."
Harry smiled at him. " True." he bent down next to Hermione and began stroking her head. " Come on love, we need to get ready for classes."
The panther slowly opened her yellow eyes and yawned. She looked around the room in highly confusion then changed into her human form as well. Harry offered his hand to help her up. " Its freezing in here" she said.
" Hum, there must be an echo in the room." Lupin said with a smile.
Harry put his arms around Hermione in hopes to warm her up. He bent down and kissed her on the check. " Morning."
" Morning. How long have you been up?" Hermione asked as the three left the dungeon.
" Just a few seconds. Lupin just woke me up before I got you up."
Hermione smiled as she remembered last night. " Harry you haven't told him yet."
" What?" Lupin asked
" Do you ever remember anything from the night you are a werewolf?"
" Not really." He said. " So did it work? Do you have control over me?"
Harry smiled "I do. First, I just talked to you, letting you get use to my voice and to get comfortable around me. After a few minutes, we all could tell you knew it was me. So I asked you to sit, and you did. Then I asked you to lie down, and you did. Thetas as far as we got last night. Hermione and I got here kind of late after the feast."
" The is wonderful! We need to go tell Dumbeldore."
" We have to get ready for classes. I am sure Charlie has told him, but why don't you go ahead." Hermione said.
Lupin smiled. " Right. I will see you two later today." he said and walked towards the direction of Dumbeldore's office while Harry and Hermione walked to their dorm
Once they two where showered and dressed they waited in their common room for Ron. After a few minutes of waiting, Ron emerged from his room.
" Ready for breakfast?" Harry asked.
" I didn't think you guys would have waited. Thanks."
" Of course we would wait." Hermione said.
Ron smiled. " So how did last night go?"
" Great!" Harry said as he told Ron about last night.
" Thets bloody brilliant. I can't believe I am going to say this, but I can't wait to go in to the Forrest and tell that bloody spider a thing or two!"
Harry and Herman laughed as they entered the great hall. Ron quickly walked over to the Raveclaw table and gave Luna a kiss on the check before joining the rest of his table. The three talked to their fellow classmates. They were all excited about starting up the DA and all wondering when it was going to start.
" Are you three going to be teaching it?" Dean asked.
" We will be helping, but Lupin and Victor Krum will be doing most of the teaching. I think Tonks, Moody, and Bill will be helping when they are needed." Ron said.
"When is it going to start?" asked a second year.
" I think next week. We haven't decided yet." Hermione told the table.
"How are you all going to teach so many people at once? I think over half the school has sighed up so far." Lavender asked.
"We are going to test everyone and put them in to three or four groups. The groups will met of different nights and I think once a month everyone will met." Harry said. " But that could change."
" Look!" a third year said, pointing to the ceiling, where hundreds and letters came falling down. " Out time tables are here."
" I don't see why they sent us ours. We already know what we are taking." Ron said
" Ron didn't MaGonagall tell you? They changed our schedules." Hermione said, opening her timetable.
" No. When did you all find out?"
"Last night."
"Oh."
" Sorry Ron. We would have told you, but I guess we thought MaGonagall would have told you, or you heard the meeting last night."
" No I didn't hear. Its okay," he said, looking at his timetable. " What do you guys got?" he asked setting his on the table for them to see.
Harry and Hermione set theirs down as well.
" Looks like we have pretty much the same classes." Hermione said
Monday:
No Morning classes
Lunch
Advance DADA
Care for Magical Creatures
Dinner
Training with Moody.
Tuesday:
Double Advanced Charms
Lunch.
Advance DADA
Advance Transfigure
Dinner
DA Meeting
Wednesday:
Training with Moody
Lunch
Advance DADA
Advance Tranfiguration
Dinner
Care for Magical Creatures
Thursday:
No morning classes
Lunch
Advance DADA
Training with Moody
Dinner
DA meeting
Friday:
Advance Double Potions
Lunch
Advance DADA
Harry: Meeting with Dumbeldore
Hermione: training with Madame Pomfrey
Ron: Muggle studies.
Dinner
Saturday:
After lunch training with Moody
After Dinner DA meeting
" This won't be to bad." Harry said.
" I still have to take muggle studies." Ron said glumly.
" It's not that bad, Ron." Hermione said, looking at their new schedule. " I think we should go back to the common room and read some more of the book. Since we don't have class until after lunch."
" Right. Hermione, do any of those books Hagrid left you have anything to do with spiders?" Ron asked.
" Did I just hear right? Did Ron ask for a book?" Hermione asked
" Very funny." Ron said as the three walked back to their common room
" Sorry. I couldn't resist. I think there are some, you are welcome to look around our room and see if you can find one." Hermione said, as they walked into their room.
" I still can't believe you two are sharing a room." Ron said.
" Its not like we aren't doing anything Ron. Just sleeping." Hermione said sounding a little hurt.
Ron shrugged his shoulders and walked into their room.
"'Mione, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," she said, as she sat down at the table and pulled out the book.
" Yes there is. When you said we were just sleeping, I could tell something was wrong. Are you upset that we are just sleeping together and not doing anything more?" he said sitting down next to her.
"I didn't think it would bother me. I was at ease that there wouldn't be any pressure that you wouldn't expect anything." Hermione said trying not to look Harry in the eye. " But now I feel like you don't want to be with me in that way anymore."
Harry scooted his chair closer to her and grabbed her hands in his. " Hermione, I do want to be with you, it's killing me that we aren't. But after Lupin told me about my parents and how they waited it just felt right to me. I want our first time to be special and I can't think of anything more special than making love to you for the first time on our wedding night. I love you so much Hermione. I don't want you to ever think that I don't want you, because I do." he said and kissed her firmly on the lips.
Hermione smiled and pulled away. " Isn't it usually the other way around. The girl wants to wait for the honey moon?"
Harry laughed. " I guess. I'm sorry I am making you wait."
" Don't be." Hermione said, as she ran her hand through his hair. " Harry we've talked about our wedding and wedding night, but never really about actually getting married. How come?"
Harry looked at Hermione. He wanted to ask her, right there and then. But he didn't have the ring. " Ummm... well..." he stammered just as Ron walked back into the room.
" I found four books on spiders, two on unicorns, and one on werewolves. I think this might help us," he said, looking at his two friends. " Did I interrupt something?"
"No." Harry said silently, thanking Ron's perfect timing.
Ron looked suspiciously at his two friends; he could tell they were talking about something. Harry look relieved that Ron was there, but Hermione looked like she was about to kill him.
" Hermione you okay?" he asked setting the books down.
" Fine," she said, grabbing a book from the pile and began reading it.
Ron looked at Harry. " You okay?" he mouthed
Harry shrugged his shoulders and gave him a look saying, 'I'll tell you later'.
The three worked in silence for three hours, only being interrupted when Crookskanks and Fang decided to chase each other around the common room. After they ran rampid for about 10 minutes a very tired Harry and Ron went back to reading.
The rest of the day went smoothly, except Hermione was not talking to Harry. Ron could tell there was tension between the two. During dinner, Ron finally got Harry alone, to talk to him.
" What happened today, mate?" he asked.
"While you were in our room Hermione and I were talking and she brought up us getting married. I don't want her to know that I am planning on asking her yet, but I almost did today. I think she is upset because I didn't get to answer her when she asked me why we don't talk about marriage."
" She asked you that when I walked in right?"
" Right. I didn't get to answer her. I didn't know what to say."
Ron was silent for a minute before he spoke. " Tell her you want to get married and want to ask her, but not until Voldemort is defeated."
Harry smiled. " That's a brilliant idea."
" Go talk to her before we have to met Moody." Ron said
" Do you know where she is?"
" Library probably. She wanted to work on that essay Charlie gave us today. I can't believe we are the only ones in that class."
" I know. Dumbeldore said something about us having to get to know our way around the forbidden forest better. I guess he thought having us be the only ones in Care for Magical Creatures was the best way without anyone getting too suspicious."
" Right. Well go find Hermione. I will see you back in the common room at 7:30."
" Okay." Harry said, leaving the Great Hall and quickly making his way to the library.
Once he was in he began frantically searching for Hermione, he quickly found her in the creature section of the library.
" Hermione." he said "I am sorry about earlier."
Hermione turned and looked at him. "For what?" she said bitterly
"For not talking to you about us getting married. I want to Hermione, you know I do. But, I want to wait until Voldemort is gone before we move in that direction." he said, stepping closer to her. "I love you Hermione. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But not yet. I have to get him out of the way first. He is the only think stopping me from not asking you right now."
Tears were running down Hermione face. "I'm sorry." she whispered. "Its just you didn't say anything after I asked you, and well I though maybe you didn't want to. I should of known better." she said, burying her face in his chest.
" Its okay 'Mione. I should have said something. Don't cry." he said bending down and kissing the top of her head.
Hermione pulled away and smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too. But we need to get going. Maybe if we get there early, Moody will let us leave early. We still have to stay down in the dungeon tonight." Harry said, as he led Hermione towards their common room.
When they got half way there, they were greeted my Moody.
" We were on our way to training," Harry said.
" I know. Tonight I want you two to go to the dungeon and work with Charlie. I am going to be with Ron working on strategies. I have herd he is an amazing chess player and I could use his help."
Harry and Hermione both smiled. " He is amazing. Good night, Sir. Will you be at the DA meeting tomorrow?"
" I will. See you then."
" Good night Sir." The two said as they turned and walked down towards the dungeon.