Thank you all fo the reviews!!! I love them all so much!!! Thank you to my awesome Beta! you rock!! I hope you all enjoy this chapter, next one will be up next weel sometime. I can't give you a certain day, but once a week there should be an update!

The last month and a half of school had been exhausting on the trio. They were now meeting with Charlie in the forbidden forest, instead of meeting with Moody. They were also in full swing with DA meetings. In the first week they started, they sorted all of the students, who had joined, which was over half the school. Draco came through and got 15 Slytherin to join. All were fifth, sixth, seventh years that were placed into the advanced DA group as well as all the previous DA members and a few other seventh year Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. The rest of the students were placed in the appropriate group. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were very pleased with how the meetings were going. Everyone was eager to learn and accepted help when it was needed. There were only a few incidents in the advanced group between Slytherins and Gryffindor students, but was quickly stopped.

Ron was also helping Moody and a few other aurors with strategies and tactical defensiveness. He was doing so well that Moody put him and Victor Krum in charge of a special force team that would be flying above the forest dropping spells on the unsuspecting Death Eaters and dementors. Ron also understood the he would not be in the air the whole time, for he would have to help Harry and Hermione bring down Voldemort in the end.

Hermione was still working with Madame Pomfrey, but was now joined by Luna, Ginny, Lavender, Dennis Creevey, Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, Parvati, and Blaise Zabini. The group met once a week with Madame Pomfrey and learned the basic healing spells as well as any other useful medi-witch training she though would be helpful on the battle field.

The weeks at Hogwarts were rapidly moving. Before Harry knew it, it was two weeks before the Halloween ball, two weeks before he would ask Hermione to be his wife. Harry was sitting in the common room with Ron, playing a game of chess on a Saturday.

"Should we go down the Great Hall and see how they are doing?" Ron asked.

"No, I think we should let them be. I know Hermione was excited about dress shopping with her mum, I would rather let them be," he said.

"True. Its all Luna talked about yesterday. She was really excited that Madame Malkins was coming to the castle with the other shops from Hogsmeade."

"So was Hermione. She wanted to get some new books as well." Harry said, as he watched Ron's knight destroy his bishop.

"Of course she did. She's read all the books Hagrid gave her at least twice by now."

"Thrice." Harry said with a smile. "She's been complaining about not having any new books. I was going to ask Lupin to bring her some, but since Dumbeldore got Flourish and Botts to come over here I won't have to."

"How does she do it all?"

"She doesn't sleep much, and when she does its not very soundly. Always tossing and turning."

Ron could tell Harry was worried about her. He was too. He noticed the bags forming under her eyes and the way she would snap at anyone if they crossed her. "What are you going to do?"

"I don't know. I am making her go to bed early tonight. Even if she doesn't sleep, she needs to relax."

"Is she having bad dreams?"

"I don't know. I can't get into her dreams like I use to. Have you?"

"No. I tried the other night, but I couldn't."

"Its weird." Harry said, standing up from the table and walking over near the window. "Sometimes, I can't even talk to her and one day, I couldn't feel her at all. Its like she's slipping away from me or something."

"I haven't been able to talk to either of you at times. I think we need to read the book a few more times, or talk to Dumbeldore." Ron said, looking at the back of his best friend.

"I talked to him about it a few weeks ago. He didn't have much to say, I've even talked to Lupin, and he didn't know either. I asked her mum to talk to her about it today, see if she is feelings okay and sleeping well."

"I hope she will talk to her about it." Ron said as the door swung open and Ginny, Luna, Mrs. Weasley, Mrs. Granger and Hermione walked into the room. Harry turned and smiled at the five. "Did you all find a dress?" he asked looking at Hermione. He could tell she was tired and looked upset about something. He saw the bags under her eyes, and thought she looked paler that usual. His heart broke.

"Yes," they all said, and walked over to the door where Mrs. Granger and Weasley were staying.

"We will be right back," Luna said. "We are going to keep our dresses over there until the ball."

"What? Can't I see?" Ron said.

"No!" all five said and closed the door behind them. Harry turned and looked at Ron. "Did you see her? She looks so tired, I think she is losing weight too."

"I did see. Harry we've got to do something."

"I know, Ron. I am going to talk to her when she gets back. I can't take this anymore. I'm scared, Ron. I can't lose her, because she's not taking care of her self."

"I know, mate." Ron said, sitting down on the couch, as he opened the book and began reading about the pendants. "I'm going to see if I can find anything else about the pendants, see why they aren't working as well as they use to."

"Thanks." Harry said as he walked into his and Hermione room. He immediately walked over to his father's trunk. He mumbled a few words and the trunk popped open. He dug his hand-downs to the very bottom, pulled out a red, velvet ring box, and smiled. He opened the box and looked down at the ring. It was perfect. A simple gold ban with a small emerald on the top. He smiled when he remembered when Lupin gave it to him a few weeks ago.

* Flashback*

"Harry," Lupin said, one night after a DA meeting. "I have something for you," he said, putting his hands in his robes and pulling out the small box.

Harry's eye lit up with excitement. "Is that the ring?" he said, looking around to make sure Hermione wasn't there.

Lupin smiled. "It is. I just got it today. Sorry it took me so long. I couldn't get away until today."

"Its fine," Harry said eyeing the box. "Can I see it?" Lupin handed him the box; Harry carefully opened the box and smiled. It was perfect. "Thank you," he said.

"Its what your parents wanted. I remember when James and I went to pick it out. He was so excited about it; he looked like a child in a candy store, running around to the different cases until he saw this one. It reminded him of your mother's eyes."

"I would have picked the same thing," he said, closing the box and putting it in this pocket.

*End of Flashback*

Harry sighed and placed the ring back into the trunk, just as Hermione walked in the room.

"There you are," she said, placing her book on a near-by table and walking over to him.

"Yeah, I wanted to let Ron have some time to read the book."

"Oh, how come he's reading it? It's been the same the last few times I've read it."

Harry looked down at Hermione and grabbed her hand. He led her over to their bed and sat down.

"Harry are you okay? You don't look so well."

"I should say the same to you. Whets going on Hermione?"

"What do you mean?" she said

"Your still not sleeping, you hardly eat, you are always on the go. You never take time for yourself. I'm worried about you - so is Ron."

Hermione sighed and rubbed her temples. "Don't worry about it Harry. I'm fine."

"Fine? No you're not Hermione. When was the last time you've slept for eight straight hours? Or had a decent meal? How about taken five minutes to think about your self? Or us? What about us, Hermione? I feel like I never see you, like you are slipping away. What is going on?"

Hermione began to cry. She left all the emotions she had kept bottled insides her for the past months come out. Harry collected her in his lap, held her tightly to him, and gently rocked her back and forth.

"It will be okay, Hermione. Just tell me, what I can do to help you?" he whispered into her ear, as she continued to cry.

* Harry, what's going on? * Ron asked.

* I don't know. She's so sad and scared. * He replied, still rocking Hermione back and forth.

* I know. I can feel her pain. What are we going to do? *

* I don't know Ron. Give us time to talk. I'll let you know what I find out. * Harry said, focusing his attention back to Hermione.

"It's okay love. You can tell me," he cooed into her ear

"I know," she said, as she slowly stopped the tears. Harry held her tightly, until the last tear fell. He brushed it away and kissed her softly on the lips. "I love you," he whispered. "Please tell me what is going on."

Hermione took a deep breath and looked up at him. "I've been having these terrible dreams. At first, it was just at night, but now they come to me all the time. I can't get them out of my head. The voices, Harry. I can't handle them anymore."

"What voices? What are your dreams about? Tell me 'Mione."

"People screaming. At first, I didn't know who was screaming, then one night, I had a dream about... about... Harry, I saw Voldemort kill your parents. It was horrible. I hear their screams all the time."

Harry squeezed her tightly. "Hermione, I am so sorry."

"Harry, it's not your fault. I know Voldemort is doing this to me. I can't block him out. I've tied so hard, but I can't." she said letting more tears fall down her face. " He keeps placing images in my mind. Not just of your parents. I've seen what he did to Neville's parents, and how Percy murdered my father. I saw what he did to Cedric too." she said and began to cry again. "Harry I hear their screams and him laughing- that ear piercing screech. It won't stop," she said, burrowing her head into his chest.

Harry could feel the tears welling in his eyes. He could feel the pain coming from Hermione and it killed him. "It will all be over soon, love." he said and brushed his hands through her hair. "We will find a way to block him out. I won't let him get to you anymore. I don't know what we will do, but I will make it all stop." Harry pulled her closer to him as he moved around the bed, so he was now lying down on his back with her head resting on his chest. "Let's just lay here awhile," Harry said, rubbing comforting circles on her back.

"Sounds good," she said, enjoying the closeness of him. She always felt the safest and most at ease when he was around. She hated that she was pulling away from him, she didn't mean to, but she was so scared. "I'm sorry," she said, in a voice barely about a whisper.

"For what?"

"For not telling you about all of this when it first started happening. I wanted to tell you, but I was scared."

"It's okay. I'm glad you told me now, before you really started to hurt yourself." He said and kissed her cheek. " I love you so much Hermione and I am going to do everything I can to make it all stop."

"I know. Thank you."

"No need to thank me," he said.

The two laid in silence for a few minutes, enjoying being with each other, before Hermione spoke again.

"How do you deal with the voices Harry? I know you have heard them."

"I don't know. They use to come all the time. My parent's screams would haunt my dreams and I would hear them every time a demeanor was around, but they just stopped. I don't know why. Sirius and Cedric's death would play over and over in my mind as well, but they stopped as well. I don't know what to tell you."

"Oh," Hermione said and pulled herself closer to him.

"I'm sorry that didn't help much."

"No it did."

"How?"

"Well it didn't help with how I am going to deal with the voices, but it did help me get to know you more. You never talk about everything that we've been through. I know most of what you've been through, but not all. Now I understand some of the pain he's caused you. I am so sorry."

"It's okay 'Mione. It will all be over soon," he said, letting out a deep breath. "I didn't think you would want to know."

"Someday, I may, but right now, I don't think I could handle it."

"I don't think I could handle telling you. But when you want to know, I will." Hermione scooted up and kiss him on the temple. " I love you so much Harry."

"I love you too," he said and let out a yawn. "I think I am going to take a nap. Will you lay with me?"

"Yes," she said and pulled up the blanket around them and laid her head back on his chest.

Harry lay in bed with his eyes closed for several minutes before sleep took him over.

**** Harry's Dream *****

Harry found himself standing in the middle of the Quidditch Pitch with his Firebolt on hand. He looked around the pitch to find it deserted. He walked across the pitch until he was in the middle of it. He could feel someone else there, but couldn't see them.

"Hello?" he called. No answer.

"I know someone is out there," he said, beginning to search for his wand. "It's not there," he heard a man say.

Harry spun around to see where the voice came from. But still, no one was there.

"Where are you? Who are you?" he said, as he heard foot steps behind in.

"I'm right behind you, son," James Potter said

Harry turned about quickly and locked eyes with man who looked just like him, but with hazel eyes. Harry dropped his broom, ran towards the man, and was engulfed into a hug.

"I knew you would come see me. Mum said you would and you did," Harry said, holding on tightly to his dad.

"Your mum never lies," he said. James pulled out of the hug and looked at his son. "Merlin, you do look just like me, mind the eyes," he said.

"I get it all the time." Harry said with a smile. For the first time in his life, he understood how much he did look like his dad.

James pulled his son into another tight hug, letting go several minutes later. "I've miss you, son," he said.

"Me too, dad," Harry said, wiping a few tears away from his eyes. " I love you."

James smiled. "I love you too, son. Now, don't get all sappy on me. I can't handle it when people cry."

Harry laughed. "Neither can I."

"You did good today."

"What? You saw?"

James smiled. "I did. Your mum, Sirius, and I check up on you every now and then."

"Really? How is Sirius? I miss him."

"He's good. He will visit you soon." Harry smiled.

James smiled and a broom appeared in his hand. "Let's go for a ride, Harry. I've wanted to do this with you since you were born."

Harry smiled and picked up his broom. "Lupin told me about our first time flying."

James laughed. "Your mum was so mad at me, but it was one of the happiest days in my life. Flying with my son," he said, as he mounted his broom and took off towards the sky.

Harry followed suit and soon the two were flying in and out of the goal post. The two were so absorbed in flying they did not notice the two women sitting in the stands, watching them with huge smiles on their faces.

***** Hermione's Dream******

Hermione didn't know when she fell asleep, but she didn't mind. She knew she needed the sleep and knew that with Harry next to her, she would be safe. Hermione looked around and noticed she was in the stands of the Quidditch Pitch. She looked down at the field and saw Harry standing down there alone.

"Harry!" she yelled. But, he didn't turn around.

"He can't hear you, dear," Lily Potter said, sitting next to her.

Hermione looked around and smiled. "Hello, Mrs. Potter."

"Hermione, dear, I've asked you to call me Lily."

"I know. I just don't feel right calling you that, yet."

Lily smiled as she saw James walk across the field towards Harry.

"Who is that?" Hermione asked.

"James," she said and watched Harry run into his father's arm.

Hermione and Lilly both let silent tears fall down their faces as they watched the father and son embrace for the first time in 16 years.

"Why am I here? I've haven't had a dream with you for a long time."

"I know. I wanted you to see Harry with his James. And to talk to you."

"Oh," Hermione said, as she watched Harry and James laugh with each other.

"I know you've been hearing James and I the night we were murdered and others. These images are not meant for you. Voldemort has been placing them in Harry's mind to try to weaken him, but you are taking on the images instead."

"Why me?"

"Because of your connection with him and the pendants," Lilly said, placing her hand around the pendant. "This is a very powerful item, the three of you have."

Hermione looked down at the pendant in Lily's hand. "It's not working very well lately. I can't communicate with Harry or Ron any more. And I still haven't been able to control the unicorns thoughts."

"Hermione, dear, you need to stop worrying so much. You have too much going on in your head right now," she said, tapping her index finger on the middle of Hermione's forehead.

"I can't help it. There is so much going on and so much to prepare for."

"You are ready for it. So are Harry and Ron. You just need to relax some. Don't get so frustrated if things aren't working out so well right now, they will in the end."

"How do you know?"

Lily smiled. "Harry didn't tell you I am a seer."

"No. I don't really believe in all of the stuff."

"I know you don't. I didn't at first either. I had a vision when I was still on school about the defeat of Voldemort. Harry did it. He did have help, I didn't know who at first, but the day James and I saw you and Ron with Harry, I knew it would be the three of you."

"You saw us? Does that mean you look in on us?"

"Of course. So does your father. He is a wonderful man," Lily said, watching her husband and son fly around the pitch, chasing each other.

"He's up there with you?" Hermione said, feeling the tears in her eyes.

"He is. He's very proud of you, Hermione. He knows how much you love him," she said, taking hold of her hand and giving it a squeeze.

"I miss him so much. I wish I could have said good-bye to him, once more. To hug him, once more, even to hear him laugh again."

"I know, dear. You will be with him again, but not for a long time," she said, with a smile.

Hermione smiled at her and looked over at Harry and James who where now both racing over to them. *** Harry's Dream ***

Harry never felt so alive and free. He always loved to fly, but flying with his father was different. He never thought he would be able to, but now that he was, he never wanted to stop. He looked around the pitch and saw his father hovering over one of the goal post looking over at the stands. Harry quickly flew over next to him.

"What are you looking at, Dad?" he asked.

James smiled. "It looks like we have company," he said, pointing at the two figures sitting on the bench.

"Who is this?" Harry asked, squinting his eye to get a better look.

"I believe it would be mum and Hermione."

"MUM? HERMIONE? How? Let's go see them!"

"Wait, Harry. They need to talk."

"About?"

"I don't know. Every now and then, Hermione calls for Lily in her dreams. Lily won't say what it is about."

"Really?" Harry said, wondering why Hermione never told him about this.

"She never told you either?"

"No. This is the first I've heard about it."

"Well, I am sure Hermione will tell you about it when she is ready."

Harry smiled. "I hope so. She's been through a lot, this year."

"I know. Mr.Granger is a good man. He didn't deserve to die."

"No. Is he up there with you and mum?"

"He is. He is very proud of you, Harry. He was so happy when you asked Elizabeth if you could marry Hermione."

"He approves?"

"He does. He asked me to tell you that. He said he would be proud to have you as a son."

Harry smiled. "I'm going to ask her on Halloween. I have mum's engagement ring."

"I know. Lupin got it a few weeks ago. I was surprised he remembered where it was."

"Where was it?"

James smiled and waggled his eyebrows at his son. "You will have to wait and see," as James took off in the direction on Hermione and Lily.

"Hey! Wait!" Harry said, and zoomed after his father.

Soon he caught up to his father, zoomed pass him, and landed next to his mum.

"Mum!" he said, and grabbed her in a hug.

"Harry!" she said, and squeezed him tightly. Soon, Harry could feel his father's arms around him as well. The three stood there for a long time, holding each other tightly, until Harry pulled away and grabbed Hermione. "You belong in here, too," he said and soon, all four were enveloped in a hug.

Slowly, the four pulled away and sat down on the bench.

"I can't believe you are both here," Harry said, smiling at his parents.

"We won't be much longer, Harry. But we wanted to see you and Hermione together," James said, smiling at the two.

"Oh! Dad, I want you to meet Hermione. Hermione, this is my dad," Harry said, with a huge smile. James stood up and pulled Hermione into a hug.

"Take care of my boy for me. He will need your love," he whispered into her ear.

"I will, Mr. Potter," she said and pulled away.

James smiled. " I always wanted a daughter," he said and kissed Hermione on the cheek.

Hermione blushed as she sat back down, next to Harry.

Harry looked at her and smiled. "I would introduce you to my mum as well, but it seems you already know her."

"I do. We can talk about that later," she said.

"Harry. Hermione," Lily said, grabbing both their hands in hers. "We have to go now, but I want you two to remember something. We will be there with you in the end. We love you both very much and will help you bring down Voldemort."

"Sirius will be there as well. And your dad, Hermione. We will all be there fighting along side you." Hermione eyes swelled with tears again when James mentioned her father. "He loves you very much Hermione. He is very proud of everything that you have done and will do," James said.

"He wants you to tell your mum that it is okay to love again. He knows she will always love him, but he wants her to be happy," Lily said.

"I don't know what that means, but maybe she will," Hermione said.

Lily and James rose from the bench. "We have to go now. Tell Lupin something for us. Tell him it's time. He will know what we mean by it."

"No. Not yet," Harry pleaded and hugged both of his parents. "I love you," he said into each parent's ear.

"We love you too, Harry. Remember that. We will always love you," James said, pulling him and Hermione into another embrace.

"We love you too, Hermione, just like our daughter. We couldn't have picked a better woman for our son," Lily said, giving her a kiss on the check.

"I love you!" Harry said, as he felt both his parents disappear.