I want to thank everyone for the reviews and those who offered to be my new beta. I ever expected that much of a response! A lot of people wanted to know what a beta is, its a person who reads chapters for writers and fixes grammar and spelling. They are wonderful people and I advise anyone who is writing to get one, they really do help. Thank you to my new beta! You did a wonderful job! I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Just to let you all know part two is almost done, but there will be a part three. Enjoy!
"What is it?" Harry asked moving over to the other side of the table to read what Hermione had found.
Hermione slide the piece of parchment to Harry.
"Does this make sense to you? I mean did I really find something that will help us?" she asked
Harry quickly read the paper and could not believe what he saw, so he read it again and again. "I cannot believe it!" he said and sunk down in the chair.
"What is it?" asked Ron impatiently.
Harry slid the paper over to Ron, who read it over a few times and had the same reaction as Harry.
"Merlin," he whispered shocked and also leaned back in his chair.
"So, do you think it will work?" Hermione asked eagerly.
"I think it will," Harry said and ran his hands thorough his unruly black hair.
"Thank Merlin for Luna and her bizarre reading habits. Next time I see her I've got to kiss her senseless." Ron said smiling.
"Not if I get to her first," Harry said with a grin.
Hermione shot him one of her infamous glares.
"Not if you want to see your next birthday, you won't."
Harry leaned over and kissed Hermione firmly on the lips.
"I can count on a lot more birthdays because of you," he said. "I think that we will have to try it tonight, after dinner."
"In the Astronomy tower," Hermione added. "I think it would be best if we did this outside."
"So what all do we need?" Ron asked looking at the piece of paper again.
"Well from what I can understand, we each will need to bring our wands and I think that is it," she said.
"Then what?" Harry asked.
"Well, then we sit in a circle with out wands in front of us, tips pointing towards each other, and say this chant." Hermione said in her know-it-all tone.
"It seems so simple." Ron added astounded at the uncomplicatedness of the plan.
"It may seem so, unfortunately we have to keep complete concentration, but for how long, I don't know. We have to be completely relaxed and let nothing else intrude our minds for this to work properly. And if it works, we will be protected from any outside intruders. No one will be able to hurt us mentally, possibly even physically." she finished with a small smile. She knew that if she had it her way, they would leave right now, since the voices were getting louder and becoming more frequent.
"Do we really know that it can protect us from others?" Ron asked. "I mean we really don't know if this is really something or if it is just a bunch of gibberish you found."
"He's right," Harry added. "But Ron, I have faith that what Hermione found will help us. We have to find a way to get him out of our heads, or at least Hermione's." Harry said looking at Hermione, smiling reassuringly at her.
The three were silent for a while, unsure of how to comprehend everything and what to say.
"I am really sorry about earlier today. I didn't mean to get so upset," Hermione said quietly. She knew it was still bothering Harry and they all needed to clear it up so they could concentrate on tonight.
"Me too, mate," Ron added. "Hermione and I will never fight like that again."
Harry just laughed. "Neither of you would be who you are if you didn't fight, just try to pick a better place and time." he said and pulled Hermione onto his lap. Hermione placed her hand on the side of his face and lowered her head towards his.
"I love you so much Harry." she whispered and placed her lips to his. Harry's grip around her waist tightened as he pulled her closer to him and deepened the kiss. The two where lost in there own world for several long blissful moments until Ron cleared his throat.
"Hey now! There is someone else in the room!" he said and stood up from the table as his two friends reluctantly pulled away from each other. "And besides it's time for dinner."
Harry and Hermione smiled and each other and turned to Ron.
"Sorry mate" Harry said.
"I'm used to it, but we do have to get down there." Ron said bending down to pet Fang gently on his head.
"He's right, if we don't go people will think we are hiding from them," Hermione said as she climbed off Harry lap.
"I know," Harry said and got up from the chair and clasped his hand with Hermione. "After dinner we should hold a short meeting with everyone who will be fighting with us. I should talk to them now."
"Good idea, I want to talk to a few of them as well. Victor and I have chosen a few of them to join us in the air." Ron said with a nervous smile.
"That's a good idea," Hermione said. "May I use Hedwig to owl Professor Dumbledore?" she asked.
"Of course, you don't have to ask to use her." Harry said as he stepped over Fang who was thumping his tail loudly on the floor. Harry looked down and smiled at him. "After the meeting lets get what we need and go up to the Astronomy tower and see if what Hermione found out will work," he said as the three walked out of their common room.
"Harry and I will go up to the owlery then met you in the Great Hall for dinner." Hermione said grabbing Harry's hand and running off towards the owlery.
Hermione and Harry burst through the owlery door. "Hermione what is the rush?" he asked as Hermione shoved him up against the wall. "Herm..." he said and she crashed her lips to his. Harry's arm immediately went around her waist and he pulled her flush against him. Hermione let out a small moan when she felt Harry's body against hers. Harry hand began to travel up her back and his and grabbed her hair and pulled her even closer to him.
Hermione pulled away and Harry let out a growl. "Harry." Hermione said breathlessly. "We need to get down there." she said as Harry placed kisses along her jaw line and down her neck.
"No way." Harry said and made his way down to her collarbone.
"Harry" she said and pulled away from him.
He let out another growl and tightened his grip around her waist and brought his lips back down to hers just as Hermione pulled away again.
"Sorry Harry. We really do need to get down there." she said and ran her hands through is silky black hair and managed to squirm out of his grasp. She made her way over to Hedwig. She tied the letter to her leg and set her on her way.
"Hermione," Harry said breathlessly.
She turned around to look at him, she gave him a soft smile and walked back over to him and placed a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth. "We can finish this later." she whispered.
"Hermione!" Harry said as she walked out of the room. Harry ran to catch up to her.
Hermione turned around and gave him a smile. "Sorry to cut that so short Harry, but we really do need to get down for dinner." she said and leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
Harry smiled. "You're killing me here. How am I suppose to concentrate tonight with what you are doing to me," he said and placed a kiss on her neck.
"You're doing the same to me." she said giggling as Harry's kisses made its way farther down her neck.
Hermione let out another moan as Harry reached under her jumper and found her smooth skin.
"Harry!" she gasped. "We are in the middle of the hallway!" she breathed as Harry's hands continued to move on her skin.
"Everyone is in the Great Hall," he murmured as he placed his lips on her ear lobe.
"Not everyone," a very annoyed Professor Snape said from behind the two. "20 points from each of you for this indecent activity you two are engaged in." he said as the two pulled apart. "You would think that head boy and girl would know how to act in public." he remarked as he watched the two make an attempt to make themselves look semi-presentable.
"Sorry sir," Hermione mumbled as she brushed her bushy mane of hair out of her face and attempted to flatten it. Snape looked at the two in disgust and continue his way to the Great Hall with a very embarrassed Harry and Hermione following.
"I can't believe we just got caught snogging in the hall way!" Hermione said over the mental link.
"I know. Sorry love, I should have listened to you."
Hermione smiled. "Its okay, plus it is nice to know that I have that affect on you."
Harry smiled back at her. "You have no idea what kind of affect you have on me." he said and grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Snape caught you snogging!" Ron added with a laugh "That's priceless!" he continued to laugh.
"He caught you and Luna just last week in a empty classroom!" Harry added as he and Hermione entered the Great Hall and joined their fellow classmates.
The two quickly joined Ron at the table just as the food appeared in front of them.
"Dumbledore announced the meetings for us," Ron said in-between bits of his chicken. "I think he may want to talk to us after the meeting, he gave me a funny look when Hedwig flew in."
"I told him about what we are planning to do after the meeting," Hermione said taking a drink of her pumpkin juice. "I though it would be best to let him know, in-case something happens."
"Good plan," Harry said.
The three continued to talk with each other and their fellow classmates until dinner was done.
"Students," Dumbledore said standing up from his chair. "I would like to dismiss all students who will not be helping us in the battle against Voldemort." he said as he watched about half of the school leave the Great Hall.
Dumbledore placed several silencing charms on the Great Hall and turned to Harry.
"I believe Mr. Potter would like to address you all, however, I do ask for you all to be silent while he is talking." he said and signaled for Harry to step forward.
Harry slowly made his way up to the front of the Great Hall and stood looking at his fellow classmates. He smiled at them, placed his wand near his throat and mumbled a spell to louder his voice and began to speech.
"First I would like to thank you all for choosing to help. What you all have decided to do is very noble and will not go unnoticed. We are all fighting for our lives, and the lives of so many other people wizards and muggles," he said and scanned the room. His eyes landed on the Slytherin table to see only a few left. "It took a lot of courage for some of you to step forward and do the right thing," he said locking eyes on Malfoy's for a brief moment before scanning the rest of the room. "I would like to apologize for what happen during lunch. I did make my will this afternoon, but I did not do it because I don't think I will make it, but as a precaution. I did not attend for anyone to know about it but a few people," he said looking at Hermione and Ron. "Please don't think that I don't have confidence in our ability to defeat Voldemort." he said as his class mates gasped at the name. "I know we can do it. We are all capable of being great; we just have to realize it. I hope you all will." he said and walked back down to join Hermione and Ron.
The Great Hall erupted in clapping and cheering. Dumbledore gave a small smile to Harry.
"I believe Mr. Weasley has a something he would like to discuss with you all as well." he said as Ron made his way up to where Harry was just standing. Ron placed his wand near his throat just like Harry and mumbled a spell to make his voice louder as well.
"Well...." he said nervously. "Harry is right, we all have the ability to be great." he said and shifted his eyes nervously around the room. He was extremely nervous, he never talked to this many people before. His eyes locked with Luna a she gave him a encouraging smile that gave him the strength to go on.
"I have been working with Victor Krum and a few Aurors and we have devised special flying force," he said, pausing as the students began to talk amongst their selves with excitement about Ron's news. "Victor and I have chosen a few of you to serve with us, I would like to talk to Draco Malfoy, Seamus Finnigan, Terry Boot, Justin Flinch-Fletchley, Abby Smalls, and Katherine Grant," he paused and looked around at each person whom he named, most had big smiles on their face and where being congratulated by their fellow classmates. "I would like to congratulate those who we have chosen, we may be adding a few more of you next week, but for now the list is final. Do not feel bad if you where not chosen, you all are going to be playing a very important part in the up coming battle. In the next few weeks you all will be split up into several groups. Each group will have four leaders, two students and two Aurors. We will let you know your who is in your groups soon," he said looking at Harry and Hermione who where both shocked by Ron's new found confidence of talking in front of the large group of student and his ability to give orders out.
"During the battle if any of you come across trouble there will be a safe house. You all know where Hagrid's hut is, that will be used as a portkey that will take you directly to Madame Pomfrey. If at anytime you need to leave the battle field do not hesitate to use the portkey. If for any reason you are not able to make it to the portkey send up a red spark and someone will come to your aide," he said and demonstrated by shooting a set of red sparks in the air followed by a house elf instantly appearing.
"Does Mr. Weasley need any help?" the house elf asked.
"No. I was just showing the students about our deal, you are free to go back to the kitchen," he said and the house elf disappeared. Ron turned to the students again and gave Hermione a smile.
"We have made a deal with the house elves. They will be helping us in the battle, several will be in the castle helping Madam Pomfrey in any way, several will be in Hagrid's hut to help students, but most will be out in the battle field with us," he said as he looked at Hermione, he knew he would be bombarded with question when this was over.
"That is all I have for now, if you have any questions about what I have just told you I will be free to answer them tomorrow. Now I would like to speak with those people I mention earlier," he said and walked over to the door behind the staff table and allowed the members of his flying team in.
Dumbledore rose from his seat.
"I must remind you all to not discus any of this matter with fellow students. I advise you to know speak of any of this at all," he said scanning the room at his students. "You are all dismissed," he said as the many of the students began leaving all talking excitedly about what has just been told. Harry and Hermione sat at the table shocked about what Ron had said.
"I didn't know he got the house elves to help," Harry said surprised.
"I know. It's wonderful that he did, I can't believe it!" Hermione said "I wonder how he got them to," she wondered as Ron and the rest of the flying team came back into the Great Hall.
"I still think Harry should be with us as well," Seamus said to Ron as the walked by Harry and Hermione.
"I know," Ron said. "But Harry is needed down on the ground, where I will be too. I already explained to you why. So don't push it," Ron said sitting down next to the two.
"Okay Ron," Seamus said and walked out of the Great Hall.
"I'm not flying, Weasley," Malfoy said passing the table. "I want to be down on the ground with the rest of you. Find someone else to fly."
"I will," Ron said. "Just think about it okay? You are one of the better flyers in the school. We could use you up there."
Draco smirked at Ron. "I know," he said. "However, I do have a score to settle with my father and I am not going to let anyone take care of it for me," he said and sauntered out of the Great Hall.
"He's right," Harry said. "You may need him up there, but we need him more down with us."
"He's as good as Harry when it comes to Defense Against the Dark Arts, plus he has really helped us in the DA," Hermione said. She could tell Ron was upset and knew the subject needed to be changed. "You were amazing Ron! It was like a whole new person up there, I've never seen you so leader-like before." She said to Ron.
"It's what I had to do, I was terrified up there," Ron said, still upset that he had to find a new person, but knew that Malfoy was right.
"You did great mate," Harry said giving him a warm smile.
"Your friends are quite right Mr. Weasley, you did extremely well up there tonight," Dumbledore said approaching the three.
"Thank you sir," Ron said blushing again.
"Thank you Miss Granger for the owl, I am glad that you decided to come to me about what you have found," Dumbledore said taking a seat next to Ron. "Can I see what you have found?" he asked.
"Yes sir," Hermione said reaching into her robe and pulling out the piece of parchment with the phrase she found earlier on it.
Dumbledore read the phrase several times before responding.
"It appears that this may work," he said placing the parchment on the table. "You three must be very careful in doing this tonight, since your minds will become extremely vulnerable while doing this."
"That's what I thought, is there a way you can protect the astronomy tower while we do this? Harry asked.
"I think there is. I will place it on the Tower for you."
"Thank you sir," Harry said.
"You are most welcome, but I must ask why do you three feel you need to place this protection on yourselves?" Dumbledore asked curiously. The three looked at each before Hermione began to tell the headmaster about the dreams and voices she has been hearing, about the dream with Harry's parents, and this morning when the three came to the conclusion that Voldemort was manipulating her.
"I see," Dumbledore said after a moment. "I do wish you would of told me about this when it first started happening," he said looking at the Hermione and Harry. "But I understand why you didn't. I believe what Miss Granger has found today will help you all, now why don't you three get what you need and head up to the tower. I will place several charms over the tower to protect you, do not begin until ten o'clock tonight. That will give you all about 45 minutes to prepare," he said standing up from the table.
"We should get some warm clothes on and grab some blankets and cushions before we go up there," Hermione said
The trio quickly left the Great Hall and silently made their way up to their rooms. Harry muttered the password and let his two friends in after him. Harry and Hermione went into their room while Ron went to his. The three returned to the common room several minutes later wearing several layers of clothing and carrying blankets and cushions.
"How long do you think this will take?" Ron asked sitting down on the couch.
"Who knows," Harry said as he sat down on the floor next to Fang and began rubbing his belly.
"Ron, how did you get the house elves to help?" Hermione asked sitting next to Harry on the floor.
"I didn't have to," he said and shrugged his shoulders. "I was in the kitchen one night and Dobby came up to me and told me that they all wanted to help. I talked to both Dumbledore and Tonks and together we came up with a plan."
"I think its great that they are helping us. You should have seen Dobby blast Lucius at the end of second year, it was bloody brilliant!" Harry said with a smile as he remembered how far Lucius had flown.
"How did you come up with using Hagrid's Hut as a portkey?" Hermione asked still thinking about the house elves and how they where going to help.
"Oh, that was Ginny's idea. The day I learned Hagrid left it to me I went down there with Ginny and we started talking and she mention how it would be good to use a safe house during the battle. We talked to Moody and we came up with the idea of using it as a portkey," Ron said shifting in his seat slightly. "A few house elves will be in there to make sure only our side will have access to it, and they will have the portkey for students and others to use. It will also have a steady supply of food and medicine."
"It's a brilliant idea Ron," Harry said with a smile.
"It really is Ron. You really did surpass me on how you acted today. I am really proud of you," Hermione said beaming at her best friend. Ron turned a bright shade of red.
"It's what I can do." he said and checked his watch. "We should get going, it's almost ten," he said getting up from the couch as Harry shrunk his, Ron's, and Hermione's blankets and cushions.
The trio walked up to the astronomy tower in silence. Harry and Hermione walked hand in hand, with Ron walking on the other side of Hermione. They could each feel the others apprehension and excitement through the link about what the outcome of the protection ceremony would unfold. Would it really help Hermione? Would it protect them against Voldemort's attacks both physically and mentally?
The three slowly made their way up the windy stairs to the astronomy tower once out there they were greeted by the rapidly falling snow and the crisp night air.
Ron tightened his cloak around him and said "Bloody hell! How are we suppose to concentrate with all this snow?!" Harry pulled out the blankets and cushions and enlarged them back to normal size. Hermione rolled her eyes at him and took out her wand.
"Honestly Ron! Don't you even pay attention in class?" she said. Hermione muttered a charm and soon there was no longer snow falling on them. She turned around and ignited a small fired in the middle of the tower. "We can sit around this." she said with a smile placed her cushion in front of the fire.
Harry smiled at her then looked at Ron. "You really should pay attention, she won't always be there to get us out of trouble." he said and placed his cushion near Hermione's.
Ron glared at his two best friends before placing his cushion across from Hermione's.
"We still have ten minutes before we can start. Why don't I run you two through some occlumency exercises Dumbledore taught me," Harry said looking at them both. The two nodded their heads and awaited instructions.
"Alright then, close you eyes," He said shutting his. "Take a few deep breaths, in...and out.... Now I want you to clear your mind. Forget about everything. Forget about school, Quidditch, Luna, Voldemort, everything. Concentrate on nothing," he said as his mind slowly began to clear. "Don't forget to breathe," he added as he heard both Ron and Hermione take a few deep breaths.
The three were silent for a very long time, each clearing their minds. For once in the last year neither though about the upcoming events, about what they were expected to do. They all concentrated on nothing, and they all loved it.
"Ms. Granger, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore said from the entrance of the tower "It is time to start," he said as the three opened their eyes and stared at the headmaster. "You three will be protected up here, take as much time as you need, the longer the better. The tower will be blocked until you are done," he said with a smile and left.
"Take out your wands," Hermione said. Harry and Ron obeyed Hermione, both pulling out there wands. "After we say the first part of the spell place the wand in front of you, tip facing the fire. Then we each say our parts, then say the last part together. After that we should be in a sort of trance for a while," Hermione said taking a deep breath.
"It's going to be okay," Harry said placing his hand on her knee. "Don't worry."
Ron smiled at his two best friends.
"Let's get started." he said.
The other two nodded and they began the first past of the spell
"Achlesa ni chan 'r 'n anadnabyddus adwyth , achlesa ni chan ourselves. Cadw 'n brydiau rhyddha chan boeni , a 'n bennau llonaid chan adnabyddiaeth," they said in unison. They all placed their wands in front of the fire as Hermione instructed.
"Achlesa ni chan 'r 'n anadnabyddus adwyth , achlesa ni chan ourselves. Cadw 'n brydiau rhyddha chan boeni , a 'n bennau llonaid chan adnabyddiaeth. Cadw ddod chyrff 'n chwim , a i maes brydiau 'n chwim. Protecs 'n caredig hunau a thoese i mewn angen ," Ron said.
When he said the last word his pendant began to glow a bright blue, shooting a stream of it over to Hermione's pendant.
"Achlesa ni chan 'r 'n anadnabyddus adwyth , achlesa ni chan ourselves. Cadw 'n brydiau rhyddha chan boeni , a 'n bennau llonaid chan adnabyddiaeth. Achlesa 'r hunau. caea atom. Chyfnertha ourselves ni chyfnertha others , achlesa ni chan ourselves," Hermione said.
Like Ron's pendant, Hermione's began to glow as well, only green. The stream of light shot out of hers and hit Harry's pendant.
"Achlesa ni chan 'r 'n anadnabyddus adwyth , achlesa ni chan ourselves. Cadw 'n brydiau rhyddha chan boeni , a 'n bennau llonaid chan adnabyddiaeth. Cadw 'n brydiau llonaid ai cara a 'n brydiau rhyddha chan boeni. Achlesa 'n caredig hunau chlosia ni a 'r hunau y tu hwnt I," Harry said as a red light shot out of his pendant and into Ron's.
"Achlesa ni chan 'r 'n anadnabyddus adwyth , achlesa ni chan ourselves. Cadw 'n brydiau rhyddha chan boeni , a 'n bennau llonaid chan adnabyddiaeth. Achlesa ni a hynny afaelwn caea at 'n brydiau. Achlesa ni chan 'r 'n anadnabyddus adwyth , achlesa ni chan ourselves. Cadw i maes brydiau rhyddha chan boeni a 'n bennau llonaid chan adnabyddiaeth," They all finished in unison.
The three streams of light disconnected themselves from each other and began to swirl around the three before they began to from a multi-colored dome around the trio. The multi-colored dome became bigger and bigger until it engulfed the entire school, moving through the Quidditch pitch, over Hagrid's hut, and making its way into the Forbidden Forest, stopping several meters in front of Voldemort's hideout. The trio slumped to the ground of the tower and slipped into a deep unconsciousness.
Three days passed before Ron began to stir awake. He slowly opened his eyes and looked around at his surroundings. He was no longer in the Astronomy tower, but in the hospital wing. He looked to his left and saw Harry lying on the bed next to him, Hermione was laying in the bed on his other side; he looked to his left and saw Luna sound asleep by his side.
'She looks like an angel,' Ron thought, 'she even has a slight blue tint to her that makes her look like she is glowing,' but Ron said shocked, but he shook it off as his groggy eye sight. He looked down at his hand and noticed it was entwined with hers. He gave it a tight squeeze in hopes it would awake her.
Luna began to stir in her sleep. She opened her eyes to see Ron looking down at her.
"Ron!" she yelled and climbed on the bed next to him. "You're awake! You had us so worried!" she said wrapping her arms tightly around him.
"How long have I been out?" he asked taking in her wonderfully weird scent of peppermint and sage.
"Three days. Dumbledore found the three of you unconscious yesterday afternoon in the astronomy tower. What where you doing up there?" she said curiously.
Ron looked nervously around the room. "I really don't know if I should say yet."
Luna frowned at him, "I hate all the secrets we have between each other Ron! I wish you would just be honest with me," she said and pulled away from him and returned to her seat next to him.
Ron groaned and rubbed his hands over his face. "I want to tell you Luna. I really, but it's for the best that I don't tell you it all now." he said
"I still don't see why I can't know, I'm your girlfriend Ron! Not some stranger!" she yelled.
"I know!" he yelled back just as Madame Pomfrey walked into the room.
"Mr. Weasley!" she scolded. "This is not the time or place for a yelling match!" she said and walked over to his side of the bed and began to examine him.
"You seem to be just fine Mr. Weasley. I will let Albus know you are awake. I know he is anxious to speak with you. After that you may leave," she said and walked over to Harry and Hermione beds and began to examine them.
"Are they okay?" he asked
"I believe so, they are just tired like you. The three of you used a lot of magic the other night. I am amazed you are up already."
"Oh," Ron said looking at his two best friends. Ron watched at Madam Pomfrey walked out of the hospital wing. He turned to look at Luna who was now glaring at him.
"Luna," he said. "Let me talk with Dumbledore and find out exactly what happened, then I will tell you what went on."
"Really?" she asked.
"Really."
"You will answer anything I ask? I mean you have been pretty secretive this year," she said running her hands thorough his hair.
"I will. Its time I was completly honest with you," he said.
Luna leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
"I am going to go let Ginny and your parents know you are up. They've been worried sick about you."
"Thank you," he said.
"We will meet you in your common room," she said and walked out of the hospital wing.
"You did a good thing," a voice said.
Ron jerked his head around to see Harry and Hermione curled up on Harry's bed together.
"How long have you two been up?" he asked smiling at his two friends.
"We woke up just after Madame Pomfrey left," Hermione said snuggling closer to Harry.
"Oh," Ron said quietly.
"Tell her," Hermione said, "I think its time you let her know."
"I know, but what if it makes her a target? I don't want her to get hurt,"
"She is already involved Ron. Besides that protection spell we did may protect her as well," Harry said running his hands up and down Hermione's arms.
"Harry's right. I know what most of it says. Part of it asked to protect our loved ones," Hermione said with a slight giggle as Harry's hands had found a ticklish spot on her stomach.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger. I did not know you where awake as well," Professor Dumbledore said entering the room.
"We just awoke," Hermione said pulling away from Harry slightly.
"As you were Miss Granger. You and Mr. Potter are doing nothing wrong," he said with a twinkle in his eye as he watched her sink back into Harry's embrace.
Hermione blushed slightly. "So do you know if the spell I found worked?" she asked
"It did indeed Miss. Granger," he said with a smile. "Far better than we could have hoped for. It seems that you three have placed extra protection around the school as well as protection around each student who will be helping you in the battle, and extra protection around your loved ones."
"How do you know it worked?" Harry asked
"You three will notice that some students will have an odd glow about them," he stated.
"An odd glow?" Hermione asked.
"Luna," Ron whispered, "When I woke up she had a kind of blue glow to her. I though it was just my eyes playing tricks on me."
"No Mr. Weasley it was not your eyes," the headmaster said kindly.
"Did you say blue?" Hermione asked looking at Ron, who nodded his head up and down. "The light that shot out your pendant was blue."
"That it was. Hermione's was green and mine was red." Harry said tightening his grip around Hermione's waist. "So out loved ones will be glowing with that color," he said and looked down at Hermione and noticed that her hair was slightly a reddish color. Harry smiled.
Hermione looked up at Harry and noticed his eyes where even brighter than usual.
"Harry your eyes!" she said pulling his glasses off.
"What?" he asked sounding a little frantic. "Whats wrong with them?"
"Nothing," she said and brushed some of his hair away form his eyes. "It's just that I've never seen then seen them so bright before."
Harry let out a sigh of relief. "Don't scare me like that, I though you where going to say they are red or something."
"No, Mr. Potter, they are fine, but I believe they are brighter because of Hermione's protection on you, just like Miss Granger's hair has a red tint, and Mr. Weasley's freckles stand out more." Dumbledore said pointing out the physical aspects of each that have changed.
"Will they stay like that?" Ron asked frantically looking at his arm where his usual subtle freckles where now dark brown.
"I do not know," Dumbledore responded. "I am not sure if anyone else will see the changes, except the three of you and me."
"So, we will just see people walking around with a glow to then?" Ron asked.
"I believe so," Dumbledore responded. "I must go now, you three are free to leave now and are expected back in your classes tomorrow," he said and walked across the room and out the door.
The trio got up from their beds and slowly made their way to their common room. They saw several students glowing with a multi-color aura. Some were just one color, other two, but most were all three.
"It's about time you three showed your faces around here again," Malfoy called from behind them.
The three turned about to see a brightly colored Malfoy smirking at them.
"Malfoy," Ron said, shocked to see him glowing green.
Hermione smiled nervously up at Harry and looked back and Malfoy.
"Shouldn't you be in class?" she asked.
"No, it is my free hour. I was just on my way to see Professor Snape."
"Oh," Hermione said. "Well we are on our way to our common room. See you around," she said and pulled Harry along with her.
Ron stood staring at Malfoy.
"What wrong Weasley?"
"N-nothing, nothing at all," he stammered not believing his eyes. Hermione was protecting Malfoy.
"Right, well they way you are looking at me you would think I was mad, or worse wearing some of your ugly old red robes," he said turning on his heal and strutted off towards the dungeons.
Ron met up with Hermione and Harry just as they where entering their common room.
"Hermione," he said. "Why was Malfoy green? Why are you protecting him?"
Hermione turned to look at him. "I don't know," she said and turned to walk back into the common room.
Once she was in she was immediately greeted by her mum; who was glowing a bright green. "Hermione dear! I was so worried about you! Are you okay?" she asked pulling her into a hug.
"I'm fine mum," she said and pulled out of the hug.
"Harry!" Mrs. Granger called and pulled him into a hug as well. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," he said and brought his face close to her ear and whispered "Mum."
Mrs. Granger's eyes filled with tears and held tighter to Harry. "You don't have to call me that." she said.
"I know, but I want to. You will have to share the title with Mrs. Weasley, though," he said and pulled away from her and was immediately grabbed by Mrs. Weasley.
"Harry dear how are you feeling?" she asked
Harry gasped for air, "I'm fine mum," he said with a smile.
Mrs. Weasley's grasp tightened around Harry and she began to cry.
"Mum! Harry's turning purple!" Ron said pulling his best friend out of his mothers grasp.
Harry stumbled out of Mrs. Weasley hug and looked around the room to see it glowing many different colors. Most blue for Ron's family. Hermione's mum and, to Harry's appall, Victor were glowing green. Lupin and Dudley glowed red. Harry smiled at Dudley and looked over at Lupin who has his arm around Mrs. Granger's shoulder and comforting her while she cried.
Harry walked over to them. "I didn't mean to upset you," he said to Mrs. Granger. "I just though it was time I called you that, I will be asking her soon," he whispered to her.
"I am far from upset Harry. I am so happy that you called me that, and I am relieved that you and Hermione are okay. I was so worried about you two," Hermione's mum said through her tears.
"Mum, are you okay?" .Hermione asked walking over to the three.
"I'm fine dear. I'm just so happy," she said and pulled Harry and Hermione into a hug.
Harry looked over Mrs. Granger's shoulder and saw Lupin smiling at him Harry smiled back and pulled out of the hug giving Hermione and her mum some time. He walked over near Lupin and the two walked away from the crowd.
"You did a good thing," Lupin said patting Harry on the back.
Harry looked up at him. "I though it would be weird calling them mum, but its not. It feels natural."
"Your mum would be happy that you chose those two women to take her place," he said
"They haven't taken her place, no one will. They are just filling in until I see her again," he said and looked out at the window happy to see it wasn't snowing for once. "Just like you are filling in for my dad and Sirius. Of course you would still have the same roll in my life if they where still here," he said as he continued to stare out the window.
The above spell is in Welsh. I am sorry if it is not in the correct form, I used a English to Welsh translator that I found on-line. Here is the spell in English- if anyone would like to know what it said.
"Protect us from the unknown evil, protect us from ourselves. Keep our hearts free of pain, and our heads full of knowledge." They said in unison
"Protect us from the unknown evil, protect us from ourselves. Keep our hearts free of pain, and our heads full of knowledge. Keep put bodies nimble, and out minds quick. Protect our loved ones and those in need." Ron said.
"Protect us from the unknown evil, protect us from ourselves. Keep our hearts free of pain, and our heads full of knowledge. Protect the ones close to us. Help us help others, protect us from ourselves." Hermione said
"Protect us from the unknown evil, protect us from ourselves. Keep our hearts free of pain, and our heads full of knowledge. Keep our hearts full or love and our minds free of pain. Protect our loved ones near us and the ones beyond" Harry said
"Protect us from the unknown evil, protect us from ourselves. Keep our hearts free of pain, and our heads full of knowledge. Protect us and those we hold close to our hearts. Protect us from the unknown evil, protect us from ourselves. Keep out hearts free of pain and our heads full of knowledge." They said in unison.