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"Harry hold onto Lupin's leash tighter," Charlie said. "He seams a little restless tonight."
Harry gripped the thick dragon hide leash tighter and the werewolf struggled against it.
"Sit," Harry commanded. Lupin stared up at him, but eventually placed his rear end on the ground. "Good boy," Harry said and carefully placed his hand on the top of the werewolf's head.
"Ron call Aragog here. We need to get all three animals together to see if this will work," Charlie instructed his younger brother. "Hermione, I don't know what we are going to do about the unicorn, it seams none are willing to communicate with you."
"I have a feeling that something will happen tonight." she said staring into the Forest. She couldn't explain the feeling she was getting, but she knew that tonight she would finally be able to communicate with a unicorn. She took a few steps into the Forest. She looked around and began to slowly walk away from the group. She could hear Harry calling her, but she didn't care, she could feel a unicorn pulling her to it. She continued to walk deeper into the forest. She heard the scream of Ron as Aragog emerged from the Forest. Hermione smiled, never in her life had she met a person so scared of something they could control. She heard a noise in front of her and looked up. She immediately froze because in front of her was a most beautiful sight. It was not a unicorn, but a Pegasus. Never in her life had she seen one in person. She remembered Hagrid saying there were a few left in the Forest, but she never thought that she would get to see one. It was truly a magnificent creature. It was taller that any of the unicorns she had seen and gave off a sense of nobility. Hermione stood in awe of it. The Pegasus spread it wings when it saw Hermione staring at it. It made a small noise and bowed it head down.
"Hello there," Hermione said calmly after a moment.
"I have been waiting for you," a deep voice boomed out from the creature.
"I have been looking for you," Hermione replied and took a few steps closer to it.
"I have been calling for you but you have not responded. Why is that?"
"I wasn't able to hear you until recently. Someone was blocking my mind."
"One must not let another control their mind, it is a perilous thing."
"I know. It has all been taken care of," she added and was now standing next to the creature. She put out a hand and nervously stroked its mane.
"What are you called?" she asked.
"Antigonus"
"I like that name," Hermione commented.
"I had no choice in it, when my kind is born we are born knowing what we are to be called."
"Amazing!" Hermione said as her eyes lit up with excitement.
"You have a spark for learning new things. This will be helpful in forming our bond."
"How do you know we are connected?"
"Something you are just born with, I knew that someday I would met a human that would need my help. You are that human. I am also aware that I am to become friends with two other creatures, as well as two other humans,"
"Yes. Harry and Ron are the humans. They have a connection to creatures are well, the giant spider Aragog and a werewolf."
"Let us not waste anymore time. We have much to do in a short time," Antigonus stated bending down near the ground. "Get on." he stated.
Hermione nervously climbed on to the creature.
"Do not be frightened," he said and kicked off of the ground.
Hermione held on tightly to the thick skin of the creature. She let out a small yelp when she felt they where descending to the ground
"Hermione!" she heard Harry yell. She opened her eyes to see him looking extremely worried.
"It's okay Harry. I'm fine," she said and slowly slide of the large creature. "This is Antigonus. I was not destined to have a link with a unicorn, but a Pegasus." she said and ran her hand over his smooth skin.
"Brilliant!" Charlie cried in awe.
"That's great and all Hermione, but can we get this done with please? I am not too keen on the present company," Ron said eyeing the giant spider.
"You must not fear him, as he will be extremely helpful to you and your friends. You must trust him, he is a good friend of mine," Antigonus said.
"I-I-I can understand him," Ron stuttered to say.
"You can. I do not make it a habit to talk to humans, but it seams that you will need my guidance as well," Antigonus said looking at the red head. The magnificent creature looked at Harry.
"You do not. You trust this creature with your life, but you will still need guidance."
Harry looked down at the now sleeping werewolf. "I do trust him with my life, as well at Hermione and Ron."
"I see that as well. You are a good person, with a pure heart, like Hermione, but you still doubt yourself. There can be no doubt in your mind when the time comes for the battle."
"How do you know about that?" Charlie asked
"I know many things." Antigonus stated.
"Right," Charlie said uneasily. "Well, we don't have to much time before we all need to be back in the castle. What we are here to do is see if you three can keep your link with the creatures while in your animagius form."
"There is no need for that," Antigonus said. "They will be able to, no matter what form they are in, what state of well being these human will have a connection with us."
"I don't like that you know so much," Charlie said angrily. "I would still like to see. Ron, Hermione, and Harry. Change please. I want to make sure this creatures knows what it is saying."
The three nodded their heads and began the process of changing. Soon Ron was happily flying around above Charlie and Harry along with Hermione were both pacing around the ground. Lupin notice the change and opened an eye to see the two walking around. The werewolf slowly began to stand up and walk near the two. He then looked up at the Pegasus and nodded his head. Ron flew over and landed on Harry's head, the Aragog followed Ron, stopping next to Antigonus. The two creatures nodded their heads at each other.
The six creatures interacted with each other for thirty minuets before Charlie asked the trio to change back.
"It worked," Ron said picked a few feathers from his hair.
"Are you sure?" Charlie asked.
"Yes," Ron, Harry, and Hermione responded.
"Very well. We need get back to the casual. Harry put the leash back on Lupin. You are Hermione are welcome to say with him, in fact he would like that."
"We are," Hermione said. "Good night Antigonus. I will come out to see you tomorrow if I can."
"I would like that. Ron you should come and see Aragog as well, you two need to bond. He is still resistant to your commands."
Ron grumbled and stalked off to the castle.
"He'll come." Harry said.
"I would like you come as well," Antigonus said. "Until then," the creature said and flew off.
"Beautiful." Hermione said as the two watched him fly away. Lupin let out a howl. "Shh!" Harry said and the two made their way back to the castle.
"You scared me when you walked into the Forest alone," Harry said and they walked down to the dungeon.
"Sorry I don't think I had much of a choice in it. I think Antigonus was pulling me to him."
"Oh," Harry said. "How did it feel to ride him?"
Hermione smiled. "It felt like when we rode Buckbeak, but it was missing something."
"What?" he asked as he opened the door and let Lupin into the cage, then let Hermione.
She smiled and place a kiss on him check. "You." she said and turned into her panther form.
The following weeks went by extremely fast for the trio and soon it was Christmas eve. The castle felt empty to all because of the absence of almost half the students who where now death eaters. But during Christmas break the school felt lively again because only the students who where to fight in the final battle where to remain at school, as well as all the Aurors and Order members who will be helping in the battle as well. They all knew it was going to be coming, soon, but no one knew how soon it would be.
Each day Harry, Hermione, and Ron would go down to the edge of the Forbidden Forest and met with Antigonus and Aragog. Someday Lupin would join them as well, but Antigonus felt it was a waste of time. Ron began to trust Aragog more, he was still weary about the eight legged creature.
Antigonus began to teach Harry to build up his confidence and now had very little, if any doubt about his ability. His wandless magic was now very powerful, there was no spell or charm he could not do.
"Hermione can you please put down that piece of parchment for one minute?" an extremely irritated Harry asked.
"Harry we need to figure out what this means," Hermione said not looking up from the parchment.
"I know we do love, but you've been working too hard again. You haven't put that thing down since Halloween!"
"I guess I am a little more worried about the battle than you," she said and threw the parchment down on the table and stormed up into their room.
Harry sighed and ran his hand through his hair. He was at a loss with what to do about her. Everything he said was the wrong thing to say, everything he tried to do was the wrong thing to do. He didn't understand her anymore and it was worrying him. He just wanted one day where they didn't have to think about the upcoming battle, one day where she wasn't searching throughout the library trying to find out what Voldemort meant by his words on Halloween.
Harry picked up the parchment and read it again for the millionth time. He couldn't figure out for the life of him what it meant. He tossed the parchment aside just as Dudley walked into the room.
"Hi Harry," he said and sat in a near by chair.
"Hey," Harry muttered.
"Are you alright?"
"I don't know," he said staring into the fire.
"I bet it has to do with Hermione," Dudley said with a slight smirk.
Harry looked at his cousin. He was still amazed by the transformation he had made in the months he had been at Hogwarts.
"Yeah."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Dudley asked nervously. "I know we really haven't talked much before, but I'd like to."
Harry gave him a weak smile. "I just don't know what to do. Everything I do is the wrong thing. I just want her to relax for one day, but she hasn't since Halloween. I don't know what to do."
"I am no experts when it comes to girls, Ginny is the only who has ever shown me any kind of affection. But maybe you should just stop trying. Maybe your gestures are what's making her upset, just let her be."
Harry gave him a blank stare.
"I know it sounds ridiculous. You don't have to listen to me, it was just an idea."
"A brilliant idea!" Harry said smiling. "That's just what I am going to do. I am going to let her be and hope that she will do what is best for herself."
"Really?"
"Really," Harry said sinking farther into the couch and stretching his legs out. "So, you and Ginny huh?" he said with a big smile.
Dudley looked at Harry with an equally big smile. "Yeah, me and Ginny."
"I'm happy for you, but you do know that if I ever hear that you hurt her I won't stop any of her brothers from hurting you. She's my sister and I won't stand to see her get hurt."
"I will do everything in my power not to hurt her, but just to let you know, I just got that same speech from Ron, Fred, George, Bill and Charlie. I have no intention of having a pig's tail again!"
Harry laughed. There was nothing else he could do. He could picture the Weasley's clan holding Dudley down and taking turned turning him into various barn yard animals.
"Dudley," Harry said sounding slightly serious now. "I'm sorry you are stuck here. "
"Don't be. I'm happier here than when we were on Privet drive. Don't get me wrong, I miss my parents, but I wasn't happy there. I hated how they treated me like I was God's gift to the world, and you were scum. It wasn't fair. I was only they way I was because of them."
"I know, you've said that before, but I still feel bad. You left all your friends behind and had to make new ones with people you where taught to fear. Its not fair."
"I didn't really have any friends. I had to pay the ones at Smeltings to befriend me. They all hated me because I was good at boxing and that I got what ever I wanted. I hated my life there, and the one at home too. This is honestly the first time I've been happy." He said with a smile. "Don't for one second think I am mad since I am here, because I'm not. I understand now why you wanted to be here during the summer holidays. If nothing else this place had brought us closer together," Dudley finished softly.
"You're right," Harry said closing his eyes. "I'm glad that we are friends now."
"You think of me as a friend?" Dudley asked sounding extremely surprised.
"I do. We didn't have a choice in being cousins, but we had a choice in being friends. It took us 17 years, but I think I can safely say that we are friends now."
Dudley and Harry stayed up until early Christmas morning talking about the years they missed not being friends. It wasn't until Dudley fell asleep that Harry crept out of the common room and into his.
When he entered his room he found Hermione slumped over a pile of books. Harry let out a sigh of frustration and got ready for bed. He stepped out of the loo and made his was soundlessly to their bed. He crawled into bed, flipped onto his side, and slipped into a deep sleep.
Hermione stared at him for a long time. It wasn't until that moment, when Harry didn't say good night to her, or kiss her that she knew she needed to spend more time with him. They didn't have much longer until the battle was going to begin and she needed to spend that time with him. She closed her books carefully and climbed into bed next to him. Tomorrow morning before they went to join the others for Christmas morning they were going to talk.
Dudley watched as Harry left for bed. He smiled to himself. Never did he think that he would have a civil and pleasant conversation with his cousin. No scratch that--his friend. Dudley noticed the crumpled paper Harry had thrown on the table. He picked it up and began to read it. He recognized it as the message Voldemort had sent to them on Halloween. This was the first time he actually got to read what it said.
"So this is what Hermione has been agonizing about!" he said out loud to himself. He continued to read the message to the end. "I don't see why she had a hard time figure out what it says. It's so bloody obvious!" he said and rolled his eyes. He picked up a quill Harry had left behind and wrote down a few words before heading off to bed himself.
Harry awoke to the feeling of Crookshanks digging his claws into his stomach. "Ugh!" he groaned and pushed the cat off of him. "Let me sleep. It's a bloody holiday!" he said and rolled over on his side.
"Harry?" he heard Hermione whisper behind him.
"Hmm?"
"We need to talk," she said feeling slightly nervous.
"About?" he asked still half asleep.
"Don't play dumb Harry. I know I haven't been around much. I'm really sorry, I've been over reacting about that whole Percy thing. I promise to stop worrying so much, I know we don't have much long until the battle begins and I want to spend that time with you," she said running her hand up and down his spine. "I will still study and try to figure out what that bloody message means, but not as much. I really am sorry for how I have been acting. Harry, please say something!"
"Will you relax today?" he asked turning to face her. "I just want one day where we don't have to think about anything but us. We haven't even talked about out wedding. I know mum is dying to start planning."
"We still have 40 minutes before we have to go over and meet them. Why don't we talk about it now?" she said laying her head on his bare chest.
"I don't want a big wedding," he said.
"Neither do I. Just us, the Weasleys, Mum, Lupin, Dudley, Luna, and Dumbledore."
"Tonks, Mad-eye, McGonagall, and Snape." Harry added.
"Where should we have it?"
"I was thinking either here or maybe the Weasley's back yard. I would love to have it outside."
"Oh, I was always hoping to get married in the same church my parents did."
"Does the church have a courtyard?"
"It does."
"Why not in there then? We would still be at the church, but outside."
"Sounds good," Hermione said and lovingly kissed his chest. Harry's arms wrapped tighter around her. "I just realized something."
"What?"
"I-I don't have anyone to give me away." she said letting a few tears run down her cheek and onto his chest.
"I though about that too. What about having Ron do that? Or Lupin?"
"I though Ron would be your best man."
"He will be. Who says he can't do both? Its our wedding we can do as we please."
Hermione was silent for a moment thinking about Harry's suggestion.
"I like it," she said. "Who else would be better to give me away? Besides my dad that is. I think its appropriate. My best friend giving me away to my other best friend, who will become my husband. It's perfect," she said with a smile.
Harry looked over at the clock. "We have to be there in 15 minutes. Do you want to shower first?"
"We have a tradition in my family, no showers or getting dressed until after presents are open and breakfast is eaten."
"Sounds good," Harry said laughing. "When do you want to get married?"
"As soon as possible."
"Well me too, but do you want to set a date that we would like it to be on?"
"What about September first?" she said with a smile.
Harry laughed again. "Sounds perfect, but I won't object to an earlier date."
"Neither will I," she said and leaned up to give him a quick kiss. "Happy Christmas Harry."
"Happy Christmas, love."
"Oi! Aren't you two up?" Ron called from the doorway.
"Yes," they both answered in unison.
"Let go then! Everyone is waiting for you two."
"Sorry," Harry said grabbing a sweater and putting it on.
Ron smiled at them.
"Did you two mean it?" he asked
"Mean what?" Hermione asked as they walked to the rooms the others lived in.
"About me giving you away at the wedding and being the best man?"
Harry smiled. "We did. That is if you want to."
"Of course I do!" he said as they walked in the sitting room to be greeted by all the Weasleys (minus Percy), Lupin, Dudley, Luna, and Mrs. Granger.
"Do what?" Ginny asked
"I'm going to give Hermione away at their wedding, and be the best man!" he said proudly.
"You started planning the wedding?" Mrs. Granger said excitedly.
"Just the very basics." Harry said as he told the group what they decided on so far.
"I can't wait till the war is over so we can really start planning!" Mrs. Granger exclaimed.
"I know, neither can I." Hermione said with a grin.
"This is all really interesting, but can we get to the presents?" a very impatient Ron asked.
"Ron!" Luna and Mrs. Weasley yelled. "Don't be such a child!"
Harry laughed. "No, I agree!. Let's get to the gifts!"
Everyone laughed and began passing out the gifts.
"I have something for most of you," Harry said after everything was cleaned up.
"Hermione, Ron, Fred, George, Mum (Mrs. Weasley), Dad (Mr. Weasley),Bill , Charlie, Luna, and Lupin I have bought you all a few things to help in the upcoming battle," he said lifting his invisibility cloak off a large pile of boxes. He waved his hand and the boxes began floating to their rightful owner. "Inside you each have a pair of Dragon hide boots, pants, and gloves. I ordered them from a shop in Diagon Alley. I was told they will keep you warm and are extremely thick so they will be hard to tear. They are also very light, so it would not be too hard to move around in them."
"Harry, I can't accept this!" Lupin said.
"Yes, you can and you will. These are also magically linked to each other. If one of you is in danger, the others will know. You are my family and I will do what I can to make sure you all make it through the battle." he said. "There is also something in there from Dumbledore. Everyone who is in involved in the battle is receiving a new cloak. I don't know much about it, just that it is designed for your specific needs, and it also the color of your current or former house." he said and they all pulled out their new cloaks.
After the examination of the their new gear, Mrs. Weasley and Dudley set off to the kitchen to make breakfast. After a delicious breakfast was eaten and dishes were done, Harry pulled Ron and Hermione back to their dorms.
"Ron, I have something else for you," Harry said rummaging under the bed.
"Harry! You already got me more than enough," he said.
"Nonsense!" Harry replied, pulling something out from under the bed.
"Harry is that…?"
"Your own Firebolt. If you are going to be up in the air for a good part of the battle, you'll need a fast broom," Harry finished grinning.
"I... I.... I don't know what to say... Merlin! I can't believe it! I know they have made a newer model, but it doesn't go as fast... Harry, I can't believe.... oh wow... you didn't have to!" Ron said holding the broom like it was a new born child.
"Ron, it's from me as well. We both want you to have it, it just seemed right," Hermione added.
Ron didn't know what to do but hug his to best friends.
"This is the best Christmas ever!" he said pulling his friends into a tighter hug.
"Ron," Hermione said gasping for air. "Get Luna, let's go flying."
Harry and Hermione watched Ron run out of the room.
"I have something else for you too," Hermione said, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"What?" Harry asked confused.
Hermione handed him a large box.
"What is it?" he asked
"Open it," she said with a warm, tender smile.
Harry opened the box to see a large bowl with a silver liquid floating in it.
"It's a pensive." she says. "I got Lupin, Dumbledore, The Weasley's, a few of the professors, Dudley, and even Hagrid to add memories to it."
"Hagrid?"
"In the summer, before he left on that mission. I've been working on this for a long time."
"I love it!" he said giving Hermione a brief but passionate kiss.
"Are you two ready?" Ron asked annoyed but smiling nevertheless.
Harry looked down at the pensive. He really wanted to see what was in it, but he knew Ron wanted to fly.
"We can look at it later, I want to fly with you." Hermione said and left to join Ron and Luna.
The group came back several hours later after flying. They all collapsed on the couch.
"I'm going to get some hot cocoa," Luna said smiling at Ron before leaving.
"That was bloody brilliant! I've ridden yours a few times Harry, but nothing compares to having your own. Thanks mate!"
"It was nothing," Harry said looking at Hermione who found the crumpled piece of parchment on the table. "What's that, love?" he asked.
"Oh Merlin!" she cried
"What?" Ron and Harry asked, alarmed
"We need to see Dumbledore right now!"
"Why?"
"We only have until New Years to get ready! He's going to attack then!" she said and pulled Ron and Harry out of the common room, through the portrait, and ran towards Dumbledore's office.
A/N:
The next chapter will be the last one in Part Two. I do now know when it will be up, hopfully in a few weeks. I am getting help from my beta to write it, so it will take longer. Please be paticent with the update, it will be up as fast as we can type it. Then I will be taking a small brek from this fic, but will contiune writting the third part. Don't kill me, just the paticent! That is all I ask- and review! hehe!!
"Harry hold onto Lupin's leash tighter," Charlie said. "He seams a little restless tonight."
Harry gripped the thick dragon hide leash tighter and the werewolf struggled against it.
"Sit," Harry commanded. Lupin stared up at him, but eventually placed his rear end on the ground. "Good boy," Harry said and carefully placed his hand on the top of the werewolf's head.
"Ron call Aragog here. We need to get all three animals together to see if this will work," Charlie instructed his younger brother. "Hermione, I don't know what we are going to do about the unicorn, it seams none are willing to communicate with you."
"I have a feeling that something will happen tonight." she said staring into the Forest. She couldn't explain the feeling she was getting, but she knew that tonight she would finally be able to communicate with a unicorn. She took a few steps into the Forest. She looked around and began to slowly walk away from the group. She could hear Harry calling her, but she didn't care, she could feel a unicorn pulling her to it. She continued to walk deeper into the forest. She heard the scream of Ron as Aragog emerged from the Forest. Hermione smiled, never in her life had she met a person so scared of something they could control. She heard a noise in front of her and looked up. She immediately froze because in front of her was a most beautiful sight. It was not a unicorn, but a Pegasus. Never in her life had she seen one in person. She remembered Hagrid saying there were a few left in the Forest, but she never thought that she would get to see one. It was truly a magnificent creature. It was taller that any of the unicorns she had seen and gave off a sense of nobility. Hermione stood in awe of it. The Pegasus spread it wings when it saw Hermione staring at it. It made a small noise and bowed it head down.
"Hello there," Hermione said calmly after a moment.
"I have been waiting for you," a deep voice boomed out from the creature.
"I have been looking for you," Hermione replied and took a few steps closer to it.
"I have been calling for you but you have not responded. Why is that?"
"I wasn't able to hear you until recently. Someone was blocking my mind."
"One must not let another control their mind, it is a perilous thing."
"I know. It has all been taken care of," she added and was now standing next to the creature. She put out a hand and nervously stroked its mane.
"What are you called?" she asked.
"Antigonus"
"I like that name," Hermione commented.
"I had no choice in it, when my kind is born we are born knowing what we are to be called."
"Amazing!" Hermione said as her eyes lit up with excitement.
"You have a spark for learning new things. This will be helpful in forming our bond."
"How do you know we are connected?"
"Something you are just born with, I knew that someday I would met a human that would need my help. You are that human. I am also aware that I am to become friends with two other creatures, as well as two other humans,"
"Yes. Harry and Ron are the humans. They have a connection to creatures are well, the giant spider Aragog and a werewolf."
"Let us not waste anymore time. We have much to do in a short time," Antigonus stated bending down near the ground. "Get on." he stated.
Hermione nervously climbed on to the creature.
"Do not be frightened," he said and kicked off of the ground.
Hermione held on tightly to the thick skin of the creature. She let out a small yelp when she felt they where descending to the ground
"Hermione!" she heard Harry yell. She opened her eyes to see him looking extremely worried.
"It's okay Harry. I'm fine," she said and slowly slide of the large creature. "This is Antigonus. I was not destined to have a link with a unicorn, but a Pegasus." she said and ran her hand over his smooth skin.
"Brilliant!" Charlie cried in awe.
"That's great and all Hermione, but can we get this done with please? I am not too keen on the present company," Ron said eyeing the giant spider.
"You must not fear him, as he will be extremely helpful to you and your friends. You must trust him, he is a good friend of mine," Antigonus said.
"I-I-I can understand him," Ron stuttered to say.
"You can. I do not make it a habit to talk to humans, but it seams that you will need my guidance as well," Antigonus said looking at the red head. The magnificent creature looked at Harry.
"You do not. You trust this creature with your life, but you will still need guidance."
Harry looked down at the now sleeping werewolf. "I do trust him with my life, as well at Hermione and Ron."
"I see that as well. You are a good person, with a pure heart, like Hermione, but you still doubt yourself. There can be no doubt in your mind when the time comes for the battle."
"How do you know about that?" Charlie asked
"I know many things." Antigonus stated.
"Right," Charlie said uneasily. "Well, we don't have to much time before we all need to be back in the castle. What we are here to do is see if you three can keep your link with the creatures while in your animagius form."
"There is no need for that," Antigonus said. "They will be able to, no matter what form they are in, what state of well being these human will have a connection with us."
"I don't like that you know so much," Charlie said angrily. "I would still like to see. Ron, Hermione, and Harry. Change please. I want to make sure this creatures knows what it is saying."
The three nodded their heads and began the process of changing. Soon Ron was happily flying around above Charlie and Harry along with Hermione were both pacing around the ground. Lupin notice the change and opened an eye to see the two walking around. The werewolf slowly began to stand up and walk near the two. He then looked up at the Pegasus and nodded his head. Ron flew over and landed on Harry's head, the Aragog followed Ron, stopping next to Antigonus. The two creatures nodded their heads at each other.
The six creatures interacted with each other for thirty minuets before Charlie asked the trio to change back.
"It worked," Ron said picked a few feathers from his hair.
"Are you sure?" Charlie asked.
"Yes," Ron, Harry, and Hermione responded.
"Very well. We need get back to the casual. Harry put the leash back on Lupin. You are Hermione are welcome to say with him, in fact he would like that."
"We are," Hermione said. "Good night Antigonus. I will come out to see you tomorrow if I can."
"I would like that. Ron you should come and see Aragog as well, you two need to bond. He is still resistant to your commands."
Ron grumbled and stalked off to the castle.
"He'll come." Harry said.
"I would like you come as well," Antigonus said. "Until then," the creature said and flew off.
"Beautiful." Hermione said as the two watched him fly away. Lupin let out a howl. "Shh!" Harry said and the two made their way back to the castle.
"You scared me when you walked into the Forest alone," Harry said and they walked down to the dungeon.
"Sorry I don't think I had much of a choice in it. I think Antigonus was pulling me to him."
"Oh," Harry said. "How did it feel to ride him?"
Hermione smiled. "It felt like when we rode Buckbeak, but it was missing something."
"What?" he asked as he opened the door and let Lupin into the cage, then let Hermione.
She smiled and place a kiss on him check. "You." she said and turned into her panther form.
The following weeks went by extremely fast for the trio and soon it was Christmas eve. The castle felt empty to all because of the absence of almost half the students who where now death eaters. But during Christmas break the school felt lively again because only the students who where to fight in the final battle where to remain at school, as well as all the Aurors and Order members who will be helping in the battle as well. They all knew it was going to be coming, soon, but no one knew how soon it would be.
Each day Harry, Hermione, and Ron would go down to the edge of the Forbidden Forest and met with Antigonus and Aragog. Someday Lupin would join them as well, but Antigonus felt it was a waste of time. Ron began to trust Aragog more, he was still weary about the eight legged creature.
Antigonus began to teach Harry to build up his confidence and now had very little, if any doubt about his ability. His wandless magic was now very powerful, there was no spell or charm he could not do.
"Hermione can you please put down that piece of parchment for one minute?" an extremely irritated Harry asked.
"Harry we need to figure out what this means," Hermione said not looking up from the parchment.
"I know we do love, but you've been working too hard again. You haven't put that thing down since Halloween!"
"I guess I am a little more worried about the battle than you," she said and threw the parchment down on the table and stormed up into their room.
Harry sighed and ran his hand through his hair. He was at a loss with what to do about her. Everything he said was the wrong thing to say, everything he tried to do was the wrong thing to do. He didn't understand her anymore and it was worrying him. He just wanted one day where they didn't have to think about the upcoming battle, one day where she wasn't searching throughout the library trying to find out what Voldemort meant by his words on Halloween.
Harry picked up the parchment and read it again for the millionth time. He couldn't figure out for the life of him what it meant. He tossed the parchment aside just as Dudley walked into the room.
"Hi Harry," he said and sat in a near by chair.
"Hey," Harry muttered.
"Are you alright?"
"I don't know," he said staring into the fire.
"I bet it has to do with Hermione," Dudley said with a slight smirk.
Harry looked at his cousin. He was still amazed by the transformation he had made in the months he had been at Hogwarts.
"Yeah."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Dudley asked nervously. "I know we really haven't talked much before, but I'd like to."
Harry gave him a weak smile. "I just don't know what to do. Everything I do is the wrong thing. I just want her to relax for one day, but she hasn't since Halloween. I don't know what to do."
"I am no experts when it comes to girls, Ginny is the only who has ever shown me any kind of affection. But maybe you should just stop trying. Maybe your gestures are what's making her upset, just let her be."
Harry gave him a blank stare.
"I know it sounds ridiculous. You don't have to listen to me, it was just an idea."
"A brilliant idea!" Harry said smiling. "That's just what I am going to do. I am going to let her be and hope that she will do what is best for herself."
"Really?"
"Really," Harry said sinking farther into the couch and stretching his legs out. "So, you and Ginny huh?" he said with a big smile.
Dudley looked at Harry with an equally big smile. "Yeah, me and Ginny."
"I'm happy for you, but you do know that if I ever hear that you hurt her I won't stop any of her brothers from hurting you. She's my sister and I won't stand to see her get hurt."
"I will do everything in my power not to hurt her, but just to let you know, I just got that same speech from Ron, Fred, George, Bill and Charlie. I have no intention of having a pig's tail again!"
Harry laughed. There was nothing else he could do. He could picture the Weasley's clan holding Dudley down and taking turned turning him into various barn yard animals.
"Dudley," Harry said sounding slightly serious now. "I'm sorry you are stuck here. "
"Don't be. I'm happier here than when we were on Privet drive. Don't get me wrong, I miss my parents, but I wasn't happy there. I hated how they treated me like I was God's gift to the world, and you were scum. It wasn't fair. I was only they way I was because of them."
"I know, you've said that before, but I still feel bad. You left all your friends behind and had to make new ones with people you where taught to fear. Its not fair."
"I didn't really have any friends. I had to pay the ones at Smeltings to befriend me. They all hated me because I was good at boxing and that I got what ever I wanted. I hated my life there, and the one at home too. This is honestly the first time I've been happy." He said with a smile. "Don't for one second think I am mad since I am here, because I'm not. I understand now why you wanted to be here during the summer holidays. If nothing else this place had brought us closer together," Dudley finished softly.
"You're right," Harry said closing his eyes. "I'm glad that we are friends now."
"You think of me as a friend?" Dudley asked sounding extremely surprised.
"I do. We didn't have a choice in being cousins, but we had a choice in being friends. It took us 17 years, but I think I can safely say that we are friends now."
Dudley and Harry stayed up until early Christmas morning talking about the years they missed not being friends. It wasn't until Dudley fell asleep that Harry crept out of the common room and into his.
When he entered his room he found Hermione slumped over a pile of books. Harry let out a sigh of frustration and got ready for bed. He stepped out of the loo and made his was soundlessly to their bed. He crawled into bed, flipped onto his side, and slipped into a deep sleep.
Hermione stared at him for a long time. It wasn't until that moment, when Harry didn't say good night to her, or kiss her that she knew she needed to spend more time with him. They didn't have much longer until the battle was going to begin and she needed to spend that time with him. She closed her books carefully and climbed into bed next to him. Tomorrow morning before they went to join the others for Christmas morning they were going to talk.
Dudley watched as Harry left for bed. He smiled to himself. Never did he think that he would have a civil and pleasant conversation with his cousin. No scratch that--his friend. Dudley noticed the crumpled paper Harry had thrown on the table. He picked it up and began to read it. He recognized it as the message Voldemort had sent to them on Halloween. This was the first time he actually got to read what it said.
"So this is what Hermione has been agonizing about!" he said out loud to himself. He continued to read the message to the end. "I don't see why she had a hard time figure out what it says. It's so bloody obvious!" he said and rolled his eyes. He picked up a quill Harry had left behind and wrote down a few words before heading off to bed himself.
Harry awoke to the feeling of Crookshanks digging his claws into his stomach. "Ugh!" he groaned and pushed the cat off of him. "Let me sleep. It's a bloody holiday!" he said and rolled over on his side.
"Harry?" he heard Hermione whisper behind him.
"Hmm?"
"We need to talk," she said feeling slightly nervous.
"About?" he asked still half asleep.
"Don't play dumb Harry. I know I haven't been around much. I'm really sorry, I've been over reacting about that whole Percy thing. I promise to stop worrying so much, I know we don't have much long until the battle begins and I want to spend that time with you," she said running her hand up and down his spine. "I will still study and try to figure out what that bloody message means, but not as much. I really am sorry for how I have been acting. Harry, please say something!"
"Will you relax today?" he asked turning to face her. "I just want one day where we don't have to think about anything but us. We haven't even talked about out wedding. I know mum is dying to start planning."
"We still have 40 minutes before we have to go over and meet them. Why don't we talk about it now?" she said laying her head on his bare chest.
"I don't want a big wedding," he said.
"Neither do I. Just us, the Weasleys, Mum, Lupin, Dudley, Luna, and Dumbledore."
"Tonks, Mad-eye, McGonagall, and Snape." Harry added.
"Where should we have it?"
"I was thinking either here or maybe the Weasley's back yard. I would love to have it outside."
"Oh, I was always hoping to get married in the same church my parents did."
"Does the church have a courtyard?"
"It does."
"Why not in there then? We would still be at the church, but outside."
"Sounds good," Hermione said and lovingly kissed his chest. Harry's arms wrapped tighter around her. "I just realized something."
"What?"
"I-I don't have anyone to give me away." she said letting a few tears run down her cheek and onto his chest.
"I though about that too. What about having Ron do that? Or Lupin?"
"I though Ron would be your best man."
"He will be. Who says he can't do both? Its our wedding we can do as we please."
Hermione was silent for a moment thinking about Harry's suggestion.
"I like it," she said. "Who else would be better to give me away? Besides my dad that is. I think its appropriate. My best friend giving me away to my other best friend, who will become my husband. It's perfect," she said with a smile.
Harry looked over at the clock. "We have to be there in 15 minutes. Do you want to shower first?"
"We have a tradition in my family, no showers or getting dressed until after presents are open and breakfast is eaten."
"Sounds good," Harry said laughing. "When do you want to get married?"
"As soon as possible."
"Well me too, but do you want to set a date that we would like it to be on?"
"What about September first?" she said with a smile.
Harry laughed again. "Sounds perfect, but I won't object to an earlier date."
"Neither will I," she said and leaned up to give him a quick kiss. "Happy Christmas Harry."
"Happy Christmas, love."
"Oi! Aren't you two up?" Ron called from the doorway.
"Yes," they both answered in unison.
"Let go then! Everyone is waiting for you two."
"Sorry," Harry said grabbing a sweater and putting it on.
Ron smiled at them.
"Did you two mean it?" he asked
"Mean what?" Hermione asked as they walked to the rooms the others lived in.
"About me giving you away at the wedding and being the best man?"
Harry smiled. "We did. That is if you want to."
"Of course I do!" he said as they walked in the sitting room to be greeted by all the Weasleys (minus Percy), Lupin, Dudley, Luna, and Mrs. Granger.
"Do what?" Ginny asked
"I'm going to give Hermione away at their wedding, and be the best man!" he said proudly.
"You started planning the wedding?" Mrs. Granger said excitedly.
"Just the very basics." Harry said as he told the group what they decided on so far.
"I can't wait till the war is over so we can really start planning!" Mrs. Granger exclaimed.
"I know, neither can I." Hermione said with a grin.
"This is all really interesting, but can we get to the presents?" a very impatient Ron asked.
"Ron!" Luna and Mrs. Weasley yelled. "Don't be such a child!"
Harry laughed. "No, I agree!. Let's get to the gifts!"
Everyone laughed and began passing out the gifts.
"I have something for most of you," Harry said after everything was cleaned up.
"Hermione, Ron, Fred, George, Mum (Mrs. Weasley), Dad (Mr. Weasley),Bill , Charlie, Luna, and Lupin I have bought you all a few things to help in the upcoming battle," he said lifting his invisibility cloak off a large pile of boxes. He waved his hand and the boxes began floating to their rightful owner. "Inside you each have a pair of Dragon hide boots, pants, and gloves. I ordered them from a shop in Diagon Alley. I was told they will keep you warm and are extremely thick so they will be hard to tear. They are also very light, so it would not be too hard to move around in them."
"Harry, I can't accept this!" Lupin said.
"Yes, you can and you will. These are also magically linked to each other. If one of you is in danger, the others will know. You are my family and I will do what I can to make sure you all make it through the battle." he said. "There is also something in there from Dumbledore. Everyone who is in involved in the battle is receiving a new cloak. I don't know much about it, just that it is designed for your specific needs, and it also the color of your current or former house." he said and they all pulled out their new cloaks.
After the examination of the their new gear, Mrs. Weasley and Dudley set off to the kitchen to make breakfast. After a delicious breakfast was eaten and dishes were done, Harry pulled Ron and Hermione back to their dorms.
"Ron, I have something else for you," Harry said rummaging under the bed.
"Harry! You already got me more than enough," he said.
"Nonsense!" Harry replied, pulling something out from under the bed.
"Harry is that…?"
"Your own Firebolt. If you are going to be up in the air for a good part of the battle, you'll need a fast broom," Harry finished grinning.
"I... I.... I don't know what to say... Merlin! I can't believe it! I know they have made a newer model, but it doesn't go as fast... Harry, I can't believe.... oh wow... you didn't have to!" Ron said holding the broom like it was a new born child.
"Ron, it's from me as well. We both want you to have it, it just seemed right," Hermione added.
Ron didn't know what to do but hug his to best friends.
"This is the best Christmas ever!" he said pulling his friends into a tighter hug.
"Ron," Hermione said gasping for air. "Get Luna, let's go flying."
Harry and Hermione watched Ron run out of the room.
"I have something else for you too," Hermione said, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"What?" Harry asked confused.
Hermione handed him a large box.
"What is it?" he asked
"Open it," she said with a warm, tender smile.
Harry opened the box to see a large bowl with a silver liquid floating in it.
"It's a pensive." she says. "I got Lupin, Dumbledore, The Weasley's, a few of the professors, Dudley, and even Hagrid to add memories to it."
"Hagrid?"
"In the summer, before he left on that mission. I've been working on this for a long time."
"I love it!" he said giving Hermione a brief but passionate kiss.
"Are you two ready?" Ron asked annoyed but smiling nevertheless.
Harry looked down at the pensive. He really wanted to see what was in it, but he knew Ron wanted to fly.
"We can look at it later, I want to fly with you." Hermione said and left to join Ron and Luna.
The group came back several hours later after flying. They all collapsed on the couch.
"I'm going to get some hot cocoa," Luna said smiling at Ron before leaving.
"That was bloody brilliant! I've ridden yours a few times Harry, but nothing compares to having your own. Thanks mate!"
"It was nothing," Harry said looking at Hermione who found the crumpled piece of parchment on the table. "What's that, love?" he asked.
"Oh Merlin!" she cried
"What?" Ron and Harry asked, alarmed
"We need to see Dumbledore right now!"
"Why?"
"We only have until New Years to get ready! He's going to attack then!" she said and pulled Ron and Harry out of the common room, through the portrait, and ran towards Dumbledore's office.
A/N:
The next chapter will be the last one in Part Two. I do now know when it will be up, hopfully in a few weeks. I am getting help from my beta to write it, so it will take longer. Please be paticent with the update, it will be up as fast as we can type it. Then I will be taking a small brek from this fic, but will contiune writting the third part. Don't kill me, just the paticent! That is all I ask- and review! hehe!!