Chapter 21

June 24th

Ron and Hermione were up in his room, talking. Ron was telling her about his encounter with Malfoy since now was the only time he could get her alone.

"So, Let me get this straight, Draco Malfoy, came here, two days ago…to talk to you about Harry..possibly being alive, and you DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING?!" Hermione demanded, her voice rising at the end.

"Hermione, it was..is a trick!" Ron defended.

"How do you know Ron? How do you know?" She demanded, her voice low in anger.

"Hermione. I know you care a lot for Harry and it's clouding your judgment. You don't think I want Harry to be alive? Do you not remember he's my best friend too?!" Ron demanded, trying to reason with his friend.

"There's a difference Ron. I know Harry's alive. I can feel it." She said, and Ron was sure she was going to cry.

"Hermione, think about. Please. Think rationally. Malfoy came here! Why? Because he wanted to help us! Since when does Malfoy do anything for anyone else?"

"You said it yourself Ron. You said he wanted Harry out of his way." Hermione stated. Ron scoffed. The friends stood across from each other, glaring.

Please, Hermione. Let's not fight over this. I don't want to loose two friends. Ron thought, but couldn't get the words out. I know Malfoy's intentions. Hermione was just too…in love with Harry to see it. Whoa. Where did that come from? Hermione doesn't love Harry…does she? He wondered.

"Hermione?" A voice said. They turned towards the doorway and saw Ginny staring there.

"Hey Ginny." Hermione greeted, and gave Ron a look that said this discussion is not over.

"Mum wants to know if you two are ready?"

"Yeah, we'll be right down." Hermione said, and Ginny looked at her brother and friend. She knew something was wrong. Hermione seemed angry about something and Ron looked frustrated.

"OK." Ginny said and left the room. Hermione gave Ron one last look and followed Ginny out of the room. Ron hung his head for a moment and followed suit.

Harry and Tom faced each other, both now tired from the small duel they had. Neither won the match, but Tom called it off, saying it was enough for the day. Harry secretly wondered if there was more to it than that. He seemed…almost panic-y.

"Oh, Harry. We're planning an attack on Potter's followers in two days. We would like you to be there." Tom stated.

"Why me?"

"Don't you want to test you skills?" He asked, and Harry could have sworn the older man twitched.

"I guess. If you think-"

"You're ready." Tom cut him off. Harry glanced at him uncertainly and shrugged.

"Great! They'll be glad to have you. Let me know if anyone gives you a hard time." Tom said and turned to leave the room, and stopped and called over his shoulder. "And Harry, don't disappoint me," and left the room before Harry could interpret the warning.