"WHO WAS HE?" Shouted a very irritated Lord Voldemort. A group of circle members looked on terrified, at the front of the group stood four men. To the far left was Wormtail, next was the man Harry recognized as the deatheater who was on guard duty on Privet drive. To his right was Marek Cowen, sword still in hand. Next to him the unknown man at the top of the stairs.

"We do not know sir, he came from no where and ambushed me." said the man who was on guard duty. Slightly shaken with fear.

"Silence Sloan, I didn't ask for excuses. I asked for a name. At the very least an affiliation...ANYONE?" he screamed the last part looking on at the four men.

"He was to well trained with that staff to be a Aurour. He had to be an Order of Phoenix member or a Hitwizard my Lord." said Marek, the only one of the four who was not visibly shaking.

"I will certainly agree to that Cowen. The Minister is useless, the hitwizards have proven to be a problem in the past. You were a fellow of theirs Marek, did you recognize the man as one of there brethren?" Asked Voldemort with a slight notch of respect going towards Marek.

"No my Lord, If he is a Hitwizard he has joined recently. And it is not like my brother to send a new recruit on a mission alone, although this particular man handled three of your circle member with little trouble at all." He said sneering at the three men around him.

"Indeed he did, anyother abilities besides keeping up a duel with you and your blade?" asked Voldemort.

"When he entered the bedroom, he placed a very well aimed kick to my kidneys and he blasted Pettigrew with white lightning. He didn't use the lighting against me however so I'm not sure if he had a item with a charge of lightning, or if he is an elemental." said Cowen remember his new commitment to the unknown sage. He got a perfectly clear look at the man's wrist a number of times and saw the two-colored leather band that decorated him as an elemental. Harry looked on very pleased that he could trust the man, and looked forward to getting him out of the services of Riddle as soon as possible.

"Whoever he may be, he is well trained, he is intelligent, and he will be DEAD!" Voldemort finished, but not before he placed the Crucatious Curse on everyone except for Marek Cowen.

The pain from the curse seeped through Harry's scar and he woke up with a start of pain and blood emitting from his forehead. "Oh Harry...Nightmare?" Hermione said waking up next to Harry placing one hand on his bare chest and another wiping the blood from his forehead with a corner of the sheet. Harry looked down at her hand and felt his cheeks heat a bit. "Oh don't look like that Harry, your the closest thing to a brother to me, so you better get used to it." Hermione finished. And Harry had to agree Hermione had always been like a twin sister to him.

"Right 'sis , still a little weird waking up next to your girlfriends best friend." Harry said matter of factly. Hermione just smiled.

"Your doing well with Ginny you know, she talks about the sweet things you do all the time." She looked up and grinned at Harry. "Except for throwing her in the fire you big goof." She finished.

"Yeah I know not one of my more intelligent moments. I swear I thought it was funny at the time." Harry said in his defense.

"It's okay Harry your doing a good job. Much better than some people I know...." Hermione was off in a world of thought, and Harry quickly brought her back.

"'Mione?" Harry asked

"Hmmm oh yes what is it Harry?" Hermione asked coming back to reality.

"You like Ron huh?" Harry asked bluntly

"How did you know?" She asked back to Harry as if she had kept her feelings in a vault, and he had just broke in.

"Pretty obvious really, It's just....well I know you like him and all, but you have to admit that your not really a good fit together. I'm not saying not to give it a chance, because I think you certainly should try it.....It's just that I don't want you to get your hopes up thinking that he will change someday." Harry said not really knowing why he was feeling protective of Hermione.

"I know Harry, and I think your right....I like him a lot but for it to ever work he would have to change....Do you really think I should tell him how I feel? To give it a try?" She asked worried that it could ruin their friendship.

"You'll never know if you don't try. What if your exactly the motivation he needs to grow up, and then you live happily ever after." He said smiling at Hermione.

"Yeah your right Harry, I guess I have to try...God help him if he hurts me though. I've been studying how to make my own hexes and charms over the summer...among other things..." Hermione said getting quite at the end of her sentence.

"Ahhh I see. I'm not the only one with secrets. You have to tell me when I tell you in the morning deal?" Harry asked quirous as to what 'Mione was hiding.

"Deal Harry, How far back are we going with our secrets here?" Hermione asked.

"emmm well I don't think you want to hear about how the Dursleys treated me as a kid so I guess anything you've got in your closet from first year and above." Harry said.

"I would like to know about your childhood Harry, and who knows it could make you feel better to talk about it." She said hoping that he would open up to her.

"I guess...I don't know, I don't want you feeling sorry for me or anything like that.Your one of the few people who treat me like anybody else, Hell even Ron and Ginny for that matter atleast a small part of them see me as the famous Boy who Lived." Harry said frowning a bit at Ginny thinking of him like that.

"That has to be hard Harry, never relay knowing if someone is your friend or even your girlfriend because of you or because of your name." She said

"You have no idea. There are worst things in the world to have happen to you though, I suppose. You could have the most evil wizard in the world wanting to kill you. Oh wait that's me too." Harry said laughing a bit. Hermione also chuckled and poked him in the ribs.

"Come on Harry lets get some more rest, before we tell all our secrets.....I'm a sleepy girl." She yawned before nuzzling into Harry's shoulder like a pillow. Harry Pulled the covers up over them both a little more and rested his hand on her shoulder.

"Comfy are ya?" Harry asked she let out a groan that obviously said yes and they both went to sleep, a much more peaceful sleep from Harry's point of view. He liked the feel of Hermione sleeping next to him, He felt safe knowing that he had someone who was going to be with him no matter what. He had no real desire to kiss her or anything like that, but at the same time he felt he could hold her like this for a lifetime and still want more.

Harry woke up a bit before Hermione and decided to go down and bring up some breakfast for them to share while they were talking about everything. After that he had to practice his snow leopard form, train with his staff and clone, then it was off to Ashley to train, Finally his day would end in his second favorite place on earth, The Burrow.

"Good Morning Tom, How's your morning treating you?" Harry asked he felt good this morning, he had a feeling it had a lot to do with Hermione. Or maybe it was just the companionship he had never felt before living with the Dursleys, he wasn't really sure.

"Oh I'm all right Harry, get ya some breakfast?" Asked Tom smiling brightly at the looks he was getting for having a day to day conversation with Harry Potter.

"That would be great, and Tom...I'm really hungry could you make it enough for two?" He winked at Tom to tell him that he had company and didn't want the world to know about it.

"Certainly Harry. Give me a quick sec to get it prepared." Harry nodded and Tom left to the back room. Harry took a seat at the bar to wait.

Harry noticed the front door of the Tavern open up and a Teen-age boy enter swiftly. The boy looked to be 15 or 16 years old, he was Harrys height, a slight bit more muscular. His Hair was the length of Harry's when he was wearing his temporary disguise. It dark black color was shining the reflection of the candles lighting the room. His eyes were a light shade of brown, and he looked very friendly. He was wearing khaki pants and a gray T-shirt. And around his right wrist a gray leather band was adorned. The boy walked towards Harry and took a seat to his left. "How ya doing?" He said to Harry.

"Oh I'm all right, waiting for the barkeep to bring some breakfast is all. How you bout you?" Harry asked to the boy.

"Yeah I'm good, I need a room for a while untill school starts." The boy said looking a bit tired.

"Your a Hogwarts student?" Harry asked thinking that he had atleast seen everyone who went to his school.

"I am now, first time going to a real school. My Mum and Aunt just taught me at home. Now I'm going to someplace where I don't know anyone. kinda scary really." He replied.

"Well now you know someone, I'm Harry. nice to meet you..." Harry paused waiting for a name to call the boy.

"Jeremiah...Jeremiah Walls. Nice to meet you as well Harry." Jeremiah said sticking his hand out to meet Harry's. The name sounded familiar to Harry for some reason but he couldn't quite place it. His inquire must have shown on his face as the boy spoke up. "Trying to figure where you know the name?" he asked eyeing Harry.

"Yeah, I know it from somewhere....3rd place finisher at the English Open ...Impressive." Harry said remembering the article that Prof. Snape had thrown in his face.

"I guess, It would have been 1st or 2nd, but I needed the money. 1st through 3rd gets a bid to the European Championship so didn't really matter I guess." He said. Harry looked at the boy confused.

"What do you mean you needed the money. Did someone pay you to loose?" Harry asked.

"Ehh never mind all that..forget I said anything okay?" he asked back to Harry a bit shocked that he had said that out loud. He knew he thought it but He didn't think he said it.

"Ha....Malfoy...It was Lucious wasn't it who paid you to drop the match before you faced Draco? Figures. Harry said to the boy with a smile on his face.

"Yeah...Do you know the Malfoy's?" Jeremiah asked, still shocked that he was having this conversation.

"Yep, you go to school with Draco now." Harry said

"Great...I can't wait for Paris, sweet vengeance." Jeremiah now had a large smile on his face.

"Yeah I bet...." Harry was cut off by Tom bringing out a large pile of French Toast and Bacon, a crafe of orange juice, and what appeared to be about 15 biscuits.

"Jesus Harry, eat much?" Jeremiah asked teasingly at Harry.

"emmm yeah huge appetite, Tom this is Jeremiah Walls he needs a room until September 1st." Harry said to quickly change the subject away from his two person breakfast.

"Hello Jeremiah, any friend of Harry's is a friend of mine. I'm afraid all our rooms are checked out though." Tom said. Harry noticed the look of despair forming on Jeremiah's face.

"No worries mate, I'm leaving this afternoon. Your welcome to my room when I am gone. Give me a few hours go do your shopping, and then it is all yours." Harry said smiling at Jeremiah as he made his way up to his room with his tray of food.

"Hey Harry does your room come with the girl who is in it?" He said teasingly pointing to the large pile of food. Harry smiled.

"Fraid not 'Walls, Have to get your own." with that Harry finished walking upstairs and Jeremiah walked out of the back door to go to Diagan Ally.

Harry walked in to find Hermione still resting peacefully, He put the food down on the table infront of the fireplace. 'incendio' Harry said pointing his wand at the fire as it came to life illuminating the room. He then walked over to where Hermione was sleeping peacefully he went to stroke the side of her face to get her to wake without scaring her, but when he made contact with her skin he felt his vision blur and then correct. Harry wasn't in his room anymore, he knew that he was inside of Hermione's dream. They were in a church, larger than any church Harry had ever seen. There were pews and pews full of people all dressed up, Harry recognized many of them as Hogwarts students but more grown up, he saw the Weasley family, and Mrs. Granger was sitting next to Molly Weasley who were both in tears. Harry looked around for himself but he couldn't find him anywhere. Music started up and Mr. Granger came into view with Hermione looking as beautiful as any girl ever has in a wedding gown, they began to walk down the aisle when Harry was back in his room.

"Harry...Harry are you okay? What happened?" Hermione asked leaning over him feeling his forehead.

"I don't know 'Mione, I went to touch your cheek to wake you up, and then I passed out. Your up now though so lets eat, I have a long day ahead of me." Harry said a little hurt that Hermione dreamt about her wedding and Harry wasn't even invited. He had no idea that he was there, just not as a guest, for he never thought to look towards where the groom was standing.

"Okay Harry come on." She took his hand and steadied him over to the couch by the fire where the food still stood. "mmmmm this looks good." She finished.

"Yeah Tom makes a good breakfast. So where do you want me to start with my secrets? do you want to take turns or me go, then you go?" he asked through a mouthful of bacon.

"You go first Harry, I'll listen." She said pouring them both some orange juice.

Harry went on to tell her all about his life with the Dursleys. Living under the cupboard under the stairs. How Vernon tried to stop him from coming to Hogwarts. All about when he first met Haggrid, and their trip to Diagan Ally. How Hagrid became his first friend, brought him his first birthday cake, and first birthday present ever...Hedwig. At this part Hermione cried a little bit thinking about how Harry had lived for all those years. He pulled out the album that he had never shown anyone, he talked about his parents and how much he missed them. He told her about Merlin, Morga'n, and Remi and his awakening as a sage. She was speechless at this part. He told her about having powers over both Lighting and Ice, and how he acquired the Lighting ability. About his two Animagus forms, about Ashley and her training him. He told her about Jillian Smithers , being a fill in for Timmy A.k.a. Prof. Snape. She laughed at this for a very long time. He told her about Merlin coming to him and gifting him the Requiem and Jill teaching him how to use it. He told her about the wandless magic and the elementation. He told her that he asked if either one of his parents were elementals, and that Merlin didn't say no. This made Hermione very excited. After he had told her everything he could think to tell her, he remember the third task. And he launched into that story with his whole heart, letting his tears fall and freeze as they slid from his face as he talked about watching Cedric die infront of him, and the ritual wormtail performed to bring Voldemort back using his blood.

"Oh Harry." She was now crying as much as he was and she launched her self at him hugging him tightly. Telling him over and over that it wasn't his fault. "Voldemort will get what he deserves for everyone he's ever hurt." Hermione finished pulling away from Harry a bit, staring right into his eyes. Harry just smiled. "What are you grinning at Harry, I'm serious." She said.

"You said his name, well his fake name anyway." Harry said making his grin go wider. "I'm proud of you." He gently kissed a tear away from under her eye, and she smiled back.

From there he started the story of what had happened at #4 Privet Drive the previous night, and about his nightmare that woke them both up."Okay your turn 'Mione, time for all your secrets." Harry said smiling down at her. At some point in time she had made her way down to resting her head on Harry's lap looking up at him, as Harry mindlessly played with a strand of her hair.

It was her turrn, and she broke into stories from her childhood. She told him about her Imaginary friends she made up because she didn't have any growing up. She told him how she felt like her parents never really wanted kids. They were always working or out with eachother, or in out of town conventions, and the only thing she had to keep her company were her books. They treated her well, always made sure that she had what she needed, she just never felt like she belonged their, anywhere really. Untill she arrived at Hogwarts and met him. Her first real friend. Their was Ron too, but she knew Ron would have befriended her if it wasn't for Harry. She thanked Harry for this, and went on with her story. She told Harry that she only went to the ball with Viktor Krum to make Ron see that she was a girl, not just a bookworm like he thought she was. She told him that she used to feel so alone before she met him, and so bored. That he made her life exciting and worth while. She told him that the first thing she thought about when she was de-petrified was that if he was okay, and that she was so proud of him for going after Ginny and killing that Snake, and for ridding the world of Gildroy Lockhart. Harry smiled at this point and Hermione did as well. She told him that their adventure in third year was the best time of her life, doing something exciting, and saving someone's life was something she never would have done if it wasn't for him. She told him how she cried the night before each task during the Tri-Wizard tournament, and how she prayed he wouldn't be hurt before every Quiditch match. "I love you Harry, you make my life worth living you know. I would just be going through the motions without you here. You are a great wizard and an even better friend." Hermione said positively balling as all the emotions were coming out.

"Don't worry 'Mione, I'm not going anywhere, I'll always be here for you. You know your the only constant in my life, I never could rely on the Dursleys, I never know when Sirius will be taken away from me, I never know when Ron will get Jelouse and abandon our friendship, Ginny and I are still new, but I've see her be as immature as Ron. Your the only person who I know will always be there for me, I love you too, You're my best friend." Harry said letting a few tears of his own fall on her forward. She smiled as the small frosted tears tickled her skin. "Okay now that we have all that mushy stuff out of the way, I need to beat the shit out of something with my staff." Harry said smiling pulling his mini-staff off his necklace.

"NO! Wait I have one more secret....Hermione got off of the couch and stood infront of Harry. "Close your eyes Harry." she said smiling at him. Harry obliged and shut his eyes.

When he opened them again a few second later Hermione was gone and in Harry's lap lay a small kitten she was light brown, with white paws. Harry began to pet the little kitten. The kitten meowed and within a second Hermione was sitting in Harry's lap. They both laughed before Harry pushed her off onto the floor. "Watch it Harry or I'll change again and hurt you. Grrrrrrrrrr" she did a fake growl and pulled herself up.

"Oh yeah what are you going to do, lick me to death? Your cute but your not that cute." Harry said and he saw Hermione blush slightly before she transformed again, only this time it was a completely different form. Quickly a large tiger was infront of Harry growling dangerously. "Bloody hell Hermione, you have two forms too?" Harry asked an obvious question. Hermione quickly turned back into her human form.

"Ha you wish Harry, I've got more than that. I don't really know how many though, as long as it's a cat my forms seem to be endless." She said very proud of her unusual ability. "I showed you mine, now you show me yours." Hermione teased.

"All right Mione, but I've only tried the snow leopard form, and I don't even have that all the way though. Here goes..." Harry said as he began to take shape. He felt his head change and then his hands and feet were paws, his back began to take shape and Harry was on all fours before he knew what happened, he was in his form and jumped up to Hermione who tried to catch him, but the weight of the large animal was a bit much for her and she fell back onto the floor laughing at Harry who was licking her face. Hermione laid there laughing at the animal that was her best friend. Harry turned back into himself and stayed on the floor with his head resting on Hermione stomach, the two laughing the whole time.

"Your beautiful Harry." She said without a hint of embarrassment.

"Thanks Mione, but wait untill you see the Phoenix. It is amazing." Harry said smiling up at her who looked like she couldn't wait. "Okay Hermione what do you want to do for the rest of the day, I have to practice with my staff for a bit and then train with Ashley on dueling curses, dark arts, and invisibility. Do you want to hang here untill I'm done or do you want me to take you to the Burrow now?" Harry asked getting up to both his knees looking over Hermione.

"I'll watch you train Harry, If thats okay with you and Ashley?" She asked unsure of herself.

"Eh she doesn't have a say in it, but don't tell her I said that. She would kill me." Harry asked being serious. Hermione seemed to understand. "Ever seen the Simlicarm spell used 'Mione?" Harry asked to a very excited Hermione.

"NO! Can you do it Harry? well go head then." She pointed to the spot infront of her.

'mracilmis apperatus' A second Harry appeared right infront of her, She smiled in appreciation.

"If you ever need a date 'Mione just let me know your welcome to my double if I'm taken." Harry smiled.

"Just why would I need a date Harry, Do you know something that I don't?" She asked.

"You did see that dress robes are on this years school list didn't you? Harry said as if it was most obvious. Hermione only smiled.

"Ahh so your the other 5th year prefect. I figured Minevera would pick you. But Harry your a Git, only the prefects have a ball this year. All the prefects from the last 100 years will be there, well those who are still alive anyways." Harry was surprised he didn't know this at all.

"Oh well in that case will you be my date?" Harry asked looking at Hermione.

"As if you have a choice, You're the 5th year Gryffindor prefect you have to take the 5th year Gryffindor prefect girl Harry, but thanks for asking." She smiled

"Ah I'm stuck with you then eh." Harry teased

"You shut-up, now lets see you fight this ugly guy standing next to me." Hermione returned the teasing pointing to the other Harry who looked identical to the real Harry. Harry responded in a very Ashley like manner and stuck his tongue out at her.

"Now that's attractive Harry." she said faking disgust.

**A/N**

Luke-6622427 - My new fav. person in the whole world, you rock. Thank you so much for the review and I will certinally E-Mail when future chappies come out. Who is your other faviorte just out of quirosity?

THE-PENGUIN - I don't hear it nearly enough for my taste :-D, Yes I will E-Mail you when new Chappies come out. Thank you for the kind words.

Ice Fox - Here you go and I'm digging your name, thinking about using it as an Animagi form for a future chacter, with your premision of course?. Thank you for the review

dementorchic - Harry/Ginny for a while, but I'm almost positive they will end before this book is finished, I kinda fell in love with the Harry/Hermione connection in this chapter, I may go that route but not untill book 2 or 3 if at all. I may just keep it Bro/Sis because that works too.

link76 - I like it when Harry kicks ass as well, he will reunite with Belle soon, Not to many chapters at the Burrow before I time warp a bit till sept, 1st

Silly Satan - Satan likes my story...scary. Thank you, I'm glad you like it.

Kitty - Thanks for the forgivness, here is another one for you, hopefully you like it as well.

A-man - Cowen will be a pretty decent charcter in future chappies.

Syd - Yep he is getting self-premenitions now, not to mention the dream reading he does on Hermione, and if you caught it he read Jeremiah Walls mind without even knowing it. I also am not a fan of Ron/Herm, I think I made that pretty clear in this chapter, they'll get together for a while but I'm sure he'll do something to screw it up. actually I'm positive. MWHAHAHAH! If you write a Fic let me know I will gladly read all my reviewrs works.

Lord Tiger VII - Sorry I didn't get this out untill tuesday....sorry , he will be kicking alot of ass through out the saga.

BigDaddy753 - Thank you again for your review, it makes me happy to see so many of you who review all the time. It keeps me writing.

Zaz - I would never Imply such a thing, and you will be getting all future chapters, I'm going to visit a friend of mine at college though and I wanted this up before monday when I get back. Thanks as always for your review.

Everpresent - Thats cool, if you ever have something to say or tips, please let me know, and thanks for being the human cannon spell checker. You Rock.

Sew2100 - Thank you.

shdurrari - Thank you again for the review, am glad you like it. I read stories all the time, and in any of them who thank their reviewers, it seems like your always there. we must have smiliar taste in stories.

TheUnknown - Harry's coven is going to be pretty elite, any ideas on distinguishing costume ideas(i.e. badges,bracelets,robes,rings) would be greatly apperciated by all. I agree with your A/N comment I will never tell what is going to happen, I have an outline of the story, but hell my mind changes more times than a NASCAR driver turns left.

Everyone by request I'm going to start E-mailing people when new chapies come out, if you want on the list let me know in a review. If you send a Anonymous review make sure to include your email if you want to be notified. Thanks everyone good-bye for now ~WTD~