A Love Worth Fighting For
Chapter Nine
The Funeral
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, but it is my lifelong goal.
Star in a Daze: Hi! I know I know you all probably hate me! I'm so sorry for leaving you hanging like that! I hope you like this chappie! I love you all my reviewers!
Harry walked back into his room. Hermione was there waiting for him. She walked over to him and hugged him.
"Oh, Baby, I'm so sorry". She said. She let go of Harry but he just pulled her closer to him. They stayed like that for a long time.
The next day, Tuesday, Harry went to his classes like normal. He went into his DA class and began to teach. The class started off like yesterdays class. Everyone asked questions and Harry answered them.
After dinner Katrina, Harry and Hermione made there way up to Dumbledore's office to get ready for their first Auror lesson. Once there Harry noticed another person in the room. It was Mad Eye.
"Hello Harry". He said gruffly. Harry nodded to him, not able to say real words. Dumbledore came out and smiled at the three students.
"Hello everyone, today you start your Auror training. For the next year you three will have lessons every weekday night. You will be pushed to the limit with your training. You will be exhausted after every lesson and if you're not, Moody here will push you until you are. Now, to be an Auror, you will need to be able to use defensive spells as well as offensive. You will need to know how to disguise yourselves in various ways. That is your first lesson. The three of you are going to become Animagi". Harry looked at Hermione and Katrina. He was ecstatic. "Now, before we begin. I would like the three of you to think of an animal you would like to be. That is today's lesson. If you three finish early then we may begin. Now I want you to think really hard on what animal you want to become. If you choose an animal that you won't want to be in a few years there is no way to reverse it".
"Albus, what if you already know what you want to be?" Harry said. Albus looked at him shocked.
"You now know?"
"Yes, I want to be a big black dog, in memory of Sirius. I know that I will still want to be it forever". Albus smiled and nodded.
"Alright then, and how about you two? Do you already know?" Hermione looked up.
"An eagle". She said. "I want to be an eagle". Harry smiled at her. Katrina thought about it.
"Was mom one?" She asked. Dumbledore shook his head.
"No, I'm sorry. But your father was. He was a stag". Katrina looked thoughtful.
"Then I want to be a deer. A powerful one at that". Dumbledore nodded.
"Okay then. I thought that would take a lot longer than that. Well, let's get started then". Moody walked over to them.
"Now". He said gruffly. "I will begin with the training. First of all you will need to come with me". The three of them followed Moody outside. Once there Mad Eye started pulling out many things from a bag. "Okay, this weekend will be the major training session. The rest will be put off. This weekend we will go into the forest to find a few things. In that forest there will be everything we need for our potion". Harry looked at him. "Yes Potter, it is a potion that we need to transform".
For the rest of the session Mad Eye went on telling Harry, Hermione and Katrina about the things that they would need to become Animagi.
That night when Harry and Hermione walked up to their room they were exhausted. They could barely make it into their room. Once in bed Harry leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, said goodnight and then instantaneously fell asleep.
The next day, Wednesday, Harry woke up early. He looked over at his clock and it read 5:30. Harry rolled out of bed and walked into the bathroom. After a long hot shower Harry went back into his room to wake up Hermione. Once awake, she too got a shower. Harry got dressed in a black suit and tie. He went to Hermione's room and saw her struggling with a zipper. Harry went over to help her. When she turned to face him, he gasped. She wore a knee length black dress that had sleeves that cut off over one shoulder. She had her hair in a knot and pinned with a black clip. Harry grabbed her hand and they went down to breakfast together.
In the Great Hall they met Katrina who was also dressed in a black dress. This one though was spaghetti strap one. The three of them sat at the end of the Gryffindor table and ate in silence.
Once they were finished the three of them went to Dumbledore's office.
"Hello Mr. Potter, Miss. Potter and Miss. Granger". Dumbledore said with a half smile.
"Good morning". They replied. Dumbledore walked over to his desk and picked up a small book.
"This will be your port key. It leaves in three minutes. I will have Remus pick you three up at about seven o'clock tonight. I assume that you will want to visit with your cousin and Uncle". Harry nodded. "Well, I shall see you tonight. Farewell". Dumbledore handed them the book and soon Harry felt the expected jerk behind the navel. When Harry opened his eyes he found himself and the others in front of the Dursley's house. Harry knocked on the door and his Uncle opened the door.
"What are you doing here?" Vernon asked roughly, but not upset to see him.
"My Girlfriend, sister and I came for Aunt Petunia's funeral".
"Sister?"
"Yes, this is Katrina Potter, your niece". Katrina put out her hand and Vernon politely shook it.
"Nice to meet you. Now come in". He said opening the door wider so the three of them could go inside. Harry was shocked. He half expected his uncle to push him right out the door.
A few hours later Vernon looked at his watch.
"Well, it's time to go. Would you three like a ride?" Harry nodded. The four of them, and Dudley got in the car and drove to the funeral.
Once in the church Harry couldn't help but cry. He looked beside him and Hermione was there, trying to stop herself from crying. She failed and tears started falling down her face. Harry put his arm around her and she leaned into him.
After the service they went to the graveyard. After she was buried Vernon took Harry, Hermione and Katrina back to his and Dudley's house.
"So, Harry. How are you?"
"I'm fine sir".
"Harry, please don't call me sir. I'm Uncle Vernon".
"You mean you aren't kicking me out of the family?"
"No. I want to get to know you, and my niece, and your girlfriend. What's her name"?
"This is Hermione".
"Isn't Hermione your best friend?"
"She still is. And she is sitting right here".
"I know, I'm sorry. Hello Hermione, it's nice to meet you".
"And you too sir".
"And my niece, Katrina. Hello".
"Hello Uncle Vernon".
The four of them spent the rest of the day talking. At about seven Remus appeared.
"Harry, Hermione, Katrina, it's time to go". The three of them said goodbye to Vernon and they left. Once back at the school Harry looked at Hermione and Katrina.
"Wow that was weird. Uncle Vernon has never talked to me civilized before. I wonder what happened".
"Maybe it's because your aunt died". Hermione said. Harry shook his head.
"No, it couldn't have been. He's always hated me. There is no way that he would just start liking me".
"Well, whatever it is whatever". Katrina said. "Let's go to bed".
"It's seven o'clock. Kay Kay". Harry said.
"I know what time it is". Harry rolled his eyes and took Hermione's hand.
"Come on hun, let's go watch a movie". The two of them went back to their room and Katrina went back to the Gryffindor common room to go to sleep. Harry sat on their couch and pulled Hermione into his lap. The two of them stayed like that for the rest of the night.
The next day Harry woke up at around seven. He looked at the schedule that was on the table in front of him. He didn't have to teach that day! He went into his room and got ready for the day. He grabbed all his potions stuff and woke up Hermione. She quickly got ready and they went down to breakfast.
They met Ron there and he was having a conversation with Ginny.
"Hey Ron, hey Ginny". Harry said with a smile.
"Hey Harry". Ginny replied and Ron smiled at him.
"Hey mate. Are you okay? I heard you went to a funeral yesterday".
"I'm fine". Harry and Hermione sat down beside Ron and they quickly ate breakfast. When they finished they rushed down to the potions classroom.
When Snape walked in he looked at Harry and scowled.
"Hello. This year potions will be a lot harder than anything you have ever done. It will require a lot of assessment and hard work. I will not accept anyone fooling around in this class. I have been nice for the first five years of potions but don't expect me to be so nice now. Open your books to page 3 and we'll begin". Harry pulled out his book and opened it. Snape started to lecture and everyone began to take notes. About halfway through the triple class a Hufflepuff named Anna raised her hand.
"Yes Anna?"
"I was just wondering if you could repeat the part on Manera draught."
"No I can't repeat it. What a stupid question. Twenty points from Hufflepuff". Harry was mad as he watched Anna sink into her seat.
"Professor Snape. I think that was really unfair of you. Anna I'll give you back those twenty points". Harry said. He smiled at Snape and sat back down.
"Mr. Potter. You don't have the right to contradict me. Maybe a detention will teach you some manners". Harry stood up and looked Snape in the eye.
"Actually Severus, I do have the right to contradict you. I am a teacher too you know. I have every right to tell you and fix it if you are being unfair to your students. They are mine too if you didn't know. I want all of my students to feel safe in ALL their classes. So if you would be so kind to get off my case we can continue with the class. Anna, you can borrow my notes on the draught. I'll give them to you in class next Wednesday". Harry sat down and everyone stared at him. Harry winked and picked up his quill, looking expectantly at Snape. Snape looked surprised and then did something that Harry never expected to see Snape do. He laughed. Harry looked at Hermione and behind him at Katrina. Hermione looked scared and Harry was sure that he did too. Snape stood there laughing for a few minutes and then continued with the class.
After the class was over Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her out of the classroom.
"Hermione, I never ever want you near him alone okay? Promise me that if you are alone and you see him that you will run in the other direction". Hermione looked at him and nodded.
"Even if I am with another person I'll run in the other direction. Except you of course, I trust that you will protect me".
"Of course". Harry said smiling. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "Now let's go find Malfoy. I want to ask him a question".
"Okay". Harry and Hermione walked into the Great Hall and over to the Slytherin table. Harry walked over to where Draco was sitting and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Hey Harry". Draco said and then realized that there were other people around. "What in blazes do you want?" Harry smiled.
"I need to talk to you about your classes. Come". Draco stood up and followed Harry away from the table.
"Okay, what's up Harry?"
"Not much. I want to practice Quidditch tonight. You wanna come?"
"Sure. What time?"
"Around nine".
"Kay, say hi to Ginny for me".
"Kay". Harry and Hermione walked over to the Gryffindor table and sat down. "Hey Kay Kay". Harry said with a smile as he sat down.
"Hey Harry". She replied. Harry started to put food on his plate. He and Hermione started to eat. Just as they were finishing Ginny walked over to where they were sitting, fixing her hair that was out of place.
"Hey Ginny, Draco says hi, but I guess you got the message huh?" Harry said with a smile. Ginny blushed and sat down. "Well, Hermione and I have to get our book for Charms. I'll see you there right Kay Kay?"
"Yeah, but class doesn't start for an hour".
"I know". Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and they went up to their room. Katrina looked at Ginny and the two girls laughed.
"My lord, Hermione isn't going to do so well in school this year if Harry keeps distracting her". Ginny laughed.
"I know. I was going to ask if she could help me with my work but now I don't trust her to actually help me". Katrina laughed. The two girls talked and finished eating.
Katrina walked into Charms and took her spot. She looked around for Harry and Hermione but they weren't there. She sighed and sat there, waiting for class to begin. She watched the class slowly come in but no Harry and Hermione. Finally the bell rang and Professor Okkerse walked in, just as Harry and Hermione came rushing in, Hermione fixing her hair. They took their spots in front of Katrina and she laughed.
"Hello everyone". Okkerse said. "I hope that you all read chapter one". Hermione looked shocked and quickly opened her book and read the chapter quickly along with Harry. "Now, we have a new student joining our class today. She just came last night, she came from Canada and she is in her sixth year. I would like everyone to say hello to Erin". A young girl walked in. she had long, wavy, brown hair and big, blue-green eyes. "Erin, could you please tell the class about yourself?" Erin walked into the front of the classroom.
"Hi, my name is Erin. I'm good in school. I have two brothers, an older brother named Jamie and a younger one name Cameron. I'm in, well was in a band named Crime Tactic with my friends Katrina, Lindsey and Shane. I was vocals, Lindsey is guitar, Katrina is bass and Shane is drums. I'm going to visit them whenever I can. Ummm, Lindsey and Katrina are my best friends. I've known Lindsey since I was two and I met Katrina a few years ago. Shane is Lindsey and Katrina's friend. They called him "pimpin' Shane" and –sorry Professor- that Dutch bastard". That class laughed. "And that's about it".
"What do you like to do in your spare time?" Harry asked.
"I like to write songs, write stories, practice with Crime Tactic and I like to swim and act and... Hey wait, aren't you Harry Potter?" Harry laughed.
"Yup, that's me". Erin laughed and sat down at the only free desk, the one beside Ron. They started talking and didn't stop until the class was over.
After class, at break, Harry and Hermione went to Harry's office to 'study'. While they were 'studying' Harry heard a knock at the door. He stood up and opened the door and he saw Erin.
"Hi Harry, Ummm, do you know where Professor Potter is? I was told that he would be here".
"You're looking at him".
"Oh, okay".
"Come in". Erin stepped in. "This is Hermione. I was sitting with her in charms".
"Yes, hello".
"Hi".
"Can I help you with anything?" Harry asked Erin nicely.
"Um, yes, I would like to ask you a few things".
"Okay, sit down". Harry said pointing to a chair. Erin sat down and Harry sat down in another chair, pulling Hermione into his lap.
"Well, first of all I would like to ask you about my class with you. First of all, I need my homework from the first day and I would like to know what DA means".
"Well, first of all, I never give out homework on the first day. I think it's sacrilegious. And DA means Dumbledore's Army".
"Okay". Erin said, giggling.
"Is there anything else?"
"Yes, actually I was wondering if you would do something for me."
"Depends on what it is".
"Well, every year at my old school a teacher named Professor DeSouza did a play with some of her students. I was hoping that you could do a play. None of the other teachers would".
"Well, I guess I could. But I'm very busy. I have duty shifts every night so I could only do it on weekends, but I also have to get my lesson plans and homework done on weekends. I could suggest it and do it after lunch every Sunday, but I also have Quidditch. I'm the team captain this year".
"Well, if you can't its okay".
"I'll try Erin, and what house are you in?"
"Gryffindor"
"Okay". Harry pulled out an envelope from his desk. "Could you give this to my sister for me?"
"Okay, who's your sister?"
"Katrina. She's in the sixth year too. She is the black haired girl that was sitting behind me in class today".
"Okay". Erin stood up and left.
That Friday Harry and Hermione met up with Katrina to go up to Dumbledore's office.
"Hello Harry, Hermione and Katrina". He said as they entered the room. "Alastor will be here in a minute, but while you are waiting I need you three to get these from your rooms: A pillow, a sleeping bag, clothes, pajamas and anything else you might need for camping. Next I want you to go down to the kitchens and get the four backpacks of food that I had Dobby prepare. I would like you back hear within a half a hour". They all nodded and headed off.
Harry and Hermione went into their rooms and dumped out their school bags. They packed everything. They ran down to the kitchen to find Katrina sitting there with four backpacks.
"I told Ron that the three of us were going to visit our Uncle John". Katrina said to Harry. He nodded and picked up a bag. The three of them each took one bag (Harry had the two heaviest) and they went back to the office.
"Just in time". Albus said. "Now Mad Eye is going to take you into the forest and you will find the ingredients needed for the potion". Mad Eye walked out the door and the three of them followed him into the forbidden forest.
Star in a Daze: Hey hey! I'm sorry that this chappie isn't very long but I thought that this would be a good place to cut off. I still love you all though! I hope you liked the chappie! Please R&R!