Chapter 11: Hogsmeade

"I don't have any family members, that love me, left," said a depressed Harry.

"Maybe you don't need them to be physically with you, as long as you remember that they loved you." Hermione said trying to cheer Harry up.

"Yeah maybe," said Harry. The two slowly walked down to Hagrid's hut, and then spent the whole class talking about creatures of the forest. Harry didn't pay much attention. His thoughts drifted in and out. He was thinking about how Julia is involved in the battle, if the battle happen when the sorting hat predicted, and of course Hermione. Each of them would steal quick glances at each other every now and then. Towards the end of class Harry remembered another problem he had yet to deal with, Ron. Harry knew that he needed to tell Ron how he felt about Hermione but didn't know how.

The three made there way up to the castle for dinner. Hermione sat across from the two boys. The castle seemed to be in a good mood considering the warnings of bad things to come. Everyone was finishing up desert when the Headmaster stood to address the students.

"It is with great pleasure that I'm announcing another Yule Ball, to be held on the last day of school before you leave for winter break," smiled Dumbledore. Both Harry and Ron looked at Hermione but she only returned one of their looks, and Harry was sure Ron saw that she had looked at Harry and not him. "I wanted to make sure I told you all before the first Hogsmeade visit so you'd have plenty of time to look for you're outfits ladies. Have a good night and sleep well." Dumbledore winked at the crowd. Then with a clap of his hand the food disappeared following his cue the students began to head to their dormitory with a charge of electricity filling the air. Harry, Hermione and Ron did not speak until they got back to their common room.

"I'm going to bed, I'll see you two in the morning," smiled Hermione quickly as she headed for her room. Harry and Ron stood in an awkward silence for several moments before Harry decided to make the first move.

"I should probably get to bed as well. Night Ron," said Harry hoping he could get to his room before Ron could respond.

"Harry," Ron called out just as Harry grabbed the door handle.

"Yeah," said Harry turning to face him.

"Do you have any idea about who you wanna take to the ball?" asked Ron.

"Umm," Harry didn't know what to say, he didn't want to lie but he wanted to talk with Ron. "Do you?" asked Harry hoping to make Ron now the uncomfortable one.

"Well I . . . uhh . . . haven't given it any thought," he paused. "Well good night Harry." Ron went into his room. Harry took a deep sigh of relief, the first of a many disasters avoided. He went into his room and collapsed on the bed. Then a thought occurred to Harry, maybe he wouldn't have to confront Ron. As long as Harry kept up the flirting with Hermione and kept his cool, maybe she would say no to Ron and he would get that she doesn't like him. He couldn't get mad at Harry if Hermione said no to him. Harry sighed, but then Ron would be mad at Hermione, plus Harry wasn't positive Hermione cared for him as much as he for her. All he was clinging to was the kiss and a hope that those words she spoke were love of more then a friend.

The Hogsmeade trip quickly arrived. All the girls could talk about was going shopping while all the guys talked about Honeydukes, the quidditch store, and Zonko's Joke Shop. The only girl to not talking about buying their dress was Hermione, she had a new determination to figure out what the sorting hat meant. She had been in the library every night since they asked Professor Snape about the vision. She continued to talk about all the books she looked at as they rode to Hogsmeade.

"I even looked in Hogwarts a History to see if the sorting hat had done this before. Nothing! All I can find are love potions and dating advice for the young witch or wizard." Said Hermione in an exasperated tone. Once the carriages had arrived, there was a mad dash for the clothing shop. The trio casually strolled down the tiny village road. Some people went straight to Honeydukes while others headed to the Three Broomsticks and of course there was always a crowd at Zonko's Joke Shop.

"I think I'm gonna head over to Honeydukes, what about you guys?" asked Ron.

"I think I'm going to check out the book shop first, I'll catch up with you," Said Hermione.

"Same here I'll catch up with you at Honeydukes," said Harry hoping to get some time alone with Hermione.

"Well, I might as well just stay with you guys then," Ron said while eyeing Harry. It had been like this since the other night. Ron, as much as possible, tried to be with Harry and Hermione at every turn.

"Ron, you don't like books." stated Hermione.

"Yeah, so?" retorted Ron.

"So why are you coming," Hermione continued. Ron thought for a moment.

"Harry doesn't like books either," Ron smiled thinking he got the best of her.

"Yeah but he actually reads them once in awhile, Ron you love caramel dipped apples, and if Honeydukes runs out before you can get there you're gonna blame me. So go on ahead we'll meet up with you," Hermione tried to smile. It was obvious that Ron's behavior the last couple of days had gotten to her. Obvious to everyone but Ron, who was now deep in thought about the apples.

"You're right. I'll see you guys later," he said over his shoulder as he made his way over to Honeydukes. Harry and Hermione headed for the bookshop.

"I don't know what has gotten into him, but if he follows me around any more I'm going to scream," Hermione said as they walked down an aisle of books. "Honestly it's like he's trying to be my big brother or something. What does he think I'm gonna do when he's not lo—" Hermione had turned around suddenly and was now inches from Harry. The two had been in this position before. They both gazed into each other's eyes, hoping the other would say something but just as before they're moment was broken this time by a familiar voice that had entered the store.

"Ah Julia, have any luck with these books?" asked the old shopkeeper.

"No, got any more back there," said Julia. Harry and Hermione slowly crept to the edge of the aisle they were in to take a peek at what was going on.

"Afraid not, but I can send an owl to Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley to see what they have," said the kind old man.

"That would be much appreciated, once they've arrived send an owl and I'll come pick them up," said Julia.

"What was the subject again?" asked the shopkeeper.

"Love, anything to do with love. Love potions, hexes, incantations, charms. Everything." Said Julia as she turned around thinking she was being watched. Harry and Hermione took several steps back to make sure she couldn't see them.

"Alright I should hear back from them within the week," said the storekeeper as he grabbed the books Julia had brought back.

"Marvelous, thanks again," said Julia as she headed for the door. Once she left, the shopkeeper put the books down on a shelf behind the desk, then headed to the back. Harry and Hermione crept up to the front, Hermione peered over the desk and looked at the books Julia had taken out.

"Those are the books I was going to look at," whispered Hermione to Harry. They heard the storekeeper coming back and headed for the door. Once they were safely outside Hermione let out a groan of disappointment.

"I bet she already looked at all the books at Hogwarts too," said Hermione. They started to walk towards Honeydukes.

"What about the books Sirius left you," Harry stopped walking. That was the first time he had said Sirius's name out load since the incident at the Ministry. He began to feel sadness overtake him. He hadn't thought much about Sirius since he got back to Hogwarts. As he thought about this, a small hand grabbed his. Harry looked up at Hermione and smiled at her. He gave her hand a squeeze then let it go.

"He left me six books. Would you mind helping me with them? We each take three and see what we can find." She smiled at him, hoping to get his spirit up.

"Deal, we'll start tonight," Harry said with the same determination Hermione saw him have at the reading of Sirius's will. She nodded her head in agreement. The two made their way over to Honeydukes to catch up with Ron.

Later in the afternoon the trio headed to the clothing store. Harry had decided to wear his Order robe to the ball but wanted pants, a jacket and shirt to match it. Ron had made money working at Fred and Georges shop for part of the summer so he bought himself a nice new dark green dress robe with outfit to match. Hermione had taken several outfits into the dressing room but would not tell either of the boys which one she bought. They had about an hour left before they had to head back to Hogwarts, and they were all about to go to the quidditch store when Neville approached Harry.

"Harry, would you come to the Three Broomsticks for a moment," he asked.

"Sure what do you need?" Harry was curious what Neville wanted to talk to him about. Hermione and Ron followed and when they entered the pub a large group of students huddled in a corner turned to face them. It was the DA, all of the remaining members were there, including what looked liked people who wanted to join. Harry was in utter shock at the amount of people that had gathered, even Cho and her friend Marietta that squealed on them last year, where there. As he approached, a space was made for him in the corner. He sat down and looked around at all the familiar faces.

"We have a couple questions for you," started Neville nervously. "First, why haven't you started up the DA yet? And Second, why are some of the teachers asking us what we feel towards You-Know-Who?" Neville blurted out in one breath.

"Um, I don't know if I'm allowed to answer those questions," said Harry as a look of disappointment washed over the group. "At least not here. Do the DA members remember the room we used last year?" The majority of the group nodded their heads. "Meet me there tomorrow night after dinner, and I'll explain what's going on." The group started to break up. "And remember don't come in one large group, break it up so we don't look suspicious," Harry added.

"Thanks Harry," smiled Neville. He was about to leave when Harry grabbed him by the arm.

"Neville, I never got to thank you for helping me back at the Ministry," Harry realized he hadn't said this to any of the people who had stood by him that night.

"Oh don't worry about it Harry, you've always helped me whenever I needed it," Neville paused. "Plus I could have been the one that You-Know- Who marked." Neville said with a small amount of sadness in his voice. A moment passed between these two friends.

"Neville after tomorrows night meeting you'll understand why you'll be just as important as me in the fight against Voldemort." Harry said as he put his hand on Neville's shoulder. "Marked or not, everyone will be affected." The words hung in the air as Hermione, Ron, Harry and Neville stood there. The four walked to the carriages in silence. Harry didn't realize how true his words were. This fight wasn't about Potter versus Voldemort. This fight was about the survival of good or evil, the stakes were a lot greater then anyone originally thought. No one talked until after dinner that night. Harry was lying on the floor next to the fire while Hermione sat on the couch. Ron had several maps of Europe and England spread out over the desk.

"Ron what are you doing?" asked Harry as he watched Ron trace one of the lines on the map. Ron wasn't paying much attention to Harry when he answered.

"Just looking at war," said Ron still looking at the different lines on the map. Harry looked over at Hermione who just shrugged her shoulders.

She and Harry had split up the books and each were reading one. Harry's book was an older version of the magical creatures textbook that he had for Hagrid's class. The difference between this older edition and Hagrid's was in the amount of detail involved. The author spent two years with each creature he covered. A wizard by the name of Liam Tate went all over the world to discover magical creatures and their talents. Harry was actually enjoying the book. He learned that a phoenix could erupt into flames over the body of their masters to bring them back from the dead. Liam mentioned this act as the phoenix's ultimate sacrifice. They would rather have their masters live then themselves. As he finished the phoenix section of the book he turned the page to see an Eagle much like Rosie staring back at him. He started reading until a section of the book caught his attention.

"Hermione," nervousness in Harry's voice. "Have you ever talked to Rosie?"

"Not directly. Only to talk to Julia." Hermione said confused

"Ron, have you?" Harry asked.

"No, why?" Ron could tell something was bothering Harry.

"Come on," Harry was up off the floor and heading towards his room.

"Harry, where are we going? What's the matter?" asked Hermione.

"We're going to Julia's class room." Harry walked back into the common room with his invisibility cloak, and the marauders map.

"We all can't fit under there any more mate," said Ron.

"We won't need too," Harry said as he pointed his wand at the map. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." The map began to show where everyone was. "Look if we move quickly we have a clean route right to her classroom. Come on!" Harry grabbed both of them and headed towards the portrait. Once they were out of Gryffindor Tower, Harry checked the map again.

"Hurry we can make it down the stairs before Filch gets there," Harry said over his shoulder as he sprinted towards the stairs.

"Wait, what's going on?" shouted Hermione after him. Ron and Hermione continued to chase Harry through the halls.

"Doesn't he realize we're Prefects, we can go anywhere we want?" said Ron as they ran after Harry.

"I have a feeling Harry can't think of anything right now," Hermione said running ahead of Ron. They reached the door to the Defense Against The Dart Arts classroom. Once in side Harry slowly made his way to the up to Julia's office.

"Lumos," whispered Harry as they entered the office. Hermione and Ron were still out of breath as they entered.

"What's this all about Harry," Ron panted. Ron leaned against the desk and in the processes knocked over a picture frame. "Sorry," he said as he leaned down to pick it up. He took a moment to look at the picture. "Hey I wonder who this is?" asked Ron. Both Harry and Hermione walked over to see the picture.

"That's Julia with her parents, she's only eight." Said Rosie from the corner of the room. All three jumped back, Harry then realized that Ron and Hermione must have heard Rosie.

"Rosie I want you to talk to Hermione and Ron," demanded Harry. He waited a few seconds then looked at his two friends.

"Hermione who does Rosie sound like to you?" Harry asked in a frenzy. She looked at him with a confused look.

"Like McGonagall . . . doesn't she sound like that to you?" Hermione asked concerned. But Harry didn't answer.

"Ron, what does she sound like to you!" Harry said almost at a yell.

"Like my mum," Ron answered quickly scared at Harry's behavior. Harry turned towards Rosie now.

"How did you know my mum?" asked Harry now a little calmer that he wasn't crazy.

"Harry! What's going on?!" Hermione was now the agitated one. Harry realized he hadn't explained his actions yet. He faced Ron and Hermione.

"That book I was reading, it's about magical creatures and when I got to the chapter on Original Eagles I discovered something Julia failed to tell us." Harry turned to Rosie. "When Eagles choose to talk to you, they use a voice that the eagle has heard before and someone you feel comfortable with."

"Only one book ever published that knowledge and that was many years ago," said a troubled Rosie.

"Did you two hear that?" asked Harry.

"I'm talking to all three of you," said Rosie quickly. "Where did you find that book?"

"Sirius left it to me," said Hermione out loud.

"I should have known, the house of Black has been one of the oldest wizarding families," Rosie said to no one in particular. "Do you know you wrote it?" she asked.

"Liam Tate!" spat Harry.

"Was that his pen name? That makes sense why they could never publish the book again. They could never find him," again Rosie was not talking to anyone of them but more to herself.

"What was his real name?" asked Ron.

"His real name was Liam Potter, and he was Harry's great great great Grandfather." Said Rosie with a sigh.

"What?" said a now very perplexed Harry. "Did you know him?"

"Yes, I did. And your great great grandfather, your great gandfrather, your grandfather, and your father Harry. I have severed the Potter family for five generations." Rosie said. Harry's head was spinning. Another thing that had been kept from him, another piece of his family and his past that people failed to tell him about.

"Why didn't you tell me!" Yelled Harry. The bird bowed its head slowly.

"Because I was told not too, not until you were getting ready to fight Voldemort." Rosie said slowly.

"Why? Did Dumbledore think I couldn't handle it," venom in Harry's tone.

"No, it was your mother," Rosie said as she raised her head to stare right at Harry. "She knew that if I interfered before now it could have altered events."

"Oh my god!" thought Hermione who quickly figured that everyone heard her. "You're mum was a seer Harry" Hermione whispered. "Which means-"

"Which means she knew that her and James were going to be killed." Rosie quickly said. There was a moment were no one said anything until Harry exploded.

"YOU KNEW THEY WERE GOING TO DIE AND YOU DID NOTHING!" screamed Harry as he pounded his fist on the desk beside him.

"I couldn't interfere Harry," said Rosie who seemed on the verge of tears.

"WHY?! WHY COULDN'T YOU INTERFERE!!" Harry had never felt more enraged in his life, this immortal creature could have saved his parents but instead let them die.

"Because Lily asked Rosie not too," said Dumbledore from the doorway, McGonagall and Julia beside him. Dumbledore continued, "If Rosie interfered 15 years ago," he paused and took a long breath. "You would be dead."