A/N - Sorry for the delay, works been really busy and I've been pulling 15 hour shifts. Thank you for hanging in there with me.

Chapter 19: New relationship, same Friend

The train ride back to London was uneventful. For the first hour everyone continued to ask Hermione questions about when she woke up, how did she get Madam Pomfrey to let her go to the dance, then some how the topic switched to Neville who went bright red when they asked how he got Hannah Abbot to go with him to the ball. Things began to quiet down and Hermione leaned against Harry and fell asleep. It felt wonderful to have Hermione in his arms he couldn't help but smile. He watched as Luna and Ron carried on a pleasant conversation and Ginny and Neville played wizards chess. He turned his attention to the window. It was a dreary day, rain would fall here and there. The grey clouds refused to let any sunshine through. As Harry continued to look out the window he saw a bird flying high above them, it looked as though it was following the train.

"Rosie," thought Harry. "Is that you up there?"

"Ah darn you saw me," said the eagle. "How's Hermione?"

"She's sleeping right now, I'm a little worried about how weak she is," he looked down at Hermione who had to be helped onto the train by Hagrid.

"Don't worry, Madam Pomfrey has her on every potion imaginable to get her back up to speed. Plus, that potion they gave her last night so she could dance with you is pretty powerful," said the bird trying to lighten the mood.

"When do you think Julia will wake up?" asked Harry as he watched Ron tell Neville he could beat Ginny in three moves.

"Soon I hope, those first years are beating me up," said Rosie, this caused Harry to laugh out loud. Everyone in the compartment stopped what they were doing and looked at Harry.

"I'm talking with Rosie," he said casually.

"Is that how I heard you, that night we got the Death Eater?" asked an interested Neville.

"Yeah, I used Rosie to talk with you. Just like Julia did in class to communicate with us," said Harry. They spent the next several hours trying to communicate with each other using Rosie. It got particularly interesting when everyone started to hear one of Hermione's dreams. Books that she hadn't read yet were chasing her, everyone giggled until they heard a voice in the dream that sounded like Sirius.

"Protect my godson Hermione, I'm counting on you." Harry and Ron knew where they had heard it before. It was in Sirius's note to Hermione.

"Maybe we should take a break," suggested Harry. Everyone slowly went back to doing something else while Harry continued to listen to Hermione to make sure she wasn't beating herself up for anything else, but he didn't have much time, soon the train pulled into platform nine and three quarters.

"Hermione we're here," whispered Harry. She rubbed her eyes and slowly looked around. No one would make eye contact with her as the group grabbed their belongings, but before they had a chance to open their compartment door two tall redheads appeared. Fred and George made funny faces at the group as they banged against the glass.

"Alright we're in charge here," said George as he opened the door.

"Locomotor," said Fred as he pointed his wand at Hermione. She floated above the seat and slowly hovered over to Fred.

"Reducio, Reducio – um Reducio oh and Reducio," said George who shrank all of Harry's, Ginny's, Ron's and Hermione's luggage. "Okay throw the stuff in your pocket and let's go – oh sorry Luna and Neville – Reducio, Reducio, and Reducio. You're Gran can un-shrink it Neville don't worry," smiled George as he followed Fred who had Hermione on his back. The group just stood still for a moment in the compartment looking at each other.

"Now you all know why I wish I had a sister," said Ginny dully as they all turned to the window to watched Fred skipping around the platform like a pony with Hermione laughing hysterically on his back. They followed the twins up into the main part of the station where Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were waiting, along with Mad-Eye, Tonks, Lupin, Charlie, Bill and Hagrid.

"You two knock it off, she ain't a rag doll," barked Moody as Hagrid came up and grabbed Hermione from Fred. "You lot, where's your belongings?"

"They shrunk it for us," said Harry as he pointed at George.

"They did something useful, amazing," he grumbled as he turned to exit. "Come on we don't have all day."

"What's gotten into him," whispered Ron to Fred.

"He's been like this the last couple of days, trying to make sure nothing happens on the way to Grimmauld Place," said Fred. The kids said they're goodbyes to Luna and Neville.

"I'll write Luna," said Ron.

"No he wont! He'll see you after break," shouted Moody from down the platform. Ron just stared for a moment at Moody, then looked at Luna and gave her a frown.

"It's okay I'll see you in a few weeks," she said as she went in to give Ron a hug. The group of friends watched as Ron for a second didn't know what to do but soon returned the hug.

"Ron! Harry keep up," yelled Mrs. Weasley.

"Why didn't she yell at you," Ron asked Ginny.

"Cause she knows I'm staying back here to make sure you don't get lost," she smiled as she poked fun at her brother. They soon caught up to the rest of the group and Harry could hear Hermione begging to be put down.

"Honestly Hagrid I can walk, there's really no need to carry me." She continued to protest as they went to the front of the station where a black limousine was waiting.

"We're not all riding in that are we?" asked Ron.

"Of course little bro, the Ministry doesn't want their one hope to defeat You-Know-Who to get hurt," smiled George. "So we get to ride in style."

"Wait a minute this is a neverending limousine isn't it," gasped Hermione. The group of kids looked up at her.

"She's not even awake twenty four hours and she's already pointing out things we don't know," joked Ron.

"No I've heard about them too. The outside keeps the same shape but it adapts to the amount of people inside by shrinking us," said Ginny who opened a door and peeked her head in to look.

"What are you a Hermione in training?" asked Ron.

"Ronald stop being a smarty pants and get in the car," said Mrs. Weasley as she gave him a nudge.

"We will return to full size right, everything will be intact?" questioned a nervous Ron.

"Why, who are you trying to impress?" asked Harry. The whole grouped laughed except Ron who went completely red and walked right into the limo.

"Hagrid, you coming?" asked Harry who was the last one to get into the limo.

"No I'm riding in the ambulance with Julia," said Hagrid as he walked to a large black SUV that was parked in front of the limo. Harry was about to ask another question but he saw the back doors of the SUV open to reveal Madam Pomfrey and several nurses from St. Mungo's preparing to receive Julia who was carefully being lifted into the car by Mad-Eye.

"That car has the same spell as the limo. We need ways to transport witches and wizards who can't apparate themselves to St. Mungo's or other places," said Mr. Weasley who was looking at Harry from the car. Harry gave the SUV one more glance before he stepped into the limo.

"Mr. Weasley, why can't other wizards just grab them and apparate for them?" asked Harry as he took his seat next to Hermione.

"You mean like Julia and Dumbledore did in Diagon Alley," said Mr. Weasley. "Not many witches and wizards can produce enough magic to transport two people or three, the way Dumbledore and Julia did. It's very rare but then again Dumbledore and Julia aren't your average witch and wizard." Harry didn't ask any more questions instead he just thought about what Mr. Weasley had said.

After several loops around the block and dropping people off two at a time Harry finally entered his home. A thought that still seemed weird to him was that he owned this place. He carried Hermione up to her room and then proceeded to his. As he enlarged his trunk and his birdcage, Hedwig gave a confused hoot as the bird returned to normal size.

"Sorry Hedwig, it wasn't my idea," said Harry who searched for a treat to give the well behaved bird. As he settled into his room, he heard noises coming from the room next door, he peeked into the hall and saw Julia's body being hovered into the room. He took a deep breath and went down to join his friends in the girl's room. Several hours later the group was down in the kitchen eating a wonderful dinner that Dobby and Winky had prepared.

"Dobby, Winky this is fabulous, I want the recipe," asked an amazed Mrs. Weasley.

"Its very simple mama, I can write it out for you tonight," piped up Winky in her high voice.

"Oh Winky dear that would be wonderful, thank you," said Mrs. Weasley who continued to eat the wonderful beef stew the house elves made. Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape had arrived at the house just before dinner. Hermione was able to come down for dinner but everyone could tell she was quickly becoming tired, along with the rest of the children.

"Well it's been a long day, why don't you all get some rest. Tomorrow we'll be decorating," cheered Mrs. Weasley. They all got up from the table Harry made sure to help Hermione up, but as they reached the stairs she threatened everyone if they didn't let her try to go up them herself. Of course she made her way up them and only needed to stop twice to take a break. Madam Pomfrey and McGonagall, who were following the group to give Hermione her last potions for the night, were very impressed with how well she handled them.

"You sure you don't need anything?" asked Harry as he stopped in front of Hermione's room.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me," she smiled.

"If you need anything I'll be right next door," Harry seemed worried to let her out of his sight. He had slept in a bed next to hers the night before in the hospital wing of Hogwarts.

"Harry I'll be okay, nothings going to happen," Hermione could tell Harry's reluctance to let her go.

"I know," said Harry as he looked down at his feet.

"Hey," she put her hand on his cheek. "It will be okay, don't worry," she stood on her tiptoes and gave him a sweet kiss on the lips.

"Okay okay, she'll see you tomorrow morning Harry," said Ginny from in side the room. The two looked embarrassed as they parted from their kiss. Hermione grabbed the door and began to close it.

"Love you," she whispered.

"Love you too," said Harry.

"And I love everyone," said George from the bottom of the stairs. Hermione laughed and slowly closed her door but not without giving Harry a wink. Harry continued to his bedroom where he was meet with Dumbledore, Lupin, Mad Eye and Snape.

"When did you guys get up here?" asked Harry who had just seen them all eating downstairs just minutes ago.

"While you were sucking Miss. Grangers face," said Snape unpleasantly.

"It's also known as kissing," said Lupin to Snape, the two glared at each other for a moment.

"Cut it out you two," huffed Moody.

"We're hear to monitor you tonight," said a very composed Dumbledore.

"Oh yeah . . . to see if I can block out Voldemort." said Harry, who wasn't thrilled with the idea of Snape watching him sleep. Harry started to undress then turn to the four men standing in his room still staring at him. "Um – can I have a moment?" The wizards all turned around and continued to talk with each other while Harry stripped down to his boxers. He jumped into bed and quickly covered himself.

"Ready," he said nervously.

"Wonderful, now Harry I want you to clear your mind," the Headmaster took a seat next to Harry's bed while the others slowly took their seats around the room. Harry closed his eyes and began to clear out any thoughts he had from the day.

"Concentrate on your breathing," said Dumbledore whose voice was becoming very soothing and Harry found himself quickly slipping into a deep sleep. It seemed he was only sleeping for a minute when images began to take shape.

"Master we couldn't track them, the car kept driving in circles," sniveled a Death Eater.

"Well then why aren't you still out there watching it drive in circles," said the all to familiar voice. The man began to cry out in pain as Harry could see the Crucio spell being performed on the Death Eater kneeling before Voldemort.

"Now you said you had some sort of news, what might that be," said the Dark Lord. The Death Eater took a moment to catch his breath then looked up at the evil wizard.

"The mudblood girl is awake, and is believed to be very close with Potter," said the Death Eater still in pain.

"Really," Voldemort began to pace. "Maybe we could use this to our advantage . . . maybe we could use her to draw Potter out." At this Harry could feel his own emotions coming through. He wasn't going to let Voldemort touch her, even if he had to die to do it. At that moment Harry could feel a shift in Voldemorts demeanor.

"What is it my lord?" asked the Death Eater.

"We're not alone . . . I think some one is watching," roared Voldemort. Harry could feel his body being jerked up into a kneeling position, pain coursed through him.

"You would die for her Potter! Just like your father!" the high pitched squeal of Voldemort echoing in Harry's mind. He could also hear Dumbledore and the others try and help him.

"Albus can you break the connection," yelled Moody who was pointing his wand at Harry trying to counter Voldemort. Harry's arms were spread out and his chest was protruding forward as if some one had hooked him like a fish and was trying to wheel him in. Harry screamed out in utter pain, it was just like in the Ministry. His body felt like it was on the brink of death, but unlike the other time Harry did not wish to die. He was trying with all his might to concentrate and push Voldemort out of his head.

"YOU WON'T WIN!" yelled Harry. The group surrounding Harry stop as they heard his voice.

"Harry keep fighting," said Lupin who along with Snape was also pointing their wands trying to counter cures Voldemort.

"Come on Potter you can do better then that," taunted Voldemort. Harry gave out a loud grunt as he began to push even harder.

"Ahhh," Voldemort screamed out in pain. Harrys body relaxed for a moment.

"Harry keep fighting help is on the way," said Dumbledore.

"Albus where are you going?" shouted Mad Eye. Another wave of pain hit Harry as Voldemort recovered from Harry's moment of triumph.

"I WILL KILL YOU!" yelled a crazed Voldemort.

"Not – before – I – kill – you – first!" said Harry between waves of pain. He was starting to lose his fight with Voldemort, his strength was draining quickly, but just as he was about to give up Harry felt the warmth of another body. He was suddenly at peace. He couldn't feel any more pain but could still feel Voldemorts presence and now the presence of someone else.

"I love you Harry," came the voice of Hermione. Voldemort gave out another cry of pain but this one was much deeper then the first. He completely let go of all control over Harry. Which caused the boy to collapse into Hermione's arms.

"Master are you okay," said the voice of the Death Eater. Harry couldn't believe it, he was still connected to Voldemort but with out him knowing.

"You're right," said Voldemort out of breath. "The mudblood is very close with Potter . . . too close." Harry could feel Hermione letting go of him and the moment she let go Voldemort stiffened again. Harry blindly reached out for her. Hermione grabbed his hand, which caused Voldemort to calm down.

"What should we do master," said the Death Eater as he helped Voldemort off the floor.

"Nothing," whispered the dark wizard.

"Nothing sir?" questioned the Death Eater.

"Yes, I must figure out what happened tonight and if it can happen again," as Voldemort finished speaking Harry slowly lost his connection. He slowly opened his eyes. People were standing over him but with out his glasses he couldn't tell whom.

"Here Harry," said a voice that sounded like Lupin. The man was handing Harry his glasses and once on he saw the entire household standing in his room. However the person he wanted to see most was the one sitting at the end of his bed still holding his hand.

"What happened Harry? Tell us everything," said a nervous Dumbledore.

"A Death Eater was telling Voldemort about not being able to follow us from the station today," said Harry as collected his thoughts.

"I knew it," said Moody from the other side of the bed.

"Voldemort tortured him and then asked about any other news the Death Eater had," Harry didn't want to say it out loud, not in front of everyone, it would scare Hermione.

"What was the other news?" pushed Lupin. Harry took a deep breath.

"He told Voldemort that the mudblood had woken up and that she was very special to me," Harry couldn't look Hermione in the eye, he just stared at his feet as he talked.

"Is that when he felt your presence?" asked a still nervous Dumbledore.

"Yes, then he started to torture me," Harry felt completely embarrassed. How was he supposed to defeat the Dark Lord when Voldemort could torture him miles away?

"What did you do to stop him? There was a moment where your body relaxed and it looked like you had beat him," asked a very impressed Snape.

"I don't know – last time he did that to me in the Ministry – " there was a gasp from Mrs. Weasley, McGonagall and even a grunt from Moody. "I just wanted to give up and die. I didn't care I wanted the pain to be over . . . but this time – "

"This time you weren't going to let anyone hurt your friends," injected Dumbledore, who saved Harry from having to divulge too much about his feelings towards Hermione.

"Right, so I just concentrated as hard as I could and I forced him out for a moment," Harry was still looking down at his feet.

"Why did you reach out for Hermione when he had let you go?" asked Moody.

"Because when he let me go we were still connected. When Hermione stopped touching me he began to feel my presence for a moment but once we were touching again he didn't know I was there," Harry glanced at Mad-Eye then back to his feet.

"Did he say anything else?" asked Fred, everyone turned and gave him a nasty look.

"Yes he did . . . he said I was too close to the mudblood and that he didn't want to do anything until he could figure out if this could happen again. I think he was referring to Hermione forcing him out," Harry slowly raised his head to look at Hermione. All he saw was complete concern in her eyes. She slowly crawled over to him and gave him a hug.

"Don't worry, he's not getting either of us with out a fight," she said as she stroked the back of Harry's head. He was wiped out. He rested his head on her shoulder hoping that she was right. The room was still as everyone watched the couple hold each other.

"The most important thing now is to figure out how Hermione helped you defeat him . . . and figure it out before Voldemort does," said a grim Moody.