Disclaimer: The song in this piece is called Let Me Love You by Tim McGraw. Also this scene retells of rape and other horrific things done by dark wizards. I hope none are offended.
Past Relived
Full of excitement the house began to dress for a night out. Dumbledore had declared everyone off duty…unless there was an emergency. Dinner at a muggle restaurant and dancing at a club that played music for every genre was the plan. Some of the members went home to get dressed and invite their spouses or significant others. All the females left immediately to begin getting dressed as the guys decided to play Quidditch.
Stepping out of the shower Harry pulled on a pair of black slacks and belt. Draping the towel around his neck he went across the hall and knocked.
"Yeah, I need Tonks, is she in there?"
Remus opened the door buttoning his shirt up. "She's still getting dressed, can I help?
"I just needed her opinion…"
"Must be about clothes; let me go get her." He knocked on the door to the bathroom, "hey Nymph…"
"Moony I said not now, go away."
Looking a bit embarrassed having Harry there he replied, "Nice thought Nymph, but Harry is the one wanting you not me."
Throwing open the door, "if this is just so…Wotcher! What can I do for you?"
Harry laughed knowing she thought it was a trick, "I wanted to ask if you could help me pick out a shirt. I'd like to look really nice tonight."
"Impressing the girl…always a good idea; lead the way." As she left the room she glared at Remus who was snickering.
Tonks picked out a shirt for him and cast an anti-wrinkle charm; then left to finish getting dressed. Looking in the mirror, he couldn't help but notice how he had changed. His hair was long almost to his shoulders, he was about four inches broader because of weight lifting, now reaching six feet tall, and the clothes pulled everything together. He loved his new wardrobe and how they felt and fit; comfortable but still tight enough to show off his physique. My hair is hopeless; maybe Tonks can help me with that. She had chosen an indigo button up silk shirt that fit snuggly against his biceps, leaving the top three buttons open to show a hint of his chest and the charm from Hermione. Since the shirt was tailored to the waist he left it untucked and tied the laces to his black boots. Grabbing his sunglasses trimmed in silver along with the rest of his jewelry he jogged across the hall. "Tonks, I need your help again."
The door opened, "Sure, come on in."
Harry looked at her, she looked incredible. She transfigured her hair to a dark wavy brown with gold threads spaced randomly causing it to play tricks with your eyes, her skin looked as if she has a dark tan and her eyes matched the color of his shirt. She had on a deep purple sundress; strapless on top hugging every curve until about her hips where it draped in shimmering sheer materials at different lengths stopping above her knee. "You look amazing! Did you make yourself taller too?"
"Thanks. Heels, every girl's best friend. Don't look so bad yourself handsome."
"Better not let Moony catch you saying that…might get jealous of my youth."
"I can hear you!" he shouted from the bathroom as Harry and Tonks laughed.
"What did you need?"
"My hair…I…thought maybe you might have a suggestion, I hadn't noticed it had gotten so long, normally it never does anything. The few times my aunt took me to get it cut it just grew back over night."
"What did you just say?"
"Which part?"
"That your hair grew back over night."
"Oh yeah, my aunt tried to cut it all off to make it lay down but when I woke up the next morning; you never knew I had a cut. So do you have any ideas? I'm not sure I want to keep it this long."
She grinned knowing exactly what would be perfect to show off his eyes and still be able to hide his scar. "Come with me. Remus?"
"Yeah?"
"Harry and I are going to go to my flat; we'll meet you at the restaurant. Let Hermione know ok?"
"Ok," he poked his head out, "Sure you don't want me to go with you?"
"We'll be fine, he can apparate so no one will see him since my flat is a muggle one."
Trading quick kisses they said bye. "Now, here's the address…ready?"
Tonks popped into her place and turned the lights on quickly. "Nice place."
She jumped wand pointed, "Damn it Harry I could have killed you! Couldn't you make some kind of noise when you do that?"
"Sorry. What are we doing here?"
"I have an idea for a cut…I suck at hair shearing charms so I figured we would grab the picture and go to a salon down the road. He's a friend of mine and will take us now with out waiting. Here it is. What do you think?"
"Why do you have CDs?"
"My father was a muggle remember? I like a lot of things that are electronic so I have my flat in muggle London."
Looking around he saw a big screen television and stereo system. "Nice stuff." He looked at the CD she handed him. "You really like this cut?"
"With your eyes it would be perfect! Long in front to hide your scar when you want to and it still has some length until you decide if you want to grow it out or not. Do you like it?"
"You're right it's perfect but…I never picked you as a country listener." His eyebrows rose up as he peered over his rims.
"My dad travels to the states a lot so he brings me back all sorts of different music, as long as it's good I will listen to it; you'll hear a lot of it at the dance club tonight. This is one of my favorites."
He read the title again; Keith Urban Golden Road. Whether he liked country music or not; he loved the cut.
As the door to the salon opened Tonks walked in, "Wotcher Tony! I need your help." Her eyes twinkling.
"DORI…it's been ages love. What can I help you with?" kissing both her cheeks hello.
"My friend here, needs this cut and as soon as possible." She gave him the CD. "Can you help us?"
"For you; anything." With a snap of his fingers another stylist came an ushered his client to another chair. "Sit, sit." He draped a smock around his neck and went to work. Forty five minutes later whispers ignited the place as Harry got out of the chair. "Perfect for those emeralds!" Tony claimed admiring his masterpiece. Glancing to make sure no one was watching Tonks told Harry to keep his glasses off as she performed a temporary charm to correct his vision.
"Oh Tony it's exactly what he wanted. Thank you so much for doing this on such short notice." She kissed both his cheeks, "I hate to run but we have dinner plans."
Grinning at Harry he said, "If she doesn't work out you know where to find me."
"TONY! I'm not dating him! I am dating his…uncle." She gave him a look apologizing for not knowing what to say. He winked; he understood. He wasn't quite sure what to introduce Moony as either.
"So you are single then? Maybe we should go out sometime?"
"Sorry but I have a girlfriend." As they walked away they heard him mutter "Pity." Harry's eyes widened in shock as Tonks giggled.
Outside they grabbed a cab to the restaurant. Filling the patio outside their group estimated forty people. Tonks and Harry watched as they enjoyed themselves. He saw Hermione occasionally glance around for him. The group got quiet as Tonks stepped out of the cab and Remus stepped up to meet her but mouths fell open as he stepped out of the cab. "Merlin!" was all Hermione could say as she watched him approach as if in slow motion. No glasses appeared on his face, his cut brought your attention to his intoxicating green eyes while diverting your attention from his forehead and scar. Ginny gasped, "he looks like a sex god." Hermione inhaled as her blood seem to boil, he was gorgeous nothing like the scrawny boy she met six years ago. He took the seat next to her leaning to kiss her hello. She wished everyone would disappear so she could kiss him properly.
He leaned to her ear and whispered, "You look incredible Mi. I'm sorry I'm late."
She blushed at the compliment trying to hide the chills he sent shooting down her spine. "Thank you. I'll show you later how delicious you look." His looked at her with a challenging smile on his face. "I look forward to it Mi lady."
Throughout dinner he couldn't help but stare. She straightened her hair causing it to reach just below her cute arse. Having it styled like this he noticed the layers around her face and the long bangs she parted to the side. Dinner being over; everyone stood to leave. It was then that Harry's eyes popped out of his head. Every guy's mouth dropped as well, including some older gentlemen in the restaurant, she was turning heads before taking a step away from her chair. "Are you alright Harry?" He nodded trying to contain his drooling as she smiled wickedly, "Like the outfit?"
She wore black leather extra low rise jeans with a pink ballerina top that criss-crossed in front and tied in back leaving about five inches of stomach and hips showing. White gold jewelry and black high heel sandals; he stared at her perfect abs. She was about 5'4, taller with heels; her frame was small but muscular from all their training. Her tanned skin was dusted with shimmer powder accenting her curves. She wore a touch of mascara to bring out her eyes and pink lip gloss. He gently placed his fingertip under a gemmed butterfly dangling from her belly button. "More secrets? I thought I saw this after you used my shower."
"Do you hate it?"
Shaking his head no he leaned in and whispered, "Makes me want to know what other secrets you hide under that uniform? I didn't even know this piercing was underneath there. How come I haven't noticed it when we're snogging?"
"I sometimes take it out or just wear a stud."
"I think I may have to stay by your side at all times from now on."
"Why?"
"Have you seen the looks you're getting from every bloke in this place; waiters, old smarmy gits, and even our own friends are staring. As he put his arm around her neck he added, "I don't think some of the wives and Luna are happy." She giggled laying her head on his shoulder. He loved her laugh, her smile, merlin her body. What he loved most was that she was his. "Your dad actually let you wear this? My daughter wouldn't get ten feet out of the door."
"He doesn't like it and they were really upset last summer when I came home with my belly button pierced but mum says it's ok, she trusts me."
"I didn't know your hair was so long."
"When it is straight. I don't always wear it like this because of the time it takes to do. Only when I want to look really nice."
"I'll show you my appreciation later, first I want to dance."
"Harry James Potter wants to dance? Did I hear that right?" Ginny smiled as they approached her. "What took you so long; we were beginning to wonder if you were ever coming inside."
"Just talking as we walked; I hadn't even realized we were here already."
"You know, the two of you look like a super model couple…nobody at school would believe how you look right now. Must be nice to be beautiful!"
"Well I think you are the most beautiful girly around!" Ginny spun around to find herself wrapped in Dean's arms.
"What are you doing here?" she said devouring his lips before he could answer.
"I thought we were needed inside Ginny?"
She broke the kiss to glare at Harry. "You did this didn't you?"
"Actually Tonks and Mi did." Ginny grabbed Hermione up in a hug as he shook Dean's hand. "You have a bit of lipstick there mate."
"Thanks…"
"Excuse me? Can we go in now?" Ginny and Hermione turned to see Victoria Frobisher a fellow Gryffindor.
"Vicky? What are you doing here?"
"My parents are muggles and are friends with Dean's. They were having dinner tonight when you called and invited him to come dancing. His parents made him bring me, I hope you don't mind?"
"No of course not," Hermione said sweetly. "Maybe we can get a chance to know you better. You're in Ginny's year right? Can you keep secrets? We try very hard to keep Boy Wonder over here life's private." He reached up to lightly pinch her side as she giggled.
"You two look so…different! Until Dean told me who you were I would not have recognized you. Hermione, you look beautiful! Unbelievable, if the school could see you now…even Draco Malfoy would be drooling."
"Let's be glad he isn't! I don't need any of them though. You might as well know and this is a secret Vicky…Harry and I are together."
"You are? Wow! Everyone always said you were just friends."
"We were until just a few weeks ago. So far we have been lucky the press hasn't found out and would appreciate it staying that way."
"No problem, thanks for letting me come tonight."
They looked over to see Ginny snogging Dean senseless, "He's moping around all summer over her." Breaking the two apart they walked inside the club. Ron immediately stood up as he saw Victoria.
"Vicky, I believe you know Ron, Neville, Luna Lovegood…these are my parents…" Hermione continued to introduce everyone at their end of the table. Harry and Hermione turned down the offer of drinks the first few rounds remembering their heads after last time. Mrs. Weasley was watching her children closely making rude remarks as the Grangers and Remus offered the others drinks. "Molls really…both Dean's and Vicky's parents gave their permission as long as we promised to bring them home. You don't honestly believe they don't drink at school?"
"I have raised them better than that!" Remus laughed as the twins handed Ron and Ginny another shot to throw back while her head was tuned.
Tonks showed everyone how to two step on a country song and the Grangers taught everyone how to salsa. Vicky somehow managed to get Ron to dance with her and everyone was shocked to see Neville had become a smooth dancer as well. Harry was surprised to see that all the girls seemed to dance a bit like Hermione did with him. The Weasley's would go off if they could see Ginny through the crowded dance floor. Dean's hands were all over her but her hands were too. Harry couldn't decide if he was angry or not. "Harry she isn't doing anything we haven't done."
"That's different."
"No it's not…but I think it is sweet you want to look after her. Come dance with me?"
Everyone could see that there was something powerful between the two but as they began to dance…no one could do anything but stare at the heat that radiated between the couple. Parents were a little concerned as the dance heated up but Harry and Hermione were lost to the world around them. Isabella leaned over to the Grangers and Remus, "Those two will probably be the greatest love story ever told. Please understand that despite their age, their mages. They feel twice as strong as others. Do not fear about their intentions…they are smart, they know they are not ready for anything...more."
This helped their nerves some; but the entire club watched with awe as this beautiful couple moved to the rhythm of the music entranced by each other. They almost glowed from the heat. Women drooled over him ad every male watched her hungrily.
Harry offered his hand to Hermione as the song began. Tonks had said it was by a country artist but it had a salsa flavor to it perfect for dancing close. He stood barely moving to the beat as she circled him rolling her hips sliding her hands along his torso stopping in front of him.
Sometimes I close my eyes
And imagine you with me
Chasing passion into the night
All tangled in a dream
His hand slid up her side, lifting her arm up around his neck. Taking her other hand he pulled it behind his back as his hips began to make circles to the beat with a tiny thrust to exaggerate the end before he went the opposite direction. The hand behind his neck slipped to rest on his shoulder as her head looked down to the side with her eyes closed; drinking in his scent and the heat of his body. He was sweaty but just enough to make his shirt cling to his chest wherever she pressed against. She began to exaggerate the circles by also using more of her upper body. He stepped closer placing his leg in between hers.
Oh if you could see my heart
The way I feel inside
You would know just how far
I'm willing to go to get to you
There is nothing I won't do
The tempo began to increase. Her hand slipped back up his neck cupping the base of his neck as they stared into each other's eyes. His free hand drawing a line up and down her back; their nose just inches away from each other. She gasped as the beat reached its peak and the chorus rang out he dug his fingers thru her hair grabbing the back of her head and arched her back going from one side to the other.
Let me show you what it's like
To lose control free the
Desire in your soul
He brought her back up slowly putting his hand on her chest just below her neck. Both of her hands dangled at his sides. Slowly she brought them up to his elbow letting them rest there. Gliding her fingers back and forth; feeling the sweat barely raking her nails across his skin.
Oooh let me love you
Let me take you to a place like nowhere else
Show you the things you've never felt
Oooh let me love you
His lips barely brushed against her upper lip. She tilted her head down as the hips got closer together. Her nails now raking up and down his chest as the other hand traced circles underneath his shirt in the hollow of his back. His hands were on her hips, thumbs brushing like a feather over her stomach.
I want to taste your kiss
Be the reason for your smile
Touch the magic on your skin
Be the one that drives you wild
She turned in his arms pushing her back against his chest. Taking his hands in hers she pulled them around her body never letting his hands leave the touch of her stomach. Her body aching with desire and want. Nothing existed except the two of them and this song. She had a slight layer of sweat glistening over her body. His fingers fluttering across her stomach. She placed a hand behind his neck pulling his lips to her as she leaned against his left shoulder. Their lips seem to hover above the others as she felt his ragged breaths tickle her lips.
Oh if you could read my mind
You'd know you're everything I need
You'd see through my eyes
And you'd understand what I'm going through
And just how much I want you
Weaving her fingers through his and extending their arms out she slowly swiveled her hips against his body as she went all the way to the floor and then bending forward slightly to raise back up; her lower body pressing against his. He subconsciously licked his lips and closed his eyes holding his breath as her arse against his bulging member. She raised their hands over their heads and changed her movements making a wave with her body. Her chest going out first followed by her hips; the feeling was intoxicating to him. As she directed their hands down she freed hers to place them behind her neck, lifting up her hair. Placing one arm around her as the other palmed the back of her exposed neck running a hand down her spine.
Let me show you what it's like
To lose control free the
Desire in your soul
Oooh let me love you
He reached his right arm across to her left hip. Her right hand rested on top of his. As he made deep circles with his hips and hers following. His left hand wove her fingers through his from underneath as he brought it across to cup her right cheek. He began to thrust from side to side. Her body was on fire. She wanted his hands all over her and to kiss every part of him with her lips. She let her head fall back as a moan escaped her lips.
Let me take you to a place like nowhere else
Show you the things you've never felt
Oooh let me love you
Let me love you
He turned her around to face him as he lifted her leg holding it on his thigh with his hand rubbing it up and down. Changing his movements for his body to draw circles bending at the knee. Arching her back she held onto his forearms as she leaned back slowly rotating her shoulders backwards.
Let me show you what it's like
To lose control free the
Desire in your soul
Oooh let me love you
His palm ran down her front in between her cleavage stopping at her stomach to lift her back up. As she came up slowly her head still dangling back exposing her neck; he kissed the hollow directly in front letting his lips linger across as she titled her head sideways. Rotating her shoulders forwards.
Let me take you to a place like nowhere else
Show you the things you've never felt
Oooh let me love you
Her forehead rested on his shoulder placing a hand around his neck. His was on the side of her face and the hollow of her back as her free arm dangled; her nails rubbing his outer thigh. His moves were slow and seductive; his thigh pressed in the hollow of her legs; their hips grinding against the others. Her body was on fire. He had trouble breathing; his slacks painfully tight. His body aching with the need to be closer to her.
Ah, let me love you
Let me love you
As the music notes ran the scale he once again swiveled his hips taking her down half way with him and then back up. As the last note played he leaned her back and let her body circle from one side to the other, bringing her back to capture her lips with his sweetly. Their breathing was ragged as they stared at each other eyes, chests heaving; it seemed as if they were trying to reach each other souls. Her hand slowly fell to his side as he entwined their fingers. Placing both of their hands behind her back as she turned to lead him back to the table. His body still trying to cool down. They still hadn't noticed they were the only ones on the dance floor and every eye was on them.
They slowed as they approached the table, their smiles fading. Remus got up and approached them. "You look thirsty here, drink these." They took the shots and drank them.
"Why is everyone staring at us?"
"That was quite a performance you two put on. Had everyone's attention in the place! Might I ask are you sure you two aren't at least twenty years old instead of sixteen? Because that was…wow. Prongs and Padfoot would have even had to take notes. Beware, her dad is not happy and Mrs. Weasley is mortified."
"We were just dancing!"
"No Hermione, you to generate so much heat the dance floor cleared and you seemed to be in the spotlight…only problem is there was no spotlight. The two of you were glowing."
"So basically we are in trouble."
"Not by me as long as you show me some of those moves." They smiled, their eyes locking into each others. She bit her lip as she walked backwards to the table pulling him along.
"Bloody hell! What in Merlin's name are they doing?" Neville, Luna, Vicky, Ginny, and Dean all turned to look in the line of Ron's stare. There in the center of the floor were Hermione and Harry. "When did he get so comfortable on the dance floor?"
"I would say since she danced against him like that." Dean said pointing Ron's attention back to the dance floor. They watched in shock at the boldness of their moves, there bodies doing everything possible to tease and torture the others. Dean and Neville felt their pants tighten just watching the play between their two friends knowing they would have already lost all self control. The girls feeling their bodies heat up and wishing they had someone to dance with like that. It was provocative and extremely sexy. Ron fell out of his chair as Harry lifted her leather covered thigh to his hip. "Merlin, they're practically shagging on the dance floor," Ginny answered dreamily running her nails down Dean's thigh, "I know it's incredibly provocative."
"Ginevra Weasley I better not ever hear you say something like that again!" her mother was glaring at her from across the table. Dean squeezed her hand in support, silently agreeing. When the song ended the six teens stared, Harry and Hermione were surrounded by a soft light and their breathing was ragged. They were taken back to reality when they heard Mr. Granger, "I'll kill him if he lays a hand on my daughter, I knew she should have never left the house in that outfit! Every man in here with a heart beat is staring at her…for god's sake she's sixteen!"
After the dance Harry and Hermione took every drink offered to them. They were wrapped in their own intoxication but hated the tension in the air they had caused. Some of the wives nagged their husbands about how they used to dance like that while other's begged to learn. Some of the women wishing they still had a body like that. Mrs. Weasley kept making comments under her breath as Mr. Weasley looked apologetically to them. Mrs. Granger was coaxing Hermione's dad into a better mood. Tonks came to sit by Hermione as Vicky took Ron back out to the dance floor. Remus looked at Harry; he's so much like James.
Harry and Hermione never let go of each other's hand. They would occasionally smile at one another silently remembering the feeling they shared on the dance floor. The few times they danced after that was pretty basic, talking to one another drowning out the world. "Guess we caused some problems?"
"The only problem we caused is me wanting to worship your body from head to toe in my bedroom."
"HARRY!"
"Don't tell me you didn't feel it Mi?"
"Well…"
"But what? We're so young, there are too many risks? I know all that. It still doesn't change the fact I wanted to." He laughed lightly leaning against her forehead. "What do you expect when I have the most beautiful girl in the room dancing against me like that and then snogging me senseless?"
"When did I snog you senseless?"
"Now!" he pressed his lips to hers. Tasting the strawberries on her mouth as his tongue tangled with hers.
She eased back, "I'm scared."
He whispered huskily, "Of what? Us?"
"Yes, sometimes I don't think I can stop myself. We're so young and I know the feelings are enhanced by our strength but…are we ready for something like this? I know I'm not…but it feels so good." She blushed as she admitted that to him.
"We aren't rushing this. I don't want to. I just want to be with you every second of the day. You're my best friend…and the only person to fill my heart." She hugged him as they swayed to the music.
"Dean?"
"Yes?"
"Do we have that?"
"Have what?"
"That fire that made people stop and notice Harry and Mione?"
"I think we do in our own way…I don't want to be them. I want to be us and I love you not her."
Her head shot up, "You love me?"
"Yes, Girly I do. I really do." She kissed him.
"I love you to D!" he smiled picking her up and spinning her around in circles as she giggled.
Setting her down he looked in her eyes, "You realize you just made me the happiest man alive?"
"No"
"You have, Oh Girly…I was so afraid to tell you when I finally realized it this summer. I was afraid it would scare you away."
She put a finger to his lips, "Shhh. I'm not letting you go that easily. You make me happy and I feel loved and safe with you. The only thing I could ask of you is to choose which side you are on in this war. I need to hear you say it."
"I'm on the same side as you…and all of our friends at that table. I want Voldemort to rot in hell for what he did to you."
"Don't…that's more than enough, but I am fine."
"No, you're not. I told you that last year in the hospital ward when you got back. I saw you and it wasn't battle scars from the ministry. You can tell me in your own time…but know that someday; you'll have to tell me."
He kissed her forehead tightening his hold on her.
"Are you having fun Ron?"
"Actually I am having a great time! How come we never talk much at school?"
"What and disturb the trio?"
"The what?"
"You honestly don't know do you? Everyone at school calls your friendship the trio. It's sacred ground that no one is allowed to trespass on. Every year the three of you do something completely heroic moving you another notch from the lowly admirers down below. It's one of the laws at school…don't associate with them unless spoken to."
He busted out laughing. "You're…kidding…right? That's the…funniest…thing I…have heard."
"Not kidding." She crossed her arms looking at him. "Don't you wonder why no one but Malfoy and your dorm mates are the only ones who ever speak to you?"
"No…I just thought no one wanted too." He said embarrassed.
She looked at him keeping her head down, "I've wanted to."
His eyebrows shot up as his face turned red. "Maybe…you could ride on the train with us?"
"I would love to." She looked into his blue eyes smiling.
"I know you have concerns, so do we. You don't think I know how a sixteen your old boy thinks? The only thing keeping me calm right now is that Harry is not a typical sixteen your old boy. I've known Hermione since third year and she is even more responsible than he is."
"Yes, but that is my daughter he had his hands all over!"
"That was your daughter dancing with her boyfriend and her hands were in as many places as his…you didn't seem to mind last time."
"I was a little sauced, we all were. Right love?" he waited a moment and asked again, "Love?"
The three turned to see what had her attention. As if in awe she said, "Look at them." A tear streamed down her cheek. Their gazes drifted to the dance floor where Harry and Hermione stood innocently swaying to the music. His arms around her waist, her hands behind his neck, there foreheads touching, eyes locked together. "Our baby is in love. For the first and last time in her life." They all understood. Watching the two as they danced, love surrounded them. Add the lights and fog from the club and it was magical. No one that night questioned the young adults…no one needed to.
The girls were in Ginny's room giggling. "Where did you learn those moves Mione?"
"Mostly from my favorite movie Dirty Dancing but my parents were salsa dancers, they have some pretty hot moves too. Mostly though it was just natural. It was like I wasn't in my body. I could have ripped his clothes off right there."
"We would have let you!" this caused another round of laughter.
Luna asked, "What about you and Dean?"
Turning at least four shades of red, Ginny beamed, "He told me he loves me." Both girls opened their mouths wide.
"Really? Aren't you a bit young?"
"Actually Luna, Ginny is the same as I am…for now, her birthday was August 11."
"Oh no! I'm sorry I missed it Ginny. Happy birthday."
"Thanks. I just know Dean is the one that I'll marry."
"I think it's romantic. What about you Luna? Are you in love with Neville?"
"We think we are, but neither wants to rush anything…we like to move really slow. He didn't even kiss me until our fifth date. He's become braver after being here. I think it has to do with his confidence. Or it could do with all of yours and Harry's snogging." The girls laughed as Hermione hit her with a pillow. It was officially war.
Hearing the noise Tonks came out of the weight room. She tried to knock on the door but no one heard it over their delightful pillow fight. She opened the door easing in to grab a pillow off the sofa. "Wotcher Mione!" As Hermione turned Tonks and Ginny both hit her.
"Not fair!"
They lay breathless on the floor. "That was fun I hadn't had a good pillow fight since I was at auror camp."
"Shouldn't you be with Remus about now?"
"He's big boy…he can manage with out me."
"What about you? Aren't you usually stuck to Harry's hip?" wiggling her eyebrows. "That was one sexy performance. Who could have imagined our little book worm could be a vixen!"
"I am not!"
"Girls did you see that sexy seductive dancing she did tonight or was that just me?"
"I saw it! Hell, I wanted it to be Dean…"
"Neville couldn't take his eyes off of you."
"Hell, I just hope those moves are known to Wolfboy!"
"Dean and I agree on something though…you are each very lucky people!" Fits of laughter filled the room as the girls continued to talk into the night.
The six friends enjoyed their day off. Flying, playing exploding snaps, chess, Hermione and Harry used wandless magic for them. Mrs. Weasley was surprised that they turned down a trip to Diagon Alley. They were content just being lazy together. Occasionally one would leave to go pack their belongings for tomorrow. Except Ron who always waited 'til the last minute. Remus spent some time with Harry up in his room going through more of his mother's trunk. He told more stories about Lily and James, more about the Marauder's adventures, and the stories of Sirius last year. It was a perfect day.
"Moony, thanks. This has been the best summer of my life!"
"Your welcome…I'm glad to see you happy. You deserve to be. Promise me that you and Mione will take things slow…nothing that would have…repercussions."
Rolling his eyes, "We won't…why is everyone so worried?"
"We see the two of you together Harry! Nobody can miss how the two of you feel. I know what you are thinking too, she probably is also."
"It's not like you didn't do these…things."
"Yes, but I didn't have a war to fight either. You do. Albus came to see me this morning…"
"And?"
"He has an idea about your school year. A schedule change really. Interested?"
"Guess so."
"Good, let's got get everyone, it involves them too."
They found the others out back sitting on the pitch drinking butterbeers and Hermione reading. "I need to talk to you all before the train tomorrow. It has to do with your schedules at school." They looked at him with curious expressions. "Albus had an idea about you six and the other DA members starting a special class. He would say it was for the highest scores in DADA and you would be called the advance DADA class. The catch is a few hand selected Slytherins we have been talking to would be admitted. The class would move faster and cover more than seventh year DADA or auror training to keep up with the speed you all have learned at. For the rest of the school we were hoping you would continue the DA for younger students.
Now the class would be twice as long so we need to account for your missing classes by private tutorials to catch you up and Harry, Hermione, and Luna would miss classes with Snape all together. Potions would have to be brewed in tutorials."
He paused to let the idea sink in.
"What about Luna's and my OWLS?"
"You would be tutored privately to prepare you for those by your head of house."
"That seems to have an advantage to it. Who would be our teacher?"
"Not sure yet."
"Moony, how would we explain this schedule to everyone else? Seems it would appear suspicious?"
"Not with all four houses involved. Most will assume the DA was such a success that the special class was needed as to not bore you or allow you to be a distraction to others in the classes. Since the spells are more advanced it takes more time, resulting in your own schedules separate from everyone else's." Hermione nodded in understanding. "You will also learn other types of fighting as well, swords, hand to hand. But this will not be easy; the instructor will throw everything they have at you since you six managed to beat Dumbledore and Bella. Slacking will not be allowed and if your grades begin to drop in any of your other studies you will be dropped out of the class. Since the class will be held late afternoons it will also cover as your Order meetings. It will be a hard year to pull this off."
"We can do it. It was harder last year trying to hide the DA and then also find time to study for OWLS. I only have one concern…do we still get to hand pick the DA?"
"Yes, the DA is still yours Harry, just not a secret."
"But I still have the final say in what we learn and who is there right?"
"Right." He let them consider this for awhile.
Hermione asked, "What about Occlumency…will Snape be teaching us?"
"No Albus will."
"I'll do it." Everyone looked up to see Harry leaning against the door frame. Hands in his pockets, head tilted but his face showed resolution.
"You will? Harry think about this."
"I have…one more question. Is my ban lifted?"
"I don't know."
"Find out. If I can fly I'll do it."
"Harry? I think you should think about this."
He crossed the room taking her hands, "I need this Mi, I need the training to face him. The stress will be enormous but as long as I can fly and I have you…I'll do it. I'll train to face him, after all that is what this is about isn't it?"
"Yes Harry, it's a way to train the DA for war, those who choose to will also be admitted to the Order. Are you willing to do this?"
"Yes, as long as my two request are filled. I asked for this…I asked for a more offensive role in this war."
"YOU DID WHAT!" Harry stared as Hermione and Remus glared at him.
"I asked Albus for this…I want it to end! The sooner the better. Decide what you want, my decision is made." He turned and walked out.
Hermione was the first to speak, "You tell Dumbledore to lift that ban! I mean it I will rant and rave until it is done! He deserves that at least."
"I know Mione…I am worried to." For the first time her eyes filled with tears as Remus pulled her into a hug. "I don't like the prophecy either, I just got him." The teens watched with their own fears flowing through their minds. Hermione straightened herself up, took a deep breath.
"I stand by Harry, I always have and I won't stop now. If he wants to move this war along…then that's what I'll do." She turned and left the room.
"What about you guys?"
Ginny stood up, "have the other DA members accepted?"
"Actually, Dean offered to get their answers. They have all agreed as long as Harry is for it."
"Then I am in."
"He's my best friend…I'll fight 'til the end beside him, I need training. I'm in."
"Harry was my second friend ever…Ginny being the first, I'll do whatever I can to help." Remus smiled at Luna.
"He gave me confidence and his trust. I'm not going to be the first to let him down, besides – it could have been me. I've got his back to the end."
Remus's eyes watered as he smiled at each of them. "Thank you, thank you for being such good friends to him when I failed him." Ginny put her arms around him.
"You didn't fail him, you didn't know! You were there when it counted most; we could have lost him this summer if it hadn't been for you. You gave him hope and you fought for him to have a new life. You did this Remus."
Gathering his strength he looked at the young adults in front of him, they had grown up so fast, yet they managed to remain young at heart. How Harry had found such loyal friends was beyond his grasp but he knew he was grateful for them, they had been there when others weren't. Their connection was so much like his to James and Sirius. He hoped they had better luck. Their world depended on it. "Thanks Red!" He ruffled her hair. "Let's go tell Albus, he has a lot to do before tomorrow."
Dinner that night was pleasant. Most of the Order members tried to at least stop and say bye to the group of students that they had come to respect and see as equals. Harry and Albus had at least rested at a truth of some sort, Isabella would be leaving to her home in Italy later that night. Hermione being curious as always finally asked the million dollar question. "Bella, you told me Professor Dumbledore was the love of your life, I can even tell by watching the two of you. How come you aren't together?" Harry dropped his fork with a clatter filling the room. Everyone held their breath waiting for Dumbledore's reaction. He looked down sadly continuing to eat. The old gang knew this was how he always reacted knowing some of the tale, they were shocked when Bella decided to speak. "It's not really a secret now is it; I believe most of you know. For those that don't I will explain." Albus stood and left the room.
"I'll go." Minerva left the room.
"Where do I begin?" Everyone stopped to get comfortable to hear her tale. "I was a young girl at Hogwarts when I met Albus. He was the new transfiguration teacher; I was in my seventh year and fell in love. We spent that year dancing around our feelings for one another. On graduation night there was nothing to stop us…he swept me into his arms and kissed me as I walked off stage. I could feel the power he had in his kiss. The next few months were wonderful as we got to know each other in a better atmosphere, until we admitted our feelings for each other. It was then he told me the prophecy about himself. I was scared…a dark wizard was rising but now this man I had just confessed my love for told me he had to defeat him. I began to help him, very much like you and Harry." She paused obviously reliving the memory. "A year later I was offered a job in my cousin's business. He begged me to take the job to keep me safe. So I went to Germany, we wrote daily and saw each other as often as possible. The war was escalating and I feared for his safety. I began working more and more for a distraction to the turmoil in my heart. It was late one evening when I came upon the office and overheard the biggest piece of information I could get. Someone could finally identify Grindelwald. I could." The listeners gasped. "I stood there looking into his face as horror and fear sunk in. I had heard of their plans to attack Hogwarts. I was then grabbed from behind. I had heard too much and seen who he was. My only thoughts were of Albus." She took a deep breath, stood and began to pace around the kitchen. It was evident the memories were painful. "I was held for sixty two days. I was abused and raped by his followers. By him…eventually I agreed to pledge my loyalty to him. How much worse could it have been, I was his niece."
Hermione was outraged, "Your UNCLE did that to you? Of all the…"
"It is ok dear…time does heal if you can believe that. But Albus heard of the newest follower before I could tell him what had happened. It took three months for me to reach him and I had to use my powers to do it." She smiled, "I hung around in his head until he consented." Hermione and Harry looked in horror at the idea after having been there. "We met at Hogwarts by the lake; I brought a file of everything I could gather with out suspicion. I identified people and members. I was able to give locations and most of all I could identify the newest dark lord. We fought and when he tried to brush my arm away from his my sleeve moved. He saw the bruises. Demanding to know what happened, I told him. I told him everything I had experienced in those sixty two days and all those that followed. Apparently a female follower is there for entertainment as well." Hermione clinched Harry's hand at the horrible thought. "I continued to relay information but not to him. Our emotions proved to be too much for him. He sent a spy in to help watch over me, the spy claimed me for himself as soon as he joined the inner circle and securing my safety in his bedchambers every night. It was he who I communicated everything to and heard how my love was doing. Sometimes we traded messages through him but mainly Albus refused to. He blamed himself for my being in Germany and finding out about the meetings leading to everything happening to me. I didn't blame him though. It was a few years later when he discovered my uncle's plan to use me to produce an heir. I became disgusted with myself at the things I was forced to do. I no longer had the refuge of the spy's chamber. I was a tool every night for my uncle's wishes. I stopped eating, drinking, going outside…I would have stopped bathing but my uncle seemed to enjoy that." Ginny went to a trash can and threw up. Tonks left the room crying finding out the real facts. Mrs. Granger sat horrified. "One night at a meeting it was announced I had conceived I would be allowed private chambers and a nurse and a rule was instated I was not to be harmed. I didn't care at this point; I welcomed death. I was for all practical reasons comatose. I didn't move from a rocker, no food; when they forced me to eat I went ballistic and spit it out. A knife was left in the room one night…I tried to take the baby's life by my own hand. It was on this night that Albus's spy had come to tell me he was coming to get me. It was too late. I woke up in Hogwarts. Succeeding in the death of the heir to the dark lord…I was left with over two hundred self inflicted stab wounds to my stomach." She unknowingly put a hand on her abdomen. "I felt ruined for all intense purposes. Albus blamed himself. Our love was tainted by my family and his destiny. It was two weeks later he killed someone for the first time in his life. The next six included my father, brother, cousin, grandmother, and my two sisters." Hermione threw her hand over her mouth. Tears spilling over; hating herself for asking. "Do not cry for me Hermione…I have healed my wounds and faced my past. He never has, he let me go to my home in Italy, no good byes but he knew I needed to heal in every way. I had a wonderful nurse he sent with me. It was just too much for any couple to over come especially when he has not forgiven himself."
"Why? Why did you not go to him when you were healed."
"We tried, but for any man to try and touch me was impossible. My abilities as a mage tried to protect me when the memories would rush into my mind causing harm to those near me. I do not leave home much and when I do it is only to see my love. He tries his best to keep his distance, I know I am his love and he knows it too. Our paths were not meant to be for now. Maybe with more time." She was in a dream state. "I perhaps would like just one more kiss." She exited leaving a room of tearful, horrified, disgusted people. Harry held Hermione tight knowing she blamed herself for asking this and afraid what his destiny would lead them to.
Sleep was far from restful that night in the house. Remus felt bad for previously complaining of how his circumstances caused him heart ache. Hermione felt bad for asking her to relive such a horrifying memory. Harry was scared for what his destiny might hold. Ginny had reoccurring nightmares of her experience in the chamber leaving all to wonder the truth of what happened; save one…Charlie. He sat by her bed all night never leaving. The twins had returned to their flat, Bill had gone to be with Fleur to assure himself things would be alright. Neville and Luna curled up together in Hermione's room afraid to let go. Ron sat in the library staring at the fire. Horrible images in his head as to what may lay ahead for them. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sat up with the Grangers and Tonks discussing the events. Worried about the futures, their children's futures, especially about the two teens that laid up stairs in each others arms scared to death because of his same destiny. One they would have to try and live through. Isabella had gone to comfort Albus. He could be heard crying though out the house. Not one person knew how to react. He was their rock; he was always strong and calm. He told them what to do…now they were all lost as to how to comfort him. His own remorse for not being able to forgive and forget, for not being able to seek comfort in the one he loved. They did discover before leaving the kitchen that the spy had been none other than Alastor "Mad-eye" Moody. His face was streaked with tears having been forced to relive his memories of those nights and for the love lost on two people so deserving of it. Now after all the years he sat outside the office door; still trying to protect the two of them and their love.
As the morning sun shown on number 12 Grimmauld Place, silence covered the air. One still sitting in front of the fire, two lay in each other's arms, some finally crying themselves to sleep. All knew that Albus Dumbledore had returned to Hogwarts once again having said good bye to the love of his life.