A/N: The song is written by Switchfoot but for this character I used the Mandy Moore version from A Walk To Remember. Hope you enjoy it. I am trying to upload all the chapters to this story tonight because I am spending tomorrow waiting in line for HBP! If you live in Texas maybe we will cross paths at the HP parties. Also, there are more flashbacks and if you can't spot them...go reread your books!
Only Hope
The house was filled with good spirits as the decorating began for Christmas. Molly and Mrs. Granger had found all the decorations in the attic from last year and Remus took over singing O Rest Ye Merry Hippogriffs in honor of Sirius. The archways held mistletoe, the stairs railing covered in holly and ivy. New ornaments had been bought and some of the Grangers most sentimental ones had been hung to help relieve their desire to be in their own home with their own traditions. Mrs. Granger was depressed that their holiday plans were no longer an option but glad to be able to be with Hermione. Mr. Granger was excited to see new traditions and magical ornaments. It took days for the decorating to be finished and the Grangers were able to go shopping in muggle London with an escort for their gifts. Although they enjoyed the magical world they missed their way of life. They also worried for their daughter. Mrs. Granger had tried several times to convince Hermione to go see a therapist about what had happened on Halloween despite how many times Hermione had tried to explain how that was not possible.
"What would I say…Hi, my name is Hermione and I can do magic. I'm also currently fighting in a magical war and go to school to learn spells."
"Don't be sassy Hermione!"
"Think about it Mum…they would cart me off the nearest mental institution."
"I see your point but I still think you should talk to someone."
"I do…I talk to my friends and other magical adults…and you." Mrs. Granger hugged her daughter relieved she felt comfortable enough to talk to her too. "I just want to concentrate on Nadia's visit. I haven't seen her in so long. What are you telling them about where we are staying anyways?"
"I told them that the house is being remodeled and we are currently staying at a friend's vacation house."
"That seems reasonable. Besides, she'll be in a hotel with the band. Are her parents coming too?"
"No they are both working. After three years of her traveling they trust her guardian now. She turns 18 soon so she'll be an adult anyway. Are your friends coming to hear the show?"
"Yes, I hope Ron can behave in muggle London though." The two women laughed remembering Ron in the arcade over the summer holidays.
Christmas morning brought fresh snow and cheer. "Hey mate! Wake up its Christmas!" Harry rubbed the sleep out of his eyes as he woke. "You have a load of gifts. We thought we would all open them together instead of in bed." With this Harry grabbed his dressing gown and ran downstairs after Ron to see most of the house waiting on him. Ginny already wearing her Weasley sweater, Hermione opening more books gleefully, Tonks rummaging under the tree for Remus's present. Harry smiled as he watched the scene…he was home. He already received the best present he could, a home and people to share it with. Seeing him standing under the archway Remus crossed the room. "Happy Christmas Harry!"
"Happy Christmas Moony." Hermione crossed the room and kissed his cheek good morning. "Happy Christmas Mi."
"Happy Christmas Harry." With this they joined the chaos the Weasleys were creating by seeing who could open all their presents the fastest. Harry had received a sweater from the Weasleys with the usual mince pies, a new broom stick cleaning kit from Ron and Ginny, several books on defense from different DA members, a few odd dark detectors from Order members. Kingsley had given him a rare book on becoming an auror, Tonks gave him a set of weights for school. He was surprised to see gifts from people he didn't know extending their support and from his business dealings. Remus explained it was common for businesses to send gifts to stock holders. The best so far came from Moony…an album of his very own from all the pictures they found in Sirius things and his mother's trunk that matched the one Hagrid had given him. Hagrid sent a gift that couldn't be opened due to growling from inside. He was most surprised to see a gift from Dumbledore and one from several professors. Dumbledore had given a one-of-a-kind book on the history of Godric Gryffindor from his private collection while the professors had chipped in to buy him and Hermione a schedule planner to help with the DA. He had never received so much before. He was surprised when Mr. and Mrs. Granger came over.
"Harry…we got you something from just us, we hope you don't mind."
"No, thanks…I got something for you as well. Don't worry; Hermione helped me."
"Thank you Harry, this means a lot to us." They sat opening their presents as Hermione watched eagerly.
"Oh Harry, this is…amazing." Mrs. Granger was flabbergasted as she held up a beautiful grandfather clock.
"Mum, that's not just a clock- look closer." Hermione pointed out the difference of the clock explaining it was like Mrs. Weasley's and its purpose.
"This…this is more than we could have dreamed of Harry. Thank you, I truly believe this will help with our worries about Hermione. Being able to look at this and know she is safe or if we are needed." Harry was surprised when she reached over surrounding him in a fierce hug. Mr. Granger silently nodding to him over her shoulder "Now open yours."
Harry was surprised to see a gift certificate to an eye place.
"Hermione told us how you have been disillusioning your glasses and we thought you might like to have contacts instead."
"Contacts? I never thought of that…thank you. Really, I think that's a great idea. But aren't they expensive?"
"No Harry, I'm just sorry your relatives never considered it for you."
Seeing the flash of sadness in his eyes Hermione swiftly handed him her present. "Open mine Harry…no it's not a book, well…not that kind anyway!"
Laughing he untied the bow and opened the box. "I know it doesn't come close to what you did for me on my birthday but…"
Remus had walked over seeing Harry so taken back by the gift. "Harry?" Harry turned to look at him with a stunned expression on his face.
Weakly he spoke looking Hermione in the eye. "How?"
"Simple really, I wrote several departments at the Ministry and got them to send me a copy of any information I needed. It's all a matter of public record. Do you…do you like it?" she asked timidly biting her lower lip.
"It's…I…Mi, I can't believe…I'm, I don't know what to say. Besides the album from Hagrid and Remus, I have never received anything that meant more to me than this. Thank you, thank you Mi, it's more than perfect." He said forgetting about everyone else and leaning over to kiss her sweetly.
"You're welcome," she said blushing. Relieved he liked his present, she had spent a lot of time trying to gather all the correct documents, clippings, and dates hoping he would like to have them as she placed them carefully into a leather bound album with his family crest on the front. She had worked since September gathering documents on his family tree going as far back as she could get. Birth dates, certificates, deaths, marriages, announcements, anything to give him the family history he would never know otherwise. In the back of the album were articles and clippings of different family members or their accomplishments along with a full story on the founding of Godric's Hollow. She had given him a heritage, a past, and more importantly a foundation of where he came from and family pride. This was his life, generations of ancestors, a place in the wizarding world that was not related to The-Boy-Who-Lived but him…just Harry.
As they dressed for her cousin's show that night Harry knocked on Hermione's door. "May I come in?"
"Just a second." She opened the door a minute later and Harry's mouth dropped open.
"Wow…you look…smashing!"
"Thanks, not so bad yourself. Did you need something?" she asked prompting him since he was still staring. The white satin was held by spaghetti straps on her shoulders that led to a plunging neckline. It was open to the lower middle of her chest, never exposing anything but her chest bone, then sweeping over to her right side and gathered by a beautiful crystal encrusted broach about the size of Harry's palm. The dress came to just below her knee but the gathered satin continued to drape to her calve. Harry found himself jealous of soft satin that was sensuously hugging every curve of her body, not tightly but just enough to know she probably was not able to have anything on underneath it all. Hair pulled up at the temples back to the center, with a barrette matching her broach, and soft waves flowing down her back. Amazed how the simplest things were extraordinary on her. It was just yards of draped fabric, but the result was shocking. "Harry? Harry!"
"I'm sorry; you just take my breath away." She smiled blushing slightly. "I haven't given you your gift…I wanted to save it until I saw what you were wearing and I am glad I did. I think I have the perfect finishing touch to that outfit." She looked at him perplexed until he held up his hand suspending a necklace.
"Oh Harry…it's beautiful." She claimed lifting the charm delicately onto her fingertips. The necklace was simple like everything she wore which amplified the details beauty. White gold chain, barely visible it was so thin, with a heart. The heart was solid in the back but the front was an intricate design of minute white gold threads and crystals.
"I bought it for your birthday but decided the carnival was more fun and have been saving this since then. I did add one thing though." On the back was inscribed, To Mi Everything.
"Thank you, it's perfect. Will you put it on me?" She turned lifting the hair away from her neck. He clasped the lock and gently kissed her exposed neck. She turned smiling, "Ready to go?" With this he extended his arm as she accepted it with a kiss to his cheek.
The room was dimmed with candles glowing gently on each table. The group quickly found their table and sat facing center of the stage. They each placed an order for drinks when the waitress arrived. Returning the waitress asked, "Hermione Granger?"
"Yes?"
"Nadia politely asked me to take you and your parents to her dressing room before the show. If you'll follow me please?" The Grangers stood and followed excited to see their relative. They returned a few minutes later laughing as they took their seats. "She hasn't changed at all! She's still mental as ever." The group continued to visit until the lights lowered and a beautiful sound filled the air. The concert was going well and Hermione was enjoying the night until about half way thru when Nadia spoke to the crowd.
"I know I usually don't stop so that I can let you all hear your favorites but tonight I am pleased to introduce my family to you. If you would please stand?" The Grangers bashfully stood to an applauding crowd as Ron whistled loudly. "I know how much you probably hated that," she added with a little laugh, "so you will probably hate this even more. Most of you might remember that there was once another female in the band." She waited as the crowd's response was heard. "That female was none other than my cousin who you just met. She has thankfully continued to write for me, one of those being the new release you were promised tonight." The crowd applauded and cheered ready to hear what most had been waiting for all night. "Well I am sorry to say that I will not be singing it for you." The crowd hissed with disappointment. "I would like you to hear it the way it should be heard, from the heart of the writer…" Hermione's face froze in disbelieve, "…if you would please welcome to the stage once again…Hermione Granger!" The crowd was on their feet applauding and chanting as Hermione shook her head at Nadia.
Seeing her reluctance Harry stood and kneeled next to her ear, "Mi, this is what you love, I see it in your eyes when you talk to Zabini. Let me know this part of you? Sing for us?" He stood straight and extended his hand to her. Taken back by his comment of wanting to know this part of her surprised and touched her. Slowly she took his offered hand and allowed him to lead her to the steps of the stage. The crowd erupted with delight at the chance to hear her sing. As they arrived at the steps Nadia looked at Harry studying his character.
"I can see now why she speaks so much of you, I am glad to finally get a chance to meet you Harry. Thank you for getting her up here, I don't know how you did it but you have my deepest appreciation!"
"No Nadia, I believe I owe you that seeing as you are the reason I finally get to hear this beautiful creature sing. I always thought her voice was music to my ears."
Nadia was stunned by his words and nodded her approval to Hermione, "'Mione if you ever let this handsome thing go I believe I'll have to take your place." She winked at Harry jokingly as she grabbed Hermione by the elbow walking her to the center of the stage.
Nadia thought for a moment and spoke, "When my cousin sent me this song she said it was written with more truth than I could ever imagine…I believe we just saw her reason and I have to say ladies…he looks even nicer up close!" The ladies whistled and applauded as Hermione blushed while laughing as Harry quickly found his seat. "Without further ado…I give you my best friend and cousin singing my new release as she wrote it…Hermione Granger!" She handed the microphone to Hermione and stepped into the shadows as the lights went down to one spot light.
The group of friends were surprised that Hermione did not appear to be nervous at all, she was relaxed as if she had never stepped off the stage. Harry was stunned by her comfort and grace. The lights caused a reflective glow off her snow white satin dress making her to appear angelic. Softly a symphony began to play with the band as Hermione took a deep breath and one final gaze to her parents and Harry as she brought the microphone up to her mouth. Closing her eyes she began.
There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold
But You sing to me over and over and over again
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
and pray to be only Yours
I pray to be only Yours
I know now you're my only hope
Sing to me the song of the stars
Of Your galaxy dancing and laughing
and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that You have for me over again
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope
I give You my destiny
I'm giving You all of me
I want Your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs I'm giving it back
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope
As the last two verses began to crescendo, Hermione's eyes locked onto emerald green ones as she belted the words with power that could only come from the heart. As the song ended the room was surrounded in silence at the beauty of the words and the feelings that she had obviously felt to write it from. Nadia quietly took the microphone from her as Harry and the Grangers were brought out of the revere jumping to their feet in applause. Soon the crowd was standing, cheering and whistling as Hermione gracefully bowed her head and proceed towards the steps.
The concert continued to be amazing but Harry seemed to only be able to look in one direction, Hermione. She too seemed to keep glancing towards him waiting for some concrete evidence of his approval. As the concert closed the group found themselves at the mercy of Nadia. She had sent word to the manager asking him to keep them so she could greet them properly. Skipping to the table she grabbed Hermione in a bone crushing hug. "'Mione that was brilliant! Absolutely smashing!" The girls were giggling and chatting faster than they had ever heard Hermione speak, and that was saying something when she had gotten on a roll. They had forgotten everyone was there until Mrs. Granger leaned over to Harry and said, "Don't worry they've always been this way. We could never get them to quiet down."
Harry laughed softly replying, "It's fine by me her voice is one of my favorite things and after hearing her sing…it takes my breath away."
Nadia hearing this stopped speaking as she gazed at Harry, "Now if that isn't prince charming I don't know what is!" The group laughed as introductions were made and they all sat to enjoy the late night hour.
The rest of the Christmas break had gone by in a blur. The residents of 12 Grimmauld Place had found Hermione singing more openly as she did chores or homework. The students had played Quidditch and enjoyed their time when Hermione was not pushing them into their studies; the adults had enjoyed the youngster's laughter and practical jokes. Hogwarts seemed more at peace at what happened on Halloween as routines returned to normal. Fifth years were beginning to show signs of stress preparing for their O.W.L.s while seventh years buried themselves into their books. Gryffindor was in the lead to take the Quidditch Cup again to Professor McGonagall's delight. The prefects began to make preparations for Valentine's Day decorations as the big day approached.
"Mi?"
"Yes Harry?"
"I was wondering if you would like to go with me to Hogsmeade on Valentine's?"
"I would be honored." Hermione joked stealing a kiss from Harry before entering the Great Hall. As they took their seats Hermione noticed Ginny's gaze stretching across the hall towards the Slytherin table. "Hey Gin, galleon for your thoughts?"
"Nothing to tell - I just have my mind on a few things is all."
"A few things or a particular Slytherin?"
Ginny dropped her fork startled by Hermione's question, "I'm not sure what you mean Mione?"
"Don't worry Gin, we've known for awhile who you have been spending time with. You forgot what article of mischief Harry owns."
Staring blankly Gin answered slowly, "It's not what you think. We just talk…he lost someone too."
"We didn't think anything Gin, you know, I have had a chance to get to know him some. I think he's really terrific, I also know how he feels about you."
"You don't know anything about it Mione…just stay out of it!" with this Ginny left the table angry.
"What was that all about Mione?" Ron asked with a mouthful of food.
"Nothing…nothing at all."
Valentine's Day arrived in splendor and joy. The halls had been decorated tastefully with red, pink, and white roses set in sterling silver vases. The Great hall showered rose petals down upon everyone as they entered causing several girls to squeal with delight. As breakfast was ending Professor Dumbledore stood. "May I have your attention please; it is with much joy that I announce that a ball will be held at the end of final year exams for fourth years and above. You may wear dress robes or formal attire at your choice. Thank you and to those that are headed to Hogsmeade, please stay safe and enjoy your day." The hall erupted in conversation about the unexpected news. The girls immediately began to discuss clothes and boys.
"Why? Why do they always have to be in a group and giggling?" Ron said in exasperation.
"Don't worry Ronniekins you'll find some helpless soul to take."
Ron stared at Hermione in disbelief, "Hermione?"
"Yes?"
"Run!" With this Hermione took off out of the great hall with Ron at her heels trying to tickle her as Harry stood to gather their things laughing.
Neville, Luna, Ron, Ginny, Harry, and Hermione all talked avidly as they made their way into town.
"So where should we go first?"
"Joke shop…"
"Honeydukes…"
"Book store…"
They laughed at having totally different ideas on how to spend their day. "Neville is there anything you and Luna want to do today?"
"Actually, Luna made me promise to take her to some place called Madam Puddifoot's…" he stopped seeing Harry grimace and Hermione and Ron breaking into fits of hysteria.
"Sorry man, you are on your own." Harry replied giving Neville a supportive squeeze on his shoulder as Neville began to look nervous.
"Is there something I should know guys?"
Trying to stop laughing Harry replied, "No man, go have fun with Luna, we'll catch up later."
"OK, see you."
Ginny and Ron went into Quality Quidditch while Harry and Hermione went to the quill store. After that they went to Honeydukes, Flourish & Botts, and the Three Brooksticks. Hermione noticed Ginny frequently checking her watch.
"Do you need to go Ginny?"
"NO! I mean why?"
"You keep watching the time like you don't want to be late for something. You know, no one would blame you if you were meeting someone…it has been awhile" she added cautiously.
"Yeah Gin, no one would blame you if you fancied some bloke."
Seeing the conflict in her face Hermione added, "Some might even say it was time or that Dean would want you to be happy."
"I…I think I should go." With that Ginny left quickly while her friends looked on with concern.
"You think she's going to meet him?" Harry asked breaking the silence.
"Yeah, I do."
"Good…as long as he doesn't hurt her. I'm still not sure if I trust him but if you and 'Mione say he's alright then what am I to say?"
The group enjoyed their time in Hogsmeade. As they approached the castle Hermione noticed Seamus pacing madly in front of the door.
"Seamus everything ok?"
"NO! I can't believe her! It's been just a few months and here she is with…with him!"
"Who are you talking about?"
"Your sister! Running off like some tramp!"
"Take that back!" Ron growled.
"Why? It's the truth!"
"I'm warning you Finningan…take it back!"
"NO!" Harry reacted just in time to stop Ron from punching their dorm mate.
Hermione screamed, "STOP IT! Both of you! Harry get Ron out of here. What is your problem?"
"Ginny…I saw her with him."
"With who?"
"That slimy git in Slytherin!"
"What do you think you saw?"
"I saw them walking around the lake."
"Walking around the lake? That's what got you so mental? Big deal they were walking…he lost someone too. They just talk."
"You knew?" Seamus was horrified t the thought.
"They just talk, but Seamus…Ginny is only 15, do you really think Dean would want her to live alone?" Seamus sat on the steps dropping his head in his hands.
"It's hard to move on, sometimes when you all are talking about Quidditch I keep expecting him to pipe in about soccer. Or hear him laugh at Lavender and Pavarti while they gossip. We have to keep his memory with us, and then live for him. If we stay quiet about Dean who will tell about the time he burned off his eyebrows playing Exploding Snaps? Or how many times it took him talking to Ginny before asking her and then still drooling all over himself while his mouth hung open in shock?"
Seamus smiled, "That was brilliant, Collin got a picture of it too. Thanks 'Mione, can you tell Ron I'm sorry. I think I need to walk for a bit."
"Sure…oh and Seamus, be in by curfew." Seamus smiled at the old rule enforcing, know-it-all Hermione. Sometimes the old was more comforting than the new.
At dinner that night Hermione received a curious owl.
H. Please meet me after the DA meeting tonight. There is something I wish to speak with you about. B.
"What do you think it's about?"
"Don't know. Guess you'll just have to meet with him to find out."
The DA meeting was short so everyone would have time to spend with their dates. Hermione's meeting with Blaise was short and left her excited. Harry and Hermione had decided to spend their time in the Room of Requirements. Harry had chosen a beautiful setting for the evening. It matched his room at number 12 with the fireplace glowing and filled with orchids of every kind. They hadn't had a lot of time to visit lately with training, school work, practice, the DA, and of course Hermione had already started making study schedules for the end of year exams and helping Ginny get ready for her O.W.L.s.
"Happy Valentine's Harry," she said handing him a packaged wrapped in red with a white bow. Harry opened it eagerly. Noticing his surprise she explained, "Apparently Nadia has an on staff photographer. When he showed her the picture she sent me one and I thought you may like it." In a beautiful wooden and silver frame was a photo of him kneeling in front of her and holding her hand when he was asking her to sing. The fact they were looking so nice that night was not what made the photo so exquisite, it was the look on both of their faces. Pure love. The necklace he had given her could be seen perfectly as well.
"Thank you Mi, it's perfect. Come here." He pulled her in for a sweet kiss. "Now your turn." He handed her a long package wrapped in pink and gold. She took it curiously.
"Oh Bugger! Harry…you shouldn't have!" There in her lap was her own Firebolt and polishing kit. "What…why would you do this for me?"
Grinning mischievously he answered, "I loved watching you fly on mine at home, since I bought the team one Ron and Ginny have one too, which just left you. Now you can fly when ever you want."
"I don't know what to say…"
"Then just kiss me and we'll call it even." He said wiggling his eyebrows.
"That I can do!" she said crawling on top of his lap and kissing him.
Harry began to worry with each passing day. Voldemort was quiet, too quiet. His schedule was still hectic and Hermione was getting more frantic as finals grew near. Training for Quidditch had increased and Ron had been a lifesaver with all his knowledge and help. Hermione was working on something with Blaise and disappeared for a few hours twice a week, she was keeping it very secretive but he spent this time visiting Tonks. They were both worried, Remus had been out gathering intelligence for two weeks and no word had been sent. He talked to her about his fear for the upcoming Quidditch cup game against Ravenclaw.
"I don't want to bugger it up! What if we don't win?"
"You'll be fine Harry and if you do lose, which you won't, you can always go after it next year."
The look that crossed his face chilled her to the bone, "What if there isn't a next year Tonks?"
"Oh Harry! There will be…you just have to believe that."
"I wonder sometimes…I wonder if I am good enough. I think about it more everyday. You won't tell Moony will you? I don't want him to worry." She quickly embraced him. "For the first time I have reasons to fight, but now…I don't know if it's enough. All the training and practicing, I can never catch up."
"How can you say that? You beat Dumbledore…Dumbledore and Isabella! Can't you see how great you have become?"
"What if it was luck? We just got lucky, caught them off guard…I also had help, a lot of help! I don't think I can do this Tonks…" With this he gave in to the pressure. Half way thru the tears she heard him say what she felt like was the root of this growing doubt. "What if I lose them in the end?"
Two days later during Potions a knock came on the door. "Professor, the Headmaster wants Harry in his office."
"Mr. Potter, it seems that you are to follow Mr. Weasley."
Trying to keep up with Ron, "What's going on?"
"I don't know I was in the prefect's office filling out the form for giving some Slytherins detention when he walked in and asked me to get you right away." Having arrived the door opened for them immediately, theories running wild in their heads as they walked up the staircase and knocked. "Come in."
"You wanted…" Harry never finished the statement after spotting the entire Order, minus the other student members. "What is it? Did something happen?"
The door opened allowing Ginny, Luna, Neville, Hermione, and Blaise to enter. "Believe me when I say how sorry I am to be the bearer of this news. We have word of Voldemort's newest target. For many months now as you may have guessed he was trying obsessively to recruit Mr. Zabini here into his circle, after Hogsmeade that was no longer an option. I'm sorry to inform you that your parents have been attacked Mr. Zabini." Blaise sunk to the floor.
"When? Why?"
"Do I really need to tell you why Mr. Zabini?"
Confusion ran across his face before comprehension dawned. In a whisper he spoke, "May I see them?"
"Of course, Bill if you would please escort him to St. Mungo's?" The room was quiet as Bill and Blaise flood out of the room. "Alastor, do we know what they were looking for in the Zabini Manor yet?"
"No Albus…"
"It's a sword." Everyone fell silent as Ginny spoke softly. "An ancient sword that can slice thru metal, concrete, bodies, or every other thing you might think of. The worst part is that the item is burned to ashes from a poison so great and unknown. I'm sorry that's all I know."
"Thank you Ginny."
"How do you know all this Gin?" The twins asked suspiciously.
"Boys - leave your sister alone." Mrs. Weasley snapped.
"Well I have only heard of one sword that can do that? Of course there is the rare poison of a basilisk or Peruvian vipertooth, father believes some can be found in Scotland but too dangerous to go looking for." Seeing all the disbelieving looks on their faces she asked Neville, "Did I do it again?" Neville nodded and took her hand.
Ginny's voice shook with terror as it spoke, "Y-y-you can f-find or c-could have found one here but Harry killed it first year. The s-s-sword…was it Slytherin's?"
"I believe so. Harry did you really kill a basilisk?" Harry nodded. "I'll have to write Daddy and let him know he was right."
"As long as it does not show up in his wonderful newspaper Miss Lovegood," Dumbledore stated. "Now as for the sword that Ginny has been polite enough to inform us of, it was made by Salazar Slytherin but was not his. It was a gift to the ancient house of Malfoy and then they in turn used it as a dowry to the ancient house of Zabini. Voldemort seems to be gathering the most dangerous swords to supply his inner circle with."
"Why?"
"Use your head Miss Granger."
"Not now Severus. Apparently Miss Granger, Voldemort realized how useful they could be after young Harry injured him in the last battle."
"So what now? We find all the swords and get rid of them ourselves or what?"
"No Ronald, we learn them in the DA!" The room was quiet as Luna spoke.
As Luna suggested Hermione, Harry, Ginny, Neville, Luna, and Ron began putting the DA through the paces of sword fighting. Dumbledore used the grant from Harry to the Order to purchase all of them. The group worked with diligence. Some were found to be very good at the skill while others were pushed to the boundaries of what they felt they could not do.
"I understand you're tired. But this is a new defense you must learn to survive. None of us want more blood on our hands but we are here to fight, fight for everything right, fight for everything we love." Harry looked at Hermione. "We fight for our freedom, our beliefs, and our families. The war will come to Hogwarts. Don't expect anything else, he wants this place, our home, the place where we feel safe. He knows it will bring fear to us, he thrives on that. He controls people by it and he lives to be the soul reason for it. He wants to be the definition of fear. Go, get some sleep. Finals start tomorrow and you need rest. Good night." The solemn silence left with the last DA member. Harry felt arms wrap around his waist.
"That was a nice speech. I think it gave courage to the younger ones especially."
"Courage to get them killed. What are we doing?" Harry dropped onto the platform with his head in his hands. "What are we doing to them, they're not soldiers. They should be laughing and having adventures, not learning how to protect themselves from dying."
"I think we've had some excellent adventures." Harry gave a weak smile. "If I remember correctly we were their age when you first faced him. I think we did just fine. You did just fine. I thought you were so brave; I was mortified when I realized I hugged you. I'm glad it was dark so you couldn't see my silly school girl blush."
"It was my first hug."
"I was so scared and there you were worried about Ron and me. I believed in you Harry. I knew you could do it. I believed in you then and I believe in you now. I always will Harry. Do you remember what I told you?"
"Like it was yesterday…that seems so long ago."
"Harry – you're a great wizard, you know."
"I'm not as good as you."
"Me! Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery." They smiled at each other. "I can't believe you remember. Never forget those words Harry; they make you who you are. You're the bravest person I know."
"What if I can't do it? What if you or someone else I love gets hurt? What then?"
"You can't think like that. You have to trust in the belief I put in you. I love you Harry James Potter and I won't give up or think that way, I can't. You'll do this and you'll win and then I will love you for the rest of your life!" She was holding back tears as fear reached her heart. How do I let the man I love risk his life when few will risk there's for him?
"The rest of my life huh? Does that mean you're accepting my application for the position?"
"Yes…yes Harry if you ask that will be the answer. I have never said no to you, I won't start then." That sat in silence forgetting about finals, forgetting about Voldemort and his Death Eaters, forgetting everything. As the halls grew quiet and the sky shown darker in the Great Hall Hermione stood taking his hand and slowly walking towards the Common room as they reached the stairs leading to the dormitories Hermione turned to kiss his cheek. "Good night Harry, I love you."
"I love you too Mi."
Finals were long and stressful. Neville blew up his potion sending three to the infirmary with Snape raging with anger, Madam Pomphrey had to give several calming draughts to fifth years who cracked under the pressure of O.W.L.s. Ginny and Luna were confident after their summer of training and Hermione's old notes to study by. Hermione complained that she didn't have enough time to write as much as she thought she should, through it all Harry was quiet. He could feel Voldemort's anger building. He had awoken on several occasions that week from nightmares of him laughing gleefully. Sweat covered his clothes, Dobby was there. Dobby had taken to watching over him at night; cleaning his linens, wiping his forehead with a cool cloth and occasionally going to get Hermione from her dorm. It was on one of these nights that Dobby spoke, "Master Harry…"
"Just Harry Dobby, I am not your master."
"Master Harry, I would like to help."
"You are Dobby, you are a good friend."
"I would like to help Master Harry fight. Dobby thinks Master Harry is a great wizard. Dobby has magic and friends have magic. Dobby would like to help Master Harry."
"What are you saying Dobby? You want to go to war? No, I won't let you Dobby."
"But Master Harry, Dobby has great magic. Dobby wants to help. Dobby's friends want to help Master Harry too."
"No Dobby, enough people are going to die, I don't want you to do this."
"Please Master Harry, let Dobby help."
"You promised me Dobby, you promised me that you would never try to save my life again."
"Yes Dobby did Master Harry but Dobby did not promise to not save Mistress Hermione's life." Harry sat up quickly.
"What are you saying Dobby? Do you know something?"
"No Master Harry, but Dobby knows where his master's heart lies. Dobby can protect Master Harry's mate."
"You would do that Dobby, keep Hermione safe?"
"Anything for Master Harry!"
"Can you keep her away from the war?"
"I would try hard Master Harry! Dobby only wants to please Master Harry!"
"I would owe you my life if you could keep her safe Dobby." Dobby hugged Harry.
"Oh thank you Master Harry, Dobby won't let you down. Master is too kind to Dobby. Sleep Master Harry, you have more finals tomorrow."
"Thank you Dobby, good night."
The halls filled with merriment as the classroom doors opened freeing the students from their torment. Many sat around the lake and played with the squid. The group of friends sat under their favorite tree. "So who are you taking Ron?"
"I told you to stop asking 'Mione!"
"Come one Ronniekins tell us who?"
"The girl is mental Harry! Never learns does she?" With his keeper reflexes Ron scooped up Hermione carrying her across the lawn.
"RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY PUT ME DOWN! PUT ME DOWN RIGHT NOW!"
"Well since you asked nicely…" Ron dropped her into the lake.
"AHHHHH!" Hermione plunged into the cold waters of Hogwarts to be picked up by the squid and set back on the surface. "You'll pay for that Ron!" She closed her eyes and called the wind lifting Ron upside down high in the sky. "Not laughing Ron?"
"Bugger Hermione put me down! This is not fair!"
"What's not fair Ron? You used your abilities to get me; I am only using mine for a little revenge."
"HARRY! Harry get me down! Mental, she's completely mental that one! HARRRRYY!"
"I'm sorry mate but this is one fight I refuse to take part in." he said smiling as he and the others turned to go back into the castle leaving Ron to fend for himself against a soaking Hermione. Few know what it took from Ron to get Hermione to let him down. They were gathered around their favorite sofa in the common room when the two friends returned.
"A lot of good you all are! Leaving me like that with her. She's mental Harry."
"Watch it Ron, I still have a few unused tricks. Maybe if you had read more books you would have known a few more too." She smirked proudly sinking into a seat next to Harry. The night was rare, one full of laughter. Harry lost pathetically to Ron in chess. Ginny, Luna, Lavender, and Hermione played several rounds of Snaps until Hermione decided to read. Often Hermione found herself watching Harry. His smile, his laughter - she was trying to memorize it. Deep in her heart she knew why but not willing to admit it to herself. She never noticed Harry watching her. The lines of her jaw, the ways her eyes followed the page, the way she twined a stray strand of hair around her finger. He watched the way she bit her lip, it was different than the way she bit it when trying to solve a problem. He thought of their conversation in the Great Hall a week earlier. Did he want to spend his life with her? Aren't they too young? What would her parents and Remus think? So many questions filled his mind that he didn't notice Ron trying to get his attention.
"…bugger Harry!"
"I'm sorry, what were you saying Ron?"
"Forget it. You ok?"
"Yeah, just thinking."
"Barmy, you're turning into 'Mione always thinking. It's not good for you."
"I think I'll call it a night. Big day tomorrow with the ball and stuff."
"I'm going to call it a night too." With this Harry walked behind Hermione's chair to whisper in her ear. "I'm heading up, I'm completely knackered. I can't wait to see you tomorrow."
"Harry you see me everyday."
"I have a feeling tomorrow may be different." She watched him walk up the stairs pondering what he could possibly mean.
His stomach twisted in knots as he paced the common room. He played with the snow white rose he held in his hand. He wanted tonight to be perfect. She had left him four hours ago to get ready and had yet to come down the stairs. He turned suddenly as laughter echoed in the stairwell. Disappointment continued as he noticed it was only Lavender and Pavarti. What he wasn't prepared for was Ron greeting Lavender with a chaste kiss to the cheek and the gesture of his arm. Ron bashfully grinned at his friend's astonished look. Harry raised his eyes asking "How?" He laughed as Ron casually shrugged his shoulders and then turned to escort his date downstairs. One by one the girls filtered down in brightly covered dresses of every style, but still no sign of Hermione. He was beginning to grow concerned and distracted himself by straightening his attire. He did love Hermione's taste. She had chosen wizard formalwear that resembled the Regency era instead of trendy muggle tuxedos. She had said "it fits you; you have an old soul Harry." So there he waited in his black long cutaway double breasted jacket with shawl collar, the low cut vest in gold brocade that showed about two inches below his jacket, a matching gold silk cravat, white high collar shirt and black trousers with black patent dress shoes. He really did love the cut and style, he felt like a gentleman. He was so busy dusting off his jacket that he didn't notice anyone.
"Waiting for me?" Harry gawked at the beauty before him.
"Mi Lady doth takes me breath away." He said crossing the room to kiss her glove covered hand. "And it was well worth any wait."
She blushed. "You really are radiant Mi. More than any man can dream up." He was aware he was still staring but he could not bring himself to part from her radiance. Her dress was made of cream colored satin that gathered at the top over her bust in a strapless V-shaped neckline. The satin gathered at the waist appearing to tie in a magnificent bow in the middle of her back. The A-line skirt bottom showed a slit of satin down the middle but was framed with gold brocade that matched Harry's vest. The brocade in back was trimmed by the tails of her bow that was big enough to just peak out in front. She has gold strappy stilettos; her curls were pinned up randomly in a medieval style accented with ruby and gold combs. Harry extended his hand to take hers. "I figure tradition shouldn't be changed, don't you agree?"
"What are you up to Harry?"
"This." He walked over to the table near the wall picking up a velvet covered box. It seems my dad gave it to my mother for a ball in their sixth year. I think it's a tradition I'd like to keep, if you would do me the honor of wearing it?" She looked at him suspiciously as he opened the box.
Gasping, "Oh…that…that is too valuable for me to wear Harry, what if something happened to it?" never taking her eyes away from choker and bracelet set. The choker was three strands of gold and rubies that extended down to swags that hung on lower sections with ruby tear drops.
"Then it will be yours to break." She looked at him puzzled. "Did you not hear the tradition? My father gave it to my mother…as I am giving it to you." He said quietly with apprehension in his voice. "Please wear it…please accept it."
"Harry…what if…I don't know, it has to be worth a fortune and looks very old."
"It is, it's a family heirloom from the Gryffindor line. Who better to wear it than the Gryffindor princess?"
Reluctantly she accepted, "Sure know how to flatter a girl Harry Potter!" as she turned for him to place it on her neck and the extending her hand for him to fasten the bracelet.
"No only one." He said kissing her softly. "It's perfect on you Mi lady, shall we go?"
"Of course." She placed her hand in his bent arm while the other played with the necklace. "Are you sure you want me to wear this? I would die if anything happened to it!"
"I want you to wear it, and I hope you know why I want you to have it." They stared into each others eyes before she turned to pick up the hem of her dress to walk down the stairs.