Title: Way of the Force
Author name: Icy
Manipulator
Author email:
Category: Action/Adventure
Sub Category: Romance
Keywords: Harry Jedi
Rating: PG-13
Summary: The ties that bind.
DISCLAIMER:
This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling and/or George Lucas, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, Lucas Books, Del Rey and Randomhouse, Lucas Arts and Lucasfilm Ltd., and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Author notes: This is one of my fave chapters and I hope you like it too. Once again a big thank you to my beta Jaessa.
Thanks to all those who reviewed. I must say that there are a lot of sharp people out there who pointed out some oversight on my part, ie, date of release of Ep 4. Ofcourse, the Outbound series detailing Project Outbound was released earlier this year, authored by the same guy who penned the Thrawn Trilogy, Mr. Timothy Zahn.
"You drink that," said Harry. "Now, listen, get back and get Ron. Grab brooms from the flying- key room, they'll get you out of the trapdoor and past Fluffy -- go straight to the owlery and send Hedwig to Dumbledore, we need him. I might be able to hold Snape off for a while, but I'm no match for him, really."
"But Harry -- what if You-Know-Who's with him?"
"Well -- I was lucky once, wasn't I?" said Harry, pointing at his scar. "I might get lucky again."
Hermione's lip trembled, and she suddenly dashed at Harry and threw her arms around him.
"Hermione!"
"Harry -- you're a great wizard, you know."
"I'm not as good as you," said Harry, very embarrassed, as she let go of him.
"Me!" said Hermione. "Books! And cleverness! There are more important things -- friendship and bravery and -- oh Harry -- be careful!"
- HP and the Sorcerer's Stone (extract from Chapter 16)
Chapter 9 – My Soul's Keeper
29 August 1996 0800 Local Time Gryffin's Den -
It is a dark time indeed for Magical Britain. In a daring move since the events at the Ministry of Magic at the start of summer, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has effectively crippled the economic, legislative as well as the judiciary system.
With the attack and apparent destruction of eighty-five percent of Diagon Alley, the heart of commerce, which includes Gringotts and other long time standing establishments, notwithstanding the destruction of the Leaky Cauldron, the impact of this on the wizarding economy could not be denied. The Goblins however has offered atleast a little relief in indicating that all savings and investments protected by the Gringotts branch in Diagon Alley have been moved and distributed across their other branches before and during the attack.
Meanwhile, the Ministry is currently in chaos from both the assassination of the Minister of Magic along with most of the department heads and their staff, and the successful siege of Azkaban. It is unknown if there were any survivors from the Aurors left to guard the wizarding prison since the desertion of the previous guards, the dementors, had now fully joined the Dark Lord.
In the interim most commerce has been shunted to the various towns that have atleast a fifty percent wizarding population with Hogsmead set as the temporary hub for wizarding monetary and products negotiations. Along with this, the surviving members of the Ministry of Magic have been moved to an undisclosed location with Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement Amelia Bones, Head of Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Arthur Weasely and jointly forming a triumvirate with Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore after which they effectively placed Magical Britain under martial law. Such a course of action has not been put into effect since the time of the founders and even though it was considered during the rise of the erstwhile dark lord Grindewald, the Muggle state of war during the time has effectively overshadowed it. It seems that a declaration of war has been issued through the actions of You-Know-Who with the Ministry now scrambling its available resources to rise to the occasion.
On another note...
There was a short click as Harry switched off the Wizarding Wireless before turning back to the people behind him.
"A declaration of war? Have our people been so seriously deluded by Fudge that they didn't know we WERE at war with Voldemort since I first arrived at Hogwarts?" A fiery blaze showed in his emerald green eyes, clearly disdained that some witches and wizards could be so thick.
"Come now Harry, relax and let us finish our breakfast before we meet with the others." Remus said as he motioned Harry to his seat. "We would need a full stomach to last us the entire day if the meeting we have today would say anything about it." He further added.
Professor Dumbledore, who was just merrily putting butter and some jam on his scones, looked up from what he was doing and addressed Harry. "The people have been shielded by the Ministry's lies Harry. Cornelius's had the right idea of not scaring the public, but the method he did it in is surely wrong and that is one of the things we need to address. But for now my boy, it would be better, I believe, to just enjoy our breakfast... Could you pass the sugar please Severus? Alas I'm out of lemon drops and my sweet tooth needs satisfaction, thus, my tea should do..."
"Headmaster, I don't see why Potter here should be..." Professor Snape started to say, he was cut off by Harry before he could even finished his querry.
"Professor Snape, May I remind you that you are in my home and as such a guest. But, do not presume you will be able to dictate what I can or cannot do. Is that clear, sir?"
Snape was by now doing a very good impression of a very red guppy, mouth opening and closing as if he had something to say while the veins on his neck were writhing not unlike gills.
"Oh, calm down professor…" Harry then continued when there was no response from his earlier question. "Surely if I were in your home, I would respect your authority, thus please respect mine."
"He's got you there Sev…"
"Do not call me 'Sev', Lupin," turning back to Harry. "Very well, but mark my words…"
"Come now Severus, just relax and enjoy the meal our host has provided for us," injected the Headmaster, trying to head off any more argument. Accepting the détente for now, Severus merely huffed and excused himself to head out to the patio 'to get some air'.
"He is so easy to irritate…."
"Well Harry, if you remember just a few months ago you were the same. That's why I think he loves to goad you," Remus said with as he grinned at Harry causing the young man to blush red while the headmaster chuckled softly as a few drops of jam oozed down from his scone into his long white beard.
Still blushing Harry was reminded of something he needed to ask the Headmaster.
"By the way sir, I'm really sorry about your office," he hesitantly said as Remus raised an eyebrow at this. Dumbledore merely waved off the apology stating that he intended to do some spring cleaning but was feeling lazy about it and what better motivation than to have your office destroyed by your favorite student. Harry blushed even more as Remus had stitches from laughing. He suddenly stopped though when he heard a voice he never thought he would hear again.
"Harry! Why didn't you tell us…" the shimmering figure of Sirius sputtered incredulously.
"Son, you do realize what you've done…" the grave voice of James then said.
At this Harry was hanging his head low, ashamed of the fit of temper he'd had in the Headmasters office. Remus meanwhile was still sitting; ramrod straight holding his tea cup which was at an angle that it was slowly dripping its contents on his lap.
The form of Lily was slowly shaking her bent down head clearly telling Harry that she was affronted by his actions, but the grin she was trying to suppress was unmistakably there.
"Young man," James now spoke again. "You have done what all four Marauders weren't able to do…."
"…and we are so proud. Imagine, you, by yoursel, trashing the Headmasters office! That must have been some great stress reliever!" After he said this Sirius and James bursted out laughing at the incredulous look on Harry's face.
"Hey, Moony! What? Lost your sense of humor or something?" James suddenly asked his werewolf friend.
"Yeah! Must be getting old…or maybe just needs more…action," Sirius added while wriggling his eyebrows.
Rolling her eyes Lilly admonished the two and turned to Harry. "Son, I think Remus needs a glass of water…" then looking down on Remus lap, which made James and Sirius laugh out some more, said "I think he would also need some towels…"
Complying quickly with his mothers' wishes, he gave Remus, who was looking rather pale, the water and towel. With zombie like movement, Remus drank the water, tapped at his lap with the towel to dry off the tea then promptly, fainted. Dumbledore, who was watching the entire scene with amusement, was just chuckling merrily.
"Now, that's odd?"
"I thought he'd be happy to see us, Padfoot."
"In case you two forgot, you just died a few months ago… and you," jabbing her finger at James chest, "have been dead for almost 15 years…" Lily reprimanded them then turned to Harry, who was now also snickering while levitating Remus to a couch, and added "Twits! Honestly!" while rolling her eyes.
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29 August 1996 1000 Local Time Gryffin's Den – Hall of History
When Remus had recovered, Harry, his parents and Sirius explained the whole thing to Moony. Apologizing why they didn't tell him or Peter, they told him how James and Sirius, 'accidentally' finding out Lily's secret and being made to promise not to tell. They explained the anchoring bond that they have with Harry and how they were able to return by the Force. Harry then explained what he knew about the Force and how he could control it. Basically they told Remus everything and he listened in rapt attention, interrupting only to get some points clear while Professor Dumbledore just looked on with a knowing look on his face. Harry knew why though because he had seen it in his dreams and this too he explained to Remus.
Having decided to keep this between themselves, they then proceeded to the Hall of History where the meeting would go on deciding their would-be course of action and thereby in effect, determine the future of the Magical World. Since it was decided that Griffin's Den would be the safest location for the meeting all of the attendees have been given portkeys to whisk them to the Hall of History at different appointed times but not later than eleven o'clock when the meeting would start.
Their plan was that the three Force spirits, Lily, Sirius and James, would be invisible but would whisper their comments to either Albus or Remus. Harry would have no problem since he could just communicate with them directly through the Force.
It was a strange sight seeing the four men of differing ages striding the hallway of the ancient castle leading to the meeting room. However, it was stranger still once they entered the Hall that even Severus Snape was surprised upon the scene that greeted them that he immediately drew his wand.
Four men, resplendent in medieval armor stood before them. Their breastplates adorned with the image of a griffin about to take flight with a blood red rose clutched in its jaws…
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Arthur Weasely was deciding if he was now doing the right thing. He knew that war was upon them and that would only mean one thing, the fulfillment of the ancient vow. As he thought of this, his memory brought him back to the day he met Harry as a young boy of twelve.
He had just arrived from a busy night at work ( 9 raids!). That was when he noticed an extra head, it was also not red, he looked at the boy with raven black hair and deep green eyes, his feature reminded him of somebody… "and who are you?"
"I'm Harry, sir… Harry Potter," the boy said somewhat bashfully.
"Good Lord… Are you really?" Arthur said as excitement bubbled through him. 'My, how he'd grown,' he thought as he his eyebrows bunched a bit that no one noticed as a thought occurred to him…'it has began' " Well, Ron's told us all about you of course." To cover up and push his thoughts for later he just promptly asked the first thing that came to his mind (quite amusing actually, he was 'recruited' by James to help him bathe the young Harry) after 'admonishing' his sons for using the car. "So, tell me Harry…what exactly is the function of the rubber duck?" he really didn't understand why it was so essential to bathing (must be a muggle thing) …
Smiling at the memory, he remembered that earlier he called upon three of his eldest sons. All of them knew what was going on and have been waiting, not without dread, for this time to come ever since their sister was born. Though everyone in the wizarding world have their own suspicions and stories to tell about the Potter's and Weasely's, the true history was told and passed down from father to son once they come of age. Too bad Fred and George haven't been told about it yet, since a convenient time did not present itself with all that had happened in the past school year. But they know that it was only a matter of when. They just hope, however, that Ron didn't find out about it prematurely… or Ginny for that matter because, no matter how she felt about Harry now, she'd undoubtedly feel betrayed.
Arthur had also called the Longbottom matriarch via floo to ask for her advice. She agreed with Arthur's decision while muttering that hopefully her grandson would be ready. "If not, I'll make him! Must uphold the Family's Honor!" was what she said.
So with a deep sigh, he and his three sons touched Arthur's portkey and they were brought to the Griffin's Den. He was not surprised by his surroundings, having spent much time here when he was younger, helping those troublemaking teens… well, he did enjoy it especially when he helped MAXI be 'born'. Even Bill and Charlie were somewhat familiar with the surroundings. It was Percy's gasp that brought their attention as he stood there transfixed at the sight of the three shields. It was the first time he saw the family crest.
"This is what our family stands for Percy. What other wizards see is our façade…" Arthur whispered to his son as he held the younger mans shoulder, as he remembered that day not long ago at Florish and Blotts as Lucius Malfoy reached into Ginny's Cauldron…
… and extracted, from amid the glossy Lockhart books, a very old, very battered copy of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration.
"Obviously not," Mr. Malfoy said. "Dear me, what's the use of being a disgrace to the name of wizard if they don't even pay you well for it?"
Mr. Weasley flushed darker than either Ron or Ginny.
"We have a very different idea of what disgraces the name of wizard, Malfoy," he said.
"What our family hold in highest regard, is not power or wealth, but our Honor above all else and our duty to the Light and our Lord."
"I just… I just never knew…. Well, I did know from the stories you told us… but… being here… makes it all so real…it makes me feel both proud but then… so insignificant…"
"I know how you feel son, but family… each and every one of us, makes US exponentially larger than the individual and this is what gives us strength and hope… and it is this strength and hope, moreover, our blades and wands, that we are lending…no… giving… to Harry. Think about why all three shields are at the same height."
All three boys nodded and understood what the elder Weasely was trying to say and set their jaws in determination as they now heard the footsteps along the halls. They stood before the doors as it opened and watched as the new arrivals stood transfixed at the doorway who did not expect to see four knights waiting for them.
Arthur immediately stepped forward and drew his sword and wand. With gasps of surprise, Remus drew his wand and pointed it at Arthur. Severus, who's wand was already drawn, gripped it tighter.
It was a surprise as Arthur took one more step and kneeled on his right knee. The other three proceeded to do the same with their left hands in a fist touching the ground and right fisted hands on their breastplate. Arthur then gripped the sword at the hilt with the tip touching the ground as he swished his wand with his left hand to point at the lower left.
"My Lord Gryffindor," he began "I renew the oath that was sworn to guard and guide you and yours, by magic and blood, until and thereafter the Time of the Seven and the One shall be...and onwards."
Harry, who was being prompted by his father on what he should say and do, stepped forward after encouraging Remus and Severus to lay down their wands. Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling as Harry laid both his hands on Arthur's hand which was holding the sword and smiled.
"Sir Weston, Lord Keeper of the Western Marches… My friend and would-be father, I accept thy pledge if thou shall not kneel before me but stand by me and guide me as I shall always stand with you and yours. My brothers…" Harry turned to look at the other three.
He was about to say more when the arrival of another would-be knight broke the solemn atmosphere. He was dressed in white armor; an eagle clutching a broken gold arrow adorned his chest. He seemed confused but as he got his bearings and turned, recognizing Harry.
"Harry, what the hell is going on? Why did Gram dress me up in this ridiculous outfit telling me that you'd explain and…"
Neville's eye grew wide as he saw the other armored men, effectively stopping his tirade.
Harry chuckled as he pulled Arthur to his feet and gave him and the other Weasely's a brotherly hug, which was kind of awkward because of the armor, then went to Neville.
Clasping Neville's gauntleted hand by the forearms, He asked, making things informal and simple but by no means taking out the solemnity of the occasion,
"Neville, we're friends right?"
"Yes…but I don't see…" Harry cut him off by continuing.
"As promised by my ancestor, now, I promise you, Neville, that I will always be your friend and would gladly call you my brother, if you wish…" Harry's eyes went out of focus for a moment as the Force gave him visions of possible futures…
Neville, who was effectively rendered an orphan because of what the Lestranges did to his parents, felt his eyes stinging. He knew he was a klutz, he felt he was useless, even though he'd again a notch of confidence from the DA last year, still there was something holding him back somehow… but here, Harry was offering to be brother to him… to stand by him… then it occurred to him that in actuality, their circumstances gave them a very similar point of view. Little did he know that their similarities go much further, because of a prophecy.
Neville smiled and nodded as he looked Harry in the eye and said "Brothers…"
"Well, now that we have everything cleared up… I say we're a bit under dressed, don't you think so Harry? We do have guests to impress," Dumbledore asked, eyes twinkling as mad as ever. Harry then nodded and called for the house elves and asked them to ready his armor and dress Dumbledore, Remus and Severus accordingly.
To say that the other attendees were overwhelmed with the sight that greeted them clearly pressed the importance of this event into their minds. They all felt like they traveled back in time and were now part of a council of war. The knights, as the eight armored men were now referred to by the others, along with the atmosphere of the Hall of History gave everyone a sense of purpose while Dumbledore's strong presence, though he did not don any armor, gave them security and a strong belief that they shall not fail. Even Snape, whose dark scowl perfectly matched his matt black armor… a black knight indeed.
Harry just listened quietly as the plans were made; only giving his thoughts when it was asked. The planned course of action was to first ensure the safety of those who cannot fight. The answer was to increase Hogwarts defenses to include Hogsmead, which in turn would be increased in size to accommodate any refugees. Able bodied witches and wizards would be given further training by the aurors in wizarding warfare. Arthur, with his 'expertise' in muggle technology would then teach them the muggle means of warfare. Harry and Neville, grudgingly included in the meeting by the other elders because of their birthrights, have accepted the task in behalf of the DA to train the other students on magical and muggle defense. To the elders' surprise, Harry also offered the use of a few of his house elves to Hogwarts as trainers for the schools own house elves in logistics and supply when under siege as well as a few of the minor castles he owns to serve as front bases. Mr. Lovegood, Luna's father, was given the task of heading up communications, since the Daily Prophet was no more. He was now given control of the WWN and of course the Quibbler would be the medium for disseminating information to the general public. He was also charged with the responsibility of creating new ways for battle field communications. Remus Lupin, known to most of his former schoolmates as one of the Marauders, promptly nominated him as Head for Strategy and Research, to which (although heard only by Albus, Harry and Remus) Sirius and Harry's parents gave a mighty 'Here, Here', making Remus blush like a tomato. All in all, through some unavoidable differences of opinions, the meeting went well.
Now all Harry needed to do was face his friends who he knew were listening in from the time he entered the hall.
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Earlier that Morning…
For the past few days since the Diagon Alley rescue, Harry had been scarce to his friends. Hermione, Ron and Ginny had been nagging him for information whenever he would show up, but for some reason he could just easily veer away the discussion from himself. They'd stayed at the Griffin's Den at Harry's, and to their surprise, at Mr. and Mrs. Weasely's insistence. And everyday they thought they would get a clear answer from Harry or any of the adults. Then just two days ago Luna arrived at the den stating her father would be very busy and that she should stay at the Den where it would be safe.
Hermione had been most intrigue with the castle and its history that she was mostly found in the castle library searching for information. What most surprised her most though are the use of muggle electronics and the presence of electricity. She was able to corner Harry two nights after the Diagon Alley rescue in the library and proceeded to question him on his use of wandless magic. Harry, amused at his friends' curiosity, told her that she would know in good time and promptly bid goodnight. When she was about to retire after a full dinner she was surprised to find a TV and VCR player in her chambers that was placed neatly so that she could watch from bed. The movie she was supplied with was the three part Star Wars Trilogy with a note to ask the staff if she wanted other titles.
Ron however was sulking. It had been fun at first as he almost had free reign of the castle. He quickly found out however that exploring wasn't exciting to do alone. He tried to get Ginny or Hermione to join him but Hermione said she was too busy figuring things out and Ginny was well…his sister. So he just sulked until he discovered the kitchens, the novelty wore off (the discovery, not the food)… the armory… the training room…. Then he discovered TV one night when he was invited by Hermione and Ginny to watch Episode IV.
It was by accident when three days later as Ginny woke with a start, when she thought she heard the sound of a horse galloping. All thoughts of her nightmare were forgotten as she took a peak out of the window. It was the most marvelous sight she'd seen. Harry, in a white sleeveless shirt with his braided lock whipping behind him was riding atop an equally amazing black stallion at full gallop. She wasn't able to see further though because of windows' restriction. She then decided to wake up earlier the next day to catch that powerful sight. This became her daily routine and to her annoyance it became Hermione's and even Luna's as well.
So, like the day before, three young women were now talking together in hushed voices at the parapet of the south tower of Griffin's Den, giving them an excellent view of the object of their discussion.
"He looks so beautiful on that horse…so free…" Hermione murmured
"He's so uninhibited… maybe that's who he truly is…" Luna then commented as she stared, not in the way she used to, at the figure below.
"I wonder what changed him…he's become so…so…dreamy," Hermione then added with a sigh.
"May I remind you that you're with my brother?" Ginny said with a huff. She didn't know what irritated her more, Hermione starting to go gaga over Her Harry or the fact that there is a HUGE possibility of Harry wanting Hermione more than her… and 'When did I start thinking of Harry as MY Harry…again?... ARGHHH'
"There's going to be 2 formal Balls for Yule and Easter and informal dances every weekend this year. Father said that it was Dumbledore and Professor Lupin's idea to inspire interhouse relations and cooperation." Luna said in her usual dreamy way, then, added something that irritated the young red head more. "I'm going to invite Harry to take me for the first weekend dance once we get back to Hogwarts." Her tone was such that she was going to do it and that there was no changing her mind.
Ginny just gritted her teeth as she looked back out on the grounds. Harry was now standing on Barq's bare back doing some sort of graceful dance while he twirled two swords in his hands. She sighed as she recalled her childhood dreams of a dashing knight, which as it turns out was what Harry was…is…becoming … tears now threatened her bright brown eyes as she realized the futility of it all.
'You really look so happy and content. How I wish that I had been the one that gave you that happiness… that contentment… I wish I was there to be the one to have comforted you, held you through your sorrows and make you see how wonderful you are… maybe even got to know you better… maybe get you to know me better and maybe… to truly, see me…' she sighed again but it turned into a gasp of surprise as a tender wind of thought floated into her, warming her in it's caress.
'…I know… but there is always a time for everything…'
Looking back out again, she saw Harry looking at her, even from the distance she could see the green of his eyes, tearing into her soul. The moment passed quickly though, as his ebony horse neighed as it reared back… then, in a fast gallop took horse and rider into the castle's stables.
Her musings were interrupted though by the unexpected arrival of the twins and Ron. They were sniggering every once in a while and were acting peculiar… like they were planning a prank. It wasn't a prank though, but a spying mission.
"Yeah, we saw Bill and Charlie arrive yesterday and for some reason their all civil with the Big Head Boy," said Fred, he still didn't want to have anything to do with his older brother.
"The oddest thing though was this morning…" this time it was George.
"They might be attending a costume party or something. They were wearing these funny outfits and dad said something about greeting their Lord properly…" Fred elaborated again, worry clearly showing in his features.
It was Hermione who asked the dreaded question "…you guys don't think that they're…" But Ron quickly cut her of from that undesired train of thought.
"No one's going to think of anything… what we need to find out is what the meeting that they're going to have today would be."
"And that is why,"
"We've brought a couple,"
"Of our special..."
"…Updated…"
"…and improved…"
"Extendable Ears!" both Fred and George exclaimed.
The six of them worked out a plan of bugging the Hall of History, they knew that much from the way Mrs. Weasley kept reminding them to stay away from that area for the rest of the day. Fearing the worst….they didn't expect to hear what followed when they heard the opening of the Halls doors….
The telltale chinking of metal hitting the stone floor…
"My Lord Gryffindor, I renew the oath that was sworn, to guard and guide you and yours, by magic and blood, until and thereafter the Time of the Seven and the One shall be...and onwards."
The voice was unmistakable, that was Mr. Weasely….
"Gryffindor?…Sevens and One's?…" murmured Hermione, but she was immediately shushed by the others…
"…Lord Keeper of the Western Marches… My friend and would-be father, I accept thy pledge if thou shall not kneel before me but stand by me and guide me as I shall always stand with you and yours…"
"Harry?" Ginny whispered in disbelief. Looking around at her friends and brothers she saw the same confusion there. A crashing sound broke their train of thought when they heard another familiar voice.
"That was Neville," Luna said matter of factly. As Ron bristled at hearing Harry calling Neville his brother.
"He never called me that…."
"Ron, I think he already did earlier, if I'm not mistaken Bill, Charlie and Percy are there now also, Harry is just bringing in Neville as part of who he believes as family… you heard Harry, he said your dad is his would-be father…" Hermione's eyes grew wide in realization. "Oh my… I need to go to the Library…"
"Mental… absolutely barking…" was all she heard from Ron as she ran out, leaving the others to continue on their eavesdropping.
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It was when he was informed by Frederick that his guests are done with dinner that Harry went to search for Hermione. Of all his friends he knew that she would be the first to understand. He needed her to hold on to what she knows for as long as possible and not tell Ron and Ginny… especially Ginny.
He went to the one place he was sure to find her and it was no surprise that after dinner she went straight back to the library.
"I bet Ron isn't pleased that you left him. I believe he had some 'plans' for the two of you tonight," Harry said as he stood by the doorway.
Hermione gave a start and turned around to see her best friend. What she saw made her feel all fluttery. Harry was dressed in a white loose fencing shirt with his collar opened, the loose fitting sleeves hiding the strong arms she knew was there. Midnight black pants to which his shirt was tucked in neatly and in turn tucked into his black knee high dragon hide boots. Clipped on his belt finish the ensemble, a gleaming cylindrical object was dangling along his left thigh. It gave him the air of a swashbuckling privateer, not to mention most dashing.
"Oh Harry! You startled me!" Hermione exclaimed as she clutch on her chest.
"Sorry Hermione… So what're you working on?" Harry asked, although he already has an idea what it might be about.
"Nothing much…." She said trying to stall.
"Look 'Mione, Let's stop beating around the bush… you're trying to read up on Gryffindor's History aren't you?... heard or read about it in passing somewhere?" He smiled as he saw her blush.
"We were listening in…."
"I know… Let me tell you a story…" He began as he took Hermione hand and led her down to one of the couches after calling a house elf for some after dinner spirits for both of them.
Harry told her everything… about the History of it all, about Slytherin's curse, how only males are born to Weasely's and Potters… about Potters always only having one child, why Weasely's always have seven… about the blood oath and promised marriage… How Ginny was special because she was the only Weasely girl born in a thousand years and the seventh to boot. Why all her brothers are now made incapable of having children themselves by Ginny's birth. How he too cannot have children with other women. How the Potter and Weasely line will end with them if they didn't have a child to break the curse, thus effectively killing off the Gryffindor line. He ended by making her promise not to tell Ginny about any of it.
"But why Harry? She should know. In fact, she'll be ecstatic about it…." Her voice trailed off however when she saw the pained expression on Harry's face.
"That's just it 'Mione. It wouldn't be fair to her or to me… If anything, call me a romantic but if I do decide to get hitched, I'd like to do it for love and this arranged marriage of sorts and I'm sure that's what she would want too. And right now, I don't even know what I feel for her. She's attractive (that's a given) and from what little I know of her, she's mischievous (not to mention powerful, to back it up), smart, witty, fiery, easy to get along with, funny, brave… OK, I'll admit… I like her… but, not enough yet, to marry her… it's just too complicated…" he added the last as he saw Hermiones raised eyebrow as she took hold of his hand to soothe him, silently telling him she understood.
"We'd had a few disagreements before, 'Mione, but you've never (from what I could remember) left my side. Thank you for that. " Harry then said as he stroked his thumb lazily on the hand that held his.
They were silent for a while as they just looked at each other. Maybe it was the brandy or maybe it was the cozy and relaxed atmosphere of the library or the soft glow of the fireplace that reflected upon her face which was now nicely framed by her untamed hair, because he suddenly blurted out something as he reached to caress her face and the next thing they knew… they were locked in a warm embrace… kissing.
"If it had been you, I wouldn't even hesitate…"
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After having a splendid dinner, Ginny went about the castle to look for Hermione. She first went to her friends' chambers but not finding her there, she went to the only place she knew where the other girl might be, the library. The great door to the library was open when she got there so she went on to take a peek as she heard whispered converstions taking place inside. Smirking on what she thought might be Ron and Hermione, she was stopped in her tracks when she heard Harry's voice.
'You know I love you…right? Well, if not, then… I love you Hermione…"
Anger flowed through her. 'How could they've done this…poor Ron…" She somehow managed to control herself from confronting them, when a warm voice seems to whisper in her ear to wait and see and… learn.
"I.." Hermione began to say but Harry cut her off.
"I know you do 'Mione. But, I also know that you're not 'in love' with me."
Taking a quick peek, Ginny saw the two with their arms around each other, foreheads touching.
"It's complicated… I love you and I love Ron, but I seem to want him more, but love you both in much the same way. It's strange isn't it…does that make any sense at all?" Hermione sighed. It doesn't take much to stump her, but this did.
"See what I mean…" Harry said. "We have something special 'Mione, just like you and Ron do. I don't know what Ron is to you or what you are to him and what I mean to you…" Harry sighed "…you're the keeper my soul… my conscience. Did you know that everytime I even think of doing something stupid, it's your voice I hear in my head, nagging at me, telling me to stop and think before I leap?
Ginny heard Hermione chuckle lightly and she too couldn't help but smile. 'I wish I have what they have…' she thought wistfully. She was startled out of her thoughts when someone suddenly tapped her on her shoulder. It was Ron!
"What are you doing here?" Ron whispered. He took a look around but then suddenly turned pale, then red in anger. Just as when he was about to barge in, Ginny held him.
"Wait Ron, it's not what you think…" She whispered furiously, Ginny knew that she wouldn't be able to stop her brother but she was surprised when he did. Ron, meanwhile was surprised himself when he thought he heard a familiar voice whispering in his ear to listen to his sister. The two siblings then turned back to listen in.
"Do you remember, back in our first year when I told you you're a great wizard? Well, you still are and I know you'll always be. Don't doubt that." Harry hugged her tight again.
"Ron is as close to a brother as I could have. You on the other hand, are more than just the sister I would have wanted. You're more than that and… and I don't want to lose you… or Ron. Even without all this that's been happening to me right now… even if Ron and you aren't together. I wouldn't want to lose what we both have if we become a couple and for some reason broke up. It will be…" Harry breathe out.
"Shhh, I know… It would be awkward and we couldn't go back to what we are now…" she said as she pulled back and placed a finger on his lips.
Harry then chuckled and flushed as he remembered their kiss earlier "Ron would be furious, you know… if he sees us like this…"
"He shouldn't be, he must realize that you are as much as an important part of my life as he is. Aside from which, we're the couple, Him and Me. So there's nothing he should be jealous about. Like I said earlier, I love you both in much the same way but I'm with him. Clear and simple." She said as they broke from their embrace and poured another glass of wine for her, seeing that Harry's glass is still a quarter full. After taking a sip, she looked at Harry and smiled in a most un-Hermione mischievous way (that for some reason reminded Harry of Ginny).
"Last year I told you that you're a good kisser… I take that back…" pausing to see the look on Harry's face.
"You're a great kisser… Now, all we need to do is to make you kiss little miss seven and make little baby Potters." Harry's face turned from disappointed to pleased then finally ashen in the same amount of time as Hermione told him the last.
"Oh no!" he groaned as he placed his hands on his face and mumbled out through his fingers. "Hermione has another great plan in her head…Heaven Help Me!"
TBC