A/N: Hiya! Ja, so read on! Chapter two and I hope I do get a lot of reviews. Thank-you for reviewing everyone!
Disclaimer: Don't own Harry Potter, I wish I did though, I'd change the way people want it to go, really and they'd hate me!
Hermione's Requiem
Hogwarts
As Harry sat on the train to Hogwarts him predicament finally settled in. This could very well be his last year at Hogwarts-well that much was true but the last year of his life. It was either going to be him or Voldemort that died, and Harry most certainly didn't want it to be him. Ron looked over to Harry and noticed his face fall ashen and forlorn. As his best mate, he hated to see Harry like that, but also as his best mate, he understood everything. After hearing the prophecy Ron didn't even want Harry to go through it. He knew very well, Harry didn't want to in the least. Harry looked over to Ron and gave a faint smile. Ron smiled as well. Just then Hermione came into the cabin looking rather distressed.
"Something wrong 'Mione?" Ron asked. He took the words right if Harry's mouth.
Hermione smiled and sat down.
"Nothing," she replied. Hermione knew Harry knew he didn't believe her.
She always sat next to Ron, it was something that happened during the first year and lasted forever until now. Harry didn't have a problem with it. He could look at Hermione's face all he wanted to now and their wouldn't a problem with it. Ron had to turn his head to look at her, which Harry thought wouldn't be convenient to him, since he looked at her all the time. Like right at this moment for example. Of course he did want her to sit next to him, once and a while. In that respect Ron was lucky. Pig was hooting happily in his cage, while Hedwig was sleeping beautifully in her, her head was under wing. Crookshanks was under Hermione's seat curled in a ball and about to go to sleep.
"Are you going to tell us or not?" Harry asked jokingly.
Hermione pouted a little.
"If you must know, it was about some sixth years predicting the future or some mess like that. Honestly, it's like they already don't know what's going to happen," Hermione huffed. Harry and Ron rolled their eyes. If something had anything to do with Divination that she wanted no part of it. Harry chuckled. Not that he felt any better, but his friends always made him laugh. Hermione pouted a bit.
"What's so funny, Mr. Potter?" she asked in a mock-angry tone. None of them could get angry at each other for some reason.
"I'm glad you're my friends, is all," Harry replied.
Ron and Hermione beamed.
"Thanks Harry!" Ron said.
"Yeah, thanks! It wouldn't be us with you," Hermione said giving Harry a smile with her gorgeous teeth. Harry, for some odd reason, felt relieved. He couldn't help but feel glad they weren't going to leave him. He noticed Hermione's gentle smile.
"You know that even if you don't want us to, we are going to stick with you for ever, even throughout the battle with Voldemort," Ron still shuddered at the name. "We can't defeat him, we know, but we can still help you. After all, you are our best friend," Hermione said with determination and conviction. "And knowing you you'll have something to say about it and personally, I don't care. No matter what Harry, we're sticking with you. Besides I couldn't let such a handsome, brilliant young man die with out me could I?"
Harry and Ron found her speech nearly tear jerking. They were close to the point of tear, not really, but almost there. Harry pretended to wipe away tears and Ron made sobbing noises. Hermione threw a piece of parchment at them. They laughed a bit.
"I was joking 'Herms," Harry said. Ron was laughing at him and was rewarded with a smack to the head- compliments of Hermione. Harry chuckled. "Seriously though, Hermione, Ron, I don't want you coming with me. You could get hurt, or even die. I don't want that to happen to you. I wouldn't be able to bear it," Harry said sadly. "I won't-"
"As if Potter, sod off," Ron said putting on his serious face, "I mean no matter what in bloody hell you say, we're going with you to fight him. We're going to the bloody ends of the earth for you Potter, and it's about bloody time you noticed. If we die, it's because we made that damn choice. It won't be your fault even though I know you'll blame yourself. I won't be anyone's fault but ours. Hermione and mine. We aren't letting you go alone- not to sound wavy mate, but we love you Harry. We won't let you go alone."
Harry's eyes widened after Ron was finished. His friends were, they were so...loyal. He couldn't ask for better ones.
"Alright you guys, thanks, you're going to make me die of embarrassment," he said. Still though, he loved his friends more than he could express at the moment.
Their compartment door opened.
"Aw, look here, Potty, Weasel and the mudblood are making their vow! How sweet," the drawling voice of Draco Malfoy said. Harry, Ron and Hermione's heads whipped around. They saw the blonde ferret and his large goons.
"Sod off Malfoy," Harry said. He was in too much of a good mood for it to be spoiled.
Hermione stood up.
"Leave Malfoy, or I will be forced to take house points," Hermione said standing up to Malfoy. She was shorter than he was, but it didn't matter to her.
Malfoy looked down at her and grinned. He lifted her chin in his hand and grinned maliciously. His thumb ran over her cheek, gently- too gently for Harry's comfort. Harry and Ron instantly stood up.
"You've gotten rather pretty, Hermione," he said lowly. His voice was deep and in a sexy tone. "Pity you're a dirty blood. I would have enjoyed taking you."
Harry pulled Hermione away while Ron confronted Malfoy.
"You aren't to call Hermione by that name, do I make myself clear?" Ron asked while Harry asked if she was alright.
Malfoy sneered.
"And what are you going to do about that Weasel?" Malfoy asked smugly. Ron nearly attacked Malfoy. Crabbe and Goyle were ready. Harry had to hold him back.
Hermione yelled at Ron then at Malfoy.
"Out Malfoy!" Hermione said.
Malfoy sneered.
"I think I'll just take five points from you Weasley, for trying to attack a superior," Malfoy said smugly. "I'll inform Professor Snape of this business right away."
Harry had successfully gotten Malfoy out of Ron's reach.
"And I think I will award ten for protecting friends," Harry said giving Malfoy a smug look back.
Malfoy scoffed.
"I think you lost it Potter. What power do you have over me?" Malfoy asked. "I'm a prefect."
Harry looked into his pocket and found what he was looking for. He took out a shiny gold badge that said "HB" on it.
"And I'm Head Boy," he said. Harry loved the look on Malfoy's face when he took out the badge. Malfoy left saying a string of swears. Harry grinned and let go of Ron, whose face was simply aghast.
"H-Harry! You're-you're...!" Ron couldn't get the words out.
Harry nodded but before he could get the words out Hermione had flung herself onto him.
"Harry this is fantastic!" she said hugging him tightly, "You're Head Boy! I was wondering who it was, if it wasn't Ron! I'm so happy!"
Harry began to gasp for air and Hermione let him go apologizing loads.
"Its fine, Hermione, really," he said smiling. The three seventh years sat back down. His two best friends looked at him expectantly. Harry chuckled.
"What?" he asked faking innocence.
"You know very well what!" Ron said angrily. "When did you learn you were Head Boy?"
"Yes, Harry, and why didn't us tell us?" Hermione asked slightly hurt.
Harry looked into his two friends faces and didn't like what he saw. He didn't looks they sported. Especially Hermione's. He didn't like it when she looked sad or upset. Still though he pointed at Ron.
"I found out when I received my owl for school," he replied. Harry then pointed to Hermione. "I was going to surprise you. Really, I'm sorry about that."
Ron grinned.
"It's fine mate," he said, "You can imagine it though, the 'great Harry Potter' Head Boy of Hogwarts."
Harry and Hermione laughed. After everything calmed down a bit Hermione smiled. Harry thought it was the most beautiful.
"Harry, I'm happy your Head Boy," she said, "I was getting worried when Ron said he wasn't Head Boy, and besides it proves you're something special."
Harry gave Hermione one of his "looks".
"The problem isn't proving I'm something special, it's proving I'm not," he said.
Hermione gave Harry a good kick. Harry gave her a sour looked and inquired as to what it was for.
"You know we think you're just plain old Harry Potter," she said. She flashed him a smile again. "And you're lucky you don't have a swelled head. I mean you're one of the most loyal, down-to-earth people out there. Not to mentioned powerful, oh and did I mention good-looking? And then-"
"Okay, okay, Hermione," Harry said signaling Hermione to stop. She stopped and blushed a bit but smiled all the same.
"Thanks, Herms," Harry said.
"See Harry? The point is no matter what, you're going to be famous and no matter what we're going to be your friends," Ronald said smiling.
Harry was smiling; his friends were always there for him. He was happy; his friends were always there, no matter what. Harry, Ron and Hermione sat chatting for a few minutes and then their happiness faded as the train violently shook. Hermione dropped the book she was reading at incredible pace, and fell sideways. Harry had to fix his glasses before standing up. Ron looked disgruntled at the sudden shaking of the train, but pleased because Hermione was on him.
"Bloody hell," Ron said after standing up. "What was that?"
Harry didn't have the patience to wait.
"Don't know, but we're going to find out," he said determinedly. "Besides the whole train is probably a mess."
Harry, Ron and Hermione all ran out their compartment and into the chaos of the students. Many were screaming their bloody heads off, while others looked completely lost and insecure. Hermione ran ahead of Harry, greatly worried, and tried to calm everyone down. She yelled, Harry and Ron joined her, but to no avail. Ron noticed Hermione getting that look on her face when she got really annoyed and took a step back, but not without pulling Harry too, and he was in mid-sentence. Harry gave Ron a startled glare for a second and then turned back to Hermione as he noticed he taking out her wand.
"Silencio!" she yelled. Suddenly every sound stopped. Hermione grinned.
Harry was grateful to Ron that he pulled him back.
"Now that everyone is quiet, I would like your bloody attention!" Hermione said obviously annoyed. "The first rule to anything is 'don't panic'! If Voldemort was right here you would all be dead! Now go back to your compartments right now and in an orderly fashion! Prefects take control and keep everyone safe the point is to get everyone to Hogwarts safely! Do I make myself clear?"
The prefects nodded.
"D.A, you as well have permission to help, if anything happens it is your job to keep everyone safe. Any injuries try your best to heal them, Hermione, Ron or I will be there to assist you," Harry said calmly. The D.A members all nodded. They began to filter everyone back into their compartments along with the prefects. Harry, Ron and Hermione all walked to the compartments making the voices of all those silence come back and calming them down. The train shook violently again and the golden trio all fell down.
"We're flying!" a first year screamed. Others looked outside their windows and gasped.
Harry looked out the compartment window. He noticed five death eaters first and then he noticed the train rising higher, and higher. Harry ran out the compartment only to be met by Ron and Hermione. By the look on their faces they saw everything too. All of a sudden the train jerked once more and screams were heard. "We're falling!" Harry heard screamed. He didn't like the sound of that at all. Harry lost his footing and well with Ron while Hermione had stumbled the other way. Harry slowly got up as Hermione held onto a compartment door.
"PROTECTUM MINASITIUM!" she screamed. A spectrum of colours burst from her wand and the train jerked as it slowed it's movement. Harry sighed a sigh of utter relief.
"Don't just stand there looking at me! Help me!" Hermione whined. Harry and Ron too, jumped out of their thoughts and went to Hermione's aid.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" they bellowed. White light erupted from their wands and the stream joined Hermione's. The train seemed to slowly drift on to the rail road tracks. It started to move again as soon as it hit the tracks. Nearly everyone on the train let out a sigh. The five death eaters were gone. Peace was restored and everyone began to talk about the events. Many were scared, others rather excited. Harry, Ron and Hermione went around the train talking and doing their best to heal any injuries. After they were finished, the three of them went of into the prefects' cabin. Silence passed for a while between the three friends, and then finally Harry chuckled. Ron and Hermione stared at him.
"Sorry," Harry said, "but it's just I'm really glad you know what you're doing Herms."
Ron agreed.
"Yeah, Mione! I mean you said you did it before, but seeing it now is a completely different story!" Ron said happily.
Hermione blushed (for both statements don't worry)
"Thanks," she said embarrassed. "But still, I couldn't have done it on my own- without you guys. Thank-you."
Harry laughed.
"I think you could have actually. I mean I think you were doing brilliant." Harry flashed Hermione a brilliant smile.
Hermione blushed more.
"Thanks Harry," she said smiling brightly. "You too Ron."
Harry, Ron and Hermione spent the rest of the ride talking happily. Not many went into the prefect's cabin and they were grateful. Ron had to go out occasionally to perform his prefect duties and came back. While he was away Harry got to talk to Hermione and really get to know her better. As much as Ron was a friend he wanted to actually have time alone with Hermione. He missed that in his fifth and sixth years because of his lack of perfectly (new word yeah!) and didn't get a lot of time to spend with Hermione. She did partner up with him occasionally at the D.A meetings, and help him with all of his homework and kicked Death Eater butt last year, but other than that he never really sat down and had a serious chat. After six years of knowing someone, Harry found out a lot to Hermione. She was gorgeous at every angle, her hair constantly got in her face when she talked (which Harry didn't mind much because he always got the chance to swipe it behind her ear), her eyes were the most captivating orbs around and he simply adored the way she laughed. It was light and happy and she had the biggest smile. Her smile was perfect, happy and brilliant. Harry could see why Ron liked her so much. She was brilliant. Brilliant in everyway.
Of course Harry had no idea why he looked at her this way, but figured he was admiring his best friend. But if he was just admiring, why did he like it so much?
The train ride finally came to an end and everyone began to filter out completely uniformed and ready. Harry and Hermione were in the front showing everyone where to go and how to get there. They guided the first years to Hagrid, who, when he saw Harry gave him a bone breaking hug. Hermione laughed.
"'Allo 'Arry!" He said smiling widely.
"Hello Hagrid," Harry said giving the half giant a huge hug. "How have you been?"
"Well enough," Hagrid replied. He noticed the Head Boy badge on Harry's chest. "'Ead Boy 'Arry? Blimey! That's fantastic, you too Hermione 'o course."
Harry and Hermione beamed.
"Well, gotta go! Bye 'Arry, Hermione!"
"See you Hagrid!" Harry shouted over the vast crowd.
"Cheerio!" Hermione called. (Sorry I use it in my vocab., all the time, couldn't resist)
Harry and Hermione waited until the first years left before leaving to find a horseless carriage. Hermione could now see them, which she wasn't too happy about. They got into one, with Harry help Hermione, and went off into Hogwarts. It was loud when they arrived; Harry noticed a wisp of long silvery grey hair go around a corner before he climbed out of the carriage. Harry smiled at the sight. The two heads got out of the carriage and into me the school. He looked to Hermione, who was looking upward at the stars. He smiled.
"Ready for another year, Herms?" he asked quietly. His voice was silky, deep and smooth.
Hermione turned her head to look down at him. Her long brown hair cascaded down her shoulders in locks.
"I am quite ready," she said with determination, though of Harry saw correctly, her eyes held a bit of sadness to them. "I will always be by your side."
Harry smiled fondly.
"Brilliant," he said. In a chivalrous act, Harry held out his arm to help Hermione up the rest of the stair knowing full and well she needed no help. Hermione took his offer, hooked her arm with his and walked up the stairs. They walked into Hogwarts. For some rather curious reason, the school more fantastic than usual to Harry and he marveled at it as though it was his very first time there. The two Heads walked into the Great Hall, not forgetting to detach their arms of course. They found Ron sitting by the others in their circle of friends.
Now that Harry was in school he was happy. Nothing out of the ordinary started again. There were no tournaments being held between wizarding schools, there were no dark wizards prowling around the school- yet, and Draco Malfoy was just being his plain evil self. Everyday, every chance, every way he would find some way to get on Ron's nerves and either Hermione or himself would be the one to calm him down. Quidditch started and Harry was so happy to ride his firebolt again! After the last few years he wasn't really able to. In the fourth year the Triwizard tournament was being held, fifth year was the Department of Mysteries and in the sixth year he manifested himself in all the ways prior to Harry's sixth year to see if he could kill him. He damn near got close to it! Harry was lucky he had so many people on his side!
In the same way he knew he was in danger. Voldemort wasn't completely dead and Harry thought that this year would be the worst. He chuckled at the thought. This was his final year, and it would all depend on how he did. He looked to his left and saw Ron. Then he looked to his right and saw Hermione. He was lucky to have the loyalist of friends. Everything else mattered less. His friends came first and then he came second. Lucky for him, his friends thought the exact same way. Harry looked at everyone at the Gryffindor table, the new first years, who looked quite happy and anxious at the same time. They were coming in the most crucial of times. Harry looked over to his two friends who were quietly bickering about who was going to try to kill Harry next. Harry smiled nervously, but didn't quite like the direction of the talk.
"Why are we talking about this?" he asked. "I'd rather speak on something differently."
Hermione huffed.
"Whatever, I still think Voldemort is going to come straight onto Harry!" she said. With a quick flick of her hand she sent her hair behind her shoulders.
Ron looked as if he didn't agree in the slightest.
"I doubt that 'Mione!" he hissed. "He'll come through someone else like before!"
Harry didn't like either of the options. He much rather think that Voldemort wasn't going to bother him until the end of the year and that he'd have plenty of time of catch up on his magic. He was eager to go onto his lessons tomorrow and learn more, he wanted to protect everything around him. He quickly glanced over at Hermione then returned to looking at the staff table. He needed to.
The Great Hall was silenced as the first years were sorted. The hat sang a brilliant song in which it encouraged and pleaded. After it ended quite a few people had puzzled looks on their faces as the song finished. Hermione, Harry noticed was one of those people. He had no idea why she would be confused as to a hat's song but she looked awfully puzzled. Harry was about to question when the sorting began. It ended with loud applause everywhere. After a few minutes of applause Dumbledore stood up. The hall became quiet.
Professor McGonagall lightly tapped her fork against the glass signaling silence. Professor Dumbledore stood up and the room was deathly silent. Dumbledore smiled.
"Welcome, welcome to Hogwarts! Welcome back, to our older students! It seems that everyone is happy to be at Hogwarts again," he started, "and we are all quite happy to be able to teach you as well. I am happy to say Professor Alastor Moody has agreed to be our Defense against the Dark Arts teacher once again."
Harry, Ron and Hermione all looked at the Head table quickly. They saw Moody stand up with his magical eye spinning away. They cheered quite loudly as well as the others at the Gryffindor table. They were grateful he was staying with them at Hogwarts; they knew he'd be even more informative this year. I mean if taught them the death curse in their fifth year, then certainly they'd learn much, much more.
"Furthermore, I believe this year is going to be the most challenging this year, not only because of the threat of the Dark Lord Voldemort," many shuddered at the name, "but because you're very own teachers are going to be quite hard on you this year. To train you to protect and fight will be their pleasure to teach you, and you all will need to want to learn. Lastly remember... no matter how dark it may seem everyone isn't always against you. Turn to your friends in your times of need-even if you think they won't be of any help. Remember your loved ones, keep strong bonds, and no matter what believe in yourself and your friends. For no matter what, they will be your strength and your guidance. Now enough of that, let's all enjoy the beautiful feast prepared for us!"
At this tray after tray of food was set onto the tables and the students, as well as teachers began to feast. Ron saw the food and at once began to stuff his face. Laughter filled the air as no worries were showed. Even Harry, Ron and Hermione were happily talking and joking. Harry began to eat feeling a bit happier. He knew what he had to do but didn't feel so bad about it. Harry felt someone watching him and smiled. He turned to Hermione. She gave him a brilliant, warm smile. It always made him want to smile, feel dizzy and a bit light headed. Harry had no idea why, which he didn't understand at all. She was beautiful, sure, had gorgeous long hair, enticing eyes, and a perfect figure (which Harry had no idea how he noticed). She had grown into a beauty, which in Harry's opinion, no one could ignore anymore. Harry was glad that she liked him for him and he liked her for her.
"Stop staring at each other, you're making me sick," Ron said, breaking Harry out of his thoughts.
Hermione laughed and began to eat.
"Don't be jealous because you can't have a lover as beautiful as mine," Harry said pulling Hermione closer to him.
"She is not your lover, she's mine!" Ron said 'upset'.
Seamus and Dean looked over to the trio.
"You guys play too much," Dean said, but had a face on like he didn't really care at all.
"Yeah, I mean people will start to think things!" Seamus said grinning as well.
The trio smiled.
"As if they don't think things already," Harry said nearly snorting. "I mean I'm the bloody "Great Harry Potter" remember?"
Harry started laughing.
"Oh yeah! I mean every year since fourth remember? Something about us has been in the bloody Daily Prophet!" Ron said laughing along with Harry.
Hermione laughed too, after having joined Neville and Ginny into the conversation.
"Remember in our fourth year? That Rita Skeeter woman? The things she wrote about Harry and myself were hilarious!" Hermione said laughing. Harry and Ron laughed too (though Ron's was a little forced).
It seemed for now, nothing bad was going to happen.
A/N: yay! Another one done! It's going to take me longer to write the next one, want to know why? I haven't started it yet! Usually I start it then finish the previous chapter. Well thank-you for reviewing! I love your reviews so much, you guys really are nice! Keep on going!