Name: Chamber of Destinies

Author: Sweet-calmness

Genre: Romance/Action/Angst

Disclaimer: I own the plot, nothing more

Chapter 3

The shop was a bit old comparing to all the others. Hermione went in tentatively and was started when a bell sound echo through the ancient store. She nearly fell over when a soft male voice came from amongst the shelf. A ladder slid into view and Hermione could see old Mr. Ollivander climbing down from it.

'Hello Miss Granger. I knew you were coming.'

'Really?'

'Of course. I remember every wand I have ever sold Miss Granger. 5 years ago when you came to get your wand, I knew that the wand you had was not the wand that was destined to be yours. So I gave you a little substitute. There is another wand waiting for you.'

'How was I able to use my old wand so easily then?'

'That is not up to me to figure out Miss Granger. Now, let's find you a wand.' The older man said, going into the opposite shelf. Something moved around Hermione, and when she looked down, she saw a measuring tape, just finishing curling itself into a neat roll. Ollivanders came out later holding a wand with a red band around the end.

'Redwood and dragon heart string, 12 inches.' Hermione gave it a wave. Suddenly, all the windows cracked in the shop and pieces of glass splattered in and out of the shop. A few passers-by screamed.

'No no no, try this.' Ollivander grabbed the wand from Hermione's hands and put another in it.'

'Willow, unicorn hair, 9 and half inches.' Hermione gave it another wave, this time, all the shelves on the left hand side decided to fall down, and like dominoes, one shelf followed another, until all the left hand side wall is in a heap.

'Oops.' Hermione said, backing away slightly.

'And to think I'll have to clean all that up later.' Ollivanders said was a groan. He went towards the heap and accidentally stepped on something. Bending down, he found a golden red box.

'I wonder....' Hermione watched the old man carefully. 'Try this.' He said. Hermione gripped the wand again, squeezed her eye shut, and give it a flick. Soft warmth rushed over her, but quickly disappeared, as if it was snuffed out by something.

Ollivander stood there watching the young teenager. He has a queer look on his face.

'Is something the matter Mr. Ollivander?'

'No, nothing. It's just that....' Ollivander trailed off. Hermione looked up at the man demandingly.

'Ok, I'll tell you. You're wand is most peculiar. Unlike others, it does not sparkle but it did react positively towards you, meaning that it is truly the wand you were meant to have. It also means that there is a part of your wand missing, what ever it is.' Hermione nodded.

'How can I fix it?'

'I do not know. That is another thing that you must figure out for yourself. Another thing, your wand is twelve inches, swishy and supple. Made of holly and phoenix feather. What I find intriguing is, is that the giver of the feather has given two other feathers. Only two. You're good friends with Harry Potter, am I right?' Hermione nodded.

'Well, one of the feathers was given to Mr. Potter. Also holly, 11 inches. The other was - umm...given to Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.'

'Voldemort?' Hermione gasped. Mr. Ollivander flinched.

'Yes. I would think, just like what I told Mr. Potter. I think we must expect great things from you. After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things - terrible, yes, but great.' Hermione wasn't really sure how she should take this, so she decided to continue to gap.

She watched Mr. Ollivander wrap-up her wand and hand it to her carefully. How could a wand bring me so many questions, so many conflicts? She paid for her wand, her thoughts all scrambled up. Something brought her back to reality while passing by the Quality Quidditch Supplies, a broom.

THE DREAMWEAVER

New and improved version of the famous Firebolt. This broom will
provide anyone with a fast, swift and heart stopping ride. The
handle comes in a number of different timbers and sizes. Each
Dreamweaver is unique with their own alarm enchantments, and is
registered to their owner. This amazing broom has even more
balance, aerodynamic perfection and direction precision then any
other broom. The Dreamweaver can go up from 0-250 miles an hour
in ten seconds. Price on request.

Hermione then remembered something. It's going to be Harry's birthday in 10 days. This is bound to be the best birthday present ever. Looking into the small bag, she counted all the coins. She was surprised to find more then 300 galleons. She went to Gringotts once again, and took out a hundred Ks of galleons. That was probably only one millionth of what is in the vault. It was hard to imagine how many Dreamweavers she could buy with all the wealth she owned. Maybe millions.

She went back to the store, and walked in. When she told the manager that she wanted to purchase three Dreamweavers, he was way surprised, but happy. As requested, a name was spelled onto each of the brooms.

Hermione walked out of the shop, with the three boxed broomsticks clutched in her hands. One with the name Ronald Weasley, one Harry Potter, and the last, Hermione Black Gryffindor. Hermione made sure that no one could see her middle or last name by wrapping a gold band over it, giving the broom a royal look.

She went back to the Leaky Cauldron to pack her things and do her homework. It took her all the way till midnight, and she was exhausted when she finally got into her bed, her head spinning from the thoughts.

Hermione woke up when she felt something wet and scratchy brushing her face. She opened her eyes, to find Crookshanks on top of her, giving his usual wake up call for his owner.

It was 5 days to September the 1st, and Hermione still hasn't caught sight of either Ron or Harry at Diagon Alley. She wanted to give Harry his birthday present. She'd thought they'd be coming to buy their school supplies by now.

Boys will be boys. She thought sheepishly as she got up for the day. She got out a floral print singlet and black pants from her suitcase, and pulled them on quickly. After coming out from the bathroom, she and Crookshanks went down stairs to the Leaky Cauldron to have breakfast. She filled herself with the days special - chicken salad and a cup of hot coco, and while doing so, she looked in her little money bag. She still has 56 galleons, 18 sickles and 22 knuts.

She paid for her and Crookshanks breakfast (Thai sauce mice; freshly caught), and went out to of the Leaky Cauldron and into the muggle world. When she crossed the road, she was surprised to see a familiar face; dark hair, emerald-green eyes, glasses. Could it be? She wondered. Tilting her head to get a better look, she saw two very fat people, and an extremely skinny one. The older fat person was wearing a black top hat, and the boy beside him was chewing on a mars bar, bits of chocolate was dripping down the side of his chin. The lady, who was as skinny as a stick, has this look similar of what an animal trapped in a cage looked like. Hermione then remembered Harry's guardians, the Dursleys. That's got to be them.

Wringing her hands together, she went up to the family and Harry (A/N Of course Harry wouldn't be part of the family would he ) She was a bit shocked that, it was not Harry who first noticed her, but Dudley. The boy saw Hermione, and his jaw dropped, revealing the massive bits of un-melted chocolate that he was chewing just moments ago. Hermione suppressed her urge of wanting to vomit. Unlike any other girls, the only boys I attract are pigs.

'Hi.' Dudley spluttered out. The rest of the family turned to look at the approaching stranger- correction - approaching beautiful stranger. Harry's eyes rested on the most beautiful girl he has ever seen, and he has seen many beautiful girls before. After all, they do stalk him everyday for the past 2 years. She has this wavy golden brown hair that seems to spark with her every move. Her fair skin was a bit rosy from the autumn air.

She was just a few inches shorter then he, and her form was held perfection above all others. What captured him most though, were her eyes. The honey brown that he seems to melt into, and was at the same time very familiar. Harry felt that he has looked into those eyes many times before, drowning in them.

'Hi.' The young girl said. She then turned to Harry, who was still staring at her, a lost expression clouded over his green eyes.

'Hi Harry.' The boy shook his head, and looked at the girl. Now he was sure he knew her from somewhere. Her voice was so familiar, so sweet...Stop it Harry. Knock out of it. You don't even know who she is and you're already falling for her. And anyway, it is Hermione that you like. This is not right.

'Um...hi. Do I know you?' Hermione was a bit hurt from this question. Not even her best friend recognizes her. Harry, apparently saw the pain that crossed the sixteen year old face. For some reason, he just wanted so badly to make her feel better. For a moment, he thought he saw Hermione standing in front of the girl, wearing the same expression.

'Hermione?' Hermione's face instantly brightened, and she rushed into Harry's arms with a suffocating hug. Harry's eyes widened when he realized that the girl is indeed Hermione, and that he was hugging her. He was hugging the most beautiful girl he's ever seen!

Hermione let go of her best friend and looked him over. He has changed a lot. He was a couple of inches taller then her, and he seemed more strong and stiff then before. However, there were still the things that made Harry, Harry. The emerald green eyes, the glasses, his unruly black hair, and something that Hermione always remembered him by, the comforting feeling that she always gets from him when she's with him.

Harry could feel the beady Dursleys' eyes watching the two of them as they hugged. He could almost make out in his mind what each of them would be doing. Dudley would probably have the jealous look on his face, making it look even pudgier then before. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia are both turning green, their faces marked with disbelief and surprise. His mind turned back to Hermione. He was still amazed at what his best friend has become. She was so...so...Harry was lost for words.

'Hermione, you've changed.' That's all he managed to get out.

'I have?' Confusion and worry flashed in Hermione's eyes. 'Is that good or bad?'

'It's good. Of course it's good. You're beautiful.' Harry closed his mouth. Did I just say that? He mentally cursed to himself. This is still wrong. I can't be falling for my best friend! But hey, you haven't tried to stop yourself from liking her two year ago, why start now? He argued to himself. He looked at Hermione's face; she was blushing hard.

The two then noticed the Dursleys, who are still watching them. Harry tried not to laugh as he walked over to the family he's been staying with for most of his life.

'You can leave now. I'll be staying here for the rest of the holidays.' Uncle Vernon gives what seems like a snarl and a cheer. One more year with the Dursleys and Harry will become a legalized adult. He can then finally leave those slave drivers. Just two more years at Hogwarts and he can be on his own.

But so many things can happen in these two years. Harry got out all his stuff from the backseat and heaved it onto the sidewalk with Hermione. The Dursleys didn't even bother to help him, but he really didn't care. He has Hermione with him. The two got all of Harry's belongings out, and the Dursleys drove away without another look.

The two dragged Harry's things to the Leaky Cauldron, and Harry registered into the hotel. It was pure coincidence that Harry's room was right beside Hermione's. After packing up and taking a quick shower, Harry went into Hermione's room, to find the girl looking out into the window.

'Hermione?'

'Harry.'

'Hermione, I was meaning to ask you something. I sent you many owls over the holidays, why didn't you reply?'

'I...'

Hermione paused for a moment. She couldn't tell Harry. Voldemort isn't just after Harry; his main target is now Hermione. She is sure that Voldemort knows about her being the Gryffindor heir. She could not endanger anyone's life, and certainly not Harry's.

'I was very sick. I didn't get to receive the owls.' Harry seems to accept the excuse. Hermione then remembered Harry's birthday present.

'The Dreamweaver!' Hermione jumped up. She went over to her wardrobe and rummaged through the contents.

'What?' Harry watched as Hermione looked through her things. He has heard of the Dreamweaver, from Ron of course. The fastest broom ever made. He saw Hermione pulling three long boxes. Hermione looked at each one, then handed Harry one of them.

Harry looked over the box carefully. It was lime green, tied with a red shiny ribbon.

'Open it.' Hermione said. Harry untied the ribbon carefully. Lifting the cover, he saw something brown. When its content was completely shown, Harry screamed.

'HERMIONE! WHERE DID YOU GET THIS? HOW DID YOU-?' A hand was placed over Harry's mouth.

'Don't worry about where I got it from. I promise you I did nothing illegal, not that you would mind anyway.' Harry didn't laugh. Hermione got serious again. 'I promise Harry. If I did, would I be able to get your name spelled on the broom?'

'Yes, you can do almost anything.' Hermione smiled in acknowledgement.

'You know me better then that Harry. I won't do that kind of stuff.' Harry nodded hesitantly.

'Good. Now do you like your present or not?

'I love it Hermione.' Harry kept on staring at his new broom. The broom was the best birthday present ever, but Harry could think of something better. He wished that Hermione would like him, not just as a friend, but as something more.

Author's message: Third time's the charm, they always say!