Potter's 11, Chapter Two

After a load of artful convincing from Harry, Ron finally agreed to his best friend's practically impossible plan.

"So, how many?"

"A good few."

"If you've got anything right, it's that. So, who will it be?"

Harry spent a few moments thinking, sporting a look of deep confusion. Then he began to tick off the names of his choices on his fingers.

"Seamus, Hagrid, Fred, George, Neville, Luna, Dumbledore, Dean, and," Harry sighed, "we're going to need Hermione."

Ron's face contorted into an intense expression of disbelief.

"Harry," Ron began in a voice that said Haveyougoneutterlyandinsanelymad! Yesofcourseyouhave., "she. Would. Never. Do. It. Ever. She's more likely to fail all her exams. She's more likely to declare her undying love for You Know Who. She is more likely to – to do bloody anything than rob anything…most especially Gringotts."

"I know."

"If I were you, I wouldn't have even planed on telling her, let alone trying to get her to join in on the scandal."

"I know you would."

Ron threw up his hands in mock defeat.

"Fine. Fine. If you can find a way to convince her, then – then do it, just – just don't try to get me to help you do it. She would tell mum. And mum would kill me. And then you wouldn't have me. Where would you be without me!"

"Right," said Harry. "I won't mention a word."

Ron ran a hand through his fiery hair and looked Harry straight in the eyes.

"Good luck mate, no doubt you'll need it."

Harry smirked and nodded.

"Well, I'm off to bed then," Ron stated as he began to walk up the stairs. "G'night."

"Don't let the bed bugs bite," Harry quipped sarcastically.

"Bugger off," Ron grumbled. "I'll send them down to you."

Harry rapped loudly on the door of Hermione's office. The witch had graduated Hogwarts and gone on to become the so far permanent Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at the magical school.

"Come in!" She called brightly from inside.

Harry pushed the door open and stepped in slowly.

"Harry!" Hermione shrieked, rushing over from her paper-crowded desk to embrace her friend warmly. "You're back."

"Yes, it's good to see you Hermione," he told her, smiling. "I have something to ask you. A – a big favor."

"Yes Harry, of course, anything," she told him.

They walked over to her desk. Harry sat in the chair facing it and met Hermione's brown eyes carefully.

"I don't believe that you'll say that after I've asked it," Harry replied plainly.

Hermione's smile faded a bit.

"What is it Harry? Are you – are you in trouble again?" She whispered.

"Well, no…but…"

"Yes?" Hermione pried.

"We, ah, I need your help for a, ah, job," He told her slowly, slightly stumbling over some of the words.

"WHAT! Harry! How could you! You've just been released!" Hermione shouted, her eyes welling up with tears. "And how could you ask me!"

Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath, sadness setting in.

"Forgive me Hermione, please," he whispered. "But it's very important."

"What could be more important than our friendship, and your freedom, your life, Harry?" Hermione narrowed her eyes. "What do you plan on doing?"

Harry glanced upwards fleetingly and looked down to meet her eyes.

"Gringotts."

There was a horrible, prolonged pause. Harry closed his eyes, unable to watch Hermione.

"I don't believe you. What did they do to you in Azkaban Harry? What happened to your values, and your sanity for Merlin's sake? I mean, GRINGOTTS?"

Harry sighed heavily. He had been expecting a reaction like this, but now that it had come, he was slightly regretting asking her.

"Hermione. Please, it's very important. It's not just about the money this time, I promise." His intense green eyes pleaded with her.

Hermione deflated, but narrowed her eyes sharply.

"What's this all about?" She asked him slowly.

Harry sighed again, his eyes darting around the office.

"You know who owns it, don't you?" He asked, finally giving in.

Hermione snorted.

"Yes…"

"Well, Malfoy…you know who he's, ah, with, don't you? Who he's dating?"

"Harry? This is about her?" Hermione answered, flustered.

"Yes, Hermione." Harry paused. "I need to get her back, and…and I need your help, please Hermione."

Harry held his breath as he waited for his friend's response.

Hermione sighed.

"Alright, I suppose."

A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed, or will review, I really appreciate it. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!