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"Right, see you in a few," Harry said and pulled his head out of the fireplace. "Ron's coming over."

"So I finally get to meet this Ron you keep talking about," James said. He pulled Harry under his arm and ruffled his hair. "So when are you going to be asking the lucky fellow out, huh?"

Harry gasped, "Dad!"

Chapter 10 Recovery

With a cloud of ash, Ron arrived about a half hour after Harry spoke with him. He walked towards Harry and gave him one of those macho-man, cool guy hugs.

"Hey mate. How are you holding up," Ron asked. Harry sighed.

"I'm not the mess I was before and I'm not drunk, so I guess I'm holding up just fine," he said with exasperation. The two friends shared a chuckle. They sat down on the couch. Ron's face darkened and he lowered his voice.

"So, any word on how she is doing?"

Harry shook his head. A huge flame appeared in mid-air and a beautiful, red, phoenix came into view. Harry instantly recognized this as Faux, Dumbledore's phoenix. He grabbed the letter that was is it's beak and tore it open with anticipation.

"Speak of the devil. Go on, Harry, read what it says."

"Dear Mr. Potter,

Come to Hogwarts quickly. Miss Granger has awoken.

Signed,

Dumbledore

Headmaster"

Harry let out a sigh of relief. Hermione was going to be ok. Everything was going to be alright. Even though Hermione was sick for only a few hours, it seemed like ages and if you looked closely at Harry's face, it looked as if he aged in those short hours. There were dark circles under his eyes. And those brilliant emerald eyes had lost there shine and were now replaced with emptiness and loneliness and where also bloodshot. Thin lines had appeared over his face. Those signs of aging had always been there, one gets those when one has had a hard life like Harry has had, but they only had been able to spot because Harry might loose the only thing in his life that mattered. If he didn't have her, he'd give up all hope. When his hope was gone, so was the whole wizarding world's. Voldemort would win. Harry's will to fight was slowing diminishing. And there was nothing that would stop it.

"Well, what are we waiting for? You-know-who to show up? Let's go," Ron shouted. He was very eager to see Hermione. He had the tiniest hint of a crush on her. But it didn't matter, Hermione and Harry were together and the loved each other deeply. And besides, he had Lavender, or at least he thought he did. He had the strongest feeling that she was cheating on him. There were these rumors about how she was sleeping with Dean Tomas, who happened to be one of his friends, and many of the other guys in his year and seventh year. Ron was considering dumping her on the train back to Hogwarts at the start of term. He didn't want to be with someone who cheated on him. He wanted what Harry and Hermione had. If one of them died, the other would be a minute behind them. That's real love, he had thought. Harry grabbed the floo powder off the fire place.

"Hogwarts," he shouted after he threw the powder into the fire, Ron right behind him. Harry all but ran to the Hospital Wing, the sound of his shoes hitting the floor and his gasps for air resounding off the walls. He burst through the doors and stopped in his tracks. There was his Hermione, sitting up, bright eyed and smiling when she seen Harry. Harry walked over to her and put his arms around her. He started running his fingers through her hair and saying her name over and over under his breath.

1.hold on to me love
you know I can't stay long
all I wanted to say was I love you and I'm not afraid
can you hear me?
can you feel me in your arms?

"Ah, Harry I see you have arrived," said the Headmaster's weary voice from the doorway. He made his way over to the couple. "There is, uh, something that you should know. Miss Granger is going to be taken to St. Mango's for treatment. Just because she's awake does not mean she is better. But, Harry, I'm afraid you cannot come with. You won't be able to see here until she's better. It won't be long, just for a few days. Do you understand?"

Harry didn't respond. He hung his head. She's not better yet? I won't get to see her? A million thoughts rushed through his head.

closing your eyes to disappear
you pray your dreams will leave you here
but still you wake and know the truth
no one's there

"Harry, do you understand?"

Harry nodded his head mutely. He didn't want this to happen. If Voldemort was behind this, Harry swore he would have his revenge. Even if had to hunt him down the four corners of the earth or from hell and back, he would have his revenge.

Hermione hugged him close and whispered into his ear, "Don't worry. Everything's going to be alright. You'll see. It's going to be fine. I love you."

Harry looked into her eyes and smiled weakly, "I love you, too."

They held each other close until the old headmaster said it was time to go. The two gave one another one last kiss before Hagrid came in and hoisted Hermione out of her bed and carried her out of the room. Dumbledore noticed the sad look on Harry's face and smiled. Harry saw this smile and became very angry. Why the fuck is he smiling, he thought.

"Ah, Harry, I think it is time for you and your friends to stay at Headquarters. Go to my office and use the fireplace to get back. Tell your parents and Sirius that there will be a Order meeting tomorrow afternoon. Remus and Alaster will becoming to pick you guys up at midnight. I suggest you hurry and pack. Oh, and I believe that you friend Mr. Weasly is waiting very patiently outside for you. See you tomorrow. Goodnight," with that, Dumbledore left the Wing to wherever in the castle he was going. Harry trudged through the castle with Ron at his side. There was an awkward silence from Ron, as he was unable to find words that would comfort his friend.

2.Fall into sleep
Fall into me
I have a dream
But nobody cares
Nobody wants to listen

It was a dark place. A very dark place. Harry stood alone in a single circle of light. A sound came from somewhere to the right. He whirled around to face it. Suddenly, the room was full of dim light. Harry was surrounded by people. He couldn't make out who they were, their heads were hung and a shadow over their faces.

"You're to blame," one said, as it lifted it's head. It was Ron. "You're to blame for all of this."

All of the people's heads lifted, their eyes glazed. They were all people Harry loved and cared for. They all repeated over and over in unison, "You're to blame, you're to blame."

"What? No. No," Harry yelled. He twirled around as they kept saying it. "NO!"

He broke free of the circle and ran for the door. They chased after him. Harry ran and ran and came to another room that was completely dark and bumped into a hooded figure. The figure and turned around. Voldemort.

"You're to blame," was all he said and then there was a flash of green light.

Harry shot up in bed. He was drenched in sweat. He looked over at the clock. It was only midnight. He's been at Headquarters for one week. Today he was going back to Hogwarts. Today was the day he'd get his Mione back. He's parents had been offered jobs at Hogwarts. James is to be the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and Lily the Potions. Snape was fired because he was drunk during a summer class. Good riddance. They are getting a house built on the grounds to live in and Harry can stay during the weekends and summer. So could Ron and Hermione. He sighed. What did that dream mean? Am I really to blame for everything? I wish Mione was here. She'd know what it means. Harry laid back down and tried to get some sleep. But only did he realize it was not a good idea.

Dreams of mourning grief
Dreams of disbelief
Dreams of tragedy

Harry was standing in a chapel filled with friends and family. He looked down to see he was in a tux. He looked to his side and seen Ron and the Weasley boys, minus Percy, in tuxes as well. A piano started to play a wedding march and the doors in the back of the room opened. Everyone stood and gasped at the sight. Hermione stood there in a beautiful white dress. She seen Harry and smiled as she made her way slowly down the aisle. They said their "I do's" and the scene faded.

Harry now stood in a graveyard in front of a headstone. He moved aside the tall grass to read the inscription. 'Here lies Hermione Potter: Beloved wife and mother and most brilliant witch of her age. May she rest in peace.

"This can't be," Harry said to no one.

Harry woke with a start. What is it with the death dreams? He looked at the clock again. It was five-thirty. He decided he might as well get ready now before everyone got up and before it was impossible to get into the bathroom for hours. So he grabbed his toiletries and clothes and headed to the shower. I'll talk to Dumbledore about the dreams when we get to Hogwarts. Harry, now dressed, walked down to the kitchen to start some coffee, he's started drinking it, to find he was not the only one awake.

"Hey ya, Harry," Hailey said, looking up from the Profit and taking her headphones off.

"G'morning," he replied. "Anything happen?"

"Huh," she asked not understanding. Harry nodded to the paper. "Oh. Uh, just some people died in a deatheater thing. You want to read this. Oh, I forgot about that letter."

Harry took the paper and read the front page.

"Ten muggles dead and thirteen wizards and witches dead and 5 injured in a deatheater march. The Ministry of Magic has informed the Profit that suspects have not been apprehended. The scene of crime was located in downtown London at the Leaky Cauldron yesterday, August 30th. Anyone who has any information should contact the Ministry at once. For more of this article, please turn to page 3."

"That's a shame," Hailey said as she was reading her letter. "So many dead. Bet they didn't even find what they were looking for. They didn't find you."

"Jeeze, that makes me feel so much better," Harry retorted. "Is that a letter from your home?"

"Yeah," she replied absent-mindly as she took some pictures out of the envelope. "Oh, they're growing up some much."

"Your kids? Can I see?" Hailey told them all about her kids. And who their father was. Twins, too. Imagine the probability of that. "Wow, they look just like you."

"That's a good thing."

"What are their names again?"

"Emily and Andrew. They'll be one in December. I miss them"

Harry sighed as he handed the pictures back. "Listen, Hailey. I think there's something you should know. You and me are..."

"Good morning all," said James brightly as he and Lily walked in.

"You to have the worst timing in the world you know that," Harry said in frustration. "And what are you so happy about?"

"Wouldn't you like to know," James said, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Oh, ewe," Harry said. "My poor virgin ears."

"Oh like your ears are virgin," James said.

Hailey tried to suppress a giggle but failed. "You guys are the weirdest family I've ever seen. I mean Harry and James act more like two brothers and Lily's raising both of you."

"Are you all packed," Lily asked. Both nodded. "Well everyone's up and moving. Dumbledore said Hermione will be at the train station and her stuff's already at Hogwarts. Ok, Harry? You can stop acting depressed and worried."

Five hours later they arrived at the train station. Harry look wildly around for Hermione. When he finally spotted her they ran into each others arms kissing like no tomorrow. They walked back to the group hand in hand smiling like crazy people.

3.Just remember that it's gonna be alright
and you'll see we can have it all
can't you see that I'm right here waiting, looking
back at you
you and me, we've got nothing to lose. Oh Yeah!

"Now I'll stop," Harry told his mom. It was nightfall by the time the reached the school. The ride was uneventful except for Ron falling asleep and have a "very good" dream. Harry ran to the bathroom and got some very cold water from the sink and splashed it onto Ron's lap and face. The compartment erupted in laughter. Aside from that it was and ok ride. Malfoy didn't show his face, so the trio agreed to celebrate later. Thunder crashed as they trudged up to the school from the carriages.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said after a great feast and the Sorting. "Please join me in welcoming our sister school from the States."

The Hall clapped and whistled. Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued. "As I always point out, the Forbidden Forest is off-limits to any and all students. This includes you Mr. Potter. Also, Mr. Filtch has asked for me to tell you that the North Tower is closed to all students. For obvious reasons, no need to go into that. This year joining us as teachers, we have Mr. and Mrs. Potter who will be taking over the positions of Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions teachers," this was followed by more cheers. But it was hard to tell if it was a welcome for Lily and James or more because they were rid of Snape and Umbridge. "Yes. Well, now that we got that out of the way. This year we will be have something quiet special. A musical compition is being held here between our school and Salem Academy. There are some that suggest the amount of musical talent reflects your magical ability. Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to get ready for it, as it won't start till December. In the mean time please welcome our guest. I have some final words for you and they are twit, blubber worm, and lemon drop. These times are getting tougher and darker everyday. I fear our time with each other is getting shorter and shorter. Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer. Sometimes your best friends could be your worst enemies. Ok, off to bed.

"So tell me, is he always like that," Lydia asked as they filed out of the Great Hall and up the stairs to the Gryffindor Tower.

"Yep,' Ron said. "He's definitely been off his rocker lately. What's gotten into him?"

"The great wizards loose their minds quicker than we do," Hermione said matter-of-factly. Then she added with a smile, "Either that or he's old age is catching up to him and he's turning senile."

"Oh my God, Hermione. I can't believe you said that about a teacher. Hey where'd Harry go," said Ron. Everyone shrugged. "He was right behind us."

"I'm glad you came and told me this, Harry," Dumbledore said after Harry told him about the dreams. "I'm surprised you would trust me with stuff like this after last year."

Harry got angry. "Listen old man. Just because I told you this doesn't mean I trust you or forgive you. You're the only one I thought would know what it meant. It takes a lot to gain my trust, especially once you've lost it. Have you found out anything on who poisoned Hermione?

"No, I'm sorry, I haven't," he said carefully. "I don't think we'll ever find out what happened. We did find something out, though. The bartender had just started that day. The club manager said he showed up out of the blue the day you went. It's possible he was behind it but we won't be able to find out because he was fired that night as well for selling alcohol to minors. Is there anything else troubling you, Harry?"

"Well. Maybe. I don't know," Harry stumbled. "Do you think we should tell Hailey?"

"Yes, but wait till she's ready. Is that all?" Harry nodded. "Ok off to bed, you have class tomorrow. Goodnight"

The next morning it was back to business as normal. Back to classes. Back to life. Hermione was so excited when she got her schedule. Of course, she was the only person in school excited to be going back to classes. That's not normal. Well maybe for her. Harry was so happy to have Hermione back. He just felt so incomplete when she was gone. The last warning bell rang out throughout the castle and everyone took off running towards their classes. The first week just flew by. Soon the first Quidditch match was in their midst. Harry was captain this year, his suspension was lifted, and he worked his team to the bone and they were ready. But there was just one problem, they were playing Slytherin and Draco was the captain. Not good. But if any one could pull it off, it was Gryffindor. Salem Academy had two of its teams playing. You should have seen how hard it was to work out a practice schedule for all the teams. Saturday rolled around and the stands of the stadium were filled with screaming fans. People were dressed in red and gold, silver and green, red and white, and blue and gold. Luna had her lion hat on again and you could hear it roar over the fans cheers. First the Salem teams played. Out came the Cougar's, dressed in blue and gold, which Hailey, Austin and Dave were on. They were followed by the Rough Riders. It was a tough match, each team tied neck and neck but Dave caught the snitch and won the game. Hogwart's turn. Harry led his team out on the field and the stands erupted with cheers. Then Draco led his team out and the stands booed him. The teams gathered in a circle in the air.

"Now I want a nice clean game. From all of you," Madam Hooche said. Yeah right, Harry thought. She blew her whistle and the game began.

"Weasley passes to Patile, Patile to tatile. Man those twins are great chasers. Not to mention great in," Seamus started to say but was caught off by McGonagall.

"Seamus. Not you too," she cried out. "Last year Lee Jordan, now him. You just can't find good help these days."

"Sorry, Professor. Back to the match. This seems to be an important match for Gryffindor and Slytherin. Each have something to prove. Their new captains seemed to have greatly prepared for the one. Gryffindor is in the lead 100-40. Come on, Potter, find that snitch," Seamus urged. Harry chuckled to himself as he heard Seamus over the mega phone. It would be a good idea. "Slytherin has possession of the qualffle. Great throw by Parkinson towards the goal but our man, Weasley does an awesome save. What? What the? Oh look at him go! Potter's seen the snitch. Go! Go! Go!"

Harry raced towards the snitch. The cheering of the fans was drowned out by the wind streaming past his ears. He flattened himself against his broom and reached out his hand. Almost. Almost. Got it.

"Harry Potter has caught the snitch," Seamus shouted. "Gryffindor wins!"

Ron raced to the ground and ran to the locker rooms as happy as a guy could be. He looked back and seen the crowd gathered around Harry and the rest of the team. Yeah he could be over there, but he'd rather see his girlfriend. But when he did it was a painful site.

There she was sitting with her legs wrapped around Dean Tomas. It looked like she was trying to suffocate him with her mouth. It was sickening. Ron's heart died on the very day. Ripped out and thrown on the floor while Lavender did the Mexican hat dance on it.

"Lavender, how could you," Ron asked in a monotone voice. Lavender's head whipped around and she gasped.

"Ron. Ron you have to believe me. It's not what it looks like. Really," Lavender pleaded. "You have to believe me."

"Save it. I can't believe I trusted you," he darkly. He turned away. "It's over. I never want to see you again."

Two hours later and Harry and Hermione were worried out of their minds. They haven't seen Ron since the match.

"That's it," Harry said after pacing for thirty minutes. "I'm going to find him."

"I'll help," said Hermione.

Harry smiled. "Thanks. Let's go."

First they checked the kitchen. They figured he'd go and get some food for comfort. The house elves said that he'd been there. They wouldn't tell what he asked for because Ron made them promise not to tell anyone. Harry and Hermione looked at each other. That was never good. They searched the floor that Charms was on, they searched the North Tower and everything in between. They finally found him lying in some deserted corridor, mumbling to himself with an empty bottle of whiskey by his side.

"Ron? " Harry asked. He took a step closer. "Ron, mate, are you ok?"

Ron sat up. He laughed. "Me? Ok? I'm always ok. But tell me, mate, how would you feel if you had your heart ripped out and handed to you? How would you feel if you found your precious Hermione in the arms of another man. No. You would never. She's not that loose."

Hermione looked ready to cry. "Ron, what are you talking about? You're not making any sense."

"No of course not. I'm too stupid to make sense. Lavender's been cheating on me. I found her shagging Dean Tomas in the locker room. Traitor. I thought we were friends," Ron said as he leaned against a wall for support. Hermione took off in search of Lavender, her ex friend. When she got her hands on her. Then Ron chuckled. "You don't know how good you got it Harry. You got brains, money, fame, looks, and a girl that worships you. What do I got? A fat load of nothing. Poor family, stupidity beyond even Crabb and Goyle's, and ugliness to match, and a girl that takes advantage of me. Why is it always me Harry? Why?"

Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair as both of them sat down on the floor. "I don't know mate. Why does anything happen? From what I've learned, everything that happens, happens for a reason. Maybe you dumping Lavender was a sign that there is someone better than her for you."

"That makes sense," Ron said, sobering up slightly. "Think I got a chance with your sister?"

"Leave her alone," he said and got up and left. Hailey peeked out from around the corner. She saw the all clear and stepped out into the corridor and walked over to Ron.

"Need a hand," she asked. He looked up and nodded. Hailey reached down a hand and pulled him up, putting his left arm around her shoulders. The walked slowly towards the stairs to the tower. "So, what happened? You look pretty hammered."

"My girlfriend has been cheating on me. I walked in on her while she was with another guy."

"Ha ha. Yeah, that is a downer," she said. "I remember when I walked in on Austin when he was sleeping with another girl. We weren't dating or anything, but it hurt a lot. Like he betrayed me. I went out, got drunk, and he found me by the river nearly passed out."

"What happened?"

"I started yelling at him, asking him why I wasn't good enough for him and shit. Really pointless stuff. The way I went on, you'd think I liked him or something. I don't know why I was so mad. You know, it hurts now, and it will hurt for awhile, but you'll get over it. Someone new will come along. And you're just meant for each other. And you'll forget the person who hurt you."

"Password," the Fat Lady asked. Neither of the two realized they had gotten so far. Ron gave her the password, some how and they walked up the stairs to the boys' dormitory. Hailey helped Ron onto his bed.

"I think I have some hangover potion in my trunk. I'll bring it to you in the morning. Trust me you'll want it," she said. Ron looked at her and wouldn't lift his gaze. "What? Is something wrong?"

"No. It's just, you look really pretty."

"You don't mean that. You're still out of your mind," she said. She couldn't figure out if she was trying to convince him that or herself. Hailey got up to leave. "Goodnight, Ron."

"Wait," he called out. But it was to late. She had already left.

AN-Well how was it? I know it took forever. Remember, review review. See ya sometime